cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urologic stenting-induced trauma: a comprehensive review and case series.

Objective To characterize traumatic injuries secondary to ureteral stent manipulation and analyze factors associated with their occurrence. Methods We performed a comprehensive retrospective review of the literature and of our institutional records for occurrences of iatrogenic injury because of retrograde ureteral stent procedures. Results Overall, 22 cases were identified, including 3 cases at our institution. Most injuries involved a major artery (52%) or vein (30%), with the remainder (17%) limited to the genitourinary tract. Associated factors included: hydronephrosis, pelvic malignancy, indwelling or chronic ureteral stents, chemoradiation, and urinary diversion. Conclusion Ureteral stenting-induced trauma is a rare but potentially life-threatening event. Recognition of the risk factors that predispose patients to iatrogenic stent trauma may help to prevent such injuries or, alternatively, it may facilitate their prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Optimierte Nanopartikel‐Katalyse für die Sauerstoffreduktionsreaktion

Fortschritte in der chemischen Synthese fuhren zu einer immer besseren Kontrolle der Grose, Form, Zusammensetzung, Struktur und Katalyseeigenschaften von Nanopartikeln (NPs). Dieser Aufsatz gibt einen Uberblick uber Platin- und andere Nanopartikel fur den Einsatz als Nanokatalysatoren in der Sauerstoffreduktionsreaktion (ORR) unter den Reaktionsbedingungen einer Brennstoffzelle. Zunachst werden die formkontrollierte Synthese von Pt-NPs und der Einfluss der Partikelform auf die katalytischen Eigenschaften in der ORR diskutiert. Anschliesend werden NP-Legierungen und Kern-Schale-NPs mit optimierten elektronischen und geometrischen Effekten sowie Pt-NPs auf Graphentragern oder mit einer Hulle aus einer ionischen Flussigkeit betrachtet. Schlieslich werden einige andere Metall-NPs diskutiert, die eine neue Generation von Katalysatoren fur die ORR darstellen. Die vorgestellten Synthesewege ermoglichen eine zielgerichtete Steuerung der Eigenschaften der NPs und bilden eine gute Ausgangsbasis fur die Entwicklung hochwirksamer Katalysatoren fur Brennstoffzellen, Metall-Luft-Batterien und andere wichtige chemische Reaktionen.
Preparation and activation: determinants of age at reproductive maturity in male baboons

Age at maturity is a particularly important life history trait, but maturational data are rare for males in natural populations of mammals. Here we provide information on three maturational milestones and their social and demographic correlates among 43 wild male baboons, Papio cynocephalus, in a natural population in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. We examined (1) age at testicular enlargement, which signals puberty and the onset of subadulthood, (2) age at attainment of adult dominance rank, which we consider to be the beginning of adulthood, and (3) age at first sexual consortship, which is the best measure available for age at first reproduction in male baboons. Testicular enlargement (median age = 5.69 years) occurred earlier among sons of high ranking mothers, and was not influenced by rainfall or seasonality. Attainment of adult dominance rank (median age = 7.41 years) was also accelerated among sons of high-ranking mothers, and among males whose mothers had died while the males were juveniles. First sexual consortship (median age = 7.92 years) was not influenced directly by maternal characteristics, but attainment of adult dominance rank always preceded first consortship. The lag time between attainment of adult rank and first consortship (median = 2.5 months; range = 5–526 days), was predicted by the number of sexually cycling females in the group when the male attained rank, and by how high ranking the male became in his first months as an adult. We suggest that the age at which a male baboon is ready to begin reproducing is influenced by a relatively stable maternal characteristic that exerts its influence early in development, but the timing with which this potential is realized depends on activation by more proximate, often stochastic triggers such as female availability. This two-level organization of influences is likely to contribute to the variance both in age at first reproduction and in lifetime fitness. Differences in the relative magnitude of the two levels will lead to both intra- and interspecific variability in the opportunity for maternal selection and sexual selection.
The determination of wettability by hydrocarbons of small particles by deuteron T1ϱ measurement

Abstract The spin-lattice relaxation times in the laboratory frame (T1) and in the rotating frame (T1ϱ) of water and four hydrocarbons in contact with small particles were studied. Two kinds of micro glass beads (uncoated and coated with silicone) having diameters in the range of 44 to 62 microns were used as model systems, and pulverized sandstone samples obtained from two oil companies were also studied. It was found that the proton T1 and T1ϱ of a liquid in contact with a solid depended on the magnetic properties of the solid surface rather than its wettability. On the other hand, the deuteron T1ϱ of D2O depended upon whether the solid surface was covered by a layer of hydrocarbon or not. A systematic study of mixed glass bead systems demonstrated that the deuteron T1ϱ can be used to determine the intrinsic wettability of solid particles. The technique was applied to study three sandstone samples. It was found that two of the samples were completely water wet, and the third sample was 30% wettable by decane. The wettabilities of the samples did not seem to have any direct correlation with their compositions.
Upper extremity biomechanics in computer tasks differ by gender.

Abstract Objectives This laboratory study examined gender differences in upper extremity postures, applied forces, and muscle activity when a computer workstation was adjusted to individual anthropometry according to current guidelines. Methods Fifteen men and 15 women completed five standardized computer tasks: touch-typing, completing a form, editing text, sorting and resizing graphical objects and navigating intranet pages. Subjects worked at a height-adjustable workstation with the keyboard on top of the work surface and the mouse to the right. Subjects repeated the text editing task with the mouse in two other locations: a "high" mouse position, which simulated using a keyboard drawer with the mouse on the primary work surface, and "center" mouse position with the mouse between the keyboard and the body, centered with the body's center line. Surface electromyography measured muscle activity; electrogoniometric and magnetic motion analysis system measured wrist, forearm and upper arm postures; load-cells measured typing forces; and a force-sensing mouse measured applied forces. Results Relative forces applied to the keyboard, normalized muscle activity of two forearm muscles, range of motion for the wrist and shoulder joints and external rotation of the shoulder were higher for women ( p Conclusions When a workstation is adjusted per current guidelines differences in upper extremity force, muscle activity and postural factors still exist between genders. However, these were often stronger when subjects were grouped by anthropometry suggesting that perhaps the computer input devices themselves should be scaled to be more in proportion with the anthropometry and strength of the user.
‘That’s me, the Goother’: Evaluation of a program for individuals with early-onset dementia

We conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with six white men with early-onset dementia (EOD) and supplemented the interviews with a focus group with six wives of the men to document per...
Some Engineering Aspects of Modern Cardiac Research

Classical investigation into the function and control of the heart has been conducted on anesthetized open-chested dogs. Unfortunately, both the anesthetics and the exposure of the heart affect cardiac function. Hence, more realistic information would be obtained if the heart could be studied in intact conscious animals. A system has been developed to make possible continuous analysis of the action of the heart in the healthy unanesthetized dog during its spontaneous activities. This system involves the continuous measurement of the pressure within the chambers of the heart, the size of these chambers, and the flow of blood out of the heart. Heart rate, stroke volume, average blood flow, effective cardiac power and work, and other information are continuously derived from the directly-measured parameters by means of analog computers. Several new instruments were developed to solve the problems unique to measurement in an intact animal. The dimensions of the heart chamber are obtained by measuring the transit time of pulsed sound passing across the chamber. Blood flow is measured by comparing the upstream and downstream transit times of bursts of sound passing through the moving blood. An isothermal flow meter utilizing a tiny thermistor on the tip of a catheter provides an alternate measure of flow. A miniature, differential transformer type of pressure transducer was developed for measuring pressure within a heart chamber. The system provides a means by which hypotheses regarding cardiovascular function and control may be rapidly and accurately evaluated.
Theories of pursuit and evasion

We give three elementary definitions of a game of pursuit and evasion in a large class of metric spaces. Our definitions are independent of the theory of differential games. We prove that the three definitions yield the same value of the game, and we study this value as a function of the initial positions of the players and their velocities. Several open problems are stated.
Overvoltage Protection of Current-Transformer Secondary Windings and Associated Circuits

It has long been recognized that excessive potentials may be developed in current-transformer secondary windings under unusual conditions, such as open circuits. Recent experience discloses that dangerous overvoltages (several thousand volts) may be produced as a result of normal switching operations on circuits containing lumped capacitance. A simple procedure for circuit analysis and evaluation of approximate voltage magnitude for the switching transient case is reported. For easy reference, there are included tables of calculated secondary voltage magnitudes covering a broad range of application. Under certain conditions, overvoltage protection is desirable and important. Aside from the potential hazard to life, current-transformer circuit insulation may be damaged, yet not be evident immediately. Performance at normal rated current may not be noticeably impaired, yet serious failure may occur in the presence of fault-current flow, thus nullifying the action of current-actuated protective relays. The characteristics of a new overvoltage protector expressly designed for current-transformer protection is presented. With this device current-transformer secondary voltages are limited to moderate values. The protector is small and compact,. and easily applied to existing as well as new current-transformer installations. The characteristics are permanent, not affected by repetitive operation, and result in negligible ratio error in the normal operating current range.
Act Individuation: An Experimental Approach

Accounts of act individuation have attempted to capture peoples’ pre-theoretic intuitions. Donald Davidson has argued that a multitude of action descriptions designate only one act, while Alvin Goldman has averred that each action description refers to a distinct act. Following on recent empirical studies, I subject these accounts of act individuation to experimentation. The data indicate that people distinguish between actions differently depending upon the moral valence of the outcomes. Thus, the assumption that a single account of act individuation applies invariantly seems mistaken.
Information fusion of a large number of sources with support vector machine techniques

Applications of information fusion include cases that involve a large number of information sources. Methods developed in the context of few information sources may not, and often do not, scale well to cases involving a large number of sources. This paper addresses specifically the problem of information fusion of large number of information sources. Performance of Support Vector Machine (SVM) based approach is investigated in input spaces consisting of thousands of information sources. Microarray pattern recognition, an important bioinformatics task with significant medical diagnostics applications, is considered from the information and sensor data fusion viewpoint, and recognition performance experiments conducted on microarray data are discussed. An approach involving high-dimensional input space partitioning is presented and its efficacy is investigated. The aspects of feature-level and decision-level fusion are discussed as well. The results indicate the feasibility of the SVM based information fusion with large number of information sources.
Ultramicrochemical assay of DNA in oral epithelium of rabbits and rats.

Abstract The concentration of DNA-phosphorus was determined in three regions in the rabbit and in two regions in the rat using an ultramicrochemical fluorometric method. Concentrations were highest in the epithelia having the smallest cells. The effect of converting previously determined levels of activity of some enzymes expressed on a dry-weight basis to levels expressed on a DNA-phosphorus i.e. cellular, basis was discussed. Differences in enzyme activity levels between the two epithelia in the rat were magnified by this treatment and reflected differences in patterns of cellular differentiation.
Panel session on intelligent terminals: a position paper---chairman's introduction

Intelligent terminals are those which, by means of stored logic, are able to perform some processing on data which passes through them to or from the computer systems to which they are connected. Such terminals may vary widely in the complexity of the processing which they are capable of performing. The spectrum ranges from limited-capability point-of-sale terminals through moderately intelligent text-oriented terminals up to powerful interactive graphics terminals. The common thread that ties all these types of terminals together is their processing power and the questions relating to it.
Thalamic inputs to visual areas 1 and 2 in the rabbit.

Thalamic projections to two cortical representations of the visual field, visual areas 1 and 2 (V1, V2), in the rabbit were studied by using the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Physiological guidance was employed to inject small amounts of HRP into topographically defined regions of V1 or V2. Injections restricted to V1 revealed a dense projection from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus as well as projections from the pulvinar, the posterior thalamic nucleus, and the ventral lateral nucleus. Injections restricted to V2 revealed projections from the pulvinar, the ventral lateral nucleus, and the posterior thalamic nucleus, but only a slight projection from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. V2, but not V1, receives an input from neurons within the fiber plexus between the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and the pulvinar. Finally, the neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus that project to V2 have larger somata on average than those that project to V1 (means = 18.25 micron vs. 14.04 micron, P less than .001).
Probabilistic Prediction: Some Experimental Results

Abstract This article concerns a study in which personal probability assessments regarding the outcomes of football games were obtained. The results reported here, which include a detailed investigation of the assessments, an evaluation of the assessments in an inferential context and in a decision-theoretic context, and a discussion of the performance of a consensus, show that methods such as scoring rules and bets are useful in leading individuals to make careful probability assessments. Considerable variability existed among subjects, however, with predictions determined by mechanical schemes and by the organized betting market proving superior to those of many of the subjects.
Reward, persuasion, and the Sokal Hoax: A study in citation identities

A citation identity is a list of an author's citees ranked by how frequently that author has cited them in publications covered by the Institute for Scientific Information. The same Dialog software that creates identities can simultaneously show the overall citation counts of citees, which indicate their reputations. Using identities for 28 authors in several disciplines of science and scholarship, I show that the reputational counts of their citees always have an approximately log-normal distribution: citations to very famous names are roughly balanced by citations to obscure ones, and most citations go to authors of middling reputation. These results undercut claims by constructivists that the main function of citation is to marshal “big-name” support for arguments at the expense of crediting lesser-known figures. The results are better explained by Robert K. Merton's norm of universalism, which holds that citers are rewarding use of relevant intellectual property, than by the constructivists' particularism, which holds that citers are trying to persuade through manipulative rhetoric. A universalistic citation pattern appears even in Alan Sokal's famous hoax article, where some of his citing was deliberately particularistic. In fact, Sokal's basic adherence to universalism probably helped his hoax succeed, which suggests the strength of the Mertonian norm. In specimen cases, the constructivists themselves are shown as conforming to it.
Studying the effect of correlation and finite‐domain size on spatial continuity of permeable sediments

[1] The percolation of high-permeability cells in geo-reservoir models is affected by cluster correlation and by lattice size. These affects are studied using an analytical methodology, presented as a useful augmentation to Monte Carlo approaches. The analytical method compares Euclidean cluster size distributions between random and correlated lattices. It shows that correlation affects both high-permeability (sand) and low-permeability (clay) clusters equally, and thus correlation does not likely affect the percolation threshold for infinite lattices. On finite lattices, the analysis shows that the effect of correlation on lowering the percolation threshold can be understood through the truncation of clay cluster-size distributions, without the need for Monte Carlo simulations.
Natural history of physical function in older men with intermittent claudication

Abstract Purpose This study was undertaken to determine the natural history of physical function in older men limited by intermittent claudication. Methods Forty-three men limited by intermittent claudication (mean age, 69 ± 7 years) were recruited and followed up for 18 months. At baseline the patients reported a history of intermittent claudication for 6.1 ± 6.1 years, and were able to walk for 1.9 ± 1.6 blocks before experiencing claudication pain. Measurements during the 18-month study included ankle-brachial index (ABI), calf blood flow, 6-minute walk performance, monitored and self-reported physical activity, self-reported stability while walking, and summary performance score of physical function determined from a 4-m walk test, a chair stand test, and a tandem stand test. Results Pain-free walking distance during the 6-minute walk test decreased by 22% ( P P P P P P P P −1 /min −1 ) to 3.04 ± 1.43 mL/100 mL −1 /min −1 , whereas ABI did not change ( P > .05). Conclusion Older men limited by intermittent claudication experienced decline in ambulatory function, physical activity, physical function, stability, and calf blood flow over 18 months of follow-up, despite no change in ABI.
A Neuron-Specific Host MicroRNA Targets Herpes Simplex Virus-1 ICP0 Expression and Promotes Latency

Summary After infecting peripheral sites, herpes simplex virus (HSV) invades the nervous system and initiates latent infection in sensory neurons. Establishment and maintenance of HSV latency require host survival, and entail repression of productive cycle ("lytic") viral gene expression. We find that a neuron-specific microRNA, miR-138, represses expression of ICP0, a viral transactivator of lytic gene expression. A mutant HSV-1 (M138) with disrupted miR-138 target sites in ICP0 mRNA exhibits enhanced expression of ICP0 and other lytic proteins in infected neuronal cells in culture. Following corneal inoculation, M138-infected mice have higher levels of ICP0 and lytic transcripts in trigeminal ganglia during establishment of latency, and exhibit increased mortality and encephalitis symptoms. After full establishment of latency, the fraction of trigeminal ganglia harboring detectable lytic transcripts is greater in M138-infected mice. Thus, miR-138 is a neuronal factor that represses HSV-1 lytic gene expression, promoting host survival and viral latency.
Design of organic ternary blends and small-molecule bulk heterojunctions: photophysical considerations

We explored relationships between photophysical processes and solar cell character- istics in solution-processable bulk heterojunctions (BHJs), in particular: (1) polymer donor:ful- lerene acceptor:small-molecule (SM) nonfullerene acceptor, (2) polymer donor:SM donor:SM nonfullerene acceptor, and (3) SM donor:SM nonfullerene or fullerene acceptor. Addition of a nonfullerene SM acceptor to "efficient" polymer:fullerene BHJs led to a reduction in power conversion efficiency (PCE), mostly due to decreased charge photogeneration efficiency and increased disorder. By contrast, addition of an SM donor to "inefficient" polymer:SM nonful- lerene acceptor BHJs led to a factor of two to three improvement in the PCE, due to improved charge photogeneration efficiency and transport. In most blends, exciplex formation was observed and correlated with a reduced short-circuit current (Jsc) without negatively impacting the open-circuit voltage (Voc). A factor of ∼5 higher PCE was observed in SM donor:fullerene acceptor BHJs as compared to SMBHJs with the same SM donor but nonfullerene acceptor, due to enhanced charge carrier photogeneration in the blend with fullerene. Our study revealed that the HOMO and LUMO energies of molecules comprising a blend are not reliable parameters for predicting Voc of the blend, and an understanding of the photophysics is necessary for interpret- ing solar cell characteristics and improving the molecular design of BHJs.©2015 Society of Photo- Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) (DOI: 10.1117/1.JPE.5.057208)
Negative regulation of the SH2-homology-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase-1 (Shp-1) P2 promoter by the HTLV-1 tax oncoprotein.

Expression of SH2-Homology-Containing Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase-1 (Shp-1), a candidate tumor suppressor, is repressed in HTLV-1 transformed lymphocyte cell lines, leukemic cells of Adult T-cell Leukemia (ATL) patients and other hematologic malignancies. However, the mechanisms underlying regulation and repression of Shp-1 remain unclear. Herein, we cloned the putative full-length, hematopoietic cell specific Shp-1 P2 promoter and identified a 277 bp "core" promoter region. In a dose-dependent manner, wild type HTLV-1 Tax and its M22/M47 mutant derivatives profoundly inhibited Shp-1 P2 promoter activity. NF-kB, not CBP or p300, was found to markedly stimulate basal P2 promoter activity and reverse Tax-induced Promoter Silencing (TIPS) in Jurkat cells. Mutagenesis of two NF-kB binding sites in the core promoter region led to only modest inhibition of basal promoter activity but to complete loss of TIPS. Further studies show that TIPS is potentiated by the histone deacetylase-1 (HDAC1) and in co-immunoprecipitation studies NF-kB could compete with HDAC1 for association with Tax protein. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies showed that Tax recruits HDAC1 to the core promoter and displaces NF-kB binding. We propose that in TIPS, Tax recruits HDAC1 to the Shp-1 P2 promoter which results in deacetylation and dissociation of NF-kB from the promoter leading to attenuation of Shp-1 expression, thus providing a possible first step toward leukemogenesis through its silencing of this key immediate early negative regulator of IL-2 signaling.
Application of Landscape Allometry to Restoration of Tidal Channels

Oligohaline tidal channels (sloughs) in the Pacific Northwest were shown to have allometric form with respect to outlet width and depth, channel length, perimeter, and surface area. In contrast, an artificial slough, excavated to mitigate port improvements, did not conform to natural slough allometry, resulting in high retention of allochthonous inputs and sediment accumulation. Additionally, intertidal sedge habitat abundance was related to slough size for smaller sloughs, but larger sloughs did not fit this allometric pattern. This suggests that sedge habitat in large sloughs has been destroyed due to extensive log storage and transportation from the 1890s to the 1970s. Finally, the abundance of salmonid prey of terrestrial origin—aphids and adult flies—in slough surface waters was correlated with slough perimeter and, for aphids, with the amount of intertidal sedge habitat. An allometric perspective on landscape form and function has several implications for habitat restoration and mitigation: (1) Size-related constraints on replication for landscape-scale studies are loosened (e.g., rather than requiring reference sites that are similar in size to experimental sites, analysis of covariance can be used to control size effects); (2) physical processes, such as sedimentation and erosion, affect landscape form, whereas landscape form can affect ecological processes, so design of restoration or mitigation projects should conform to allometric patterns to maximize physical and ecological predictability; (3) landscape allometry may provide insight into undocumented human disturbances; and (4) allometric patterns suggest design goals and criteria for success.
A comment on the black hole information paradox

Results from string theory strongly suggest that formation and evaporation of black holes is a unitary process. Thus we must find a flaw in the semiclassical reasoning that implies a loss of information. We propose a new criterion that limits the domain of classical gravity: the hypersurfaces of a foliation cannot be stretched too much.
Oncologic Surveillance After Surgical Resection for Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Novel Risk-Based Approach

Purpose The appropriate duration of surveillance for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after radical or partial nephrectomy remains unknown, and evidence to support current guidelines are lacking. Herein, we provide an approach to surveillance that balances the risk of recurrence versus the risk of non-RCC death. Patients and Methods We identified 2,511 patients who underwent surgery for M0 RCC between 1990 and 2008. Patients were stratified for analysis by pathologic stage (pT1Nx-0, pT2Nx-0, pT3/4Nx-0, and pTanyN1), relapse location (abdomen, chest, bone, and other), age (< 50, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70-79 and ≥ 80 years), and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI; ≤ 1 and ≥ 2). Risks of disease recurrence and non-RCC death were estimated by using parametric models for time-to-failure with Weibull distributions. Surveillance duration was estimated at the point when the risk of non-RCC death exceeded the risk of recurrence. Results At a median follow-up of 9.0 years (interquartile range, 6.4 to 12.7 years), a total of 67...
Low-Cost Side Channel Remote Traffic Analysis Attack in Packet Networks

This paper presents a dangerous low-cost traffic analysis attack in packet-based networks, such as the Internet. The attack is mountable in any scenario where a shared routing resource exists among users. A real-world attack successfully compromised the privacy of a user without requiring significant resources in terms of access, memory, or computational power. The effectiveness of our attack is demonstrated in a scenario where the user's DSL router uses FCFS scheduling policy. Specifically, we show that by using a low-rate sequence of probes, a remote attacker can obtain significant traffic-timing and volume information about a particular user, just by observing the round trip time of the probes. We also observe that even when the scheduling policy is changed to round-robin, while the correlation reduces significantly, the attacker can still reliably deduce user's traffic pattern. Most of the router scheduling policies designed to date are evaluated mostly on the metrics of throughput, delay and fairness. Our work is aimed to demonstrate a need for considering an additional metric that quantifies the information leak between the individual traffic flows through the router.
Effects of Volunteering on the Well-Being of Older Adults

Objectives. This study tests the effects of volunteering on the well-being of older adults, including the effect of level of engagement, the moderating effects of demographic and social factors, and the effects of the nature of the volunteer experience. Methods. This is a secondary data analysis of three waves of data from the Americans’ Changing Lives Study. Selfrated health, functional dependency, and depression are regressed on the well-being measures from the previous waves, other control variables and volunteer status, volunteer hours, type and number of volunteer organizations, and the perceived benefit to others of the volunteer work. Results. Older adults who volunteer and who engage in more hours of volunteering report higher levels of well-being. This positive effect was not moderated by social integration, race, or gender. There was no effect of the number of organizations for which the older adult volunteered, the type of organization, or the perceived benefit of the work to others. Discussion. This work contributes to a knowledge base that points to the development of social programs and policies that maximize the engagement of older adults in volunteer roles. The findings suggest that targeting efforts may not be warranted, in that there are not differential benefits according to personal characteristics of the volunteer. Future studies have to address the nature of the social institutions that will maximize the number of elders in these roles and the benefits that they accrue.
Dye‐sensitized photoinitiated cationic polymerization

Several dyes have been discovered which sensitize the photolysis of diaryliodonium salts at visible wavelengths. By using the combination of a dye and a diaryliodonium salt, visible light can be used to photoinitiate cationic polymerization. In this article, the dye-sensitized photopolymerizations of cyclohexene oxide, epichlorohydrin, and 2-chloroethyl vinyl ether are described.
Mini-open approach to the spine for anterior lumbar interbody fusion: description of the procedure, results and complications.

Abstract Background context: Since the introduction of threaded devices in the mid-1990s, anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) has become a staple in the armamentarium of the spine surgeon. The procedure, however, is heavily dependent on the ability of the approach surgeon to provide exposure quickly and safely in view of a reported incidence of vascular injury as high as 15% and 2.3% incidence of retrograde ejaculation. Purpose: This study describes a mini-open approach to the lumbar spine and discusses the results and the complications seen. Study design/setting: The study was designed to evaluate patients for possible complications of the approach while they were in the hospital undergoing ALIF. They were also followed for 6 months after the operation. Patient sample: A total of 686 approaches to the lumbar spine performed on 684 patients between August 1997 and December 2000 were reviewed concurrently and retrospectively. Outcome measures: All complications of the approach were reported. These included vascular injury, retrograde ejaculation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary emboli, infection, wound disruption/hernia, ileus, hematoma, myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral ischemia, rectus muscle paralysis, aborted cases and death. Methods: The patients were observed in the perioperative period and for 6 months postoperatively to determine the occurrence of complications related to the approach. The data collected included age, weight, gender, levels approached, time of completion of the approach, size of incision and complications Results: There were six arterial injuries (0.8%), six venous injuries (0.8%) and one instance of retrograde ejaculation (0.1%). In addition, there were seven cases that developed DVT (two ileofemoral and five calf-popliteal, 1.0%), four cases of ileus lasting more than 3 days (0.6%), three wound infections above the fascia (0.4%), two hernias and two compartment syndromes. There was one myocardial infarction and one death. No rectus muscle paralysis occurred. Conclusions: This experience suggests that a well-planned small incision that preserves the musculature can be performed quickly and safely to allow the spine surgeon adequate access to the anterior lumbar spine. The learning curve, however, can be high even for experienced surgeons.
US Fish and Wildlife Service 1979 wetland classification: A review

In 1979 the US Fish and Wildlife Service published and adopted a classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. The system was designed for use in a national inventory of wetlands. It was intended to be ecologically based, to furnish the mapping units needed for the inventory, and to provide national consistency in terminology and definition. We review the performance of the classification after 13 years of use. The definition of wetland is based on national lists of hydric soils and plants that occur in wetlands. Our experience suggests that wetland classifications must facilitate mapping and inventory because these data gathering functions are essential to management and preservation of the wetland resource, but the definitions and taxa must have ecological basis. The most serious problem faced in construction of the classification was lack of data for many of the diverse wetland types. Review of the performance of the classification suggests that, for the most part, it was successful in accomplishing its objectives, but that problem areas should be corrected and modification could strengthen its utility. The classification, at least in concept, could be applied outside the United States. Experience gained in use of the classification can furnish guidance as to pitfalls to be avoided in the wetland classification process.
Glaucoma progression detection using nonlocal Markov random field prior.

Glaucoma is neurodegenerative disease characterized by distinctive changes in the optic nerve head and visual field. Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness. Therefore, monitoring glaucoma progression is important to detect uncontrolled disease and the possible need for therapy advancement. In this context, three-dimensional (3-D) spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) has been commonly used in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma patients. We present a new framework for detection of glaucoma progression using 3-D SD-OCT images. In contrast to previous works that use the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurement provided by commercially available instruments, we consider the whole 3-D volume for change detection. To account for the spatial voxel dependency, we propose the use of the Markov random field (MRF) model as a prior for the change detection map. In order to improve the robustness of the proposed approach, a nonlocal strategy was adopted to define the MRF energy function. To accommodate the presence of false-positive detection, we used a fuzzy logic approach to classify a 3-D SD-OCT image into a “non-progressing” or “progressing” glaucoma class. We compared the diagnostic performance of the proposed framework to the existing methods of progression detection.
Approach and case study of requirement analysis where end users take an active role

In the traditional approach to software analysis, systems analysts interview end users to capture requirements. The authors propose an approach called automated user requirements acquisition (AURA) where end users take an active role in analysis by identifying requirements. This approach takes advantage of end users domain knowledge. AURA uses a question-and-answer model to guide end users in describing their problem. Additionally, AURA provides problem domain knowledge to suggest answers for the questions. The business application domain was selected to explain and demonstrate the approach. While the AURA approach can benefit any analysis technique, an object-oriented analysis technique was selected as the underlying method. A prototype tool, AURA-BIZ, was developed to demonstrate AURA in the business domain. AURA-BIZ was evaluated through a case study where end users created the analyses of their business problem. The data collected showed that the end users successfully modeled their problem by following the questions and using the suggestions. >
Triple labrum tears repaired with the JuggerKnot™ soft anchor: Technique and results.

This is the copy of an article published in the International Journal of Shoulder Surgery © 2015 Medknow Publications.
AB INITIO STUDIES OF AMIDE-15N CHEMICAL SHIFTS IN DIPEPTIDES : APPLICATIONS TO PROTEIN NMR SPECTROSCOPY

The results of calculations aimed at providing a better understanding of how protein structural parameters affect 15N nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts, using ab initio quantum chemical methods, are reported. The results support previous empirical observations that the two backbone dihedral angles closest to the peptide group (ψi-1 and φi) have the largest effects on 15N chemical shifts, contributing a range of about 20 ppm. The adjacent torsion angles φi-1 and ψi have a smaller contribution, up to 8 ppm, but also need to be considered when predicting protein chemical shifts. Different side chain conformations produce chemical shift variations of up to ∼4 ppm. Hydrogen bonding to peptide carbonyl groups can also contribute to 15N shielding, as can longer range electrostatic field effects, but these effects are smaller than those due to torsions. Calculations of 15N chemical shifts of nonhelical alanine residues in a Staphylococcal nuclease, dihydrofolate reductase from Lactobacillus casei, ...
A review of the clinical efficacy and safety of 5α-reductase inhibitors for the enlarged prostate

Abstract Background: Enlargement of the prostate is common among aging men, with an incidence of 90% by the age of 85 years. It is a progressive condition, with growth in prostate size accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms that can result in long-term complications (eg, acute urinary retention [AUR], need for enlarged prostate-related surgery). Current pharmacologic treatment options include α-blockers (alfuzosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin, and terazosin) and 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) (finasteride and dutasteride). Objectives: This article reviews the natural history of enlarged prostate and the data supporting management of this condition with α-blocker and 5ARI therapy, either as monotherapy or combination therapy, for symptomatic relief and a reduction in long-term disease progression. Methods: Pertinent English-language articles were identified through a search of MEDLINE (1966-week 2, May 2006) using such search terms as 5α-reductase inhibitor, α-blocker, benign prostatic hyperplasia, dutasteride, efficacy, enlarged prostate, finasteride, and safety. Results: Clinical trials of α-blockers in men with enlarged prostate have reported improvements in total symptom scores of 10% to 20% compared with placebo; however, these agents were not shown to reduce the risk of long-term complications or disease progression. Studies of the 5ARIs have reported significant reductions compared with placebo in the relative risk for AUR and enlarged prostate-related surgery, slowing of disease progression, and relief of symptoms. In studies of dutasteride, improvements in symptom scores were greater after 4 years of therapy compared with 2 years (−6.4 vs −4.3 points, respectively) and flow rates were better (2.6 vs 2.3 mL/sec). Six-year data for finasteride showed maintenance of the decreased risk for AUR and enlarged prostate-related surgery. Use of combination therapy with an α-blocker and a 5ARI may be of benefit in patients who require immediate relief of symptoms, with discontinuation of the α-blocker after several months of therapy. 5ARIs were generally well tolerated, with sexual dysfunction the most frequently reported adverse effect, although in only a small proportion of men (1%–8%). Conclusions: The use of 5ARI therapy is a rational approach to symptom management and prevention of long-term negative outcomes in men with enlarged prostates.V 3
Melting behavior of biodegradable polyesters in carbon dioxide at high pressures

Abstract The melting temperature depression of three different biodegradable polyesters, poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) in the presence of CO2 have been investigated by optical measurements using a variable-volume high-pressure view-cell. A pressure range up to 35 MPa was investigated. It is shown that melting temperature of PCL initially increases from 64 °C to 67 °C then decreases and passes through a minimum at around 10 MPa before leveling off at about 44 °C with increasing CO2 pressure. The melting temperatures of PHB and PHBV decrease essentially linearly up to 24 MPa, the change being from 178 °C to 152 °C in PHB and from 171 °C to 142 °C in PHBV. The melting temperatures for these polymers continue to decrease but at a lower rate up to 35 MPa with the lowest melting temperatures of 151 °C and 137 °C being reached by about 35 MPa, respectively. Molecular weight determinations by GPC on samples that were exposed to and melted in CO2 showed that no degradation was occurring during melting in CO2. These findings show that melt processing of PHB and PHBV which are prone to thermal degradation upon melting in ambient atmosphere is achievable without causing degradation in CO2 medium. It is also shown that the measurement of transmitted light intensities can be an effective technique in assessing the multiple melting temperatures and complete melting of different domains.
The potential for application of ink stable isotope analysis in questioned document examination

We investigated a novel application of stable isotope abundance analysis of nitrogen (15N), carbon (13C), hydrogen (2H), and oxygen (18O) to characterize pen ink. We focused on both ballpoint and gel pen inks. We found that the isotope ratios of ink from pens purchased together in a package were similar and within-package stable isotope ratio variability was not significantly larger than the variability of isotope reference materials used during analysis. In contrast, the isotope ratios of ink from pens of the same brand purchased in three states of the continental USA were significantly different from each other and there was isotope ratio variation among pens of the same brand but different, unknown production periods. The stable isotope ratios of inked paper were statistically distinguishable using measured δ15N values. Paper inked with different gel pens was statistically distinguishable using measured δ2H values. The capacity of stable isotope ratios to differentiate among ballpoint inks as well as gel inks shows that stable isotope analysis may be a useful and quantifiable investigative technique for questioned document examination, although current sample size requirements limit its utility. Application of the technique in casework will require the development of micro-scale sampling and analysis methods.
On the selection of control-law coefficients for multi-loop PWM switching regulators

An analytical investigation was performed to ascertain the explicit effects of the state-variable feedback control-law coefficients and the source variable feed-forward control-law coefficients on the stability and performance in linearized multiloop (pulse-width modulated) switching regulators. Detailed results are presented for input impedance, output current susceptibility, input voltage susceptibility and output impedance of the basic buck, boost, and buck-boost regulators. General relationships are derived for the feed-forward control-law coefficients to minimize input voltage susceptibility and the output impedance of the multiloop buck regulator. Relationships for all three regulators based on other performance measures such as output current susceptibility can be derived using the results presented. Simplified results are given for multiloop switching regulators with a conventionally implemented current loop and with a value of inductance several times greater than critical. >
Correction of superior vena cava syndrome with superficial femoral vein juguloatrial bypass

Several techniques for bypass of the superior vena cava have been described, including spiraled saphenous vein graft, femoral vein graft, and polytetrafluoroethylene graft as conduits. We present two cases of superior vena cava obstruction treated with juguloatrial bypass using harvested superficial femoral vein. We feel that the superficial femoral vein, with its diameter similar to that of the internal jugular vein, provides several advantages compared to other conduits in a juguloatrial bypass.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased human sinonasal fibroblast proliferation in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Background Vitamin D3 (VD3) is a steroid hormone with known antiproliferative properties. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) have been shown to be VD3-deficient. Moreover, VD3 deficiency is associated with worse disease in patients with CRSwNP. One cell type thought to play a role in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is the human sinonasal fibroblast (HSNF). The aim of this study was to investigate VD3 deficiency and HSNF proliferation in CRSwNP. Methods Blood and sinus tissue explants were collected at the time of surgery from patients with CRSwNP (n = 15). Control subjects (n = 12) were undergoing surgery for cerebrospinal fluid leak repair or to remove non–hormone-secreting pituitary tumors. Ex vivo HSNF proliferation was analyzed with flow cytometry using expression of fibroblast-specific protein (FSP) and the proliferation marker Ki67. Plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25VD3) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro analysis of HSNF proliferation after treatment with calcitriol (1,25VD3) was performed using carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) and analyzed with flow cytometry. Results In CRSwNP patients there was an inverse correlation between 25VD3 and proliferating HSNFs (p = 0.0135). This correlation was not seen for control patients (p = 0.3869). In vitro analysis showed that HSNFs from patients with CRSwNP had a higher proliferation index at baseline than HSNFs from control patients (p < 0.01). When treated with 1,25VD3, there was a significant decrease in HSNF proliferation index in patients with CRSwNP (p < 0.01), but not control patients. Conclusion VD3 deficiency is associated with increased HSNF proliferation in CRSwNP. Further investigation into how HSNFs and VD3 impact CRSwNP pathophysiology is warranted.