cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-Year Clinical Evaluation of Nonvital Tooth Whitening and Resin Composite Restorations

Background: Adhesive systems, resin composites, and light curing systems underwent continuous improvement in the past decade. The number of patients asking for ultraconservative treatments is increasing; clinicians are starting to reevaluate the dogma of traditional restorative dentistry and look for alternative methods to build up severely destroyed teeth. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of nonvital tooth whitening and the clinical performance of direct composite restorations used to reconstruct extensive restorations on endodontically bleached teeth. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients 18 years or older were included in this clinical trial, and 26 endodontically treated and bleached maxillary and mandibular teeth were restored using a microhybrid resin composite. Patients with severe internal (tetracycline stains) and external discoloration (fluorosis), smokers, and pregnant and nursing women were excluded from the study. Only patients with A3 or darker shades were included. Teeth having endodontic access opening only to be restored were excluded; conversely, teeth having a combination of endodontic access and Class III/IV cavities were included in the study. A Vita shade guide (Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Sackingen, Germany) arranged by value order was used to record the shade for each patient. Temporary or existing restorations were removed, along with a 1 mm gutta-percha below the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), and a resin-modified glass ionomer barrier was placed at the CEJ. Bleaching treatment was performed using a combination of in-office (OpalescenceXtra, Ultradent Products, South Jordan, UT, USA) and at-home (Opalescence 10% PF, Ultradent Products) applications. Two weeks after completion of the bleaching, the teeth were restored using a combination of PQ1 adhesive system and Vit-l-escence microhybrid resin composite (Ultradent Products). Wedge-shaped increments were placed and cured using the VIP Light (Bisco, Inc Schaumburg, IL, USA) through a combination of pulse and progressive curing techniques. Results: All but one restoration were evaluated by two independent evaluators every 6 months during a 2-year period using modified US Public Health Service criteria. No restoration failed and “alpha” scores were recorded for all parameters but color stability, which was scored “bravo.” Analysis of variance showed a significant shade change between baseline (mean = 14.4 ± 1.9) versus 2 weeks (mean = 1.6 ± 0.7) and 2 years (mean = 2.8 ± 1.7) (p < .0001). Although a significant shade change was observed between 2 weeks and the 2-year follow-up (p = .008), no significant difference was reported between the baseline and 2 weeks (12.9 ± 2) versus baseline and 2 years (11.9 ± 2.3).
Time-dependent aggravation or attenuation of lipopolysaccharide-induced gastric injury by nitric oxide synthase inhibition

Background This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that nonselective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors have different effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced gastric injury depending upon whether they are given concurrently with LPS or after LPS at a time point that inducible NOS is up-regulated. Materials and methods Female Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal (IP) LPS (20 mg/kg) for 3 h. Western immunoblot was used to determine iNOS, eNOS, and nNOS immunoreactivity after 3 h. In an additional set of experiments, we assessed the time dependent effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibition by giving rats LPS (20 mg/kg, IP) concurrently with Nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME; 2–5 mg/kg, SC) or l -N G -(1-iminoethyl) lysine ( l -NIL; 10 mg/kg, IP) for 5 h or LPS and delayed administration of l -NAME or l -NIL 3 h following LPS injection in identical doses. For these NOS inhibition experiments microscopic and macroscopic injury was assessed by a blinded observer using previously published scoring systems. Injury studies were conducted by exposing the stomach to 3 ml of 5 mM acidified taurocholate for 5 minutes in an anesthetized prep. Results A 3-h treatment with LPS (20 mg/kg IP) significantly increased iNOS protein immunoreactivity (Western immunoblot) but not eNOS or nNOS. N G - l -NAME (2–5 mg/kg SC) dose dependently aggravated macroscopic (computerized planimetry) and morphological gastric injury caused by the intraluminal bile irritant 5 m m acidified taurocholate for 10 min when given concurrently with LPS, an effect reversed by l - but not D-arginine (300 mg/kg). In contrast, delayed administration of l -NAME (3 h after LPS) dose dependently attenuated the ability of LPS to exacerbate gastric injury from bile. Both concurrent and delayed administration of the selective iNOS inhibitor, l -NIL (10 mg/kg IP) attenuated the effects of LPS. Conclusions These data indicate that during endotoxemia, the stomach is rendered more susceptible to damage from luminal irritants such as bile, a frequent occurrence in septic patients with a gastrointestinal ileus. In this setting, iNOS has a pathologic role while the constitutive NOS isoforms play gastroprotective roles.
Homeostatic control of zinc metabolism in men: zinc excretion and balance in men fed diets low in zinc

Zinc metabolism was studied in 11 men. The study began with 28-d equilibration when dietary zinc was 159 mumol/d (X), followed by 35-d periods when the diet contained 21.9 (I), 37.5 (II), 51.6 (III), or 67.8 (IV) mumol Zn/d in random order, and ended with 35 d with X. The diet was conventional foods and egg white protein. Zinc balance, including surface and semen losses, was zero only during I. Semen zinc was unaffected by diet. Plasma zinc dropped to 0.44 and 0.49 mumol/L in two subjects during I and was significantly decreased during I compared with X (P < 0.0002). Urinary zinc declined with decreasing zinc intake. A combination of urinary and plasma zinc criteria from Baer and King (Am J Clin Nutr 1984; 39:556-70) could be used to distinguish stages of zinc deficiency. By these criteria, no subjects were deficient during IV, one was marginally deficient during III, three were marginally deficient during II, and seven were deficient during I.
A comparison of workload models of the capacity available for sharing among privately owned workstations

The author studies four models of the distributions of the periods in which idle workstation capacity is available for sharing and the distributions in which capacity cannot be shared. One model is derived from traces of user activity on workstations. The remaining three models are constructed in the form of stochastic processes. Each model as a stochastic process differs in complexity and the degree of accuracy which it captures the characteristics of the traces. An exponential distribution is the simplest model used to describe the length of periods which capacity is available and unavailable for sharing. A model of increased complexity uses hyperexponential distributions, while the most complex model has a separate hyperexponential distribution for each workstation. Although an increasing degree of complexity in a model can more accurately represent the patterns of activity on workstations, a hyperexponential distribution is shown to capture important characteristics significantly beyond an exponential distribution without requiring the amount of detail needed for specifying separate distributions for each workstation. >
THE CONSERVATION OF NUMBER PRINCIPLE IN REAL ALGEBRAIC GEOMETRY

The classical conservation of number principle is an important result in algebraic geometry. We present a version of this principle suitable for the study of topological properties of real algebraic varieties. Our self-contained topological proof does not depend on the intersection theory of algebraic cycles. Some applications are included.
Automorphism Invariance of P- and GUS-Properties of Linear Transformations on Euclidean Jordan Algebras

Generalizing the P-property of a matrix, Gowda et al. [Gowda, M. S., R. Sznajder, J. Tao. 2004. Some P-properties for linear transformations on Euclidean Jordan algebras. Linear Algebra Appl.393 203232] recently introduced and studied P- and globally uniquely solvable (GUS)-properties for linear transformations defined on Euclidean Jordan algebras. In this paper, we study the invariance of these properties under automorphisms of the algebra and of the symmetric cone. By means of these automorphisms and the concept of a principal subtransformation, we introduce and study ultra and super P-(GUS)-properties for a linear transformation on a Euclidean Jordan algebra.
An operational retrieval algorithm for determining aerosol optical properties in the ultraviolet

[1] This paper describes a number of practical considerations concerning the optimization and operational implementation of an algorithm used to characterize the optical properties of aerosols across part of the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. The algorithm estimates values of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and aerosol single scattering albedo (SSA) at seven wavelengths in the UV, as well as total column ozone (TOC) and wavelength-independent asymmetry factor (g) using direct and diffuse irradiances measured with a UV multifilter rotating shadowband radiometer (UV-MFRSR). A novel method for cloud screening the irradiance data set is introduced, as well as several improvements and optimizations to the retrieval scheme which yield a more realistic physical model for the inversion and increase the efficiency of the algorithm. Introduction of a wavelength-dependent retrieval error budget generated from rigorous forward model analysis as well as broadened covariances on the a priori values of AOD, SSA and g and tightened covariances of TOC allows sufficient retrieval sensitivity and resolution to obtain unique solutions of aerosol optical properties as demonstrated by synthetic retrievals. Analysis of a cloud screened data set (May 2003) from Panther Junction, Texas, demonstrates that the algorithm produces realistic values of the optical properties that compare favorably with pseudo-independent methods for AOD, TOC and calculated Angstrom exponents. Retrieval errors of all parameters (except TOC) are shown to be negatively correlated to AOD, while the Shannon information content is positively correlated, indicating that retrieval skill improves with increasing atmospheric turbidity. When implemented operationally on more than thirty instruments in the Ultraviolet Monitoring and Research Program's (UVMRP) network, this retrieval algorithm will provide a comprehensive and internally consistent climatology of ground-based aerosol properties in the UV spectral range that can be used for both validation of satellite measurements as well as regional aerosol and ultraviolet transmission studies.
Identifying Habitat Linkages for American Black Bears in North Carolina, USA

Abstract Understanding landscape structure and the role of habitat linkages is important to managing wildlife populations in fragmented landscapes. We present a data-based method for identifying local- and regional-scale habitat linkages for American black bears (Ursus americanus) on the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula of North Carolina, USA. We used weights-of-evidence, a discrete multivariate technique for combining spatial data, to make predictions about bear habitat use from 1,771 telemetry locations on 2 study areas (n = 35 bears). The model included 3 variables measured at a 0.2-km2 scale: forest cohesion, forest diversity, and forest–agriculture edge density, adequately describing important habitat characteristics for bears on our study area. We used 2 categories of unique habitat conditions to delineate favorable bear habitat, which correctly classified 79.5% of the bear locations in a 10-fold model validation. Forest cohesion and forest–agriculture edge density were the most powerful predictors of bl...
Extraesophageal reflux in pediatric patients with upper respiratory symptoms.

Objective To systematically review published literature describing the association between reflux and upper airway symptoms in children. Design Structured MEDLINE search of English-language articles published since 1966. Subjects We selected articles examining reflux in conjunction with stridor, apnea, sudden infant death syndrome, life-threatening events, and laryngomalacia. Studies that focused on lower airway symptoms or adults were excluded. Outcome Measures Articles were abstracted for patient factors, elements of study design, methods of reflux diagnosis, and definition of pathologic reflux. Results Ninety-nine articles were identified, 56 of which specifically examined reflux and upper respiratory symptoms in children. Of these, 10 compared reflux incidence in symptomatic patients and a set of predetermined control patients, while the remainder reported prevalence data only. Overall, symptomatic patients were diagnosed with reflux frequently, with a range from 27% to 100%. In studies that attempted to compare patients with controls, only 2 provided statistical comparisons of the patient groups, and none adjusted for confounding owing to study design. There was marked heterogeneity in methods used to diagnose reflux in the studies reviewed, with only 34% using dual-channel pH testing; definitions of pathologic reflux were also variable. Conclusions Evidence seems to support the hypothesis that reflux is associated with upper airway symptoms in children. However, the strength of this correlation and the risk of upper airway symptoms attributable to reflux are difficult to determine given the limitations of available literature. Future research studies should seek standard reflux testing methods, clear comparison groups, and more rigorous statistical methods.
High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol as a Risk Factor and Target of Therapy after Acute Coronary Syndrome

Despite contemporary therapies for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), rates of morbidity and mortality remain high. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are common among patients with ACS and predict risk for subsequent cardiovascular events, even on a background of intensive statin treatment. An extensive body of clinical and experimental data suggests that HDL cholesterol may promote favorable remodeling of coronary atherosclerotic plaque and ameliorate endothelial dysfunction, thrombotic tendency, inflammation, oxidative stress, and ischemia-reperfusion injury, which are all effects that might be beneficial after ACS. Clinical trials are in progress to test the hypothesis that strategies to raise levels of HDL cholesterol will reduce risk after ACS.
Restoration of lung surfactant protein D by IL-6 protects against secondary pneumonia following hemorrhagic shock.

Summary Objectives To identify novel approaches to improve innate immunity in the lung following trauma complicated by hemorrhagic shock (T/HS) for prevention of nosocomial pneumonia. Methods We developed a rat model of T/HS followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) pneumonia to assess the effect of alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) apoptosis, and its prevention by IL-6, on lung surfactant protein (SP)-D protein levels, lung bacterial burden, and survival from PA pneumonia, as well as to determine whether AEC apoptosis is a consequence of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Lung UPR transcriptome analysis was performed on rats subjected to sham, T/HS, and T/HS plus IL-6 protocols. Group comparisons were performed via Kaplan–Meier or ANOVA. Results T/HS decreased lung SP-D by 1.8-fold ( p p p p p p p Conclusions Impaired innate lung defense occurs following T/HS and is mediated, in part, by reduction in SP-D protein levels, which, along with AEC apoptosis, may be mediated by the UPR, and prevented by use of IL-6 as a resuscitation adjuvant.
Parenting and Cultures of Risk: A Comparative Analysis of Infidelity, Aggression, and Witchcraft

Parenting behavior may respond flexibly to environmental risk to help prepare children for the environment they can expect to face as adults. In hazardous environments where child outcomes are unpredictable, unresponsive parenting could be adaptive. Child development associated with parenting practices, in turn, may influence cultural patterns related to insecurity and aggression (which we call the "risk-response model"). We test these propositions in a cross-cultural analysis. The Standard Cross-Cultural Sample (SCCS) includes indicators of parental responsiveness: father-infant sleeping proximity, father involvement, parental response to infant crying, and breastfeeding duration (age at weaning). Unresponsive parenting was associated with cultural models including greater acceptance of extramarital sex, aggression, theft, and witchcraft. Socialization practices in later childhood were not better predictors of the outcomes than was earlier parenting. We conclude that some cultural adaptations appear rooted in parenting practices that affect child development.
Expression of the Mf1 gene in developing mouse hearts: implication in the development of human congenital heart defects.

The transcription factor FKHL7 gene has recently been associated with the ante- rior segment dysgenesis disorder of the eye known as Axenfeld-Rieger anomaly (ARA). A grow- ing body of evidence indicates that mutations in FKHL7 cause not only defects in the anterior segment of the eye but defects in the heart valves and septa as well. In order to evaluate its contri- bution to normal heart septation and valve forma- tion, expression of the mouse homologue Mf1 in embryonic hearts was analyzed by in situ hybrid- ization. A weak but significant level of Mf1 expres- sion could be detected in the endocardium of mouse embryos as early as day 8.5 post-concep- tion (p.c.). Mf1 expression was undetectable in the hearts of day 9.5 p.c. embryos, but by day 10.5-11 p.c., Mf1 transcripts could be found again in the endocardium of both the atrium and ven- tricle and a relatively strong signal was observed in the dorsal portion of the septum primum, in what appeared to be the spinal vestibule. At day 13 p.c. when aortic and pulmonary trunks are separated, relatively more Mf1 transcripts were detected in the leaflets of aortic, pulmonary, and venous valves, the ventral portion of the septum primum, as well as in the single layer of cells on the edges of the atrioventricular cushion tissues. Surprisingly, there was no signal detected in the developing interventricular septum. At day 15 p.c., overall Mf1 signals were greatly decreased. However, significant levels of expression could still be observed in the atrial septum, the tricus- pid valve, the mitral valve, and in the venous valve but not in the interventricular septum. The temporal and spatial expression patterns of the Mf1 gene in developing mouse hearts suggest that Mf1 may play a critical role in the formation of valves and septa with the exception of the inter- ventricular septum. This is further supported by our studies showing that mutations in the FKHL7 gene were associated with defects in the anterior
Outcome of pediatric pineoblastoma after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Introduction Pineoblastomas are a category of supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (sPNETs) occurring in the pineal gland; some studies support the impression that patients with pineoblastomas have a worse prognosis than those with other sPNETs. Methods We reviewed the medical records and tissue sections of all patients with the diagnosis of pineoblastoma that were treated at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Children’s Hospital Boston Pediatric Brain Tumor Program between 1986 and 2005. Results Thirteen patients with the pathologic diagnosis of pineoblastoma were treated at our Hospital; 11 of these cases had complete records suitable for study. The median age was 8 years 8 months (5 F, 6 M). Surgical, radiation and chemotherapeutic regimens varied from case to case. Three patients had gross total resection and are alive and free of disease, versus four of eight with subtotal resection or biopsy only. Patients who received CSI and multi-agent chemotherapy had improved overall survival. Conclusions Seven of eleven patients with pineoblastoma are currently alive and free of disease, reflecting an improved outcome and longer survival than previously appreciated. Gross total surgical resection appeared to correlate with improved survival, as did treatment with craniospinal irradiation and multi-agent chemotherapy. Further study of this group of patients as a distinct diagnostic entity will be necessary to determine optimal therapy.
Corneal lymphangiogenesis in herpetic stromal keratitis

Corneal lymphangiogenesis is the extension of lymphatic vessels into the normally alymphatic cornea, a process that compromises the cornea's immune-privileged state and facilitates herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK). HSK results most commonly from infection by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and is characterized by immune- and inflammation-mediated damage to the deep layers of the cornea. Current research demonstrates the potential of anti-lymphangiogenic therapy to decrease and prevent herpes-induced lymphangiogenesis.
The shape of things to come

Is it progress if a cannibal eats with a fork?— —Stanislas J. Lac In the current issue of Neurology , Anjan Chatterjee1 makes a compelling argument that neurologists need to enter the debate about the proper uses of the fruits of the biomedical revolution. In so doing, he has performed an important service to the neurological community. Chatterjee reminds us that advances in neuroscience carry with them the likelihood, intended or otherwise, of medical applications that go well beyond the traditional goals to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Chatterjee focuses our attention on biomedical advances that are likely to provide new ways to modify behavior, improve performance, extend lifespan, and generally give the user a competitive edge over his or her fellow humans.2–5⇓⇓⇓ It addition to the traditional concept of relieving suffering, these advances will also improve the perceived quality of life, a concept that will have different interpretations depending on one’s point of view. One of my colleagues has noted, somewhat sarcastically, that in a free market economy the proximate goals of genetic engineering are as likely to focus on correcting male pattern baldness and increasing height as on curing disease. Individuals will go considerable distances to seek advantages, even trivial ones, both for themselves and their children. In the words of Bill McKibbon, 2 “people will do far-out things for less than pressing purposes.” The rampant use of cosmetic surgery, use of growth hormone for children within the range of normal height for age, and the apparently widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs by professional (and in some circles amateur) athletes, are but a few examples of this behavior. Several authors have commented on the slippery slope encountered along the path from treating diseases to eliminating predispositions to actively enhancing functions. Depending upon …
Single-Neuron Responses in the Human Nucleus Accumbens during a Financial Decision-Making Task

Linking values to actions and evaluating expectations relative to outcomes are both central to reinforcement learning and are thought to underlie financial decision-making. However, neurophysiology studies of these processes in humans remain limited. Here, we recorded the activity of single human nucleus accumbens neurons while subjects performed a gambling task. We show that the nucleus accumbens encodes two signals related to subject behavior. First, we find that under relatively predictable conditions, single neuronal activity predicts future financial decisions on a trial-by-trial basis. Interestingly, we show that this activity continues to predict decisions even under conditions of uncertainty (e.g., when the probability of winning or losing is 50/50 and no particular financial choice predicts a rewarding outcome). Furthermore, we find that this activity occurs, on average, 2 s before the subjects physically manifest their decision. Second, we find that the nucleus accumbens encodes the difference between expected and realized outcomes, consistent with a prediction error signal. We show this activity occurs immediately after the subject has realized the outcome of the trial and is present on both the individual and population neuron levels. These results provide human single neuronal evidence that the nucleus accumbens is integral in making financial decisions.
Hair apposition for scalp lacerations

Abstract [Singer AJ. Hair apposition for scalp lacerations. Ann Emerg Med. July 2002;40:27-29.]
Scheduling Continuous-Time Kalman Filters

A set of N independent Gaussian linear time-in variant systems is observed by M sensors whose task is to provide a steady-state causal estimate minimizing the mean-square error on the system states, subject to additional measurement costs. The sensors can switch between systems instantaneously, and there are additional resource constraints, for example on the number of sensors that can observe a given system simultaneously. We first derive a tractable relaxation of the problem, which provides a bound on the achievable performance. This bound can be computed by solving a convex program involving linear matrix inequalities, and moreover this program can be decomposed into coupled smaller dimensional problems. In the scalar case with identical sensors, we give an analytical expression of an index policy proposed in a more general context by Whittle. In the general case, we develop open-loop periodic switching policies whose performance matches the bound arbitrarily closely.
Apportionment Matters: Fair Representation in the US House and Electoral College

The 2000 presidential election made various electoral institutions—from ballot format to voting mechanisms—suddenly prominent in public debate. One institution that garnered little attention, but nonetheless affected the outcome, was apportionment. A few commentators, looking ahead to 2004, noticed that Bush would have won more comfortably had the apportionment based on the 2000 census already been in place for the 2000 election. Little attention, however, was paid to the method by which 1990 census data were used to generate the 1992–2000 apportionment, even though there are many ways to perform that allocation, the United States has used different methods over its history, and the precise algorithm turned out, in this instance, to matter. More generally, previous discussions of apportionment methods have neglected the point that allocation to states of US House seats simultaneously determines Electoral College weights. Since the Electoral College has built-in biases favoring small states, an apportionment method that partially offsets this bias might be justifiable. We revisit some criteria by which one might prefer one apportionment rule to another, in light of this double duty.
New Categorical Metrics for Air Quality Model Evaluation

Abstract Traditional categorical metrics used in model evaluations are “clear cut” measures in that the model’s ability to predict an “exceedance” is defined by a fixed threshold concentration and the metrics are defined by observation–forecast sets that are paired both in space and time. These metrics are informative but limited in evaluating the performance of air quality forecast (AQF) systems because AQF generally examines exceedances on a regional scale rather than a single monitor. New categorical metrics—the weighted success index (WSI), area hit (aH), and area false-alarm ratio (aFAR)—are developed. In the calculation of WSI, credits are given to the observation–forecast pairs within the observed exceedance region (missed forecast) or the forecast exceedance region (false alarm), depending on the distance of the points from the central line (perfect observation–forecast match line or 1:1 line on scatterplot). The aH and aFAR are defined by matching observed and forecast exceedances within an area ...
Stock Markets Returns and Volatilities: A Global Comparison

This paper examines the general patterns of recent global stock market returns and the volatility of such returns using 40 global stock indexes of countries classified into developed and emerging markets as barometers for the period 1997-2004. This classification is based on the classification suggested by Standard and Poor’s Credit Ratings Report by Hessel (2006). The paper, additionally, investigates the presence of the day-of-the-week return in these countries and the correlation of the returns of these global stock indexes to the US market. A set of parametric and non-parametric tests is used to test the significance of the standard deviations and further determine the correlation of the returns of these global stock indexes to the US market. Evidence suggests general high returns in emerging stock markets. Contrary to existing evidence, they were also very high returns in some developed stock markets. This evidence suggests that volatility of stock returns is a global phenomenon and not predominantly an emerging market issue as earlier findings indicate. The returns from the US markets are highly correlated to those of many countries in the sample. There is evidence of negative and low correlation of returns between the US stock markets and many global stock markets. These findings present interesting opportunities and dynamics for enhanced return through diversification in global portfolio investments.
Option Contracts and Their Valuation

This note introduces options (both calls and puts) and their valuation. After covering the history of options and the basic nature of their payoffs, the note provides an intuitive discussion of the determinants of an options value. The note then introduces and applies the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to real data, using an Excel-based version of the model. Throughout, the emphasis is on the basics of options and their valuation.
On the Proof of the Radon-Nikodym Theorem

(1989). On the Proof of the Radon-Nikodym Theorem. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 96, No. 5, pp. 441-441.
The Long-Range Light Pen as a Head-Based User-Computer Interface: Head-Mounted “Sights” versus Head Positioning for Computer Access by the Disabled

The long-range light pen was developed as a means for enhancing the human-computer communication abilities of individuals incapable of keyboard use. The technique was also seen as having application as an auxiliary means of communication for instances where a keyboard was the primary communication input channel. One drawback associated with the particular device is that it is limited to use with c.r.t. displays, suggesting that different technologies will be required for interface with other display types. This paper presents preliminary findings from the first of several phases of experimentation intended to determine appropriate design criteria both for display formatting and for control algorithms.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PHYLOGENIES FOR THE DROSOPHILA OBSCURA GROUP.

Species belonging to the obscura group of the genus Drosophila have long held a central position in evolutionary studies, especially in experimental population genetics. Despite the considerable amount of accumulated knowledge, many of the phylogenetic relationships of the species in the group remain unclear. Here we present DNA sequence data for the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) for 13 species native to both the Old and New Worlds. We combine these data with seven other mitochondrial gene sequences from previous studies, for a total of over 3 kb per species. Strongly supported conclusions include: (1) the two North American subgroups, pseudoobscura and affinis, are each monophyletic; and (2) among Eurasian species two unambiguous clades are identified, one containing D. tristis, D. ambigua, and D. obscura and the other containing D. guanche, D. subobscura, and D. madeirensis. Constructing firm hypotheses connecting these four major clades is problematic with all datasets. Major ambiguities are the number of invasions giving rise to the North American obscura species and the relationships among the Eurasian species. The inadequacy of the mtDNA data to resolve these ambiguities does not reside in lack of changes; the transversions-only parsimony tree has 283 informative characters. Rather, the problems are likely intrinsic to the history of the group: while radiating in temperate Eurasia, North America was colonized once or twice, followed by one or two radiations in the New World.
2 WEIGHT LOSS IS A FEATURE OF PROTRACTED METFORMIN THERAPY IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME.

In 296 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treated with metformin (MET 2.3 ± 0.4 g/day [Rx]) and diet (1,500 calories/day if BMI Despite pretreatment (Pre-Rx) group severe obesity, MET-diet was successful in producing group weight reductions of 5.9% at 1 year, 5.8% at 2 years, and 6.3% at 3 years. Weight loss $ 5% was realized by 55% of women at 1 year, 55% at 2 years, and 58% at 3 years, with 15% or more weight loss in 11% of women at 1 year, 14% at 2 years, and 16% at 3 years. At years 1-3 on Rx, weight fell (p
Group dynamics and group psychotherapy revisited: four decades later.

ABSTRACTOn the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of a symposium held on this controversial subject, the history of the relationship between group dynamics and group psychotherapy is reviewed. Within the contemporary framework of pluralism and integration, some guideposts are advanced that might help in the conceptual clarification of the affinity between these two disparate, yet related, fields. This might lead, in turn, to a more refined elicitation of the specific therapeutic factors inherent in the group treatment modality.
High altitude sojourn in pregnancy and childhood

Knowledge about the safety of travel to high or moderate altitude during pregnancy or with small children is limited. Previous recommendations restricting travel during pregnancy to an altitude of 2133 m a.s.l. may be too cautious; however, not enough research has been done to allow any recommendation based on scientific evidence. Infants and children generally do well at moderate altitude (< 3000 m a.s.l.), if ascent is gradual and if the child is watched closely for any developing signs or symptoms of acute mountain sickness or high-altitude pulmonary edema. Infants of residents of low altitude may develop right-heart failure due to excessive pulmonary artery hypertension when exposed to altitudes more than 3500 m a.s.l. over several months (subacute mountain sickness).
Congenital aneurysm of the left atrium with associated defects in the fibrous skeleton of the heart

Aneurysms of the left atrium with associated defects are rare. A case of aneurysmal dilatation of the left atrium with associated defects is reported, and the technique of repair is demonstrated.
Reduction of incorrect record accessing and charting patient electronic medical records in the perioperative environment.

Opening and charting in the incorrect patient electronic record presents a patient safety issue. The authors investigated the prevalence of reported errors and whether efforts utilizing the anesthesia time-out and barcoding have decreased the incidence of errors in opening and charting in the patient electronic medical record in the perioperative environment. The authors queried the database for all surgeries and procedures requiring anesthesia from January 2009 to September 2012. Of the 115,760 records of anesthesia procedures identified, there were 57 instances of incorrect record opening and charting during the study period. A decreasing trend was observed for all sites combined (p < 0.0001) and at the off-site locations (p = 0.0032). All locations and the off-site locations demonstrated a statistically significant decreasing pattern of errors over time. Barcoding and the anesthesia time-out may play an important role in decreasing errors in incorrect patient record opening in the perioperative environment.
Understanding Bidirectional Mother-Infant Affective Displays across Contexts: Effects of Maternal Maltreatment History and Postpartum Depression and PTSD Symptoms

Background: This study examined the bidirectional nature of mother-infant positive and negative emotional displays during social interactions across multiple task
Cu-Click Compatible Triazabutadienes To Expand the Scope of Aryl Diazonium Ion Chemistry

Triazabutadienes can be used to readily generate reactive aryl diazonium ions under mild, physiologically relevant conditions. These conditions are compatible with a range of functionalities that do not tolerate traditional aryl diazonium ion generation. To increase the utility of this aryl diazonium ion releasing chemistry an alkyne-containing triazabutadiene was synthesized. The copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (“Cu-click”) reaction was utilized to modify the alkyne-containing triazabutadiene and shown to be compatible with the nitrogen-rich triazabutadiene. One of the triazole products was tethered to a fluorophore, thus enabling the direct fluorescent labeling of a model protein.
Taking Care of Companion Animals: Institutional Policies and Practices in Newfoundland and Labrador

Focusing on local government and non-governmental nonhuman animal welfare organizations, this paper reports survey results on institutional policies, interpretive frameworks, and practices regarding companion animals in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The findings suggested that local governments and animal shelters use different interpretive frameworks of companion animal welfare, with the former taking a human-centric position and the latter focusing on animal well-being. The results showed that most local governments are not well engaged with animal welfare issues. Instead, these issues are more often dealt with by non-governmental organizations that operate on limited budgets and rely heavily on volunteer labor. Whereas federal and provincial governments are responsible for legislating companion animal welfare, practical implementation of animal welfare has been largely the responsibility of non-governmental organizations. Our findings demonstrated that the ways that animal welfare policy is interpreted and enacted at the local level have significant implications for animal well-being more broadly.
A System-of-Systems perspective for information fusion system design and evaluation

Abstract This paper provides a System-of-Systems (SoS) perspective for integrated design and evaluation of an Information Fusion System (IFS). IFS is comprised of distributed and heterogeneous systems that accomplish low-level and high-level information fusion (LLIF and HLIF) functionality. LLIF and HLIF functions are developed independent from one another but require collaboration to achieve the IFS mission objectives. The distribution and heterogeneity of systems, in addition to the multiplicity of LLIF and HLIF functions, creates an extensively large design space for the IFS. We apply a SoS engineering architecting process to obtain integrated architectures of IFS and propose guidelines to constrain an otherwise infinite design space of Information Fusion System-of-Systems (IF-SoS). Furthermore, we elaborate a multi-agent system modeling approach and pair it with Design of Experiments for objective evaluation of the IF-SoS design space. The statistical analysis, based on analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey Honest Significant Difference (HSD) Range Tests, quantifies the impact of interactions between LLIF and HLIF design considerations on the IF-SoS performance. Furthermore, statistical evidence is provided to demonstrate that the interactions among JDL levels, in particular between LLIF and HLIF, are the most significant design considerations for fusion performance which necessitate an integrated design and evaluation of LLIF and HLIF—a manifestation of the SoS perspective for the IFS.
Postpartum adolescents' contraceptive counselling preferences.

AbstractObjectives: The optimal approach for provision and timing of postpartum contraceptive counselling for adolescents has not been established. To reduce repeat pregnancies from current USA levels of nearly 20%, a better understanding is needed of postpartum adolescent females’ preferences regarding contraceptive counselling and delivery.Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 30 USA postpartum teens (97% Black) explored pregnancy prevention and contraceptive counselling. Transcripts were independently coded by two researchers and inter-rater reliability calculated using Kappa coefficients. With a standard content analysis approach, common themes were identified, coded and summarized.Results: Findings indicated pregnancy prevention was important – two thirds of subjects reported becoming pregnant ‘too soon’, almost all did not desire another child for at least 6 years and most indicated that pregnancy prevention was either ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ important right now. The subjects described doctors and ...
The five hats of Nina Ponomareva: sport, shoplifting and the Cold War

The 1956 arrest in London of the Soviet Olympic discus champion, Nina Ponomareva, for shoplifting five hats worth one pound became a major international incident. Initially, both sides followed fam...
HIGH PROCEDURAL AND DEVICE RELATED SUCCESS WITH THE CARDIOMEMS HF SYSTEM FOR HEART FAILURE: OBSERVATIONS FROM THE CARDIOMEMS™ POST APPROVAL STUDY

Background: The CardioMEMS HF™ system uses a sensor that is placed within the pulmonary artery via percutaneous femoral venous access that allows remote hemodynamic monitoring of pulmonary artery (PA) pressure. The purpose of the current analysis is to report initial results of the ongoing
Abstract 5322: BMI and esophageal adenocarcinoma survival

Purpose: Though BMI is a known risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA), the effect of BMI on EA overall survival remains unclear. Procedures: The source population is the Esophageal Cancer Study, an ongoing case-control and survivorship study of esophageal cancer patients recruited from Massachusets General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In September of 2004, the study introduced a new patient questionnaire that included questions on weight throughout adulthood. For this study, we restricted our analysis to Caucasian, male patients with histologically confirmed EA who received their initial diagnosis between 9/1/2004 and 12/31/2014, and who were older than age 40 at time of diagnosis (281 patients). Our exposures of interests were BMI categories ( 30) and ΔBMI (the average BMI past the age of 40 minus BMI at time of diagnosis), categorized the differences into 2 (people who lost substantial weight). We used an extended Cox proportional hazards model to obtain hazard ratios (HR) of BMI at diagnosis and ΔBMI, stratifying baseline hazard by cancer stage, having surgery as a time dependent covariate, and adjusting for radiation and chemotherapy treatment, age, sustained inability to eat solid foods after diagnosis, and smoking status. Results: Of the 282 patients that met our eligibility criteria, 211 men with complete information available were included in the analyses, and there were 131 recorded events during follow-up. In this study population, mean age at diagnosis was 63.7 years (SD±9.8), median survival was 2.6 years, mean average BMI after 40 years of age was 29.0 kg/m2(SD±4.5), and mean BMI at diagnosis was 27.4 kg/m2(SD±4.4). Compared to obese subjects at diagnosis, underweight, healthy weight, and overweight at diagnosis respectively had an adjusted hazard ratios of death (HR) of 2.72(95% CI: 0.59-12.45), 1.79 (95%, CI: 1.06-3.02) and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.65-1.74) (BMI category p=0.04), likely demonstrating reverse causation. Adjusting for confounders, the ΔBMI model shows that patients who lost substantial weight by diagnosis had the highest hazard of death, compared to patients who gained weight in late life prior to diagnosis (HR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.45-1.1) and patients who lost some weight (HR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.35-0.9)( ΔBMI category p=0.05). The strong effect of ΔBMI even after adjusting for patients’ inability or lack of desire to eat (anorexia), implicates cachexia as a possible independent mechanism of this association. In addition, age at dx, stage at diagnosis, and surgical resection were significant predictors of overall survival. Conclusion: Substantial change in BMI prior to diagnosis indicates poor overall survival in middle-aged and elderly Caucasian men with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Citation Format: Elizabeth A. Loehrer, David Christiani. BMI and esophageal adenocarcinoma survival [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5322. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5322
What Is the Role of Patient Families? An Exploratory Study in a Medical Intensive Care Unit:

Patient safety and quality efforts recently began to emphasize patient and family engagement in medical decision making. With measures primarily focused on satisfaction, challenges exist around understanding the impact of engagement on patient outcomes. Research is needed to understand the role of patient/family in safety and quality across clinical environments. The current exploratory study uses observations, ad hoc interviews, and questionnaires to capture the perspective of clinicians and staff on a Medical Intensive Care Unit regarding presence and engagement of families in patient care. Findings suggest that reported roles go beyond emotional support and further investigation is needed to explore the role of families in patient care from the safety and quality perspective.
Assessment of matrix effects associated with Fe isotope analysis using 266 nm femtosecond and 193 nm nanosecond laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

This study evaluated matrix effects during Fe isotope analysis using a 266 nm femtosecond (fs) laser and a 193 nm nanosecond (ns) laser coupled to a multi-collector ICP-MS. During 150 second spot analysis on pyrite, Fe isotope fractionation was not observed for fs-laser ablation (fs-LA), but was evident for ns-LA. The observed downhole Fe isotope fractionation during ns-LA is caused by multiple processes comprising ablation, transport, and ionization in the ICP. Contrary to the common perception of “matrix-free” analysis, matrix effects clearly exist during fs-LA analysis; small deviations of up to ∼0.2‰ in the measured 56Fe/54Fe ratios from the true value of magnetite grains with ≥∼8 wt% impurities were resolved using a nearly pure magnetite as the bracketing standard. Moreover, inaccurate and imprecise 56Fe/54Fe results were obtained when magnetite and pyrrhotite was measured against a non-matrix-matched standard (pyrite or Fe metal). The observed matrix effects during fs-LA cannot be explained by formation of a large heat-affected zone during ablation, but result from the influence of different chemical compositions of samples and standards on space-charge effects in the ICP-MS. Such matrix effects can be largely suppressed by water addition during analysis at a price of reduced sensitivity, so that precise and accurate Fe isotope analysis to a ∼0.1‰ level can be routinely achieved under “wet” conditions without matrix-matching between sample and standard. These results may reconcile dramatically different precisions previously reported for Fe isotope analysis by fs-lasers, and also highlight fs-LA-MC-ICP-MS as an appealing option for in situ Fe isotope analysis on samples with complex matrices and high-symmetry minerals, both of which encounter significant analytical difficulties using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). For ns-LA, in addition to similar composition-related matrix effects experienced by fs-LA in the ICP, matrix effects also originate from ablation-related processes that produce sample particles with matrix-dependent size distributions and, often, larger aerodynamic sizes, resulting in highly inaccurate 56Fe/54Fe results during non-matrix-matched analysis under “dry” conditions. The collective matrix effects during Fe isotope analysis by ns-LA cannot be fully suppressed by water addition, therefore, matrix matching is required for accurate Fe isotope analysis by ns-LA.