cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scapula osteocutaneous free flap reconstruction of the head and neck: impact of flap choice on surgical and medical complications.

Background. The scapula osteocutaneous free flap is frequently used to reconstruct complex head and neck defects given its tissue versatility. Because of minimal atherosclerotic changes in its vascular pedicle, this flap also may be used as a second choice when other osseous flaps are not available because of vascular disease at a preferred donor site. Methods. We performed a retrospective chart review evaluating flap outcome as well as surgical and medical complications based upon the flap choice. Results. The flap survival rate was 97%. The surgical complication rate was similar for the 21 first-choice flaps (57.1%) and the 12 second-choice flaps (41.7%; p = .481). However, patients having second-choice flaps had a higher rate of medical complications (66.7%) than those with first-choice flaps (28.6%; p = .066). Age and the presence of comorbidities were associated with increased medical complications. All patients with comorbidities that had a second-choice flap experienced medical complications, with most being severe. Conclusions. The scapula osteocutaneous free flap has a high success rate in head and neck reconstruction. Surgical complications occur frequently regardless of whether the flap is used as a first or second choice. However, medical complications are more frequent and severe in patients undergoing second-choice flaps. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007.
Active control for statistically stationary turbulent premixed flame simulations

The speed of propagation of a premixed turbulent flame correlates with the intensity of the turbulence encountered by the flame. One consequence of this property is that premixed flames in both laboratory experiments and practical combustors require some type of stabilization mechanism to prevent blow-off and flashback. The stabilization devices often introduce a level of geometric complexity that is prohibitive for detailed computational studies of turbulent flame dynamics. Furthermore, the stabilization introduces additional fluid mechanical complexity into the overall combustion process that can complicate the analysis of fundamental flame properties. To circumvent these difficulties we introduce a feedback control algorithm that allows us to computationally stabilize a turbulent premixed flame in a simple geometric configuration. For the simulations, we specify turbulent inflow conditions and dynamically adjust the integrated fueling rate to control the mean location of the flame in the domain. We outline the numerical procedure, and illustrate the behavior of the control algorithm on methane flames at various equivalence ratios in two dimensions. The simulation data are used to study the local variation in the speed of propagation due to flame surface curvature.
Appendix F—A Study in the theory of flood-waves

Synopsis—The hydromechanic equations of a simple flood-wave in a wide rectangular channel are developed and discussed herein. The paper includes: (1) A restatement of the fundamental equations governing a simple flood-wave in a wide rectangular channel; (2) the development and solution of the equations of the roll-wave as a special case of the flood-wave; (3) a discussion of the order of occurrence of the three maxima of mean velocity, flow, and stage-height; (4) the determination of the velocity of a flood-wave as the rate of movement of a constant flow; (5) the determination of the velocity of a flood-wave with small amplitude; (6) the development and solution of the equations of the rising flood-wave. The equation of continuity and motion—The equation of continuity of flow in a wide rectangular channel referred to the coordinate axes, h, x at a time t is (∂;h/∂;t) + h(∂;u/∂;x) + u(∂;h/∂;x) = 0 (1) where u is the mean velocity of a transverse section and t represents the time. For the simple flood‐wave the usual three Euler's equations or motion are reducible to the single equation (∂;u/∂;t) + u(∂;u/∂;x) + g(∂;h/∂;x) = g(s = K u2/h) (2) where g represents the acceleration of gravity, s is the slope of the channel‐bed, and K = (1/C2) (C is Chezy' is coefficient).
Videoconferencing for the pre-operative interaction between patient and surgeon.

We studied the use of videoconferencing for the pre-operative patient-surgeon interaction. Subjects were recruited from otolaryngology patients undergoing surgery at a tertiary hospital. They were randomised to a conventional face-to-face interaction with their surgeon or a videoconference call via tablet computer. Afterwards, subjects and surgeons completed questionnaires about the experience. Various time points in patient flow were also recorded. Thirty-one patients were enrolled and 25 completed the study; five surgeons participated. The mean overall patient satisfaction scores were similar in the face-to-face and videoconferencing groups (9.88 and 9.89, respectively), as were mean interaction times (119 and 82 s, respectively); neither difference was significant. The mean waiting times in the pre-operative holding area were not significantly different between the groups. Surgeons were satisfied with the videoconferencing and 60% indicated they were somewhat likely to incorporate the technology into t...
On neighbor discovery in cognitive radio networks

A cognitive radio node is a radio device capable of operating over multiple channels. As a result, a network consisting of one or more cognitive radio nodes can adapt to varying channel availability in its geographical region by dynamically changing the channel (or channels) nodes are using for communication. We investigate the problem of designing a fast deterministic algorithm for neighbor discovery in an undirected network consisting of one or more cognitive radio nodes when different nodes may have different subsets of channels available for communication at their location. We say that a neighbor discovery algorithm is fast if its time-complexity is polynomial in actual network-size. We prove that it is impossible to devise a fast algorithm to solve the neighbor discovery problem if nodes are neither size-aware nor collision-aware. When nodes are collision-aware, we present a fast algorithm for neighbor discovery with time-complexity of O(pmlogn), where p denotes the actual number of nodes present in the network, n denotes the size of space used for assigning labels to the nodes, and m denotes the number of channels over which nodes can operate. Our algorithm has the desirable property that every node knows when the neighbor discovery has completed and, moreover, all nodes terminate at the same time. When nodes are size-aware, we use a gossiping algorithm for a single-channel network with large labels that was proposed recently to derive a fast adaptive algorithm for neighbor discovery. We also investigate the neighbor discovery problem when the network may be directed. Finally, we describe a way to speed up neighbor discovery when nodes are collision-aware and channel availability sets of neighboring nodes do not vary significantly.
Recent developments in the surgical treatment of mitral stenosis

Summary Because the closed operative procedures for alleviation of mitral stenosis usually amount only to partial sectioning of a fibrous stricture, reestablishment of the valvular obstruction at a later date is extremely likely if the patient lives long enough. It requires an average of 4 years for this to occur. Secondary operations are notoriously fraught with greatly increased surgical risks. Serious grades of mitral insufficiency are created during the course of a closed operation more often than is generally appreciated. Although many of these patients do well for a time, nearly all of them eventually die as a result of this complication. The difficulties sometimes attendant upon recognizing coexistent mitral regurgitation preoperatively, the ever present possibility of encountering unrecognized intra-atrial thrombosis, and the frequent coexistence of other valvular lesions strongly call for an open operative approach so that these complications can be managed properly whenever met. When the closed procedures for mitral stenosis are employed these serious pitfalls impose, in aggregate, a shockingly high hidden late additional mortality upon the seemingly low initial operative risk. On the other hand, the rather moderate mortality presently associated with primary open surgery for mitral stenosis would seem to comprise the total “price” to be paid for the definitive and final correction of this lesion. Since we feel that even this “price” can be reduced significantly as experience increases in this field, it appears to us that there will be less and less justification for the older “blind” operative procedures in the future.
Locally-corrected spectral methods and overdetermined elliptic systems

We present fast locally-corrected spectral methods for linear constant-coefficient elliptic systems of partial differential equations in d-dimensional periodic geometry. First, arbitrary second-order elliptic systems are converted to overdetermined first-order systems. Overdetermination preserves ellipticity, while first-order systems eliminate mixed derivatives, resolve convection-diffusion conflicts, and simplify derivative computations. Second, a periodic fundamental solution is derived by Fourier analysis and mollified for rapid convergence, independent of the regularity of the elliptic problem. Third, a new Ewald summation technique for first-order elliptic systems locally corrects the mollified solution to achieve high-order accuracy. We also discuss second-kind boundary integral equations based on single layer potentials formed with the mollified and corrected fundamental solution, which form a useful toolkit for solving general elliptic boundary value problems in general domains. The resulting spectral methods provide highly accurate solutions and derivatives for periodic problems.
Bare-sticks and rebellion: The drivers and implications of China's reemerging sex imbalance

Abstract At several points throughout the history of Chinese civilization there has been a sizable sex ratio imbalance in which males vastly outnumber females. This surplus of males has been constituted primarily by poor, unmarried men known as “bare-sticks” (guanggun). Driven by a socio-cultural preference for sons and facilitated by sex-specific infanticide and infant neglect, the growth of the bare-sticks population in imperial China had serious implications for rural rebellion. The bare-stick population served as a major constituency for violent revolt in a number of major uprisings, many of which were directly related to securing fundamental natural resources and the survival of subsistence communities. After a hiatus during the Maoist period, China’s bare-sticks are making a forceful comeback due to a variety of factors including the endurance of the traditional son preference, restrictive fertility policies, a dearth of retirement options for the country’s increasingly large elderly population, and the introduction of prenatal sex-determining technologies like the ultrasound. Most importantly, as modern China continues down the path of rapid economic growth that has blighted natural resource quality for the last 30 years, the social implications of the re-emergence of the bare-sticks are magnified.
Can supplements help meet the micronutrient needs of the developing world

Supplementation has many potential advantages over fortification and dietary approaches for improving micronutrient intake. Pregnant and lactating women and infants are most likely to benefit from supplementation. Recent experience with vitamin A supplementation in young children has proved to be remarkably successful. Demonstrated efficacy of vitamin A supplements for improved child survival in many settings and a technical consensus on how to implement interventions were major factors in achieving this success. Bilateral and UN agencies worked together so that in 1999 80 % of children under 5 years of age in the least-developed countries received a vitamin A capsule in the last 6 months. At least one million child lives saved were associated with the increase in coverage in the last 2 years of the 1990s. Experience with Fe-folate supplements has not been as successful. Whilst a technical consensus has been reached on how to implement programmes to control Fe deficiency, the lack of convincing evidence of efficacy of Fe-folate supplements in terms of maternal and child survival outcomes has undoubtedly contributed to the limited pursuit of effective action. A new multiple micronutrient supplement for use amongst women of reproductive age in developing countries has been formulated. UNICEF is employing the supplement in programmes aimed at helping to prevent low birth weight. The new supplement is likely to be more efficacious than Fe-folate supplements for both maternal and child survival and development outcomes. Successful completion of rigorous efficacy trials will be critical for creating the political support needed to achieve universal coverage.
Alterations in enzyme activity in tumors and the implications for chemotherapy

Abstract Adenosine deaminase, an enzyme widely distributed in mammalian tissues, can deaminate the analogs of adenosine, 9-β- d -arabinofuranosyladenine (Ara-A) and 9-β- d -Xylofuranosyladenine (Xyl-A). The levels of this deaminase in a spectrum of experimental neoplasms varied widely. Those neoplasms in which the deaminase was largely “deleted” were responsive to treatment with Ara-A or Xyl-A at doses that did not appreciably affect the normal tissues, presumably because the latter were protected by higher levels of adenosine deaminase. The means by which neoplasms suffer this “deletion” is not evident. It is suggested that they be tested for capacity to be “induced” to increased enzyme levels. Tissues from species to species and from one tissue to another in the same species differ in the relative rate at which they deaminated adenosine and Ara-A or Xyl-A. The α- and β-anomers of 2′-deoxythioguanosine were incubated with extracts of mammalian tissues. It appears that normal tissues and neoplasms converted the β-anomer to nucleotide form. Normal tissues did not phosphorylate α-anomer, but some neoplasms can do so. Experimental tumors able to phosphorylate α-anomer were inhibited, without host toxicity. This changed substrate specificity may have value for the chemotherapy of selected neoplasms. The spectrum of neoplasms tested varied greatly in substrate specificity in regard to these two nucleoside anomers. No explanation for the phenomenon is yet available.
Multi-scale superquadric fitting for efficient shape and pose recovery of unknown objects

Rapidly acquiring the shape and pose information of unknown objects is an essential characteristic of modern robotic systems in order to perform efficient manipulation tasks. In this work, we present a framework for 3D geometric shape recovery and pose estimation from unorganized point cloud data. We propose a low latency multi-scale voxelization strategy that rapidly fits superquadrics to single view 3D point clouds. As a result, we are able to quickly and accurately estimate the shape and pose parameters of relevant objects in a scene. We evaluate our approach on two datasets of common household objects collected using Microsoft's Kinect sensor. We also compare our work to the state of the art and achieve comparable results in less computational time. Our experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of our approach.
Application of the Cecil-Culp repair for treatment of urethrocutaneous fistulas after hypospadias surgery

Abstract Objectives. To present our technique and results using a modification of the Cecil-Culp technique of hypospadias repair in a select group of boys with urethrocutaneous fistula during a 6-year period. Urethrocutaneous fistula remains the most common complication of hypospadias repair. Coverage of suture lines with vascularized tissue is thought to decrease fistula formation. Methods. Between 1994 and 1999, 15 boys with hypospadias fistula underwent repair with a modified two-stage Cecil technique. The records were reviewed with respect to age, type of original hypospadias repair, number of previous fistulas, location of the fistulas, and complications. Results. The average age at the time of the first stage of fistula repair was 3.5 years (range 1.8 to 6.0). Five, four, and two patients had undergone one, two, and three previous fistula repairs, respectively. Four boys in this series had deficient penile skin at the time of their first fistula repair. Most had one fistula at the time of the Cecil repair, including eight at the corona, four along the penile shaft, and three in a more proximal location. No patients had a recurrent fistula, with an average follow-up of 21 months (range 1 to 62). Conclusions. Boys with recurrent fistula, despite previous fistula repair, and deficient penile skin present a technical reconstructive challenge. The modified Cecil technique for fistula repair takes advantage of penile mobility to place it in a scrotal location, ensuring excellent vascularized tissue coverage. Although this technique requires a brief second-stage operation, no recurrent fistula has occurred in any of our patients.
Fumonisin B1 Alters Sphingolipid Metabolism and Disrupts the Barrier Function of Endothelial Cells in Culture

Fumonisins are responsible for at least two diseases of veterinary importance (equine leukoencephalomalacia and porcine pulmonary edema) and are carcinogenic for experimental animals and, perhaps, humans. They have been found to disrupt sphingolipid metabolism in many types of cells, including hepatocytes, neurons, and renal cells. In this study, endothelial cells from porcine pulmonary arteries were cultured on micropore filters as a model for the endothelial barrier, and barrier function was quantitated as the movement of albumin across the endothelial monolayers. Fumonisin B1 increased the amount of free sphinganine by 20- to 30-fold within 3 hr, as expected for inhibition of sphinganine (sphingosine) N-acyltransferase by this mycotoxin. At 30 to 50 μM, fumonisin B1 doubled the rate of albumin transfer across endothelial monolayers; however, there was no loss of cell viability based on morphology or trypan blue exclusion. When 15 μM D-erythro-sphinganine was added to the cells, the rate of albumin transfer also doubled (after 24 hr incubation) without a loss of viability; however, this treatment increased the cellular level of sphinganine by > 100-fold. Addition of 25 μM sphinganine caused even greater albumin transfer, but also resulted in significant cell death. These results establish that fumonisin B1 and D-erythro-sphinganine allow accelerated passage of macromolecules across the endothelium. Fumonisin B1 alters sphingolipid biosynthesis with an elevation of sphinganine in the cells which may, at least in part, explain the observed disruption of endothelial barrier function.
Diarrheal Mortality in US Infants Influence of Birth Weight on Risk Factors for Death

Objectives To examine diarrhea-associated deaths among very low-birth-weight (VLBW) ( Design Retrospective analyses of linked infant and birth death data on diarrhea of all causes compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga. Patients Infants aged 27 days through 11 months who died with diarrhea. Setting United States, 1991. Results A majority (56%, n=143) of the 257 diarrhea-associated deaths reported among US infants in 1991 occurred among VLBW infants. Compared with LNBW infants, VLBW infants had a 100-fold greater diarrheal mortality (269 deaths per 100000 live births for VLBW infants vs 2.8 deaths per 100000 live births for LNBW infants), died at a younger age, and more often died in the hospital. Diarrhea-associated deaths among VLBW infants were strongly associated with prematurity and a low 1-minute Apgar score whereas African American race, less maternal education, and a low 1-minute Apgar score were associated with increased diarrheal mortality among LNBW infants. Conclusions Infants of VLBW are at an increased risk for diarrheal deaths and new efforts are required to understand and improve the diagnosis of and therapy for diarrhea among these infants. For LNBW infants, diarrheal deaths remain a social problem and efforts need to focus on improved education and home-based rehydration therapy for children whose mothers fit the high-risk profile and who may lack adequate access to health care.
Simple star removal for scanning passive sensors

The most familiar method of star removal for a scanning space surveillance sensor uses a permanent Sky Catalog Comparison in which the location in inertial coordinates of each object above threshold TH is checked against the catalog. If that location has a catalog star, the object is removed. The catalog limit is at a lower threshold, TL, than the threshold of stars to be removed, TH. The primary method proposed here, method A, "Prior Scan Comparison," is similar to the Sky Catalog Comparison, except that the comparison catalog is simply the prior scan at threshold TL. (That small portion of the current scan not viewed on the prior scan uses the following scan for comparison.) The resulting simplicity is significant, inasmuch as just two scans are involved, large amounts of storage and retrieval are avoided, and no catalog updates are required. Since asteroids do not move appreciably in inertial coordinates from scan to scan, asteroids that would leak through the Sky Catalog Comparison method are removed by this method. There are three constraints on the high and low thresholds used by the Prior Scan Comparison method to ensure an acceptable star leakage rate, target detection rate, and target loss rate due to star search boxes. Under extreme conditions, it may not be possible to satisfy constraints simply by adjusting the two threshold values, particularly when the noise has an abnormal, heavy tailed (platykurtic) distribution. Under such conditions, modifications of this algorithm may be necessary. Two such modified algorithms are described as methods B and C. Both are still much simpler than the permanent Star Catalog method.
Involvement of Tcf/Lef in establishing cell types along the animal-vegetal axis of sea urchins

Members of the Tcf/Lef family interact with β-catenin to activate programs of gene expression during development. Recently β-catenin was shown to be essential for establishing cell fate along the animal-vegetal axis of the sea urchin embryo. To examine the role of Tcf/Lef in sea urchins we cloned a Strongylocentrotus purpuratus Tcf/Lef homolog. Expression of SpTcf/Lef was maximal when β-catenin became localized to nuclei of vegetal blastomeres, consistent with its acting in combination with β-catenin to specify vegetal cell fates. Expression of a dominant-negative SpTcf/Lef inhibited primary and secondary mesenchyma, endoderm, and aboral ectoderm formation in a manner similar to that observed when nuclear accumulation of β-catenin was prevented. Our results suggest that SpTcf/Lef functions by interacting with β-catenin to specify cell fates along the sea urchin animal-vegetal axis.
Universally balanced photonic interferometers

A new general class of optical interferometers is proposed, and the physical principle of their operation is explained. They split the spectrum entering one input port among the interferometer arms in an arbitrarily chosen wavelength- and/or time-dependent manner but guarantee broadband constructive interference into a single output port by symmetry. The design relies only on time reversibility of Maxwell's equations and a phase condition that holds for lossless, reflectionless four-ports. As an application, a new Vernier scheme is proposed to multiply the tuning and free spectral range of microphotonic add-drop filters. It provides effective suppression of both the amplitude and the phase response of unwanted resonant passbands.
Deadwood, Generic Transformation, and Televisual History

Abstract This article explores how Deadwood (HBO, 2004–2006) revises the relationship between televisual history and the television Western. It argues that Deadwood, in reinventing the Western as a “quality television” series, self-consciously undermines the generic conventions of the television Western and reconceptualizes the epistemological status of the Western genre.
Effects of copper(II) and iron(II) doping on the bound electronic states in the ``one-dimensional'' semiconductor Magnus' green salt

Abstract EPR and conductivity measurements on the “one-dimensional” semiconductor Magnus' Green Salt doped with Fe or Cu impurities are described. It is found that the introduction of these impurities causes significantly higher localization of the previously identified d z 2 holes.
Force constant displays of unsymmetric molecular isotopes of H2O, H2S, H2Se, and HCCH

Abstract The results of normal coordinate calculations can be presented in the form of “force constant displays”, the loci of all possible solutions. The intersections of the loci for isotopically substituted molecules identify a “best” solution. The value of such displays is evaluated and demonstrated with the data for H2O, H2S, H2Se, and HCCH. The displays derived from both experimental frequencies (ν's) and harmonic frequencies (ωe's are examined. In general, the partially deuterated, unsymmetric isotopic molecule is more useful in determining potential functions than is the completely deuterated species. The significance and relative effectiveness of various error-weighting functions in normal coordinate iterative programs are demonstrated. The displays generally determine the principal force constants to better than 5%, but the off diagonal force constants must be interpreted with care.
Olympic records for data at the 1998 Nagano games

The 1998 Nagano Olympic games had more intensive demands on data management than any previous Olympics in history. This talk will take you behind the scenes to talk about the technical challenges and the architectures that made it possible to handle 4.5 Terabytes of data and sustain a total of almost 650 million web requests, reaching a peak of over 103K per minute. We will discuss the overall structure of the most comprehensive and heavily used Internet technology application in history. Many products were involved, both hardware and software, but this talk will focus in on the database and web challenges, the technology that made it possible to support this tremendous workload. High availability, data integrity, high performance, support of both SMPs and clustered architectures were among the features and functions that were critical. We will cover the Olympic Results System, the Commentator Information System, Info '98, Games Management, and the Olympic web site that made this information available to the Internet community. The speaker will be Ed Lassettre, IBM Fellow, and a key member of IBM's Olympic team.
Genetic variations in midbrain dopamine cell number: parallel with differences in responses to dopaminergic agonists and in naturalistic behaviors mediated by central dopaminergic systems.

Abstract Mice of the inbred strain BALB/cJ have more midbrain dopaminergic cell bodies and greater activity of the catecholamine-synthesizing enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), in the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic systems than mice of the CBA/J strain. This difference in cell number and TH activity in the midbrain dopaminergic systems are paralleled by differences in drug responses and behaviors which are dependent on the release of dopamine in midbrain dopaminergic systems. BALB/cJ mice showed greater locomotion and stereotypy than CBA/J mice after d -amphetamine (2–20 mg/kg, i.p.). There was no difference in the amount of amphetamine accumulated in brain at the peak of drug response or in the duration of drug effect, suggesting that the differences in behavioral effect were not due to strain differences in pharmacokinetic distribution of the drug. In contrast to the greater stereotypy to d -amphetamine, BALB/cJ mice showed less stereotypy after apomorphine (2–10 mg/kg, i.p.) than CBA/J mice. BALB/cJ mice also showed more exploration than CBA/J mice, measured as locomotion and rearing in a novel open field and investigation of a novel object. Genetically determined differences in the number of midbrain dopaminergic cell bodies and in the relative density of innervation of DA terminals in target fields and in TH activity in the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic systems are paralleled by differences in behavioral responses mediated by release of dopamine. The number of cells of a particular neurochemical class may dictate the magnitude of behaviors, drug-induced or spontaneous, mediated by those neurons.
Resource utilization and disability outcome assessment of combat casualties from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

OBJECTIVES: Injuries are common during combat operations. The high costs of extremity injuries both in resource utilization and disability are well known in the civilian sector. We hypothesized that, similarly, combat-related extremity injuries, when compared with other injures from the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, require the largest percentage of medical resources, account for the greatest number of disabled soldiers, and have greater costs of disability benefits. DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiologic study and cost analysis. METHODS: The Department of Defense Medical Metrics (M2) database was queried for the hospital admissions and billing data of a previously published cohort of soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan between October 2001 and January 2005 and identified from the Joint Theater Trauma Registry. The US Army Physical Disability Administration database was also queried for Physical Evaluation Board outcomes for these soldiers, allowing calculation of disability benefit cost. Primary body region injured was assigned using billing records that gave a primary diagnosis International Classification of Diseases Ninth Edition code, which was corroborated with Joint Theater Trauma Registry injury mechanisms and descriptions for accuracy. RESULTS: A total of 1333 soldiers had complete admission data and were included from 1566 battle injuries not returned to duty of 3102 total casualties. Extremity-injured patients had the longest average inpatient stay at 10.7 days, accounting for 65% of the $65.3-million total inpatient resource utilization, 64% of the 464 patients found "unfit for duty," and 64% of the $170-million total projected disability benefit costs. Extrapolation of data yields total disability costs for this conflict, approaching $2 billion. CONCLUSIONS: Combat-related extremity injuries require the greatest utilization of resources for inpatient treatment in the initial postinjury period, cause the greatest number of disabled soldiers, and have the greatest projected disability benefit costs. This study highlights the need for continued or increased funding and support for military orthopaedic surgeons and extremity trauma research efforts. Language: en
Sequencing in a connectionist model of language processing

Recent research suggests that human language processing can be profitably viewed in terms of the spread of activation through a network of simple processing units. Decision making in connectionist modcls such as these is distributed and consists in selections made from sets of mutually inhibiting candidate items which are activated on the basis of input features. In these models, however, there is the problem, especially for generation, of obtaining sequential behavior from an essentially parallel process. The thrust of this paper is that sequencing can also be modelled as a process of competition between candidates activated on the basis of input features. In the case of sequencing, the competition concerns which of a set of pharse constituents will appear in a particular output position. This account allows output ordering to arise out of the interaction of syntactic with semantic and pragmatic factors, as seems to be the case for human language generation. The paper describes a localized connectionist model of language generation, focusing on the representation and use of sequencing information. We also show how these same sequencing representations and mechanisms are usable in parsing as well.
Importance of stimulation paradigm in determining facilitation and effects of neuromodulation.

Evoked synaptic activity within the CNS and at the neuromuscular junction in most in vivo preparations studied occurs not with single isolated stimuli, but with trains, or bursts, of stimuli. Although for ease in studying the mechanisms of vesicular synaptic transmission one often uses single discrete stimuli, the true mechanisms in the animal may be far more complex. When repetitive stimuli are present at a nerve terminal, often a heightened (i.e., facilitated) postsynaptic potential can be as a result. Facilitation is commonly used as an index of synaptic function and plasticity induced by chronic stimulation or by neuromodulation. The mechanisms that give rise to facilitation are thought to be the same that may underlie short-term learning and memory [C.H. Bailey, E.R. Kandel, Structural changes accompanying memory storage. Annu. Rev. Physiol. 55 (1993) 397-426.]. Differences in short term facilitation (STF) are seen depending on the conventional stimulation paradigm (twin pulse, train, or continuous) used to induce facilitation. Thus, a battery of paradigms should be used to characterize synaptic function to obtain a closer understanding of the possible in vivo conditions.
Ectoparasite loads in free-ranging northern fence lizards, Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus : effects of testosterone and sex

More knowledge of the proximate factors that influence parasite loads would help us understand the selective pressures faced by hosts and host-parasite evolution. Testosterone has been associated with increased parasite loads in vertebrates. Here we asked whether experimentally elevated testosterone affected ectoparasite loads in free-ranging northern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus). Males were captured, given testosterone or sham implants, and released. In 2 consecutive years, testosterone-implanted males had significantly more ectoparasites at recapture than did controls. Additionally, ectoparasite loads were positively correlated with testosterone concentrations in unmanipulated males, and males had significantly more ectoparasites than did females. The results are consistent with an effect of testosterone on parasite loads. However, rather than elevated testosterone increasing mite loads in experimental males, it appeared that high testosterone inhibited a natural seasonal decline in mite loads. Testosterone-implanted males also lost body mass whereas controls gained mass. Among controls, those retaining the most ectoparasites over the course of the experiment experienced the smallest gains in body mass, suggesting that the mites are costly.
Care coordination for CSHCN: associations with family-provider relations and family/child outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between receiving adequate care coordination (CC) with family-provider relations and family/child outcomes. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs. Eligible subjects were the 88% of families asked about experience with CC, service use, and communication. Respondents also reported on demographic characteristics, health status, family-provider relations, and family/child outcomes. Weighted, multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess independent associations of adequate CC with outcomes. RESULTS: Among families with children with special health care needs asked about CC, 68.2% reported receiving some type of CC help. Of these, 59.2% reported receiving adequate CC help, and 40.8% reported inadequate CC. Families that reported adequate compared with inadequate CC had increased odds of receiving family-centered care, experiencing partnerships with professionals, and satisfaction with services. They had decreased odds of having problems with referrals for specialty care, missing >6 school days because of illness (previous year), and visiting the emergency department more than twice in the previous 12 months (P CONCLUSIONS: Parental report of adequate CC was associated with favorable family-provider relations and family/child outcomes. Additional efforts are needed to discern which aspects of CC are most beneficial and for which subgroups of children with special health care needs.
Parasites of eastern oysters from subtidal reefs in a Louisiana estuary with a note on their use as indicators of water quality

A 12-month parasitological study in-volved examination of 1,242 eastern oysters,Crassostrea virginica, from two hydrologically different subtidal reefs in Calcasieu Lake, Louisiana. No evidence of morbidity attributed to infection with the protozoanPerkinsus marinus was detected among oysters at either site. Most oysters from the higher salinity site had shells infested with boring sponges,Cliona truitti. Oysters from both sites harbored infections with sporocysts and cercariae of the digenetic trematode,Bucephalus cuculus. However, average monthly incidence of infection was less than 0.5%.
Association of secondhand smoke exposures with DNA methylation in bladder carcinomas

Background The association between secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and bladder cancer is inconclusive. Epigenetic alterations in bladder tumors have been linked to primary cigarette smoking and could add to the biological plausibility of an association between SHS exposure and bladder cancer.
Spatial regulation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase during chemotactic cell migration

Historically, the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) has a paradoxical role in cell motility, having been shown to both facilitate and inhibit actin cytoskeletal dynamics and cell migration. In an effort to understand this dichotomy, we show here that PKA is regulated in subcellular space during cell migration. Immunofluorescence microscopy and biochemical enrichment of pseudopodia showed that type II regulatory subunits of PKA and PKA activity are enriched in protrusive cellular structures formed during chemotaxis. This enrichment correlates with increased phosphorylation of key cytoskeletal substrates for PKA, including the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and the protein tyrosine phosphatase containing a PEST motif. Importantly, inhibition of PKA activity or its ability to interact with A kinase anchoring proteins inhibited the activity of the Rac GTPase within pseudopodia. This effect correlated with both decreased guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity and increased GTPase activating protein activity. Finally, inhibition of PKA anchoring, like inhibition of total PKA activity, inhibited pseudopod formation and chemotactic cell migration. These data demonstrate that spatial regulation of PKA via anchoring is an important facet of normal chemotactic cell movement.
A method for determining spectroscopic and thermodynamic constants for simple equilibrium systems

Abstract Here is given a method for determining contributions by each component to the absorption spectrum for a system, X + Y k ⇄ Z where X, Y and Z may absorb light at the same wavelengths. The concentration of Y must be much larger than that of X ; and X, Y and Z each must obey Beer's law. Applications of this method are mentioned. Molar extinction coefficients for X, Y and Z , and κ are calculated from absorption spectra data at different concentrations.
Chemokines and their role in disease

Chemokines appear to play a role in disease progression at multiple levels. They originally were described as mediators of leukocyte recruitment and activation. However, recent evidence suggests that they can also alter the outcome of the immune response by altering the cytokine profile of a response. The true nature of the influence that chemokines have upon a particular response and the identification of critical chemokines as therapeutic targets can only be determined by thorough analysis of appropriate responses in animal models. Because of the diversity of chemokine production, the number and type of chemokines, and the permiscuous binding pattern for multiple receptors, the identification and elucidation of mechanisms will be difficult. Future studies into the function of chemokines should investigate the specific functions of individual chemokines during various phases of disease. Only then can their true functions be elucidated.
Interpersonal counsellor qualities: Their effect on client improvement

Abstract Recent analyses of client improvement suggest that it is related to three inter-personal counsellor qualities: (a) empathy — the ability of the counsellor to grasp the meanings, needs and hierarchies of the client's world as if it were his own; (b) genuineness — honesty and openness; and (c) non-possessive warmth — a care for and valuing of the client, functioning to preserve the client's dignity. These three core conditions are examined, and their implications for counselling research and practice are discussed.
Sexually transmitted infections of the anus and rectum

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a significant public health concern. Several STIs, once thought to be on the verge of extinction, have recently reemerged. This change is thought to be partially related to an increase in STIs of the anus and rectum. Importantly, the global human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic has contributed to the emergence of particular anorectal lesions that require specialized approaches. In this report, we review common anorectal STIs that are frequently referred to colorectal surgeons in the United States. Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management are summarized, including the latest treatment recommendations. The particularity of anorectal diseases in HIV/AIDS is addressed, along with recent trends in anal cytology and human papillomavirus vaccination.
Ligand-centered luminescence and deactivation by ligand field states in alizarin complexes

Abstract The red/near-infrared emission spectra of alizarin (1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone), the potassium salt of alizarin and the aluminum and zinc complexes of alizarin in the solid state are reported. The emission is assigned to an alizarin localized transition from an in plane non-bonding orbital delocalized over the anthraquinone nucleus to a predominantly π* quinone CO acceptor orbital (nπ* ligand localized excited state). The cobalt, nickel and copper complexes do not emit from their nπ* excited state. In these complexes, metal centered dd excited states which lie lower in energy than the ligand localized nπ* state effectively deactivate the luminescence.
An experimental investigation into hydraulic fracture propagation under different applied stresses in tight sands using acoustic emissions

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing is crucial in unlocking tight gas and shale gas and oil resources. The success of any hydraulic fracture depends on the fracture dimensions and proppant placement. Microseismicity (MS) is now a common mapping hydraulic fracture technique. In this paper, we report on the acoustic emission (AE) monitoring during laboratory hydraulic fracture studies conducted on Lyons sandstone samples under different applied external stress. We compute AE hypocenter locations, analyze event frequency content and compute focal mechanisms (FMS). Shear failure reflected in the focal mechanism is more common than tensile failure. AE locations agree well with visual expression of fractures intersection on the sample surface. Fracture orientation and development is controlled by the direction and magnitude of applied stresses. Below a critical stress magnitude, the sample inhomogeneities control the hydraulic fracture development. At lower stresses, the hypocenters indicate a greater stimulated reservoir volume, suggesting stage spacing should consider the magnitudes of in-situ stresses. The sequential acoustic emission activity is found to be episodic and discretized implying fracture propagation is not a simple continuum. SEM fracture morphology studies document a complex and non-planar development of the hydraulic fractures, affirming shearing consistent with the FMS. Furthermore, SEM imaging suggests a surface area creation far more than simple planar models would imply.
Comments on the optimal use of aminoglycosides

Abstract The emphasis in aminoglycoside therapy should be obtaining an adequate peak and avoiding any measurable through concentration. This can best be done by dosing these agents every 12 hours or even once per day. There may be occasions when more frequent dosing is needed such as in burn patients or cystic fibrosis patients. The aminoglycoside should be infused over a 30 minute period to avoid neuromuscular toxicity. Neutropenic patients should have an appropriate β-lactam agent added to their aminoglycoside. This approach is currently being used. Even with a single, large daily dose, aminoglycosides are effective with minimal toxic effects.
FixD : Fault Detection, Bug Reporting, and Recoverability for Distributed Applications

Model checking, logging, debugging, and checkpointing/recovery are great tools to identify bugs in small sequential programs. The direct application of these techniques to the domain of distributed applications, however, has been less effective (mostly owing to the high degree of concurrency in this context). This paper presents the design of a hybrid tool, FixD, that attempts to address the deficiencies of these tools with respect to their application to distributed systems by using a novel composition of several of these existing techniques. The authors first identify and describe the four abstract components that comprise the FixD tool, then conclude with a proposal for how existing tools can be used to implement these components.
Treatment and outcome of chronic daily headache

Chronic daily headache (CDH) refers to the daily or almost daily occurrence of headache for a prolonged period of time, with lack of a well-defined attack pattern. It constitutes the vast majority of daily headaches. Hemicrania continua, a condition that closely resembles CDH, will be discussed as part of this article because the two are difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish solely on the basis of their presentations.
The effects of deuterium oxide on bacteria

The growth of several strains of bacteria was inhibited by D2O-media. The degree of inhibition was strain specific. The incorporation of 0.5% NaCl (w/v) to the D2O-medium decreased the inhibition of growth. No adaptation to better growth in deuterium was obtained in any of the strains tested; however a deuterium resistant mutant was obtained from one strain. Two strains tested formed enlarged, distorted cells when grown for more than eight generations in D2O-media. Cells grown in D2O-media and washed and resuspended in H2O-0.85% NaCl (w/v), were up to sixty times more sensitive to ultraviolet irradiation than control cells. Deuterium induces the occurrence of forward mutants in some strains. Many loci, but not all, showed an increase in the back-mutation rate over the spontaneous level, indicating some specificity of action by deuterium. Deuterated bases, obtained from a strain grown in D2O-medium, did not induce any phenotypic or genotypic effects when supplied to specific baserequiring strains. The amout of deuterium incorporated into the bacteria may be related to the mutagenic effect induced. The genotypic and phenotypic effects induced by deuterium are probably the result of an overall isotope effect.