cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tissue-Engineered Neo-Urinary Conduit from Decellularized Trachea.

Decellularized tissues have been increasingly popular for constructing scaffolds for tissue engineering applications due to their beneficial biological compositions and mechanical properties. It is therefore natural to consider decellularized trachea for construction of tissue-engineered trachea, as well as other tubular organs. A Neo-Urinary Conduit (NUC) is such a tubular organ that works as a passage for urine removal in bladder cancer patients who need a urinary diversion after their diseased bladder is removed. In this study, we report our findings on the feasibility of using a decellularized trachea for NUC applications. As a NUC scaffold, decellularized trachea provides benefits of having not only naturally occurring biological components but also having sufficient mechanical properties and structural integrity. We, therefore, decellularized rabbit trachea, evaluated its mechanical performance, and investigated its ability to support in vitro growth of human smooth muscle cells (hSMCs) and human ur...
Respiratory Impedance Values in Adults Are Relatively Insensitive to Mead Model Lung Compliance and Chest Wall Compliance Parameters

Impulse Oscillometry (IOS) measures respiratory resistance and reactance from 5 to 35 Hz. These data were obtained from 2 groups of adults enrolled in a study of IOS compared to other lung function testing methods: 1 group of 10 adults with no identifiable respiratory disease and 1 group of 10 adults with varying degrees of COPD. We used Mead’s model of the respiratory system to derive parameter estimates of central inertance (I), central and peripheral resistances (R c , R p ), and lung, chest wall, bronchial, and extrathoracic compliances (C l , C w , C b , C e ) by least-squares-optimal fitting to the IOS data. This procedure typically produced multiple optimal solutions, with estimates ofC l and ofC w that varied by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude and were several orders of magnitude larger than expected physiological values, up to 8.6x105 L/kPa for C l and 2.6x105 L/kPa for C w . We then performed constrained optimization of normal adult data with both C l and C w parameters fixed at 2 L/kPa, which produced a group-averaged LS error that was 19.3% larger than for unconstrained optimization: R c , I, R p , C b and C e parameters changed by 0.99%, 1.76%, 22.0%, 11.9% and 10.6%, respectively. Constrained optimization of the COPD adults data with the C w fixed at 2 L/kPa and C l fixed first at 1.5 L/kPa and then at 1.1 L/kPa produced group-averaged LS errors that were 23.8% larger and 23.6% larger, respectively, than for unconstrained optimization: R c , I, R p , C b and C e parameters changed by 2.12%, 4.88%, 18.5%, 6.46% and 25.5%, respectively, for C l = 1.5 L/kPa; they changed by 1.64%, 4.30%, 18.4%, 6.64% and 18.5%, respectively, for C l = 1.1 L/kPa, all relative to the unconstrained case. We conclude that the Mead model’s impedance and its parameter estimates for normal and COPD adults are relatively insensitive to the C l and C w parameters.
The Effect of Formal Training on Employment Duration

This paper uses data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to estimate the effects of formal training on employment duration. Using an approach meant to distinguish between training as an unconditional investment and training as an outcome conditional on the quality of the job match, I find that on-site training received early in an employment spell--before the quality of a job match is likely to have been fully revealed--results in significantly longer employment spells, particularly for men.
Experimental Evidence for the Carcinogenicity of Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollutants

The role of air pollution in human lung cancer has been difficult to assess or quantitate due to the many confounding exposures and factors that influence human cancer (see the chapters by Pershagen and Simonato in this volume). This is especially true for cancers of the respiratory tract where the vast majority of cancers have been related to cigarette smoking. Much of our understanding of the potential human risk from air pollution is derived from experimental cancer studies on both individual chemicals and mixtures of air pollutants [1]. This chapter discusses the experimental evidence for the carcinogenicity of air pollutants in long-term animal cancer studies and from short-term bioassays. The evidence is organised and discussed in three categories of exposures: a) individual chemicals found as air pollutants (e.g., formaldehyde), b) mixtures emitted from air pollution sources (e.g., automotive emissions, tobacco smoke, and industrial sources), and c) mixtures of air pollution taken from ambient indoor air or outdoor air (e.g., urban air particulate matter).
Accelerating Firewalls: Tools, Techniques and Metrics for Optimizing Distributed Enterprise Firewalls

The overall efficiency, reliability, and availability of firewalls are crucial in enforcing and administering security, especially when the network is under attack. These challenges require new designs, architecture and algorithms to optimize firewalls. Contrary to a list-based structure, a de-centralized (hierarchical) design leads to efficient organization of rule-sets, thereby significantly increasing the performance of the firewall. The objective is to transform the original list-based rule-set into more efficient and manageable structures, in order to improve the performance of firewalls. The main features of this approach are the hierarchical design, rule-set transformation approaches, online traffic adaptation mechanisms, and a strong reactive scheme to counter malicious attacks (e.g. Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks [1]).
The Cost of Trauma Team Activation for Low Risk Pediatric Motor Vehicle Collisions

Purpose Pediatric trauma care accounts for a significant portion of medical spending in the United States. Previous literature has shown that trauma team activation may not improve patient outcomes, especially for low risk injuries. This study aimed to estimate the costs and resource utilization associated with trauma team activation for low risk pediatric motor vehicle collisions (MVC). Methods This was a retrospective cross sectional study of all pediatric patients presenting for evaluation after an MVC at a large, urban pediatric emergency department (ED) with a level 1 trauma …
Fundamental-frequency discrimination based on temporal-envelope cues: Effects of bandwidth and interference

Both music and speech perception rely on hearing out one pitch in the presence of others. Pitch discrimination of narrowband sounds based only on temporal-envelope cues is rendered nearly impossible by introducing interferers in both normal-hearing listeners and cochlear-implant (CI) users. This study tested whether performance improves in normal-hearing listeners if the target is presented over a broad spectral region. The results indicate that performance is still strongly affected by spectrally remote interferers, despite increases in bandwidth, suggesting that envelope-based pitch is unlikely to allow CI users to perceive pitch when multiple harmonic sounds are presented at once.
Three certified sugar reference materials for carbon isotope delta measurements.

Rationale For isotope delta analysis, it is preferable to have at least two matrix-matched reference materials whose isotope delta values encompass those of the samples to be analyzed. The National Research Council Canada (NRC) has developed three sugar Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), BEET-1 (beet sugar), GALT-1 (galactose), and FRUT-1 (fructose), to be collectively used for carbon isotope delta measurements in sugars, and other organic materials. Methods All materials were homogenized and packaged in glass ampules. All three sugar materials were analyzed at the NRC using elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA/IRMS). Six additional laboratories also provided EA/IRMS measurements. Data from all laboratories were re-normalized using three international secondary reference materials (IAEA-CH-6, USGS40, and USGS62) included as blind samples in the inter-laboratory comparison, thus providing added quality control and robustness to the study. Results Re-normalized carbon isotope delta values from each laboratory were combined using a random laboratory effects statistical model with accounting of the correlations between the laboratory results due to the use of the same reference materials for calibration. The consensus δ(13 C) values and combined standard uncertainties which include effects due to characterization, homogeneity, and stability for BEET-1, GALT-1, and FRUT-1 are -26.02(7) ‰, -21.41(6) ‰, and -10.98(5) ‰, respectively, on the VPDB scale. Conclusions Three new δ(13 C) sugar CRMs (BEET-1, GALT-1, and FRUT-1) were developed and are available from NRC. These three CRMs can be utilized as a set for daily δ(13 C) scale normalization of sugar-based or other organic materials in order to produce reliable δ(13 C) measurements.
Baylisascaris procyonis Central Nervous System Infection in a Four-Month-Old Gordon Setter Dog

A 16 wk old intact female Gordon setter was examined for a 2 wk history of progressive cerebellovestibular ataxia. Eosinophilia was found on complete blood count, and the remaining blood work was normal. A trial treatment with clindamycin and anti-inflammatory prednisone did not result in improvement of clinical signs; therefore, the dog was euthanized. On histopathologic examination, cross sections of a 75 μm wide nematode larva with a 5 μm cuticle, prominent lateral cords, lateral alae, and coeloemyelian musculature were identified in a focally extensive region of cerebellar necrosis. The size and morphology of the parasites was most consistent with Baylisascaris procyonis. This case highlights a rare but important zoonotic disease that should be considered as a differential diagnosis in any dog exhibiting acute, progressive central nervous system signs, and peripheral eosinophilia. The index of suspicion should be elevated in dogs with an unknown deworming history and known or suspected exposure to raccoons. Because most anthelminthics have been shown to be effective against B. procyonis, annual deworming is recommended in the at-risk population to reduce the likelihood of aberrant migration and zoonosis.
The cross-sectional and longitudinal association between air pollution and salivary cortisol: Evidence from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Abstract Background Cortisol, a stress hormone released by the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, is critical to the body's adaptive response to physiological and psychological stress. Cortisol has also been implicated in the health effects of air pollution through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. This study evaluates the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between several air pollutants and salivary cortisol. Methods We used data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a cohort of 45–85 years old participants from six US cities. Salivary cortisol was evaluated at two time points between 2004 and 2006 and then again from 2010 to 2012. Cortisol samples were taken several times per day on two or three consecutive days. Particulate matter Results The pooled cross-sectional results revealed largely null results with the exception of a 9.7% higher wake-up cortisol associated with a 10 ppb higher NO2 (95% CI, −0.2%, 20.5%). Among all participants, the features of the cortisol curve became flatter over 5 years. The wake-to-bed slope showed a more pronounced flattening over time (0.014, 95% CI, 0.0, 0.03) with a 10 ppb higher NO2 level. Other air pollutants were not associated with change in cortisol over time. Conclusions Our results suggest only a moderate association between traffic related air pollution and cortisol. Very few epidemiologic studies have examined the long-term impact of air pollution on the stress response systems, thus warranting further exploration of these findings.
RACE-SPECIFIC OUTCOMES AFTER LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE IMPLANTATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Racial disparities in outcomes exist among patients with heart failure. Little is known about racial differences in outcomes after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted through September 2019 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and the
Rebuilding, rebranding, and competitive landscapes: a set-theoretic analysis of authoritarian successor parties

This study reevaluates debates over what has allowed authoritarian successor parties (ASPs) to overcome the baggage associated with their past and remain competitive after the Third Wave. Current s...
A Fiberoptic Device Suitable for Subdural Pressure Measurement

The benefit of ICP management has been clearly established in patients with severe brain injury. Elevated ICP above 20 mmHg should be avoided as it has been demonstrated that time above this critical level is correlated with poor outcome [1]. Although the monitoring of intracranial pressure by direct ventricular catheterization as introduced by Janny and Lundberg remains the gold standard, the recent introduction of fibre optic devices (FOD) for measurement of ICP has added a new dimension to ICP monitoring [2, 3]. Parenchymal recordings of ICP are now considered routine in many centers. However, the use of an FOD device in the subdural space and the relationship of subdural FOD pressure to tissue FOD and ventricular fluid pressure (VFP) pressure remains to be clarified. The objective of this study was to evaluate the capability of a highly flexible FOD device (Innerspace Inc. Irvine CA. USA) for measurement of subdural and tissue pressure in cats. A second objective was to determine the ability of parenchymal FOD’s to reflect tissue pressure gradients in response to expansion of an epidural balloon and to determine whether these gradients are sustained.
Online Harassment Among College Students: A Replication Study Incorporating New Internet Trends

Increased time spent online in combination with current Internet trends such as social networking have led to new risks for online harassment. This problem has been given much attention for adolescents, but little has been done to describe the risks of online harassment experienced by young adults, even though they exhibit Internet behavior comparable to adolescents. This study is in part a replication of a previous study that surveyed online harassment within a college population (Finn, 2004). Three questions are addressed: 1.What is the prevalence of online harassment among undergraduate students at a large southwestern university? 2. What is the relationship between the senders and receivers of harassing communications? 3. What are the demographic and computer use variables associated with increased risk of online harassment? A cross-sectional survey was administered to a convenience sample of 420 undergraduates, final response rate was 81.4% (N = 342). Survey questions included items from the Finn (2004) study, and new questions about technological trends. The Finn study reported a 16.2% rate of online harassment compared to 43.3% in the current study. Computer use variables were significant in predicting the likelihood of being harassed online, e.g., time on social networking sites, owning an Internet connected phone, and having ever sent a sext message; overall demographic variables were not significant. Online harassment is an issue deserving attention from researchers, lawmakers, parents, and university communities. Further research should investigate how students are coping with harassment, including reporting practices. Evidenced-based interventions targeting this emerging issue are greatly needed.
Social Change through Financial Innovation: Evidence from Donor-advised Funds

I draw on new data and theory to examine how donor-advised funds (DAFs), a fast-growing philanthropic option, relate to social progress. DAFs are distinguished by flexibility – transforming complex assets, separating the timing of tax breaks from giving decisions, and offering impact investment opportunities. Data on 4,286 unique DAF sponsors reveals that the recent growth is driven by DAFs using modern financial technologies. Estimates indicate these innovative DAFs support social progress by targeting a more inclusive donor base and channeling generosity to charities serving areas with high inequality, in times of greatest financial need, and with more transparent and efficient operations.
One Hospital's Response to the Institute of Medicine Report, "Dying in America".

Abstract Background In response to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, Dying in America, we undertook an institution wide effort to improve the experience of patients and families facing serious illness by engaging leadership and developing a program to promote the practice of generalist palliative care. Intervention We developed a three-part generalist palliative care program that focuses on ( 1 ) instructional design, ( 2 ) advance care planning, and ( 3 ) engagement. Measures The impact of the program was measured with process measures related to its’ three parts. Outcomes Over four years, the program trained 51 interprofessional clinicians in a two-week intensive palliative care course and 1,541 interprofessional clinicians in a 90-150 min skills-based training. Clinicians documented 15,791 serious illness conversations. Zoom community engagement sessions were attended by 411 live viewers, and subsequently, 1918 YouTube views. Additionally, we report on the impact of the COIVD-19 crisis on our efforts. Early in the pandemic, over 2 months, 464 interprofessional clinicians documented 5,168 conversations with patients. Conclusion/Lessons Learned A broad based strategy resulted wide institutional engagement with serious illness care.
Say Hello, Lily By Deborah Lakritz

When five-year-old Lily joins her mother on a volunteer trip to Shalom House, she shyly meets her former neighbor, Mrs. Rosenbaum, in her new home. On their way in, Lily's mother introduces her to ...
Chapter 82 Partners versus Strangers: Random Rematching in Public Goods Experiments

Publisher Summary Simply repeating the game with the same set of subjects may change the nature of equilibrium, since incomplete information about “types” can lead to reputation effects of the sort described in this chapter. A common way to deal with this has been to rematch subjects randomly into groups for each iteration of the game, hence forming a repeated single-shot design and avoiding the repeated-game effects. This chapter tested this question by comparing a set of subjects who played infinitely repeated games with another set who played in a repeated single-shot. Players in the repeated game were called “Partners,” while those in the repeated single-shot game were called “Strangers”. The discussion of Partners versus Strangers thus far has been predicated on the assumption that the incentives of individuals are consistent with money-maximization in the experiment.
Quality of coverage (qoc) in integrated heterogeneous wireless systems

With the increased demand for high data rate wireless communication and the emergence of various wireless technologies, several integrated heterogeneous wireless systems, such as Multihop Cellular Network (MCN) and integrated Cellular and Ad hoc Relaying (iCAR) system, have been proposed recently. In this paper, we address the location management issue which is critical for the performance of heterogenous networks. We define a new performance metric called Quality of Coverage (QoC). Using the iCAR system as an example, we compare various placement strategies in terms of their QoC values, and provide three rules of thumb as the guidelines for the placement of the ad hoc relay stations in iCAR. This QoC concept can be adopted in general, in deciding the optimum node locations (which need not be specialized ad hoc relay stations) for relaying traffic.
Compensation Incentives and Risk Taking Behavior: Evidence from Mutual Funds

This paper examines the role of compensation contracts in determining risk taking decisions by money managers in the financial industry. A methodology is developed for empirically testing and assessing the magnitude of the effect that incentive contracts have on risk taking in the mutual fund industry using panel data. The methodology exploits the within-year cross sectional variation in the performance of mutual funds to identify systematic time series variation in risk taking. Growth and growth and income mutual funds in the 1976 to 1993 period are examined. The evidence suggests that incentive compensation has substantial influence on risk decisions. A strong seasonal component on average risk is present with risk reaching a peak in the first quarter of the year. However the relationship between within-year performance, especially towards year-end, appears to have changed over time. For losing managers, excess risk taking appears early in the sample but not in later years. For winning managers, reductions in risk taking appears towards year-end in later years but not early in the sample. This paper is forthcoming in conference proceedings of the Joint Central Bank Research Conference on Risk Measurement and Systemic Risk, Federal Reserve Board, Washington, DC, November 16-17, 1996.
Genetically engineered herpes simplex viral vectors in the treatment of brain tumors: a review.

The challenge in treating patients with solid tumors is the similarity between tumor and normal cells. Localized therapies such as surgery and radiotherapy succeed only if malignant cells are confi...
African-American Traditional Healing Beliefs and Practices in the United States

The diagnosis and treatment of psychological distress with ethnic minority clients require clinicians understand the role that culture and ethnicity play when non-western based beliefs and practices used. African-Americans have mainstrained for generations traditional folk beliefs and practices for healing physical illness and psychological distress. This system, grounded in West African traditions, is known, among other names as rootmedicine. Transforming West African cultural traditions and adopting to New World conditions, rootmedicine was developed as a response to the need for social structure for enslaved africans during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is a system the integrates West African culture and religions, Native American and European folk traditions, and Christian religious expression. Rootsmedicine offers explanation for misfortune and illness and a means by which those who believe can gain conrol over forces affecting their lives.
Technique for monitoring performance of VIIRS reflective solar bands for ocean color data processing

A technique for monitoring and evaluating the performance of on-orbit calibration for satellite ocean color sensors has been developed. The method is based on the sensor on-orbit vicarious calibration approach using in situ ocean optics measurements and radiative transfer simulations to predict (calculate) sensor-measured top-of-atmosphere spectral radiances. Using this monitoring method with in situ normalized water-leaving radiance nLw(λ) data from the Marine Optical Buoy (MOBY) in waters off Hawaii, we show that the root-cause for an abnormal inter-annual difference of chlorophyll-a data over global oligotrophic waters between 2012 and 2013 from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is primarily due to the VIIRS on-orbit calibration performance. In particular, VIIRS-produced Sensor Data Records (SDR) (or Level-1B data) are biased low by ~1% at the wavelength of 551 nm in 2013 compared with those in 2012. The VIIRS calibration uncertainty led to biased low chlorophyll-a data in 2013 by ~30–40% over global oligotrophic waters. The methodology developed in this study can be implemented for the routine monitoring of on-orbit satellite sensor performance (such as VIIRS). Particularly, long-term Chl-a data over open oceans can also be used as an additional source to evaluate ocean color satellite sensor performance. We show that accurate long-term and consistent MOBY in situ measurements can be used not only for the required system vicarious calibration for satellite ocean color data processing, but also can be used to characterize and monitor both the short-term and long-term sensor on-orbit performances.
Horse Trading in the Age of Cars: Men in the Marketplace – By Steven M. Gelber

This book raises a question that should be of interest to any American who has ever navigated a gauntlet of showroom salespeople in search of a new automobile: Why is purchasing a car so often an u...
A Systematic Review of the Utility of Anticonvulsant Pharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Vulvodynia Pain

ABSTRACT Introduction Antidepressants have often been recommended as a potential treatment for the management of vulvodynia. However, review of the evidence supporting this recommendation has not been systematically assessed. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of antidepressant pharmacotherapy in the treatment of vulvodynia. Main Outcome Measures An assessment of the methodological quality of published reports addressing the utility of antidepressants in the treatment of vulvodynia was undertaken. Several secondary outcomes generated in the existing literature were also examined. Methods A comprehensive search of the available literature was conducted. Results The search yielded 13 published reports, i.e., 2 randomized controlled trials, 1 quasi‐experimental trial, 7 non‐experimental studies, and 3 case reports. A number of methodological shortcomings were identified in several of the reports with respect to study design including lack of clear inclusion/exclusion criteria, small sample sizes, lack of comparison groups, insufficient blinding, among others. The vast majority of studies utilized tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Evidence supporting the benefits of TCAs studied to date was limited, i.e., based largely upon descriptive reports but unsubstantiated by randomized controlled trials. There were no systematic investigations into the comparative efficacy of different antidepressant classes in the treatment of vulvodynia. Conclusion. There is insufficient evidence to support the recommendation of antidepressant pharmacotherapy in the treatment of vulvodynia. Although some vulvodynia‐afflicted patients derive symptom relief from antidepressants, additional research is required to identify those characteristics that would predict those patients for whom antidepressants are more likely to be effective. Leo RJ and Dewani S. A systematic review of the utility of antidepressant pharmacotherapy in the treatment of vulvodynia pain. J Sex Med 2013;10:2497–2505.
Chronic pain and medullary descending facilitation

Chronic pain, whether the result of nerve trauma or persistent inflammation, is a debilitating condition that exerts a high social cost in terms of productivity, economic impact and quality of life. Currently available therapies yield limited success in treating such pain, suggesting the need for new insight into underlying mechanism(s). Here, we examine the likelihood that sustained activation of descending modulatory pathways that facilitate pain transmission could underlie some states of chronic pain. Such activation of descending facilitatory pathways might be the result of neuroplastic changes that occur at medullary sites in response to persistent input of pain signals. Understanding the mechanisms of descending facilitation and the spinal effects of such discharge could provide new insights into the modulation of chronic pain.
Development of genetic techniques and the genetic map of the yeast Saccharomycopis lipolytica

Genetically useful strains of the hydrocarbon-utilizing yeast Saccharomycopsis lipolytica were developed through extensive inbreeding. Spore viability and the percentage of 4-spored asci were increased to the point where tetrad analysis was possible. Procedures for mutant isolation and scoring, maintenance of stocks, mating, sporulation, complementation, tetrad and random spore analysis have been developed for these inbred strains. Sixty seven mutations in fiftyeight genes have been isolated and utilized in mapping studies. Twenty-two cases of linkage have been detected among the 278 gene pairs investigated. Six linkage fragments have been established and a few genes ordered in these fragments. No centromere, linked markers have yet been detected. Evidence for gene conversion, mitotic recombination and diploidization in S. lipolytica is presented.
Transport of ions between water pools in alkanes

Abstract Laser photolysis studies in reversed micellar systems show that ion transport only occurs on collision of the water pools, with an efficiency of only 1% Various additives affect the efficiency of mixing.
For the surgeon: an introduction to nanotechnology.

Background The study and application of nanoparticles is advancing rapidly within medicine and surgery. In this article, we review nanotechnology with a view as to its impact on surgery. We also review potential toxicity, current regulations, and ethical considerations. Data Sources A Medline review of nanotechnology and nanosurgery was performed. Important publications in the history of the science and demonstrated important concepts were selected for review. Conclusion Nanotechnology is a relatively new but fast evolving field. Its potential impact on medicine and surgery is expanding in areas from drug delivery to rudimentary nanosurgery at the cellular level. This review is written to give the surgeon an overview of the field particularly in reference to its potential surgical applications.
Entire solutions of eiconal type equations

The paper characterizes entire solutions to partial differential equations $$u_{z_{1}}^{2} + u_{z_{2}}^{2} = p$$ for polynomials p in $${\mathbb{C}}^2$$ .
Residual speech perception and cochlear implant performance in postlingually deafened adults.

Objective: This study aimed at testing the post-hoc validity of the previously reported predictive index for postoperative cochlear implant performance, based on preoperative duration of deafness, and speech reception. Study Design: Adult patients with postlingual severe to profound hearing loss, who were implanted with Cochlear Corporation CI-22 and CI-24 devices were included in this study. We studied the relationship between their postoperative word recognition scores and preoperative factors, namely, duration of deafness, and sentence recognition. We used the same predictive index reported in the previous study to predict their postoperative scores and test the model's agreement with the actual performance. Results: We found that postoperative performance as measured by CNC word scores had an inverse relationship with the duration of deafness, and a direct correlation with the preoperative performance on CID sentence recognition tests. A nonlinear term [Duration / (1+CID)] was shown to improve the correlation coefficient of our predictive index. Conclusion: Some predictability of cochlear implant outcome is possible depending on the preoperative duration of deafness and speech recognition abilities. Preoperative residual speech recognition acts as a trophic factor that protects the spiral ganglion and/ or the central auditory pathways from degeneration. In other words, it improves the expected postoperative word scores.
Pancreatic abscess management by subtotal resection and packing

A 20-year experience in management of 57 patients with pancreatic abscess was reviewed. Ages ranged from 17 to 91 years (average 46). Males outnumbered females 39 to 18. A prior episode of pancreatitis had been documented in 31 patients, trauma in 23, and no known cause in 3. All patients had fever (> 39°C), abdominal pain and/or tenderness, and absent peristalsis. A draining wound, abdominal mass, oliguria, ( 12,000/mm3) or leukopenia ( 200 u/100 ml) and jaundice (bilirubin > 2 mg/100 ml) were reported less frequently. Bacteremia was found in all patients not receiving parenteral antibiotics at the time blood cultures were drawn and in half despite such therapy. Plain abdominal x-rays and, more recently, the computed tomography scan revealed retroperitoneal gas bubbles and/or a mass in 52 of the patients and proved to be the most useful diagnostic tests.
Topical Analgesics for Chronic Pain

Such medications as anticonvulsants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, and opioid analgesics enable effective treatment of a variety of chronic pain conditions, but all have the potential for severe adverse effects. Because few patients with chronic pain respond adequately to monotherapy, drug combinations are common, and the risk of side effects increases accordingly. When chronic pain is experienced in a localized area of the body, applying medications topically may have the desired therapeutic effects while reducing potential morbidity. Several commonly used medications are now known to penetrate the skin in therapeutic concentrations, and topical analgesic preparations are becoming more widely used as valuable additions to medical practice. Here we examine the different classes of topical analgesic used to treat chronic pain and the evidence of their efficacy for specific pain conditions.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers: Causes for concern and knowledge gaps regarding environmental distribution, fate and toxicity

This manuscript critically considers several areas of study of the polybrominated diphenyl ether compounds. Specifically, a brief review of PBDE toxicity is followed by an in depth discussion of PBDE occurrence in abiotic and biotic environmental matrices. Temporal and geographic trends are examined in conjunction with risk assessment factors. Rather than summarize or tabulate the growing body of literature on PBDEs in the environment, the overall goal of this review paper is to highlight broad patterns that may contribute to a more holistic understanding of PBDE behavior in the environment, as well as to identify critical areas of research that warrant further attention.
Psychosocial factors in the epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract 1. 1. A sample of 1,323 persons was interviewed about history of arthritic symptoms and the occurrence of certain social factors. Respondents were classified as having a positive or negative Index of Rheumatoid Arthritis and the two groups were then compared on the social data. 2. 2. Low income, low education, and termination of marriage were associated with higher prevalence of the index for men. In the case of women the most striking factors were low education, having four or more children, reporting no spare time in the third decade of life, and worrying more than other people. The cumulative effect of grouping these factors in each sex was especially striking. 3. 3. In particular, education and income were interrelated, with high prevalence rates noted for respondents with low education and high income, and for respondents with high education but low income. 4. 4. The items found to be associated with a positive index were discussed in terms of the extent to which they could be considered stressful in our society, and suggestions for further research have been made.
The Relations of Parental Warmth and Positive Expressiveness to Children's Empathy-Related Responding and Social Functioning: A Longitudinal Study

This study examined the concurrent and cross-time relations of parental observed warmth and positive expressivity to children's situational facial and self-reported empathic responding, social competence, and externalizing problems in a sample of 180 elementary school children. Data was collected when the children were in second to fifth grades (age: M = 112.8 months), and again 2 years later. Cross-sectional and longitudinal structural equation models supported the hypothesis that parents' (mostly mothers') positive expressivity mediated the relation between parental warmth and children's empathy, and children's empathy mediated the relation between parental positive expressivity and children's social functioning. These relations persisted after controlling for prior levels of parenting and child characteristics. Moreover, concurrent and cross-time consistencies were found on measures of parenting, children's situational empathic responding, and social functioning.
Change in electronic states in the accumulation layer at interfaces in a poly(3-hexylthiophene) field-effect transistor and the impact of encapsulation.

The electrical properties of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) are largely determined by the accumulation layer that extends only a few molecular layers away from the gate dielectric/organic semiconductor interface. To understand degradation processes that occur within the device structure under ambient conditions, it is thus essential to probe the interface using an architecture that minimizes the effects of bulk transport of contaminating species through upper layers of material in a thick film device. Using FETs designed with multiple voltage probes along the conducting channel and an ultrathin film of the active material, we found that the charge carrier density and the FET mobility decrease, and further, the contact and channel properties are strongly correlated. FET devices prepared with an ultrathin film of P3HT become significantly contact limited in air due to a hole diffusion barrier near the drain electrode. Encapsulation of the device with a layered organic/inorganic barrier material co...
Conformational analysis of trimeric maleimide substituted 1,5,9-triazacyclododecane HIV fusion scaffolds

An analysis of the conformational preferences of three trimeric maleimide substituted 1,5,9-triazacyclododecane derivatives, proposed as cross linking reagents for HIV-1 fusion inhibitors, is presented. Exhaustive sampling was performed using the mixed Low Mode Monte Carlo conformational searching technique on the corresponding OPLS2005/GBSA(water) potential energy surface. Geometric structure, molecular length, and hydrogen bonding patterns of the compounds are analyzed. Global minimum energy structures were verified as minima using B3LYP/6-31G∗ geometry optimization. All structures adopt a crown-like 12-membered ring conformation; however, the system with the shortest maleimide arms (1a) can also adopt alternative ring orientations. Overall, derivatives with longer maleimide arms were more flexible and resulted in ensembles with a larger number of low energy structures. Comparison with biological inhibition data indicates that there is very little relationship between molecular size and the ability of the scaffold to orient CD4M9 miniproteins for optimal inhibition; however hydrophobicity may play a role.
Two Common Gene Variants on Chromosome 9 and Risk of Atherothrombosis

To the Editor: McPherson et al recently reported (in the journal Science ) the association of 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs10757274 and rs2383206) with coronary heart disease (CHD).1 After their report, we examined the possible association of these 2 gene variants with atherothrombotic events using a prospective, nested, matched case-control design among initially healthy …
Human Factors issues for Interaction with Bio-Inspired Swarms

Abstract : Robotic systems composed of a large number of entities, often called robot swarms, are envisioned to play an increasingly important role in applications such as search, rescue, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. Nowadays, many mobile robots that are deployed for such applications are still tele-operated by a single or multiple operators. While these platforms are individually very capable, the development of cheaper hardware allows the consideration of swarm systems composed of many more robots but with each individual being far less powerful. Examples from biology indicate that such systems can be collectively more powerful than any individual robot within the team and also more than many larger, more sophisticated individual robots. Enabling a human to control such bio-inspired systems is a considerable challenge due to the limitations of each individual robot and the sheer number of robots that need to be coordinated to successfully complete a mission. Autonomous algorithms provide an opportunity to mitigate some of the complexity an operator faces in controlling such swarms, but it is not clear either (a) which tasks will ultimately need to be executed by the operator rather than by the swarm, or (b) what kinds of interactions would be needed.
Triple autosomal trisomy in a pregnancy at risk for Bloom's syndrome.

Cytogenetic analysis of the products of conception in a pregnancy at risk for Bloom's syndrome (BS) documented the karyotype 49,XX, + 2, + 8, + 11. Autosomal triple trisomy has previously been reported in abortuses but is exceedingly rare. Other interesting but previously unreported observations made during the present study were the following: BS in a Brazilian individual, the first instance of BS diagnosed in South America; transmission of the BS mutation in Jews that are non-Ashkenazi; a medulloblastoma in the propositus, the first malignant brain tumor reported in BS; and, as in all previously examined pregnancies at risk for BS, non-homozygosity for the BS mutation.
On exploiting asymmetric wireless links via one-way estimation

A substantial percentage of links in wireless networks, especially low-power ones, is asymmetric. For the low-quality direction of asymmetric links, we observe based on testbed experiments that the reliability of synchronous acknowledgments is considerably higher than that of asynchronous messages. Thus the norm of estimating link quality in both directions via asynchronous beacons such as in ETX-based routing potentially underestimates the link reliability of asymmetric links. This leads us to investigate how to exploit asymmetric links in order to improve network functions such as convergecast routing in sensor networks via one-way link estimation. We propose a new one-way link metric ETF (for the expected number of transmissions over forward links) and present a local procedure for its estimation. We use ETF to identify high reliability forward links and use dynamic retransmission thresholding for error control and observe an improvement inconvergecast routing over ETX. This is quantified with experimental testbed results with respect to reliability, number of transmissions per packet, latency, duplicates and average hops. We also study the comparative performance improvement of ETF over ETX when no special mechanism is employed to discover asymmetric links.
Dumping syndrome: pathophysiology and treatment

Anatomic and physiologic changes introduced by gastric surgery result in clinically significant dumping syndrome in approximately 10% of patients. Dumping is the effect of alteration in the motor functions of the stomach, including disturbances in the gastric reservoir and transporting function. Gastrointestinal hormones play an important role in dumping by mediating responses to surgical resection. Treatment options of dumping syndrome include diet, medications, and surgical revision. Poor nutrition status can be anticipated in patients who fail conservative therapy. Management of refractory dumping syndrome can be a challenge. This review highlights current knowledge about the mechanisms of dumping syndrome and available therapy.
Effects of maternal marginal zinc deficiency on myelin protein profiles in the suckling rat and infant rhesus monkey.

In the current study, the effects of marginal Zn deficiency on myelin protein profiles in neonatal rats and rhesus monkeys were investigated. Following mating, rats were fed a Zn-adequate diet,ad libitum (50 μg Zn/g; 50 Zn AL), or a marginal Zn diet (10 μg Zn/g) from day 0 (10 Zn d0) or day 14 (10 Zn d14) of gestation to day 20 postnatal. An additional group of dams was restricted-fed the control diet to the food intake of the 10 Zn d0 group (50 Zn RF). Day 20 pup plasma and liver Zn concentrations in the 10 Zn groups were lower than in the 50 Zn groups. In a parallel experiment, rhesus monkeys were fed a Zn-adequatead libitum diet (100 μg Zn/g) or a marginal Zn diet (4 μg Zn/g diet; MZD) throughout gestation and lactation. Day 30 monkey infant plasma and liver Zn levels were similar in the MZD and control groups. Rat brain and monkey brain cortex weights were similar among the dietary groups. The amount of myelin recovered (mg protein/g brain) from day 20 rat pups from the 10 Zn groups was lower than that recovered from the 50 Zn rat pups. Myelin recovery from the MZD and control monkey infants was similar. When myelin protein profiles were characterized, it was found that the percentages of high-molecular-weight (HMW) proteins and Wolfgram protein were higher, whereas the percentages of small and large basic proteins were lower in myelin from the 10 Zn d0 and 50 Zn RF pups compared to the distribution in the 50 Zn AL rat pups. Results for the 10 Zn d0 and 10 Zn d14 pups were similar for all of the parameters studied. The percentage of HMW proteins was higher and that of basic protein lower in myelin from MZD monkey infants compared to the percentage of these proteins in myelin from controls. Although the interpretation of the rat data is complicated because of the anorexia associated with the Zn deficiency, the observed changes in monkey myelin protein profiles provide strong evidence that maternal Zn deficiency affects myelination in the offspring.
Correcting response bias in tourist spending surveys.

Abstract Many studies that estimate economic impact, use onsite tourist contacts followed with mailed expenditure surveys. Typically, response rates to such surveys are under 50%. A recent study of tourism impacts in the Florida Keys (USA) had similar problems. Response bias was considered to be a significant concern. This paper documents the tests for response bias used to identify socioeconomic factors related to survey response and expenditures per tourist. These included income, age, race, and domestic residence. Corrective weights were developed from the four variables. Uncorrected expenditure means underestimated average spending slightly for the summer season, but overestimated it for winter by almost 9%.
Gauge Fixing Topological Yang-Mills

We examine two methods of fixing the gauge symmetry in Witten’s topological Yang-Mills theory. We find that both procedures produce the same nontrivial correlation functions. Our results also apply to other topological field theories, such as topological gravity.
Activation of cell membrane enzymes in the stimulation of cell division.

Summary The tumor promoter, phorbol myristate acetate, increases the specific activities of the cell membrane enzymes Na + -K + -ATPase and 5′-nucleotidase in microsomal preparations from stationary cultures of BALB/c-3T3 mouse embryo fibroblasts. Under these conditions of in vitro exposure, the microsomal enzymes NADH diaphorase and glucose-6-phosphatase were not affected.
Prediction of influence of stern wedges on power boat performance

Abstract The improvement from adjusting planning hull trim can be significant. Over the years stern wedges and trim tabs have been used to obtain the correct trim. This has been done mostly by trial and error. The authors present a description of a PC-based program called WEDGE. This program calculates the influence on the planing hull drag from fitting wedges or trim tabs. The calculation results are compared with published examples of a 25 m motor yacht and power boat. The good results illustrate the usefulness of the WEDGE program.