cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Software Defined Radio Demonstration of MIMO-OFDM Rate Adaptation

In this paper, we present a framework for rate and power allocation in MIMO-OFDM systems using the V-BLAST and SVD techniques. The performance of these techniques are compared with one another and with waterfilling using channel measurements on our MIMO-OFDM software defined radio testbed. Specifically, we show with measured data that sub-carrier rate adaptation allows for more efficient spectral use. Furthermore, we show that power allocation over streams provides significant gains as well. We analyze the impact of stale channel feedback information on this rate and power allocation framework and demonstrate how matrix channel prediction using a Kalman-filter based, vector autoregressive model can alleviate this problem.
Preference of Pen-Reared Northern Bobwhite Among Native Plant Seeds of the Sand Sagebrush-Mixed Prairie

Adult northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) are largely granivorous, primarily eating seeds produced from grasses and forbs. Our objective was to determine northern bobwhite preference among seeds of 45 plant species associated with sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia)–mixed prairie. A preference existed among the 45 plant species by weight of seed consumed and percentage of seed in diet (P ≤ 0.05) and on the basis of a cluster analysis of these variables. Five species were categorized into most preferred for food. These included, in order of preference: switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Rocky Mountain bee plant (Peritoma serrulata), annual sunflower (Helianthus annuus), sand lovegrass (Eragrostis trichodes), and false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides). Thirteen plants were categorized into intermediately preferred for food, and 27 species were categorized into least preferred for food. The sand sagebrush–mixed prairie community supports a broad range of plants and animals. Improving rangeland conditions by employing conservative grazing management, especially during drought, or by planting a greater variety of native grasses, sunflowers, shrubs, forbs, and legumes, when reestablishing marginal crop lands, would improve the habitat and diet quality for northern bobwhite and other wildlife species.
Anterior (Abdominal) Cutaneous Nerve Block

Anterior (abdominal) cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is a chronic focal abdominal wall pain along the lateral border of the rectus abdominis muscle where the anterior cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves perforate the deep fascial layer and traverse it vertically in muscular foramina. ACNES occurs in up to 30 % of patients with chronic abdominal wall pain [1, 2].
Bayesian Inference and the Markov Chain Monte Carlo Method

The analysis presented in this thesis is a Bayesian oscillation analysis, which uses a Markov Chain Monte Carlo fitting technique. This is quite unusual in the field of neutrino physics: traditionally, frequentist fitting methods and interpretations have been more widely used. For this reason, this chapter describes the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method, as well as the Bayesian approach to parameter estimation and interpretation of results.
From Reductionism to Holism: Toward a More Complete View of Development Through Genome Engineering

Paradigm shifts in science are often coupled to technological advances. New techniques offer new roads of discovery; but, more than this, they shape the way scientists approach questions. Developmental biology exemplifies this idea both in its past and present. The rise of molecular biology and genetics in the late twentieth century shifted the focus from the anatomical to the molecular, nudging the underlying philosophy from holism to reductionism. Developmental biology is currently experiencing yet another transformation triggered by ‘-omics’ technology and propelled forward by CRISPR genome engineering (GE). Together, these technologies are helping to reawaken a holistic approach to development. Herein, we focus on CRISPR GE and its potential to reveal principles of development at the level of the genome, the epigenome, and the cell. Within each stage we illustrate how GE can move past pure reductionism and embrace holism, ultimately delivering a more complete view of development.
A sulfur vacancy rich CdS based composite photocatalyst with g-C3N4 as a matrix derived from a Cd-S cluster assembled supramolecular network for H2 production and VOC removal.

By calcination, a sulfur vacancy rich CdS based composite photocatalyst with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as a matrix has been synthesized successfully from a tetranuclear Cd–S cluster assembled supramolecular network. In this photocatalyst (CdS@g-C3N4), CdS nanoparticles with a size of about 5 to 8 nm disperse homogenously in the g-C3N4 matrix. During calcination, some coordinated nitrogen atoms dope in the lattice of CdS and replace sulfur atoms, which generates a large number of sulfur vacancies. Under visible light irradiation, CdS@g-C3N4 exhibits excellent H2 production activity with a rate achieving as high as 19.88 mmol g−1 h−1 in the absence of a Pt cocatalyst. Its H2 production ability remains stable for 30 h, which does not decay. Besides H2 production, CdS@g-C3N4 also shows excellent photocatalytic activity for Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) degradation. For a photocatalyst, chemical content plays an important role in its performance. Here, the influence of sulfur vacancies on H2 production and VOC degradation is discussed in detail. We expect that the sulfur vacancy rich CdS@g-C3N4 can act as an efficient material for H2 production and indoor air purification.
Control-Oriented Inventory Production and Sales Activities in Chinese Manufacturing Firms

This study uses a sample of Chinese manufacturing firms to examine the association between current period inventory production costs and sales changes in adjacent past and future periods. The results find an overall significant association between inventory production and the past period sales changes, but no association between inventory production and the future period sales changes. Further, we find that in firms with high return on assets, inventory production is only associated with the past period sales changes, but not with the future period sales changes; in contrast, in firms with low return on assets, inventory production is only associated with the future period sales changes, but not with the past period sales changes. The results, on one hand confirm our perception of control oriented management accounting practices in China, on the other hand suggest that firm performance is associated with such management emphasis in China.
Advances in parity-time-symmetric microring lasers

Microscale semiconductor lasers are indispensable parts of integrated photonic circuits. In this paper, we review some of the efforts in our group towards the realization of such sources using the concept of parity-time-symmetry.
Clinical and Radiologic Manifestations of Bone Infection in Children with Cat Scratch Disease

We identified 13 patients with cat scratch (Bartonella henselae) bone infection among those admitted to a large tertiary care children's hospital over a 12-year period. The median age was 7 years and the median time from onset of illness to diagnosis was 10 days. Multifocal osteomyelitis involving spine and pelvis was common; no patient had a lytic bone lesion. Median treatment duration was 28 days (IQR, 24.5 days). Despite significant variations in treatment duration and antimicrobial therapy choices, all patients showed improvement.
Consequences of Self-image and Compassionate Goals

Abstract Interpersonal goals are a key mechanism through which people and their social environments influence each other. Two goals—self-image and compassionate goals—the motivational systems that energize these goals, their measurement, and how they relate to other constructs in the literature are described. Results of three longitudinal studies of first-year college students suggest that when people have self-image goals—that is, when they try to manage the impressions others have of them—they create a cascade of unintended negative consequences for both themselves and others. In contrast, when people try to contribute to the well-being of other people, they create a cascade of positive consequences for both themselves and others. Over time, for better or worse, by changing what they experience, people actually change themselves—the beliefs they hold and their goals, self-esteem, and even dispositional tendencies. We describe a variety of processes through which people's interpersonal goals shape their own and others’ experience and raise several remaining issues for this program of research.
Meta-analysis of aberrant post-error slowing in substance use disorder: implications for behavioral adaptation and self-control.

Individual with substance use disorders have well-recognized impairments in cognitive control, including in behavioral adaptation after mistakes. One way in which this impairment manifests is via diminished post-error slowing, the increase in reaction time following a task-related error that is posited to reflect cautionary or corrective behavior. Yet, in the substance use disorder literature, findings with regard to post-error slowing have been inconsistent, and thus could benefit from quantitative integration. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of case-control studies examining post-error slowing in addiction. Twelve studies with 15 unique comparisons were identified, comprising 567 substance users and 384 healthy controls across three broad types of inhibitory control paradigms (go-no/go, conflict resolution, and stop signal tasks, respectively). Results of the random-effects meta-analysis revealed a moderate group difference across all studies (Cohen's d = 0.31), such that the individuals with substance use disorder had diminished post-error slowing compared with controls. Despite this omnibus effect, there was also large variability in the magnitude of the effects, explained in part by differences between studies in task complexity. These findings suggest that post-error slowing may serve as a promising and easy-to-implement measure of cognitive control impairment in substance use disorder, with potential links to aberrant brain function in cognitive control areas such as the anterior cingulate cortex.
Metabolic plasticity meets gene regulation.

Tumor metabolism has been investigated as an exploitable avenue for treatment in the last several years. The link between tumor and metabolism traces its origin to a seminal observation by Otto Warburg, almost a century ago, that cancer cells, regardless of oxygen availability, convert most intracellular glucose to lactate—that is, aerobic glycolysis (1). This elevated glycolytic state of cancer cells has been elegantly exploited to detect tumors and their response to drugs by positron emission tomography through the use of fluorodeoxyglucose (2). Originally, tumor cells were thought to have dysfunctional mitochondria, but accumulating evidence suggests that they utilize glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, or both, depending on context unrelated to the integrity of mitochondria (3). Additionally, cancer cells can switch their metabolic phenotypes during tumor progression and metastasis and/or in response to external perturbations (4). This metabolic plasticity provides both the energy and the necessary intermediates for biosynthetic processes required for tumor growth. Recently, this “deregulation of cellular energetics” has been recognized as an emerging hallmark of cancer (5). Although our understanding of metabolic plasticity has increased over the years, the relationship between metabolism and gene regulatory networks (GRNs) remains understudied. In PNAS, using a systems-level approach, Jia et al. (6) explore the links between metabolism and gene regulation. Their key observation is that differential activity of the master regulators AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and HIF-1 give rise to distinct metabolic phenotypes in cancer. Furthermore, based on experimentally validated model predictions, they demonstrate that cancer cells may exhibit additional metabolic states not usually present in normal cells, termed high-high or low-low. This intriguing conclusion challenges the conventional dichotomous classification of tumor metabolism as either glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and suggests novel avenues of experimentation. Metabolic pathways are interconnected and flexible, providing tumor cells with the property to reprogram their metabolism … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: vito.quaranta{at}vanderbilt.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Drug Actions and Interactions

Edited by Jae Y. Choe, Ph.D. Published by McGraw-Hill Companies, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, 45th Floor, New York, NY 10020, 2011. 734 p. Price $65.00. This is a comprehensive guide through the mechanisms of action of major drugs, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs,
The Role of Muscle Stem Cells in Regeneration and Recovery after Denervation: A Review.

Background:Skeletal muscle denervation is a complex clinical problem that still lacks a comprehensive solution. Previous studies have suggested that prolonged periods of denervation lead to a decline in the muscle stem cell population, negatively affecting the ability of muscle to regenerate followi
Seizures in patents with primary central nervous system lymphoma: Prevalence and associated features

Abstract Objective Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare, aggressive, yet highly chemosensitive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma which is associated with significant morbidity. Very little is known about the long-term risk for and features of seizures associated with this condition. Methods We performed a retrospective and longitudinal analysis of 36 patients with pathologically and radiographically confirmed primary CNS lymphoma to evaluate the incidence, prevalence and features associated with seizures. Demographic, radiographic, histological and electroencephalographic (EEG) data were included as part of the study. Results One-third of patients with primary CNS lymphoma had clinical seizures of which two-thirds occurred at time of initial presentation, while the remainder developed during a mean follow-up time of 1.49 years. The incidence rate of first seizure in PCNSL was 224.4 per 1000 persons, per year. There was a trend towards association with seizures in patients with cortical lesions relative to patients with subcortical lesions. EEG revealed epileptiform discharges in 44.4% of patients with both PCNSL and clinical seizures which suggests that it is a useful diagnostically in a substantial proportion of patients. Conclusions A significant percentage of patients with primary CNS lymphoma develop comorbid seizures during their disease course. Increased awareness and collaboration between neuro-oncologists and epileptologists may enhance and improve care for these patients.
Abstract 106: G Protein-coupled Receptor Kinase 2 Associates With Mitochondrial Proteins and Negatively Alters Mitochondrial Respiration After Myocardial Infarction

During cardiac injury or stress, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinase 2 (GRK2) expression levels and activity are increased, leading to a desensitization of myocardial β-adrenergic receptors (β...
Estradiol and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone as Predictors of Onset of Menopause Transition-Related Bone Loss in Pre- and Perimenopausal Women.

The menopause transition (MT) may be an opportunity for early intervention to prevent rapid bone loss. To intervene early, we need to be able to prospectively identify pre- and perimenopausal women who are beginning to lose bone. This study examined whether estradiol (E2), or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), measured in pre- and perimenopausal women, can predict significant bone loss by the next year. Bone loss was considered significant if bone mineral density (BMD) decline at the lumbar spine (LS) or femoral neck (FN) from a pre- or early perimenopausal baseline to 1 year after the E2 or FSH measurement was greater than the least detectable change. We used data from 1559 participants in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation and tested E2 and FSH as separate predictors using repeated measures modified Poisson regression. Adjusted for MT stage, age, race/ethnicity, and body mass index, women with lower E2 (and higher FSH) were more likely to lose BMD: At the LS, each halving of E2 and each doubling of FSH were associated with 10% and 39% greater risk of significant bone loss, respectively (p < 0.0001 for each). At the FN, each halving of E2 and each doubling of FSH were associated with 12% (p = 0.01) and 27% (p < 0.001) greater risk of significant bone loss. FSH was more informative than E2 (assessed by the area under the receiver-operator curve) at identifying women who were more versus less likely to begin losing bone, especially at the LS. Prediction was better when hormones were measured in pre- or early perimenopause than in late perimenopause. Tracking within-individual change in either hormone did not predict onset of bone loss better than a single measure. We conclude that measuring FSH in the MT can help prospectively identify women with imminent or ongoing bone loss at the LS. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Studies of Strange and Non-Strange Beauty Productions in PbPb Collisions with the CMS Detector

Abstract Beauty quarks are considered as one of the best probes of the strongly interacting medium created in relativistic heavy-ion collisions because they are predominantly produced via initial hard scatterings. Our measurements of B mesons productions provide information on the diffusion of beauty quarks and the flavor dependence of in-medium energy loss. In these studies, clarifying the hadronization mechanism is crucial for understanding the transport properties of beauty quarks. We propose to show our experimental results on three sets of particles: nonprompt J/ψ and D0, B0s and B+, and prompt D+s and D0. Our measurements of B0s production can shed light on the mechanisms of beauty recombination in the medium. In addition, the measurements of mesons productions containing both strange and beauty quarks can provide more information about strangeness enhancement in the quark-gluon plasma. The ratio of B0s over B+ nuclear modification factors at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV, using fully reconstructed B mesons with the CMS detector, are presented. We will also show the nonprompt J/ψ and D0 from the partial B mesons decay chains as well as our precise measurement the prompt D+s to D0 ratio in pp and PbPb collisions.
Teaching When the World Is on Fire

This book review of Teaching When the World Is on Fire, a collection of essays edited by Lisa Delpit, discusses some of the strengths of the collection, highlights particularly useful chapters and reflects on ways the volume might have better achieved the explicit and implicit goals set forth by the editor.
Recent Advances in the Use of the SNAP-tag® in the Modern Biotechnology

Alkylguanine-DNA-alkyltransferases (AGTs) have a natural role in the protection of DNA from mutations caused by alkylating agents. Their peculiar irreversible self-alkylation reaction led to the development as new tools in the modern biotechnology. SNAP-tag® is a powerful enzyme for the specific labelling of protein/enzymes by using benzyl-guanine (BG) derivatives as substrates. This technology has some limitations, as the mesophilic nature of the tag (an engineered variant of the human enzyme) and the needs of purify each substrate. Recently, the SNAP-tag® technology was successfully implemented by the employment of thermostable “SNAP-tag-like” variants from (hyper)thermophilic sources, and by the utilization of BG-substrates containing an azide group to be combined with DBCO-derivatives by azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition. The introduction of these new actors on the scene made possible the expansion of the methodology to in vivo and in vitro harsh reaction conditions, as well as the utilization of more chemical groups in the overall reaction enzyme labelling.
A parallel cell-centered adaptive level set framework for efficient simulation of two-phase flows with subcycling and non-subcycling

Abstract We develop a unified adaptive level set (LS) framework using the multi-level collocated grid for incompressible two-phase flows. This framework allows us to advance all variables level by level using either the subcycling or the non-subcycling method such that the data advancement on each level is fully decoupled. A series of synchronization operations are designed to keep the momentum and mass conserved across all levels. A multi-level re-initialization method for the LS function is also proposed, which greatly improves the mass conservation of the two-phase flows. The collocated grid allows the use of a single set of differential schemes and interpolation operations for all variables, which greatly simplifies the numerical implementation. The capability and robustness of the computational framework are validated by a variety of canonical problems, including the inviscid shear layer, gravity wave, rising bubble, and Rayleigh-Taylor instability. It is shown that the present multi-level scheme can accurately resolve the interfaces of the two-phase flows with gravitational and surface tension effects while having good momentum and energy conservation. At last, a three-dimensional dam breaking problem is simulated to show the efficiency and significant speedup of the proposed framework.
Extracting B2O3 from calcined boron mud using molten sodium hydroxide

Extracting B2O3 from calcined boron mud (CBM) was studied. The effect of factors such as reaction temperature and NaOH-to-CBM mass ratio on B2O3 extraction efficiency was investigated. The results show that increasing reaction temperature and NaOH-to-CBM mass ratio increases B2O3 extraction efficiency. There are two stages for the B2O3 extracting process: 0–20 min is the first stage, which is rapid; 20–50 min is the second stage, which is slower than the first stage. The overall extracting process follows the shrinking core model, and the first and second stages are determined to obey the surface chemical reaction model and the diffusion through the products layer model, respectively. The activation energies of the first and second stages are calculated to be 41.74 and 15.43 kJ·mol−1, respectively. The B2O3 extracting kinetics equations of the first and second stages are also obtained.
Cholinergic neuronotrophic factors: VI. Age-dependent requirements by chick embryo ciliary ganglionic neurons

Abstract During development, ciliary ganglionic neurons become postmitotic and extend neurites in apparent independence of the presence of their future intraocular innervation targets. After reaching their peripheral innervation territory, however, these neurons become target dependent and about half of them die. We have previously reported that chick embryo intraocular target tissues contain a ciliary neuronotrophic factor (CNTF), which can be extracted and partially purified in a soluble form and which ensures near-total survival of 8-day chick embryo ciliary ganglionic neurons in monolayer cultures. In this study we have dissociated and cultured ciliary ganglia from embryonic Day (ED) 5 through 14, and examined dependence and responsiveness of their neurons to exogenously added CNTF. Two cell classes (dark and bright) could be distinguished by phase microscopy and differentially counted in cell dissociates from ED7–14, but not in ED5–6 ones. Dark cell number per ganglion increased from 6000 to 78,000 over this developmental time period. In contrast, bright cells (putative neurons) declined from a maximum of about 10,000 to 6000, suggesting a correlation with the expected neuronal cell death in vivo . Dissociated cells from ED5–14 ganglia were seeded on a polyornithine substratum coated with neurite promoting factor, cultured for 24 hr with or without added CNTF, and numerically examined for survival and neuritic development. Cultures from ED7–14 ganglia showed two cell categories: (i) flat nonneuronal elements dramatically increased in number with ganglionic age (thereby correlating with the increasing number of dark cells in the dissociates) and (ii) large, bright cells (often displaying neurite outgrowth) decreased in number in parallel with bright cell number in the dissociate. The survival of these neuronal elements was strictly dependent on exogenously added CNTF between ED7 and 10, but became progressively independent with older ages. ED14 neurons (fully capable of surviving for 24 hr without added CNTF) continued to require CNTF for neurite extension, thus displaying retained sensitivity to this factor. Although the ED5–6 cultures contained well-recognizable flat cells, the dominant category comprised cells with variable morphology, practically all of which exhibited neurite-like processes. Both the survival and neurite extension of these cells, which we tentatively interpret as immature neurons were independent of the presence of added CNTF.
BVRCIC Photometry of V743 Sagittarii: An Active, Very Short Period, Total Eclipsing W Ursae Majoris System*

A complete photometric analysis of BVRI photometry for the very short period W Ursae Majoris binary V743 Sagittarii is presented. Four epochs of minimum light were determined from observations made during two primary and two secondary eclipses. Corrected values of four previous timings are also given. The period study yielded an improved ephemeris. However, a large (~60,000 orbit) gap in the data precluded any definitive period analysis at this time. Standard magnitudes are reported. The light curves reveal that V743 Sgr is a G8–K0 spectral type W-type W UMa system with a 22 minute time of constant light in the primary minimum. The light curves have a prominent asymmetry occurring in the maximum at phase 0.25. It is 6% higher than the maximum at phase 0.75 in V magnitude. Our simultaneous light-curve solution yielded a component temperature difference of ~350 K, a mass ratio of ~0.31, and a fill-out of ~10%. A large polar cool star spot was calculated. Apparently, the system has rapidly changing spot activity. This is indicated by a comparison of our previously published 1989 curves with the present 1991 curves, which show a shallower primary eclipse and a reversal in the sense of the asymmetry in the maxima (phase 0.75 higher).
Ultrafast carrier relaxation in GaN, In 0.05 Ga 0.95 N , and an In 0.07 Ga 0.93 N / In 0.12 Ga 0.88 N multiple quantum well

Room-temperature, wavelength-nondegenerate ultrafast pump/probe measurements were performed on GaN and InGaN epilayers and an InGaN multiple quantum well (QW) structure. Carrier relaxation dynamics were investigated as a function of excitation wavelength and intensity. Spectrally resolved sub-picosecond relaxation due to carrier redistribution and QW capture was found to depend sensitively on the wavelength of pump excitation. Moreover, for pump intensities above a threshold of $100\ensuremath{\mu}{\mathrm{J}/\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{2},$ all samples demonstrated an additional emission feature arising from stimulated emission (SE). SE is evidenced as accelerated relaxation $(l10\mathrm{ps})$ in the pump-probe data, fundamentally altering the redistribution of carriers. Once SE and carrier redistribution is completed, a slower relaxation of up to 1 ns for GaN and InGaN epilayers, and 660 ps for the multiple QW sample, indicates carrier recombination through spontaneous emission.
Presynaptic Function during Muscle Remodeling in Insect Metamorphosis

During metamorphosis the leg neuromuscular system of the moth Manduca sexta undergoes an extensive remodeling as the larval muscles degenerate and are replaced by new muscles in the adult. The terminal processes of persistent leg motoneurons undergo severe regression followed by regrowth ([Consoulas et al., 1996][1]), accompanied, as shown here, by the loss and re-establishment of functional presynaptic specializations. Before and shortly after the degeneration of the larval muscle, immunoreactivity for the vesicular protein synaptotagmin was localized to the presynaptic varicosities of the motoneurons. Similarly localized were distinct sites of Ca2+-dependent uptake of the fluorescent dye FM1-43. During myoblast migration and accumulation about the re-expanding motor axons, synaptotagmin immunoreactivity was widely distributed in axons, and specific FM1-43 staining revealed vesicle exocytosis in distal axon branches. During myoblast proliferation and fusion, and myotube formation, synaptotagmin staining remained widely distributed in nerve branches, whereas FM1-43 staining was more localized to subdomains of these nerve branches. These initial presynaptic active sites were transient and were replaced by new sites in more distal nerve processes as the muscle anlage increased in size and additional myotubes formed. After myotube separation, synaptotagmin staining disappeared from primary branches but remained distributed within secondary and high-order nerve branches. FM1-43 staining was detected in high-order branches only. During muscle fiber striation, growth, and maturation, both FM1-43 staining and synaptotagmin immunoreactivity became localized to terminal varicosities. Thus, presynaptic function can persist after the loss of the target and occurs transiently in axon shafts before becoming restricted to terminal domains as the underlying muscle fibers mature. [1]: #ref-15
Tracking tympanostomy tube outcomes in pediatric patients with otitis media using an electronic database

Abstract Objective To implement and review a database for children with a diagnosis of otitis media (OM) to facilitate comparative outcomes and long-term prospective follow up of surgical outcomes. Specific aim is to review presenting symptoms, risk factors, tympanostomy tube outcomes and complications, and need for further procedures. Methods A web-based customized database was constructed to universally enroll all patients seen in consultation with a diagnosis of OM. Unique database fields include demographics, physical exam findings, risk factors, intervention, and long-term outcomes. Major surgical complications measured include: tympanic membrane perforation, retained tubes, chronic otorrhea, and cholesteatoma formation. Results Six hundred and thirty four unique patients have been prospectively enrolled. Five hundred and forty four tubes have been followed to extrusion. Outcomes demonstrate high prevalence of OM risk factors associated with surgical patients including: 63% in day care and 26% with a sibling requiring tympanostomy tubes. Complication rates; 1% developed perforations requiring surgical intervention, 2.6% required removal of retained tubes, 1% extruded early ( Conclusions Long-term, outcome driven investigations assessing the surgical management of OM are needed given the prevalence of this disease and the frequency of surgical intervention required. The current database represents the largest prospective cohort of patients enrolled and followed in this fashion and has generated data demonstrating a procedure associated with significant improvement in patient quality of life in the short-term with low complication rates in the long-term. This ongoing prospective investigation is providing data that have the potential to be important in treatment algorithms, procedure justification, and risk factor modification.
Multipole Representation for an Equivalent Cardiac Generator

One facet of electrocardiography has traditionally dealt with the relationship between body surface potentials and an equivalent generator that could have produced them. A key problem facing investigators today is whether a single fixed-location dipole is a suitable equivalent generator. The equivalent cardiac generator developed here provides a means for resolving this question. It consists of a collection of multipoles which, if placed at a point in a homogeneous isotropic conductor shaped like the human body, will give rise to the same potential distribution on the surface as that observed on the body itself. The multipole components can be evaluated by performing appropriate integrations of the potential over the body surface.
Clinical and endoscopic findings in patients early in the course of clostridium difficile-associated pseudomembranous colitis

Abstract Endoscopic and clinical features are reported for 39 patients detected early In the course of pseudomembranous colitis. Disease was detected early by virtue of careful surveillance in patients In whom diarrhea developed. Early proctosigmoldoscopic findings in pseudomembranous colitis are Illustrated. Clinical presentation includes development of fever, leukocytosis, abdominal pain, and even an ileus picture on radiography in addition to diarrhea.
Remission of rheumatoid arthritis in clinical practice: application of the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2011 remission criteria.

Objective To describe use of the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remission criteria in clinical practice. Methods Remission was examined using data on 1,341 patients with RA (91% men) from the US Department of Veterans Affairs RA (VARA) registry (total of 9,700 visits) and 1,153 patients with RA (25.8% men) in a community rheumatology practice (Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinics of Kansas [ARCK]) (total of 6,362 visits). Cross-sectional and cumulative probabilities were studied, and agreement between the various remission criteria was assessed. Aspects of reliability of the criteria were determined using Boolean-based definitions, as well as the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) scoring methods proposed by the ACR/EULAR joint committee. Results When the 3-variable ACR/EULAR definition of remission recommended for use in community practice (swollen and tender joint counts ≤1, and visual analog scale score for patient's global assessment of disease activity ≤1) was applied, cross-sectional remission was 7.5% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 6.4, 8.7%) for ARCK and 8.9% (95% CI 7.9, 9.9%) for VARA, and cumulative remission (remission at any observation) was 18.0% (for ARCK) and 24.4% (for VARA), over a mean followup of ∼2.2 years. Addition of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein level to the criteria set reduced remission to 5.0–6.2%, and use of the CDAI/SDAI increased the proportions to 6.9–10.1%. Moreover, 1.8–4.6% of the patients met remission criteria at ≥2 visits. Agreement between criteria definitions was good, as assessed by kappa statistics and Jaccard coefficients. Among patients in remission, the probability of a remission lasting 2 years was 6.0–14.1%. Among all patients, the probability of a remission lasting 2 years was <3%. Remission status and examination results for each patient varied substantially among physicians, as determined by multilevel analyses. Conclusion Cross-sectional remission occurred in 5.0–10.1% of the patients in these cohorts, with cumulative remission being 2–3 times greater; however, long-term remission was rare. Problems with reliability and agreement limit the usefulness of these criteria in the individual patient. However, the criteria can be an effective method for measuring clinical status and treatment effect in groups of patients in the community.
Monte carlo calculation of the born-oppenheimer potential between two helium atoms using hylleraas-type electronic wave functions

The fact that Monte Carlo estimates for the expectation value of the Hamiltonian have no standard deviation for exact eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian has been used to construct electronic wave functions accounting for the total correlation energy of two helium atoms separated by distances larger than 5aB to within 5 × 10−4 Ry. The biased selection Monte Carlo method used is an extension of information sampling, which enables the analytical elimination of all possible singularities in Vψ and also allows the use of the Hartree-Fock atomic wave function to select the points. The trial wave functions are an antisymmetric combination of Hylleraas-type atomic wave functions multiplying an exponential containing dipole-dipole and dipole-quadrupole terms in a form involving 18 parameters. The standard deviations in the energy values were estimated using 200 well-chosen sample points. Best wave functions were found by keeping the points fixed and varying the parameters in the wave functions until the minimum deviations were obtained. The resulting expectation values and standard deviations were then estimated using 6400 points (˜3 min of Amdahl 460 V time). The range of energy values from this step were in agreement with experiment to within their standard deviations of less than 5 × 10−4 Ry. The wave functions for two separation distances were tested much more severely to make sure that the above results were not due to a failure to sample enough odd points. A 10-hr run was made in which the expectation values were evaluated at 6.6 and 9aB separation and also the difference between these values. The runs using 6400 points were found to be valid, and in addition it was discovered that the energy bounds given by these wave functions are in agreement with experiment to within standard deviations of ˜3 × 10−5 Ry and that their difference (1.3 ± 1.4) × 10−5 Ry differs from the experimental 3.2 by about 1.4 standard deviations.
Safety of Measles-Containing Vaccines in 1-Year-Old Children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: All measles-containing vaccines are associated with several types of adverse events, including seizure, fever, and immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP). Because the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine compared with the separate measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and varicella (MMR + V) vaccine increases a toddler’s risk for febrile seizures, we investigated whether MMRV is riskier than MMR + V and whether either vaccine elevates the risk for additional safety outcomes. METHODS: Study children were aged 12 to 23 months in the Vaccine Safety Datalink from 2000 to 2012. Nine study outcomes were investigated: 7 main outcomes (anaphylaxis, ITP, ataxia, arthritis, meningitis/encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and Kawasaki disease), seizure, and fever. Comparing MMRV with MMR + V, relative risk was estimated by using stratified exact binomial tests. Secondary analyses examined post-MMRV or MMR + V risk versus comparison intervals; risk and comparison intervals were then contrasted for MMRV versus MMR+V. RESULTS: We evaluated 123 200 MMRV and 584 987 MMR + V doses. Comparing MMRV with MMR + V, risks for the 7 main outcomes were not significantly different. Several outcomes had few or zero postvaccination events. Comparing risk versus comparison intervals, ITP risk was higher after MMRV (odds ratio [OR]: 11.3 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9 to 68.2]) and MMR + V (OR: 10 [95% CI: 4.5 to 22.5]) and ataxia risk was lower after both vaccines (MMRV OR: 0.8 [95% CI: 0.5 to 1]; MMR + V OR: 0.8 [95% CI: 0.7 to 0.9]). Compared with MMR + V, MMRV increased risk of seizure and fever 7 to 10 days after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not identify any new safety concerns comparing MMRV with MMR + V or after either the MMRV or the MMR + V vaccine. This study provides reassurance that these outcomes are unlikely after either vaccine.
Using the Experiences of Nontraditional Students in the Classroom

It is not uncommon for older, “nontraditional” students to enroll in the management principles course either as a requirement for an undergraduate degree or as a prerequisite for the MBAdegree. Yet many of these nontraditional students arrive in the classroom with significant levels of work experience. As a result, it becomes difficult to simultaneously engage both traditional and nontraditional students. This article will describe a semester-long exercise that was developed to more fully use students' experience base in the learning experience. Very positive reactions from students suggest that both types of students benefited.
Drug Insight: cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitors and cardiovascular risk—where are we now?

Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) 1 mediates the production of thromboxane A2 in platelets, leading to platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. Conversely, COX2 catalyzes endothelial prostacyclin synthesis, which effectively counteracts thromboxane A2, triggering vasodilation and platelet inhibition. Selective COX2 inhibitors decrease prostacyclin production, potentially disrupting homeostasis and creating a prothrombotic state. The VIGOR study findings of increased cardiovascular risk with rofecoxib were subsequently confirmed by large meta-analyses, observational studies and recent APPROVe trial publication. The APC trial findings of increased cardiovascular risk with Celebrex (celecoxib) conflict with those in the ADAPT trial, the upcoming PreSAP publication, a case-control study by Graham et al. and prior large clinical trials, meta-analyses and observational studies of this drug. Therefore, while an adverse class effect is a possibility for COX2 inhibitors, the published data are inconsistent. Baseline cardiovascular risk in patients might contribute significantly to these findings. In light of the negative Vioxx (rofecoxib) publicity, however, COX2 inhibitors might forever remain underinvestigated. The relative selectivity of these compounds for COX2 is extremely variable, casting significant doubt on the class-effect hypothesis. Improved endothelial function has also been reported with celecoxib, leading to endothelium-dependent vasodilation, and associated decreases in C-reactive protein and LDL cholesterol. The addition of meloxicam to low-dose aspirin and heparin has improved clinical outcomes after acute coronary syndromes. These are the first studies suggesting improvement in endothelial function and reduction of inflammation with COX2 inhibition. Thus, more randomized controlled trials are needed to study the relative cardiovascular effects of different COX2 inhibitors, alone and in combination with aspirin.
The Problem of Group Differences in Ability Test Scores in Employment Selection

Abstract Group differences on employment tests of cognitive abilities often lead to lower job selection rates for blacks and some other minorities, such as Hispanics. These lower selection rates are referred to as “adverse impact.” This paper reviews measurement-based research efforts to solve or circumvent this problem. Cumulative research findings have disconfirmed three early theories that postulated that average score differences between groups were due to deficiencies in the tests: the theory of single group validity, the theory of differential validity, and the theory of test underprediction. At the same time, research has shown that such tests are valid for virtually all jobs and that failure to employ them in selection can lead to substantial economic losses. These findings have increased the percentage of jobs for which such tests will probably be used. Attempts to solve or circumvent the problem of group differences by redefining test (or selection) fairness, by relying on job experience to eliminate ability-related job performance differences, by use of specific aptitudes rather than general ability measures, and by searching for bias in job performance measures appear to have been unsuccessful. It is possible that use of certain nontest selection methods in combination with general mental ability measures may lead to some reduction in hiring rate differences. However, the reduction appears small, and the picture as a whole indicates that the problem of group differences and adverse impact is far more intractable than initially believed. Political, legal, and social policy decisions will determine how this problem is addressed. Measurement-based research has not solved the problem. Its major contribution has been to clarify the nature of the problem, and in this respect it has been very successful.
Comparative self-evaluation and depressive affect among chronic pain patients: An examination of selective evaluation theory

Selective evaluation theory suggests that an individual suffering from a medical condition might employ self-enhancing comparative evaluations (comparing oneself or one's condition to others in such a way as to appear relatively advantaged) as one means of combating the psychological effects of perceived victimization. Research which has examined the relation between self-evaluations and psychological functioning suggests that the association is complex, and that various moderating factors (such as illness severity, perceived control over symptoms, and illness duration) may help explain discrepant findings. To help clarify the nature of these relationships, and to broaden the applicability of selective evaluation theory, chronic pain patients were asked to rate the frequency with which they use various comparative self-appraisals as a means of coping with their condition, and to rate their perceptions of pain intensity and control over pain. In support of selective evaluation theory, more frequent use of self-evaluative strategies was associated with lower levels of depression. However, this relationship was strongest for those patients presenting with a relatively short duration of pain (less than 5 years), and nonexistent among those patients who had suffered for a longer period of time (greater than 11.7 years).
Information sharing as an interorganizational activity.

The article discusses a study which analyzed information sharing as an interorganizational activity. The research revealed a positive relationship between the information sharing activity and perce...
Current approach on spinal cord monitoring: the point of view of the neurologist, the anesthesiologist and the spine surgeon

Optimal outcome in spine surgery is dependent of the coordination of efforts by the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and neurophysiologist. This is perhaps best illustrated by the rising use of intraoperative spinal cord monitoring for complex spine surgery. The challenges presented by neurophysiologic monitoring, in particular the use of somatosensory and motor evoked potentials, requires an understanding by each member for the team of the proposed operative procedure as well as an ability to help differentiate clinically important signal changes from false positive changes. Surgical, anesthetic, and monitoring issues need to be addressed when relying on this form of monitoring to reduce the potential of negative outcomes in spine surgery. This article provides a practical overview from the perspective of the neurophysiologist, the anesthesiologist, and the surgeon on the requirements which must be understood by these participants in order to successfully contribute to a positive outcome when a patient is undergoing complex spine surgery.
Convenient Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of (C5Me5)U(CH2C6H5)3: A Simple Strategy for the Preparation of Monopentamethylcyclopentadienyl Uranium(IV) Complexes

A high-yield one-pot synthesis of (C5Me5)U(CH2C6H5)3 has been developed and applied to the synthesis of a new organouranium complex possessing a (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)bis(cyclopentadienyl) ligand framework, (C5Me5)(C5H5)2U(CH2C6H5). Both complexes have been structurally characterized. We also report herein an improved and safer synthesis for the popular uranium starting material UCl4.