cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preoperative biopsy in parotid malignancies: Variation in use and impact on surgical margins.

OBJECTIVES Determine rate of preoperative biopsy in parotid malignancies, identify factors associated with its use, and its association with surgical margins. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Commission on Cancer-Accredited Institutions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We included 5533 patients treated surgically for a parotid malignancy 2004-2014 in the National Cancer Database. Chi-squared tests, univariable, and multivariable logistic regressions were used to evaluate predictors of preoperative biopsy (defined as needle, aspiration, or incisional), and associate biopsy with surgical margins. RESULTS Preoperative biopsy was utilized in 26.0% of patients. Biopsy was more likely in patients >60 years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.19, P = .035), advanced clinical T stage (vs. T1,T2 OR: 1.23, P = .009; T3 OR: 1.26, P = .026; T4A OR: 2.05, P < .001), advanced clinical N stage (vs. N0, N1: OR: 1.39, P = .013; N2/3: OR: 1.63, P < .001), in academic centers (OR: 1.18, P < .024), and in higher volume centers (vs. low, medium OR: 1.28, P = .002; high OR: 2.16, P < .001). Biopsy use increased over time (vs. 2004-2006, 2007-2010 OR: 1.20, P = .047; 2011-2014 OR: 1.39, P < .001). Biopsy was associated with a reduced risk of positive margins in patients with clinical T1 stage (OR: 0.70, P = .012), and younger than 61 (OR: 0.79, P = .036). CONCLUSION The national rate of preoperative biopsy in parotid malignancy is low at 26.0%, but has increased over time. Preoperative biopsy is associated with a reduced risk of positive margins in younger patients and those with early clinical stage, suggesting its increased use may improve surgical outcomes and decrease reoperation or adjuvant therapy in these subgroups of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 130:1450-1458, 2020.
14 – Social networks

This chapter introduced the concept of social network analysis (SNA), which, although not invented by, was certainly made famous by Stanley Milgram and his “six degrees of separation” findings. It described how a social network can be represented as a graph, with people as nodes and the relationships among people serving as edges where edges can also reflect things like whether the relationship is strong or weak, and whether it has directionality. It introduced some terms specific to the SNA community such as homophily and multiplexity, and it described the graph analytic techniques that can be used to explore social networks. Finally we explored two upper level Semantic Web ontologies for representing facts about a social network, the Friend of a Friend ontology for expressing facts about people, and the Organization ontology, for describing organizations, and a person’s relationship to and role in an organization.
Abstract TMP21: Cilostazol for Prevention of Cerebral Vasospasm and Cerebral Ischemia in Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

Introduction: Cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3, may reduce symptomatic vasospasm and associated cerebral ischemia and improve outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachno...
Lysozyme resistance in C. difficile is dependent on two peptidoglycan deacetylases

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections leading to antibiotic-associated diarrhea. C. difficile exhibits a very high level of resistance to lysozyme. Bacteria commonly resist lysozyme through modification of the cell wall. In C. difficile σV is required for lysozyme resistance and σV is activated in response to lysozyme. Once activated σV, encoded by csfV, directs transcription of genes necessary for lysozyme resistance. Here we analyze the contribution of individual genes in the csfV regulon to lysozyme resistance. Using CRISPR-Cas9 mediated mutagenesis we constructed in-frame deletions of single genes in the csfV operon. We find pdaV, which encodes a peptidoglycan deacetylase, is partially responsible for lysozyme resistance. We then performed CRISPR inhibition (CRISPRi) to identify a second peptidoglycan deacetylase, pgdA, that is important for lysozyme resistance. Deletion of either pgdA or pdaV resulted in modest decreases in lysozyme resistance. However, deletion of both pgdA and pdaV resulted in a 1000-fold decrease in lysozyme resistance. Further, muropeptide analysis revealed loss of either PgdA or PdaV had modest effects on peptidoglycan deacetylation but loss of both PgdA and PdaV resulted in almost complete loss of peptidoglycan deacetylation. This suggests that PgdA and PdaV are redundant peptidoglycan deacetylases. We also use CRISPRi to compare other lysozyme resistance mechanisms and conclude that peptidoglycan deacetylation is the major mechanism of lysozyme resistance in C. difficile.
Introduction to special issue: Clinical neuropsychology in the time of COVID-19.

On November 17, 2019, COVID-19 was detected for the first time in Wuhan, China. The first article that was accepted for publication in this special issue reports that, as of April 26, 2020, there w...
A computational investigation of the equilibrium geometries, energetics, vibrational frequencies, infrared intensities and Raman activities of C2O y (y = 3, 4) species

Oligomers and co-oligomers of carbon oxides ( C O & C O 2 ) hold considerable potential as high energy density materials (HEDMs) and are of prospective interest to astrochemists. Here, we theoretic...
Phantosmia associated with Anti-Phospholipid Antibody Syndrome (1533)

Objective: To describe a case of adult-onset seizures in the setting of anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). Background: Neurological involvement with APS can have a varied presentation. The reported prevalence of seizures in APS is about 3.2 to 10 percent. However, the prevalence of seizure-like activity associated with APS in the presence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be higher than previously described. Besides ischemic lesions due to hypercoagulability, antibody-mediated immune pathology has been proposed as the cause of seizures. Certain ictal features like olfactory/gustatory hallucinations may direct to extra-temporal regions, e.g. insula, fronto-basal and orbital cortices. Design/Methods: Retrospective chart review and literature search. Results: 53-year-old male with history of recurrent sinusitis status post multiple sinus surgeries presented for neurological symptoms of experiencing abnormal smell. He describes it as smelling “salt water” that would last for less than a minute and roughly had around 10 spells a month. One spell was severe enough that he had a near fall in the shower and dropped to his knees with no recollection of the event. A routine electroencephalogram showed no abnormalities. He was worked up for transient ischemic attacks which revealed positive serum antiphospholipid antibodies, mainly lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibody which was persistently positive with repeat testing about 12 weeks later. MRI of the brain showed extensive hyperintensities in the supratentorial subcortical and deep white matter of bilateral cerebral hemispheres but no cortical lesions to suggest an ictal nidus. Treatment with anti-seizure medication (levetiracetam) resolved the olfactory aura spells. It was postulated that these spells of phantosmia (olfactory aura / hallucination) were a part of the seizure semiology caused by autoimmune mediated pathology in APS which resolved with treatment. Conclusions: APS should be considered in the differentials for patients presenting with adult-onset seizures in the setting of SLE. Disclosure: Alexis Brantley has nothing to disclose. Maryam Zulfiqar, MD has nothing to disclose. Dr. Natteru has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gangadhara has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Biohaven pharmaceuticals.
Image-mining: exploring the impact of video content on the success of crowdfunding

This study aims to better understand the role of visual content in the likelihood of supporting crowdfunding projects. We propose an image mining procedure for collecting, identifying, and classifying visual concepts. This procedure detects communities in the visual concepts’ network, allowing researchers to classify objects into contextual clusters for further inferences. In Study 1, we explored 11,264 video frames from 652 crowdfunding projects on Kickstarter.com using Clarifai’s image recognition tool. By the Louvain method of community detection, we identified 38 contextual clusters of visual concepts. From those, we found that the “workspace” cluster positively linked to crowdfunding projects’ success, while the “event” cluster negatively was related. In addition, in Study 2, we conducted an experiment to examine the impact of the two visual contexts on consumer investors’ intent to support crowdfunding projects and found evidence supporting our initial findings.
Cognitive Impairment and Physical Frailty in Patients With Cirrhosis.

Physical frailty and impaired cognition are common in patients with cirrhosis. Physical frailty can be assessed using performance-based tests, but the extent to which impaired cognition may impact performance is not well characterized. We assessed the relationship between impaired cognition and physical frailty in patients with cirrhosis. We enrolled 1,623 ambulatory adult patients with cirrhosis waiting for liver transplantation at 10 sites. Frailty was assessed with the liver frailty index (LFI; "frail," LFI ≥ 4.4). Cognition was assessed at the same visit with the number connection test (NCT); continuous "impaired cognition" was examined in primary analysis, with longer NCT (more seconds) indicating worse impaired cognition. For descriptive statistics, "impaired cognition" was NCT ≥ 45 seconds. Linear regression associated frailty and impaired cognition; competing risk regression estimated subhazard ratios (sHRs) of wait-list mortality (i.e., death/delisting for sickness). Median NCT was 41 seconds, and 42% had impaired cognition. Median LFI (4.2 vs. 3.8) and rates of frailty (38% vs. 20%) differed between those with and without impaired cognition. In adjusted analysis, every 10-second NCT increase associated with a 0.08-LFI increase (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-0.10). In univariable analysis, both frailty (sHR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.43-1.87) and impaired cognition (sHR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10) associated with wait-list mortality. After adjustment, frailty but not impaired cognition remained significantly associated with wait-list mortality (sHR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.33-1.79). Impaired cognition mediated 7.4% (95% CI, 2.0%-16.4%) of the total effect of frailty on 1-year wait-list mortality. Conclusion: Patients with cirrhosis with higher impaired cognition displayed higher rates of physical frailty, yet frailty independently associated with wait-list mortality while impaired cognition did not. Our data provide evidence for using the LFI to understand mortality risk in patients with cirrhosis, even when concurrent impaired cognition varies.
Universal Behavior of a Cyclic Oxidation Model

A mathematical model has been generated to represent the iterative, discrete growth and spallation processes associated with cyclic oxidation. Parabolic growth kinetics (k(sub p)) over and a constant spall area (F(sub A)) were assumed, with spalling occurring interfacially at the thickest regions of the scale. Although most models require numerical techniques, the regularity and simplicity of this progression permitted an approximation by algebraic expressions. Normalization could now be performed to reflect all parametric effects, and a universal cyclic oxidation response was generated: W(sub u) = 1/2 {3J(sub u)(sup 1/2)+ J(sub u)(sup 3/2)} where W, is weight change normalized by the maximum and J(sub u) is the cycle number normalized by the number to reach maximum. Similarly, the total amount of metal consumed was represented by a single normalized curve. The factor [(S(sub c)-l)(raised dot)sqrt(F(sub A)k(sub p)DELTAt)] was identified as a general figure of merit, where S(sub c) is the mass ratio of oxide to oxygen and DELTAt is the cycle duration. A cyclic oxidation failure map was constructed, in normalized k(sub p)-F(sub A) space, as defined by the locus of points corresponding to a critical amount of metal consumption in a given time. All three constructions describe behavior for every value of growth rate, spall fraction, and cycle duration by means of single curves, but with two branches corresponding to the times before and after steady state is achieved.
Decision-Making in the Household: The Case of Cohabiting Couples

Methodologies developed for investigating the nature of decision-making in the family are extended with modifications to study the nature of decision-making among cohabiting heterosexual couples. The four basic styles of decision-making (husband dominant, syncratic (joint) decisions, wife dominant, and autonomic decisions) were traced across the three decision stages of problem recognition, information search, and the final decision stage. Syncratic decisions were the most prevalent at the problem recognition and the final decision stages, but more autonomic decisions were reported at the search stage.
The effects of topically applied hormones on growth, pigmentation and keratinization of the nipple and areola.

Topical application of an alcoholic adrenal extract was found to produce unilateral growth and pigmentation of the areolas and nipples of castrated male guinea pigs in the course of a previous experiment. This observation was a stimulus to determine which of other available hormones might have an effect when applied locally. The present communication describes the results of experimental observations along this line.
Carpal hyperextension in a Percheron mare caused by a palmar carpal ligament tear

Summary A Percheron mare was presented for acute, severe lameness and marked swelling of the right forelimb after being cast. The mare was initially diagnosed with cellulitis of the forelimb but as her condition improved and the affected limb was able to bear more weight it became apparent that the limb was hyperextended at the level of the carpus. Widening of the palmar aspect of the middle carpal joint was observed radiographically. During ultrasonographic examination, excessive fluid in the carpal sheath and perithecal swelling were noted and tearing of the palmar carpal ligament was suspected. A dynamic brace was fabricated to prevent hyperextension of the carpus. After discontinuation of systemic antibiotics, the mare became febrile and forelimb lameness worsened. Cytology of fluid from the middle carpal joint confirmed joint sepsis and the mare was anaesthetised for arthroscopic examination. A tear in the palmar carpal ligament, characterised by focal fibre disruption and fibrillation, was identified during arthroscopic and tenoscopic examination. Communication between the carpal flexor tendon sheath and middle carpal joint was identified during these procedures. Both the middle carpal joint and carpal flexor tendon sheath were lavaged with physiological saline solution. Post operatively, swelling and lameness slowly resolved. Four months after discharge, the mare was sufficiently sound to be maintained at pasture. Viewed from its lateral aspect, the limb no longer appeared to be hyperextended from the carpus.
1 Diversity, Resiliency, and IHOPE-Maya: Using the Past to Inform the Present

How can the past inform the present? Archaeologists working though IHOPE-Maya seek to address this question by using archaeological data and ecological reconstructions to explore human–nature couplings. Maya archaeologists are revitalizing and contemporizing the field to focus on issues relevant today: the socio-natural boundary and the coupled human–nature dynamic. The ancient Maya occupied a diverse range of tropical environments that permits a comparative exploration of past permutations in adaptive responses and may also be instructive concerning issues of overexploitation. The variety of places that the Maya occupied afforded diverse opportunities and constraints. By providing access to long-term historical interactions between peoples and their landscapes, archaeology is uniquely qualified to define, examine, and interpret topics like sustainability, resilience, and vulnerability that are as equally significant to the past as they are to the present. Because Maya archaeology is well positioned to analyze ancient variability in political structures and cultural adaptations that can be related to differential societal success and decline, the discipline can contribute to broader, more current, debates concerning climate change, population limits, urban forms, landscape modifications, and stability. The research being undertaken by IHOPE-Maya hopes to serve as a catalyst for transforming the field.
Social capital and collective identity in the local food movement

Social movement actors are seeking alternatives to the highly industrialized, global food system through alternative agri-food initiatives to counter the conventional practices of the industrial food system. Many of these initiatives have proven successful. Social movement researchers have documented the importance of the roles and services social movement organizations provide for movement constituents to realize their success, emphasizing human and financial capital as key components for mobilizing collective action. Researchers have also documented the value of interorganizational networks, and the benefits of collaboration to expand the share of resources, and perhaps more importantly design social movement frames to direct collective action for social change. However, what local food movement research has yet to address are some of the potential barriers that minimize collaboration among organizational leaders as it relates to social capital and collective identity. This paper takes a cross-sectional...
Medical Thrashing Mad: The Language of Medicine as Death Metal Lyrics

Heavy metal music emerged largely from the industrial landscape of England after the Second World War. Compared to the psychedelic music that characterized the 1960s, heavy metal has a more sinister sound, as exemplified by the songs of bands such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple. The lyrics of heavy metal concern occult religious practices, sexual excess, substance abuse, and other controversial issues. In the late 1970s, the popularity of heavy metal waned as punk rock emerged. However, heavy metal experienced a resurgence in the early 1980s with the “New Wave of British Heavy Metal,” which was characterized by “high-soaring vocals, dual guitar work, and increasingly complex song arrangements”, with bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Motorhead at the forefront. In the early 1980s, California-based bands made heavy metal more commercially appealing by projecting a flamboyant image and incorporating pop hooks into their songs, and thereby gave rise to the subgenre of glam metal. The members of these bands sported long hair and an androgynous look.1
PROBING THE STANDARD MODEL WITH DILEPTON DECAYS OF TOP QUARK PAIRS AT CDF

The dilepton decays of the top quark are a powerful laboratory for probing the Standard Model and searching for hints of a more fundamental theory. We present a detailed analysis of the production cross section and the kinematic qualities of top quark pair candidate events in $p\bar p$ collisions at $\sqrt s = 1.96 TeV collected by the CDF detector which include two leptons in the final state, suggesting the decay $t\bar{t}\rightarrow bl\nu_l\bar bl'\nu_{l'}$. We describe the selection of candidate events to suppress major backgrounds and present the number of observed events over background. As a test of the top quark hypothesis, the kinematics of the events are analyzed via a measurement of Mtop with unprecedented precision.
Removal of molluscicidal bait pellets by earthworms and its impact on control of the gray field slug (Derocerus reticulatum Mueller) in western Oregon grass seed fields

Slugs are common pests of grass seed fields in western Oregon and the current focus of repeated, and often unsuccessful, efforts by growers to control them using molluscicides. Here we document rapid loss of molluscicidal bait pellets to earthworms and the resulting adverse effects on slug control. Three years of field studies were conducted at 17 locations with contrasting crops, soil types, residue levels, and tillage management programs. Baits were isolated in covered, sunken, open bottom arenas in the field to exclude removal by slugs, rodents, or birds. Forty hours of nighttime field observations and photographic documentation were collected to support the hypothesis that earthworms were removing slug bait before it had the opportunity to kill slugs. Greenhouse studies were conducted on the gray field slug (Derocerus reticulatum Mueller), in screen-topped arenas to determine the effects on mortality, seedling survival, and egg fecundity in a bait-depleting environment. Field data showed that an average of 17% of all bait pellet types were removed nightly by earthworms, with a range of 5.1e6.4 days until 100% disappearance. Individual earthworms in the field were observed removing up to three bait pellets per hour. Earthworms removed a 5% metaldehyde formulation significantly faster than either 4% metaldehyde or 1% iron phosphate pellet baits, possibly because of the smaller physical pellet size. Seedling survival in the greenhouse � 65% was achieved by the highest rate of 4% metaldehyde bait pellets, the two highest rates of 7.5% metaldehyde granules, and the two highest rates of 25% metaldehyde liquid formulation. Earthworms showed no behavioral interest in the granular or liquid formulations, providing growers with attractive alternatives to the ineffectual pelleted baits currently in widespread use. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Insect sting allergy and venom immunotherapy

Objective To review specific aspects of venom immunotherapy (VIT) in the context of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in general. Data Sources Immunotherapy Collegium II presented at the 2005 Annual Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Study Selection Discussions of VIT during Immunotherapy Collegium II. Results The decision to recommend VIT is based on a detailed history and confirmatory diagnostic tests, as well as a knowledge of the natural history of the disease and its impact on quality of life. Skin tests and radioallergosorbent tests are complementary in that neither can detect all cases of insect sting allergy. Unlike inhalant AIT, rush regimens are as safe as slower regimens for initial VIT, and 4- to 8-week maintenance intervals are typical for VIT. In contrast to inhalant AIT, large local reactions are common and expected with VIT and should not limit the maintenance dose. VIT induces full immune tolerance in 85% of patients after 5 years, whereas this occurs in 30% to 50% of patients with inhalant AIT. VIT is often discontinued after 5 years even though skin test results are usually still positive, but a 10% to 15% chance of reaction persists for many years and is greater in patients who had near-fatal reactions before treatment, those who had systemic reactions during VIT, those with honeybee allergy, and those treated for less than 5 years. Children who receive 3 to 5 years of VIT have a lasting immune tolerance for 10 to 20 years afterward. Conclusion The appropriate use of VIT for prevention of insect sting allergy requires knowledge of the natural history of the disease and would benefit from a better understanding of the mechanisms of successful immunotherapy for the induction of immune tolerance.
Impact of Miami, Florida, Urban Partnership Agreement Phase 1A on Transit User Perceptions of I-95 Express Bus Service

With the use of pre- and postdeployment onboard surveys conducted in May 2008 and May 2009, the effect of the Miami, Florida, Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA) project (I-95 Express Lanes) on user perceptions of the corridor's I-95 Express bus service was assessed. Because the majority of 95 Express bus users are commuters who use the service in both directions and only the northbound direction had been improved by the Express Lanes at the time of the study presented in this paper, the project's effect on user perceptions was significant. Although the service was already highly rated, the service's ratings have increased further, with travel time and service reliability ratings improving by margins that were statistically significant at the 99% and 95% confidence level, respectively. These margins relate directly to the improvements in travel conditions brought about by the UPA project. Despite these enhanced performance perceptions, responses to other survey questions showed that mode shifts to transit b...
The effect of damage rate on void growth in metals

Abstract The rate theory formulation of void growth was utilized to analyze the effects of damage rate on metal swelling. In particular, the swelling behavior of 316 SS was modeled as a function of temperature, over a range of displacement damage rates between 10 −6 dpa/s and 10 −3 dpa/s. Detailed analysis of the rate processes for point defect annihilation, migration, and loss to sinks indicated that small vacancy loops limit void growth at high damage rates. The reduction of void growth rates by vacancy emission from voids was found to be shifted towards higher temperature at higher displacement rates. In effect, the peak swelling temperature as well as the upper cutoff temperature for swelling are increased as the displacement rate is increased. The influence of constant or rate dependent nucleation conditions on the final swelling was investigated and it was shown that the initial microstructure before the growth stage essentially determines the peak swelling temperature. When appropriate empirical expressions for void and loop densities were used, the final peak swelling temperature shift agrees reasonably well with experimental data.
Detecting phonemes and letters in text: Interactions between different types and levels of processes

In six experiments, subjects detected phonemes or letters in text presented auditorily or visually. Experiments 1 and 2 provided support for the hypothesis that a mismatch between the phoneme and letter representations of a target leads to detection errors. In addition, visual word unitization processes were implicated. Experiments 3 and 4 provided support for the hypothesis that the Gestalt goodness of pattern affected detection errors when subjects searched for letters. Experiments 5 and 6 demonstrated that the effects of unitization on the detection of letters in common words were decreased by altering the familiar configuration of the test words. The combined results of all six experiments lead to the conclusion that both visual and phonetic processes influence letter detection, that these processes communicate through a type of cross-checking, and that there are at least two levels of visual (and perhaps of phonetic) processing involved in the letter detection task.
Moving Shadows, Moving Sun: Early Modern Sundials Restaging Miracles

Irrespective of geo- or heliocentric presuppositions, the functioning of sundials is based on the observation of moving shadows or light spots. Even though the cast shadow was often simply used to indicate the time, it could also remind the users of the ephemerality of earthly things or function as an index of planetary movements. This article examines the various ways in which early modern sundials visually interpret the moving shadow or light spot. The instruments address the shadow in inscriptions, integrate it into their design (e.g. in cruciform dials) or even manipulate its course (as in the so-called Horologium Ahaz). Both the crucifix and the Ahaz dials not only refer to astronomical miracles but actually restage them. Even though by means of the horologium it was not possible to explain the Old Testament miracle of the shadow moving backward, adepts were able to recreate it on a terrestrial scale.
A modified collective agriculture in rural growth-with-equity: Reconsidering the private, unimodal solution

Abstract This paper identifies limitations of an agricultural structure of small, private farms as a basis for rural growth with distributive equity, and points out potential advantages of democratically-managed collectives characterized by flexibility with respect to production scale, group checks on inequality in land use, and avoidance of the underemployment-generating tendencies of large-scale non-collective agriculture. After a critique of recent literature on scale economies and a discussion of stratification tendencies in private agriculture, a model of democratic rural collectives incorporating features of Chinese and Tanzanian precedents is introduced and evaluated. Political feasibility is considered in a concluding discussion.
Development and testing of a measure of health-related quality of life for men with urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the development and psychometric testing of male versions of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ). DESIGN: Instrument development. SETTING: Urology clinic at a large urban Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of English-speaking community-dwelling male urology clinic patients who acknowledged concerns about urine leakage. MEASUREMENTS: Content experts and male clinic patients evaluated items for clarity and fit. Revised instruments were administered to 153 participants. Data were analyzed to examine issues of feasibility of administration, internal consistency reliability, and validity. RESULTS: Modal completion time for the Male Urogenital Distress Inventory (MUDI) (27 items) and Male Urinary Symptom Impact Questionnaire (MUSIQ) (32 items) was 20 minutes. Cronbach's coefficients were .89 for the MUDI and .95 for the MUSIQ. Total MUDI and MUSIQ scores were moderately correlated (r = .59, P < .001). Mean MUDI and MUSIQ scores varied significantly with self-reported desire for socialization, urine leakage, and depression. Principal components analyses suggested the presence of seven factors accounting for 65.4% of the variance in the MUDI and six factors accounting for 72.9% of the variance in the MUSIQ. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to use the MUDI and MUSIQ to measure health-related quality of life in men with continence problems. The scores appeared to be reliable and valid in this racially and educationally diverse sample. Use of the MUDI and MUSIQ may provide more sensitive measurement of the specific effect of urinary incontinence and related symptoms on health-related quality of life in men. Future research should determine reproducibility and responsivity and reexamine the construct validity of these instruments.
A Theory of Credibility

This paper presents models in which one agent must decide whether to trust another, whose motives are uncertain. Reliability can only be communicated through actions. In this context, it pays for people to build a reputation based on reliable behaviour; someone becomes credible by consistently providing accurate and valuable information or by performing useful services. The theory provides a justification for long-term arrangements without binding contracts. It also describes those situations where it pays an agent to cash in on his reputation. Many decisions depend on trusting someone. Consumers must decide whether to believe advertisements, banks need to judge the reliability of loan applicants, and employers must decide how much responsibility to delegate to their employees. This paper attempts to model situations that arise when someone is uncertain about whether to trust the people he deals with. In this context, reputations for reliability are valuable. An agent becomes credible by consistently providing accurate, valuable information or by always acting responsibly. I analyse a series of simple, abstract models of information transmission. In the basic model, there are two agents, the Sender (S) and the Receiver (R) who are to play the game a known, finite number of times. At each stage both players learn the value of a parameter measuring the importance of that period's play of the game (that is, the value of making a correct decision) and S obtains payoff-relevant information; S then sends a signal to R, who makes a decision that affects the welfare of both players. After both players learn the consequences of R's decision, the process repeats. At each stage R must decide what action to take. In order to do that he must assess the credibility of S. The difficulty arises because R is uncertain about S's preferences when play begins. I model this by assuming that with positive probability S has identical preferences to R (S is a friend) and with positive probability S has completely opposed preferences to R (S is an enemy). This uncertainty creates a trade-off for enemy Senders. At each stage, providing honest information enhances S's reputation, but only at the expense of foregoing an opportunity for immediate gain by duping R. The possibility that S is a friend lends credibility to what he says, but this credibility may also be exploited by an enemy S. The principal equilibrium has the following form. In the basic model, where S has no control over the importance of a given play, S typically conveys accurate information for the first several periods. R raises the probability he places on S being friendly after receiving accurate information if he believes that an enemy would have lied to him with positive probability. The more important the information, the more likely an enemy will attempt to deceive R. An enemy will eventually take advantage of R by misleading him. When this happens, the Sender loses all opportunities for deception in the future. I
Investing Public Pensions in the Stock Market: Implications for Risk Sharing, Capital Formation and Public Policy in the Developed and Developing World

Concerns that existing public pension systems will be unable to pay benefits to a rapidly ageing population without sharp tax increases, and the prospect of higher average returns on stocks than on government securities, are drawing the attention of policy–makers worldwide to the option of investing public pension assets in stocks. Including stock market investments in public pension plans could improve risk sharing within and between generations, and could perhaps lead to faster market development in some countries. It could also result in excessive risk–taking, higher transactions costs and a false sense of increased financial security. This paper assesses these issues, with an emphasis on the considerations that are of special importance to developing markets. A contrast is drawn between the demographic outlook in East Asia and the major industrialized countries. Some lessons are drawn from the reform experience in Chile and elsewhere in Latin America.
The Region of the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 LAT Gene Involved in Spontaneous Reactivation Does Not Encode a Functional Protein

Abstract We previously showed that the LAT function required for efficient spontaneous reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) from neuronal latency in the rabbit maps within the first 1.5 kb of the 8.3-kb primary LAT transcript. This demonstrated that LAT does not function via an antisense mechanism, since the first 1.5 kb of LAT does not overlap any other known HSV-1 gene. Furthermore, if LAT encodes a protein essential for efficient spontaneous reactivation, it must map within the functional first 1.5 kb of LAT. Thus, the absence of a well-conserved LAT open reading frame in this region among all HSV-1 LAT genes capable of supporting high levels of spontaneous reactivation would demonstrate that LAT does not encode a protein essential for efficient spontaneous reactivation. In this report, we sequenced the first 1.5 kb of LAT from HSV-1 McKrae, a strain with a very high spontaneous reactivation rate. Of the HSV-1 LAT sequences available for comparison (17syn+, KOS, and F), only strain 17syn+ has a high spontaneous reactivation rate. However, as shown in this report, a chimeric virus containing the KOS LAT gene on an HSV-1 McKrae genetic background had a spontaneous reactivation rate indistinguishable from McKrae (15 versus 13.6%; P > 0.05). Thus, the spontaneous reactivation competency of the LAT gene from HSV-1 KOS was similar to that of the McKrae LAT gene. Comparative sequence analysis of the LAT genes from McKrae, 17syn+, and KOS revealed that none of the eight potential McKrae LAT ORFs were well conserved. Additional types of sequence analyses further confirmed that none of the potential ORFs were likely to encode a functional LAT protein. These results strongly support the notion that the LAT function involved in spontaneous reactivation is mediated by a direct DNA or RNA mechanism rather than a protein.
C4 levels of tacrolimus correlate best with area under the curve in pancreatic insufficient cystic fibrosis patients

tolerated the combination well: That patient was switched to the combination Tac/Azathioprine due to neurological disorders. Only one patient revealed an acute rejection episode (ARE) (0.08 AREs/pat) during a period when he had Tac/Sir levels below 5/2 ng/ml. Mean Tac/Sir doses applied were 5.0 3.1 and 3.2 1.2g/day, mean trough levels achieved were 7.4 2.7 and 6.5 1.1 ng/ml, respectively. The infection incidence (1.4 1.3/pat) was comparable to that of Tac combined with Aza or MMF. Non significant adverse effects were pericaridal effusion (n 2), peripheral edema (n 1) and new onset of hypercholesterloemia (n 4). Conclusions: The combination Tac/Sir seems to be extremely effective for prevention of AREs at low trough levels while the infection incidence proved to be comparable to that seen under alternative is regimens. Most adverse effects were non-significant and decreased over time. Therefore, the Tac/Sir combination seems to offer an option to decrease the target trough levels of each drug below values associated with relevant adverse effects, which could not be achieved for each compound in combination with other, less potent agents.
Nanosecond time-resolved fluorescence measurements during protein denaturation

A procedure is described by which the information available from nanosecond time-resolved fluorescence measurements can be used to study rates of reactions taking place on time scales of seconds to hours. A pulse fluorometer was modified so as to obtain a series of short sequential data collections which were rapidly stored on computer disk files. As an application of this new methodology, the unfolding of horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase under acid conditions was monitored by changes in the decay parameters of the intrinsic fluorescence. Although the individual decay curves each had relatively few counts (330 to 160 counts at the peak), a series of decay curves obtained as a function of time could be analyzed in terms of a biexponential function. It was found that the decrease in steady-state fluorescence could be explained most simply by a decrease in the amplitude associated with the longer of the two decay constants.
Retinopathy associated with acute pancreatitis

Two patients (a 28-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man) with acute pancreatitis developed severe visual loss. The acute stage of retinopathy consisted of retinal edema, cotton-wool patches, and retinal hemorrhages, predominantly in the posterior pole of both eyes. During the five-year follow-up period, visual acuity improved and sequential fluorescein angiography of both patients demonstrated re-perfusion of previously occluded retinal vessels. After resolution of the cotton-wool patches, the previously edematous areas were replaced by foci of retinal thinning which created irregularities in the internal limiting membrane light reflex. Visual fields demonstrated scotomas corresponding to the areas of the previous cotton-wool patches.
Elements that affect web credibility: early results from a self-report study

We conducted an online survey about Web credibility, which included over 1400 participants. People reported that Web site credibility increases when the site conveys a real-world presence, is easy to use, and is updated often. People reported that a Web site loses credibility when it has errors, technical problems, or distracting advertisements. Our study is an early effort to identify Web credibility elements and empirically investigate the effect of each.
Low altitude wind shear statistics derived from measured and FAA proposed standard wind profiles

Wind shear statistics were calculated for a simulated data set using wind profiles proposed as a standard and compared to statistics derived from measured wind profile data. Wind shear values were grouped in altitude bands of 100 ft between 100 and 1400 ft, and in wind shear increments of 0.025 kt/ft between + or - 0.600 kt/ft for the simulated data set and between + or - 0.200 kt/ft for the measured set. No values existed outside the + or - 0.200 kt/ft boundaries for the measured data. Frequency distributions, means, and standard deviations were derived for each altitude band for both data sets, and compared. Also, frequency distributions were derived for the total sample for both data sets and compared. Frequency of occurrence of a given wind shear was about the same for both data sets for wind shears, but less than + or 0.10 kt/ft, but the simulated data set had larger values outside these boundaries. Neglecting the vertical wind component did not significantly affect the statistics for these data sets. The frequency of occurrence of wind shears for the flight measured data was essentially the same for each altitude band and the total sample, but the simulated data distributions were different for each altitude band. The larger wind shears for the flight measured data were found to have short durations.
Adolescent Bulimia Nervosa

Onset of bulimia nervosa (BN) typically occurs in adolescence and is frequently accompanied by medical and psychiatric sequelae that may have detrimental effects on adolescent development. Potentially serious medical consequences and high comorbid rates of mood disorders and suicidality underscore the need for early recognition and effective treatments. Research among adolescents with BN has lagged behind that of adults, although evidence is accumulating to support the efficacy of family-based interventions and cognitive behavioral treatments that are adapted for use with adolescent populations. The aim of the current article is to provide an overview of recent research on epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic issues, and treatment interventions focusing on adolescent BN, and to highlight areas for future research.
Marble burying reflects a repetitive and perseverative behavior more than novelty-induced anxiety

Rationale An increasing number of investigators utilize the marble-burying assay despite the paucity of information available regarding what underlies the behavior.
Participation of rare DNA templates in DNA/RNA hybridization in the eukaryote, Tetrahymena pyriformis

Summary The in vivo transcriptional capacities of the highly repeated (ERRF) and the low or nonrepeated (SRF) DNA nucleotide sequences of the ciliated protozoan, Tetrahymena pyriformis were examined by DNA/RNA hybridization. Both classes of DNA do serve as templates for RNA synthesis with fast reaction kinetics for ERRF and slow for SRF. Long-lived-ribosomal-enriched RNA retains the “fast” hybridizing property when hybridized to ERRF DNA and is hardly detectible on SRF DNA. Pulse-labeled RNA hybridizes well on both ERRF and SRF templates, but retains its “slow” hybridizing component only on SRF DNA and its “fast” hybridizing component only on ERRF DNA. The hybridization seen to date with in vivo pulse-labeled RNA reflects largely the reaction between ERRF templates and non-ribosomal RNAs, but both classes can be recognized in whole DNA versus whole RNA hybridizations.
Current Educational Issues in Mechanical Engineering Programs

It is envisaged that future developments in mechanical engineering point towards an ever increasing interaction among the various branches of the discipline and science, and, even more so between social demands and technology. In this paper a thorough consideration is given to the effects of various values for development and education of new mechanical engineers. Furthermore, the essential issues such as globalization of industry, commerce and the professions, increased community expectations, understanding of ethical conduct and responsibility toward society, and other challenges and opportunities for mechanical engineering education are presented. In addition, the need for effective professional self-regulation and activities such as accreditation and competency assessments are discussed for a viable mechanical engineering program.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
P-027 Management of intracranial artery dissections with stents: a series of 49 patients

Introduction Arterial dissections may be spontaneous or related to trauma, and patients with certain conditions, such as fibromuscular dysplasia or collagen vascular diseases, may be more pre-disposed to develop dissections. Arterial dissections in the intracranial vasculature are relatively rare and are less likely to be traumatic. When they do occur, they may lead to ischemic or embolic symptoms when there is a dissection flap or stenosis, or to subarachnoid hemorrhage or discovery of a non-ruptured, dissecting intracranial aneurysm. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of patients with intracranial arterial dissections, who were treated with intracranial stents by a single operator over 11 years, without or with coil embolization. Patient presentation, procedural results, type of stent, clinical outcome, and delayed imaging findings were reviewed. In cases of dissection with an intimal flap, stenting alone was performed. In patients with dissecting aneurysms, a stent was used in all cases, and only those cases that had a significant saccular component had the placement of coils, in addition to the intracranial stent. Results A total of 49 patients were treated with intracranial arterial dissections. 19 of the patients presented with a dissection flap and arterial narrowing, 27 presented with a dissecting aneurysm (14 with subarachnoid hemorrhage and 13 with non-ruptured aneurysms), and three patients had a dissecting aneurysm and vessel narrowing. The average patient age was 34 years of age. The dissection location included 21 intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA), 12 vertebral artery, 6 posterior cerebral artery, 5 middle cerebral artery, 4 basilar artery, and 1 anterior cerebral artery. Patients were more likely to present with subarachnoid hemorrhage with ICA or vertebral artery dissections, and patients were more likely to present with ischemic symptoms with middle cerebral artery or basilar artery dissections. There were two thromboembolic complications (4%) related to the embolization procedure, there was one subsequent re-hemorrhage (2%) in a patient with a ruptured, blister-type, dissecting ICA aneurysm, and 1 groin access complication. Of the 30 patients who had an associated dissecting aneurysm, imaging follow-up was available in 25 patients. Of these, the recurrence rate was 20% (5 aneurysms), and all five were re-treated. Conclusions Stenting without or with coils is an effective treatment option for patients with intra-cranial arterial dissections. We recommend treatment in patients with dissection flaps that are enlarging on imaging or refractory to medical therapy, and in patients with dissecting intracranial aneurysms, due to the high rate of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Our overall complication rate was 8% for treatment, and there was a high propensity for aneurysm re-growth, with a 20% re-treatment rate.