cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1,2-Diphenylaziridines as pesticides: Studies on acute toxicity and delayed effects†

The insecticidal activities of 15 different 1,2-diphenylaziridines were evaluated. These compounds are readily obtained by photolysis of 1,2,3-triazolines; the latter can be conveniently prepared by the addition of diazomethane to Schiff bases in dioxane in the presence of water. Compounds containing a chloro, bromo or trifluoromethyl group in the para position of the 1-phenyl and a chloro in the ortho position of the 2-phenyl caused acute toxicity in 5th-instar Manduca sexta larvae via both oral and topical routes of exposure. Lower concentrations resulted in delayed effects such as reduced growth rate, pupal and adult malformations and reduced fecundity. When either phenyl group was unsubstituted, the activity was reduced. Unsubstituted 1,2-diphenylaziridine was inactive. Topical applications of l-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(2-chlorophenyl) aziridine were active against representative species in the insect orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Orthoptera.
Hybridization of Photonic Crystal Cavities and Surface Plasmons

We propose optical nanocavities based on the hybridization of photonic crystal cavities modes and surface plasmons across nanoscale air gaps. Deep subwavelength mode volume and high quality factor are demonstrated at 1.55 µm.
Follicular localization of dendritic cells in a xanthomatous inflammatory tumor of lung associated with human herpes virus-8 infection

A 17-year-old man was treated with chemotherapy and radiation for nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma that presented as a left chest wall mass. Ten years later, a left upper lobe lung tumor was identified. The tumor resection demonstrated a 1.3-cm yellow lung nodule composed of epithelioid and spindled lipid-laden CD68+ and Factor XIIIa+ macrophages. Distinct follicular structures with dendritic cells positive for CD1a, fascin, and ALK-1 and largely devoid of intracytoplasmic lipid were a distinguishing feature of the lesion. Most of the xanthomatous macrophages expressed human herpes virus-8 antigen. The current World Health Organization classification of "inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors" is examined, and the association of a subset of "inflammatory pseudotumors" with immunodeficiency states and opportunistic infection is discussed.
Early Wire Drawing Through Dies

The history of wire drawing through dies is reviewed and the description of the process by Theophilus, dating from about 1100 A.D., is discussed. It can be assumed that the fact that this early metal worker did not mention a die angle was due to his lack of knowledge of its function. It is suggested that deburred holes, or holes in which the boring operation inherently produced conical surfaces possibly were sufficient to make the wire drawing process successful without the operator knowing the reasons for his success. The recent data presented by Okolo and Wistreich seem to confirm that wire drawing is possible over a wide range of operating conditions and die angles.
Synthesis of a high-purity chemical library reveals a potent inducer of oxidative stress.

Synthesis of high-purity biogenic heterocyclic library enabled identification of a small molecule, which potently inhibited proliferation of several cancer cell lines and induces rapid oxidative stress. This agent elicited unusual mechanism of cell death induction, which entailed activation of both caspase-dependent and independent pathways.
Vibration Modeling of Arc-Based Cantilevers for Energy Harvesting Applications

Abstract: Cantilever beams are widely used for designingtransducers for low-frequency vibration energy harvest-ing. However, in order to keep the dimensions withinreasonable constraints, a large tip mass is generallyrequired for reducing the resonance frequency below100 Hz which has adverse effect on the reliability. Thisstudy provides a breakthrough toward realizing low-fre-quency micro-scale transduction structures. An analyticalout-of-plane vibration model for standalone arc-basedcantilever beams was developed that includes provisionsfor shear and rotary inertia, multidirectional arcs, andmultiple layers. The model was applied to a multilayeredcantilever beam (10-mm wide and 0.1-mm thick) com-posed of three arcs, and the results indicate that thefundamental bending mode of the beam was 38 Hz fora silicon substrate thickness of 100 μm. The model wasvalidated with modal experimental results from an arc-based cantilever made out of aluminum.Keywords: MEMS, microdevice, energy harvesting, circu-lar arcs, multilayer
Band prioritization for hyperspectral imagery

Hyperspectral images are collected by hundreds of contiguous spectral channels and thus, the data volume to be processed is considered to be huge. With such high spectral resolution, spectral correlation among bands is expected to be very high. Band selection (BS) is one of common practices to reduce data volumes, while retaining desired information for data processing. This paper investigates issues of band selection and further develops various exploitation-based band prioritization criteria (BPC) which rank the hyperspectral bands in accordance with priorities measured by various applications such as detection, classification and endmember extraction. Three categories of BPC can be derived based on different design rationales, (1) second order statistics, (2) higher-order statistics, and (3) band correlation/dependence minimization or band correlation/dependence constraint. Unlike commonly used band selection techniques which do not specifically use the concept of band prioritization (BP) to select desired bands, this paper explores the idea of BP for band selection where an appropriate set of bands can be selected according to priority scores produced by spectral bands. As a result, the BPC provides a general guideline for band selection to meet various applications in hyperspectral data exploitation.
Solar-neutrino oscillations.

The theory of oscillations of solar neutrinos is developed as it applies to the electron-recoil spectrum in neutrino-electron scattering. The spectral information obtained by such measurements (as opposed to counting total event rates) is crucial for allowing observation of neutrino oscillations for masses down to 500 neV. In this regard, the effects of different masses and mixing angles, as well as such subtleties as thermal and pressure broadening, finite solar-core size, and variable indices of refraction are investigated.
Frequency Range Selection for Impedance-Based Structural Health Monitoring

Impedance-based structural health monitoring uses collocated piezoelectric transducers to locally excite a structure at high frequencies. The response of the structure is measured by the same transducer. Changes in this response indicate damage. Frequency range selection for monitoring with impedance-based structural health monitoring has, in the past, been done by trial and error methods or has been selected after analysis by engineers familiar with the method. This study aims to determine if, in future applications, it is possible to automatically select preferred frequency ranges based on sensor characteristics, perhaps even before installing the system. In addition, the paper demonstrates a method for determining preferable frequency ranges for monitoring. The study examines the analysis of the measurement change through a damage metric and relates the results of the analysis to characteristics of the measurement. Specifically, outlier detection concepts were used to statistically evaluate the damage detection ability of the transducers at various frequency ranges. The variation in undamaged measurements is compared to the amount of change in the measurement upon various levels of damage. Testing was performed with both solid piezoceramic transducers and macrofiber composite piezoelectric devices of different sizes bonded to aluminum and fiber reinforced composite structures. The results indicate that characteristics of the structure, not the sensor alone, determine the optimal monitarine frequency ranges. the optimal monitoring frequency ranges.
A Simple Algorithm To Correct Single-scattering Model Outputs For Multiple-scattering Effects

When EM radiation interacts with discrete elements in a volumescattering medium (e.g., with leaves in a forest canopy), some of the radiant energy is scattered upward. To aid remotely-sensed data analysis, a model may be used to simulate the interactions between the elements of the medium and the radiant energy. Usually, such models include only single scattering (SS). In reality, significant multiple scattering (MS) may be involved. Rigorous mathematical algorithms for modeling MS processes are usually very complex and very time consuming. In this paper, I present a simple algorithm, which uses SS model parameters, to estimate the strength of the MS contribution. THE PROBLEM CONSIDERED For short-wave optical and active-microwave situations, the spectral radiance, Lh, coming from a volume-scattering medium is the result of interactions between spectral irradiance, Eh, and discrete elements in the medium. Often, Eh comes primarily from a source having a small solid angle (e.g., the sun or an active-microwave device). In this paper, I am considering the case of volume-scattering media having uniform properties within the volume. Let N (m-3) be the element-number density of the medium. For an element, the spectral power absorbed or scattered is proportional to its cross section for absorption, Qa (m2), or for scattering, Qs (m2), respectively. The sum, Q (m2) = Q + Qs, represents the attenuation properties of the element The probability that the outcome of the interaction is scattering (not absorption) is o0 (the single-scattering albedo), where oo = Qs I Q. To account for transmittance, t, along a path length, Ad (m), one can use Beer's Law,
Comparing the priorities of parents and young people with cerebral palsy.

Purpose. Adolescence is a period of change and transition that may pose unique challenges for young people with cerebral palsy (CP). We compared statements of priorities, i.e. what adolescents (13–17) and youth (18–21) and their parents would like to be able to do to enable greater activity and participation.Methods. Participants were 198 parents and 135 young people with CP (45%% males) from seven Children's Hospitals in the United States. The interviews were structured using The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Priority statements were categorised as Adult Tasks, Biology, Self-Identity or Physical Activity.Results. All parents identified more priorities for Biology and Adult Tasks (p < 0.001). Adolescents identified the fewest priorities for Self-Identity (p < 0.01). Youth identified, in descending order of frequency, priorities in Adult Tasks, Biology, Self-Identity and Physical Activity (p < 0.05). In the parent–young people dyads when disagreements occurred, Self-Identity issues were ...
“New Technology Introduction”: Lessons From Industry Cases

A Lean New Technology Introduction (NTI) methodology is critical to any company that wishes to set the pace of the market, or even those that wish to keep pace with the competition. This paper describes the social and economic demands that lead forward-thinking companies to new technology introduction, as these demands were observed at five world-class companies. Since Womack, Jones and Roos’ 1990 book, The machine that changed the world, introduced the concept of Lean Production, and changed the face of America manufacturing, companies have increasingly trended toward “Lean”. That mentality has now extended beyond manufacturing into almost all aspects of the product development cycle, and into the corporate organizational structure. When a company identifies a business need, and targets a product application for the new technology, the company must then act quickly to develop, manufacture, and market the technology at pace with competitive market introductions. Review of five case studies revealed that lack of manufacturing readiness, in the form of non-satisfactory manufacturing processes, is a big culprit in the delay of technology introduction. The questions, “when will the new technologies be ready?” and “how can we integrate the new technologies into new products in a lean fashion?” continue to challenge product developers. While we do not suggest ways to address NTI in this paper, the ultimate goal of our research is to develop a methodology to address the NTI challenge.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Improved Operating Room Efficiency via Constraint Management: Experience of a Tertiary-Care Academic Medical Center

Background Suboptimal operating room (OR) efficiency is a universal complaint among surgeons. Nonetheless, maximizing efficiency is critical to institutional success. Here, we report improvement achieved from low-cost, low-technology measures instituted within a tertiary-care academic medical center/Level I trauma center. Study Design Improvements in preadmission testing and OR scheduling, including appointing a senior nurse anesthetist to help direct OR use, were instituted in March 2012. A retrospective review of prospectively maintained OR case data was performed to evaluate time periods before and after program implementation, as well as to assess trends over time. Operating room performance metrics were compared using Mann-Whitney and chi-squared tests. Changes over time were analyzed using linear regression. Results Data including all surgical cases were available for a 36-month period; 10 months (6,581 cases) before program implementation and 26 months afterward (17,574 cases). Dramatic improvement was seen in first-case on-time starts, which increased from 39.3% to 83.8% (p Conclusions After many years of what seemed an insoluble problem, simple changes fostering collaboration among services, including active management of the OR schedule and transparent data, have resulted in substantial improvement in OR efficiency and case volume.
Total body sodium depletion and poor weight gain in children and young adults with an ileostomy: A case series

Patients with high-output small bowel ostomies are at risk for total body sodium depletion (TBSD), defined as a urine sodium level <10 mmol/L. Failure to thrive (FTT) as a consequence of TBSD has been reported in neonates with ileostomies; however, this has not been well described in older children. The records of all children beyond the age of infancy with a small bowel ostomy cared for in our Children's Intestinal Rehabilitation Program from 2010-2012 were reviewed. Four patients between the ages of 18 months and 19 years were identified as having TBSD. All 4 patients experienced unintentional weight loss, despite adequate energy intake based on calculated needs, which was associated with a urine sodium level ≤10 mmol/L. With the supplementation of sodium, either enteral or intravenous, all patients demonstrated improved weight gain and correction of TBSD. The following cases suggest that the relationship between TBSD and FTT may extend well beyond the neonatal period and possibly into adulthood. We advise that patients of all ages with high stoma output have routine urine sodium levels checked, particularly in the setting of weight loss or poor gain. Furthermore, instances of TBSD should be treated with sodium supplementation. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between TBSD and FTT and to establish intervention guidelines.
Handy AR: Markerless Inspection of Augmented Reality Objects Using Fingertip Tracking

We present markerless camera tracking and user interface methodology for readily inspecting augmented reality (AR) objects in wearable computing applications. Instead of a marker, we use the human hand as a distinctive pattern that almost all wearable computer users have readily available. We present a robust real-time algorithm that recognizes fingertips to reconstruct the six-degree-of-freedom camera pose relative to the user's outstretched hand. A hand pose model is constructed in a one-time calibration step by measuring the fingertip positions in presence of ground-truth scale information. Through frame-by-frame reconstruction of the camera pose relative to the hand, we can stabilize 3D graphics annotations on top of the hand, allowing the user to inspect such virtual objects conveniently from different viewing angles in AR. We evaluate our approach with regard to speed and accuracy, and compare it to state-of-the-art marker-based AR systems. We demonstrate the robustness and usefulness of our approach in an example AR application for selecting and inspecting world-stabilized virtual objects.
Improvement of light-load efficiency using width-switching scheme for CMOS transistors

This paper presents a derivation of the optimum width of transistors to minimize losses in monolithic CMOS buck converters. The high optimal width requires a tapered inverter chain gate driver. A technique called "width switching" is presented. It can be integrated with the inverter chain to maintain maximum converter efficiency over a wide power range, particularly at light load. Experimental results are presented from a chip containing CMOS transistors optimized for power levels between 50 mW and 200 mW. Challenges in implementing the width-switching scheme and other applications are also discussed.
Increased protein synthesis is necessary for the development of late preconditioning against myocardial stunning

Inphase I of this study, the rate of protein synthesis was measured by the incorporation of [3H]leucine into the protein pool in the heart of conscious rabbits. At 2 h after ischemic preconditionin...
Song mimicry and species associations of west African indigobirds Vidua with Quail‐finch Ortygospiza atricollis, Goldbreast Amandava subflava and Brown Twinspot Clytospiza monteiri

The brood-parasitic indigobirds Vidua spp. mimic the songs of their foster species, which for many species of indigobirds are Lagonosticta firefinches. We report additional associations of indigobirds with estrildid finches in west Africa. Quail-finch Indigobirds Vidua nigeriae in northern Cameroon mimic the songs of Quail-finch Ortygospiza atricollis. Gold-breast Indigobirds Vidua raricola in Cameroon and Sierra Leone mimic the songs of Gold-breast Amandava subflava. Both indigobirds are distinct in male breeding plumage from other indigobirds. Also, a population of blue indigobirds Vidua sp. in Cameroon mimics the songs of Brown Twinspot Clytospiza monteiri. They are similar in colour and size to blue indigobirds associated with Dark Firefinch L. rubricata and Black-bellied Firefinch L. rara. Mouth patterns of fledged young Quail-finch Indigobirds and Goldbreast Indigobirds resemble those of their song-model and presumed foster species, but the mouth pattern of a fledged young associated with the Brown Twinspot mimic was not distinct from the mouth of young Black-bellied Firefinch. The field observations show associations of certain species of indigobirds with finches other than the firefinches. The results are consistent with mitochondrial DNA estimates of greater genetic similarity among indigobirds than among their foster species. The field observations support the hypothesis of evolutionary associations of the brood parasite and foster species by colonization with switching from one foster to another rather than by cospeciation.
Real-time guidance strategies for optimizing aircraft performance in stochastic wind conditions

This study presents real-time guidance strategies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can be used to enhance their flight endurance by utilizing insitu measurements of wind speeds and wind gradients. In these strategies, periodic adjustments can be made in the airspeed and/or heading angle command for the UAV to minimize a projected power requirement at some future time. In this research, UAV flights are described by a three-dimensional dynamic point-mass model. Onboard closed-loop trajectory tracking logics that follow airspeed vector commands are modeled using the method of feedback linearization. To evaluate the benefits of these strategies in enhancing UAV flight endurance, a reference strategy is introduced in which the UAV would follow the optimal airspeed command in a steady level flight under zero wind conditions. A performance measure is defined as the average power consumption both over a specified time interval and over different initial heading angles of the UAV. A relative benefit criterion is then defined as the percentage improvement in the performance measure of a proposed strategy over that of the reference strategy. Extensive numerical simulations are conducted to show efficiency and applicability of the proposed algorithms. Results demonstrate the efficiency, benefits and trends of power savings of the proposed real-time guidance strategies in level flights.
Intersubband raman lasers: A new insight

We consider the threshold characteristics of intersubband Raman lasers and explain the low thresholds when compared to optically pumped intersubband lasers by describing the effect of motional narrowing in the presence of interface roughness broadening.
High transmission through subwavelength cylindrical hole arrays in polaritonic thin films

We report high transmission through SiC films when a two-dimensional periodic arrangement of subwavelength cylindrical holes is made. We attribute the near-perfect transmission peak inside the polariton gap of SiC to propagating waveguide modes.
Catecholamine Metabolism: A Contemporary View with Implications for Physiology and Medicine

This article provides an update about catecholamine metabolism, with emphasis on correcting common misconceptions relevant to catecholamine systems in health and disease. Importantly, most metabolism of catecholamines takes place within the same cells where the amines are synthesized. This mainly occurs secondary to leakage of catecholamines from vesicular stores into the cytoplasm. These stores exist in a highly dynamic equilibrium, with passive outward leakage counterbalanced by inward active transport controlled by vesicular monoamine transporters. In catecholaminergic neurons, the presence of monoamine oxidase leads to formation of reactive catecholaldehydes. Production of these toxic aldehydes depends on the dynamics of vesicular-axoplasmic monoamine exchange and enzyme-catalyzed conversion to nontoxic acids or alcohols. In sympathetic nerves, the aldehyde produced from norepinephrine is converted to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, not 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid. Subsequent extraneuronal O-methylation consequently leads to production of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, not vanillylmandelic acid. Vanillylmandelic acid is instead formed in the liver by oxidation of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol catalyzed by alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases. Compared to intraneuronal deamination, extraneuronal O-methylation of norepinephrine and epinephrine to metanephrines represent minor pathways of metabolism. The single largest source of metanephrines is the adrenal medulla. Similarly, pheochromocytoma tumor cells produce large amounts of metanephrines from catecholamines leaking from stores. Thus, these metabolites are particularly useful for detecting pheochromocytomas. The large contribution of intraneuronal deamination to catecholamine turnover, and dependence of this on the vesicular-axoplasmic monoamine exchange process, helps explain how synthesis, release, metabolism, turnover, and stores of catecholamines are regulated in a coordinated fashion during stress and in disease states.
Induction of dystrophin localization in cultured Xenopus muscle cells by latex beads

The distribution of dystrophin in Xenopus myotomal muscle cells was examined in conventional and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. By labeling dissociated single muscle fibers with a monoclonal or a polyclonal antibody against dystrophin, we found that dystrophin is ten times more concentrated at the myotendinous junction (MTJ) than at the extrajunctional sarcolemma. At the MTJ, dystrophin lines the membrane invaginations where myofibrils attach to the membrane. It is colocalized with talin, but is not related to the distribution of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) which are clustered at the postsynaptic membrane in the vicinity of the MTJ in these fibers. We found that the localization of dystrophin can be induced in cultured Xenopus myotomal muscle cells by treating them with polystyrene latex beads. Dystrophin is discretely localized at the bead-muscle contacts. With electron microscopy, a sarcolemma specialization with all the salient features of the MTJ, including basal lamina-lined membrane invaginations along which myofibrils make attachment. Although these beads also induce clustering of AChRs, the patterns of dystrophin and AChR localization are distinct. The appearance of dystrophin at the bead-contacted sarcolemma is coincident with the development of the membrane invaginations. This, together with its concentration along membrane invaginations at the MTJ in vivo, suggests a role for dystrophin in the formation of this junctional specialization. Since the signal for MTJ development can be presented to cultured muscle cells in a temporally and spatially controlled manner by beads, this system offers a simple model for analyzing the mechanism of this sarcolemma specialization.
Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the flour beetle Tribolium castanaeum

Abstract We describe the first complete mitochondrial genome sequence from a representative of the insect order Coleoptera, the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum . The 15,881 bp long Tribolium mitochondrial genome encodes 13 putative proteins, two ribosomal RNAs and 22 tRNAs canonical for animal mitochondrial genomes. Their arrangement is identical to that in Drosophila melanogaster , which is considered ancestral for insects and crustaceans ( Boore et al., 1998 ; Hwang et al., 2001a ). Nucleotide composition, amino acid composition, and codon usage fall within the range of values observed in other insect mitochondrial genomes. Most notable features are the use of TCT as tRNA Ser(AGN) anticodon instead of GCT, which is used in most other arthropod species, and the relative scarcity of special sequence motifs in the 1431 bp long control region. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed resolving power in the conserved regions of the mitochondrial proteome regarding diversification events, which predate the emergence of pterygote insects, while little resolution was obtained at the level of basal perygote diversification. The partition of faster evolving amino acid sites harbored strong support for joining Lepidoptera with Diptera, which is consistent with a monophyletic Mecopterida.
Plasma-jet magneto-inertial fusion 1-D burn dynamics

This presentation investigates one approach to using plasma jets to implode a magneto-inertial fusion (MIF) liner onto a magnetized plasmoid, typically a field-reversed configuration or spheromak, and compress it to temperatures relevant to fusion energy production.1 Two types of calculations will be presented: (1) the simplest problem of pure plasma jet convergence and compression without a target present, and (2) the full MIF problem with a target present. The objectives of the latter problem are to explore how well the target's magnetic field reduces thermal conduction and the liner's inertia provides transient plasma confinement. Comparisons with analytic calculations, such as those in Refs. 1 and 2, will be made.
Seasonal haulout patterns of crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga)

The haulout patterns of five adult and two juvenile crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) were documented from February to December 1995 in three areas of the Antarctic. The longest haulout event was 19.2 h (mean=7.9, median=7.8); the longest in-water event was 85.8 h (mean=15.1, median=14.2). In no month were more than 76% of the adult seals in our sample hauled-out simultaneously. Multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance tests revealed no difference between males and females in the daily timing of haulout (P>0.05) between March and August (the only months with an adequate sample); in contrast, haulout timing differed between juvenile and adult seals (P<0.05) except in May. Juveniles spent about twice as much time hauled-out on the ice as adults (38% vs 20%, respectively; P<0.05). Predator avoidance by juveniles is hypothesized to be a possible cause for these differences. In light of these haulout patterns, population surveys of crabeater seals conducted in February, and as close as possible to local solar noon, can be expected to encounter the highest proportion of seals hauled-out on ice.
A Comparison Study

This chapter conducts a comparison study of several adaptive control schemes applied to a benchmark two-body system with joint flexibility and damping, including direct state feedback, direct output feedback, indirect output feedback, direct-indirect state feedback, and backstepping state feedback designs, with detailed design and analysis for the last two designs. With different complexity, they all ensure closed-loop signal boundedness and asymptotic output tracking. The design and analysis of the direct-indirect adaptive control scheme demonstrate some typical time-varying operations on signals in time-varying systems.
Risk factors for unintended durotomy during spine surgery: a multivariate analysis.

Abstract Background context Incidental durotomy during spine surgery is a common occurrence, with a reported incidence ranging from 3% to 16%. Risk factors identified by prior studies include age, type of procedure, revision surgery, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, gender, osteoporosis, and arthritis. However, these studies are largely univariate analyses using retrospectively recorded data. Purpose To identify and quantify statistically significant risk factors for inadvertent durotomy during spine surgery. Study design Multivariate analysis of prospectively collected registry data. The University of Washington Spine End Results Registry 2003 and 2004 is a compilation of prospectively collected detailed data on 1,745 patients who underwent spine surgery during 2003 to 2004. Patient sample One thousand seven hundred forty-five patients underwent spine surgery from 2003 to 2004 at our two institutions. Outcome measures Cardiac, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, neurologic, renal, and urologic complications defined a priori data collection. Methods Using these data, univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to identify and quantify risk factors for incidental durotomy during spine surgery. Relative risk (RR) values with valid confidence intervals and p values were determined using these data. Results Our multivariate analysis demonstrated that age, lumbar surgery, revision surgery, and elevated surgical invasiveness are significant risk factors for unintended durotomy. Of these, revision surgery was the strongest risk factor for dural tear (RR, 2.21). Diabetes was a significant risk factor in the univariate analysis but not in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions Revision surgery, age, lumbar surgery, degenerative disease, and elevated surgical invasiveness are significant risk factors for unintended durotomy during spine surgery. These data can be useful to surgeons and patients when considering surgical treatment.
Substrate concentration and metabolism in left and right muscles of rats

Skeletal muscle fiber heterogeneity among muscle groups is well known; however, laterality of muscle metabolism has not been addressed. In the present studies, metabolite concentrations in left and right gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, quadriceps, and soleus muscles and their response to exogenous insulin have been compared in fasted awake rats. The results indicated that the concentrations of muscle free glycerol (P >.4), glycerol 3-phosphate (P >.1) nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) (P >.6) and intramyocellular triglycerides (imcTG) (P >.08) are comparable between left and right of the same muscle, and are similar among mixed glycolytic-oxidative muscles. The concentration of free glycerol in soleus responded to exogenous insulin in a pattern distinct to that seen for the mixed muscles. The results support interchangeable use of left and right side of same muscles, and probably among different muscles of similar fiber type, but not muscles of different fiber types.
Atrial natriuretic factor in experimental cirrhosis in rats

Abstract Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a cardiac hormone with potent natriuretic, diuretic, and vasorelaxant properties. Although abnormalities in ANF release, plasma level, and renal receptors have been described in humans and/or animals with cirrhosis and ascites, little is known about the ANF hormonal system in cirrhosis without ascites. The aim of this study was to examine the ANF hormonal system in an animal model of cirrhosis to determine whether compensated cirrhosis is associated with changes in the ANF hormonal system. Pair-fed rats were studied 5–7 weeks after either sham surgery or bile duct ligation. Bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats had elevated portal pressure and cirrhosis but did not have ascites. ANF messenger RNA levels were increased onefold in the atria of BDL rats. Sham-operated and BDL rats had similar plasma ANF levels. Competitive binding inhibition studies of isolated glomeruli showed a single class of receptors in sham-operated and BDL rats. The equilibrium dissociation constant was similar in sham-operated (0.51 nmol/L) and BDL (0.63 nmol/L) rats. Glomerular ANF receptor density increased significantly in BDL rats. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate generation in isolated glomeruli in response to 100 nmol/L ANF decreased slightly but not significantly in BDL rats. It was concluded that the ANF hormonal system is altered in cirrhosis without ascites; atrial messenger RNA level and glomerular ANF receptor density are increased.
An Efficient Error-Bounded General Camera Model

Camera models are essential infrastructure in computer vision, computer graphics, and visualization. The most frequently used camera models are based on the single- viewpoint constraint. Removing this constraint brings the advantage of improved flexibility in camera design. However, prior camera models that eliminate the single- viewpoint constraint are inefficient. We describe an approximate model for coherent general cameras, which projects efficiently with user chosen accuracy. The rays of the general camera are partitioned into simple cameras that approximate the camera locally. The simple cameras are modeled with k- ray cameras, a novel class of non-pinhole cameras. The rays of a k-ray camera interpolate between k construction rays. We analyze several variants of k-ray cameras. The resulting compound camera model is efficient because the number of simple cameras is orders of magnitude lower than the original number of rays camera, and because each simple camera offers closed-form projection.
The Clinical Utility And Status Of Laser Biostimulation

Low energy laser radiation is widely used to treat a variety o f soft tissue and musculoskeletal conditions. Despite this use, its clinical benefits remain controversial, its theoretical basis is unclear and its experimental underpinning incomplete. On a cellular level processes such as proliferation, p rotein metabolism and immunological function are reported altered by irradiation intensities too low to produce significant heating. In animal and human work, many investigators find benefits in applications such as wound healing, m usculoskeletal Rain and rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, these latter studies are difficult to perform and have not been rigorous enough to convince the disbeliever. Over the next few years, clinical trials should be able to clarify the benefits of laser therapy for at least rheumatoid arthritis and some soft tissue injuries.
A biologically based discrete-event simulation model of liver transplantation in the United States for pediatric and adult patients

We describe the framework of a discrete-event simulation of the national liver allocation system that incorporates the stochastic, disease-specific natural histories of pediatric and adult patients independent of allocation policies. This model will extend our previous work that only considered adult patients and organs. Our model will consist of patient and organ generators, a natural history progression module, and pre- and post-transplant survival estimation modules. While this is still a work in progress, our model will produce various statistics, such as the number of deaths while waiting for a liver, waitlist additions, the number of transplants performed, the number of wasted livers, and estimates of pre- and post-transplant survival at every time point for every patient.
Testing of Autonomic Function

Autonomic testing is important in the diagnosis of small-fiber involvement in the diagnosis of a neuropathy and evaluation of syncope and orthostatic intolerance. These studies are also useful in assessing disorders with suspected central autonomic dysfunction such as multiple system atrophy or Lewy body disease. Autonomic studies are often helpful in identifying dysautonomia in patients with impotence, constipation, or incontinence and in painful disorders as seen in the complex regional pain syndrome. This chapter covers autonomic studies in details including cardiac responses to Valsalva maneuver and deep breathing, sudomotor studies, tilt table testing, skin blood flow assessment, and pupillometry.
Brief intervention in a primary care setting for hazardous drinkers.

Introduction The study was designed to test a brief intervention for reducing alcohol consumption among moderate to heavy (hazardous) drinkers in a busy HMO primary care setting. Methods In a randomized controlled trial, hazardous drinkers ( n = 516) were identified by the AUDIT screening questionnaire. Intervention included brief clinician advice (30 seconds), a 15-minute motivational session by counselors, and printed materials. Results At six-month follow-up, intervention subjects reported fewer total standard drinks in the past three months (176 versus 216, P = .04, one-tailed) and fewer drinking days per week (2.8 versus 3.3, P = .02) than controls, but similar drinks per drinking day (3.3 versus 3.5; P = .13). At 12 months, intervention subjects again reported fewer drinking days per week (2.7 versus 3.1; P = .04) than controls, but similar numbers of standard drinks (157 versus 179; P = .13) and drinks per drinking day (3.6 versus 3.3; P = .20). Intervention subjects were somewhat more likely than controls to report drinking within daily recommended limits (≤3 for men, ≤2 for women) at both six months (79% versus 71%; P = .06) and 12 months (80% versus 73%; P = .07), but did not differ significantly from controls on other drinking outcomes (percent abstinent, frequency of drinking ≥6 drinks per drinking occasion, estimated peak blood alcohol concentration), or use of medical care in the year following intervention. Conclusions A one-time, brief motivational intervention using minimal clinician time supplemented by trained counselors resulted in a modest reduction in frequency of alcohol consumption in a busy primary care population. Future research should focus on strengthening and maintaining intervention effects.
Regulating the G2 Checkpoint in the Cell Cycle

Recent progress in the field of cell cycle control has clearly identified the key enzymes involved in regulating the onset of mitosis in eucaryotic cells (1,2). The seminal finding that led to this advance was the purification of an enzyme known as maturation-promoting factor (MPF) (3). Elucidation of its structure revealed a heterodimeric complex of two proteins that had previously been identified genetically in the fission yeast, Schlzosaccharomyces pombe, as key components regulating the G2 ⇒ M transition. These components were comprised of the 34 kilodalton serine/threonine protein kinase known as cdc2 and a 45–50 kilodalton protein known as cdc13 in yeast, and later identified as a protein known as cyclin B in marine invertebrate egg systems (4–7). The finding that two genetically-defined control elements in the initiation of mitosis were, in fact, the essential components of the enzyme that catalyzes the initiation of mitosis, MPF, united the genetic and biochemical approaches to cell cycle control and led to rapid progress in unravelling the mechanism of mitotic initiation.
Low Vision Aids

Visual impairment is increasing as a major disability in our aging population. Recent medical and surgical advances in diagnosis and treatment are adding to the increasing numbers of partially sighted persons. Rehabilitation with low vision aids will therefore assume an important role in keeping the “older” individual active, alert, and independent.
The Things I Should Have Done, I Did not Do

(1952). The Things I Should Have Done, I Did not Do. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 59, No. 7, pp. 443-448.
Epidemiology of Ambulatory Anesthesia for Children in the United States: 2006 and 1996

Background There are few data that describe the frequency, anesthetic type, provider, or disposition of children requiring outpatient anesthesia in the United States (US). Since the early 1980s, the frequency of ambulatory surgery has increased dramatically because of advances in medical technology and changes in payment arrangements. Our primary aim in this study was to quantify the number of ambulatory anesthetics for children that occur annually and to study the change in utilization of pediatric anesthetic care over a decade. Methods The US National Center for Health Statistics performed the National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery in 1994 through 1996 and again in 2006. The survey is based on data abstracted from a national sample of ambulatory surgery centers and provides data on visits for surgical and nonsurgical procedures for patients of all ages. We abstracted data for children who had general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or monitored anesthesia care during the ambulatory visit. We obtained the information from the 2006 and 1996 databases and used population census data to estimate the annual utilization of ambulatory anesthesia per 1000 children in the US. Results In 2006, an estimated 2.3 million ambulatory anesthesia episodes of care were provided in the US to children younger than 15 years (38 of 1000 children). This amount compares with 26 per 1000 children of the same age group in 1996. In most cases, an anesthesiologist was involved in both time periods (74% in 2006 and 85% in 1996). Of the children, 14,200 were admitted to the hospital postoperatively, a rate of 6 per 1000 ambulatory anesthesia episodes. Conclusion The number and rate of ambulatory anesthesia episodes for US children increased dramatically over a decade. This study provides an example of how databases can provide useful information to health care policy makers and educators on the utilization of ambulatory surgical centers by children.
Hurricane Katrina, Failed Tax Policies, and the New Orleans Recovery

Government use of tax incentives to grow or rebuild an area should be used only after careful evaluation of the effect such program would have on the specific area. When a major disaster occurs in a state, the federal and state governments have a few options to support recovery in the area. One form of recovery that is being used more often is that of a tax incentive. After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the federal and state governments in Louisiana tried to use tax incentives as a blanket method of recovery in the New Orleans area. Success of tax incentives after other disasters encouraged the government to use a similar program without careful analysis that demonstrated other methods of recovery would be more effective. The failure of the government to consider how the incentives would affect the victims in the New Orleans area after the storm created a sense of recovery that ultimately backfired, causing recovery to occur slower in the area. Should the government continue to use tax incentives frequently, and it looks like it will, some consideration of the area should be used to deliver the most effective recovery. The issue comes down to whether the power to destroy can also be used as a power to rebuild.Using the employment, tax obligation, and population data combined with the Federal and Louisiana statutes specifically enacted and revised to deal with major disasters, it is clear that policy decisions greatly affected the recovery of the area. Specifically, looking at the statutes used to alleviate victims’ suffering with tax obligations by tax breaks, the laws could only minimally help the majority of the population in the area that either did not have tax obligations due to the low economic state of the area or not help people that did not benefit from the tax incentives since many people did not own property. Government is responsible for behaving in such a way that is most beneficial to its citizens. After the Katrina disaster, many people could not take advantage of the tax incentives, which shows the lack of government consideration of the effects its poor decision making would have on its citizens.Since tax incentives seem to be the pattern that government will use to alleviate suffering after disasters, it should adhere to a responsibility to determine which tax incentive will be best for its citizens. The government should have policies in place before disasters that can help citizens in different areas of the state. Should more legislation become necessary as a result of a disaster, government should tailor the recovery plan to the specific area that needs the help. Using this method to encourage recovery will get many of its citizens back home and on the path to becoming productive citizens as soon as possible.
Preoperative Endoscopy Prior to Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Literature.

There is debate regarding preoperative endoscopy (EGD) in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Some centers perform EGD routinely in all patients; others perform EGD selectively. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature to estimate how frequently preoperative EGD changes management. Our review yielded 28 studies encompassing 6616 patients. Baseline characteristics including age and body mass index (BMI) were included. Patients were grouped based on EGD findings into two groups: Group 1—findings which did not significantly change management (e.g., mild/moderate duodenitis, Grade A/B esophagitis, mild/moderate gastritis, H. pylori infection, hiatal hernia 2 cm, mass/carcinoma). A general estimating equation (GEE) model accounting for the correlated data within each study was used to calculate confidence intervals around the estimate of how frequently surgery was delayed or altered. Mean age was 41.4 ± 2.9 years, the majority was women, and mean preoperative BMI was 47 ± 3.2 kg/m2. Overall 92.4 % (n = 6112) had a normal EGD or findings that did not change clinical management and 7.6 % (n = 504); 95 % CI [4.6, 12.4 %] had findings that delayed/altered surgery. The revised estimate was 20.6 %; 95%CI [14.5, 28.2 %] if all esophagitis (regardless of grade) were categorized into Group 2. The approximate incidence of Barrett’s esophagus and carcinoma were 0.1 and 0.08 %, respectively. A selective approach to preoperative EGD may be considered, based on the patients’ symptoms, risk factors, and type of procedure planned.