cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Area-Averaged Rainfall over Tropical Oceans from Microwave Radiometry: A Single Channel Approach

This paper presents a new simple retrieval algorithm for estimating area-time averaged rain rates over tropical oceans by using single channel microwave measurements from satellites. The algorithm was tested by using the Nimbus-5 Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer and a simple microwave radiative transfer model to retrieve seasonal 5-deg x 5-deg area averaged rainrate over the tropical Atlantic and Pacific from December 1973 to November 1974. The brightness temperatures were collected and analyzed into histograms for each season and in each grid box from December 1973 to November 1974. The histograms suggest a normal distribution of background noise plus a skewed rain distribution at the higher brightness temperatures. By using a statistical estimation procedure based upon normally distributed background noise, the rain distribution was separated from the raw histogram. The radiative transfer model was applied to the rain-only distribution to retrieve area-time averaged rainrates throughout the tropics. Despite limitations of single channel information, the retrieved seasonal rain rates agree well in the open ocean with expectations based upon previous estimates of tropical rainfall over the oceans.
A Statistical Quality Model for Data-Driven Speech Animation

In recent years, data-driven speech animation approaches have achieved significant successes in terms of animation quality. However, how to automatically evaluate the realism of novel synthesized speech animations has been an important yet unsolved research problem. In this paper, we propose a novel statistical model (called SAQP) to automatically predict the quality of on-the-fly synthesized speech animations by various data-driven techniques. Its essential idea is to construct a phoneme-based, Speech Animation Trajectory Fitting (SATF) metric to describe speech animation synthesis errors and then build a statistical regression model to learn the association between the obtained SATF metric and the objective speech animation synthesis quality. Through delicately designed user studies, we evaluate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed SAQP model. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first-of-its-kind, quantitative quality model for data-driven speech animation. We believe it is the important first step to remove a critical technical barrier for applying data-driven speech animation techniques to numerous online or interactive talking avatar applications.
Localizing mitral valve perforations with 3D transesophageal echocardiography.

with the advent of real-time 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3d tee), rapid creation of high-quality, true-to-life images of mitral valve anatomy and pathology has become possible in the vast majority of patients ([1][1]). In addition to common mitral valve lesions, such as
Anisotropic spin—lattice relaxation in the triplet state of naphtralene-h8 in n-pentane

Abstract The temperature dependence of the individual spin—lattice relaxation rate constants ( W ij ) between the lowest triplet sublevels of naphthalene- h 8 in a polycrystalline Shpol'skii matrix of n -pentane have been measured between 1.2 and 2.4 K in zero field. The total sublevel decay constants are evaluated and found to be independent of temperature. The W ij are found to be highly anisotropic, but the anisotropy pattern differs from that observed previously in a durene matrix.
Gamma knife radiosurgery for the treatment of gynecologic malignancies metastasizing to the brain: clinical article

Gynecologic malignancies represent some of the commonest causes of cancer in the female population. Despite their overall high prevalence, gynecologic malignancies have seldom been reported to metastasize to the brain. The incidence of gynecologic cancers spreading to the brain has been rising, and the optimal management of these patients is not well defined. A retrospective analysis of patients treated over the past ten years with gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for metastatic gynecologic cancer to the brain was performed. Radiographic treatment response, tumor control, metastatic disease progression and survival data were analyzed. Eight patients with ovarian cancer, six patients with endometrial cancer and two separates who carried a diagnosis of cervical cancer or leiomyosarcoma harbored metastatic disease to the brain that was treated with GKRS. The median dose to the tumor margin was 20 Gy (range 10–22 Gy), and the median maximum radiosurgical dose was 31 Gy (range 16–52.9 Gy). Tumor control was achieved in all patients who had follow up imaging studies. Patients with ovarian cancer had prolonged median survival following GKRS compared to patients with endometrial cancer (22.3 vs 8.3 months, p = 0.02). The patient with cervical cancer survived 8 months following her GKRS in the setting of metastatic brain tumor progression, whereas the patient with leiomyosarcoma passed away within several weeks of treatment secondary to disseminated extracranial primary disease. GKRS is a safe and effective means of achieving intracranial tumor control for patients with gynecologic cancer that has spread to the brain.
Graph pyramids as models of human problem solving

Prior theories have assumed that human problem solving involves estimating distances among states and performing search through the problem space. The role of mental representation in those theories was minimal. Results of our recent experiments suggest that humans are able to solve some difficult problems quickly and accurately. Specifically, in solving these problems humans do not seem to rely on distances or on search. It is quite clear that producing good solutions without performing search requires a very effective mental representation. In this paper we concentrate on studying the nature of this representation. Our theory takes the form of a graph pyramid. To verify the psychological plausibility of this theory we tested subjects in a Euclidean Traveling Salesman Problem in the presence of obstacles. The role of the number and size of obstacles was tested for problems with 6-50 cities. We analyzed the effect of experimental conditions on solution time per city and on solution error. The main result is that time per city is systematically affected only by the size of obstacles, but not by their number, or by the number of cities.
Anti-inflammatory effect of aldose reductase inhibition in murine polymicrobial sepsis.

Abstract Aim: Increased production of cytokines and chemokines in serum and tissues upon oxidative stress caused by severe systemic infections are the major cause of sepsis. Aldose reductase (AR) known to mediate oxidative stress-induced NF-κB activation and transcription of cytokines and chemokines are the main mediator of bacterial endotoxin-induced inflammatory response. Our aim is to investigate the effect of AR inhibitors on the prevention of inflammatory cytokines in the cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) model of polymicrobial sepsis which closely mimics the sepsis syndrome in humans. Results: Mice were rendered septic by CLP in the absence and presence of AR inhibitor, sorbinil. The levels of cytokines, chemokines and other inflammatory markers in the plasma, peritoneal fluid and heart of mice were significantly inhibited by sorbinil. Inhibition of AR also prevented CLP-induced COX-2, iNOS and HMGB-1 in heart, kidney and spleen. Conclusions: Our results showed that the inhibition of AR significantly prevented the polymicrobial sepsis-induced increase in inflammatory markers and thus indicate the use of AR inhibitors as anti-inflammatory agents.
Potential Influence of Egg Location on Synchrony of Hatching of Precocial Birds

Abstract. Although the onset of incubation prior to completion of the clutch leads to developmental asynchrony of the embryos, waterfowl eggs tend to hatch synchronously (within 3–24 hr). The mechanisms waterfowl use to synchronize development of embryos and allow for synchronous hatching are still not well understood. A variety of mechanisms have been proposed, including vocalization by embryos, egg size, egg constituents, and developmental asynchrony at hatching. Empirical evidence for any of these mechanisms, however, is limited for species that lay large clutches (>6 eggs). We hypothesize that the eggs' position within the clutch may synchronize development of embryos of dabbling ducks that lay clutches large enough that central and peripheral eggs may be distinguished. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the developmental stage of central and peripheral eggs and testing for a relationship between the order in which an egg was laid and its position (central or peripheral) within the clutch. We foun...
MOnitoring instruments have significantly reduced anesthetic mishaps

I have no data to support the bias that present-day wholesale use o f and reliance on manufactured monitors have harmed individual patients or unfavorably influenced patient safety. But it is difficult for me to believe that society will ultimately benefit f rom anesthesia administered by people who revere alarm systems that have created a working environment more like a discotheque than a proper operating room. To orchestrate an anesthetic experience I want more than percussion! Whatever happened to woodwinds and strings? Moreover , I regret that it is no longer fashionable to face the patient and the operative field; instead, electronic billboards inform us and beckon us with the huckster message, "Remember , when tragedy strikes, you saw it here first!" But I save my most profound sorrow for the student or resident who sees me examine the eyes and asks, "What are you looking for?" With heavy heart I answer that I am searching for pupil size, pupil reactivity, and eye movements, or lack o f them, that will help me determine the extent o f the brain "inj u ry" caused by the anesthetic agent. Must I forget the rudiments o f neurological examination in order to practice late 20th century anesthesiology? I use a wide variety o f monitors in my daily practice. Furthermore, I regret not having always had available the elaborate capabilities for patient betterment that I find today in our department. I practice better medicine than I used to, and I believe I am a better teacher because of today's technology.
How do vegetation bands form in dry lands? Insights from numerical modeling and field studies in southern Nevada, USA

[1] Vegetation bands are periodic bands of vegetation, separated by interband spaces devoid of vegetation, oriented parallel to the topographic contour in some gently sloping arid to semiarid environments. Models of vegetation band formation attribute their formation to positive feedbacks among vegetation density, soil porosity/permeability, and infiltration rates. Here we present an alternative model based on field measurements at our study sites in southern Nevada. In this model, interband spaces between vegetation bands form because topographic mounds beneath vegetation bands detain water upslope from vegetation bands, leading to hydrologic and sedimentologic conditions that inhibit the survival of plants in interband spaces. We used terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to create high-resolution (∼10 cm2/pixel) raster data sets of bare-earth topography and canopy height for four study sites. Analyses of the TLS data, in addition to measurements of soil shear strength and particle size, document the potential for detention in interband spaces and a near-inverse proportionality between band spacing and regional slope. We describe a cellular automaton model (herein called model 1) for vegetation band formation that includes just two user-defined parameters and that generates vegetation bands similar to those at our field sites, including the inverse proportionality between spacing and regional slope. A second model (model 2) accurately predicts the width of vegetation bands in terms of the number and spacing of plants and the geometry of individual plant mounds. We also present a GIS-based analysis that predicts where bands occur within a region based on topographic and hydroclimatic controls.
A computer-assisted study of periodic parabolic systems

Both theoretical and computational studies of long-term behavior for a general class of parabolic systems with asymptotically time-periodic coefficients are presented. The results are applied to the Lotka-Volterra systems, describing interaction of two competing species.
Using an expert system to improve microcomputer consulting

An expert system has been developed to assist faculty, staff, and students at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in making microcomputer purchasing decisions. Expert systems have been utilized in increasing numbers in manufacturing, medicine, and business (Waterman, 1986; Fisher, 1987) as a means to provide consistent, accurate information, and make the knowledge of experts available to more people and in a wider range of applications (Voelker and Ratica, 1986). It seems natural then, that expert systems should find a place in academic user services where it is necessary to provide information to a large number of people very often with a limited number of consultants.
Pseudolearners in discrimination reversal.

This research investigated the shape of the acquisition and reversal functions in retardates' discrimination learning, with safeguards against suspected artifacts in other studies. A modified Wisconsin General Test Apparatus was used with 60 retardates in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Another 11 were classified as pseudolearners. The variables were the prereversal criteria and the number of irrelevant dimensions. After meeting criterion subjects were given 30 more trials for the detection of pseudolearners, but all received reversal training. Performance was stationary in both acquisition and reversal, suggesting all-or-none learning. For learners, differences of midreversal plateaus appeared which were opposite to predictions of the Zeaman and House (1963) theory. When pseudolearners were included, however, the plateau effect partially conformed to the theory.
The Influence of CTE on Jointed Concrete Pavement Performance Based on M-E Rigid Pavement Analysis

Three typical Florida Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement mix designs have been evaluated to capture the input requirements for the new Mechanistic-Empirical Rigid Pavement Design Guide (M-E RPDG). The essential engineering properties were experimentally determined for all required maturity levels, with an emphasis on the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) according to AASHTO TP-60 test protocol. Traffic loads, environmental conditions, structural parameters, and analysis/acceptance criteria were defined on account of local requirements. Due to the introduced hierarchy system, nine diverse JPCP models were established and iteratively idealized for PCC top layer thickness. The results demonstrated that cracking is the critical performance criterion for Florida JPCP. Moreover, top-down fatigue damage was isolated to be the controlling failure mechanism. Based on the nine Florida pavement models, a sensitivity matrix was developed to account for CTE as a control variable. Despite wide-ranging PCC, CTE, and thickness properties, clear resemblances were exposed for all scenarios under evaluation. With regard to CTE variation, the JPCP analysis according to the AASHTO M-E RPDG is minimally sensitive to faulting, sensitive to bottom-up damage, and extremely sensitive to top-down damage, cracking, and smoothness/roughness.
Facebook Infidelity: When Poking Becomes Problematic

Recent research has focused on the Internet and relationships; however, little attention has been given to the specific role of social networking sites in relationship betrayal. Exploring the processes related to discovery of Facebook infidelity behaviors adds another layer to understanding Internet infidelity and highlights the behaviors unique to Facebook infidelity. Stories about cheating (N = 90), taken from the website FacebookCheating.com were analyzed using grounded theory methodology to create a process model of discovery. Researchers sought to answer four questions: (1) What is the experience of nonparticipating partners when their partners have engaged in infidelity behaviors on Facebook? (2) What are the basic social processes that occur when discovering the infidelity behaviors? And, (3) What are the basic psychological processes that occur? (4) What similarities or differences exist between the current research on offline and online infidelity and the process model from the current study? The categories are arranged in a process model, which depicts these processes as well as the emotional experience of the nonparticipating partner. The model highlights important phases through which the nonparticipating partner cycled following the discovery of the infidelity. These include appraising the boundary damage, acting on the appraisal, and making a decision about the relationship. Suggestions for clinical intervention based on this process are provided. Future research implications are also discussed.
Jab1 antagonizes TGF-β signaling by inducing Smad4 degradation

Tumor suppressor Smad4 is the common signaling effector in the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily. Phosphorylated regulatory Smads (R-Smads) interact with Smad4, and the complex translocates into the nucleus to regulate gene transcription. Proper TGF-β signaling requires precise control of Smad functions. Smurfs have been shown to mediate the degradation of R-Smads but not the common-partner Smad4. We report a novel mechanism of Smad4 degradation. Jab1 interacts directly with Smad4 and induces its ubiquitylation for degradation. Jab1 was initially identified as a co-activator of c-Jun, and it also induces degradation of cell cycle inhibitor p27 and tumor suppressor p53. Ectopic expression of Jab1 decreased endogenous Smad4 steady-state levels. The 26S proteasome inhibitors lactacystin and MG132 reduced the degradation rate of Smad4 protein. Examination of the effects of JAB1-induced Smad4 degradation indicates that Jab1 inhibited TGF-β-induced gene transcription. Our data suggest that Jab1 antagonizes TGF-β function by inducing degradation of Smad4 through a distinct degradation pathway.
Extent of CpG methylation is not proportional to the in vivo spontaneous mutation frequency at transgenic loci in Big Blue rodents.

Abstract The lacI transgene used in the Big Blue™ (BB) mouse and rat mutation assays typically displays spontaneous mutation frequencies in the 5×10 −5 range. Recently, the bone marrow and bladder of the Big Blue™ rat were reported to have, by an order of magnitude, the lowest spontaneous mutation frequencies ever observed for lacI in a transgenic animal, approaching the value for endogenous targets such as hprt (∼10 −6 ). Since spontaneous mutations in transgenes have been attributed in part to deamination of 5-methylcytosine in CpG sequences, we have investigated the methylation status of the lacI transgene in bone marrow of BB rats and compared it to that present in other tissues including liver, spleen, and breast. The first 400 bases of the lacI gene were investigated using bisulfite genomic sequencing since this region contains the majority of both spontaneous and induced mutations. Surprisingly, all the CpG cytosines in the lacI sequence were fully methylated in all the tissues examined from both 2- and 14-week-old rats. Thus, there is no correlation between 5-methylcytosine content at CpG sites in lacI and the frequency of spontaneous mutation at this marker. We also investigated the methylation status of another widely used transgenic mutation target, the cII gene. The CpG sites in cII in BB rats were fully methylated while those in BB mice were partially methylated (each site approximately 50% methylated). Since spontaneous mutation frequency at cII is comparable in rat and mouse, the methylation status of CpG sequences in this gene also does not correlate with spontaneous frequency. We conclude that other mechanisms besides spontaneous deamination of 5-methylcytosine at CpG sites are driving spontaneous mutation at BB transgenic loci.
Risk factors for bladder injury in patients with a prior hysterotomy.

Objective To estimate the rate of and risk factors for bladder injury in vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) candidates. Methods Between 1995 and 2000, a 17-center, retrospective cohort study was performed, evaluating women with prior cesarean delivery for delivery mode-specific morbidity during subsequent pregnancy. Trained nurses extracted information from medical records on demographics, medical and obstetric history, pregnancy, and delivery. This secondary analysis examines the rate and risk factors for bladder injury, defined as having occurred if identified and recorded by the physician at delivery. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. Results Of 25,005 patients with at least one prior cesarean delivery, 107 (0.43%) sustained a bladder injury, and 91.6% (n=98) of these occurred without concurrent uterine rupture. Bladder injury risk was not affected by delivery mode: VBAC trial compared with elective cesarean delivery (0.44% compared with 0.42%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85-2.19). For the women who undertook a VBAC trial and did not experience a uterine rupture, failure to deliver vaginally was the only predictor of bladder injury (0.86% compared with 0.22%, adjusted OR 4.61, 95% CI 2.70-8.11). In women who elect repeat cesarean delivery, greater than one prior cesarean delivery was significantly associated with bladder injury (0.68% compared with 0.29%, adjusted OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.30-4.43). Conclusion Risk of bladder injury in women with a prior cesarean delivery is not affected by planned mode of delivery. Although rare, bladder injury in women undergoing VBAC is strongly associated with a failed VBAC trial. A heightened awareness for bladder injury is warranted when performing repeat cesarean deliveries in the setting of failed VBAC attempts. Level of evidence II.
Combined Effect of Trace Elements and Fluorine on Caries

Caries examinations of 251 children aged 12 to 14, from two Ohio towns that use water supplies with high contents of boron and strontium showed a mean DMFS score of 3.56 compared to a score of 5.54 in a control group of 338 children. Findings suggest that the significantly lower caries prevalence in the former group is related to the boron and strontium content of the water rather than a 0.2 ppm difference in the fluorine level.
Design and synthesis of a solid bifunctional polymer catalyst for methanol carbonylation

Abstract A bifunctional polymer has been designed for catalysis of the methanol carbonylation reaction. It is a lightly crosslinked polystyrene containing attached rhodium complexes (analogous to those which are active in solution catalysis of methanol carbonylation) and also containing attached groups analogous to pentachlorothiophenol (which is a precursor of a promoter for the solution reaction). The latter groups serve both to coordinate the rhodium to the polymer and to undergo oxidative addition with rhodium in a step analogous to that involving rhodium and the soluble promoter in the solution reaction. Kinetic results for catalysis of methanol carbonylation at 156 °C and 42 atm CO partial pressure in the presence of (1) the rhodium and the promoter analog both incorporated in the swellable polymer network and, alternatively, in the presence of (2) the rhodium complex and the promoter in solution, demonstrated that the soluble and attached groups were nearly equivalent. These results demonstrate the straightforward design of a bifunctional solid catalyst on the basis of the mechanism of the analogous solution reaction involving a catalyst—promoter combination.
Ability of high-intensity ultrasound to ablate human atherosclerotic plaques and minimize debris size.

To investigate whether high-intensity ultrasound can destroy atherosclerotic plaques while sparing the normal arterial wall, 279 normal human aortic sites and 119 fibrous and 193 calcified plaques, obtained from 24 necropsies, were insonified in a water tank, at 20 kHz and at 5 different power intensities, ranging from 68 W/cm2 (P1) to 150 W/cm2 (P5). These intensities were associated with a total excursion of the ultrasound irradiation apparatus tip from 90 to 268 μm, respectively. Time to perforate normal aortic sites and fibrous and calcified plaques was recorded at each intensity. There was no difference in perforation time between normal aortic sites and fibrous and calcified plaques when high-power levels (P2 to p5) were used. However, at the lowest power (P1), perforation time for the normal aortic wall was significantly longer than for fibrous and calcified plaques: 30 ± 18 seconds (166 observations), 14 ± 7 seconds (p < 0.001) (78 observations) and 12 ± 8 seconds (p < 0.001) (115 observations), respectively. When perforation times for normal vessel wall versus fibrous plaque and normal vessel wall versus calcified plaque from the same necropsy specimen were compared in a pairwise manner, the results were: 29 ± 13 vs 16 ± 7 (p < 0.001) (48 paired observations) and 26 ± 9 vs 10 ± 5 seconds (p < 0.001) (55 paired observations), respectively. Regardless of whether paired or unpaired comparison was applied, no significant difference was found in perforation time between fibrous and calcified plaques. The debris did not differ in size as measured separately for normal sites and fibrous and calcified plaques by a computer-interfaced Channelizer® and Coulter® Counter system. A total of 57,863 particles were counted and measured. The mean particle diameter was 7.0 ± 5 μm (range 4.8 to 15.8). Thus, ultrasound may selectively ablate human atherosclerotic plaques at power intensities ≤68 W/cm2.
Lymph node sampling and survival in endometrial cancer.

Objective.To determine the impact of pelvic lymph node sampling on survival in women with FIGO stage I and II endometrial adenocarcinoma. Methods.We reviewed data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program on 9185 women with stage I endometrial cancer and 881 women with stage II endometrial cancer. Life table analysis was used to compare survival rates. Results.Overall, lymph node sampling did not appear to convey survival benefit. The 5-year relative survival for 6363 women with stage I endometrial cancer who did not undergo lymph node sampling was 0.98, compared to 0.96 for 2831 women who did undergo lymph node sampling at the time of hysterectomy, a nonsignificant difference. Lymph node sampling (LNS) was associated with increased survival among those with stage I, grade 3 disease, but not grade 1 or grade 2. Women with stage I, grade 3 disease who underwent LNS had a relative 5-year survival of 0.89, compared to 0.81 for those who did not undergo LNS (P= 0.0110). Nonsignificantly improved survival associated with LNS for women with grade 3 disease was observed in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages Ib, Ic, and II. Conclusions.The observed survival benefit associated with lymph node sampling may be due to identification of women with more advanced endometrial cancer. Accurate determination of grade and extent of tumor is necessary to delineate which patients may benefit from lymph node sampling at hysterectomy. Effective cooperation between surgical pathology and gynecology services may be required to ensure adequate examination of the hysterectomy specimen. A surgeon with expertise in performing lymph node sampling should be available if operative findings render lymph node sampling appropriate.
Program Proficiency in Training Graduate Students for Clinical Faculty Careers: Does Program Size Matter?

Hunt suggests that our published analysis of program proficiency in training graduate students for clinical psychology faculty careers is “worse than useless,” inasmuch as it utilizes as its principal measure the total number (rather than the percentage) of each program's graduates which have attained training faculty status— an approach that, according to Hunt, “systematically underrates small programs.” In reply, we note that (a) our analysis was not intended as an overall rating of program strength, but rather as an indication of program achievement in a narrowly specified domain, (b) the utilized total number metric has considerable specific informative utility, and (c) additional analyses based upon Hunt's preferred percentage metric do not support the claim that our previously published report systematically underrated small programs. Because it may be of interest to prospective students (and others), a rank-ordered listing of programs which have placed at least 5% of recent Ph.D. recipients in clinical faculty positions is provided.
Consequences of Regional-Scale Nuclear Conflicts

Numerous deaths and dangerous climate effects would result from use of low-yield nuclear weapons being stockpiled in many parts of the world.
Virtual reality simulation for the operating room: proficiency-based training as a paradigm shift in surgical skills training.

Summary Background Data: To inform surgeons about the practical issues to be considered for successful integration of virtual reality simulation into a surgical training program. The learning and practice of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) makes unique demands on surgical training programs. A decade ago Satava proposed virtual reality (VR) surgical simulation as a solution for this problem. Only recently have robust scientific studies supported that vision
Tomato Volatiles: Effect of Variety, Processing and Storage Time

SUMMARY— Volatile components of three varieties of tomatoes processed in plain tin and enamel can linings at 0, 1, 4 and 8 months storage time were determined. A recently developed extraction method was used for separation and collection of volatiles free of moisture. This method allowed the study of small quantities of materials in a reasonable time. Multiple sampling of the vapor aliquots permitted qualitative and quantitative analysis. The greatest qualitative and quantitative differences in volatile composition were noted between the raw and heat processed samples. Methyl sulfide which was absent in the fresh fruit was formed during the heat process. The concentrations of acetaldehyde, acetone, methanol, and hexanal were significantly altered by processing. Differences between varieties were due to varying quantities of individual constituents but quantitative differences between can lining were less apparent.
The Woodwork Effect: Estimating It and Controlling the Damage

Many patients in home- and community-based services (HCBS) are not people who, without HCBS, would be in nursing homes. Those attracted to HCBS tend to be people who are younger, better supported, less dependent, and more mentally intact than their nursing home counterparts. Studies show that only about a quarter of the clients selected as likely to enter nursing homes within the coming year are likely to do so, even though they receive no HCBS. Of the 43 studies reported, more than two-thirds had rates of control group nursing home admission of less than 20%. Most patients would also be likely to have experienced only a short nursing home stay even if they were admitted. The result: Receiving HCBS reduced nursing home use rates on average by only a small percentage, not enough to offset the costs of HCBS. Moreover, both older and more recent studies show only small to insignificant effects on most adverse patient outcomes.
Evolutionary significance of fine structure of archiannelid eyes

The structure of the ocelli of representatives of four of the five families of archiannelids (Polychaeta: Annelida) was studied by light and electron microscopy. The apparent photoreceptoral organelle in each species is an array of microvilli (rhabdomere). Cilia were observed in the eyes of only a couple of specimens in one species of archiannelid (Nerilla antennata). They were unassociated with the rhabdomeres; we regard them as adventitious. Support is given by this study to the theory that the photoreceptoral organelle of the ancestral annelid was a rhabdomere. Other features of the ocelli are described and illustrated.
Measurement of peripheral vestibular blood flow in a gerbil model of endolymphatic hydrops.

Abstract Presently, many investigators believe that the dysfunction of microcirculatory mechanisms may be responsible for vestibular symptoms in Meniere’s disease. This study, using intravital microscopy (IVM), a technique that provides in vivo microcirculatory measures, was designed to determine whether impaired vestibular blood flow exists in endolymphatic hydrops. Hydrops was induced in the gerbil model by obliteration of the vestibular aqueduct and was confirmed histologically after IVM. Posthydrops gerbil subjects at 8 weeks as well as control animals were prepared for IVM. With a customized intravital microscope, red blood cell velocity and vessel diameter measurements were calculated for individual arterioles and capillaries from the microvascular bed at the horizontal ampulla. Mean arteriole diameter was significantly larger in the control group than in the hydrops group, whereas mean capillary diameters were similar for both groups. No significant difference was observed for mean red blood cell velocity in capillaries or arterioles between control and hydrops animals. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;123:97-100.)
Temporal scales of resource variability: Effects on population dynamics of structured populations

Abstract I develop a two-class continuous-time model with juveniles and adults, with both potentially reproducing, to investigate the role of large variability on population dynamics and persistence. By specializing to the case of resources that are periodic in time and only at two different levels, I am able to show using a combination of analytic and numerical techniques the effect of different temporal scales of resource variability on persistence and dynamics. I focus on either very rapid variation or very slow variation in resource levels. I assume that the effect of resources is to alter the fecundity. If survivorship is the same for the two stages and fecundity is higher for the adult class than the juvenile class, then the population grows more rapidly with rapid variation in resource levels. However, if the fecundity is higher for the juvenile class, then the population grows more rapidly with slow variation in resources. These results, and results for variation in fecundity with stage, show the extreme contrast between population dynamics with a single class and with more than one class, or expressed differently the strong interaction between life histories and variability.
Temporal relationship between A1 adenosine receptor upregulation and alterations in bicuculline seizure susceptibility in rats

The temporal requirements for theophylline-induced upregulation of A1 adenosine receptors and elevation of seizure threshold were examined. Chronic theophylline exposure (75 mg/kg twice daily) elicited a significant upregulation of [3H]cyclohexyladenosine ([3H]CHA) binding sites following 7 and 14 days of treatment. Alterations in seizure threshold followed a similar temporal pattern of development. The reversibility of theophylline-induced upregulation of high affinity [3H]CHA binding sites was complete at 10 days following cessation of theophylline administration, while the alteration of seizure threshold required 21 days to return to control values.
Electronic Health Records and the Increasing Complexity of Medical Practice

To the Editors:—In a recent Editorial and Comment, Drs. Mishuris and Linder reflected on the role of electronic health records (EHRs) in health care.1 They correctly asserted that usage of EHRs will become the standard of care and that it will be important to understand the outcomes of different patterns of EHR usage. However, EHRs are only now being widely adopted, and their effects on quality and cost still need to be measured. As the country is spending approximately $20 billion on incentives for EHRs,2 careful investigation of the intended and unintended consequences of this unprecedented policy is critically important. The history of medicine is full of examples of medications, procedures, and devices that were thought to be effective and disseminated widely, but then discovered to have no effect or actually harm patients with resultant withdrawal from the market. Thus, technologies that have been disseminated into practice must still be studied. In fact, we believe that they need to be studied most urgently. In evaluating the effects of any technology, the natural comparison is to the standard of care, which in this case currently is paper medical records. Many physicians may never adopt EHRs as they may not qualify or may opt out of the government’s incentive programs, giving the comparison to paper ongoing relevance. Once EHR use becomes more widespread, the next generation of studies should indeed compare different technologies or different ways of using the same technology. It should be noted that the types of data that are needed for these evaluations are difficult to obtain, in part because EHRs have been designed for clinical care and not for research. We heartily endorse future comparative effectiveness studies of different technologies and different technology-enabled changes to health-care delivery.3 As the urgency of our health care crisis compels us to move forward with untested innovations in health-care delivery, including those enabled by health information technology, we find ourselves in a situation in which at least some evaluation will inevitably follow diffusion. We still need to measure the effects of these innovations, including their unintended effects. Our country can’t afford not to.
The Need for Information on Assistive Devices by Older Persons

Analyzing the results of the first 110 interviews from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Aging's Consumer Assessments Project, this study examined subjects' responses to the question, “Can you think of a device you would like to have that you haven't been able to find—a device that may not have yet been developed?” Each response was compared to the results of a Hyper-ABLEDATA search for similar existing products. When asked to propose a new device, 43 subjects (39% of the sample) responded with suggestions. In all instances, however, the respondents suggested devices that are already available. These findings indicate that subjects did not have up-to-date or complete information on the assistive devices that could improve their quality of life.
Analysis Of PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) In The Cell Cycle And Application To Flow Cytometry

PCNA also called cyclin, is a nuclear protein and its synthesis is directly correlated to cell proliferation. At least two intracellular populations of PCNA/cyclin exist, one of which is tightly associated with DNA replication sites. This S-phase associated protein can be used as an antigenic marker for cell growth and more specifically for the S-phase. Data from clinical studies indicate that the expression of PCNA/cyclin , evaluated by immunocytochemistry or flow cytometry, can be a useful diagnostic marker for proliferating cells. In the future, the characterization of tumors might include multiparameter analysis of the simultaneous expression of multiple cell proliferation markers at different cell cycle stages.
Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in oyster tissue around three coastal marinas.

Marinas present the potential for introduction of various pollutants into the surrounding waters such as coliform bacteria, primary pathogens, heavy metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons. Little data have been presented specifically addressing the effects of recreational marinas on petroleum hydrocarbon levels or, for that matter, other constituent levels in oysters near those marinas. In order to obtain such data, a comprehensive assessment of water and oyster quality around three coastal marinas was conducted by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental control (SCDHEC) during 1983. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were selected as the petroleum hydrocarbon fraction of interest since they are mainly of pyrogenic origin; have been shown to be the most toxic/carcinogenic fraction of oil; have been shown to affect the respiration and heart rates of mussels; and have been shown to be linked to neoplasia in clams and proliferative disorders in mussels. C. virginica was chosen as the mollusc of interest because of its widespread distribution in the estuaries of South Carolina, its importance as an economic and recreational resource, and its suitability as a sentinel organism for monitoring coastal pollution.
The end of the Trachiniai and the fate of Herakles

At the end of the Trachiniai, the dying Herakles gives orders for his cremation on Mt. Oita and is carried off to his fiery end. One of the thorniest critical questions about the play is what we, the audience, are to make of this. Did Sophokles intend the audience to remember Herakles' apotheosis from the pyre and complete the story in their own minds? Or did he omit it in order to deny it, the better to deepen the play's supposed general pessimism or censure of Herakles? The case for assuming Herakles' exaltation suffers from two major weaknesses. Its champions do little to answer the arguments of their opponents, which are often forceful and take into account things in the play which the devout would rather ignore, and they do surprisingly little to explain how their position on the question affects the interpretation of the play. Nevertheless, their case is a strong one and deserves better support than it usually receives. This study will present it in some detail, addressing the objections and in the process offering an interpretation.
Beneficial electrophysiologic effects of nitroglycerin during acute myocardial infarction.

Nitroglycerin reduces ischemic injury after experimental coronary occlusion. To determine whether it also has the potential of protecting the heart against the development of serious ventricular arrhythmias, the effects of nitroglycerin on electrical stability of acutely ischemic myocardium were determined in open chest dogs. Electrical stability of the ventricle was assessed by measuring ventricular fibrillation threshold before and after acute myocardial ischemia was produced by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Ventricular fibrillation threshold was measured in a random manner under conditions of nonischemia, ischemia, ischemia plus nitroglycerin, and simultaneous infusion of phenylephrine to maintain mean systemic arterial pressure at control levels. Heart rate was kept constant at 120 beats/min by destruction of the atrioventricular node and use of ventricular pacing. In the absence of ischemia ventricular fibrillation threshold was 77 ± 5 milliamperes (ma), a value unaffected by either nitroglycerin or phenylephrine. After 6 minutes of acute myocardial ischemia, ventricular fibrillation threshold was reduced to 30 ± 6 ma (P <0.01). When nitroglycerin was infused at a rate of 200 μg/min (with a reduction in arterial pressure of 24 percent), ventricular fibrillation threshold after 6 minutes of acute ischemia increased from 30 ± 6 to 55 ± 3 ma (P < 0.005). Restoration of arterial pressure by phenylephrine during infusion of nitroglycerin further raised the ventricular fibrillation threshold to 75 ± 6 ma, a value identical to that present in nonischemia. Thus, nitroglycerin enhances electrical stability of the heart during experimental acute myocardial ischemia, an effect probably related to reduction of ischemic injury. Since the ventricular fibrillation threshold increases even further after arterial pressure is restored to control levels, this beneficial electrophysiologic effect is probably caused by some action of nitroglycerin other than reduction in myocardial oxygen consumption mediated by decreased afterload.
Degradation of MEH-PPV due to Oxygen/Moisture Traps through C-V Analysis and Attenuated Total Reflection IR Spectroscopy

We present the studying of oxygen and moisture traps in MEH-PPV through the MIS Capacitance–Voltage (C-V) analysis, and the Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared (ATR IR) spectroscopy technique. The presence of oxygen studied by ATR IR has also been verified by optical images from high resolution optical microscope. In quasi-static C-V measurements of the MIS (Al/MEH-PPV/p-Si) capacitors made, an extension of the weak inversion region was measured before strong inversion, which becomes more pronounced with aging. This increase in the weak inversion region is attributed to electron trapping by oxygen to form negative ions in the MEH-PPV layer. ATR IR spectroscopy shows the formation of carbonyl peak at 1651 cm−1 with aging, which is due to the presence of oxygen. Both the C-V analysis and Attenuated Total Reflection IR Spectroscopy are powerful tools for investigating the degradation of MEH-PPV polymer.
Brain mitochondrial hexokinase: solubilization by adenine nucleotides and in coupled respiration.

Abstract The relative potencies of ATP and ADP in debinding rat brain mitochondrial hexokinase were measured. At fixed total concentrations of adenine nucleotides, added exogenously, solubilization of the enzyme increased as the proportions of ATP to ADP were raised. The generation of physiological concentrations of ATP by the mitochondria during coupled respiration resulted in a 2-fold increase in solubilization. These findings support the hypothesis that the cytosol-mitochondrial compartmentation of hexokinase may be a factor in the regulation of hexokinase activity and glycolysis.
Feast or Famine: Embedding a Specialist Clinic in a Tertiary Child and Youth Mental Health Service

Anorexia Nervosa is a high cost low prevalence eating disorder in children and young people presenting to tertiary child and youth mental health services across the country. The disorder creates high anxiety amongst service providers as it usually requires long term high resource service provision with limited recovery rates. Current evidence based practice identifies Family Based Treatment as the most effective treatment option with the highest rates of recovery sustained over time, however the success of the intervention has been linked with clinical practice holding model integrity. Current evidence indicates that best outcomes are achieved when delivery of treatment is provided through specialist Eating Disorders services. This presentation will share the journey of embedding a specialist multi-disciplinary eating disorder clinic utilising Family Based Treatment, within the limits of existing resources, in a large metropolitan Hospital and Health Service in Queensland. Challenges including freeing resources from other service areas, culture and practice shifts in the treatment of eating disorders, managing competing interests in the treatment of eating disorders, developing partnerships across internal and external stakeholders, and, building a sustainable workforce and service model will be discussed. Future directions including research, establishing a comprehensive evaluation strategy, accreditation of clinicians as Family Based Treatment specialists, provision of training and supervision, and seeking funding to establish an independent service will be outlined. This abstract was presented in the Service Initiatives: Child and Adolescent Refeeding and FBT stream of the 2014 ANZAED Conference.