cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Joint preoperative transthoracic and intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiographic assessment of functional mitral regurgitation severity provides better association with long-term mortality.

Objectives Functional mitral regurgitation (MR) is observed with ischaemic heart disease or aortic valve disease. Assessing the value of mitral valve repair or replacement (MVR/P) is complicated by frequent discordance between preoperative transthoracic echocardiographic (pTTE) and intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiographic (iTOE) assessment of MR severity. We examined the association of pTTE and iTOE with postoperative mortality in patients with or without MR, at the time of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or aortic valve replacement without MVR/P. Methods Medical records of 6629 patients undergoing CABG and/or aortic valve replacement surgery with or without functional MR and who did not undergo MVR/P were reviewed. MR severity assessed by pTTE and iTOE were examined for association with postoperative mortality using proportional hazards regression while accounting for patient and operative characteristics. Results In 72% of 709 patients with clinically significant (moderate or greater) functional MR detected by pTTE, iTOE performed after induction of anaesthesia demonstrated a reduction in MR severity, while 2% of patients had increased severity of MR by iTOE. iTOE assessment of MR was better associated with long-term postoperative mortality than pTTE in patients with moderate MR [hazard ratio (HR) 1.31 (1.11-1.55) vs 1.02 (0.89-1.17), P-value for comparison of HR 0.025] but was not different for more than moderate MR [1.43 (0.96-2.14) vs 1.27 (0.80-2.02)]. Conclusions In patients undergoing CABG and/or aortic valve replacement without MVR/P, these findings support intraoperative reassessment of MR severity by iTOE as an adjunct to pTTE in the prediction of mortality. Alone, these findings do not yet provide evidence for an operative strategy.
Sequent calculi for a unity of logic

We present a novel unity of logic, viz., a single sequent calculus that embodies classical, intuitionistic and linear logics. Concretely, we define classical linear logic negative (CLL$^-$), a new logic that is classical and linear yet discards the polarities and the strict De Morgan laws in classical linear logic (CLL). Then, we define unlinearisation and classicalisation on sequent calculi such that unlinearisation maps CLL$^-$ (resp. intuitionistic linear logic (ILL)) to classical logic (CL) (resp. intuitionistic logic (IL)), and classicalisation maps IL (resp. ILL) to CL (resp. CLL$^-$) modulo conservative extensions. By these two maps, only a sequent calculus for a conservative extension of ILL suffices for ILL, IL, CLL$^-$ and CL. This result achieves a simple, highly systematic unity of logic by discarding the polarities and the strict De Morgan laws, which (arguably) only CLL has, and consisting of the uniform classicalisation and unlinearisation, which commute. Previous methods do not satisfy these points. Our unity also clarifies the dichotomies between intuitionisity and classicality, and between linearity and non-linearity of logic, which are symmetric.
Case Report: Management of a Rare Case of Neonatal Uterovaginal Prolapse Using a Vaginal Plug

ABSTRACT Congenital neonatal uterovaginal prolapse is a rare occurrence that is usually detected after delivery. Most cases are managed conservatively, although there are more invasive approaches to management. We report a case of a neonate with uterovaginal prolapse that we successfully managed conservatively. In this case, a vaginal plug made from a wet cotton ball and condom was inserted into the vaginal canal. To further reinforce the vaginal plug, a pressure garment was applied over the neonate's diaper. A trial of noninvasive methods that are simple and cost-effective should always precede other, more invasive methods in managing cases such as this.
Survival in space

The evolution of space suit design to meet the needs of past and future manned space missions is discussed. Following a brief consideration of the purposes of the space suit in providing an artificial atmosphere and protection from environmental hazards, attention is given to the first high-altitude suits developed in the 1930's for the protection of balloon pilots, and for high-altitude airplane flights. The Mercury project space suit is presented as essentially similar to those for high-altitude military aircraft developed since World War II, providing pressurization and oxygen as a backup to the capsule systems. Modifications to the suit allowing it to be worn without discomfort during work outside the spacecraft, which were stimulated by experience in Gemini missions, are considered, which culminated in the suits of the Apollo and Skylab programs which provided insulation, cooling and life support for periods of up to eight hours. Finally, changes to suit design made necessary by the increasing numbers of men and women to perform Space Shuttle flights and space construction operations are considered.
Characterization of the Oral Absorption of β-Lactam Antibiotics. I. Cephalosporins: Determination of Intrinsic Membrane Absorption Parameters in the Rat Intestine In Situ

The oral absorption of five cephalosporin antibiotics, cefaclor, cefadroxil, cefatrizine, cephalexin, and cephradine, has been studied using a single-pass intestinal perfusion technique in rats. Intrinsic membrane absorption parameters, “unbiased” by the presence of an aqueous permeability (diffusion or stagnant layer), have been calculated utilizing a boundary layer mathematical model. The resultant intrinsic membrane absorption parameters are consistent with a significant carrier-mediated, Michaelis-Menten-type kinetic mechanism and a small passive component in the jejunum. Cefaclor colon permeability is low and does not exhibit concentration dependent behavior. The measured carrier parameters (±SD) for the jejunal perfusions are as follows: cefaclor, J max * = 21.3 (±4.0), K m = 16.1 (±3.6), P m * = 0, and P c *= 1.32 (±0.07); cefadroxil, J max * = 8.4 (±0.8), K m = 5.9 (±0.8), P m * = 0, and P c * = 1.43 (±0.10); cephalexin, J max * = 9.1 (±1.2), K m = 7.2 (±1.2), P m * = 0, and P c * = 1.30 (±0.10); cefatrizine, J max * = 0.73 (±0.19), K m = 0.58 (±0.17), P m * = 0.17 (±0.03), and P c * = 1.25 (±0.10); and cephradine, J max * = 1.57 (±0.84), K m = 1.48 (±0.75), P m * = 0.25 (±0.07), and P c * = 1.06 (±0.08). The colon absorption parameter for cefaclor is P m * = 0.36 (±0.06, where J max * (mM) is the maximal flux, K m (mM) is the Michaelis constant, P m * is the passive membrane permeability, and P c*is the carrier permeability. Aminocephalosporin perfusion results indicate that jejunal absorption in the rat occurs by a nonpassive process, with some of the compounds possessing a small but statistically significant passive component, while the colon permeability is low and follows a simple passive absorption mechanism.
High-Efficiency Rooftop Air Conditioners: Small Commercial ACs Could Add Up to Big Energy Savings

ABSTRACT This article describes a technology procurement conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and the Defense Logistics Agency to increase the availability of energy-efficient, packaged unitary “rooftop” air conditioners. The procurement encourages air conditioner manufacturers to produce equipment that exceeds federal energy efficiency standards by at least 25 percent at a lower life-cycle cost. Program developers have also sought to aggregate market demand by organizing groups of large-volume buyers of air-conditioning equipment. A cost estimator tool developed by PNNL to help consumers determine the cost-effectiveness, based on local climate conditions, of purchasing energy-efficient air conditioners for their own facilities also is described.
Recommendation with Differential Context Weighting

Context-aware recommender systems (CARS) adapt their recommendations to users’ specific situations. In many recommender systems, particularly those based on collaborative filtering, the contextual constraints may lead to sparsity: fewer matches between the current user context and previous situations. Our earlier work proposed an approach called differential context relaxation (DCR), in which different subsets of contextual features were applied in different components of a recommendation algorithm. In this paper, we expand on our previous work on DCR, proposing a more general approach – differential context weighting (DCW), in which contextual features are weighted. We compare DCR and DCW on two real-world datasets, and DCW demonstrates improved accuracy over DCR with comparable coverage. We also show that particle swarm optimization (PSO) can be used to efficiently determine the weights for DCW.
RDA: Resource description & access—a survey of the current state of the art

Resource Description & Access (RDA) is intended to provide a flexible and extensible framework that can accommodate all types of content and media within rapidly evolving digital environments while also maintaining compatibility with the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd edition (AACR2). The cataloging community is grappling with practical issues in navigating the transition from AACR2 to RDA; there is a definite need to evaluate major subject areas and broader themes in information organization under the new RDA paradigm. This article aims to accomplish this task through a thorough and critical review of the emerging RDA literature published from 2005 to 2011. The review mostly concerns key areas of difference between RDA and AACR2, the relationship of the new cataloging code to metadata standards, the impact on encoding standards such as Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC), end user considerations, and practitioners' views on RDA implementation and training. Future research will require more in-depth studies of RDA's expected benefits and the manner in which the new cataloging code will improve resource retrieval and bibliographic control for users and catalogers alike over AACR2. The question as to how the cataloging community can best move forward to the post-AACR2/MARC environment must be addressed carefully so as to chart the future of bibliographic control in the evolving environment of information production, management, and use.
Operational Models of Infrastructure Resilience

The authors propose a definition of infrastructure resilience that is tied to the operation (or function) of an infrastructure as a system of interacting components and that can be objectively evaluated using quantitative models. Specifically, for any particular system, the authors use quantitative models of system operation to represent the decisions of an infrastructure operator who guides the behavior of the system as a whole, even in the presence of disruptions. Modeling infrastructure operation in this way makes it possible to systematically evaluate the consequences associated with the loss of infrastructure components, and leads to a precise notion of “operational resilience” that facilitates model verification, validation, and reproducible results. Using a simple example of a notional infrastructure, the authors demonstrate how to use these models for (1) assessing the operational resilience of an infrastructure system, (2) identifying critical vulnerabilities that threaten its continued function, and (3) advising policymakers on investments to improve resilience.
VECTOR INTERACTION IN BETA DECAY

Further experimental consequences of a beta-decay interaction generated by a conserved vector current, as proposed by Feynman and Gell-Mann, are studied. Utilizing the strong analogy between the conserved beta-decay current, and the conserved charge current, higher multipole corrections to the usual results for allowed transitions are computed, and are related to the corresponding electromagnetic transitions, as was first done by Gell-Mann. The effects calculated include corrections to spectra shapes, beta-gamma directional correlations, and beta-alpha directional correlations. A multipole expansion of the $V\ensuremath{-}A$ interaction is carried out, including all those terms normally classed as allowed and second forbidden. Applications to several interesting transitions are discussed.
Twisted-terraced-substrate GaAs/AlGaAs lasers

We present a new structure of AlGaAs/GaAs DH lasers consisting of two oppositely facing terraced-substrate cavities in series. Polarisation change at the junction results in internal reflection and produces a mode-selection effect. A stable single longitudinal mode is observed over a wide current range from 100 to 150 mA. The dominant lasing mode is locked over a 7° temperature variation. The lowest observed threshold current is 50 mA.
Retrieval time as a function of memory ensemble size

A direct test was performed of Oldfield's (1966) derivation of the relationship between naming response latency and memory ensemble size. The results confirmed Oldfield in every particular. Further, the results support Sperling's (1967) suggestion of a recognition buffer-memory mechanism between the initial stimulus-encoding stage and the long-term memory stage of human information processing.
The high-pressure chemistry of iron

Abstract The high-pressure chemistry of iron in the solid state is rich in new phenomena. Optical studies of the effect of pressure on the interelectronic repulsion parameters and the ligand-to-metal charge transfer peaks, as well as Mossbauer resonance measurements of the change of isomer shift with pressure, indicate that with increasing pressure the 3d orbitals lower in energy vis-a-vis the ligand orbitals. This has important effects on both the oxidation state and spin state of iron. With increasing pressure Fe(III) reduces to Fe(II) in a wide variety of compounds. This process is analyzed in considerable detail. Examples of the reduction of Fe(IV) to Fe(III) and of Fe(VI) to Fe(IV) and Fe(III) are discussed briefly. The ferrocyanides are the classical low-spin iron compounds. The strong bonding is in part due to the back donation of iron t2g(π) electrons to the empty π∗ orbitals of the cyanide. The increased affinity of iron for electrons at high pressure reduces this back donation and results in a partial conversion to high-spin Fe(II). The effect of pressure on the spin state of ferricyanides reduced at high pressure, and on substituted cyanides, expecially nitroprussides, is also considered. Two cases of special interest, Prussian blue, Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3, and ferrous nitroprusside, Fe[Fe(CN)5NO], are discussed at some length.
Reconstitution of the external granular layer of the cerebellar cortex in infant rats after low-level x-irradiation.

The heads of three-day old rats were irradiated with a single dose of 200 r x-ray and the animals were killed afterwards at intervals ranging from ten minutes to five days. Necrosis in the external granular layer of the cerebellum was evident by the fourth hour and the pyknotic cells increased in number up to 12 hours after irradiation. Between 24 to 48 hours all the pyknotic cells disappeared and the width of the layer was drastically reduced. By the third day after irradiation the external granular layer began to increase in width, and by the fourth day it was indistinguishable from normal. In adults of this group the cerebellum appeared structurally normal. In another experiment the cerebellum of rats was exposed from birth onward to 200 r on five successive days. In the animals killed immediately or one day after the last radiation session the external granular layer was totally or subtotally eradicated. In the animals surviving for four days the external granular layer reappeared over many regions of the cerebellum, and by the sixth day after irradiation it was present over its entire surface. In the latter group in animals that survived to 30 and 90 days of age the cerebellum contained a large, though subnormal, population of granule cells, indicating that the reconstituted cells were able to differentiate. These results suggested that the proliferative matrix of the postnatally developing cerebellum may be endowed with regenerative capacity.
Role of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK) Activation in Micturition Reflexes in Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-Induced Cystitis in Female Rats

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, activated through phosphorylation following cytokine exposure and stress. In this study, phosphorylation of JNK was examined in the urinary bladder with cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis and the effects of SP600125, a selective inhibitor of phosphorylation of JNK, on urinary bladder function were assessed using conscious, open outlet, cystometry with continuous instillation of intravesical saline. We induced bladder inflammation in adult female Wistar rats by injecting CYP intraperitoneally to produce acute (150 mg/kg; 4 h), intermediate (150 mg/kg; 48 h), and chronic (75 mg/kg; every third day for 10 days) treatments. Western blotting of urinary bladder demonstrated a significant (p ≤ 0.01) increase (i.e., phosphorylation) in JNK activation with 4- and 48-h CYP-induced cystitis. Immunohistochemistry and image analyses demonstrated a significant (p ≤ 0.01) increase in JNK activation in the urothelium with 4- and 48-h CYP-induced cystitis. Blockade of JNK phosphorylation significantly (p ≤ 0.01) increased bladder capacity and intercontraction void intervals in CYP-treated rats (4 and 48 h). Furthermore, blockade of JNK phosphorylation reduced (p ≤ 0.01) neuropeptide (substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide) expression in the urinary bladder with CYP-induced cystitis (4 and 48 h). In contrast, blockade of JNK phosphorylation was without effect on bladder function or neuropeptide expression in urinary bladder in control (no inflammation) rats. Blockade of JNK phosphorylation may represent a novel target for improving urinary bladder function with CYP-induced cystitis.
The Value of Home Monitoring Kits in Diabetes, Hypertension, Asthma, and Oral Anticoagulation Therapy

Home monitoring devices encourage people to actively participate in their health care management. In addition, access to more data may help to make better decisions, which may ultimately lead to better health outcomes. The primary focus of this article will be on blood glucose, blood pressure, prothrombin time, and peak flow meters. The empirical evidence on the accuracy and usefulness of these home monitoring devices is discussed. Based on the evidence from the literature, erroneous reporting of the readings by the patients is a major concern. Therefore, primary practitioners are encouraged to consult with patients’ log books and their meters (if memory feature is available), instead of relying solely on self-reported values. Patients also need to be educated and trained adequately about the proper measurement technique and relevance and interpretation of the readings. Continuing education is necessary regarding the behavioral and therapeutic changes patients should carry out in accordance with performin...
Semiclassical trajectory study of He scattering off of LiF(001)

Abstract A semiclassical trajectory method is used to study atomic diffraction in this paper. This technique allows some dynamical degrees of freedom to be treated classically, while others are described quantum mechanically and couples the two descriptions by enforcing energy conservation. To study the accuracy of the semiclassical method, we compare the results to other classical, semiclassical and quantum mechanical solutions of He diffracting from the (001) surface of LiF. Further studies where semiclassical procedures will be useful are discussed.
Measurement of 13C15N coupling by dipolar-rotational spin-echo NMR

Abstract A sign reversal of the 13Cz.sbnd; 15N heteronuclear dipolar interaction after the first of two rotor periods in a dipolar-rotational spin-echo experiment produces a 13C 15N dipolar-modulation period equal to twice that of the rotor. This doubling results in twice as many sidebands in the dipolar powder pattern as in conventional experiments. Some of the sidebands have negative intensities. The increases in the number of sidebands and in the dynamic range of sideband intensities aid in the measurement of weak 13C 15N dipolar couplings in solids.
Second Law Constraints on the Dynamics of a Mixture of Two Fluids at Different Temperatures

Constitutive laws for multi-component fluids (MCF) is one of the thorniest problems in science. Two questions explored here are: how to ensure that these relations reduce to accepted forms when all but one of the constituents vanishes; and what constraints does the Second Law impose on the dynamics of viscous fluids at different temperatures? The analysis suggests an alternative to the metaphysical principles for MCF proposed by Truesdell [1].
EDTA reduces liver cholesterol content in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

Abstract A study conducted in 1953 by one of the authors (H.S.M. Uhl) reported that orally administered ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) both prevented the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver of cholesterol-fed rabbits and caused the removal of accumulated cholesterol from the liver. These observations were made in rabbits fed high concentrations of cholesterol and have never been confirmed in the literature. The purpose of the present study was to determine if this original observation could be confirmed using lower amounts of dietary cholesterol and more modern and comprehensive methods for analysis of tissue lipids and plasma lipoproteins. New Zealand White rabbits were fed diets containing 0.1% cholesterol with or without EDTA (3 g/day). After 16 weeks, significantly lower concentrations of hepatic cholesterol were found in rabbits fed EDTA (6.95 mg/g wet weight) compared with controls fed the same cholesterol-containing diet without EDTA (16.6 mg/g wet weight). Plasma cholesterol levels in both groups of animals were not significantly different from one another; therefore, the effect of EDTA in reducing liver cholesterol accumulation was independent of changes in plasma cholesterol concentrations. Although the mechanism of this EDTA effect is unknown, it may. provide a tool to gain further insight into mechanisms of regulation of hepatic lipoprotein and cholesterol metabolism.
Alcoholism in the emergency department: an epidemiologic study.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the epidemiology of alcoholism in ED patients. Methods: Over a two-month period, every adult patient brought by ambulance to the ED of a large municipal hospital was prospectively enrolled by questionnaire. Data collected included demographics, previous ED use, triage complaint-related diagnoses, hospital admission rates, and ethanol levels (if determined). The CAGE alcoholism questions were administered to all patients by trained assistants. The only exclusion criterion was the inability to communicate while in the ED. A chisquare analysis was used to compare categorical variables. Results: A total of 2,658 patients were enrolled in the study; 226 were unable to respond to the CAGE questions. Five hundred eighty-eight of the remaining 2,432 patients (24%) were defined as being alcoholic by an affirmative response to at least two of the CAGE questions. All four questions were answered affirmatively by 17% of the total patients. Alcoholic patients were more likely to be male (88% vs 60%), unemployed (87% vs 71%), undomiciled (46% vs 20%), polysubstance users (52% vs 25%), and tobacco users (77% vs 41%), and to have had an ED visit in the previous six months (51% vs 35%) (p < 0.001 for all tests). Ethanol levels ranged from zero to 573 mg/dL. Whereas no positive response to a single CAGE question was predictive of a final diagnosis of alcoholism, a blood ethanol level more than 300 mg/dL predicted an affirmative response to at least two CAGE questions in 97% of cases. Conclusions: Alcoholism should be presumed to be present in a substantial number of patients who present to urban EDs by ambulance.
The Yale Interactive terrestrial Biosphere model version 1.0: description, evaluation and implementation into NASA GISS ModelE2

Abstract. The land biosphere, atmospheric chemistry and climate are intricately interconnected, yet the modeling of carbon–climate and chemistry–climate interactions have evolved as entirely separate research communities. We describe the Yale Interactive terrestrial Biosphere (YIBs) model version 1.0, a land carbon cycle model that has been developed for coupling to the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) ModelE2 global chemistry–climate model. The YIBs model adapts routines from the mature TRIFFID (Top-down Representation of Interactive Foliage and Flora Including Dynamics) and CASA (Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach) models to simulate interactive carbon assimilation, allocation, and autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration. Dynamic daily leaf area index is simulated based on carbon allocation and temperature- and drought-dependent prognostic phenology. YIBs incorporates a semi-mechanistic ozone vegetation damage scheme. Here, we validate the present-day YIBs land carbon fluxes for three increasingly complex configurations: (i) offline local site level, (ii) offline global forced with WFDEI (WATCH Forcing Data methodology applied to ERA-Interim data) meteorology, and (iii) online coupled to the NASA ModelE2 (NASA ModelE2-YIBs). Offline YIBs has hourly and online YIBs has half-hourly temporal resolution. The large observational database used for validation includes carbon fluxes from 145 flux tower sites and multiple satellite products. At the site level, YIBs simulates reasonable seasonality (correlation coefficient R > 0.8) of gross primary productivity (GPP) at 121 out of 145 sites with biases in magnitude ranging from −19 to 7 % depending on plant functional type. On the global scale, the offline model simulates an annual GPP of 125 ± 3 Pg C and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of −2.5 ± 0.7 Pg C for 1982–2011, with seasonality and spatial distribution consistent with the satellite observations. We assess present-day global ozone vegetation damage using the offline YIBs configuration. Ozone damage reduces global GPP by 2–5 % annually with regional extremes of 4–10 % in east Asia. The online model simulates annual GPP of 123 ± 1 Pg C and NEE of −2.7 ± 0.7 Pg C. NASA ModelE2-YIBs is a useful new tool to investigate coupled interactions between the land carbon cycle, atmospheric chemistry, and climate change.
Assignment of SRY, ANT3, and CSF2RA to the Bovine Y Chromosome by FISH and RH Mapping

Three genes, SRY, ANT3, and CSF2RA, were mapped to the bovine Y chromosome (BTAY) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and/or radiation hybrid (RH) mapping. FISH analysis indicated that the bovine SRY gene maps to the distal region of BTAYq, while ANT3 and CSF2RA are located in the pseudoautosomal region (PAR) of BTAYp and BTAXq. RH mapping with a 7000-rad cattle hamster whole-genome radiation hybrid panel further defined the ANT3 and CSF2RA position in relationship to previously mapped 12 PAR markers, and resulted in a relatively high resolution RH map for the PAR of BTAY.
Space shuttle fault tolerance: Analog and digital teamwork

The Space Shuttle control system (including the avionics suite) was developed during the 1970s to meet stringent survivability requirements that were then extraordinary but today may serve as a standard against which modern avionics can be measured. In 30 years of service, only two major malfunctions have occurred, both due to failures far beyond the reach of fault tolerance technology: the explosion of an external fuel tank, and the destruction of a launch-damaged wing by re-entry friction. The Space Shuttle is among the earliest systems (if not the earliest) designed to a “FO-FO-FS” criterion, meaning that it had to Fail (fully) Operational after any one failure, then Fail Operational after any second failure (even of the same kind of unit), then Fail Safe after most kinds of third failure. The computer system had to meet this criterion using a Redundant Set of 4 computers plus a backup of the same type, which was (ostensibly!) a COTS type. Quadruple redundancy was also employed in the hydraulic actuators for elevons and rudder. Sensors were installed with quadruple, triple, or dual redundancy. For still greater fault tolerance, these three redundancies (sensors, computers, actuators) were made independent of each other so that the reliability criterion applies to each category separately. The mission rule for Shuttle flights, as distinct from the design criterion, became “FO-FS,” so that a mission continues intact after any one failure, but is terminated with a safe return after any second failure of the same type. To avoid an unrecoverable flat spin during the most dynamic flight phases, the overall system had to continue safe operation within 400 msec of any failure, but the decision to shut down a computer had to be made by the crew. Among the interesting problems to be solved were “control slivering” and “sync holes.” The first flight test (Approach and Landing only) was the proof of the pudding: when a key wire harness solder joint was jarred loose by the Shuttle's being popped off the back of its 747 mother ship, one of the computers “went bananas” (actual quote from an IBM expert).
Intussusception as a complication of inversion appendectomy

Three cases of ceco-colonic intussusception following inversion appendectomy are presented. In each case, an inverted ischemic appendicular remnant acted as lead point. Initial operation in all cases was a fundoplication undertaken for symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux with appendicular inversion performed incidentally. Technical considerations of inversion appendectomy and use in patients with enteric neurologic derangements is discussed.
Current concepts for determining the postpalatal seal in complete dentures.

Purpose In 2001, a survey of U.S. dental schools was conducted to determine the concepts and techniques used for establishing the postpalatal seal (PPS) in a predoctoral dental curriculum. Materials and methods The questionnaire was mailed to the chairperson of the prosthodontic/restorative departments of 54 U.S. dental schools. Of these, 44 returned the completed survey, resulting in a response rate of 82%. Results Results from this survey show that 80% of the schools are teaching a combination of phonation with other methods for locating the vibrating line. The 1 vibrating line concept for establishing the PPS is taught by 80% of schools; 77% of these schools locate the posterior termination of the maxillary denture on the vibrating line. Carving the PPS in the maxillary master cast is taught by 95% of the schools. Most of the schools teach the students to carve the PPS to a depth of 1.0–1.5 mm in the maxillary master cast. Compressibility of the palatal tissues is a consideration during PPS carving for 91% of the schools. The butterfly pattern is the most frequently (75%) described pattern for PPS carving. Conclusions There is some variability from school to school on performing the PPS in the maxillary denture, although some trends are evident.
A new parameter to define interplanetary coronal mass ejections

Abstract The interplanetary manifestations of coronal mass ejections, ICMEs, have many signatures in the solar wind but none of these signatures in the velocity, density, temperature, magnetic field, plasma composition or energetic particles uniquely and unambiguously identifies the occurrence of an ICME. Different investigators identify different events when confronted with the same data. Herein, we present a single physical parameter that combines information from multiple plasma components and that holds the promise of defining a beginning and an end of the region of influence ICME and an indication of the location of the encounter with the ICME relative to its central meridian. This parameter is the total plasma pressure perpendicular to the magnetic field, consisting of the sum of the magnetic pressure and plasma kinetic or thermal pressure. It provides a vehicle for classifying the nature of the ICME encounter and, in many cases, provides an unambiguous start and stop time of the event. However, it does not provide a start and stop time for any embedded flux rope. This identification depends on examination of the magnetic field.
Effect of Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy on Femorotibial Contact Mechanics and Stifle Kinematics

Objective— To evaluate the effects of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) on femorotibial contact mechanics and 3-dimensional (3D) kinematics in cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient stifles of dogs. Study Design— In vitro biomechanical study. Animals— Unpaired pelvic limbs from 8 dogs, weighing 28–35 kg. Methods— Digital pressure sensors placed subjacent to the menisci were used to measure femorotibial contact force, contact area, peak and mean contact pressure, and peak pressure location with the limb under an axial load of 30% body weight and a stifle angle of 135°. Three-dimensional static poses of the stifle were obtained using a Microscribe digitizing arm. Each specimen was tested under normal, CrCL-deficient, and TPLO-treated conditions. Repeated measures analysis of variance with a Tukey post hoc test (P<.05) was used for statistical comparison. Results— Significant disturbances to all measured contact mechanical variables were evident after CrCL transection, which corresponded to marked cranial tibial subluxation and increased internal tibial rotation in the CrCL-deficient stifle. No significant differences in 3D femorotibial alignment were observed between normal and TPLO-treated stifles; however, femorotibial contact area remained significantly smaller and peak contact pressures in both medial and lateral stifle compartments were positioned more caudally on the tibial plateau, when compared with normal. Conclusion— Whereas TPLO eliminates craniocaudal stifle instability during simulated weight bearing, the procedure fails to concurrently restore femorotibial contact mechanics to normal. Clinical Relevance— Progression of stifle osteoarthritis in dogs treated with TPLO may be partly the result of abnormal stifle contact mechanics induced by altering the orientation of the proximal tibial articulating surface.
Age-associated decreases in human DNA repair capacity: Implications for the skin

Multiple pathways are involved in accurate synthesis and distribution of DNA during replication, repair and maintenance of genomic integrity. An increased error rate, abovethe spontaneous mutation baseline, has been implicated in carcinogenesis and aging. Moreover, cytogenetic abnormalities are increased in Down’s, Edwards’, Patau’s, and Klinefelter’s syndromes with increasing maternal age, and in Marfan’s and Apert’s syndromes with paternal age. In response to DNA damage, multiple overlapping systems of DNA repair have evolved, preferentially repairing the transcribed strand within transcriptionally-active regions of the genome. These include direct reversal of dimers and specific adducts and pathways for base excision, nucleotide excision, and mismatch repair. A consensus has emerged that some DNA repair capacities decline with organism age, contradictory reports notwithstanding. As is the case for inborn defects in humans, knockout mice lacking components of nucleotide excision repair or DNA-damage checkpoint arrest have increased frequencies of skin and internal cancers, whereas mice overexpressing DNA repair genes have fewer spontaneous cancers. Oxidative stress and resultant free radicals can damage genomic and mitochondrial DNA; damage increases with age but decreases with caloric restriction. We review recent studies of long-lived C. elegans mutants which appear to involve metabolic attenuation, the role of telomere shortening and telomerase in cellular senescence, and the genetic bases of progeroid syndromes in humans. Finally, we discuss roles of extrinsic and intrinsic factors in skin aging, and their association with DNA damage, emphasizing preventive and protective measures and prospects for intervention by modulating DNA repair pathways in the skin.
Induction and Isolation of Auxotrophic Mutants in Somatic Cell Cultures of Nicotiana tabacum

A method for the selection of auxotrophic mutants from somatic cell cultures of Nicotiana tabacum depends upon the incorporation of 5-bromodeoxyuridine into the DNA of wild-type cells and upon its lack of incorporation into the DNA of auxotrophic cells. There may be more than one functional copy of essential genes in the haploid genome of Nicotiana tabacum.
Comparative Chemotherapeutic Activity of Amphotericin B and Amphotericin B Methyl Ester

The comparative efficacy of amphotericin B and amphotericin B methyl ester (AME) against experimental histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, cryptococcosis, and candidosis in mice was assessed by determining the effect of daily intraperitoneal therapy on 21-day survival and persistence of organisms in internal organs. AME, like amphotericin B, was effective against each of the experimental infections, but the efficacy was lower than the parent compound. For Histoplasma and Blastomyces infections the mean effective dose (ED(50)) of amphotericin B was 0.3 mg/kg, whereas the corresponding values for AME, respectively, were 2.4 and 2.8 mg/kg. For Cryptococcus infection the ED(50) for amphotericin B was 0.2 mg/kg compared with 2.0 mg/kg for AME. The ED(50) of amphotericin B for Candida infection was lower than 0.05 mg/kg and the value of AME was between 0.5 to 0.05 mg/kg. The colony counts from internal organs of the surviving animals after the therapeutic regimens were compatible with the data on survival.
Laparoscopic reoperative antireflux surgery

Background Antireflux operations for gastroesophageal reflux disease whether performed open or laparoscopically can fail and may require reoperation to control new, recurrent symptoms or operation-related complications. We report our experience with the laparoscopic reoperation for failed antireflux procedures. Methods Between 1995 and 2000, 37 patients underwent laparoscopic reoperative antireflux procedures. The mean age and weight were 52 years and 181.5 pounds. The main presenting symptoms were heartburn (n = 18), respiratory reflux (n = 4), chest pain (n = 3), regurgitation (n = 1), and dysphagia (n = 10). The mean duration between the first operation and recurrence of symptoms was 18 months, and the duration between the two procedures was 25 months. The operation was completed laparoscopically in 32 patients (86.5%): Nissen fundoplication (n = 27) and Toupet fundoplication (n = 9). Results Intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 6 and 14 patients, respectively. Fundoplication disruption was the most common cause of primary surgery failure. The mean hospital stay was 4 days. At a mean follow-up of 26.5 months, results were excellent to good (65%), fair (21.5%), and poor (13.5%). Conclusion Laparoscopic reoperative antireflux procedures are technically feasible with acceptable preliminary results.
Identification of interactive gene networks: a novel approach in gene array profiling of myometrial events during guinea pig pregnancy.

Objective The transition from myometrial quiescence to activation is poorly understood, and the analysis of array data is limited by the available data mining tools. We applied functional analysis and logical operations along regulatory gene networks to identify molecular processes and pathways underlying quiescence and activation. Study design We analyzed some 18,400 transcripts and variants in guinea pig myometrium at stages corresponding to quiescence and activation, and compared them to the nonpregnant (control) counterpart using a functional mapping tool, MetaCore (GeneGo, St Joseph, MI) to identify novel gene networks composed of biological pathways during mid (MP) and late (LP) pregnancy. Results Genes altered during quiescence and or activation were identified following gene specific comparisons with myometrium from nonpregnant animals, and then linked to curated pathways and formulated networks. The MP and LP networks were subtracted from each other to identify unique genomic events during those periods. For example, changes 2-fold or greater in genes mediating protein biosynthesis, programmed cell death, microtubule polymerization, and microtubule based movement were noted during the transition to LP. Conclusion We describe a novel approach combining microarrays and genetic data to identify networks associated with normal myometrial events. The resulting insights help identify potential biomarkers and permit future targeted investigations of these pathways or networks to confirm or refute their importance.
A regional input-output pollution abatement model

The technical and capital coefficients of a dynamic regional input-output model are being revised to include the costs of installing and operating air pollution abatement equipment. The total cost of air pollution abatement in the region will be estimated by comparing the value of direct and indirect inputs required to produce a fixed bill of goods before and after the installation of abatement equipment.
Potential applications of focused ion beam technology for the semiconductor industry

Abstract In the last several years focused ion beam (FIB) systems have become available. The key features of these systems include small spot size ( 0.1 A cm 2 on target), ion species which are suitable for the doping of semiconductor materials, and interfacing with appropriate components to enable micropatteming and imaging of surfaces. These attributes combined with the continuing requirements in microelectronics for finer resolution and registration as well as precise dopant distribution control have generated considerable interest in FIB technology. Potential applications in the semiconductor industry include: (1) lithography (scanned beam and through mask) and mask repair; (2) micro-milling of dielectrics and conductors; (3) ion microprobes for high resolution and imaging secondary ion mass analysis and for ion microscopy; and (4) direct implantation of dopants for device fabrication. The paper will consider these potential applications with emphasis on implantation. The strength and weakness of the FIB approach relative to alternative methods will be discussed.
Osteosarcoma with isolated metastases to the pleura

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary skeletal malignancy of childhood, typically occurring between the ages of 10 and 20. The classic radiographic appearance is that of a mixed lytic and sclerotic lesion originating in the metaphysis of the long bones with cortical destruction, periostitis, and an associated soft tissue mass. Metastatic disease to the lungs is an important prognostic indicator and is found in the majority of patients dying of the disease [1]. We present a child with osteosarcoma of the distal femur who developed extensive metastatic disease involving the chest pleura bilaterally with no other sites of involvement.
Dynamic fracture behavior of model sandwich structures with functionally graded core : a feasibility study

Feasibility of introducing compositional gradients to the core of a sandwich structure and the resulting fracture behavior under impact loading conditions is the primary focus of the study. Model sandwich structures comprising of graded core with bilinear variation of volume fraction of hollow microballoons are considered for experimental and numerical simulations. Conventional sandwiches with homogeneous core are also developed for comparison. The crack tip in both configurations is positioned such that global as well as local material characteristics are matched in both models. Dynamic mode-I crack tip deformations are mapped experimentally using optical interferometry and high-speed photography. Measurement of fracture parameter histories is used to demonstrate equivalence between graded and conventional architectures. The fracture behavior in sandwich core is explained using independent experimental results obtained from monotonically graded foam sheets. The measurements up to crack initiation are also used to validate finite element models. The numerical models are subsequently used in a parametric study of different elastic impedance gradients in the core on mixed-mode fracture performance of graded sandwich structures having a crack at the face-sheet/core interface under stress-wave loading conditions. The results show significant reduction in stress intensification in the presence of compositional gradients when compared to conventional constructions.
The final intraoperative parathyroid hormone level: how low should it go?

In minimally invasive surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT), intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring assists in obtaining demonstrably better outcomes, but optimal criteria are controversial. The outcomes of 1,108 initial parathyroid operations for sporadic HPT using IOPTH monitoring from 1997 to 2011 were stratified by final post-resection IOPTH level. All patients had adequate follow-up to verify cure. With mean follow-up of 1.8 years (range 0.5–14.3 years), parathyroidectomy using IOPTH monitoring failed in 1.2 % of cases, with an additional 0.5 % incidence of long-term recurrence at a mean of 3.2 years (range 0.8–6.8 years) postoperatively. Operative success was equally likely with a final IOPTH drop to 41–65 pg/mL vs ≤40 pg/mL (p = 1). In the 76 patients with an elevated baseline IOPTH level that did not drop to ≤65 pg/mL, surgical failure was 43 times more likely than with a drop into normal range (13 vs. 0.3 %; p 50 % but not into the normal range, surgical failure was 19 times more likely (3.8 vs. 0.2 %; p = 0.015). Long-term recurrence was more likely in patients with a final IOPTH level of 41–65 pg/mL than with a level ≤40 pg/mL (1.2 vs. 0; p = 0.016). Adjunctive intraoperative PTH monitoring facilitates a high cure rate for initial surgery of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism. A final IOPTH level that is within the normal range and drops by >50 % from baseline is a strong predictor of operative success. Patients with a final IOPTH level between 41–65 pg/mL should be followed beyond 6 months for long-term recurrence.
Sample size and the estimation of physiological parameters in the field

Summary 1Estimates of basal rate of metabolism in fruit pigeons and flying foxes, derived from the mean of individual means, were compared to the mean basal rate obtained by pooling all data into a single estimate. 2Pooled estimates of basal rate differ by ≤1% of the basal rates obtained from the mean of individual means in 7 of 10 species of pigeons and 4 of 11 species of flying foxes. 3The coefficient of variation of the mean of individual mean basal rates decreased with an increase in the mean number of measurements per individual, which, given that the number of measurements per individual was 8·4 in pigeons and 3·8 in flying foxes, partially accounts for the smaller coefficients in pigeons. 4The maximal absolute difference between individual mean basal rates and the mean of individual means within a species decreased with an increase in the number of measurements per individual to 8, beyond which the difference remained constant. 5Repeated measurements on a single individual usually gave an estimate of basal rate within 2–8% of the species’ mean when eight or more measurements were made. 6. The analysis of limited samples most often occurs in the study of elusive or endangered species, when the availability of individuals for study is greatly limited.
The validity of MMPI subtle and obvious items in psychiatric patients.

This study was designed to assess (1) the validity of four clinical scales with and without subtle items; and (2) the relative validity of obvious and subtle items. Criteria were questionnaire, mental status, diagnostic, and drug treatment measures; subjects were 73 psychiatric inpatients. Across criteria, the results indicated that (1) the validity of the full scales was not improved by the removal of subtle items; and (2) with the exception of the Pd scale, subtle items generally were found to be of similar convergent validity and possibly superior discriminant validity. These findings have implications for psychometric theory and test construction strategies.