cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lateral Myelotomy for Resection of a Ruptured Intramedullary Cervico-Thoracic Cavernous Malformation.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Intramedullary spinal cord cavernous malformations represent 5% to 12% of spinal vascular disease. Most patients present with acute or progressive neurological symptoms, including motor weakness or sensory loss. Surgical resection is the only definitive management and is recommended for symptomatic lesions that are surgically accessible. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 35-yr-old woman presented with a sudden onset of pain and temperature sensation loss in the left lower extremity. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine showed a hemorrhage located ventral and slightly lateral to the right of the midline of the spinal cord from C7 through T3. Ultimately, a right lateral myelotomy between the ventral and dorsal roots was performed, and the cavernous malformation was removed. Postoperative imaging confirmed gross total resection of the cavernous malformation. CONCLUSION In this article, we report a highly unusual case of a multisegment, ruptured intramedullary cavernous malformation that was ultimately resected through a lateral myelotomy approach. This case demonstrates that a lateral approach to the spinal cord substance can be utilized for ruptured cavernous malformation, especially if there is hemorrhage at the surface of the spinal cord. This can be used as an entry into the anterolateral compartment of the spinal cord, which would otherwise be regarded as a highly morbid approach due to the sensory deficits induced. We believe this entry point to the spinal cord is feasible in highly select cases such as this.
The Effect of Co-Verbal Remote Touch on Electrodermal Activity and Emotional Response in Dyadic Discourse

This article explores the affective impact of remote touch when used in conjunction with video telecon. Committed couples were recruited to engage in semi-structured discussions after they watched a video clip that contained emotionally charged moments. They used paired touch input and output devices to send upper-arm squeezes to each other in real-time. Users were not told how to use the devices and were free to define the purpose of their use. We examined how remote touch was used and its impact on skin conductance and affective response. We observed 65 different touch intents, which were classified into broader categories. We employed a series of analyses within a framework of behavioral and experiential timescales. Our findings revealed that remote touches created a change in the overall psychological affective experience and skin conductance response. Only remote touches that were judged to be affective elicited significant changes in EDA measurements. Our study demonstrates the affective power of remote touch in video telecommunication, and that off-the-shelf wearable EDA sensing devices can detect such affective impacts. Our findings pave the way for new species of technologies with real-time feedback support for a range of communicative and special needs such as isolation, stress, and anxiety.
Comparisons between suicide in persons with serious mental illness, other mental disorders, or no known mental illness: Results from 37 U.S. states, 2003-2017.

Abstract Background Suicide is a leading cause of death in persons with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses (SMI), however, little is known about the characteristics and circumstances of suicide decedents with SMI in the US compared to those with other or no known mental illness. Methods This study was a retrospective analysis of suicide deaths in individuals aged ≥18 years from the National Violent Death Reporting System, 2003–2017. Odds ratios compared sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, cause of death, precipitating circumstances, and post-mortem toxicology results. All analyses were stratified by gender. Results Of the 174,001 suicide decedents, 8.7% had a known SMI, 33.0% had other mental disorders, and 58.2% had no known mental illness. Relative to persons with other mental disorders, SMI decedents were younger and more likely to have previous suicide attempts and co-occurring drug use. Problems with intimate partners, poor physical health, and recent institutional release were the most common precipitating circumstances for SMI decedents. Firearms were the most common suicide method for males with SMI. Although 67.0% male and 76.0% of female SMI decedents were currently in treatment, toxicology results suggest many were not taking antipsychotic or antidepressant medications at the time of death. Conclusions Persons with SMI are over-represented in suicide deaths. Efforts to improve treatment of co-occurring substance use disorders, continuity of care following hospitalization, medication adherence, and to reduce access to firearms are important suicide prevention strategies.
Lisfranc Ligament Injury Utilizing Multimodal Imaging. A Case Report

This case report describes clinical and imaging findings in a patient with an acute dorsal Lisfranc ligament tear and repair. A 23-year-old female presented with right-sided dorsal midfoot pain that extended into her right ankle, from an inversion injury that occurred while jumping between trampolines. Multimodality imaging demonstrated widening of the first cuneiform/s metatarsal space, complete fibrillar disruption of the dorsal Lisfranc ligament, and subcutaneous edema on the dorsal aspect of the first and second metatarsals and cuneiforms, consistent with a dorsal Lisfranc ligament tear. Lisfranc injuries are common with direct crush and plantar flexion mechanisms of injury. Multiple imaging modalities, including radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and diagnostic ultrasound, are useful in evaluating these injuries. Since the Lisfranc ligaments are important stabilizers of the foot, surgery is the treatment of choice.
Spectral and Thermal Responses of Peanut to Infection and Colonization with Athelia rolfsii

Soilborne fungal diseases, including southern stem rot (causal agent: Athelia rolfsii), are major constraints to peanut production worldwide. Scouting for disease via visual observation is time and...
Tidal rewetting in salt marshes triggers pulses of nitrous oxide emissions but slows carbon dioxide emission

Abstract Pulsed emission of CO2 following rainfall in terrestrial ecosystems is well characterized, but coastal wetlands show the opposite trend for CO2, and less is known about the responses of other biogenic greenhouse gases like CH4 and N2O. Tidal inundation in coastal wetlands such as salt marshes is an additional form of rewetting with the potential to cause biological pulses that may not resemble rain-induced pulses. Accurately predicting the carbon and nitrogen cycling in salt marshes requires estimates of pulse responses to both rainfall and tidal inundation, in addition to baseline greenhouse gas flux rates. We measured CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes from salt marsh sediment cores while we simulated rewetting by rainfall and/or tidal inundation, and we measured the total and potentially-active microbial communities at the end of the experiment. Rewetting from tidal inundation and from rainfall led to a short term (begun within 1 h, concluded within ~1 d) pulse of N2O, a sustained drop in CO2 emission, but no change in CH4. The N2O pulse peaked on average at 20× and 10× baseline flux rates after tidal inundation and rainfall respectively. Peak N2O fluxes far exceeded the highest emission observed in field measurements at these sites. By global warming potential, the pulse of N2O only slightly offset the drop in CO2 emission, therefore rewetting had a net cooling effect on marsh radiative forcing. Microbial communities were similar in rewetted and non-rewetted cores two days after rewetting, which reflects rapid recovery and/or resilience of the community to rewetting. We estimated the contribution of pulsed vs. baseline N2O emissions to annual totals by modelling rewetting events over 65-year tide gauge and precipitation records, and found that pulsed emissions constitute the majority of salt marsh N2O emissions, and could constitute the entirety in marshes with a net-sink baseline.
50 Intake, digestibility, and nitrogen balance in horses fed rhizoma peanut hay

Rhizoma peanut hay has the potential to meet horses’ crude protein requirements with reduced nitrogen excretion. This study aimed to evaluate nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, and nitrogen balance of rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata cv Florigraze) hay compared with alfalfa (ALF, Medicago sativa L. cv Legendary XHD) and bermudagrass (CB, Cynodon dactylon L. cv Coastal) hays when fed to maintenance horses at 2% BW/d on a dry-matter (DM) basis. Six mature Quarter Horse geldings (593 ± 40 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to one of the hays in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 21-d periods. A 14-d adaptation phase was followed by a 3-d total fecal and urine collection. Intake of nutrients is reported on a DM basis. Both legumes (ALF = 1.99% BW and RP = 1.97% BW) provided DM intake greater (P
Novel elasticity measurement techniques reveal that the C. elegans cuticle is required for physical integrity with age

Changes in biomechanical properties have profound impacts on human health. C. elegans might serve as a model for studying the molecular genetics of mammalian tissue decline. Previously, we found that collagens are required the long lifespan of insulin signaling mutants, and that overexpression of specific collagens extends wild-type lifespan. However, whether these effects on lifespan are due to mechanical changes during aging has not yet been established. Here, we have developed two novel methods to study the cuticle: we measure mechanical properties of live animals using osmotic shock (OS), and we directly perform the tensile test (TT) on isolated cuticles using microfluidic technology. Using these tools, we find that cuticle, not the muscle, is responsible for changes in stretchiness of C. elegans, and that cuticle stiffness is highly non-linear and anisotropic. We also found that collagen mutations alter integrity of the cuticle by significantly altering elasticity. Additionally, aging stiffens the cuticle under mechanical loads beyond the cuticle′s healthy stretched state. Measurements of elasticity showed that long-lived daf-2 mutants were considerably better at preventing progressive mechanical changes with age. These tests of C. elegans biophysical properties suggest that the cuticle is responsible for their resilience.
Cancer Provider and Survivor Experiences With Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSEThe COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid shifts in cancer survivorship care, including the widespread use of telehealth. Given the swift transition and limited data on preferences and experiences ...
Homeostasis of Lipid Oxidation in the Artery Wall

The subendothelial space is a complex network of collagen fibers and connecting fibrils.1 Within two hours of injecting low density lipoprotein (LDL) into the femoral vein of a rabbit, the LDL was found trapped in the three dimensional matrix network.2 The trapped LDL appeared to bind to the collagen fibers near the junction of connecting fibrils.3 The bound LDL was no longer in solution and appeared to be trapped in a microenvironment that excluded water soluble antioxidants such as vitamin C.4 The LDL lipids were then exposed to oxidative products released by the surrounding artery wall cells and oxidation of a mild degree occurred such that the resulting LDL was so minimally modified that it’s bouyant density, Rf, and receptor recognition were not different from native LDL.5 However, this mildly oxidized LDL, when applied to endothelial cells in culture induced the endothelial cells to bind monocytes but not neutrophils and to produce a chemotactic factor that induced monocyte migration.5 All of the biologic activity in this mildly oxidized LDL was contained in the polar lipids.5 The mildly oxidized LDL induced endothelial cells to express the gene and protein for the potent macrophage differentiation factor M-CSF.6 The mildly oxidized LDL also induced endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells to express the gene and protein for the potent monocyte chemoattractant - monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1).7 Injection of the mildly oxidized LDL into mice produced an increase in blood M-CSF and expression of JE, the mouse homologue of the MCP-1 gene.8 LDL given to co-cultures of human artery wall cells was sequestered in a microenvironment protected from aqueous antioxidants and, when recovered from the co-cultures, induced fresh co-cultures to express the gene and protein for MCP-1.
Malate Adenosine Triphosphate Lyase SEPARATION OF THE REACTION INTO A MALATE THIOKINASE AND MALYL COENZYME A LYASE

Abstract Protamine sulfate fractionation of crude extracts of Pseudomonas sp. (Shaw strain MA), containing malate ATP lyase activity, results in the separation of this activity into two protein components. The first component, identified as a malate thiokinase, has been purified to near homogeneity. The enzyme contains succinate thiokinase activity equal to that of malate thiokinase activity; however, this activity is distinct from succinate thiokinase itself. The second component of the malate ATP lyase reaction is a malyl coenzyme A lyase. This reversible reaction is specific for S-malyl-CoA. The equilibrium constant of this latter reaction is ∼3 x 10-3 m. Mixing together malate thiokinase and malyl-CoA lyase results in the reconstitution of the originally observed malate ATP lyase reaction.
Report of the Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights

In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Magdalena Sepulveda, presents fiscal policy, and particularly taxation policies, as a major determinant in the enjoyment of human rights. Taxation is a key tool when tackling inequality and for generating the resources necessary for poverty reduction and the realization of human rights, and can also be used to foster stronger governance, accountability and participation in public affairs. The paper outlines relevant human rights obligations to guide and inform State revenue-raising practices, including the duty to use the maximum available resources for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. It also analyses the questions of how the principles of non-discrimination and equality and the duty of international cooperation and assistance should inform taxation policies at the global and national levels. After assessing how revenue-raising policies and practices can be strengthened through a human rights-based approach, the paper makes recommendations for fiscal and tax policies that are grounded in human rights and can lead to poverty reduction, sustainable development and the realization of transformative rights.
Key Elements of a Successful Market Design

Key elements of a successful market design are discussed in this paper with reference to several US markets in Mid-Atlantic (PJM), New England (ISO-NE) and Midwest (MISO) regions. The key market elements discussed include: locational marginal pricing (LMP), financial transmission right (FTR) and co-optimized energy and ancillary service market. As critical components of a successful market design, risk hedging mechanisms are presented including multi-settlement scheme, virtual bidding and bilateral contracts. A capacity market construct is presented that is under development in the US and is intended to provide price signals for long-term generation and transmission investments. Examples are used to demonstrate the workings of the key market elements
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor effects on avian osteoclastic acid transport

We found that tyrosine kinase pp60 c-scr coisolates with acid-transporting osteoclast membranes and hypothesized that this kinase regulates hydrochloric acid transport. We assayed the membrane acid transport and bone degradation effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in avian osteoclasts. Isoflavone, tyrphostin, and benzoquinonoid inhibitors were compared with inactive analogues to determine nonspecific effects. Acid-secreting membranes, isolated by nitrogen cavitation, were assayed as reconstituted vesicles by using acridine orange to indicate ATP-dependent hydrogen ion transport. The soy isoflavone genistein and the benzoquinonoid antibiotic herbimycin inhibited hydrochloric acid transport with 50% inhibition at 10 and 2 μmol/L, respectively: effects appeared in 20 μmol/L. We conclude that tyrosine kinase inhibition directly inhibits osteoclast membrane hydrochloric acid transport: differences among inhibitors may reflect chemical reactivity and permeability.
Model species in evo-devo: a philosophical perspective

A model is a representation of or an analogy for something else; in a biological context, the term often refers to organisms or species that serve as a widely used platform for experimental research. In developmental biology, an extraordinarily detailed understanding of fundamental genes and mechanisms has been built around a few core models including Drosophila, mouse, Caenorhabditis elegans, Arabidopsis, and zebrafish. The use of model species entails a series of epistemological issues and commitments regarding similarity, generalization, and the balance between representation and accessibility. In addition, the power of a given model is highly context-dependent, and the core models of developmental biology may not suffice for evo-devo questions. An epistemological perspective can clarify the complementary roles of standard and emerging models in evo-devo, as well as inform decisions about when new models are needed, and criteria for choosing them.
Differential expression of HDAC and HAT genes in atrophying skeletal muscle

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) proteins, which counter the activity of histone acetyltransferases (HATs), are necessary for normal muscle atrophy in response to several pathophysiological conditions. Despite this, it remains unknown whether a common or unique transcriptional profile of HDAC and HAT genes exist during the progression of muscle atrophy.Muscles were harvested from cast immobilized, denervated, or nutrient deprived animals for quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of HDAC and HAT gene expression.The mRNA levels of Hdac2, Hdac4, Hdac6, Sirt1, p300, Cbp, and Pcaf increased, and Hdac7 decreased in skeletal muscle in each experimental model of muscle atrophy. Hdac1 and Hdac3 were increased only in cast immobilized and denervated muscles.While specific HDACs and HATs are increased in multiple models of muscle atrophy, increased expression of class I HDACs was unique to muscle disuse, reinforcing that specific HDAC inhibitors may be more effective than pan-HDAC inhibitors at countering muscle atrophy.
Improved correlation learning rule in continuously adapting floating-gate arrays using logarithmic pre-distortion of input and learning signals

Floating-gate pFETs can be used to implement analog signal multiplication with an adaptive analog gain, creating the possibility for compact, low-power analog adaptive filters and neural networks in VLSI. We have shown that the adaptation mechanism of this device yields a weight which is proportional to correlations between terminal voltage signals. However, the weight contains dependencies proportional to the variances of these terminal voltages as well. In addition, harmonic distortion of the input signals can mask thin correlation effect. In this paper we show how to eliminate or minimize these non-idealities through logarithmic pre-distortion of our input and learning signals as well as through the use of differential circuit structures. The result is a weight update mechanism which is closer to a pure correlation learning rule.
Citation gamesmanship: testing for evidence of ego bias in peer review

This study tests for evidence of gaming and attention mongering--here termed ego bias--in the scholarly peer review process. We explore the extent to which authors cite the target journal and its editor and also the relationship between targeted references and editorial decisions. We examine referee reports for the presence and type of references and determine the extent to which reviewers cite their own work in their reports. Our results are based on a sample of 442 manuscripts and 927 referee reports submitted to the Journal of the American Society of Information Science and Technology. We find little evidence that editors, authors or reviewers use the peer review process as an opportunity to play citation games.
Response system processes in absolute judgment

Consistent relationships are found between Ss′ absolute judgments of the value of a stimulus and the previous sequence of both stimuli and responses. The form and magnitude of these sequential effects are shown to depend on the presence or absence of feedback and on task difficulty. The pattern of the sequential effects found allows the conclusion that they are due to purely response-system processes. A two-stage model of the judgment process is proposed, and it is argued that observed assimilative effects account for the central tendency effects observed in category judgments.
DEVELOPMENT OF CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM TYPE 62A IN A TRYPTICASE MEDIUM AUTOCLAVED IN THE PRESENCE OF LACTOSE.

Abstract Two media were employed. One contained 4% Trypticase and 1ppm thiamine hydrochloride; the other contained Trypticase, thiamine hydrochloride, and 4% lactose. Both media were sterilized at 121C for 30min and aseptically dispensed in 160-ml volumes into screw-cap bottles. Heat-shocked spores of Clostridium botulinum Type 62A were used as an inoculum; culture development and Eh were followed. In the medium containing lactose, the initial Eh was 141 mv, and the culture attained a level of 5×10 6 cells/milliliter in five days. No growth was noted after 17 days in the medium without lactose in which the initial Eh was 291 mv. In the uninoculated medium with lactose the Eh fell to 126 mv; without lactose, the Eh underwent little, if any reduction. At low levels of inoculation C. botulinum Type 62A cannot grow in Trypticase medium without lactose unless special techniques are employed to remove dissolved oxygen.
Desipramine does not alter plasma GABA in patients with major depression

Abstract Low plasma GABA is a biological market for depression in a subset of patients tested. Plasma GABA has been shown to reflect brain GABA activity. This marker has many characteristics of a trait marker for depression, including stability with time, and lack of influence by coincident factors such as gender, season, time, activity or diet. We here report that plasma GABA remained stable after 4 weeks of treatment with desipramine in patients with major depression. Since the levels of plasma GABA did not change with time, nor with clinical improvement, plasma GABA is not a state marker of depression.
Bursa, bursa canal, and female antrum of Dugesia tigrina (Plathelminthes, Tricladida)

The bursa of Dugesia tigrina is located between pharynx and penis and is suspended in a network of muscle fibers. Two cell types are present in the bursa: small outer cells which likely represent replacement cells and tall inner cells. During copulation seminal material, consisting of secretion products, fibrillar and tubular material, and small clusters of spermatozoa, is injected through the bursa canal into the bursa. During the 48 h post-copulatory period the seminal material is absorbed by the inner cells. Phagocytosis of the seminal material is facilitated by broad apical cytoplasm and modified distal cell membranes. Phagocytosed spermatozoa are enclosed in vaculoes and morphologic breakdown occurs as early as 4 h after copulation. Fibrillar and tubular material is phagocytosed directly into the apical, organelle-free cytoplasm without vacuole formation.
Development and Evaluation of Ergonomic Interventions for Bucket Handling on Farms

Recent studies have shown that many of the activities children and adolescents perform on farms are associated with increased LBD risks, particularly, the handling of water and feed buckets. Hence, the purpose of this study is to introduce and evaluate two interventions, Ergo Bucket Carrier (EBC) and Easy Lift (EL), for youths (and adults) to handle water/feed bucket on farms. Nine subjects (six males and three females) consented to participate in this study. To assess the risk of LBD, the participants were instrumented with a three-dimensional spinal electrogoniometer while handling water buckets using three handling methods. The results showed that the two interventions can effectively and significantly decrease the magnitudes of the overall LBD risk in many of the tasks evaluated. Particularly, EBC effectively reduce the LBD risks for carrying and dumping tasks and so does EL for lifting tasks. Results of the subjective response were consistent with the objective evaluations. This study demonstrated th...
Within season variation in the intensity of sexual selection on body size in the bug Margus obscurator (Hemiptera Coreidae)

Males of the coreid bug, Margus obscurator (F.), were individually numbered in the field in southeastern Georgia (USA) and censused daily for the 6 weeks in spring from the initiation of mating activity until the complete decline of the adult population. Data was analyzed for the subset of males sighted at least 5 times since the relationship between number of observations and variance in mating success leveled off at five observations. Variance in male mating success exceeded that generated by null models, suggesting a phenotypic determinant of mating success. Body length was significantly positively correlated with male mating success. Longer males were more likely to retain a grasp on females which resist, by fleeing, most courting males. The intensity of sexual selection (standardized selection differential) on male size was greater in the second half of the season (0.43 versus 0.21) when both host plant abundance and the proportion of females in the population had declined. Consequently, male density...
Escherichia coli dimethylallyl diphosphate:tRNA dimethylallyltransferase: essential elements for recognition of tRNA substrates within the anticodon stem-loop.

Escherichia coli dimethylallyl diphosphate:tRNA dimethylallyltransferase (DMAPP−tRNA transferase) catalyzes the alkylation of the exocyclic amine of A37 by a dimethylallyl unit in tRNAs with an ade...
Evidence for the Carboxyl Methylation of Nuclear Lamin-B in the Pancreatic β Cell

Abstract Lamins are intermediate filament proteins that constitute the main components of the lamina underlying the inner-nuclear membrane and serve to organize chromatin. Lamins (e.g., lamin-B) undergo posttranslational modifications (e.g., isoprenylation and methylation) at their C-terminal cysteine. Such modifications are thought to render optimal association of lamins with the nuclear envelop. Herein, we examined whether nuclear lamin-B undergoes carboxyl methylation in islet β cells. A 65- to 70-kDa protein was carboxyl methylated in intact rat islets and clonal β (HIT or INS) cells or in homogenates which could be immunoprecipitated using lamin-B antiserum. Incubation of purified HIT cell-nuclear fraction with [3H]S-adenosyl methionine yielded a single carboxyl methylated protein peak (ca. 65–70 kDa); this protein was immunologically identified as lamin-B. Several methylation inhibitors, including acetyl farnesyl cysteine, a competitive inhibitor of protein prenyl cysteine methylation, inhibited the carboxyl methylation of lamin-B, indicating that the carboxyl-methylated amino acid is cysteine. These findings, together with our recent observations demonstrating that inhibition of protein isoprenylation causes apoptotic death of the pancreatic β cell, raise an interesting possibility that inhibition of C-terminal cysteine modifications of lamin-B might result in disruption of nuclear assembly, leading to further propagation of apoptotic signals, including DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation.
An Efficient Synthesis of 5,7-Dimethoxy-4-methylphthalide, a Key Intermediate in the Synthesis of Mycophenolic Acid

Abstract An efficient synthetic pathway is described for 5,7-dimethoxy-4-methylphthalide, a key intermediate in the synthesis of mycophenolic acid and its analogues. The procedure starts from methyl 3,5-dimethoxybenzoate and involves five simple steps to give phthalide 3 in 55% overall yield.
Adenoma Detection Rate: The Real Indicator of Quality in Colonoscopy

Completion rate is the most commonly used index of quality in colonoscopy, and yet a complete examination is not necessarily a good examination. The ability to detect and treat adenomas is an important component of endoscopic skill, because many colonoscopies are performed for this express purpose. Adenoma detection rate is rarely reported, although it seems to depend on the time taken for withdrawal. The literature suggests that adenomas should be detected in approximately 25 percent of men and 15 percent of women older than age 50 years. We have reviewed the adenoma detection rates of six colorectal surgeons to provide insight into the range of adenoma detection rates and the factors that influence them. A prospective departmental colonoscopy database was queried. Colonoscopy completion rates, adenoma detection rates, and times of insertion and withdrawal were noted and stratified by the six staff colonoscopists. Adenoma detection rates were tabulated for the four common indications for colonoscopy. Each staff endoscopist performed >250 examinations per year and had performed >1,000 total examinations. Although completion rates are fairly uniform (mean, 96.5 (range, 94.8–97.9) percent), there is a wide range of ADR, especially when adenomas are common (polyp or cancer surveillance; range, 14.2–27.4 percent). With the exclusion of one outlier staff, regression of withdrawal time against adenoma detection rate produced an r2 of 0.975 (P = 0.0016). Adenoma detection rate is independent of completion rate as a colonoscopy quality indicator. There is a wide range of adenoma detection rates among experienced colorectal surgeons. Colonoscopists need to be aware of their adenoma detection rate.
PROTON TRITON INTERACTION

A phase shift analysis of the Los Alamos data on $p\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{T}$ scattering for incident protons of 0.708 to 2.548 Mev is carried out using singlet and triplet $s$ and $p$ phase shifts. The large $p$ wave phase shifts obtained are shown to be consistent with the suggested $^{1}P$ resonant level of the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle. The effect of absorption associated with the $\mathrm{T}(p,n){\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ reaction is taken into account by means of a schematic resonance model. A satisfactory fit is obtained with attractive singlet and triplet potentials of depths \ensuremath{\sim}46 Mev and \ensuremath{\sim}11 Mev, respectively. The singlet depth is chosen to give the observed bound state of the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle.
Low-voltage scanning electron microscopic imaging of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene.

Submicron ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear particles from total joint prostheses may contribute to implant failure through particle-mediated aseptic loosening. The purpose of this study was to examine the microstructure of virgin UHMWPE powder to determine its morphology for future comparison with wear debris. A new method of low-voltage scanning electron microscopy (LVSEM) in an oil-free vacuum was applied, which produced high-resolution images of UHMWPE micromorphology, while minimizing specimen damage and obviating the need for image processing. GUR 415 UHMWPE virgin powder particles were examined by using routine high-voltage SEM, LVSEM, and image analyses. LVSEM showed that UHMWPE particles were composed of submicron-size spherical subparticles connected by numerous nanometer-size fibrils. These spherical subparticles had a highly textured surface morphology seen only by LVSEM. Fracture of the nanometer-size fibrils was observed. Routine high-voltage SEM obfuscates the intricate and delicate UHMWPE micromorphology as well as the damage done by the accompanying high-voltage electron. This study suggests that the micromorphology of wear particles previously studied with routine high-voltage SEM was overlooked or damaged, justifies the need for LVSEM in future studies, and raises the question of what is the true morphology of polyethylene wear debris retrieved from human tissues. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Approximate form for lattice sums of exciton resonance interactions arising from intense molecular transitions

Abstract An approximation for the lattice sums of exciton resonance interactions is discussed. The density of lattice sums is calculated for some special cases.
Peritoneo-cystic shunt for malignant ascites

Peritoneo-venous shunting has been used extensively in the treatment of benign ascites and, to a limited extent, in the palliative management of malignant ascites. Acceptance of this therapy for malignant ascites has been slow because of concern over intravascular dissemination of disease. Recently a patient with advanced drug-resistant ovarian carcinoma was treated with peritoneo-cystic shunt. This patient's tumor had progressed on multiple chemotherapeutic agents. She continued to work 40 hr per week but her activity was limited by massive ascites. The Denver Shunt (Storz) was selected in preference to the strut-type shunt. The Denver Shunt has a miter valve which is less likely to become occluded by fibrinous and cellular debris, and manual compression of the pumping chamber allows flushing and control of flow. This patient's shunt remained patent for 5 months, until her death, documented by urine cytology and cystoscopy. Initial control of ascites was only fair, probably due to the virtual absence of a pressure gradient between the peritoneal cavity and the bladder. Without a pressure gradient, spontaneous flow would be expected to be nil. Though feasible and well tolerated, this technique is probably not useful in the management of malignant ascites. If modifications of the device could be made to increase the manual flow rate, then this technique might be acceptable.
Oil Production from Duckweed by Thermochemical Liquefaction

Abstract Duckweed was treated over a temperature range 250–374°C, a retention time of 5–90 min, and a catalyst loading of 0–10 wt% by a high-pressure reactor. Operating temperature, retention time, and catalyst loading are all found to affect oil yield. The lower limit of reaction temperature for the production of heavy oil was found to be 260°C. The highest oil yields were obtained at 30% on an organic basis under the following conditions: reaction temperature of 340°C, retention time of 60 min, and operation without catalyst. The average heating value of the bio-oil product was estimated at 34 MJ/kg.
Multiphasic Modulation of Cholinergic Interneurons by Nigrostriatal Afferents

The motor and learning functions of the striatum are critically dependent on synaptic transmission from midbrain dopamine neurons and striatal cholinergic interneurons (CINs). Both neural populations alter their discharge in vivo in response to salient sensory stimuli, albeit in opposite directions. Whereas midbrain dopamine neurons respond to salient stimuli with a brief burst of activity, CINs exhibit a distinct pause in firing that is often followed by a period of increased excitability. Although this “pause–rebound” sensory response requires dopaminergic signaling, the precise mechanisms underlying the modulation of CIN firing by dopaminergic afferents remain unclear. Here, we show that phasic activation of nigrostriatal afferents in a mouse striatal slice preparation is sufficient to evoke a pause–rebound response in CINs. Using a combination of optogenetic, electrophysiological, and pharmacological approaches, we demonstrate that synaptically released dopamine inhibits CINs through type 2 dopamine receptors, while another unidentified transmitter mediates the delayed excitation. These findings imply that, in addition to their direct effects on striatal projection neurons, midbrain dopamine neurons indirectly modulate striatal output by dynamically controlling cholinergic tone. In addition, our data suggest that phasic dopaminergic activity may directly participate in the characteristic pause–rebound sensory response that CINs exhibit in vivo in response to salient and conditioned stimuli.
The use of TPD and TPR to study subsurface mobility: Diffusion of oxygen in Mo2C

Abstract The application of temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and reduction (TPR) to the study of subsurface diffusion in high surface area powders is considered. Although subsurface diffusion may be important in catalysis, relatively few techniques have been developed to study this process in high surface area materials. Since oxygen is very mobile in Mo2C, we chose to study Mo2C to illustrate how TPD and TPR can be used to study subsurface diffusion. In particular, the effect of the Mo: C ratio on the oxygen mobility is investigated. The TPR spectrum of oxygen adsorbed on Mo2C contains two water peaks, a narrow one at 479 K, and a second much broader peak near 573 K. While the first peak is produced by surface oxygen, the second peak is caused by oxygen that diffuses into the subsurface region of the catalyst during the temperature ramp. As the surface becomes depleted at higher temperatures, this oxygen diffuses back to the surface, reacts with the gas-phase hydrogen, and desorbs as water. For carbon-deficient catalysts the two peaks merge into one asymmetric peak at 510 K with a tail extending to higher temperatures. A model is presented which gives a semiquantitative description of the effect of subsurface diffusion on TPD and TPR spectra. The model is able to explain the changes in the spectrum caused by varying the Mo: C ratio; the data cannot be explained by a model which assumes that the two peaks are due to two distinct adsorption sites on the surface. An important result of this work is that in cases in which a peak produced by subsurface diffusion is resolved, the activation energy for diffusion in the subsurface can be measured.
Intracerebral Arteriovenous Fistulas Associated with Intraparenchymal Varix in Childhood: Case Reports

This report describes three children, each of whom developed an unusual malformation consisting of one or more intracerebral arteriovenous fistulas and a large intraparenchymal venous varix. Their clinical symptoms were similar to those produced by aneurysms of the vein of Galen: increasing head circumference, seizures, hemorrhage, and developmental delay. We treated each child with endovascular embolization and/or surgery and obtained complete closure of all fistulas without mortality.
Fluorescence analysis of a dynamic loop in the PCAF/GCN5 histone acetyltransferase.

PCAF and GCN5 are histone acetyltransferase (HAT) paralogs which play roles in the remodeling of chromatin in health and disease. Previously, a conformationally flexible loop in the catalytic domain had been observed in the X-ray structures of GCN5 in different liganded states. Here, the conformation and dynamics of this PCAF/GCN5 α5−β6 loop was investigated in solution using tryptophan fluorescence. A mutant human PCAF HAT domain (PCAFWloop) was created in which the natural tryptophan (Trp-514) remote from the α5−β6 loop was replaced with tyrosine and a glutamate within the loop (Glu-641) was substituted with tryptophan. This PCAFWloop protein exhibited catalytic parameters within 3-fold of those of the wild-type PCAF catalytic domain, suggesting that the loop mutation was not deleterious for HAT activity. While saturating CoASH induced a 30% quenching of Trp fluorescence in PCAFWloop, binding of the high-affinity bisubstrate analogue H3-CoA-20 led to a 2-fold fluorescence increase. These different effec...
Dissent in science: styles of scientific practice and the controversy over the cause of AIDS

In this paper, we use a scientific controversy, and the efforts to legitimize and undermine a theory, to examine the co-production of facts and the rules for verifying facts over time. We discuss these processes in terms of what we call 'styles of scientific practice.' In contrast to the focus of idealist philosophers on theory production and validation as forms of logic or ways of thinking, our styles of practice also include the activities of hands and eyes and the discourses between multiple actors in diverse situations. We discuss aspects of the different styles of practice deployed by opponents in a current controversy surrounding the etiology of AIDS to understand how the same data are interpreted in different ways to support diametrically opposed views. Our study describes and examines rules of confirmation used by supporters of the theory that HIV causes AIDS. For example, we introduce an 'epidemiological' style of practice used by AIDS researchers to synthesize information to understand this disease. Styles of practice stress the historically located collective efforts of scientists, technicians, administrators, institutions, and various 'publics' as they build and sustain ways of knowing. Yet, we also show that the 'history' is also a contested construction, not a given in dusty archives. We describe the different versions of history constructed by various participants in the debate to validate their current constructions and definitions of the disease AIDS. Finally, we discuss the politics behind disease definitions and the consequences of different definitions.
User-Centered Evaluation of Interactive Question Answering Systems

We describe a large-scale evaluation of four interactive question answering system with real users. The purpose of the evaluation was to develop evaluation methods and metrics for interactive QA systems. We present our evaluation method as a case study, and discuss the design and administration of the evaluation components and the effectiveness of several evaluation techniques with respect to their validity and discriminatory power. Our goal is to provide a roadmap to others for conducting evaluations of their own systems, and to put forward a research agenda for interactive QA evaluation.
Exploring the Experience of Intergroup Contact and the Value of Recreation Activities in Facilitating Positive Intergroup Interactions of Immigrants

The purpose of this study was to explore life experiences of immigrants and their interactions with members of other ethnic groups. This study also examined the role that recreation activities played in positive intergroup interactions. Using qualitative in-depth interview among Korean women immigrants, three salient themes were identified: (a) a lack of opportunities for intergroup contact, (b) distinct inter-ethnic boundaries, and (c) engagement in recreation activities as a facilitator of positive intergroup contacts. This study showed that participation in recreation activities helped to develop cross-group friendships and ethic and cultural understandings, and reduced life challenges and barriers.
Electron-impact induced hydrogen scrambling in cyclohexanol and methylcyclohexanols

Exact mass measurements and the mass spectral behavior of O-deuterated cyclohexanols, coupled with a re-evaluation of previously published data1,2, show that the hydrogen attached to oxygen undergoes partial scrambling with the 2, 3, 5 and 6 position ring hydrogens prior to or during the formation of the major primary fragment ions.
Arguments for the existence of a general theory of behavior

The ways in which living and artificial systems are modified over time are compared in order to present a case for the plausibility of the existence of a general system of behavior, that is, a basic system of behavior, corresponding to the decider subsystem, which is capable of being shared by organisms of differing complexity. It is argued that the restrictions of living system evolution lead to the proliferation of natural systems which are capable of being modified only to small degrees without negative consequences, leaving fundamental modes of operation intact. This reasoning is then applied to possible general behavioral systems. Several possible simple systems are suggested. These systems are then compared to current theories within psychology, arousal-reduction and optimal-arousal theory, and ways in which these theories can be used to predict complex social behavior are demonstrated.
Effect of surgical revascularization of a right coronary artery tributary of an infarcted nonischemic territory on the outcome of patients with three-vessel disease: a prospective randomized trial.

Abstract Background We evaluated the in-hospital and long-term effects of surgical grafting of a dominant graftable right coronary artery tributary of an infarcted nonischemic territory in patients with triple-vessel disease who were undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods Of 303 consecutive patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with 3-vessel coronary disease and a dominant right coronary artery tributary of an infarcted nonischemic territory, 154 were randomized to right coronary artery revascularization and 149 to no right coronary artery grafting. In all cases, standard on-pump surgical myocardial revascularization was performed. Results Overall hospital mortality was 2 of 154 versus 1 of 149 ( P = .97); no difference in in-hospital outcome was observed between the 2 groups. At follow-up, cardiac event–free survival was 84 of 152 in the right coronary artery grafting series and 62 of 148 in the non–right coronary artery grafting group ( P = .20). However, when the analysis was limited to surviving patients without new scintigraphic evidence of ischemia (to avoid confounding factors derived from ischemia in the left coronary system or right coronary artery graft malfunction), we found that patients who received a right coronary artery graft had fewer cardiac events, a lower incidence of arrhythmia, and less left ventricular dilatation than did the non–right coronary artery revascularized series. Conclusions Surgical grafting of a right coronary artery tributary of an infarcted nonischemic territory in patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting improved late electric stability, ventricular geometry, and event-free survival but did not affect in-hospital or 10-year survival.
An application of smart dust for pavement condition monitoring

Pavement maintenance is vital for travel safety; detecting road weather conditions using a wireless sensing network poses many challenges due to the harsh environment. This paper presents some preliminary results of an ongoing effort of applying "Smart Dust" sensor network for monitoring pavement temperature and moisture condition to detect icy road condition. Careful considerations yield effective solutions to various hardware and software development issues including the selection of sensors and antenna, design of casing, interfacing motes with alien sensors and programming of motes. A series of experiments is carried out to study traffic interference to packet delivery performance of a small-scale sensor network in a pseudo-field environment. In addition, several overnight tests are conducted to study the performance of motes operated under a power efficient condition. The results are analyzed and challenges are identified in this smart sensing application. The aforementioned research activities would benefit robust real-world implementations of off-the-shelf sensor network products.