cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lower Extremity Jumping Mechanics of Female Athletes With and Without Patellofemoral Pain Before and After Exertion

BackgroundPatellofemoral pain is especially common among female athletes and is traditionally associated with lower extremity mechanics thought to increase retropatellar stress. These detrimental mechanics may increase with exertion.HypothesisDifferences in lower extremity mechanics during single-legged jumps between female athletes with and without patellofemoral pain will increase after exertion.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsTwenty women with patellofemoral pain and 20 healthy female controls participated in a functional lower extremity exertion protocol of repetitive single-legged jumps. Pain, exertion, hip and trunk strength, and 3-dimensional lower extremity joint mechanics were recorded at the beginning and end of the protocol.ResultsThe patellofemoral pain group reported increased pain at the conclusion of the protocol. However, all subjects terminated the protocol due to complaints of fatigue. Mean strength measurements for the patellofemoral pain group were 24% lower for lateral ...
Characterization of cis-Autoproteolysis of Polycystin-1, the Product of Human Polycystic Kidney Disease 1 Gene

Polycystin-1 (PC1), the PKD1 gene product, plays a critical role in renal tubule diameter control and disruption of its function causes cyst formation in human autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Recent evidence shows that PC1 undergoes cleavage at the juxtamembrane G protein-coupled receptor proteolytic site (GPS), a process likely to be essential for its biological activity. Here we further characterized the proteolytic cleavage of PC1 at the GPS domain. We determined the actual cleavage site to be between leucine and threonine of the tripeptide HLT3049 of human PC1. Cleavage occurs in the early intracellular secretory pathway and requires initial N-glycan attachment but not its subsequent trimming. We provide evidence that the cleavage occurs via a cis-autoproteolytic mechanism involving an ester intermediate as shown for Ntn hydrolases and EMR2.
Electroencephalography in epilepsy surgery planning

Objective To describe localizing value of surface EEG recording in the presurgical evaluation of medically intractable pediatric epilepsy patients. Methods We review the relevant concepts required for understanding the role of surface EEG in the presurgical evaluation and in identifying the epileptogenic zone. The unique features of EEG and its limitations are discussed. Conclusion Despite recent technological advancements, surface EEG continues to play a crucial role in defining the epileptogenic zone, and thus in presurgical planning.
Whence international agricultural research

Abstract International agricultural research, which flourished in the 1970s and early 1980s, faces an uncertain future. This paper identifies some of the apparent reasons why support for such research increased rapidly, then declined. It argues that if the downward trend in investment in international agricultural research is not reversed, global prices of basic foods may again rise as they did in 1973-74; and that by then the momentum of essential research programs will have been seriously disrupted.
Damped gyroscopic effects and axial-flexural-torsional coupling using spinning finite elements for wind-turbine blades characterization

Renewable energy sources like wind are important technologies, useful to alleviate for the current fossil-fuel crisis. Capturing wind energy in a more efficient way has resulted in the emergence of more sophisticated designs of wind turbines, particularly Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs). To promote efficiency, traditional finite element methods have been widely used to characterize the aerodynamics of these types of multi-body systems and improve their design. Given their aeroelastic behavior, tapered-swept blades offer the potential to optimize energy capture and decrease fatigue loads. Nevertheless, modeling special complex geometries requires huge computational efforts necessitating tradeoffs between faster computation times at lower cost, and reliability and numerical accuracy. Indeed, the computational cost and the numerical effort invested, using traditional FE methods, to reproduce dependable aerodynamics of these complex-shape beams are sometimes prohibitive. A condensed Spinning Finite Element (SFE) method scheme is presented in this study aimed to alleviate this issue by means of modeling wind-turbine rotor blades properly with tapered-swept cross-section variations of arbitrary order via Lagrangian equations. Axial-flexural-torsional coupling is carried out on axial deformation, torsion, in-plane bending and out-of-plane bending using super-convergent elements. In this study, special attention is paid for the case of damped yaw effects, expressed within the described skew-symmetric damped gyroscopic matrix. Dynamics of the model are analyzed by achieving modal analysis with complex-number eigen-frequencies. By means of mass, damped gyroscopic, and stiffness (axial-flexural-torsional coupling) matrix condensation (order reduction), numerical analysis is carried out for several prototypes with different tapered, swept, and curved variation intensities, and for a practical range of spinning velocities at different rotation angles. A convergence study for the resulting natural frequencies is performed to evaluate the dynamic collateral effects of tapered-swept blade profiles in spinning motion using this new model. Stability analysis in boundary conditions of the postulated model is achieved to test the convergence and integrity of the mathematical model. The proposed framework presumes to be particularly suitable to characterize models with complex-shape cross-sections at low computation cost.
Diffusion of Gases in Silicone Polymers: Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Diffusion coefficients of He, O2, N2, CO2, and CH4 at 300 K in four silicone polymers, namely, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), poly(propylmethylsiloxane), poly((trifluoropropyl)methylsiloxane), and poly(phenylmethylsiloxane), have been estimated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The estimated diffusion coefficients decrease with increasing size of the polymer side chains and of the penetrant molecules, as was also found experimentally. The estimated diffusion coefficient for He in PDMS is consistent with its experimental value. The values of the estimated diffusion coefficients for the other gas/silicone systems considered in this study are within ± 40−60% of the corresponding experimental values. The MD simulations revealed two types of motions of the penetrant molecules: (1) “jumps” from one cavity in a silicone matrix to another, and (2) “oscillating motions” inside cavities. The lengths of the jumps are of the order of 8−15 A, whereas the oscillating motions are of the order of ≤5 A. The total t...
Effects of vapor-phase deposition processes on the optical, chemical, and magnetic properties OE the lunar regolith

The processes of solar wind sputtering and meteoritic impact vaporization have created materials in the lunar regolith which were deposited from a vapor phase. Although the quantity of such exotic condensed substances should theoretically be comparable with that of materials which have been melted by impacts, their existence in the fines has not been generally recognized. We have investigated the physical and chemical properties of materials deposited from vapors generated by hydrogen-ion sputtering and thermal evaporation of lunar and artificial ferrosilicates. Both processes are highly reducing. The deposits are enriched in Fe, have large, nonselective, optical absorptivities, and contain abundant sub-microscopic, superparamagnetic grains of metallic Fe which exhibit the characteristicg=2.1 ESR resonance. The sputter-deposited films are enriched in heavy elements. Thus the hypothesis that the lunar fines contain several percent of materials deposited from the vapor phase accounts in a natural manner for many of the unusual optical, physical and chemical properties of lunar soils. The vapor-deposits are probably concentrated in the agglutinate particles of the regolith.
Affine weyl groups and conjugacy classes in Weyl groups

We define a map from an affine Weyl group to the set of conjugacy classes of an ordinary Weyl group.
Temperature dependent hole burning of the 684 nm chlorophyll a of the isolated reaction center of Photosystem II: confirmation of the linker model

Abstract Currently the nature of the additional chlorophyll a (Chl a) molecules which take the number of Chl a per isolated D1-D2-cyt b559 complex beyond the value of four for the bacterial reaction center is a subject of much importance and interest. Chang et al. [J. Phys. Chem. 98 (1994) 7725], who studied preparations of this complex with significantly different Chl a contents, concluded that the 684 nm absorbing Chl a contribute to the additional Chl a and proposed that they are of the linker type, serving to shuttle energy from the proximal antenna complex to the reaction center. Implicit in this model is that the 684 nm Chl a communicate with the primary electron donor Chl a (P680) via energy transfer and that the resulting detrapping of the Qy-state of the 684 nm Chl a should depend strongly on temperature. Temperature dependent transient hole spectra are presented that are in complete accord with this prediction. Theoretical calculations on the kinetics and temperature dependence of the hole profile of the 680 nm absorption band are presented and provide convincing support for the linker model. The data are argued to be inconsistent with other models.
Radioactive seed migration after transperineal interstitial prostate brachytherapy and associated development of small-cell lung cancer.

Abstract Purpose We report a case of lung carcinoma developing in the location of a migrated prostate brachytherapy seed. Methods and Materials A 57-year-old male nonsmoker was originally diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma Group IIB in October 1999. Treatment was completed at an outside local hospital and consisted of hormone suppression, pelvic external beam radiation, and transperineal interstitial permanent prostate brachytherapy with loose iodine-125 seeds. Results The treatment was unremarkable for any complications, and immediate postimplant evaluation did not reveal any loose seeds. The patient remained clinically without evidence of disease and was asymptomatic until an isolated episode of hematuria in December 2009. Radiographic evaluation noted an incidental right lower lobe lung mass with a 4-mm hyperdensity slightly off-center. Biopsy confirmed Stage IB limited-stage small-cell lung cancer, and he underwent thoracic radiation with concurrent systemic chemotherapy. The mass remained mildly avid on a positron emission tomographic scan after treatment, and he underwent surgical evaluation with final pathology demonstrating no residual tumor but a metal rod-like implant consistent with a migrated radioactive brachytherapy seed. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first case of a long-term adverse sequela seen in the location of a migrated brachytherapy seed. Although reported incidence of pulmonary seed emboli remains low with little measurable consequence on pulmonary function, we must appreciate that a theoretical risk for secondary malignancy remains not only locally within the periprostatic region but also at any site of seed migration.
Grief and collection development

Abstract Donors of gifts-in-kind and sellers of private collections often require intensive cultivation by the librarian seeking to acquire their materials. Anger, bargaining, and depression are examples of grief behavior displayed by such persons when they are facing the loss of their collections. Understanding common grief behaviors within the library context can assist the librarian in dealing with these donors and sellers more humanely and successfully.
Learning to learn: the impact of strategy training

Most studies evaluating the effectiveness of strategy training for L2/FL learners have been product-oriented, i.e. they have quantitatively measured improvements in learners' test scores following the completion of a strategy training programme. However, such evaluation methods are only partial, and they must be supplemented by a qualitative analysis of the impact that strategy training has on the learning process. The aim of this study is to discover potential criteria for such qualitative evaluation. This study suggests four dimensions which may be included in these criteria: (1) externally observable changes in learners' behaviour (for example, learners' choice of higher level materials), (2) changes in learners' internal learning processes, (3) strategy-specific changes in learners' approach to FL study (for example, the development of individualized strategy repertoire), and (4) general changes in attitudes towards FL learning. Following a discussion of these four dimensions, a model is proposed to illustrate the relationship among them.
Publication Decisions and their Possible Effects on Inferences Drawn from Tests of Significance—or Vice Versa

Abstract There is some evidence that in fields where statistical tests of significance are commonly used, research which yields nonsignificant results is not published. Such research being unknown to other investigators may be repeated independently until eventually by chance a significant result occurs—an “error of the first kind”—and is published. Significant results published in these fields are seldom verified by independent replication. The possibility thus arises that the literature of such a field consists in substantial part of false conclusions resulting from errors of the first kind in statistical tests of significance. * The author wishes to express his thanks to Sir Ronald Fisher whose discussion on related topics stimulated this research in the first place, and to Leo Katz, Oliver Lacey, Enders Robinson, and Paul Siegel for reading and criticizing earlier drafts of this manuscript.
Double Choroidal Malignant Melanoma in an Eye With Apparent Clinical RegressionDavid apple and milton boniuk, editors

Abstract Multicentric melanomas in the same eye are rare, with few cases substantiated by histology and serial sectioning. We report a patient with two documented choroidal malignant melanomas in one eye. The initial tumor spontaneously decreased in size for over 2 years before a second tumor appeared in a noncontiguous location in the same eye. After enucleation, serial sections showed that the two lesions were independent choroidal melanomas. We review the literature regarding multiple, independent intraocular choroidal malignant melanomas. ( Surv Ophthalmol 42 :441–448, 1998.
Outcomes of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in the Management of Brain Metastasis in Patients with HER2 Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Background:We present single institution experience on the effect of Her 2 status on results of Gamma knife radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases (BM) as to local control, pattern of relapse and survival.Material and Methods:From 2004 to 2008, 65 patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) were treated with GK-SRS at our center, 52 had documented Her 2 status. We performed analysis based on Her 2 status of the original tumor defined as positive by 3+ DAKO or FISH. SRS was delivered using cobalt leksell GKS to a median dose of 20Gy (range 16-20 Gy) at 50% isodose line. Responses were evaluated by gadolinium enhanced MRI. We analyzed the data as to: objective response (OR) defined as radiologic response or stable disease, and local progression –free survival (PFS) defined as freedom from progression of treated BM, appearance of new brain metastases and/or leptomeningeal progression, as well as overall survival (OS) measured from the time of SRS .ResultsTwenty-eight patients were identified as HER2 positive (Group A) and 24 patients were HER2 negative (Group B). Median time to develop BM in group A was 60 months (4 -240 months) versus 48 months (4-156) in group B. Median follow-up was 12 months (1-48) from the time of onset of BM. 66% patients in group A and 82% patients in group B have no more than 2 BM at the time of SRS.In group A, OR was 78.6% (22 pts)and 21.4%(6 pts) had progressive disease (PD) where as in group B the OR was 83% (20 pts) and 17%(4 pts) had PD. Median time to local recurrence of the treated lesion in group A was 13 months (95% CI 5.84 to 20.15) compared to 8 months (95%CI 6.75 to 9.25) in group B. Local PFS at 1 year for Group A vs. B was: control of the treated lesions 69% versus 41.2% respectively, p= 0.97 by log rank test; and development of new BM 67% compared to 86% (p=0.2).Out of all CNS relapses, almost a quarter of patients in both groups received second SRS whereas 25% patients in group A and 31% patients in group B received whole brain irradiation respectively. Interestingly, 28% (9 pts) failed as leptomeningeal disease following SRS, 7 of them with Her 2 positive tumors. Leptomeningeal relapses were seen both as only pattern of recurrence (4 pts) or associated with other types of CNS progression: local re-growth or new BM (5pts).ConclusionsSRS provides high rate of objective response and local control for BM from both Her 2 positive and Her 2 negative breast cancer. No statistically significant difference in local PFS was seen. More frequent pattern of relapse as leptomeningeal disease was seen in Her 2 positive after SRS. Evaluation of novel systemic targeted therapies in conjunction with local therapies is needed for effective management of BM from breast cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 6152.
Cardiac Tachypacing for Severe Refractory Idiopathic Orthostatic Hypotension

Excerpt In 1925, Bradbury and Eggleston described three patients with marked postural decline in the blood pressure, fixed heart rate, anhidrosis, nocturnal polyuria, and impotence (1). This idiopa...
Observation of the Lowest Lying Electric-Dipole-Allowed Two-Photon Resonance in C60

We use time-resolved degenerate four-wavemixing (DFWM) with femtosecond pulses in the wavelength range 0.74−1.7 μm to measure both phase and amplitude of all nonvanishing elements of the electronic third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility tensor cijkl(−ω,ω,ω,−ω) of a 10 μm amorphous C60 film on a CaF2 substrate. Linear absorption is found to be less than 1% in this range. We find a single resonance in DFWM, the amplitudes and phases of which are fit well by a Lorentzian model of a two-photon resonance to a level 2.7 ± 0.1 eV above the ground level, with width 0.25 eV. The peak two-photon absorption coefficient is 0.02 cm/MW, essentially the same peak value as for bulk gallium arsenide, one of the strongest and most widely studied of the two-photon absorbers. Our results show there is only one two-photon allowed transition below 3.4 eV (as well as below the first one-photon transition), an unambiguous signature which is expected from theory. Theory assigns the symmetry Hg to this lowest lying two-photo...
Extreme lateral transcondylar approach

Chordomas are rare primary tumors of the bone arising from the notochordal remnants along the craniospinal axis. Chordomas once were considered noncurable by traditional surgical techniques. With the advent of skull base techniques and with clear understanding of the anatomy of the foramen magnum region, these tumors can be resected almost totally in most instances. The vertebral artery and the occipito-cervical condylar joint have a close relationship to the tumors in the foramen magnum reion. Surgical exposure and resection of these tumors in this region are facilitated by mobilization of the vertebral artery from its location in the C1 foramen transversarium, followed by partial resection of the occipital-C1 condylar complex. This so-called transcondylar approach allows visualization of the tumor and its interface with the brainstem and upper cervical spinal cord without the necessity of retracting the vital structures. The stability of the craniocervical junction has to be considered based on the extent of removal of the condylar complex. If a significant portion (>50%) of the condylar complex is removed, stabilization with occipito-cervical fusion must be performed. Patients may require additional procedures to remove the involved bone because its removal may be technically difficult from the lateral skull base approach.
So, what about the molecular clock hypothesis?

Recent studies have provided strong evidence for significant variation in rates of nucleotide substitution among evolutionary lineages. They have also provided evidence for germ-cell division as a major source of mutation (i.e. the generation-time effect hypothesis). Moreover, they have suggested the importance of differences in metabolic rate as a cause of rate variation.
The reliability and validity of a self-report version of the FIM instrument in persons with neuromuscular disease and chronic pain.

Abstract Jensen MP, Abresch RT, Carter GT. The reliability and validity of a self-report version of the FIM instrument in persons with neuromuscular disease and chronic pain. Objective To evaluate the reliability and validity of a self-report version of the FIM instrument (FIM-SR). Design Survey study. Setting Rehabilitation research program. Participants Adults with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) and chronic pain (N=141). Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures The FIM-SR and Medical Outcomes 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results The internal consistency coefficients of the FIM-SR scales were all adequate to excellent (Cronbach α range, .73–.98; median, .96). Correlations between the FIM-SR scales and SF-36 scales supported the concurrent validity of the former. Also, the FIM-SR scales associated with motor function discriminated between those subjects who reported being ambulatory and those who reported requiring use of a wheelchair or other assistive device for getting around. Finally, FIM-SR scales discriminated between different types of NMDs, with patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis showing significantly lower scores on the FIM-SR self-care, motor, and total scores than all other NMD diagnostic groups, and showing significantly lower scores on the FIM-SR sphincter control, mobility, and locomotion scales than most of the other diagnostic groups. Conclusions The FIM-SR scales appear to be reliable and valid measures of independence in 6 specific (self-care, sphincter control, mobility, locomotion, communication, social cognition), and 3 global (motor, cognition, total) areas of functioning in persons with NMD.
Intratesticular varicoceles: are they significant?

Abstract Objective Varicoceles occur in 15% of adult and adolescent males and are generally considered to be an extratesticular phenomenon. However, an intratesticular component has been reported in up to 2% of adult and 2% of adolescent varicoceles. We sought to determine the incidence of intratesticular varicoceles (ITV) in adolescents in our practice, its significance, associated findings and response to treatment. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed 684 adolescent males who were diagnosed with varicoceles and had at least one Doppler ultrasound (DUS) prior to any surgery to identify those with an intratesticular component. Testicular volumes, maximum vein diameter (MVD) and peak retrograde flow (PRF) were determined by DUS and recorded. Results A total of 6 (0.9%) patients were found to have an intratesticular component with a mean PRF of 43.7 cm/s, mean MVD of 3.3 mm and mean asymmetry of 20%. Mean PRF, MVD, and asymmetry of those without an intratesticular component who underwent surgery was 44.8 cm/s, 2.9 mm, and 21.8%, respectively (P NS for all parameters). Four of the 6 patients had 2 or more DUS, and all 4 had worsening testicular asymmetry and PRF over time. Five patients underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy and all five had catch-up testicular growth. One patient refused surgical repair and has had subsequent worsening testicular asymmetry and softening of the testicle. Conclusions Our findings suggest that adolescents who present with an intratesticular varicocele in association with testicular asymmetry will develop worse asymmetry over time. Therefore, adolescents with intratesticular varicoceles and initial asymmetry should be scheduled for surgery rather than followed.
The effective sites of some mutations affecting exocytosis in Paramecium tetraurelia

Using a microinjection technique, the functional competence of the trichocysts or of the nontrichocyst cytoplasms of wild-type and mutant stocks of Paramecium tetraurelia was tested. The results indicate that the exocytic (trichocyst discharge) phenotype of P. tetraurelia depends upon the functional competence of the trichocysts themselves and also upon the function of apparently trichocyst-specific cytoplasmic components. Thus, the mutants tam8, ndA and ndB are shown to contain defective trichocysts, but have apparently functional cytoplasms which can properly utilize normal trichocysts if these are supplied. Conversely, the mutant nd9 contains apparently normal trichocysts but is deficient in some cytoplasmic component required for normal trichocyst discharge. Injections of genetically complementary cytoplasm apparently supply nd9 with the missing component and can thus “repair” the nd9 trichocyst exocytic phenotype.
The insulin-like growth factor system modulates retinal pigment epithelial cell tractional force generation.

PURPOSE. The goal of this study was to determine the influence, if any, of the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) on retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell tractional force generation and the contributions of vitreous insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) toward control of growth factor activity. METHODS. IGF effects on RPE were evaluated in tissue culture assays that involved incubation on three-dimensional collagen matrices with responses measured as progressive reduction in matrix thickness. IGFBP effects were evaluated by using the same system, exposing cells to a non-IGFBP-binding growth factor analogue (R 3 IGF-Ι) or IGFBPs alone or in combination with native growth factors. RESULTS. RPE cells generated tractional forces in response to IGF-I and -II with IGF-I being the more potent stimulus. Differential RPE responses to R 3 IGF-I reflected minor amounts of endogenous IGFBP production. IGFBP-2, -3, and -5 were effective inhibitors of both ligands, whereas IGFBP-6 reduced cell responses to IGF-II only. IGFBP-direct effects on the cells were binding-protein-specific, in that IGFBP-1 had detectable stimulatory effects, and IGFBP-3, -4, -5, and -6 inhibited RPE responses. CONCLUSIONS. IGF-I and -II are potent promoters of RPE cell tractional force generation in vitro. The effects of the six high-affinity IGFBPs on RPE responses are generally inhibitory and protein-specific. IGF ligands and binding proteins are known to be present in the vitreous, the environment that drives RPE responses in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), suggesting that the IGF system plays a potentially important role in the pathophysiology of this fibrocontractive disease.
Closed-Chest Resuscitation in a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

Closed-chest massage and defibrillation were used successfully in the management of six acute cardiac emergencies occurring in a cardiac catheterization laboratory. A modification of the Kouwenhoven method of closed-chest massage was used in infants and small children. It is concluded that open-chest resuscitation is usually unnecessary during cardiac catheterization.
Purification and kinetic characterization of equine infectious anemia virus reverse transcriptase.

Summary The reverse transcriptase of Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV) was partially purified from virus particles and appeared to be a heterodimer with subunit molecular masses of 70 kdal and 59 kdal. The polymerase activity of this enzyme had an absolute requirement for a divalent cation, preferring Mg++ over Mn++. Addition of a monovalent cation to the reaction mixture enhanced, but was not required for enzyme activity. Kinetically, the reverse transcriptase of EIAV is similar to the reverse transcriptase of Human Imunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1). Both enzymes have similar Km values for 2′-deoxynucleoside-5′-triphophates on the synthetic template/primers tested, both exhibit substrate inhibition, and both are inhibited to similar extents by most nucleoside-triphosphate analogs. The results of this study suggest that the reverse transcriptase of EIAV may be a good model for studying structure/function relationships of retroviral reverse transcriptases.
Tourism land use conflict in the United States

Abstract Despite numerous articles detailing the consequences of tourism, one's understanding of the conflict caused by tourism development is limited. This paper attempts to identify generalizable features of the tourism development debate in the United States through the use of a locational conflict framework. A typology of tourism development was created using content analysis of newspaper articles that described conflict over tourism related land use changes. The results of the analysis indicate that the number of tourism development conflict incidents and the issues involved in these incidents varied substantially across the United States. Analysis also indicates that the participants involved in the conflicts aligned themselves into different coalitions, depending upon the particular issue. This suggests that the particular tourism development issue is the most important variable affecting generalizations about tourism development conflict.
The Importance of Being Earnest or Committed: Attribute Importance and Consumer Evaluations of the Live Arts Experience

This study examines the importance of five service attributes (employees, show time, facility access, ancillary quality, and visual aesthetics) used by attendees when evaluating the service quality of their experience at performing arts events. The importance of service attributes were considered by patrons' commitment level and demographic characteristics. Study data was obtained from the performing arts center associated with a mid‐sized university located in the mid‐west. The sample was drawn from patrons at five unique performances that took place on different days of the week and times over a two‐month period. A total of 457 audience members participated in the study. Importance of service attributes did vary by commitment characteristics, as did behavioral intentions. As the level of commitment with the organization increased, the more likely they were to recommend, attend in the future, subscribe to, and donate time or financial resources to the performing arts organization.
Practical implementation of the guidelines for unstable angina/non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the emergency department

In the United States each year, >5.3 million patients present to emergency departments with chest discomfort and related symptoms. Ultimately, >1.4 million individuals are hospitalized for unstable angina and non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. For emergency physicians and cardiologists alike, these patients represent an enormous challenge to accurately diagnose and appropriately treat. This update of the 2002 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Unstable Angina and Non–ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (UA/NSTEMI) provides an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these patients in the emergency department, in-hospital, and after hospital discharge. Despite publication of the guidelines several years ago, many patients with UA/NSTEMI still do not receive guidelines-indicated therapy.
Methods and application areas of endoscopic optical coherence tomography

We review the current state of research in endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT). We first survey the range of available endoscopic optical imaging techniques. We then discuss the various OCT-based endoscopic methods that have thus far been developed. We compare the different endoscopic OCT methods in terms of their scan performance. Next, we examine the application range of endoscopic OCT methods. In particular, we look at the reported utility of the methods in digestive, intravascular, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems. We highlight two additional applications—biopsy procedures and neurosurgery—where sufficiently compact OCT-based endoscopes can have significant clinical impacts.
Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility: a comparative analysis of the UK and the US*

This paper argues that key differences between the UK and the US in the importance ascribed to a company's social responsibilities (CSR) reflect differences in the corporate governance arrangements in these two countries. Specifically, we analyse the role of a salient type of owner in the UK and the US, institutional investors, in emphasising firm-level CSR actions. We explore differences between institutional investors in the UK and the US concerning CSR, and draw on a model of instrumental, relational and moral motives to explore why institutional investors in the UK are becoming concerned with firms’ social and environmental actions. We conclude with some suggestions for future research in this area.
Public Librarians as a Resource for Promoting Health: Results from the Health for Everyone in Libraries Project (HELP) Librarian Survey

Public libraries are located in all communities, and two thirds of adults visit one each year. Libraries give the public access to computers and the Internet, and librarians offer technical assistance for accessing information. The interests and training needs of public librarians for assisting the public in accessing health information have not been addressed. One public library/librarian in each North Carolina county was randomly selected to complete a written questionnaire to assess health-related information services and librarians' skills for providing these services. 84% of librarians (83/99) completed the questionnaire. Results indicate that librarians answer more than 10 health-related questions per week, feel moderately comfortable answering these questions, and are very interested in receiving additional training for addressing health-related questions. Creating public library/public health partnerships holds much promise for enhancing the ability of community members to access desired health information.
Chiral Synthesis via Organoboranes 23. Enantioselective Ring Opening of meso‐Epoxides with B‐Halodiisopinocampheylboranes. The First General Synthesis of Optically Active 1,2‐Halohydrins

B-Halodiisopinocampheylboranes, Ipc2BX, where X is Cl, Br, or I, cleave cyclohexene oxide at low temperatures to give the 1,2-halohydrins, in 22, 84, and 91% enantiomeric excess (ee), respectively. 1,2-Epoxycyclohex-4-ene is converted to the bromohydrin and iodohydrin in 84 and 91% ee. cis-2,3-Epoxybutane, cis-3,4-epoxyhexane, and cyclopentene oxide were also studied with all three halides. In general, optical induction increases in the order I > Br > Cl for any given epoxide. Thus cis-2,3-epoxybutane furnishes the corresponding chlorohydrin in 35% ee, the bromohydrin in 69% ee, and the iodohydrin in 78% ee. In certain cases recrystallization provides essentially optically pure material, e.g., (1R, 2R)-2-bromocyclohexanol, (1R, 2R)-2-iodocyclohexanol and (1R, 2R)-2-iodocyclohex-4-en-1-ol. In all cases examined dIpc2BX (derived from (+)-α-pinene) provide (1R, 2R) halohydrins, in which the enantiotopic S C—O bond is cleaved. Ring cleavage occurs in an anti-periplanar manner, consistent with an SN2 type reaction pathway. Modified B-chloromonoisopinocampheylboranes, IpcBCl(OR), cleave cyclohexene oxide at a slower rate but furnish the chlorohydrin in up to 35% ee (R = Bnz). This study is not only a novel application of chiral haloboranes, but constitutes the first general synthesis of symmetrical optically active 1,2-halohydrins.
Milankovitch climate forcing in the tropics of Pangaea during the Late Triassic

Abstract During the Late Triassic, the Newark rift basin of Eastern North America was in the interior of tropical (2.5–9.5°N) Pangaea. Strikingly cyclical lacustrine rocks comprise most of the 6770 m of continuous core recovered from this basin by the Newark Basin Coring Project. Six of the seven drill cores (each from 800 to 1300 m long) from this project are used to construct a composite lake-level curve that provides a much needed record of long term variations in continental tropical climate. The correlations on which the composite section is based show complete agreement between lake level cycles and independent magnetic polarity boundary isochrons. The main proxy of lake level and hence climate used to construct this lake level curve is a classification of water-depth related sedimentary structures and fabrics called depth ranks. We then use Fourier frequency analysis (both FFT and multitaper methods) and joint time-frequency approaches to resolve the periodic properties of the cyclicity and the secular drift in those properties. A consistent hierarchy in frequencies of the lake level cycles is present throughout the Late Triassic (and earliest Jurassic) portions of the cores, an interval of about 22 m.y.. Calibration of the sediment accumulation rate by a variety of methods shows that these thickness periodicities are consistent with an origin in changes in precipitation governed by celestial mechanics. The full range of precession-related periods of lake level change are present, including the two peaks of the ∼20,000 year cycle of climatic precession, the two peaks of the ∼100,000 year eccentricity cycle, the single peak of the 412,900 year eccentricity cycle, and the ∼2,000,000 year eccentricity cycle. There is also good correspondence in the details of the joint-time frequency properties of lake level cycles and astronomical predictions as well. Even in an ice-free world, the tropical climate of Pangaea responded strongly to astronomical forcing, suggesting that precession-dominated climatic forcing probably always has been a prominent feature of tropical climate.
Function of restored jejunum lengthened by a degradable spring

CONCLUSIONS: Intra-abdominal injury is associated with extraabdominal injuries that are identifiable on plain x-ray. These injuries serve as clinical predictors of intra-abdominal injury and should be included in future prospective development of clinical prediction models. Specific attention to mechanism is essential as injury patterns may differ with these factors and may increase the specificity of these prediction models, particularly for femur fracture as a predictor of intra-abdominal injury.
Large empirical case study of architecture-based software reliability

In this paper we present an empirical study of architecture-based software reliability based on a large open source application which consists of 350,000 lines of C code. The goals of our study are to analyze empirically the adequacy, applicability, and accuracy of architecture-based software reliability models. For this purpose we developed innovative approaches to efficiently extract and more accurately analyze a large amount of empirical data. Applying the theoretical results on a large scale field study allows us to test how and when they work, to understand their limitations, and outline the issues that need attention in the future research studies. Thus, our results show that for a subset of failures which can clearly be attributed to single components, both the composite and hierarchical models are very accurate when compared to the actual reliability. However, the assumptions made by the existing architecture-based software reliability models do not allow accounting for the remaining failures which led to fixing faults in multiple components. These results show that in order to progress further, software reliability engineering should go through cycles of building models, testing them empirically, learning from the experiments, and refining the models to capture the newly discovered phenomena
A CMOS accelerometer using bondwire inertial sensing

This paper presents an accelerometer that utilizes standard IC bondwires as an inertial sensor, requiring no external components or MEMS processing. The readout circuitry is implemented in a standard 0.13 µm CMOS process and detects the change in mutual inductance caused by the relative deflection of adjacent bondwires. The accelerometer has a measured sensitivity of 10 kHz/g with a bandwidth of 700 Hz, a bias stability of 35 mg and consumes 9 mA from a 1.5 V supply.
Optimum design of echogenic needles for ultrasound guided nerve block

The goal of this study is to optimize a cylindrical needle with a grooved surface for maximum backscattering to the transceiver during medical ultrasound procedures. Evaluation of backscattering performance of multiple prototype geometries with 2D time-harmonic acoustic finite element analysis was performed. Groove patterns with repeat periods determined with the guidance of the grating equation to produce constructive interference showed very strong and sharp backscattering peaks, but only at specific isonification angles. Optimum depths for the groove patterns with groove periods defined by the grating equation were found. A search on possible geometries was performed, varying the design variables of groove period and groove depth, with an objective function designed to select geometries that performed well at multiple isonification angles.
Comparison of Self-reported Fecal Occult Blood Testing with Automated Laboratory Records among Older Women in a Health Maintenance Organization

Screening guidelines for colorectal cancer recommend annual fecal occult blood (FOB) testing for adults aged 50 years and older. Self-reported history of screening is frequently the sole source of data available to researchers and clinicians. This study validated FOB testing in a sample of 1,021 older women. Testing rates based on self-reported data exceeded rates based on computerized laboratory records by 13.9%. Agreement was moderate (kappa = 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.47, 0.58). Sensitivity was 0.92 and specificity 0.58. Logistic regression analysis showed that older age and physician encouragement for FOB testing were associated with accurate recall (p<0.05). Self-report is the most commonly available information about the occurrence and timing of cancer detection procedures. These data suggest cautious use of self-reported screening by FOB for clinical decision making and for research and surveillance.
Timing and prediction of climate change and hydrological impacts: periodicity in natural variations

Hydrological impacts from climate change are of principal interest to water resource policy-makers and practicing engineers. Predictive climatic models have been extensively investigated to quantify the impacts. Palaeoclmatic investigations, on the other hand, show unequivocal and strong periodicity of climate variations in proxy evidence. Yet how to use the periodicity in future hydroclimatic timing and forecasting has received less attention. This paper examines the periodicity in Pleistocene–Holocene glacial–interglacial events and in modern precipitation records, and discusses a way in which the periodicity is used for hydroclimatic predictions. The analysis, based on published CO2, ΔT (δ2H) and δ18O proxy data of polar ice cores and deep oceanic benthic fossils, shows a periodicity in a ~100, ~40 or 25 kyear duration consistent with Milankovitch orbital regulations during the glacial–interglacial periods. On a fine time scale, millennium and multi-decadal periodicity is observed in high-resolution proxy variations of Greenland ice cores and in instrumental precipitation records of the contiguous USA. A basic periodicity of decadal and multi-decadal changes in ~20 and ~10–15 year duration is apparent in wavelet frequency analysis of both ice core proxy and precipitation data. While the kyear-scale periodicity is found of global prevalence, the millennium and decadal variations vary in space and are region-specific. Based on these findings, a generalized time-downscaling hierarchy of periodicity is proposed as a potential approach for timing and forecasting future hydroclimatic conditions at a resolution relevant to the water resources engineering and management.
Lack of Tacrolimus-Induced Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND:Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has been reported in pediatric transplant patients receiving tacrolimus. It is unclear whether tacrolimus is associated with HCM in adult transplant recipients.OBJECTIVE:To determine the prevalence of HCM in noncardiac adult transplant patients receiving tacrolimus.METHODS:A retrospective analysis of nonheart transplant recipients who received tacrolimus at our institution from January 1982 to April 1996 was conducted. Patients with left-ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) defined as a posterior or septal wall thickness ≥1.3 cm by echocardiography (ECHO) were independently evaluated.RESULTS:There were 3609 patients who met entry criteria including 2257 liver, 1333 kidney, and 19 other organ transplants. Of the 502 patients who had undergone ECHOs after transplantation, 171 had LVH. The etiology of LVH was categorized as valvular disease (36%), hypertensive disease (29%), ischemic heart disease (17%), or multifactorial (15%). There were six patients in whom, after det...
Vernakalant in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation

OBJECTIVE:To review the pharmacology and clinical evidence of the use of vernakalant in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF).DATA SOURCES:Peer-reviewed articles published in the English language were identified from MEDLINE and Current Contents databases (both 1966–March 5, 2008) using the search terms RSD 1235 and vernakalant. Citations from available articles and recent meeting abstracts were reviewed for additional references. During the preparation of this article, vernakalant was being reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, information posted on the FDA Web site was also evaluated.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical studies of both intravenous and oral vernakalant were reviewed. The design and results of the studies were critically evaluated.DATA SYNTHESIS:Vernakalant is a sodium and ultra-rapid potassium channel blocker with atrial selective effects. In 2 clinical studies evaluating use of intravenous vernakalant in cardioversion of patients...