cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Otogenic brain abscesses: A systematic review.

Objective Otogenic brain abscesses are one of the most significant life-threatening complications of otologic infections. Given their low prevalence, otogenic brain abscesses require a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. In this systematic review, we aim to provide an analysis of otogenic brain abscesses and describe common clinical signs and symptoms, bacteriology, location, treatment options, morbidity, and mortality. Data sources PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL database, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Methods A systematic review of literature was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses recommendations. Variables assessed included clinical signs and symptoms, bacteriology, location, treatment, morbidity, and mortality. Results Twenty-nine studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria, corresponding to a total of 1307 otogenic abscess cases for review. Fifty-five percent of abscesses were found in the temporal lobe and 28% in the cerebellum. Most patients (88.3%) had a history of suppurative chronic otitis media. The most common symptoms were headache, altered mental status, papilledema, and meningeal irritation. Fever, nausea, and vomiting affected about 40% of patients. The most commonly cultured bacterial species was Proteus mirabilis. In addition to antibiotics, most otogenic brain abscesses were treated by burr hole aspiration. Average mortality following advent of computed tomography was 8.11%. Conclusion Although rare, otogenic brain abscesses may occur as a complication of suppurative otitis media and require a high index of suspicion. Appropriate imaging studies and multidisciplinary expertise are crucial in the diagnosis and management. Level of evidence 4.
The Future Cybersecurity Workforce: Going Beyond Technical Skills for Successful Cyber Performance.

One of the challenges in writing an article reviewing the current state of cyber education and workforce development is that there is a paucity of quantitative assessment regarding the cognitive aptitudes, work roles, or team organization required by cybersecurity professionals to be successful. In this review, we argue that the people who operate within the cyber domain need a combination of technical skills, domain specific knowledge, and social intelligence to be successful. They, like the networks they operate, must also be reliable, trustworthy, and resilient. Defining the knowledge, skills, attributes and other characteristics is not as simple as defining a group of technical skills that people can be trained on; the complexity of the cyber domain makes this a unique challenge. There has been little research devoted to exactly what attributes individuals in the cyber domain need. What research does exist places an emphasis on technical and engineering skills while discounting the important social and organizational influences that dictate success or failure in everyday settings. This paper reviews the literature on cyber expertise and cyber workforce development to identify gaps and then argues for the important contribution of social fit in the highly-complex and heterogenous cyber workforce. We then identify six assumptions for the future of cybersecurity workforce development, including the requirement for systemic thinkers, team players, a love for continued learning, strong communication ability, a sense of civic duty, and a blend of technical and social skill. Finally, we make recommendations for social and cognitive metrics which may be indicative of future performance in cyber work roles to provide a roadmap for future scholars.
The Risk of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in Acute Neurological Disease.

Case series have reported reversible left ventricular dysfunction, also known as stress cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM), in the setting of acute neurological diseases such as subarachnoid hemorrhage. The relative associations between various neurological diseases and Takotsubo remain incompletely understood. We performed a cross-sectional study of all adults in the National Inpatient Sample, a nationally representative sample of US hospitalizations, from 2006 to 2014. Our exposures of interest were primary diagnoses of acute neurological disease, defined by ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. Our outcome was a diagnosis of TCM. Binary logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between our pre-specified neurological diagnoses and TCM after adjustment for demographics. Among acute neurological diagnoses, the strongest associations were seen with subarachnoid hemorrhage (odds ratio [OR] 11.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.2–13.4), status epilepticus (OR 4.9; 95% CI 3.7–6.3), and seizures (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1–1.5). In a sensitivity analysis including secondary diagnoses of acute neurological diagnoses, associations were also seen with transient global amnesia (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.5–3.6), meningoencephalitis (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.7–2.5), migraine (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.5–1.8), intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1–1.5), and ischemic stroke (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.1–1.3). In addition, female sex was strongly associated with Takotsubo (OR 5.1; 95% CI 4.9–5.4). TCM appears to be associated with varying degrees with several acute neurological diseases besides subarachnoid hemorrhage.
PRODUCTION SYSTEM CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES1

Production systems designed to function and grow in environments that make large numbers of different, sometimes competing, and sometimes unexpected demands require support from their interpreters that is qualitatively different from the support required by systems that can be carefully hand crafted to function in constrained environments. In this chapter we explore the role of conflict resolution in providing such support Using criteria developed here, we evaluate both individual conflict resolution rules and strategies that make use of several rules.
Beginning With the End in Mind: Contextual Considerations for Scaling-Out a Community-Based Intervention

Introduction: A number of effective physical activity programs for older adults exist, but are not widely delivered within community settings, such as the Cooperative Extension System. The purpose of this paper was to determine if an evidence-based intervention (EBI) developed in one state Extension system could be scaled-out to a new state system. Methods and results: The RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework was used to guide an iterative evaluation of three translational stages. Stage 1: Before program adoption, Extension health educators were surveyed and interviewed to assess physical activity programming perceptions and factors that may influence their decision to attend training or deliver the program in practice. Results indicated that a virtual, scalable training protocol would be necessary and that training needed to include hands-on instruction and be catered to those who were less confident in physical activity program delivery. Stage 2: Training attendees were surveyed pre- and post-training on factors related to the adoption-decision making process and contacted post-training to assess program delivery status. Training did not influence perceptions of the program, intent to deliver, or confidence in delivering the program. Stage 3: During program implementation, the program was evaluated through the RE-AIM framework by surveying across three key stakeholder groups: (1) program participants, (2) potential delivery personnel, and (3) Extension administrators. Findings indicate that the program has the potential to reach a large and representative proportion of the target audience, especially in rural areas. However, adoption and implementation rates among Extension health educators and community partners were low and data collection for effectiveness, implementation, and maintenance was a challenge. Conclusion: Overall, the results indicate initial struggles to translating and evaluating the program in a large, rural state. Implications for practice include making system-level changes to increase physical activity program adoption rates among Extension health educators and improve data collection and program evaluation through this community-based organization. More work is needed to identify infrastructure support and capacity to scale-out EBIs.
Differentiation of pancreatic head ductal adenocarcinoma from inflammatory pancreatic pseudomass by MR cholangio-pancreatography: utility of the duct-interrupted, corona, and attraction signs

To determine sensitivity and specificity of the “duct-interrupted,” “corona,” and “attraction” signs on MR cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) in distinguishing pancreatic head ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) from inflammatory pancreatic pseudomass (IPP). This study included 53 adults (33 men and 20 women, mean age, 55 years; range, 17–87 years) with a pancreatic head mass who underwent MRCP. Three blinded radiologists independently reviewed each MRCP exam and three signs were assessed: (1) the “duct-interrupted” sign, deemed positive for PDAC if the duct within the mass demonstrated complete interruption with upstream dilation; (2) the “corona” sign, considered positive for PDAC if dilated side-branches were located exclusively outside the mass; and (3) the “attraction” sign, deemed positive for IPP if the dilated common bile duct showed attraction and angulation towards the mass. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the signs were calculated, as well as interobserver agreement. Out of 53 masses, 17 (32%) were PDAC and 36 (68%) were IPP. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the “duct-interrupted” sign to differentiate between PDAC from IPP for the three readers were 29–53%, 89–95%, 56–82% and 73–81%, respectively (κ = 0.41); for the “corona” sign, they were 29–53%, 81–100%, 56–100%, and 75–78%, respectively (κ = 0.4), and for the “attraction” sign, they were 20–25%, 71–82%, 64–75%, and 31–34%, respectively (κ = 0.54). The “duct-interrupted” and “corona” MRCP signs have high specificity for diagnosing PDAC, while the “attraction” sign has good specificity for identifying IPP.
Quantum interferometry with microwave-dressed F = 1 spinor Bose-Einstein condensates: Role of initial states and long-time evolution

We numerically investigate atomic interferometry based on spin-exchange collisions in $F=1$ spinor Bose-Einstein condensates in the regime of long evolution times $t\ensuremath{\gg}h/c$, where $c$ is the spin-dependent interaction energy. We show that the sensitivity of spin-mixing interferometry can be enhanced by using classically seeded initial states with a small population prepared in the ${m}_{F}=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$ states.
163 ReSPECT, find out what it means to me?

Introduction ReSPECT is a national initiative to encourage shared decision making around treatment decision and advance care planning. We undertook a trust wide launch to replace all DNAR forms in November 2018. The aim of this project was to evaluate staff understanding of the respect process and confidence in having significant conversations, as part of a wider trust evaluation. Methods In dying matters week the Specialist Palliative care team (SPCT) designed a staff survey to rate confidence and understanding of the Respect process, staff were asked a number of questions including; completion of online ReSPECT training app, understanding of the respect process and their role and confidence in participating in conversations with patients about their wishes around future treatment and care. SPCT visited all areas of the hospital and asked staff to complete the questionnaire. Results 132 health care professionals replied. 44% doctors, 37% Nurses, 19% Allied health professionals. 93% were aware that ReSPECT has been introduced to the trust, only 17% had completed the online training. 83% of respondents felt strongly confident or confident to discuss with patients their wishes about their care. Only 59% felt strongly confident or confident to discuss resuscitation status and end of life care. However, 100% senior nurses and doctors felt confident or strongly confident in discussing resuscitation status and end of life care. Conclusions It is reassuring that our senior staff feel confident in engaging patients in such significant conversations. We are exploring making the ReSPECT learning app completion mandatory to further support all staff and recognise the need to empower senior nursing staff to participate further in the ReSPECT process in our trust. We will use this information to promote significant conversations as a process rather than a one off and improve form completion.
Impact of raw material surface oxide removal on dual band infrared optical properties of As2Se3 chalcogenide glass

The manufacturing of low loss chalcogenide glasses (ChGs) for optoelectronic applications is ultimately defined by the concentration of impurities present in starting materials or imparted via processing. We describe a rapid method for purifying metallic starting materials in As2Se3 glass where oxide reduction is correlated to optical and physical properties. Specifically, As-O reduction enhances the glass’ dual-band optical transparency proportional to the extent (13-fold reduction) of oxide reduction, and is accompanied by a change in density and hardness associated with changes in matrix bonding. A significant modification of the glass’ index and LWIR Abbe number is reported highlighting the significant impact purification has on material dispersion control required in optical designs.
The Picture of Dorian Gray: A Portrait of the ‘Wild Reader’

Paul Jay claims that we need to pay renewed attention to the aesthetic to address and incorporate everyday experience into our academic discussions. Clearly, at stake here is the opportunity to rec...
Histology, Size, and Number of Advanced Polyps are Associated With Guideline-Discordant Surveillance Recommendations.

Surveillance guidelines following polypectomy promote cost-effective reductions in future colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, but high nonadherence rates1 can have negative consequences on costs and effectiveness. Professional societies recommend a 3-year interval for patients with advanced colorectal polyps (ACPs), although few studies report provider adherence to surveillance intervals.2 This study evaluated rates and predictors of guideline-discordant recommendations for patients with ACPs.
Mendelian Randomization Analysis as a Tool to Gain Insights into Causes of Diseases: A Primer

Many Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have recently been published, with inferences on the causal relationships between risk factors and diseases that have potential implications for clinical research. In nephrology, MR methods have been applied to investigate potential causal relationships of traditional risk factors, lifestyle factors, and biomarkers from omics technologies with kidney function or chronic kidney disease. This primer summarizes the basic concepts of MR studies, highlighting methods employed in recent applications, and emphasizes key elements in conducting and reporting of MR studies that are important for interpreting the results.
Preparation and Initial Application of a Monoclonal Antibody Specific for a Newly Discovered Conserved Linear Epitope of Rabies Virus Nucleoprotein

Abstract Objective To prepare monoclonal antibodies against a newly discovered and conserved linear epitope of Rabies virus nucleoprotein and to use them in a rabies diagnostic test. Methods Synthetic peptide containing the epitope was used as immunogen to prepare hybridoma cell lines by classical hybridoma technology. Anti-peptide monoclonal antibodies produced in ascites of inoculated Balb/c mice were labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) after purification and used in fluorescent antibody test (FAT). Results Two positive hybridoma cell lines, RVNP-mAb1-CL and RVNP-mAb2-CL, were obtained. RVNP- mAb1-CL produced a higher concentration of monoclonal antibody RVNP-mAb1 in Balb/c ascites. FITC-labeled RVNP-mAb1 showed correct results on certain Rabies virus -positive canine brain tissue samples and cells of a small subclone of baby hamster kidney 21 cell line (BSR). Conclusion FITC-labeled RVNP-mAb1 has potential application for laboratory diagnosis of rabies.
Spontaneous cytotoxicity of cultured human cell lines mediated by normal peripheral blood lymphocytes: II. Specificity for target antigens

Abstract The specificity of human spontaneous cell-mediated cytotoxicity (SCMC) of cultured cell lines has been investigated using both direct cytotoxicity and inhibition of cytotoxicity in large “checkerboard” type experiments. By direct cytotoxicity significant positive correlations of lysis were found between two autologous T and B lymphoblast cell lines as well as between allogeneic T and B cell lines. These results indicate the expression by these cell lines of either common or universally recognized sets of SCMC target antigens. Cross-inhibition studies confirmed the existence of SCMC antigens common to different cell lines. However, SCMC inhibition by unlabeled cells homologous to the 51Cr-labeled target cells was generally equal to or greater than that produced by other cell lines. This suggests that although some SCMC target antigens are common to many different cell types, each cell line expresses a characteristic set of these antigens.
Effect of growth hormone and resistance exercise on muscle growth and strength in older men

The purpose of this study was to determine whether growth hormone (GH) administration enhances the muscle protein anabolism associated with heavy-resistance exercise training in older men. Twenty-three healthy, sedentary men (67 +/- 1 yr) with low serum insulin-like growth factor I levels followed a 16-wk progressive resistance exercise program (75-90% max strength, 4 days/wk) after random assignment to either a GH (12.5-24 micrograms.kg-1.day-1; n = 8) or placebo (n = 15) group. Fat-free mass (FFM) and total body water increased more in the GH group. Whole body protein synthesis and breakdown rates increased in the GH group after treatment. However, increments in vastus lateralis muscle protein synthesis rate, urinary creatinine excretion, and training-specific isotonic and isokinetic muscle strength were similar in both groups, while 24-h urinary 3-methylhistidine excretion was unchanged after treatment. These observations suggest that resistance exercise training improved muscle strength and anabolism in older men, but these improvements were not enhanced when exercise was combined with daily GH administration. The greater increase in FFM with GH treatment may have been due to an increase in noncontractile protein and fluid retention.
Reduced microglial CX3CR1 expression delays neurofibromatosis-1 glioma formation

Although traditional models of carcinogenesis have largely focused on neoplastic cells, converging data have revealed the importance of non-neoplastic stromal cells in influencing tumor growth and progression. Leveraging a genetically engineered mouse model of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-associated optic glioma, we now demonstrate that stromal microglia express the CX3CR1 chemokine receptor, such that reduced CX3CR1 expression decreases optic nerve microglia. Moreover, genetic reduction of Cx3cr1 expression in Nf1 optic glioma mice delays optic glioma formation. Coupled with previous findings demonstrating that microglia maintain optic glioma growth, these new findings provide a strong preclinical rationale for the development of future stroma-directed glioma therapies in children.
Do we know what we need to know? Objective and subjective knowledge effects on pro-ecological behaviors

Abstract The solution of societal problems such as coping with solid waste depends, in part, on identifying desirable behaviors and developing programs to encourage citizens to act accordingly. This research empirically examines the relationship between objective and subjective knowledge, pro-ecological behaviors and related attitudes. Results indicate not only that objective knowledge is relatively low among a group of environmentally concerned individuals but that it is not significantly related to perceived knowledge suggesting that persons who believe they are knowledgeable may not, in fact, have the requisite knowledge to make sound ecological decisions. Examination of the effects of each type of knowledge on behaviors indicates that objective knowledge is only significantly related to committed recycling behaviors, whereas perceived knowledge is positively associated with committed recycling, source reduction, and political action behaviors. The results suggest the need for cooperation among marketers, government, and environmental-oriented organizations to develop standardized meanings for ecological terms and symbols for labeling and advertising and to devise effective educational programs for consumers.
Partial Arytenoidectomy in the Horse Using an Extralaryngeal Approach

An extralaryngeal approach to partial arytenoidectomy in the horse was developed by in vitro experiments on isolated larynges and then on intact equine cadavers. The goals of the approach were to preserve the laryngeal mucosa, eliminate the need for a laryngotomy or tracheotomy, and minimize postoperative complications. The new approach was evaluated in seven horses with normal upper respiratory tracts. Left laryngeal hemiplegia was surgically created, and, after a 30-day convalescence, left partial arytenoidectomy was performed using an extralaryngeal approach. The left-to-right hemilaryngeal ratio was calculated before and after left recurrent laryngeal neurectomy and 60 days after partial arytenoidectomy. Left partial arytenoidectomy was successfully completed in all horses without performing a laryngotomy or tracheotomy. Preservation of the laryngeal mucosa (6/7 horses) and apparent stabilization of the adjacent soft tissue (6/7 horses) was achieved. In one horse, a 1-cm laryngeal mucosal tear healed without complication, and in another some collapse of adjacent soft tissue occurred when a retention suture failed. The mean left-to-right hemilaryngeal ratio was significantly increased compared to horses with left laryngeal hemiplegia, but it remained significantly less than the pre-recurrent laryngeal neurectomy ratio (p < .05). Coughing, aspiration, and airway narrowing were not observed. Partial arytenoidectomy could be reliably performed through an extralaryngeal approach in horses with a normal underlying arytenoid cartilage with preservation of the laryngeal mucosa.
Pipeline network calculations using sparse computation techniques

Abstract It is shown how computation to determine steady-state conditions in pipeline networks can be greatly facilitated using sparse computation techniques. Three network algorithms for direction assignment, node-arc ordering and construction of a minimal length cycle set have been devised for this purpose. These algorithms are readily implemented using list processing techniques, thereby making it unnecessary for program users to supply similar, but often non-optimal, information. Using these algorithms, it is possible to obtain substantial reduction in computing time and core storage. Computational accuracy may also be enhanced through reduced number of rounding errors. The reduction of computing time is particularly dramatic and estimates based on operation counts are partially verified by actual computational experience. For a given network the benefit of a single application of these algorithms is multiplied many times with iterations and different parametric values. The development demonstrates substantial advantages of applying graph-theoretic techniques directly to enhance data processing efficiency.
Eb1 Proteins Regulate Microtubule Dynamics, Cell Polarity, and Chromosome Stability

The EB1 family represents a highly conserved group of proteins, present in yeast through humans, that localize to spindle and cytoplasmic microtubules, especially at their distal tips. The budding yeast homologue of EB1, Bim1p, regulates microtubule stability and is important for positioning the
Automatic multithreshold selection

Abstract A recursive technique for multiple threshold selection on digital images is described. Pixels are first classified as edge pixels or nonedge pixels. Edge pixels are then classified, on the basis of their neighborhoods, as being relatively dark or relatively light. A histogram of the graytone intensities is obtained for those pixels which are edge pixels and relatively dark and another histogram is obtained for those pixels which are edge pixels and relatively light. A threshold is selected corresponding to the graytone intensity value corresponding to one of the highest peaks from the two histograms. To get multiple thresholds, the procedure may be recursively applied first using only those pixels whose intensities are smaller than the threshold and then only those pixels whose intensities are larger than the threshold.
Oriented flight responses of female Mediterranean fruit flies to calling males, odor of calling males, and a synthetic pheromone blend

Male Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), produce volatile chemicals thought to be attractive sex pheromones. We demonstrated for the first time that male odor elicits upwind flight and zigzagging upwind flight patterns in mature unmated females. Such flight patterns indicate the mechanisms involved in female location of the pheromone source and arrival at that source. Similar female oriented upwind flight responses occurred with a three component blend comprised of ethyl-(E)-octenoate, geranyl acetate, and E,E-alpha farnesene. These findings clarify the role of male sex pheromone in mate-location strategies in this species and provide new bioassay criteria for evaluating attraction responses to male pheromone and synthetic blends.
Reassociation of 4 S and 5 S RNA's with the genome of avian sarcoma virus.

Abstract A tryptophan tRNA derived from the host cell serves as primer for the initiation of DNA synthesis by the reverse transcript ase of avian sarcoma virus (ASV). We have characterized the binding of primer to the viral genome by studying the reassociation of low molecular weight RNA's with high molecular weight subunits of ASV-RNA. Primer can be annealed to a limited number (two to four) of sites on the viral genome to reconstitute a template fully active with reverse transcriptase. The annealing is specific and accurate; none of the other 4 S RNA's found in ASV will reassociate with viral genome under any of the conditions tested, and the reconstructed complex denatures with the same T m as the native complex between primer and viral genome. These results further substantiate our previous conclusion that the primer in ASV is a single species of tRNA, although the normal host cell may contain other 4 S RNA's which could also serve as primer if they were included in the viral genome during assembly. Chicken ribosomal 5 S RNA also reanneals to the ASV genome, presumably by binding to the sites originally occupied by 5 S RNA in viral 70 S RNA.
Quasielastic proton-nucleus scattering at 300-800 MeV.

Surface response model results for quasielastic nucleon-nucleus scattering are compared to recent intermediate energy (p,p') spectra. The energy and target dependences of the quasielastic peak, as well as the dependence on momentum transfer, are quite accurately described by this model. Discrepancies at large energy and momentum transfers are ascribed to multistep processes, and they become more significant at lower beam energies. Shell structures of finite nuclei, which are not contained in the model, are the main source of the discrepancies at small momentum transfers.
The evaporative deposition of aluminum coatings and shapes with grain size control

The direct deposition of coatings with variable cross-section profiles presents a challenge for the use of physical vapor deposition technology. Coatings with constant and variable cross-section profiles are of interest for advancing the evaluation of material behavior under extreme loading conditions, as for example under high strain rate. The synthesis of a variable cross-section profile by design in the as-deposited condition requires process innovation. It is demonstrated that a thickness gradient in cross-section can be produced when the substrate is exposed to a highly collimated evaporation source. The exposure is governed using a variable position shutter as driven by a computer-controlled stepper motor. An example is shown for aluminum deposition in which the coating thickness varies linearly from one plateau to another forming a wedge shape. To deposit a controlled grain size in coatings as these wedge shapes, first requires an understanding of the affect of time at temperature. An examination of aluminum coatings with constant cross-section reveals that ideal-grain growth behavior is observed from the micron-to-millimeter scale for depositions at temperatures in excess of half the melt point.
Orientation to shorelines by the supratidal amphipod Talorchestia longicornis: Wavelength specific behavior during sun compass orientation

Abstract If released in water or on sand the supratidal amphipod Talorchestia longicornis Say amphipods moves in the onshore direction. The present study was designed to determine whether this species uses the sun as a cue for orientation and if so, which visual pigment in the compound eyes is involved. When tested in an apparatus with a view of only the sun and sky amphipods were disoriented when the sun was obscured by clouds. However, when the sun was visible, they oriented in the onshore direction of their home beach in both water and air during both the morning and afternoon. Resetting the time of their circadian rhythm in activity with either an altered light:dark or diel temperature cycle also reset the chronometric mechanism associated with sun compass. orientation. T. longicornis has two visual pigments with absorption maxima near 420 nm and 520 nm. Only the 420 nm pigment is used for sun compass orientation, which may be an adaptation for increasing the contrast between the sun and background scattered skylight or for detecting the radiance distribution of skylight. Irradiating the 520 nm absorbing pigment alone induced positive phototaxis to the sun but not onshore orientation. Thus, T. longicornis shows wavelength specific behavior by using only one of its visual pigments for sun compass orientation.
Lake Erie Central Basin Total Phosphorus Trend Analysis from 1968 to 1982

Abstract The total phosphorus data from 1968 to 1982 in the Lake Erie central basin trend study area was analyzed to determine in-lake responses to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) phosphorus loading reduction program. The available data for each year were divided into five subsets according to time of year and depth of the water column. Each data subset was regressed as a function of time and total phosphorus loadings to Lake Erie. Linear regression analysis indicates that the in-lake phosphorus concentrations have been decreasing and are well correlated with decreased loadings to the lake. The highest rate of phosphorus decrease with time (0.56 ± 0.10 mg · m −3 yr −1 ) was obtained by using epilimnetic concentrations from April to December for each year. This data subset also shows the best correlation with decreasing phosphorus loadings. From 1968 to 1982, Lake Erie offshore phosphorus concentrations responded to decreasing external phosphorus loadings at a rate of 0.45 ± 0.09 mg · m −3 per thousand metric tonnes.
All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace

There was a time we could only dream of machines that served as companions, as helpmates, as servants. Now, we build them. As we slowly and inevitably and irreversibly surrender to these machines of our own creation, we must come to grips with a number of practical, ethical conundrums. The Web extra at http://youtu.be/17MsuJY4Xmo is an audio podcast of author Grady Booch reading his On Computing column, in which he discusses how we must come to grips with a number of practical and ethical conundrums as machines of our own creation become our companions, helpmates, and servants.
Spectroscopy of Hydrothermal Solutions 18: pH-Dependent Kinetics of Itaconic Acid Reactions in Real Time

The kinetics of decarboxylation of the α-substituted acrylic acid itaconic acid were analyzed at 280−330 °C, 275 bar, and solution pH25 = 0.8−5.75 using an FTIR spectroscopy flow reactor. As the pH was increased, the observed rate constant initially decreased to a minimum at pH25 = 1.82, then increased and reached its maximum at pH25 = 3.75, and then decreased again up to the limit of study at pH25 = 5.75. The decarboxylation rate depends on the molecular form of itaconic acid in the order of itaconate monoanion > protonated itaconic acid > neutral itaconic acid ≈ itaconate dianion. Insight into possible reasons for this trend was obtained from geometry-optimized structures using density functional theory with the B3LYP method at the 6-31+G* level.
Relation of advanced heart failure symptoms to risk of inappropriate defibrillator shocks.

Inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks continue to be a major source of distress to patients and a drain on the health care system. Expanding indications for ICD implantation include a large portion of patients with heart failure. This study investigated the relation between inappropriate ICD shocks and the severity of heart failure symptoms. Predictors of the time to first inappropriate ICD therapy were investigated in 230 consecutive patients implanted in 2001 and 2002. Thirty-two patients received 42 inappropriate shocks during a median follow-up of 501 days. Inappropriate shocks were due to atrial fibrillation (AF) or tachycardia (n = 31), other supraventricular tachycardias (n = 6), sinus tachycardia (n = 3), and noise or double counting (n = 2). The time to first inappropriate ICD shock was earliest in patients with advanced classes of heart failure (1- and 2-year shock-free survival of 79% and 70% for patients in New York Heart Association [NYHA] class III or IV vs 92% and 88% for patients in NYHA class I or II, respectively, p = 0.02). After correcting for age, gender, the presence of coronary artery disease, the presence of AF, the use of β blockers, and indication for ICD implantation in a Cox regression model, advanced heart failure (NYHA class III or IV) remained an independent predictor of first inappropriate ICD shocks (hazard ratio 2.7, p = 0.01). Other predictors of the time to first inappropriate ICD shock included the presence of AF as the baseline rhythm at the time of the ICD implantation and the absence of coronary disease. In conclusion, inappropriate ICD shocks are predominantly due to AF. Advanced heart failure is an independent predictor of the time to first inappropriate ICD shocks. The effect of ICD programming and antiarrhythmic drug therapy on the incidence of inappropriate shocks deserves further investigation.
Meningioma radiosurgery: tumor control, outcomes, and complications among 190 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine local control (LC) and complication rates for patients with intracranial meningiomas who underwent radiosurgery. METHODS: One hundred ninety consecutive patients with 206 meningiomas underwent radiosurgery between 1990 and 1998. One hundred forty-seven tumors (77%) involved the cranial base. The median age at the time of radiosurgery was 58 years (range, 20-90 yr). There were 126 female patients (66%). One hundred twelve patients (59%) had undergone one or more previous operations (median, 1; range, 1-5). Twenty-two patients (12%) had either atypical (n = 13) or malignant (n = 9) tumors. The median prescription isodose volume was 8.2 cm 3 (range, 0.5-50.5 cm 3 ), and the median tumor margin dose was 16 Gy (range, 12-36 Gy). The median imaging and clinical follow-up periods were 40 and 47 months, respectively. RESULTS: Overall survival rates for the entire cohort at 5 and 7 years were 82 and 82%, respectively; cause-specific survival rates at 5 and 7 years were 94 and 92%, respectively. The cause-specific survival rates at 5 years for patients with benign, atypical, and malignant tumors were 100, 76, and 0%, respectively (P < 0.0001). The 5-year LC rate was 89%, with 114 tumors (56%) decreasing in size. LC rates were correlated with tumor histological features (P < 0.0001); patients with benign tumors exhibited a 5-year LC rate of 93%, compared with 68 and 0% for patients with atypical or malignant meningiomas, respectively. No correlation was observed between radiation dose and LC rate. Twenty-four patients (13%) experienced treatment-related complications, including cranial nerve deficits (8%), symptomatic parenchymal changes (3%), internal carotid artery stenosis (1 %), and symptomatic cyst formation (1 %). Only six patients (3%) exhibited decreases in functional status that were directly related to radiosurgery. Tumor volume, tumor margin dose, or previous radiotherapy was not associated with the development of radiation-related complications. CONCLUSION: Radiosurgery is an effective management strategy for many patients with meningiomas. Patients with atypical or malignant tumors exhibit high recurrence rates despite the use of radiosurgery, and these patients continue to exhibit worse cause-specific survival rates despite aggressive treatment, including surgery, external-beam radiotherapy, and radiosurgery. Further study is needed to determine the tumor control and complication rates 10 years or more after meningioma radiosurgery.
A rapid, sensitive assay for starch phosphorylase and ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase

Abstract Starch phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.1) and ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.27) activities can be measured very accurately and quickly using a recording pH meter. Activities less than 0.28 nmol/min are readily measured.
Hierarchically nested covariance structure models for multitrait-multimethod data

A taxonomy of covariance structure models for rep resenting multitrait-multimethod data is presented. Us ing this taxonomy, it is possible to formulate alternate series of hierarchically ordered, or nested, models for such data. By specifying hierarchically nested models, significance tests of differences between competing models are available. Within the proposed framework, specific model comparisons may be formulated to test the significance of the convergent and the discriminant validity shown by a set of measures as well as the ex tent of method variance. Application of the proposed framework to three multitrait-multimethod matrices al lowed resolution of contradictory conclusions drawn in previously published work, demonstrating the utility of the present approach.
sPLA2-IIa is an inflammatory mediator when the ocular surface is compromised

sPLA2-IIa is an enzyme at high concentration in tears that has been known as an innate barrier of the ocular surface against microbial infection. sPLA2-IIa and other enzymes in the same protein family are known to hydrolyze fatty acids resulting in the generation of free arachidonic acid (AA) and lysophospholipids, which are the precursors of pro-inflammatory lipid mediators, such as PGE2. sPLA2-IIa has been shown to be an inflammatory mediator in non-ocular inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It was also found to be increased in the tears of the patients with dry eye disease, chronic blepharitis and contact lens intolerance. However, the role of sPLA2-IIa in chronic ocular surface inflammation has yet to be determined. In the current study, we examined the potential role of sPLA2-IIa in inflammation of ocular surface diseases. Our results show that the activity of sPLA2-IIa was significantly increased in tears from dry eye disease patients compared with that from normal subjects. Also, sPLA2-IIa stimulated the production of PGE2 in ocular surface epithelial cell cultures. The stimulating effect was markedly enhanced when the cells or tissues were pre-compromised with TNF-α, IL-1β or desiccation. Furthermore, sPLA2-IIa stimulated inflammatory cytokine production in the ocular surface epithelial cell cultures in vitro. To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding the role of sPLA2-IIa as an inflammatory mediator in ocular surface inflammation. These findings indicate that sPLA2-IIa may play an important role in chronic ocular surface inflammation, especially when the ocular surface is compromised.
Multivariate meta-analysis of heterogeneous studies using only summary statistics: Efficiency and robustness

Meta-analysis has been widely used to synthesize evidence from multiple studies for common hypotheses or parameters of interest. However, it has not yet been fully developed for incorporating heterogeneous studies, which arise often in applications due to different study designs, populations, or outcomes. For heterogeneous studies, the parameter of interest may not be estimable for certain studies, and in such a case, these studies are typically excluded from conventional meta-analysis. The exclusion of part of the studies can lead to a nonnegligible loss of information. This article introduces a meta-analysis for heterogeneous studies by combining the confidence density functions derived from the summary statistics of individual studies, hence referred to as the CD approach. It includes all the studies in the analysis and makes use of all information, direct as well as indirect. Under a general likelihood inference framework, this new approach is shown to have several desirable properties, including: (i)...
On the Order of the Athenian Catalogues of Aiseitoi

Phlius the hierophant was not appointed for life (oZK iE' rv flov 7r vra 7rO8ELKrTaL). The implication that at Eleusis the hierophant was appointed for life is borne out by inscriptions such as the one concerning the old man Glaucus who died as hierophant after many years in office. On the other hand, the inscriptions never mention living men as exhierophants, ex-daduchi, ex-sacred-heralds or ex-altar-priests, except such altar priests as resigned to take the higher post of daduchus. Therefore, students have long been agreed that the hierophant, daduchus, sacred herald and altar priest, i.e. the incumbents of the four great Eleusinian priesthoods, held their office for life. (See, for example, P. Foucart, Les mysteres d'fleusis [Paris, 1914], 168-206, especially 171 for the hierophant and 203 for the sacred herald.) As far as I know, this interpretation of the evidence has never been refuted. Recently, however, this interpretation of the evidence has been repudiated without argument by J. A. Notopoulos ("Studies in the Chronology of Athens under the Empire," Hesperia XVIII [19491, 1-57, especially I and 23), who, asserting, in what he describes as a "systematic study," that the hierophant and sacred herald "occupy their office for an interval of one or more years, then vacate it only to be re-elected to it later," dresses a table of the catalogues of aiseitoi (the four great Eleusinian priests and various clerks and other functionaries entitled to public maintenance) in what purports to be a chronological order. It is possible that some students of Attic Epigraphy and of Roman Athens will welcome an opportunity to have the conservative point of view expressed, because the abundance of epigraphical material from the period 165-20io A.D. makes chronological precision a recurrent desideratum; and therefore I present here for the reader's choice an alternative table which is based on the assumption that in normal times the great Eleusinian priests had indeed permanence of tenure. The importance of the Eleusinian sanctuary in just this period endows the list with another and greater element of interest. After my table was compiled independently without much regard to
Raman and infrared spectra, conformational stability, barriers to internal rotation and ab initio calculations of acetyl isocyanate

Author Institution: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry., University of South Carolina
Guiding on the Edge (V~19): Results from an AO Survey of Very Low Mass Stars Searching for Extremely Faint Companions

Use of a highly sensitive curvature wavefront sensor (WFS) with avalanche photodiode (APD) detectors at the Gemini North telescope has allowed direct AO guiding on very low mass stars (V=18-20, I=14-16) producing 0.1” images in K’. This resolution (which is near to the 0.07” diffraction limit) has enabled us to conduct ground-based searches for substellar companions (<0.075 M) to within ~3 AU of their primary stars. We have been able to use the faint science targets themselves to close the AO loop. The key to this capability is the zero readout noise, photon-counting APDs used in the curvature WFS. The amplification of incident photons from low luminosity sources allows sufficient signal at the subapertures to reconstruct the aberrated wavefronts with relatively little reconstruction error. This is advantageous compared to typical Shack-Hartmann WFSs which require greater signal from their guide stars to compensate for their CCDs’ readout noise. The technique presented here is currently the only working one from the ground studying such cool and faint targets. Additionally, we report the discovery of 3 new binary stellar systems from a survey of 30 low mass stars (~0.095 M, spectral type M6.0-M7.5, V=18-20) at separations between 0.12-0.29” (3.5-8.3 AU) using this technique.
Primary Intraocular Lymphoma (ocular reticulum cell sarcoma) Diagnosis and Management

The authors retrospectively reviewed the diagnosis and management of 20 intraocular lymphoma patients who initially presented with either ocular or central nervous system (CNS) disease. As the ophthalmic community has become more aware of this entity, the interval between symptoms and diagnosis has significantly shortened. Diagnosis can usually be made on cytopathologic examination of vitreous cells. However, in three cases more than one vitreous biopsy was necessary. Results of cytologic examination appeared to be more accurate than those of conventional lymphocyte surface marker studies in the diagnosis of an intraocular lymphoma. Long-term survival occurred in some patients treated with a combination of intrathecal chemotherapy and ocular/CNS irradiation.
193 nm photodissociation of thiophene probed using synchrotron radiation

The photodissociation dynamics of thiophene, c-C4H4S, have been studied at 193 nm using tunable synchrotron undulator radiation as a universal product probe. Five primary dissociation channels have been observed, and the translational energy distributions and photoionization efficiency spectra have been recorded for all products. The evidence suggests that dissociation occurs on the ground-state surface following internal conversion.
Automatic temporal layout mechanisms

A traditional static document has a spatial layout that indicates where objects in the document appear. Because multimedia documents incorporate time, they also require a temporal layout, or schedule, that indicates when events in the document occur. This paper argues that multimedia document systems should provide mechanisms for automatically producing temporal layouts for documents. The major advantage of this approach is that it makes it easier for authors to create and modify multimedia documents. This paper constructs a framework for understanding automatic temporal formatters and explores the basic issues surrounding them. It also describes the Firefly multimedia document system, which has been developed to test the potential of automatic temporal formatting.
Sex differences in disease presentation in the emergency department.

The authors of this editorial argue that these findings underscore the importance of identifying and recognizing sex differences in disease presentation, particularly in the emergency department, where the time it takes to make a correct diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment can dramatically influence patient outcome.