cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sustainable intensification of corn silage cropping systems with winter rye

Winter rye (Secale cereale L.) is a popular cover crop in North Central United States for preventing soil erosion and nutrient losses, among other agronomic and ecosystem benefits. Winter rye can also be a high-quality spring forage option when double-cropped with corn silage (Zea mays L.), thus adding diversity to monocrop rotations. However, these sustainability-promoting benefits have potential trade-offs including soil nutrient immobilization and decreased corn yields. We hypothesized that winter rye would promote sustainable intensification of corn silage, as substantiated by decreased nitrogen budget and soil nitrate without yield loss. We also predicted that winter rye double-cropped and harvested as a forage would maintain total production (corn silage + rye harvest) compared to corn silage alone. This five-season study is representative of continuous corn silage systems in North Central United States, and Wisconsin specifically, distinguished by fall liquid dairy manure applications. Corn was planted after rye termination or harvest, and varying rates of nitrogen were applied to corn. As predicted, rye cover reduced preplant soil nitrate without affecting corn silage yield. Rye harvested as a forage crop reduced preplant and in-season soil nitrate, and total production equaled or exceeded corn silage yields without rye, despite a 13% decrease in corn silage yield. The 5-year nitrogen balance demonstrated almost 40% reduction in excess nitrogen in the rye forage system. This novel study demonstrated no cumulative or single-year agronomic limitations to winter rye implementation in manured, corn silage systems characteristic of North Central United States over a range of seasonal weather conditions. Furthermore, the dual use of rye as a cover crop conservation practice or harvested as a forage double-crop makes it agronomically advantageous and demonstrate potential for sustainable intensification in this system. This research is the first to show that sustainable intensification through double cropping dairy-based systems can increase high-quality biomass production while reducing nitrogen losses to the environment.
Bronchoscopy, laryngoscopy, and esophagoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background The United States now has the highest death toll due to COVID-19. Many otolaryngology procedures, including laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, and esophagoscopy, place otolaryngologists at increased risk of coronavirus transmission due to close contact with respiratory droplets and aerosolization from the procedure. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of guidelines on how to perform these procedures during the coronavirus pandemic. Methods Literature review was performed. Articles citing laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy use with regard to COVID-19 were included. Results Laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, and esophagoscopy are all used in both emergent and elective situations. Understanding the risk stratification of cases and the varied necessity of personal protective equipment is important in protecting patients and health care workers. Conclusions Summary guidelines based on the literature available at this time are presented in order to decrease transmission of the virus and protect those involved.
Role of Transgenic Bt -Crops in Promoting Biological Control and Integrated Pest Management

Since their commercial introduction in 1996 in the USA, the insect resistant transgenic Bt crops, notably Bt -cotton and Bt -corn, have given effective control of target pests and found overwhelming adoption in several countries. As of 2017, these Bt crops were cultivated in 14 countries on 100 m ha, including 11.4 m ha of Bt -cotton in India, which comprised 53% of 189.8 m ha of all GM crops grown in 24 countries. Such extensive cultivation of Bt crops, incorporated with genes derived from the soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt ), modified to express host-specific insecticidal crystalline (Cry) proteins, has resulted in higher crop yields by 22%, increased farmers’ profit by 68% and reduced chemical insecticide applications by 37%, thereby providing social, economic, health and environmental benefits. The reduced chemical sprays have contributed to conservation of parasitoids and predators leading to enhanced biological control in crop systems. Feeding tests carried out with predators like ladybird beetles and green lacewing and also with hymenopteran parasitoids have demonstrated Bt proteins to be safe to these natural enemies. The value of Bt crops in promoting biological control and integrated pest management is discussed.
Just beyond the reach of servitude: free black farmers in Antebellum South Carolina’s upcountry

South Carolina’s antebellum upcountry was home to a group of free black farmers who achieved meaningful degrees of economic security and whose lives mirrored those of some of their white neighbours...
One-pot in situ synthesis of poly(3-hexylthiophene)/vanadium oxide composites

Poly(3-hexylthiophene)/vanadium oxide composites were synthesized via a one-pot in situ method using oxidative polymerization and the non-hydrolytic sol–gel method. Reactions were performed at room temperature in two different solvent systems, chloroform and an 18:2 ratio of dichloromethane:nitrobenzene. Two different vanadium precursors, VCl3 and VOCl3, were investigated. Composites were characterized using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, powder X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy coupled with scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, and conductivity measurements. Molecular weights varied with solvent system and vanadium precursor, generally producing masses lower than pure polymer in each respective solvent system. Samples synthesized with VOCl3 produced higher molecular weight composites than their VCl3 counterparts; however, composites synthesized with the VCl3 precursor showed superior V retention. Conductivity measurements indicated improved performance in all composites with respect to their pure polymer counterparts, with improvements up to two orders of magnitude.
Upscaling Downtown: Interpersonal Dynamics of Nightlife Revelers in Geneva, New York

Bars have long been recognized as the intersection of a city’s culture and commerce. They provide opportunities for social interaction, contain a multitude of local memories, and serve as sources of identity. The American Revolution, the Whiskey Rebellion, and the Stonewall riots all developed out of local bars. So, what does it mean when the character of bars in a neighborhood begins to change? How do these changes to commercial spaces affect the social fabric of a city? Using a combination of ethnographic fieldwork and interviews, I explore the upscaling of the downtown bar scene in Geneva, New York to unpack what these commercial changes mean for the disparate groups that frequent the downtown space. I argue that instead of simply diversifying the types of businesses available to consumers in Geneva, this development has altered the very character and social fabric of downtown. Rather than creating an integrated and cohesive nightlife scene in which disparate groups come together in shared space and time, this development manifests in the fragmentation of the downtown scene in new ways that increase the segregation of people in social space.
The Other Side of Triage: When Access to Intensive Care Measures May Do More Harm than Good.

During periods of scarcity, or the fear of it, many health systems create or adopt triage protocols to determine how to best allocate limited resources. Interest in such protocols has become acute ...
Race and Drug Toxicity: A Study of Three Cardiovascular Drugs with Strong Pharmacogenetic Recommendations.

The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC®) establishes evidence-based guidelines for utilizing pharmacogenetic information for certain priority drugs. Warfarin, clopidogrel and simvastatin are cardiovascular drugs that carry strong prescribing guidance by CPIC. The respective pharmacogenes for each of these drugs exhibit considerable variability amongst different ethnic/ancestral/racial populations. Race and ethnicity are commonly employed as surrogate biomarkers in clinical practice and can be found in many prescribing guidelines. This is controversial due to the large variability that exists amongst different racial/ethnic groups, lack of detailed ethnic information and the broad geographic categorization of racial groups. Using a retrospective analysis of electronic health records (EHR), we sought to determine the degree to which self-reported race/ethnicity contributed to the probability of adverse drug reactions for these drugs. All models used individuals self-reporting as White as the comparison group. The majority of apparent associations between different racial groups and drug toxicity observed in the “race only” model failed to remain significant when we corrected for covariates. We did observe self-identified Asian race as a significant predictor (p = 0.016) for warfarin hemorrhagic events in all models. In addition, patients identifying as either Black/African-American (p = 0.001) or Other/Multiple race (p = 0.019) had a lower probability of reporting an adverse reaction than White individuals while on simvastatin even after correcting for other covariates. In both instances where race/ethnicity was predictive of drug toxicity (i.e., warfarin, simvastatin), the findings are consistent with the known global variability in the pharmacogenes described in the CPIC guidelines for these medications. These results confirm that the reliability of using self-identified race/ethnic information extracted from EHRs as a predictor of adverse drug reactions is likely limited to situations where the genes influencing drug toxicity display large, distinct ethnogeographic variability.
Back To Basics: Teaching The Statement Of Cash Flows

A conceptual foundation for the Statement of Cash Flows based on the ten elements of financial statements provides students with a deep understanding of core accounting concepts. Traditional methods of teaching the statement of cash flows tend to focus on statement preparation rules, masking the effect of business events on the change in cash. Accounting majors and non-majors alike both benefit from a clear understanding of the direct relationship between economic events and financial statement elements. This teaching note provides a conceptual illustration of the Statement of Cash Flows based on the ten elements of financial statements. The teaching method used is based on the belief that “keeping it simple” results in deeper understanding. This paper develops an equation for the Statement of Cash Flows directly from the Balance Sheet focusing on ten elements of financial statements. The equation analysis is followed by a flowchart illustrating the process and a simple numeric example.
Structure Determination of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus by X-ray Fiber Diffraction: Significance for the Evolution of Tobamoviruses

Abstract Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) is a rod-shaped virus of the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) group. The structure of cucumber green mottle mosaic virus has been determined by fiber diffraction methods at 3·4 A resolution, and refined by molecular dynamics methods to an R factor of 0·093. Disassembly of TMV is driven by the mutual repulsion of intersubunit carboxyl-carboxylate pairs, but one of these pairs is not conserved in CGMMV. An alternative pair, located about 5 A from the site of the TMV pair, has been found in CGMMV. Comparison of the two structures suggests that the carboxylate groups are free to migrate in the subunit interfaces during evolution.
A Universal Model of Legged Locomotion Gaits

Abstract Significant advances have occurred during the past two decades in issues related to the mechanical design of legged robots and the coordination and control of legs during locomotion. The performance of current legged robots, however, remains far below even their most simple counterparts in the biological world. Naturally, this has led to a search by researchers for biologically motivated approaches to the design and control of legged robots for the improvement of their performance and robustness. The use of central pattern generators is examined in this paper for the control of locomotion. In doing so, a mathematical model that has the ability to emulate arbitrary locomotion gaits is developed. A simple algorithm for encoding the characteristic gaits of bipeds, quadrupeds, and hexapeds is presented. Thereafter a locomotion control architecture is proposed for actually realizing the leg movements that correspond to various gaits. We conclude with a description of a hexaped robot that has been constructed for experimental work.
The Interdisciplinary Needs of Organizations. Are New Employees Adequately Equipped

This paper discusses the need for and possible resistance to interdiscplinary education and development in the US business schools today. In‐depth structured interviews were conducted with executives from 12 companies located in the Mid‐Atlantic states of the USA, each of which is included in the Fortune 1000 listing. Interview questions sought input on the appropriateness of recent new hires’ knowledge and skill level to meet organizational demands. Content analysis of interview responses produced five major content themes. These themes indicate that newly hired employees need to possess greater: communication skills in speaking, writing and interpersonal relations; team‐oriented skills; cross‐functional/ interdisciplinary perspective; change receptivity; and intercultural awareness. One approach for meeting these organizational needs and increased interdisciplinary interaction among the faculty is presented.
Quantum theory based on common relativity and fuzzy matrices as operators

Four-dimensional commutation relations and Hamiltonian dynamics with constraints are discussed. The invariant volume element |b|d3x/co in common relativity is employed to give a meaning to the invariant probability |ψI(xμ)|2 d4x in quantum theory. In fuzzy quantum mechanics, the co-ordinate and the momentum variables are “fuzzy continuous matrices” which can never be diagonalized. They have fuzzy values and fuzzy basic vectors which satisfy a new closure relation. Fuzzy matrices satisfy a new law of matrix multiplication. The values of a fuzzy dynamical variable cannot be experimentally measured with unlimited accuracy. In particular, a physically realizable wave packet must satisfy Δqmin ≈R≠0, whereR is a radical length, which characterizes the fuzziness of space at short distances. The modification of the superposition principle due to the radical lengthR≲10−18 cm is also discussed. The results do not contradict experiments.
Mercury chloride film anode

Abstract The Mercury Chloride Film Anode (MCFA) is proposed as a working anode which may have desirable proporties for oxidation of organic molecules. For many organic molecules it shows characteristics cornparable to the platinum electrode. It has a higher background overvoltage than the platinum electrode. The polarographic wave of p-nitroaniline is not obtained at a platinum elect rode. A wll-defined wave is observed at the MCFA at ca. 1.1 V i's. saturated calomel electrode. The sensitivity of the MCFA by voltage-scan is some 10 fold greater than that of chronopotentiometry. Preliminary experiments indicate that sensitivity may be enhanced by stirring of the solution.
160-Gb/s optical time division multiplexing and multicasting in parametric amplifiers

We report the generation of an optical time division multiplexed single data channel at 160 Gb/s using a one-pump fiber-optic parametric amplifier, and its subsequent multicasting. A two-pump fiber optic parametric amplifier was used to perform all-optical multicasting of 160 Gb/s channel to four data streams. New processing scheme combined the increase in signal extinction ratio and low-impairment multicasting using continuous-wave parametric pumps. Selective conjugation of 160 Gb/s was demonstrated for the first time.
Randomized controlled trial comparing four strategies for delivering e-curriculum to health care professionals [ISRCTN88148532]

Internet education is increasingly provided to health professionals, but little is known about the most effective strategies for delivering the content. The purpose of this study is to compare four strategies for delivering an Internet-based (e-) curriculum on clinicians' knowledge (K), confidence (CONF), and communication (COMM) about herbs and other dietary supplements (HDS). This national randomized 2 × 2 factorial trial included physicians, pharmacists, nurses, nutritionists and trainees in these fields. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four curriculum delivery strategies for 40 brief modules about HDS: a) delivering four (4) modules weekly over ten (10) weeks by email (drip-push); b) modules accessible on web site with 4 reminders weekly for 10 weeks (drip-pull); c) 40 modules delivered within 4 days by email (bolus-push); and d) 40 modules available on the Internet with one email informing participants of availability (bolus-pull). Of the 1,267 enrollees, 25% were male; the average age was 40 years. The completion rate was 62%, without significant differences between delivery groups. There were statistically significant improvements in K, CONF and COMM scores after the course (P<0.001 for all), although the difference in COMM was small. There were no significant differences in any of the three outcomes by delivery strategy, but outcomes were better for those who paid for continuing education credit. All delivery strategies tested similarly improved K, CONF, COMM scores about HDS. Educators can use the strategy that is most convenient without diminishing effectiveness. Additional curricula may be necessary to make substantial changes in clinicians' communication practices.
Mechanical and acid neutralizing properties and bacteria inhibition of amorphous calcium phosphate dental nanocomposite

Dental composites do not hinder bacteria colonization and plaque formation. Caries at the restoration margins is a frequent reason for replacement of existing restorations, which accounts for 50 to 70% of all restorations. The objectives of this study were to examine the filler level effect on nanocomposite containing nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) and investigate the load-bearing and acid-neutralizing properties and bacteria inhibition. NACP with 116-nm particle size were synthesized via a spray-drying technique and incorporated into a resin. Flexural strength of nanocomposite with 10 to 30% NACP fillers matched the strength of a commercial hybrid composite (p > 0.1). Nanocomposite with 40% NACP matched the strength of a microfill composite, which was 2-fold that of a resin-modified glass ionomer. Nanocomposite with 40% NACP neutralized a lactic acid solution of pH 4 by rapidly increasing the pH to 5.69 in 10 min. In contrast, the commercial controls had pH staying at near 4. Using Streptoccocus mutans, an agar disk-diffusion test showed no inhibition zone for commercial controls. In contrast, the inhibition zone was (2.5 ± 0.7) mm for nanocomposite with 40% NACP. Crystal violet staining showed that S. mutans coverage on nanocomposite was 1/4 that on commercial composite. In conclusion, novel calcium-phosphate nanocomposite matched the mechanical properties of commercial composite and rapidly neutralized lactic acid of pH 4. The nanocomposite appeared to moderately reduce the S. mutans growth, and further study is needed to obtain strong antimicrobial properties. The new nanocomposite may have potential to reduce secondary caries and restoration fracture, two main challenges facing tooth cavity restorations.
Inhibition of aortic aneurysm development in blotchy mice by beta adrenergic blockade independent of altered lysyl oxidase activity

Purpose: This study was designed to define the effects of β-adrenergic blockade on aortic lysyl oxidase (LO), an enzyme responsible for elastin and collagen cross-linking, and aneurysm formation in the blotchy mouse. It was hypothesized that β-blockade would inhibit the development of aneurysms because of its hemodynamic effect rather than a direct effect on LO activity. Methods: Three groups of mice were studied: group I—normal littermates of blotchy mice; group II—untreated blotchy mice; group III—blotchy mice given either propranolol, atenolol, or nadolol. Data from the three different beta blocker-treated animals, group III, were statistically identical and were combined for analysis. The study was concluded when the mice were 4 months of age. At that time systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and aortic diameters were measured, and the entire aorta from each mouse was subjected to a bioassay for LO activity. Results: Group I normal mice had an aortic arch diameter of 0.10±0.02 cm. Group II blotchy mice developed aortic arch aneurysms with a diameter of 0.21±0.03 cm. In Group III, β blockade reduced the aortic arch diameter in blotchy mice to 0.11±0.03 cm. Mean heart rate in group III β-blocked mice was reduced 25% compared with group I normal mice, and 18% compared with group II untreated blotchy mice. Blood pressures were similar in all three groups. Group II blotchy mice exhibited approximately half of the aortic LO activity (2.43±0.57 cpm/μg protein) noted in group I normal mice (5.82±1.06 cpm/μg protein). Aortic LO activity in group III blotchy mice remained low (2.09±0.85 cpm/μg protein) despite administration of β-blockers. Conclusions: This is the first study to document an actual decrease in the level of aortic LO activity in blotchy mouse. β-Blockade inhibits development of aortic aneurysms in blotchy mice. This is associated with a reduction in heart rate, but not by alterations in LO activity.
Autoradiographic localization of [3H]muscimol in the cat retina

In the cat retina, [3H]muscimol is localized in 5 morphologically distinct sub-populations of neurons with cell bodies in the amacrine layer and in other neurons located in the ganglion cell layer. Mu¨ller cells are unlabeled. The labeled subpopulations in the amacrine layer correspond to the subpopulations which also exhibit preferential uptake of [3H]GABA. The [3H]muscimol-labeled cells include interplexiform cells and type-AI reciprocal amacrine cells.
Frequency-domain optical coherence tomography based on minimum-phase functions

We present a simple processing technique that uses the concept of minimum-phase functions to improve frequency-domain optical coherence tomography systems. Our novel approach removes the auto-correlation noise and therefore increases both the accessible depth range and the recovery accuracy. Furthermore it provides a better axial resolution. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the concept of minimum-phase functions has been applied to improve optical coherence tomography.
Aldonate coupling, a simple procedure for the preparation of carbohydrate-protein conjugates for studies of carbohydrate-binding proteins.

Abstract Aldonate coupling a new, high-yield method for conjugation of reducing oligosaccharides to proteins is described. It involves oxidation of the oligosaccharides to their corresponding aldonic acids followed by coupling to amino functions of proteins by activation of carboxyl groups with a water-soluble carbodiimide derivative. The immunochemical properties of some of these synthetic glycoproteins were assessed using several plant agglutinins (lectins) as well as antibodies raised to the conjugates. The scope and limitation of the method are discussed.
Outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation of acute proximal pole scaphoid fractures

Background Proximal pole scaphoid fractures are less common than waist fractures, and successful management can be difficult. We hypothesize that time to union is increased by delays in surgical fixation, greater initial displacement, and higher energy mechanisms of injury.
Responses to conspecifics' urine by the degu (Octodon degus)

In nature the degu has been observed to deposit and to investigate scents. This study employed a captive group of these animals to investigate their responses to conspecific urinary marks in a neutral arena. Both sex classes served as subjects. They were presented with urine obtained from males, from females and a saline control. The females were found to be more active in responding. On the basis of sniffing frequency, they exhibited greater discriminative abilities than did the males. The urine from female donors was sniffed more frequently by all subjects. The frequency of approaching a mark and the time spent in the vicinity of a stimulus are interpreted as being investigatory responses. It seems that the marks deposited by females have a greater salience and that females are more sensitive to olfactory stimuli.
Effect of nitazoxanide on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected neonatal dairy calves

Cryptosporidium is a zoonotic protozoan that is most often diagnosed in association with diarrhea in 1- to 3-wk-old dairy calves. There are neither consistently effective nor approved antimicrobial drugs for treatment in animals. The objective of this study was to test nitazoxanide (NTZ) as a treatment for cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dairy calves. A randomized, controlled, and blinded trial was performed using Holstein bull calves obtained from a large commercial dairy. All births were attended by study personnel and calves were fed 4 L of heat-treated colostrum within 1 h of birth. Calves were randomly assigned to treatment or placebo group and maintained for a 32-feeding (16 d) study period. Twenty-three calves were enrolled with 3 lost to follow up. Thirteen calves were assigned to the treatment group and 7 calves to the placebo group. All calves were inoculated with 1 x 10(6) viable Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts at feeding 3. Treatment was a commercially available NTZ product and the placebo was the carrier of the same product. Nitazoxanide was administered at 1.5 g twice per day for 5 d. Nitazoxanide or placebo treatment began after feeding 10 and when the fecal score was greater than 1 out of 3. Outcome measurements included twice-daily fecal and health scores and a once-daily oocyst count by an immunofluorescent antibody assay. Data were analyzed by nonparametric and time-to-event methods. Measures of passive transfer of antibodies, initial body weight, and onset of oocyst shedding were not different between treatment and control calves. Eighty-five percent of the NTZ-treated calves stopped shedding oocysts by the end of the observation period whereas only 15% of the placebo group stopped shedding. The median number of feedings with a fecal score equal to 3 was 2 in the NTZ group while it was 6 in the placebo group. Calves receiving NTZ were 0.13 times as likely to have severe and sustained diarrhea than control calves (95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.98). Treating calves with NTZ reduced the duration of oocyst shedding and improved fecal consistency.
Negotiation skills of Children With Specific Language Impairment

This study examined the ability of 6 children with specific language impairment (SLI), ages 8; 10 to 12;5 (yr; mon) to participate in a negotiation sequence with 2 same-age peers in triadic interactions. Negotiation sequences were analyzed using a system based on Selman's interpersonal negotiation strategies (INS) model (Selman, 1981). The negotiation skills of children with SLI were compared to those of 6 children matched for chronological age (CA) and 6 children of similar language (LS) abilities, participating in the same task. Children with SLI did not produce significantly fewer utterances than the partners with whom they interacted. However, they did produce a significantly smaller percentage of the negotiation strategies produced by their triads. They also used developmentally lower level strategies than either of the partners in their triads. Children interacting within the CA and LS triads did not produce similar differences.
Reliable Process Monitoring Through Tool Optimization Leads to Yield Improvement

Hard drive manufacturers need a consistent and reliable monitoring process to ensure product quality at all stages in the manufacturing process. This paper discusses the problems associated with inspection tool matching and the related solutions used to accurately measure defects and other metrics at any part of the process. A systematic approach to solving tool matching issues involves adjustment of the hardware as well as the optimization of the software used for defect inspection. Correlation of tools and process monitoring equipment is a major factor in yield management
An Ancient Gauge for Iron

A protein with a domain that binds to oxygen and iron acts as a sensor to control iron metabolism in human cells.
Borderline and locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma margin accentuation with intraoperative irreversible electroporation.

Introduction Complete tumor extirpation (R0 resection) remains the best possibility for long-term survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Unfortunately, approximately 80% of patients are not amenable to resection at diagnosis either because of metastatic (40%) or locally advanced disease (40%). Recent reports of irreversible electroporation (IRE), a high-voltage, short-pulse, cellular energy ablation device, have shown the modality to be safe and potentially beneficial to prognosis. IRE to augment/accentuate the margin during pancreatic resection for certain locally advanced pancreatic cancers has not been reported. Methods Patients with locally advanced/borderline resectable pancreatic cancer who underwent pancreatectomy with margin accentuation with IRE were followed in a prospective, institutional review board–approved database from July 2010 to January 2013. Data regarding local recurrence, margin status, and survival were evaluated. Results A total of 48 patients with locally advanced pancreatic/borderline cancers underwent pancreatectomy, including pancreatoduodenectomy (58%), subtotal pancreatectomy (35%), distal pancreatectomy (4%), and total pancreatectomy (4%), with IRE margin accentuation of the superior mesenteric artery and/or the anterior margin of the aorta. Most patients had undergone induction therapy with 33 patients (69%) receiving chemoradiation therapy and 18 patients chemotherapy for a median of 6 months (range, 4–13) before resection. A majority (54%) required vascular resection. A total of 9 patients (19%), sustained 21 complications with a median grade of 2 (range, 1–3), with a median duration of stay of 7 days (range, 4–58). With median follow-up of 24 months, 3 (6%) have local recurrence, with a median survival of 22.4 months. Conclusion Simultaneous intraoperative IRE and pancreatectomy can provide an adjunct to resection in patients with locally advanced disease. Long-term follow-up has demonstrated a small local recurrence rate that is lower than expected. Continued optimization in multimodality therapy and consideration of appropriate patients could translate into a larger subset that could be treated effectively.
Unemployment and compensating wages: an analysis of shift work

Compensating wages have been documented for a number of job attributes including working non-standard hours. Using data that aggregates across occupations, our analysis confirms a wage premium for working night shifts. However, the compensating wage is greater in areas where unemployment is low, suggesting that employers are less pressured to compensate for night shifts when employment opportunities are relatively scarce. If this result holds for other undesirable work characteristics, such as risk of death on the job, then weak labor markets will have lower compensating wages in general.
Optimal control of the Shuttle-Tethered-Subsatellite system

Alternate control laws based on an application of the linear regulator problem are developed for possible use in the operation of the Shuttle-Tethered-Subsatellite system. Control is assumed to be provided only by modulating the tension level in the tether as a function of the difference between actual and commanded tether line length, length rate, in (orbital) plane swing angle and swing angle rate. Necessary and sufficient conditions for stability of the (linear) system motion in the vicinity of its nominal local vertical orientation are developed. By proper selection of the state and control penalty matrices it is possible to obtain faster responses with no increase in maximum power levels for use in station keeping when compared with alternate control strategies. The weighting matrices are adjusted in a piecewise adaptive manner to provide control law gains in order to achieve a smooth deployment history. Successful retrieval is dependent mainly on the initial conditions and the rate at which the commanded length is reduced.
The Primacy of the Present: Metaphysical Ballast or Phenomenological Finding?

In this paper I argue that the primacy of the present in Husserl’s philosophy is not an unquestioned ballast inherited from the tradition of metaphysics but rather a genuinely phenomenological discovery. First, I explore the present of things and argue that the phenomenological primacy of the present in this domain should be understood in terms of what Husserl calls “affection.” Strictly speaking originary affection and associative syntheses (as the most basic phenomena for the givenness of things) can only take place in the present or starting from the present. Second, I consider the present in the egological sphere and analyze its primacy for both the transcendental and the personal ego. Finally, I move to the experience of the other and argue that only the perception of the other’s body in the present gives rise to an authentic empathic experience as the experience of the other’s governing in his own body.
The importance of bacterial sepsis in intensive care unit patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: implications for future care in the age of increasing antiretroviral resistance.

Objective To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Design An observational cohort study with retrospective chart review. Setting ICU of an urban university medical center. Patients Consecutive ICU admissions of patients with AIDS at an urban university medical center between December 1993 and June 1996. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results For each patient, we recorded ICU admission diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and outcome. Among 129 ICU admissions of patients with AIDS, 102 (79%) were admitted for infections, of which (45%) had infections caused by bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and other enteric pathogens were the most frequent isolates. Pneumonia accounted for 65% of 102 admissions for infections. Overall hospital mortality was 54%, but mortality was higher (68%) for patients with bacterial sepsis. Neutropenia was associated with differences in unadjusted survival rates, whereas CD4 counts were not. Independent predictors of hospital mortality included increasing acute physiology scores and severity of sepsis. Conclusions In our ICU, among patients with AIDS, sepsis resulting from bacterial infection is now a more frequent cause of admission than Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Severity of illness and the presence of severe sepsis were the clinical predictors most associated with increased mortality. Patients who are not receiving or responding to highly active antiretroviral therapy may become as likely to be admitted to an ICU with a treatable bacterial infection as with classic opportunistic infections. Therefore, broad-spectrum empirical antibacterial therapy is particularly important when the etiology of infection is uncertain.
Fault tolerance of neural networks with noisy training sets

It is well established that training backpropagation networks with noisy training sets increases the generalization capabilities of the network. Since input set noise is somewhat analogous to faults in the network, networks trained on noisy inputs should exhibit fault tolerance superior to that of similar networks trained on non-noisy inputs. This paper presents results of a study to determine the effect of noisy training sets on fault tolerance. Backpropagation was used to train three sets of networks on 7 X 7 numeral patterns. One set was the control and used noiseless inputs and the other two used two different noisy cases. Several network examples were trained for each of the three cases (no noise, 10% noise, and 20% noise). The noise was injected into each training image uniformly at random, and took the form of toggled (0 to 1 and 1 to 0) pixel values in the binary input images. After learning was complete, the networks were tested for their fault tolerance to stuck-at-1 and stuck-at-0 element faults, as well as weight connection faults. The networks trained on noisy inputs had substantially better fault tolerance than the network trained on noiseless inputs.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Multidetector single-photon emission tomography: are two (or three or four) heads really better than one?

Today, almost every camera sold, with the exception of mobile systems, is “single-photon emission tomography-capable”. The atest technical development is the so-called multidetector systems. This article reviews the development and current and potential clinical role of these multidetector systems, with particular emphasis on multicamera systems. The utility of multidetector systems is considered in the context of an image's signal-to-noise ratio, including its effect on diagnostic or quantitative accuracy. The potential for multidetector systems to increase the signal-to-noise ratio is discussed, as are other potential benefits. Finally, advice on an approach to equipment selection is provided.
Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava Filters in High-Risk Trauma and Surgical Patients: Factors Influencing Successful Removal

An Inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) provides prophylaxis against pulmonary embolism in patients that cannot be anticoagulated. A removable IVCF (R-IVCF) provides prophylaxis during a high-risk period while potentially eliminating long-term complications associated with a permanent IVCF. Factors influencing success of R-IVCF removal are ill-defined. The study was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained patient registry comprising patients who received an R-IVCF (Bard RecoveryTM and G2TM) at an academic level 1 trauma center. The influence of time in vivo, filter design, and filter head position on computed abdominal tomographic (CAT) scan (touching caval wall vs. free) on removal success was examined. Ninety-two patients each received an R-IVCF. Thirty-nine patients underwent removal attempt and 30 R-IVCFs were removed. Time in vivo did not affect removal success (success: 228 ± 104 days versus unsuccessful: 289 ± 158 days, p = 0.18). Filter design impacted filter head position (Recovery: 43% touching versus G2: 6% touching, p = 0.023). Position of the filter head influenced removal success (touching: 50% success versus free: 88% success, p = 0.021). Position of the filter head is the key determinant of removal success. Specific device designs may impact filter head position as was the case with the two designs in this analysis. Time in vivo does not affect removal success.
Effect of hyperapo B LDL on cholesterol esterification in THP-1 macrophages

Abstract Hyperapobetalipoproteinemia (hyperapo B), a common disorder associated with coronary artery disease, is characterized by an increased number of small, dense, low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. The cellular mechanisms responsible for early atherosclerosis in hyperapo B are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that hyperapo B LDL may be preferentially metabolized through an LDL receptor independent pathway promoting the accumulation of cellular cholesteryl ester (CE). THP-1 macrophages have little inducible LDL receptor activity after differentiation with phorbol esters and are, therefore, suitable for assessing non-LDL receptor mediated uptake of lipoproteins. LDL isolated from hyperapo B donors was found to have significantly lower total cholesterol to protein ratio ( P = 0.03), higher average density ( P = 0.0001) and smaller particle diameter ( P = 0.016) compared with normal (control) LDL. LDL (250 μg lipoprotein-protein/ml) from normal ( n = 11) and hyperapo B ( n = 18) subjects were incubated for 24 h with THP-1 macrophages. The mean (S.D.) CE accumulation was 6.2 (3.6) for the normal and 6.4 (2.6) for the hyperapo B LDL ( P = 0.84). CE accumulation in cells incubated with malondialdehyde modified (MDA) LDL, or without added lipoprotein, was 18.2 (2.0) and 0.6 (0.7), respectively. CE mass accumulation was significantly correlated with time (6–48 h) of incubation and concentration (100–500 μg/ml) of LDL protein ( P 14 C]oleate into CE (nmol/mg cell protein per 6 h) in THP-1 macrophages incubated with normal or hyperapo B LDL (0.238 (0.045) vs. 0.211 (0.046)); results were comparable in human monocyte-derived (HMD) macrophages (0.298 (0.037) vs. 0.258 (0.022)). Also, mean (S.D.) cellular uptake and degradation (ng 125 I/mg cell protein per h) in THP macrophages of normal and hyperapo B LDL were similar (uptake: 18 (14) vs. 12 (6.0); degradation: 58 (32) vs. 44 (8)). In summary: (1) hyperapo B LDL did not stimulate the accumulation of cellular CE via LDL receptor independent pathways in THP-1 macrophages, (2) normal and hyperapo B LDL stimulation of CE synthesis is similar in THP-1 and HMD macrophages and (3) no differences in cellular uptake and degradation of normal and hyperapo B LDL were observed in THP macrophages.
Uveoretinitis in rabbits following immunization with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein.

Interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) is a glycoprotein found in the interphotoreceptor matrix between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium and is thought to shuttle retinol among cells that border the interphotoreceptor space. Immunization of rabbits with bovine IRBP caused subsequent photoreceptor degeneration, as documented by light- and electron microscopy. Beginning on post-injection day 18, scattered regions had photoreceptor outer segments that were disorganized and shortened or absent. Macrophages were found between the retinal pigment epithelium and neurosensory retina and within choroidal interstitium and blood vessels. Labeling of these cells with a marker specific for monocytic macrophages (RAM11) and absence of labeling with a marker for retinal pigment epithelium (rabbit anti-bovine cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein) suggest that these macrophages were hematogenous in origin. Staining of retinas with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated sheep anti-rabbit IgG revealed leakage of rabbit IgG into the interphotoreceptor matrix on and after day 18 in experimental animals but not in controls, suggesting breakdown of the outer blood-retinal barrier. Indirect immunofluorescence with anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein revealed labeling of Muller cells in experimental retinas on and after day 18, but not in control or shorter survival experimental retinas. There were foci of increased cellularity in the choroid on days 18, 26 and 39. From days 26 through 67, the retinal pathology became more widespread. Varying degrees of outer-segment degeneration were present in all parts of the retina and in many areas there was total loss of outer segments and loss of some photoreceptor-cell bodies. The inner retina appeared unaffected in all experimental and control retinas. These results demonstrate that injection of rabbits with bovine IRBP causes retinal photoreceptor degeneration as anti-IRBP titers increase and breakdown of the outer blood-retinal barrier ensues. Further studies will be required to elucidate factor(s) that control accessibility of the neurosensory retina to circulating antibodies against IRBP and other intrinsic retinal proteins.
A REVIEW OF INTRAEXAMINER AND INTEREXAMINER RELIABILITY OF STATIC SPINAL PALPATION: A LITERATURE SYNTHESIS

Abstract Objective The purposes of this study were to locate articles that assessed the reliability of static palpation of the spine and sacroiliac joints, to appraise the quality of these studies, and synthesize their results. Methods A structured literature search was conducted of chiropractic and medical databases PubMed, Manual Alternative and Natural Therapy System, Index to Chiropractic Literature, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature from 1965 through October 2007. Reference sections were inspected for additional citations. Only peer-reviewed articles in English containing information about static palpation of the spine or sacroiliac joints were selected. The resulting studies were appraised for quality by both of the authors using a 6-point scale instrument developed to assess the quality of reproducibility studies. Results The search generated 343 citations, and another 7 were harvested from the reference lists. After removing articles not meeting the inclusion criteria, 29 were retained. A total of 14 studies focused on the reliability of locating painful or tender points, 10 on the location of landmarks, and 5 on position or alignment of bone structures. A higher proportion of studies that assessed painful or tender points reported acceptable levels of reliability. However, there were no significant differences between methods of palpation when considering the proportions of high-quality studies that reported good reliability. Thus, no form of static palpation could be considered to be superior. Conclusion Reported indices of agreement were generally low. More of the pain palpation studies reported acceptable κ levels, although no one method of palpation could be deemed clearly superior.
N-Acetyl Cysteine, a Glutamate-Modulating Agent, in the Treatment of Pathological Gambling: A Pilot Study

Background Although pathological gambling (PG) is relatively common, pharmacotherapy research for PG is limited. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), an amino acid, seems to restore extracellular glutamate concentration in the nucleus accumbens and therefore offers promise in reducing addictive behavior. Methods Twenty-seven subjects (12 women) with DSM-IV PG were treated in an 8-week open-label trial of NAC with responders (defined as a ≥ 30% reduction in Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling [PG-YBOCS] total score at end point) randomized to 6 weeks of double-blind NAC or placebo. Results The PG-YBOCS scores decreased from a mean of 20.3 ± 4.1 at baseline to 11.8 ± 9.8 at the end of the open-label phase ( p Conclusions The efficacy of NAC lends support to the hypothesis that pharmacological manipulation of the glutamate system might target core symptoms of reward-seeking addictive behaviors such as gambling. Larger, longer, placebo-controlled double-blind studies are warranted.
Eigenvalue comparisons for boundary value problems of the discrete beam equation

We study the behavior of all eigenvalues for boundary value problems of fourth-order difference equations Δ4y i = λai+2yi+2, -1≤i≤n-2, y0 = Δ2y-1 = Δy n = Δ3yn-1 = 0, as the sequence varies. A comparison theorem of all eigenvalues is established for two sequences and with a j ≥ b j , 1 ≤ j ≤ n, and the existence of positive eigenvector corresponding to the smallest eigenvalue of the problem is also obtained in this paper.
Flavonols from the leaves of Cathestecum prostratum

Abstract The major flavonoids of the leaves of Cathestecum prostratum are a series of O -glycosides of the flavonols quercetin and kaempferol, compounds which rarely occur in grasses. The only C -glycosylflavone detected appears to be a vicenin derivative, and it is present in trace amounts.