cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Sudden Death in Different Realities: Can We Reach a Consensus?

Sudden death presents a challenge to the North American electrophysiology community which is unmet at many levels. Innovations in medical care over the past two decades have decreased the numbers and perhaps the characteristics of those who suffer sudden death. However, current data suggests that patients who survive a malignant cardiac arrhythmia are being undertreated in most areas of the world including North America. More importantly, survivors of malignant arrhythmias and candidates for prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) constitute only a small percentage of those patients who will die in the United States.
Variability in the Duration and Thoroughness of Hand Hygiene

We observed 354 hand hygiene instances across 41 healthcare workers doffing personal protective equipment at 4 hospital-based biocontainment units. We measured the duration and thoroughness of each hand hygiene instance. Both parameters varied substantially, with systematic differences between hospitals and differences between healthcare workers accounting for much of the variance.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing and Prescription of Exercise

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a vital sign and being physically active is a preventive and therapeutic strategy to prevent and treat disease, especially cardiovascular disease. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), when performed according to recommended guidelines by qualified personnel, is the gold standard for assessing CRF and is a valuable, although underutilized tool in the prescription of aerobic exercise. With the population in many countries living longer lives, individuals are living with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other chronic conditions for a longer time, placing more importance on the extension of time free of the deleterious effects of chronic disease and a higher quality of life. CVD remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the western world and the leading cause of preventive death. Although physical activity meets the highest standards for American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations for CV health, most people still do not exercise or meet the guidelines of 150 minutes per week of moderate to high intensity exercise. Many begin an exercise program only to stop exercising after a short time. Individuals cease exercise programs because of lack of time and/or enjoyment, discomfort and/or injury. Regular physical activity is an established component of secondary prevention and therapy in patients with CVD (i.e., cardiac rehabilitation). Those with CVD who do exercise tend to exercise at either too low or too high exercise intensities and volumes. An individualized exercise prescription based on the results of CPET may have the potential to resolve some of these issues while also increasing safety and improving health and fitness outcomes for those with and without CVD. This chapter reviews the available evidence and strategies on CPET and exercise prescription for those with and without CVD.
Tonsillectomy in multiple sclerosis patients: Retrospective, case-controlled, exploratory study.

Abstract Background Previous studies have shown an effect of tonsillectomy and greater risk for future autoimmune diseases. Currently there are only few outdated analyses of tonsillectomy and multiple sclerosis (MS) risk. Objective To investigate the prevalence of tonsillectomy in MS patients and healthy controls (HCs). Methods A total of 1000 subjects (779 MS patients and 221 HCs) completed a structured study questionnaire regarding MS diagnosis, age of onset, history of tonsillectomy, and age of tonsillectomy. In a subgroup of patients with available electronic medical records, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores at the time of recruitment and 5-years later were collected. Statistical analyses were performed with χ2 test, odds ratio (OR), Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and ordinal regression.. Results The MS population had a greater percentage of patients with history of tonsillectomy when compared to HCs [39.5% vs. 31.7%, OR 1.411 (CI 1.027–1.938), p = 0.034], driven by participants aged 50 or older [45.7% vs. 36.1%, OR 1.495 (CI 1.037–2.155) p = 0.031]. There was no difference of the age at tonsillectomy (median 8.0 vs. 6.5 years old, p = 0.26). However, the RRMS patients had their tonsillectomy procedure performed significantly later when compared to HCs (median 6.5 vs. 9.0 years old, p = 0.049). In an analysis of RRMS patients with available longitudinal data (n = 459), patients with a history of tonsillectomy were significantly older and had a longer disease duration (p Conclusion When compared to HCs, a greater percentage of MS patients underwent tonsillectomy. The role of tonsils, its relationship with early infection rates and/or antibiotic use in MS should be further investigated.
Three Dimensional Printing

This case describes how eight entrepreneurs discover different opportunities for new businesses to exploit a single technological invention. The case focuses on the process of entrepreneurial discovery and its implications for the creation of new firms. Much of the teaching materials on entrepreneurship assume that entrepreneurs have already discovered an opportunity. While these materials provide useful information about the process of creating new enterprises, they miss the crucial first step in the entrepreneurial process: identifying an opportunity. The case illustrates the theoretical concept of the role of information in the discovery of entrepreneurial opportunities. It can be used in a class on entrepreneurship or management of technology.
All Americans are Not Perceived as “True” Americans: Implications for Policy:

The United States is a nation of immigrants with significant ethnic and racial diversity. Yet, American identity is associated with European-Americans and their cultural values, defining ethnic min...
What’s New in Orthopaedic Trauma

This update presents a synopsis of the most clinically relevant high-quality studies related to orthopaedic trauma from the past twelve months. Key methods (♦), results (➢), and take-home points (✶) for these studies are presented. A number of comparative and cohort studies presented data on alternative methods of clavicular and proximal humeral fracture fixation. Comparative functional outcome data from these studies are presented in Table I. View this table: TABLE I Data from Studies on Clavicular and Proximal Humeral Fracture Fixation ### Clavicular Fractures #### Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Versus Nonoperative Treatment ♦ Sixty patients with displaced midshaft clavicular fractures were randomized to either nonoperative treatment (n = 32) or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) (n = 28)1. ➢ The rate of nonunion was 24% in the nonoperative group and 0% in the ORIF group. However, there were no differences in the Constant score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, or pain at one year (Table I). ✶ Nonoperative treatment of displaced clavicular shaft fractures is associated with a higher nonunion rate than ORIF, but the outcomes in terms of function and pain are similar. #### Outcomes After Hook Plating of Lateral Fractures ♦ Thirty-six patients who were managed with hook plates for the treatment of lateral clavicular fractures were evaluated after a median duration of follow-up of twenty-eight months2. ➢ Ninety-five percent of the fractures healed, and ninety-two percent of the patients required reoperation for plate removal. The Oxford and Constant shoulder scores improved after plate removal, and improvement was greater if plate removal was performed prior to six months (Table I). ✶ Lateral clavicular fractures that are treated with a hook plate have high union rates, and plate removal prior to six months is recommended. ### Proximal Humeral Fractures #### Hemiarthroplasty Versus Nonoperative Treatment ♦ A prospective randomized trial in the Netherlands compared hemiarthroplasty with nonoperative treatment for patients with four-part proximal humeral fractures3. Twenty-five patients were included …
Playing Make-Believe with #homemadeDisney Pandemic Ride Videos

In response to the closing of the Walt Disney theme parks at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, fans of Disneyland and Walt Disney World produced videos re-creating their favorite rides and attractions for a viral social media trend dubbed #homemadeDisney. The typically short (usually 30–90 seconds) videos from #homemadeDisney turned ‘guests’ into ‘cast members’ (staff) and smartphone owners into living room ‘imagineering’ ride designers. Participants engaged in a form of shared make-believe (Walton 1990) by assembling household objects as props, improvising ride elements, and performing as theme parkgoers for one another. The extensive collection of social media videos analyzed for this article reveals how fans interpreted attractions through a shared mimetic grammar (Milner 2016), the ride aesthetic (Telotte 2008), and the playful nature of the theme park experience.
The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on the Overall Wellbeing of Children: A Review for the Pediatric Surgeon

Abstract Disparities in health care access, quality, and outcomes for pediatric patients, and their relationship to race and socioeconomic status (SES) have been extensively documented. The underlying causes behind such disparities have been less carefully studied, as clinicians and researchers often fail to look past immutable features such as race, into modifiable factors like social determinants of health (SDOH). A child's environment affects their patterns of social engagement, sense of security, and overall well-being. Resources such as affordable housing, access to education, public safety, and availability of healthy foods and safe play spaces impact and enhance quality of life, and have significant influence on both health and health care outcomes. These upstream indicators are often unrecognized or misidentified as health concerns. Few pediatric surgery publications discuss SDOH and their effects on children. This paper aims to introduce the five domains of SDOH (economic stability, education, social and community context, health and healthcare, and neighborhood and built environment) along with strategies to identify and address needs in these domains from a provider, hospital, and health system's perspective. It is anticipated that this information will serve as a foundation for pediatric surgeons to understand and develop processes that ameliorate disparities related to SDOH and improve surgical outcomes and the well-being of all children.
Characterization of nanostructures in a high pressure die cast Al-Si-Cu alloy

Abstract Several interesting nanostructures of high pressure die cast commercial Al-Si-Cu alloy (A383) were characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT). The refinement of the eutectic Si, which was caused by Sr addition, was found to be associated with the formation of nano-Al particles (∼5 nm), with Cu partitioning (up to 5 at. %) at the Al/Si interface, within the eutectic Si. Direct observation of Sr segregation (0.4 at. %) at the interface between the eutectic Al and refined eutectic Si was achieved using APT. It is proposed that Sr refines the eutectic Si by restricting the growth of Si. Interestingly, the segregation of Mg (10.2 at. %) and Cu (0.9 at. %) is also present at the interface between the eutectic Al and the refined eutectic Si. Moreover, the presence of nano-Si particles (∼20 nm) in the primary Al was characterized in the primary Al via APT. Segregations of Mg (2.9 at. %) and Cu (2.8 at. %) were also found at the interface between the primary Al and the nano-Si particles. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to assess the driving force for the segregation behavior of Cu and Mg at the Al/Si interface. DFT results also suggest that the segregation of Cu and Mg slightly decreases the cohesive energy of Al/Si interface but is a function of the length scale of the interface.
Biaxial Bending Tests with or without Torsion

The results of an elastic and inelastic experimental study of biaxially loaded thin-walled mild steel beams with or without torsion have been presented. Laboratory tests conducted on 24 I-section beams with different lengths, cross-sectional orientations, and loading arrangements show good agreement with the theory presented previously by the writers. It is found that for a biaxially loaded beam with or without torsion, the load-carrying capacity about a stronger axis may be quite sensitive to the magnitude of loads applied or induced about the orthogonal weak axis. Also, the presence of a torque may reduce dramatically the bending moment capacity of a biaxially loaded beam.
Sleep Profiles of Insomnia and Hypnotic Drug Effectiveness

In recent years there has been an increasing emphasis on using the sleep laboratory to evaluate sleep disorders (Kales and Kales 1972, Kales 1973, Kales and Kales 1974). In our Sleep Research and Treatment Facility which includes a Sleep Laboratory and Sleep Disorders Clinic, we have used a multidimensional approach in evaluating the most prevalent sleep disorder— insomnia. This approach has included epidemiological research, psychological evaluation and treatment, the evaluation of sleep patterns in insomniac subjects, the evaluation of the effects of hypnotic drugs on sleep stages and the assessment of hypnotic drug effectiveness, that is, pharmacological treatment. These varied studies have provided comprehensive profiles of the insomniac patient and of the action of hypnotic drugs (Kales and Kales 1972 and 1974).
Efficacy of 180 versus 360 Degrees of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty on Lowering Intraocular Pressure

EFFICACY OF 180 VS. 360 DEGREES OF SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY ON LOWERING INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE. Robert H. McGlynn (Sponsored by M. Bruce Shields). Department of Ophthalmology, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT The purpose of this study was to determine if the application of 360° of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) to the trabecular meshwork (TM) is more effective than 180° in the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma. This issue was addressed in the form of a retrospective chart review of patients treated consecutively with SLT for primary open angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Patients were treated with either 180° of SLT by Dr. Wand or 360° by Dr. Martone using a 532nm, Q-switched, frequency doubled Nd:Yag laser. Only the initial treatment with SLT of a given eye was analyzed. There were 108 patients per group. Patient age, type of glaucoma, history of previous argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), number of medications, lens status and visual acuity pre-and post-treatment and the number and power of laser spots were compared between the treatment groups. The mean IOP from three consecutive visits prior to treatment was compared with post-operative IOPs measured at 1 hour, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Patients were classified as responders if the three month postoperative IOP was reduced by more than or equal to 3 mmHg compared to baseline. At three months post-op the 360° group had a response rate of 60% and a mean IOP drop of 3.6 mmHg (17.8%). The 180° group had a response rate of 29% with a mean IOP drop of 1.5 mmHg (7.5%). The number of preand post-treatment medications, eye treated, gender, phakic status, number of spots delivered and pre-op IOP were equivalent for the two study groups. The 180° group subjects had more overall energy delivered during treatment and had had previous ALT more frequently than the 360° group. The 180° group also was significantly older and was less likely to have non-open angle glaucoma. This study suggests that with a 2.1 mmHg greater drop in IOP and 31% greater response rate at three months post-op 360 degrees of SLT is more effective in lowering intraocular pressure than 180 degrees.
Light-induced proton uptake by photosynthetic reaction centers from Rhodobacter sphaeroides R-26.1: II. Protonation of the state DQAQ2−B

Abstract Proton uptake associated with the two-electron reduction of Q B was investigated in reaction centers (RCs) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides R-26.1 using pH-sensitive dyes. An uptake of two protons was observed at pH ≦ 7.5, consistent with the formation of the dihydroquinone Q B H 2 . At higher pH, the proton uptake decreased with an apparent p K a of approx. 8.5, i.e., to 1.5 H + /2 e − at pH 8.5. A molecular model is presented in which the apparent p K a is due to the protonation of either the carbonyl oxygen on Q B or of an amino acid residue near Q B (e.g., His-L190). Experimental evidence in favor of the protonation of the oxygen is discussed. The kinetics of the electron transfer from Q − A Q − B to Q A Q 2− B and the associated proton uptake were compared at several pH values and temperatures. At pH 8.5 (21.5°C) the rate constants for the proton uptake and electron transfer are the same within the precision of the measurement. At lower pH, the proton uptake rate constant is smaller than that for electron transfer. The difference between the rate constants is temperature dependent, i.e., it varies from 12 ± 4% at 21.5°C (pH 7.5) to 28 ± 4% at 4.0°C (pH 7.5). We show that the kinetics can be explained by a previously proposed model (Paddock, M.L., McPherson, P.H., Feher, G. and Okamura, M.Y. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87, 6803–6807) in which the uptake of two protons by doubly reduced Q B occurs sequentially, one concomitant with and the other after electron transfer.
Femtosecond nanoplasmonic dephasing of individual silver nanoparticles

We detect the coherence of localized surface plasmon resonances in individual silver nanoparticles via accurately delayed femtosecond laser pulses. The Fourier transform of the time-resolved spectra reveals nanoplasmonic coherence components and their corresponding dephasing rates.
Perturbations of Plasmodium Puf2 expression and RNA‐seq of Puf2‐deficient sporozoites reveal a critical role in maintaining RNA homeostasis and parasite transmissibility

Summary Malaria's cycle of infection requires parasite transmission between a mosquito vector and a mammalian host. We here demonstrate that the Plasmodium yoelii Pumilio-FBF family member Puf2 allows the sporozoite to remain infectious in the mosquito salivary glands while awaiting transmission. Puf2 mediates this solely through its RNA-binding domain (RBD) likely by stabilizing or hastening the degradation of specific mRNAs. Puf2 traffics to sporozoite cytosolic granules, which are negative for several markers of stress granules and P-bodies, and disappear rapidly after infection of hepatocytes. In contrast to previously described Plasmodium berghei pbpuf2− parasites, pypuf2− sporozoites have no apparent defect in host infection when tested early in salivary gland residence, but become progressively non-infectious and prematurely transform into EEFs during prolonged salivary gland residence. The premature overexpression of Puf2 in oocysts causes striking deregulation of sporozoite maturation and infectivity while extension of Puf2 expression in liverstages causes no defect, suggesting that the presence of Puf2 alone is not sufficient for its functions. Finally, by conducting the first comparative RNA-seq analysis of Plasmodium sporozoites, we find that Puf2 may play a role in directly or indirectly maintaining the homeostasis of specific transcripts. These findings uncover requirements for maintaining a window of opportunity for the malaria parasite to accommodate the unpredictable moment of transmission from mosquito to mammalian host.
Extracurricular Activities of the McClellan Committee

ROBERT KENNEDY'S first reaction to the Government's most recent and fourth failure at obtaining a conviction of Jimmy Hoffa is not certain. But whatever it was, whether or not he clasped his head and moaned when he heard the jury was unable to reach a verdict, it is almost certain that, some time soon, he will try again to put Hoffa in jail. And perhaps he will succeed, for it does not seem possible that Hoffa, even with the giant resources of the Teamsters Union at his command, can elude, forever, the gigantic effort being made by the Justice Department to jail him. The bitter feud between Kennedy and Hoffa has been the subject of much discussion ever since it began in 1957. But the public discussion of it has tended, inevitably, to focus on the personalities of the two men who are involved, for they are each other's public and private "bate noire." Because the dramatic interest in this personal conflict is intense, some larger issues have been obscured. One of these is the delineation of what limits should exist for the activities of a congressional committee outside its legislative and investigative role. The empowering mandate of the Senate Select Committee on Improper Activities in the Labor or Management Field, more familiarly known as the McClellan committee, was to
Medicare Price Problems and the RUC: Wagging the Dog

A recent suit brought against HHS and CMS alleged that the RUC disproportionately represents specialist physicians and argued that the RUC should be subject to review under the FACA. On August 8, 2011, six primary care physicians filed a complaint against CMS and HHS for ostensibly accepting recommendations made by the RUC without review and charged that the effects of the RUC’s recommendations have led to a significant gap between primary care physicians and specialists.This case encapsulated an ongoing battle of primary care physicians, lobbyists, and politicians over the RUC’s vitality and nature. One of the physicians most essential points is that the exclusivity, privacy, and immunity by which the RUC operates when calculating the relative value units (RVU), which disproportionately reward specialist physicians over primary care physicians, is detrimental to the Medicare fee schedule and should be subject to scrutiny under the FACA.
Efficient quantum cryptography with coherent-state light in optical fibers at Gbps rates

We demonstrate high-speed (0.25Gbps) data encryption over 50km of telecom fiber using coherent states of light. For the parameter values used in the experiment, the demonstration is secure against individual ciphertext-only eavesdropping attacks near the transmitter with ideal detection equipment. While other quantum cryptographic schemes require the use of fragile quantum states and ultra-sensitive detection equipment, our protocol is loss tolerant, uses off-the-shelf components, and is optically amplifiable.
Preliminary results in heavy charged particle irradiation of bone sarcoma

Between 1979 and 1989, 17 patients with unfavorable bone sarcoma were treated wholly or in part with heavy charged particle irradiation (helium and/or neon ions) at the University of California Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. The majority of tumors were located near critical structures such as the spinal cord or brain. Gross tumor was present in all but two patients at the time of irradiation. Six patients were treated for recurrent disease. Histologies included osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, and recurrent osteoblastoma. Four of the osteosarcomata were believed to have been induced by previous therapeutic irradiation for various tumors. Follow-up time since initiation of radiation ranged from 7 to 118 months (median 40 months). The 5-year Kaplan-Maier local control rate was 48%; the corresponding survival rate was 41%. Over half the patients succumbed to distant metastases despite the majority of patients receiving chemotherapy. In this preliminary study, we have shown that heavy charged particle irradiation can be effectively used for control of bone sarcoma. A Phase II trial is warranted to determine optimal treatment for unresectable or gross residual disease.
Three-Dimensional Simulation of a Magnitude 7.75 Earthquake on the San Andreas Fault

Simulation of 2 minutes of long-period ground motion in the Los Angeles area with the use of a three-dimensional finite-difference method on a parallel supercomputer provides an estimate of the seismic hazard from a magnitude 7.75 earthquake along the 170-kilometer section of the San Andreas fault between Tejon Pass and San Bernardino. Maximum ground velocities are predicted to occur near the fault (2.5 meters per second) and in the Los Angeles basin (1.4 meters per second) where large amplitude surface waves prolong shaking for more than 60 seconds. Simulated spectral amplitudes for some regions within the Los Angeles basin are up to 10 times larger than those at sites outside the basin at similar distances from the San Andreas fault.
Regression of human colon cancer xenografts in SCID mice following oral administration of water-insoluble camptothecins.

Gastrointestinal cancers pose major public health problems worldwide, in part because little progress has been made in the treatment of colorectal cancers. The present study explored the potential use of natural product topoisomerase I inhibitors, 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) and camptothecin (CPT), in the treatment of human colon cancers. HCPT and CPT are indole alkaloids originally isolated from th. Chinese tree, Camptotheca acuminata. They have been shown to have a wide spectrum of anticancer activity both in vitro and in vivo. The use of these camptothecins, however, has been hampered by their water-insolubility. In the present study, following screening of their in vitro antitumor activity, we determined their in vivo antitumor effects using C.B-17-scid/scid mice bearing LS174T or DLD-1 xenografts. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with oral doses of HCPT (1, 3, or 6 mg/kg/day) or CPT (1 or 3 mg/kg/day), 5 days per week for 2 weeks (LS 174T) or 3 weeks (DLD-1). Growth of the xenografts was significantly inhibited by HCPT and CPT in a dose-dependent manner, with marked reductions in tumor mass occurring in those groups given HCPT at 6 mg/kg/day or CPT at 3 mg/kg/day. Pathologic examination confirmed the dose-dependent atrophy of the adenocarcinomas. In summary, this study demonstrates the potential use of water-insoluble camptothecins when given by the oral route for treatment of human colon cancer, and provides the basis for the design of future human trials with these anticancer drugs.
Acute myeloid leukaemia with an unusual phenotype: myeloperoxidase (+), CD13 (-), CD14 (-) and CD33 (-).

We herein describe an unusual case of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) showing strong cytochemical reactivity for myeloperoxidase (MPO) but surprisingly no reactivity using flow cytometry for any of the lineage-specific cell surface markers, i.e. myelomonocytic antigens CD13, CD14 and CD33; or B-lymphoid antigens CD19, CD20 and immunoglobulins; or T-lymphoid antigens CD2, CD3 and CD5. The strong reactivity for MPO and the complete absence of reactivity for CD13 and CD14 was verified by an independent assay involving alkaline phosphatase-anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP). Our case is of interest for at least two reasons: First, a poorly differentiated variant of AML (negative for MPO but positive for one or more of the myeloid-lineage CD antigens) has been designated FAB M0. In terms of the expression of phenotypic markers, our case may be considered as an 'MPO (+), CD antigen (-) AML'. The CD antigens are known to be expressed very early during myeloid differentiation whereas MPO (in its functional form) is viewed as being expressed relatively late in the process. It is therefore intriguing from a biological standpoint why the supposedly early antigens (CD33 and CD13) remain unexpressed; this may represent an example of 'asynchronous differentiation' in leukaemia. Second, from a practical standpoint, the use of immunophenotyping as a first-line diagnosis would fail to detect such cases. This case strengthens the notion that immunophenotyping by flow cytometry does not eliminate the necessity of performing peroxidase cytochemical staining.
Extinction of B-cell surface differentiation markers in hybrids between murine B-lymphoma and myeloma cells.

Abstract Fusion between murine B-lymphoma cells bearing membrane IgM with either IgG or light chain secreting myeloma, resulted in cell hybrids synthesizing and secreting large quantities of IgM. In contrast, the hybrids did not secrete IgD even though it is also present on the surface of the B-lymphoma cells. B-Cell surface markers such as the IgM, IgD, Ia and the Fc receptor, which were present on the B-lymphoma cells, but not the myeloma cells were not expressed on the surface of the hybrids. Hybrids which secrete IgM and retain the B-cell membrane differentiation antigens were not detected, even when selection was done under conditions which favor the growth of the lymphoma parental cells.
Quantitative Normative Gait Data in a Large Cohort of Ambulatory Persons with Parkinson's Disease

Background: Gait performance is widely evaluated to assess health status in older adult populations. While several investigators have presented normative values for spatiotemporal gait parameters drawn from older adult populations, the literature has been void of large-scale cohort studies, which are needed in order to provide quantitative, normative gait data in persons with Parkinson’s disease. The aim of this investigation was to provide reference values for clinically important gait characteristics in a large sample of ambulatory persons with Parkinson’s disease to aid both clinicians and researchers in their evaluations and treatments of gait impairment. Methodology/Principal Findings: Gait performance was collected in 310 individuals with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease as they walked across a pressure sensitive walkway. Fourteen quantitative gait parameters were measured and evaluated with respect to Hoehn and Yahr disease staging and gender. Disease duration and age were controlled for in all analyses. Individuals with the greatest Parkinson’s disability walked significantly slower with shorter steps and stride lengths than the mild and moderately affected groups. Further, the most affected patients spent more time with both feet on the ground, and walked with a wider base of support than the moderately disabled patients. No differences were detected between the mild and moderate disability groups on any of the gait parameters evaluated. Conclusions/Significance: Reference values for 14 gait parameters in a large cohort of ambulatory patients with Parkinson’s disease are provided and these may be highly useful for assessing and interpreting an individual’s gait dysfunction. It is important for clinicians and researchers to appreciate the lack of change in quantitative parameters as PD patients move from mild to moderate gait impairment.
Adolescent Personality Structure, in Q-Data, Checked in the High School Personality Questionnaire.

Since developmental and other personality research hinges on structured measurement, in which Q-data is most used of the three media, a check on the nature of factors stated by present theory is urgent. Programmatic research—indispensable in factor analysis—over 20 years has indicated 18 to 20 primary factors, for 16 of which at the adult level and 14 at the high school level scales have been constructed (the 16 PF and HSPQ). Taking 560 items in the 56 10-item HSPQ scales (Forms A, B, C and D for each factor), and administering them to 399 girls and 401 boys of mean ages 13·6 and 14·3 years respectively, the experimenters set out to answer the following: (1) How many primary factors appear? (2) Are they measured by the scales as now labelled? (3) If so, to what validity? Regarding (1), the scree test showed 14 matchable factors. At a blind Oblimax and Rotoplot simple structure, reaching, in both, 73 per cent in the ±0·10 hyperplane, all but factors C, J and Q2 reach Bargmann significance of structure. Congruences of resolutions across the samples were beyond P < 0·01 on all factors. Validities, lowest on E and O, were above 0·9 for more than half, and 0·8 for the rest. Second-order results and theoretical indications for research are given elsewhere.
Mucinous tumours of the ovary

Abstract Mucinous tumours of the ovary demonstrate marked morphological diversity, both within the group as a whole and in individual tumours. In this review, we focus on practical problems in interpretation and nomenclature. Recent developments of significance, including the recognition of Mullerian mucinous tumours and the distinction of expansile from destructive stromal invasion in carcinomas, are reviewed. Intriguing phenomena such as the occurrence of mural nodules that range from reactive proliferations to anaplastic carcinoma are discussed, as are other varied findings such as occasionally prominent mucin granulomas and rare primary tumours with focal signet ring cell morphology. The problematic area of metastatic mucinous neoplasia is considered. The gross and histological features of secondary mucinous neoplasia are reviewed, with specific comments regarding tumours arising from the appendix, which are associated with particular features when they spread to the ovary. The famous Krukenberg tumour is briefly discussed because of its definitional content of mucin-filled signet ring cells. Finally, the enigmatic occurrence of mucinous epithelial cells in a variety of ovarian tumours not traditionally considered ‘mucinous' is noted. The latter include sex cord tumours, usually Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours but occasionally granulosa cell tumours, and entities as different as benign Brenner tumours and highly-malignant small cell carcinomas of hypercalcaemic type.
Levofloxacin inhalation solution for the treatment of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection among patients with cystic fibrosis

Chronic pulmonary infections are common among patients with cystic fibrosis. By 10 years of age, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the predominant pathogen. Inhaled levofloxacin solution (MP-376) is a promising new therapy that exhibits rapid antibacterial activity and excellent biofilm penetration against P. aeruginosa. In the largest trial to date, 151 patients were randomized to receive MP-376 or placebo. At the end of the 28-day treatment period, patients who received MP-376 had decreased P. aeruginosa density in sputum, improved lung function parameters and improved respiratory symptoms. MP-376 also appeared to be safe and well tolerated. The results of two recently completed Phase III trials have not yet been released; however, these data will be critical in determining whether MP-376 is a safe and effective maintenance therapy for chronic pulmonary P. aeruginosa infections among patients with cystic fibrosis.
A Shortcoming of the Median Evoked Response

A shortcoming of the Median Evoked Response is discussed and a means for dealing with it is suggested.
Knowledge, attitudes, treatment practices, and health behaviors of nurses regarding blood cholesterol and cardiovascular disease☆

Knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns concerning cholesterol and heart disease were evaluated in a stratified, random sample of 206 registered nurses at a major academic medical center in New York City. Virtually all nurses were convinced of the importance of diet in reducing heart disease risk, and most (78%) agreed that nutrition counseling should be their responsibility. Although only 19% reported that they were currently counseling, many more felt prepared to counsel about diet or drug therapy (43%). Nurses who were likely to counsel were those working in general medicine, those who were certified nurse practitioners, those who knew their own blood cholesterol level, and those with higher knowledge scores. Level of overall knowledge was associated with the practice of counseling, an attitude that counseling should be a nurse's responsibility, and personal health behavior (knew own level), regardless of age or occupational or degree status. Despite their enthusiasm for heart disease prevention through diet modification, many nurses had substantial knowledge gaps, suggesting that nurses are currently not adequately prepared to counsel about diet and/or drug treatment for high blood cholesterol. Educational strategies and considerations in integrating an expanded role for nurses with those of physicians and dietitians are discussed.
14-3-3 proteins; bringing new definitions to scaffolding.

The 14-3-3 proteins are a part of an emerging family of proteins and protein domains that bind to serine/threonine-phosphorylated residues in a context specific manner, analogous to the Src homology 2 (SH2) and phospho-tyrosine binding (PTB) domains. 14-3-3 proteins bind and regulate key proteins involved in various physiological processes such as intracellular signaling (e.g. Raf, MLK, MEKK, PI-3 kinase, IRS-1), cell cycling (e.g. Cdc25, Wee1, CDK2, centrosome), apoptosis (e.g. BAD, ASK-1) and transcription regulation (e.g. FKHRL1, DAF-16, p53, TAZ, TLX-2, histone deacetylase). In contrast to SH2 and PTB domains, which serve mainly to mediate protein-protein interactions, 14-3-3 proteins in many cases alter the function of the target protein, thus allowing them to serve as direct regulators of their targets. This review focuses on the various mechanisms employed by the 14-3-3 proteins in the regulation of their diverse targets, the structural basis for 14-3-3-target protein interaction with emphasis on the role of 14-3-3 dimerization in target protein binding and regulation and provides an insight on 14-3-3 regulation itself.
Graded base type-II InP/GaAsSb DHBT with f/sub T/=475 GHz

The first demonstration of a type-II InP/GaAsSb double heterojunction bipolar transistor (DHBT) with a compositionally graded InGaAsSb to GaAsSb base layer is presented. A device with a 0.4/spl times/6 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ emitter dimensions achieves peak f/sub T/ of 475 GHz (f/sub MAX/=265 GHz) with current density at peak f/sub T/ exceeding 12 mA//spl mu/m/sup 2/. The structure consists of a 25-nm InGaAsSb/GaAsSb graded base layer and 65-nm InP collector grown by MBE with breakdown voltage /spl sim/4 V which demonstrates the vertical scaling versus breakdown advantage over type-I DHBTs.
Foraging dynamics in the group-hunting myrmicine ant,Pheidologeton diversus

Pheidologeton diversus workers group-hunt (that is, search for food in raiding groups) and are in this way remarkably convergent with army ants (Dorylinae and Ecitoninae). Raids appear usually to take independent courses and are capable of tracking areas of high food density. However, raid advance is not dependent on continual food discovery at the raid front, since raids can advance over areas without food. Most raids extend from trunk trails, which originate when the basal trail of a raid remains in use even after the original raid has ceased. Trunk trails can last at least as long as 10 weeks, with the terrain and the distance to the nest influencing the trail stability. Territories are limited to the trail systems, with rich food items in particular being vigorously defended. Group hunting permits P. diversus to quickly harvest booty, usurp foods from competing species, and capture large prey. This strategy is compared with the raiding strategies of other ants. I hypothesize that group hunting originated from an ancestor which hunted solitarily from trunk trails through the acceleration of trail production and reduction in worker autonomy.
High capacity personal rapid transit system developments

High capacity personal rapid transit (HCPRT) is a system concept which utilizes small, 4 to 6 passenger, vehicles at very short headways on exclusive guideway networks. The automatic operation of small vehicles at headways of 1 s or less presents a major technical problem which is amenable to a combination of design approaches. This paper explores the effect of basic parameters such as vehicle length, reaction time, emergency and failed vehicle deceleration rates, and emergency jerk rate on potential minimum operating headway. The results of this analysis are then discussed in the context of five HCPRT programs.
Moisture Absorption Behavior of Wood/Plastic Composites Made with Ultrasound-Assisted Alkali-Treated Wood Particulates

The combined effects of alkali and ultrasound treatment of wood flour on the moisture absorption behavior of polypropylene-based wood/plastic composites (WPCs) were examined. FT-IR measurements confirmed that the alkali treatment removed both hemicellulose and lignin from the wood, and there was an increase in the number of hydroxyl groups on the cellulose surface. This process was promoted by ultrasound treatment. Particle size analysis of treated wood fibers revealed that alkali treatment reduced the particle size slightly, and the particle size was further reduced by the assistance of ultrasound. Moisture absorption measurements revealed the interplay between the presence of relative amounts of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in the wood and the amount of coupling agent added. It was found that appropriate alkali treatment and an optimum amount of added coupling agent could simultaneously improve composite mechanical properties and reduce both the rate and the maximum amount of moisture absorbed. F...
Fast quantum methods for optimization

Discrete combinatorial optimization consists in finding the optimal configuration that minimizes a given discrete objective function. An interpretation of such a function as the energy of a classical system allows us to reduce the optimization problem into the preparation of a low-temperature thermal state of the system. Motivated by the quantum annealing method, we present three strategies to prepare the low-temperature state that exploit quantum mechanics in remarkable ways. We focus on implementations without uncontrolled errors induced by the environment. This allows us to rigorously prove a quantum advantage. The first strategy uses a classical-to-quantum mapping, where the equilibrium properties of a classical system in d spatial dimensions can be determined from the ground state properties of a quantum system also in d spatial dimensions. We show how such a ground state can be prepared by means of quantum annealing, including quantum adiabatic evolutions. This mapping also allows us to unveil some fundamental relations between simulated and quantum annealing. The second strategy builds upon the first one and introduces a technique called spectral gap amplification to reduce the time required to prepare the same quantum state adiabatically. If implemented on a quantum device that exploits quantum coherence, this strategy leads to a quadratic improvement in complexity over the well-known bound of the classical simulated annealing method. The third strategy is not purely adiabatic; instead, it exploits diabatic processes between the low-energy states of the corresponding quantum system. For some problems it results in an exponential speedup (in the oracle model) over the best classical algorithms.
Closed-form analytical solutions for the breakdown voltage of planar junctions terminated with a single floating field ring

Abstract Analytical solutions for the breakdown voltage of cylindrical junctions terminated with a single, optimally placed, floating field ring are presented. These solutions are provided in a normalized form which allows calculation of the breakdown voltage over a broad range of junction depths and background dopings. In addition, an equation for the optimal spacing of the field ring has been derived. This allows determination of the optimal spacing for the first time without resorting to numerical analysis for each specific case.
Effect of additives on chiral selectivities by β-cyclodextrin in capillary electrophoresis based on the phenomenon of solvatochromism

Abstract To explore the relationship between solvatochromic parameters and chiral selectivity, we measured the effect of organic solvents as buffer additives on the chiral selectivities of dansyl-phenylalanine, dansyl-leucine, and propranolol by β-cyclodextrin in capillary electrophoresis. Negative relationships between the additive's log L 16 and chiral selectivities were observed for the systems added C 1 –C 6 alcohols, C 1 –C 5 amines, and C 1 –C 5 acids. The chiral selectivities also decreased significantly with the additive's increasing hydrogen bond basicity. The decreased selectivities of additives on dansyl-phenylalanine is much greater than on dansyl-leucine. The chiral selectivities of propranolol remained unchanged with all the additives in the buffer. Although most additives studied decreased chiral selectivities, the data presented in this work provided some initial information on chiral selectivities relating to solvatochromic parameters.
Calibration of the Minolta SPAD-502 leaf chlorophyll meter.

Use of leaf meters to provide an instantaneous assessment of leaf chlorophyll has become common, but calibration of meter output into direct units of leaf chlorophyll concentration has been difficult and an understanding of the relationship between these two parameters has remained elusive. We examined the correlation of soybean (Glycine max) and maize (Zea mays L.) leaf chlorophyll concentration, as measured by organic extraction and spectrophotometric analysis, with output (M) of the Minolta SPAD-502 leaf chlorophyll meter. The relationship is non-linear and can be described by the equation chlorophyll (μmol m−2)=10(M0.265), r2=0.94. Use of such an exponential equation is theoretically justified and forces a more appropriate fit to a limited data set than polynomial equations. The exact relationship will vary from meter to meter, but will be similar and can be readily determined by empirical methods. The ability to rapidly determine leaf chlorophyll concentrations by use of the calibration method reported herein should be useful in studies on photosynthesis and crop physiology.
Low-Frequency Spontaneous Oscillations of Cerebral Hemodynamics Investigated With Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: A Review

Hemodynamic low-frequency oscillations (LFOs), in the range 0.01-0.1 Hz, are intriguing, yet elusive phenomena, which occur spontaneously in the vascular system. More than 150 years have passed since their discovery, but the cellular mechanisms at their origin and their physiological implications have yet to be unraveled. The study of LF hemodynamic oscillations is considered to be relevant in areas of brain research such as cerebral autoregulation, functional and effective connectivity, and their related pathologies. These research areas have been traditionally investigated by transcranial Doppler (autoregulation) and functional MRI [functional connectivity (FC)]. The purpose of this paper is to review the work that has been done in this area using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which is a noninvasive technique used for monitoring and imaging tissue hemodynamics. NIRS has the advantage of being sensitive to both oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin concentration changes. Therefore, not only can it be used in autoregulation and FC studies (for broader populations of subjects), it can also help understand the local interplay between vascular and metabolic parameters. Finally, we present a novel approach to the study of LFOs and to the physiological interpretation of the amplitude and relative phase of oscillatory components of oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations.
Somatic mutations of the Parkinson's disease–associated gene PARK2 in glioblastoma and other human malignancies

Mutation of the gene PARK2, which encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is the most common cause of early-onset Parkinson's disease. In a search for multisite tumor suppressors, we identified PARK2 as a frequently targeted gene on chromosome 6q25.2-q27 in cancer. Here we describe inactivating somatic mutations and frequent intragenic deletions of PARK2 in human malignancies. The PARK2 mutations in cancer occur in the same domains, and sometimes at the same residues, as the germline mutations causing familial Parkinson's disease. Cancer-specific mutations abrogate the growth-suppressive effects of the PARK2 protein. PARK2 mutations in cancer decrease PARK2's E3 ligase activity, compromising its ability to ubiquitinate cyclin E and resulting in mitotic instability. These data strongly point to PARK2 as a tumor suppressor on 6q25.2-q27. Thus, PARK2, a gene that causes neuronal dysfunction when mutated in the germline, may instead contribute to oncogenesis when altered in non-neuronal somatic cells.