cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can we distinguish energy loss from hadron absorption

Knowing whether a hadron is formed inside or outside the nuclear medium is very important for correctly interpreting jet quenching in heavy-ion collisions. The cleanest experimental environment to study the space-time evolution of hadronization is semi-inclusive DIS on nuclear targets. 2 frameworks are presently competing to explain the observed attenuation of hadron production: quark energy loss, with hadron formation outside the nucleus [2, 3], and nuclear absorption with hadronization starting inside the nucleus [4–6]. I demonstrate that the observed approximate A2/3 scaling of experimental data cannot conclusively establish the correctness of either energy loss or absorption.
Levels of Glandular Kallikrein in Whole Saliva Obtained from Patients with Solid Tumors Remote from the Oral Cavity

Glandular kallikrein activity in whole saliva was determined in 16 patients with malignant tumors distant from the oral cavity and in an equal number of healthy control subjects of similar age and sex distribution. The level of glandular kallikrein was significantly greater in saliva obtained from the patients with solid tumours as determined with a tripeptide nitro-anilide substrate, D-Val-Leu-ArgpNA. A basis for the higher levels of glandular kallikrein in saliva obtained from the solid tumor patients has not been established, nor is it possible to establish a role for glandular kallikrein in the pathogenesis of malignant disease. The higher level of glandular kallikrein observed in whole saliva obtained from patients with solid tumors suggests the need for further investigation of the role of kallikrein in malignant disease and the usefulness of salivary measurements of this enzyme as a reflection of systemic changes.
Anticoagulation therapy: Balancing the risks of stroke and bleeding in CKD

Whether anticoagulation with warfarin is safe and reduces risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease is unclear. A recent observational study shows a net clinical benefit of warfarin—without increased risk of bleeding—in this population, including in patients on dialysis.
Analytic operator approach to fermionic lattice field theories

Abstract An analytic Lanczos algorithm previously used to extract the spectrum of bosonic lattice field theories in the continuum region is extended to theories with fermions. The method is illustrated in detail for the (1 + 1)-dimensional Gross-Neveu model. All parameters in the model (coupling, lattice size N , number of fermion flavors N F , etc.) appear explicitly in analytic formulas for matrix elements of the hamiltonian. The method is applied to the calculation of the collective field vacuum expectation value and the mass gap, and excellent agreement obtained with explicit results available from the large N F solution of the model.
Kindergarten Transition Preparation: A Comparison of Teacher and Parent Practices for Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

The transition to kindergarten represents an important developmental milestone for children and may pose unique challenges to children with disabilities, their families, and teachers. The primary goal of the current study was to investigate teacher concerns regarding the transition to kindergarten as well as teacher and parent-reported transition preparation practices and involvement for a sample of children with autism spectrum disorders (n = 19) and children with other developmental disabilities (n = 76). Teachers reported significantly more concerns for children in the ASD group than for children in the DD group, although there was no difference in total involvement in transition practices between groups. Although teacher and parent involvement in transition preparation was generally high, generic less individualized practices often were utilized. Study findings are discussed in the context of future research directions to help facilitate kindergarten transitions for young children with disabilities.
The interaction of calmodulin with melittin

Studies utilizing the interaction of melittin with the 1-106 fragment of calmodulin, the protection of calmodulin from tryptic digestion by melittin, and the interaction of the carbocyanine dye Stains-all with the calmodulin-melittin complex have indicated that complex formation of calmodulin with melittin involves the alpha-helical connecting bridge joining the N- and C-terminal lobes of calmodulin.
Effects of rearing diet, age at freshening, and lactation feeding system on performance.

Abstract This two-phase trial involved 83 Holstein heifers. The rearing phase consisted of two diets (alfalfa silage plus corn grain for ad libitum intake vs. corn silage plus urea for ad libitum intake) and two breeding age groups (13 vs. 16 mo). The lactation phase compared the above treatments plus two lactation feeding systems: concentrate fed individually to production versus a TMR. The heifers were assigned randomly to the rearing phase at 7 wk of age and fed their respective diets until 14 d prepartum. They were placed on preassigned lactation diets 14 d prepartum and remained on the lactation phase for 550 consecutive d. Daily gains and height at the withers were similar between forage groups during the first half of the rearing phase; in the second half, the heifers fed alfalfa silage were taller at the withers. Those fed corn silage consumed less DM and CP throughout the rearing phase and gained more BW than the heifers fed alfalfa in the latter half. There were no differences in daily gain or DMI between the breeding age groups. In the lactation phase, the group fed alfalfa for ad libitum intake consumed more DM and gave more milk during the first 90 d of lactation than heifers fed corn silage. However, after 90 d the difference in cumulative milk production was not significant. There were no differences in milk production, FCM, or DMI between breeding age groups. The cows fed concentrate consumed more DM and gave more milk during the first 90 d of lactation. By 550 d, there were no differences. Feeding high levels of corn silage can cause heifers to have lower DMI in early lactation. These differences tend to disappear during the second lactation.
A Decade of Progress in Cyclotrons -- Frequency-Modulated and Isochronous

The advent of the isochronous cyclotron, capable of accelerating a wide selection of particles with energies variable up to limits previously inaccessible, has spurred the development of techniques leading to increased knowledge of orbit behavior and hence to external beams of greatly bettered quality. Among these activities are improved methods of magnet design, of field control and of beam diagnostics, novel means of launching the projectiles and more effective extraction schemes. Increased versatility has engendered new obstacles; e.g., space charge and charge exchange problems in the use of heavy ions. Advances in synchrocyclotrons, though still largely in the planning stage, reflect the present state of the art of spiral orbit machines. Increased current is the major goal. A variety of schemes for better axial focusing and higher repetition rate are under consideration. Beam stretching and improved focusing by grids or by einzel-type lenses have already been achieved.
Reaction independent analysis of gamma ray angular distributions from Ge(Li)-detector measurements

Abstract Reaction-independent analysis of particle-γ angular correlations from aligned nuclei involves particle detection near 0° or 180°, and is generally limited by the energy resolution of the particle counter if a NaI(Tl) counter is used to detect the γ-rays, and by the relatively low coincidence rates if a Ge(Li) counter is used. Under certain circumstances, an alternative method, which does not require particle-γ coincidences, is the simultaneous analysis of the angular distributions for two or more γ transitions from the same nuclear state. High resolution angular correlation information can thus be obtained using a Ge(Li) detector. Angular distribution data for several spin-2 levels in 42 Ca and 58 Ni serve as illustrations of this method. It is shown that E2/M1 mixing ratios for 2 → 2 transitions can be evaluated with an accuracy comparable to particle-γ or γ − γ angular correlation measurements.
The ultrasonographic wrist-to-forearm median nerve area ratio in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract Objective Peripheral nerve ultrasound is an emerging tool in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Although numerous publications have cited an increased median nerve area at the wrist to be the diagnostic of CTS, there has been considerable variability in the published normal values for this measurement. Our objective is to collect data on the wrist-to-forearm ratio (WFR) of median nerve area in patients with CTS and healthy controls. Methods Patients with electrodiagnostically proven CTS underwent ultrasonography of the median nerve at the wrist and forearm. The median nerve area was measured at these points and compared to values from asymptomatic volunteers. Results The WFR of median nerve area in asymptomatic volunteers was 1.0 ± 0.1. The WFR in patients presenting with CTS was 2.1 ± 0.5. Conclusions The WFR in patients with CTS is elevated as compared to asymptomatic controls. A WFR of ⩾1.4 gave 100% sensitivity for detecting patients with CTS while using only median nerve area at the wrist resulted in a sensitivity of 45–93%, depending on the cut-off value used. Significance The WFR of median nerve area promises to be a valid means of diagnosing CTS, and may be superior to measuring median nerve area at the wrist alone.
The nonidentity of invariable positions in the cytochromes c of different species

This study answers the question: Are the variable and invariable codons of cytochrome c largely the same in all species? A method is presented for estimating the number of invariable (as opposed to unvaried) codons common to two taxa. The two taxa in this study were comprised of four fungi and four metazoans. Given the number of mutations fixed in each taxon, one calculates the number of codons that would be expected to have fixed mutations in both taxa, in one taxon only, in the other taxon only, and in neither taxon. This expectation depends upon the number of invariable codons that are assumed to be common to both taxa. In the present example, the assumption of 41 invariable codons in common leads to estimates that deviate by less than 2% from the values actually observed. This leads to the conclusion that there are 46 positions that are variable in one taxon but invariable in the other, thereby demonstrating that the invariable codons are not largely the same between the fungi and the metazoans.
Abnormal cochlear connective tissue mineralization in the palmerston north autoimmune mouse.

Abstract Inner ear fibrosis and osteogenesis are common features of human autoimmune disease, although the cellular mechanisms are unknown. The Palmerston North (PN) autoimmune strain mouse has been shown to develop modiolar sclerotic lesions with progression of its systemic disease. Therefore, lesion development was studied in the cochleas of PN mice to gain insight into potential autoimmune osteogenic processes in the human ear. Cochleas from PN mice were examined with electron microscopy to characterize the cellular and extracellular matrix changes that lead to abnormal mineralization. Initially, activated fibroblasts produced extracellular matrix fibers, ranging in size from fine fibrils to larger collagen-like fibers. These proliferating fibers appeared to ‘seed’ the mineralizing lesions by serving as the framework for mineral deposition. As mineralization continued, the foci grew in size and fused to form large sclerotic masses within the connective tissue. However, the lesions never invaded nor degraded the normal modiolar bone. These observations of abnormal mineralization of cochlear connective tissue fibers show some parallels with human cochlear autoimmune osteogenesis, suggesting similar molecular processes may be involved.
TU-D-ValA-06: Incorporation of Modulation Range Constraints Into a Gradient Search Algorithm for IMRT Optimization

Purpose: Hardware‐sensitive optimization for IMRT results in more conformal dose distributions; however, most planning systems neglect hardware constraints, most likely due to the complexity of incorporating them into gradient search algorithms. An important limitation of delivery systems is the modulation range, which we demonstrate can be incorporated as a hard constraint into gradient search algorithms. Method and Materials: We used a commercial treatment planning system (TPS) for calculation of dose‐deposition coefficients, which were exported to optimization software that we developed. For a beam j comprised of beamlets i, we reformulated the optimization problem such that the fluence of beamlet i, φ i , is the product of the weight of beam j and the transmission of beamlet i, φ i = wjti . A gradient search algorithm determined the optimal values of wj and ti subject to the constraints wj ⩾ 0 and Tminimum ⩽ ti ⩽ 1. The resulting fluence distributions were exported back to the TPS for MLC leaf sequencing and dose calculation. We applied the method to a phantom simulating head and neck re‐irradiation, a situation that requires very low fluence values to protect the spinal cord. Using the same cost function parameters, we varied the minimum transmission constraint. After optimization, leaf sequences for dynamic MLC delivery were determined and the dose calculated. All plans were normalized such that 95% of the target received the prescription dose. Results: Target mean and maximum doses were essentially identical for all transmission constraint values. The maximum spinal cord dose was 33% of the prescription dose for no transmission constraint. The minimum value, 30.8%, occurred for an 8% transmission constraint. Conclusion: Modulation constraint is a good approximation of hardware transmission limits and could be readily incorporated into existing TPSs. Furthermore, initial results suggest that transmission constraint beyond the intrinsic hardware limitation may be beneficial.
Gill-Morrell and Barkhausen-Kurz Oscillations

IN NATURE of Feb. 6, Mr. R. Cockburn has described results which appear to show the presence of two types of electronic oscillations in a triode with positive grid voltage.
Desperately Driven and No Brakes: Developmental Stress Exposure and Subsequent Risk for Substance Abuse

Adverse life events are associated with a wide range of psychopathology, including an increased risk for substance abuse. In this review, we focus on the inter-relationship between exposure to adversity and brain development, and relate this to enhanced windows of vulnerability. This review encompasses clinical and preclinical data, drawing evidence from epidemiological studies, morphometric and functional imaging studies, and molecular biology and genetics. The interaction of exposure during a sensitive period and maturational events produces a cascade that leads to the initiation of substance use at younger ages, and increases the likelihood of addiction by adolescence or early adulthood. A stress-incubation/corticolimbic dysfunction model is proposed based on the interplay of stress exposure, development stage, and neuromaturational events that may explain the seeking of specific classes of drugs later in life. Three main factors contribute to this age-based progression of increased drug use: (1) a sensitized stress response system; (2) sensitive periods of vulnerability; and (3) maturational processes during adolescence. Together, these factors may explain why exposure to early adversity increases risk to abuse substances during adolescence.
Electrochemical characterization of voltage fade of Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 cathode

Abstract Li- and Mn-rich composite cathodes, such as Li 1.2 Ni 0.2 Mn 0.6 O 2 are attractive for electrified transportations. However, this type of materials suffers from a voltage decay during cycling, which makes it unpractical in real applications. For a better characterization and understanding of the voltage fade phenomenon, the average voltage and average quasi-OCP were measured to estimate the voltage decay rate. As a possible solution, atomic-layer-deposition (ALD) Al 2 O 3 coatings were applied to the powder to stabilize the material's surface. The voltage fade of the ALD-coated sample was also evaluated.
Central banking of hybridomas

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is developing, with the American Type Culture Collection, a central facility for the acquisition, maintenance, and distribution of hybridoma cell lines. This effort finds its principal justification in the great activity in this field and in the large variety of hybridoma lines that are produced because of the intrinsic immense diversity of antibodies the immune system is capable of generating. Thus there clearly needs to exist a mechanism both to facilitate exchange of these cell lines and to assure the preservation of the ones of greatest interest. The burgeoning involvement of commercial interests in the production and marketing of monoclonal antibodies complicates, but in no way vitiates the institute's efforts.
Learning to spell as a function of trial-and-error performance or observation

An experiment is reported in which elementary school children learned to spell very difficult words in a single practice session. Subjects learned better under performance (trial-and-error) than observation conditions. Girls were superior to boys, but only under the observation condition. A reliable interaction of individual/cooperative practice with grade was found, with fourth and fifth graders superior under cooperative and sixth graders superior under individual conditions.
Live real-time three-dimensional echocardiography for the visualization of myocardial perfusion - A pilot study in open-chest pigs

Visualization of myocardial perfusion is possible in both 2-dimensional and from reconstructive 3-dimensional echocardiography. We present the findings of our experimental pilot study of myocardial perfusion detection using live real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography in an animal model.
Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone in malignancy.

Objectives : To provide a review of pathophysiology, epidemiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and nursing management of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) in malignancy. Data Sources : Research reports, review articles, and book chapters relevant to SIADH. Conclusions : The principle cause of hyponatremia in malignancy is SIADH. Early recognition and prompt treatment can prevent serious neurologic sequelae. Antineoplastic therapy and methods to correct hyponatremia constitute effective treatment strategies. Implications for Nursing Practice : Nurses play a major role in nursing assessment, appropriate interventions and symptom control, and promoting resolution of problems and optimal quality of life in patients with malignancy complicated by SIADH.
Disability and pain after cortisone versus placebo injection for trapeziometacarpal arthrosis and de Quervain syndrome.

This study tested the null hypothesis that type of injection (corticosteroid vs. placebo) is not a predictor of arm-specific disability as measured with the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire 1 to 3 months after injection of dexamethasone or placebo for treatment of trapeziometacarpal (TMC) arthrosis or de Quervain syndrome. Secondly, we tested if type of injection was a predictor of pain intensity. Thirty-six English-speaking adults with TMC arthrosis or de Quervain syndrome were randomized for a dexamethasone or a placebo injection. At time of the injection, patients completed a demographic data sheet and validated questionnaires assessing arm-specific disability, pain intensity, depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing, and patient’s health-related beliefs. At an average of 1.4 ± 0.42 months (range, 0.79–2.5 months) after the injection, patients completed questionnaires regarding arm-specific disability, pain, and treatment satisfaction. Grip and pinch strength measurements were measured at both time points. Bivariable and multivariable analyses assessed predictors of arm-specific disability and pain intensity at follow-up. Type of injection was not a predictor of arm-specific disability or pain intensity 1 to 3 months after injection. The best model both for arm-specific disability and pain intensity at follow-up included pain catastrophizing and explained 18 % and 33 % of the variability, respectively. Catastrophic thinking was a better predictor of both of arm-specific disability and pain intensity than diagnosis or type of injection (steroid vs. placebo) 1to 3 months after an injection.
The application of stereolithography to the fabrication of accurate molecular models.

Abstract The process of stereolithography, which automatically fabricates plastic models from designs created in certain computer-aided design programs, has been applied to the production of accurate plastic molecular models. Atomic coordinates obtained from quantum mechanical calculations and from neutron diffraction data were used to locate spheres in the I-DEAS CAD program with radii proportional to the appropriate van der Waals radii. The sterolithography apparatus was used to build the models using a photosensitive liquid resin, resulting in hard plastic models that accurately represent the computed or experimental input structures. Three examples are given to illustrate how the models can be used to interpret experimental structure-activity data for systems of biological importance or host-guest chemistry: (1) Interpretation of kinetic data for the formation of a stable blocking complex between amiloride analogs and the epithelial sodium channel, (2) interpretation of binding and neural activity data for the interaction of certain amino acids and their analogs at the l -alanine taste receptor of the channel catfish, and (3) interpretation of shape selectivity and rate acceleration in cyclodextrin catalysis using models of the neutron diffraction structure of β-cyclodextrin and of the transition state for the cleavage of phenyl acetate by the secondary hydroxyl oxygen of β-cyclodextrin.
Finding a Niche

Although I always knew I wanted to be a scientist, I didn't know I would become a cell biologist. Events in life that you would never have predicted can greatly impact your career trajectory. I have learned to let those events take me in new directions. Following a desire to investigate an understudied area of cell biology, I have found a niche. In this area, my lab is poised to contribute significantly toward understanding the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying polarized plant cell growth.
Distortion of right superior pulmonary vein anatomy by balloon catheters as a contributor to phrenic nerve injury.

INTRODUCTION Cryothermal, HIFU, and laser catheter-based balloon technologies have been developed to simplify ablation for AF. Initial enthusiasm for their widespread use has been dampened by phrenic nerve (PN) injury. The interaction between PN and pulmonary vein (PV) geometry contributing to PN injury is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS After right thoracotomy, the PN course along the epicardial right atrial surface was mapped directly in 10 dogs. The location of the PN and its relationship with the right superior (RS) PV, and potential RSPV surface distortions after balloon inflation were established by electroanatomic mapping. In 5 dogs, the PN was captured within the RSPV, but could not be stimulated in the remaining 5 dogs. The distance between the RSPV and the PN was significantly shorter in the captured group than in the noncaptured group (6.3 +/- 3.1 mm vs 10.2 +/- 3.2 mm, P 5 mm into the PV. The inflated balloon surface anteriorly extended 5.6 +/- 3.7 mm outside the PV diameter, with distortion of anatomy narrowing the distance from the balloon surface to the PN to 4.8 +/- 2.3 mm. (Distance of the original RSPV-to-PN: 9.4 +/- 2.7 mm, P < 0.001.) CONCLUSION PN injury with balloon technologies may stem from anatomic distortion of the PV orifice/PN relationship, through increasing contact or shortening the relative distance between the ablation site and the PN, even without displacement of the balloon into the PV. These data are important in the refinement of these technologies to improve procedural safety.
Thallium-201 perfusion imaging with atrial pacing or dipyridamole stress testing for evaluation of cardiac risk prior to nonvascular surgery.

Preoperative assessment of cardiac risk using thallium-201 scintigraphy and atrial pacing (n = 42) or dipyridamole stress testing (n = 35) was performed in 77 patients (mean age 65 +/- 7 years), who subsequently underwent elective nonvascular surgery. All patients were at low cardiac risk by clinical criteria; none could perform exercise stress testing due to physical limitations. ST depression consistent with ischemia occurred in 11 patients during atrial pacing and in 1 patient during dipyridamole stress testing (p less than 0.01). Nine patients had reversible perfusion defects with atrial pacing, and 10 patients with dipyridamole stress testing; fixed defects were present in 15 and 8 patients, respectively. Only one patient (fixed perfusion defect with atrial pacing, left main disease on coronary angiography) underwent preoperative coronary revascularization. Two patients subsequently had postoperative cardiac events. One patient (reversible perfusion defect with dipyridamole stress testing) experienced sudden death after a nonvascular procedure, while a second patient (normal thallium images with dipyridamole testing) had a nonfatal myocardial infarction. In patients having atrial pacing or dipyridamole stress testing, thallium-201 scans that are normal or show only a fixed perfusion defect confirm a low risk of cardiac complications following nonvascular surgery. The presence of amore » reversible perfusion defect does not preclude a postoperative course free of cardiac complications in patients at low cardiac risk by clinical criteria.« less
Electrical conductivity, demagnetization, and the high-pressure phase transition in shock-compressed iron

Abstract The electrical conductivity and demagnetization of iron have been measured at pressures up to 370 kbar. The experimental results provide confirmation that the high-pressure ϵ-phase of iron is non- magnetic, and indicate that the transition from α-phase to ϵ-phase may take place at pressures as low as 50 kbar.
Swallowing Outcomes Following Unilateral STN vs. GPi Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis

The adverse effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery on swallowing could potentially exacerbate the natural deterioration of airway protection associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) degeneration and increase the incidence of aspiration pneumonia and associated death. There are no studies that compare swallowing outcomes associated with subthalamic nucleus (STN) versus globus pallidus interna (GPi) DBS surgery; therefore, we completed a retrospective study comparing swallowing outcomes in a cohort of patients with PD who underwent unilateral DBS surgery in either the STN or GPi. A chart review was completed to identify all patients with a diagnosis of PD who received videofluoroscopic swallowing evaluations before DBS and after unilateral DBS in the STN or GPi. The retrospective search yielded 33 patients (STN = 14, GPi = 19) with idiopathic PD who met the inclusion criteria. Mean penetration–aspiration (PA) scores did not change significantly for participants who underwent GPi surgery (z = –.181, p = .857), but mean PA scores significantly worsened for participants who underwent STN DBS (z = –2.682, p = .007). There was a significant improvement in Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores off medication before surgery, to off medication and on stimulation after surgery for both groups (F = 23.667, p < .001). Despite the limitations of a retrospective analysis, this preliminary study suggests that unilateral STN DBS may have an adverse effect on swallowing function, while unilateral GPi DBS does not appear to have a similar deleterious effect. This study and other future studies should help to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning the effects of DBS on swallowing function.
Operational Performance Of Optical Disk Systems

Two optical disk "jukebox" mass memory storage systems have been developed that provide access to any data in a store of 1013 bits (1250 Gbytes) within six seconds. These engineering models have been developed under a program sponsored by the Air Force and NASA ana have recently been delivered to testbed facilities -- one to NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and one to the AF Rome Air Development Center. Each system contains a library of 125 optical disks with mechanisms for retrieving any disk, and recording or playing digital data at 50 Mb/s. Disks in protective cartridges are moved from the store to a load station, which then mounts the disks onto a precision turntable. Still in the cartridge, they are spun up to speed and data is recorded or played back via focused laser beams. The major emphasis in both the NASA and Air Force jukebox optical disk systems has been reliability of operation. Enhancements of the mechanical, electrical, and software designs have been implemented to minimize the user downtime in an operating scenario. The NASA system will interface to a database management system using a fiber optics data bus, while the Air Force system will interface to a DEC VAX 11/750 minicomputer. Both systems will store digitized imagery and provide fast access to a huge store of such images.
Effect of a Serotonin Antagonist on Radiation Lethality.

SummaryThe serotonin antagonist 1-(N-methyl-piperidyl-4′)-3-phenyl-4-benzyl-pyrazolone-5 (KB-95) shows mildly protective effects against 600 r whole-body X-irradiation in mice, if administered prior to irradiation. The compound exhibits a dose-reduction factor of approximately 1.1 in both rats and mice.
Improving depiction of benefits and harms : Analyses of studies of well-known therapeutics and review of high-impact medical journals

The issues of weighing benefits and harms and of shared decision-making have become increasingly important in recent years. There is limited knowledge and lack of adequate data on the most transparent method of communicating the information. In this article we discuss examples of communicating benefits and harms for well-known therapeutics, illustrating that relative risk estimates are not helpful for communicating the chance of experiencing adverse events. In addition, we show that asymmetric presentation of the data for benefits and harms is likely to bias toward showing greater benefits and diminishing the importance of the harms (or vice versa). We also present preliminary results of a brief review of high-impact medical journals that show limitations of current systematic reviews. In the review we found that every second published study does not discuss frequency data and 1 in 3 studies that report information on both benefits and harms does not report information in the same metric. We conclude that consistently depicting benefit and harm information in frequencies can substantially improve the communication of benefits and harms. Investigators should be requested to provide frequency data along with relative risk information in the publication of their scientific findings. Currently, even in the highest impact medical journals, evidence of benefits and harms is not consistently presented in ways that facilitate accurate interpretation.
A Case Study of Antarctic Katabatic Wind Interaction with Large-Scale Forcing*

Surface pressure decreases of up to 20 hPa occurred over much of the Antarctic continent during a 4-day midwinter period of 1988. The widespread change in the pressure field accompanied intense cyclonic activity to the north of the ice sheet. The equatorward mass transport across the Antarctic coastline resulted in a redistribution of atmospheric pressure that extended to the subtropics of the Southern Hemisphere. Most of the mass flux from Antarctica was the result of low-level processes and appears tied to the katabatic wind circulation. The observed surface pressure decrease over the continent reflects a perturbation of the mean meridional circulation between Antarctica and the subpolar latitudes by synoptic-scale processes. Zonally averaged circulations over Antarctica were examined using output from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts model. Results suggest that only a poorly defined return branch of the meridional circulation exists in the middle and upper troposphere. This southward-directed flow does not compensate for the northward mass transport provided by the katabatic wind outflow in the lower atmosphere. Isallobaric contours over the Antarctic ice sheet roughly match the area of the large-scale drainage catchment associated with katabatic wind transport through the Ross Sea sector. An intense extratropical cyclone was present in the circumpolar oceanic belt to the north of the continent. The horizontal pressure gradient associated with the cyclone prompted enhanced drainage off the high interior plateau. The resulting katabatic flow issued from the continent through a narrow corridor across the Ross Ice Shelf and out over the Southern Ocean.
Anatomy of the flexor tendon sheath and pulleys of the thumb

Studies of the pulley systems of the flexor tendon of the thumb demonstrate one oblique and two annular pulleys. Significant decrease in angular motion of the distal joint resulted when both the proximal annular pulley and the oblique pulley were removed, but isolated loss of either did not affect the motion appreciably. If the oblique pulley was intact, then loss of the distal annular pulley did not result in significant loss of motion.
PERSISTENT VARIATION: FLEXIBILITY, ORGANIZATION, AND STRATEGY IN THE LOGISTICS OF IMPORTING AUTOMOBILES TO THE UNITED STATES, 1980 - 99

The author presents case studies that reveal persistent variation in the logistics operations of firms importing new automobiles to the USA from 1980 to 1999. He argues that, in addition to the recognized differences such as national origin, product mix, and production organization, the strategic organization of logistics itself constitutes a basis for persistent variation. Firms operating at a global scale face heightened uncertainties in matching supply and demand and hence have a heightened requirement for flexibility. This is theorized in this paper as the ability to collect and transmit information, both codified and tacit, within and across various spatial scales. However, these informational goals imply very different organizational structures that are in tension. In ideal-type terms, firm organizational structures vary in the degree to which they are localized -- referring to the intra-regional collection of information through horizontal relationships between the firm and external actors -- or globalized -- referring to the interregional transmission of information between portions of the firm. Persistent variation is the most likely outcome as firms constantly seek to reorganize their logistics operations in historically contingent, experimental, and contested ways. (A)
Proton‐Decoupled 31P Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Reveals Osmotic and Metabolic Disturbances in Human Hepatic Encephalopathy

Quantitative proton and quantitative proton-decoupled 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the brain was performed in 16 patients with liver disease (10 with and six without chronic hepatic encephalopathy) and four patients with hyponatremia, as well as 20 age-matched normal subjects. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy were distinguished from controls by significant reduction in levels of cerebral nucleoside triphosphate (2.45 +/- 0.20 vs. 2.91 +/- 0.21 mmol/kg of brain; p < 0.0003), inorganic phosphate (p < 0.03), and phosphocreatine (p < 0.04). In addition of increased levels of cerebral glutamate plus glutamine and decreased concentrations of myo-inositol, patients with hepatic encephalopathy showed a reduction of total visible choline and of glycerophosphorylcholine (0.67 +/- 0.13 vs. 0.92 +/- 0.20 mmol/kg of brain in controls; p < 0.005) in 1H MRS, and of glycerophosphorylethanolamine (0.40 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.68 +/- 0.12 mmol/kg of brain in controls; p < 0.0003) in proton-decoupled 31P MRS. Of the reduction of "total choline," 61% was accounted for by glycerophosphorylcholine, a cerebral osmolyte. Similar metabolic abnormalities were seen in hyponatremic patients. The results are consistent with disturbances of cerebral osmoregulation and energy metabolism in patients with chronic hepatic encephalopathy.
Transition phenomena in equilibrium polymerization

Abstract Rather surprisingly an exact treatment of equilibrium polymerization by the law of mass action predicts the existence of unusually sharp transitions under certain circumstances. We here derive the complete mathematical equations for these transition phenoman, and apply them to the ceiling temperature of α-methylstryene and the floor temperature of sulfur. Our description of the transition phenomena goes beyond the discussion of Dainton and Ivin in yielding exact ( mathematical ) expressions for the degree of polymerization, size distribution, and monomer concentration throughout the entire transition region. For sharp transitions two equilibrium constants are required.
A note on the path to extinction of critical Markov branching processes

Abstract For critical Markov branching processes { Z t } with finite variance and with time to extinction T , we obtain the asymptotic behavior of the two processes { Z u T / T , 0 ≤ u 1 } and { Z T − u , u > 0 } as Z 0 = x → ∞ . These processes were called by Jagers and co-workers the “path to extinction” and the “verge of extinction” respectively. We show that as Z 0 = x → ∞ , (1) for fixed 0 ≤ u 1 , Z u T / T converges in distribution to a mixture of two exponential random variables; (2) for fixed u > 0 , Z T − u converges in distribution, and after normalizing by u − 1 , the limit further converges to a gamma distribution as u → ∞ . Simulation is used to illustrate the results.
Experimental verification of bridge seismic damage states quantified by calibrating analytical models with empirical field data

Bridges are one of the most vulnerable components of a highway transportation network system subjected to earthquake ground motions. Prediction of resilience and sustainability of bridge performance in a probabilistic manner provides valuable information for pre-event system upgrading and post-event functional recovery of the network. The current study integrates bridge seismic damageability information obtained through empirical, analytical and experimental procedures and quantifies threshold limits of bridge damage states consistent with the physical damage description given in HAZUS. Experimental data from a large-scale shaking table test are utilized for this purpose. This experiment was conducted at the University of Nevada, Reno, where a research team from the University of California, Irvine, participated. Observed experimental damage data are processed to identify and quantify bridge damage states in terms of rotational ductility at bridge column ends. In parallel, a mechanistic model for fragility curves is developed in such a way that the model can be calibrated against empirical fragility curves that have been constructed from damage data obtained during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. This calibration quantifies threshold values of bridge damage states and makes the analytical study consistent with damage data observed in past earthquakes. The mechanistic model is transportable and applicable to most types and sizes of bridges. Finally, calibrated damage state definitions are compared with that obtained using experimental findings. Comparison shows excellent consistency among results from analytical, empirical and experimental observations.
Electrolyte studies in experimentalanimals during hypothermia

Summary Data on physiologic alteration in dogs undergoinggeneral body cooling and rewarming are presented. Heart rate, mean arterial pressures, platelets and white cell counts all showed significant decreases at low temperature levels (22° to 25°C.). Serum potassium concentrations were foundto be greatly increased just prior to ventricular fibrillation in the cold state. Prolonged acidosis or alkalosis did not alter this elevation. Electrocardiographic patterns were fairlyconstant with deep cooling and could be used to predict impending difficulty. It is suggested that a relative tissue hypoxia associated with low coronary flow is a factor in the production of ventricular fibrillation during profound hypothermia.
External electric field effects on the water trimer

Abstract Using a model potential that explicitly and extensively incorporates electrical interaction energetics, the structure and stability of the water trimer as a function of external field strength have been investigated. Weak fields produce very minor distortion of the trimer's normal cyclic structure; however, there is a moderate field strength beyond which another cyclic conformer becomes the most stable. Then, at very high field strengths, alignment of monomer dipoles with the external field becomes so important that the cyclic structure opens. The balance of competing electrical components that dictates this behavior is discerned from the energy evaluations.
The SET and transposase domain protein Metnase enhances chromosome decatenation: regulation by automethylation

Metnase is a human SET and transposase domain protein that methylates histone H3 and promotes DNA double-strand break repair. We now show that Metnase physically interacts and co-localizes with Topoisomerase IIalpha (Topo IIalpha), the key chromosome decatenating enzyme. Metnase promotes progression through decatenation and increases resistance to the Topo IIalpha inhibitors ICRF-193 and VP-16. Purified Metnase greatly enhanced Topo IIalpha decatenation of kinetoplast DNA to relaxed circular forms. Nuclear extracts containing Metnase decatenated kDNA more rapidly than those without Metnase, and neutralizing anti-sera against Metnase reversed that enhancement of decatenation. Metnase automethylates at K485, and the presence of a methyl donor blocked the enhancement of Topo IIalpha decatenation by Metnase, implying an internal regulatory inhibition. Thus, Metnase enhances Topo IIalpha decatenation, and this activity is repressed by automethylation. These results suggest that cancer cells could subvert Metnase to mediate clinically relevant resistance to Topo IIalpha inhibitors.
Chromosomal integration and homologous gene targeting by replication-incompetent vectors based on the autonomous parvovirus minute virus of mice

The molecular mechanisms responsible for random integration and gene targeting by recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are largely unknown, and whether vectors derived from autonomous parvoviruses transduce cells by similar pathways has not been investigated. In this report, we constructed vectors based on the autonomous parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVM) that were designed to introduce a neomycin resistance expression cassette (neo) into the X-linked human hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT) locus. High-titer, replication-incompetent MVM vector stocks were generated with a two-plasmid transfection system that preserved the wild-type characteristic of packaging only one DNA strand. Vectors with inserts in the forward or reverse orientations packaged noncoding or coding strands, respectively. In human HT-1080 cells, MVM vector random integration frequencies (neo+ colonies) were comparable to those obtained with AAV vectors, and no difference was observed for noncoding and coding strands. HPRT gene-targeting frequencies (HPRT mutant colonies) were lower with MVM vectors, and the noncoding strand frequency was threefold greater than that of the coding strand. Random integration and gene-targeting events were confirmed by Southern blot analysis of G418- and 6-thioguanine (6TG)-resistant clones. In separate experiments, correction of an alkaline phosphatase (AP) gene by gene targeting was nine times more effective with a coding strand vector. The data suggest that single-stranded parvoviral vector genomes are substrates for gene targeting and possibly for random integration as well.
Using Selective Attention Theory to Design Bivariate Point Symbols

The research discussed in this paper applies the theory of selective attention to graphic variables used in designing map symbols. Selective attention contends that our ability to analyze a symbols graphic variables (i.e., color, size) is affected by other graphic variables present in the same symbol. Psychological research suggests that certain combinations of graphic variables can enhance or restrict selective attention. In this literature, variables are described as either separable (capable of being attended to independently of other dimensions), integral (cannot be processed without interference from other dimensions), or configural (shows characteristics of both integrality and separability and may also form new, emergent properties). For example, sometimes it may be desirable for a map user to focus individually on separate symbol dimensions when using a bivariate or multivariate map, whereas under other conditions it may be advantageous for him/her to integrate the graphic variables visually for interpretation. Without empirical evidence describing such interactions for various combinations of graphic variables, cartographers cannot truly evaluate the functionality of the symbols they use on maps. The research reported here is the result of the first of a set of four inter-related experiments. Combinations of graphic variables were examined in an abstract setting using a speeded-classification task. Response data and accuracy data were used to provide an initial assessment of the levels of integrality, separability and configurality of several graphic combinations. Findings from this study will be integrated into subsequent map-using experiments, the results of which will assist cartographers in the design of complex map symbols.
Saved by a Metaphor

A new executive role has emerged, the chief information officer or CIO. Five successful CIOs in five different industry types agreed to be observed for one work week each. Perhaps the most important shared characteristic among these successful information executives was their use of figurative or metaphorical language. Anecdotes illustrating this particularly effective form of communication are provided from each of the five environments: insurance, university, manufacturing, government agency, and utilities. The ability to read ongoing situations from others′ perspective seemed to enable the CIOs to use metaphorical language more effectively. In turn, seeking the appropriate metaphor or analogy seemed to sharpen their ability to read situations from others′ perspective.
Laughing for Acceptance A Counseling Intervention for Working With Families

This article describes an intervention on how to use humor in counseling while working with family members who are demonstrating resistance in a counseling setting. Laughing for Acceptance, an inte...