cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intravenous ibuprofen for acute treatment of migraine: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) Ibuprofen for acute treatment of migraine. BACKGROUND IV nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are an alternative to oral NSAIDs, especially in patients with severe migraine who have emesis or gastroparesis. To date, only three IV NSAIDs (ketorolac, ibuprofen, and meloxicam) are available in the United States for use in moderate and severe pain, but no placebo-controlled trial is available for migraine. We performed a single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IV ibuprofen as an acute treatment of migraine (NCT01230411). METHODS Individuals with episodic migraine were screened at the Jefferson Headache Center. Qualified subjects were treated for migraine attacks within 2-72 h following the headache onset with either 800 mg of IV ibuprofen or placebo in 250 ml saline bolus. Migraine pain intensity (4-point Likert scale) and associated symptoms were assessed at predetermined time points (0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 8, 24 h). The primary endpoint was pain relief at 2 h after infusion. Important secondary endpoints included pain freedom at 2 h, sustained relief over 24 h, use of rescue therapy, and absence of associated symptoms. Adverse events (AEs) were also collected. RESULTS Seventy-four participants were enrolled between 2011 and 2017. Forty-four subjects (female 33/44; 75.0%) with mean (SD) age 41.0 (11.2) 11.2 years came for the treatment. All treated subjects (n = 44) were included in the analysis. Among them, 23 were randomized to receive IV ibuprofen. Both groups were demographically similar except for longer migraine duration (i.e., years lived with disease) in the active treatment than in the placebo group. At 2 h posttreatment, pain relief was found in 74% (17/23) and 48% (10/21) after IV ibuprofen and placebo, respectively (odds ratio [OR] 3.12, 95% CI: 0.88-11.0; p = 0.078). Other secondary endpoints at 2 and 24 h were not significant. The longitudinal repeated-measures analysis within 2 h on ibuprofen treatment showed significant pain relief (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.08-5.7; p = 0.033) and absence of associated symptoms: photophobia (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.57-10.3; p = 0.004), phonophobia (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.16-8.4; p = 0.025), and osmophobia (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.01-11.8; p = 0.048). AEs were observed in seven subjects in both groups, with arm pain being the most common. No serious AE was reported. CONCLUSION This study did not meet the primary endpoint but showed pain relief and elimination of several associated symptoms within 2 h on repeated-measures analysis. Although limited by small sample size and high placebo response, our results indicate that IV ibuprofen may be a safe and effective option for acute treatment of migraine, but more extensive studies are necessary.
FIELD EVALUATION OF EMPIRICAL EQUATIONS IN STRAIGHT ALLUVIAL CHANNELS

Six experimentally derived formulae that predict the conditions for alternate bar formation and equilibrium bar dimensions are assessed using field data. The study site is an artificially straightened section of the Embarras River located approximately 16 km south of Champaign, Illinois. Data were collected on channel form, gradient, alternate bar dimensions, bar sediment size, and flow conditions over a two-year study period. Experimental flume studies suggest that alternate bars form in wide, straight, shallow streams, have wavelengths between 4 and 15 channel widths, and have heights that are roughly equal to the average depth of flow. Bar formation under unsteady flow conditions can be predicted accurately by the experimentally derived steady-flow formulae, but these formulae fail to predict bar dimensions sucessfully. These results suggest that the process of bar formation in artificially straightened, sand-bedded natural streams may occur outside the range of flow conditions predicted by existing em...
Hereditary dysfibrinogenemia in a patient with thrombotic disease

A new case of congenital dysfibrinogenemia, in which the patient has severe thrombotic disease, is reported. The abnormal fibrinogen molecules are characterized by normal fibrinopeptide release with thrombin and defective polymerization in the formation of fibrin. Clotting times with ancrod and reptilase are significantly prolonged. All other coagulation tests (except those for fibrinogen function) are normal, and the patient has no other underlying disease. The apparent paradox of defective fibrinogen, which clots abnormally and is yet associated with thrombotic disease, can be explained by further analysis of the patient's fibrinogen. The two important functional properties of this fibrinogen are: (1) it forms fibrin gels that are extremely rigid, and (2) the fibrin is highly resistant to lysis by plasmin. Thus, although the abnormal fibrinogen forms defective clots, the fibrin that is formed cannot be removed by the fibrinolytic system. These results provide a molecular explanation for the thrombotic disease in this patient. This abnormal fibrinogen appears to have unique characteristics and has been designated as fibrinogen Chapel Hill Ill.
An Overnight Parcel Logistics Company’s Capillary Distribution Network Design by Regression Analysis

This article will explore and analyse how to design the capillary distribution network of an Overnight Parcel Logistics Company (hereby referred to as OPLC). The OPLC needs to design a capillary distribution network that is capable of collecting all the merchandise that their clients wish to deliver, and, at the same time, have the capacity to distribute all shipments to their destination. To reach this goal, the designers have to decide the type of vehicles (van, lorry or trailer) and the quantity of each type of vehicle the capillary distribution network needs to cover the area around each hub efficiently. This number of vehicles has to satisfy the delivery/collection quality requirements with the minimum cost to guarantee the maximum profit for the OPLC. This research will demonstrate that regression analysis is a valid technique to help an OPLC in the decision making related to the distribution costs of the capillary network. The way the costs of each distribution areas are obtained for the design of the capillary network is by regression models. Most models related to logistics companies have been based on deterministic techniques so far.
Teaching with Tiffany's: A “go‐lightly” approach to information literacy instruction for adult and senior learners

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the lessons learned and alternative methods used in teaching library and internet searching skills to adult learners, especially senior citizens, in a non‐credit course offered by the Michigan State University Evening College.Design/methodology/approach – The paper sets out the specific considerations taken in designing and executing an information literacy course for adult learners, along with observations and reflections, are described in detail and supported with evidence from research on adult learning theory and pedagogy. Preliminary sections describe the background and initial planning of the course, while additional sections describe each lesson learned in detail, including alternative teaching methods used and evaluation and assessment techniques.Findings – The paper provides essential tips and suggestions to consider when teaching library and internet‐searching skills to adult learners, such as “keeping it simple”, establishing a slower‐paced lear...
Down with the Kingdom (Phylum, Class, and Order Too)

The Poverty of the Linnaean Hierarchy A Philosophical Study of Biological Taxonomy. Marc Ereshefsky. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2001. 326 pp. $65, £40. ISBN 0-521-78170-1. Ereshefsky argues that the Linnaean system hampers our ability to classify the organic world and should be replaced by one more in line with evolutionary theory.
2-D Visualization of Liquid Fuel injection in an Internal Combustion Engine

A sheet of laser light from a frequency-doubled Nd-YAG laser (lambda = 532 nm) approximately 150 ..mu..m thick is shone through the cylinder of a single cylinder internal combustion engine. The light scattered by the fuel spray is collected through a quartz window in the cylinder and is imaged on a 100 x 100 diode array camera. The signal from the diode array is then sent to a microcomputer for background subtraction and image enhancement. The laser pulse is synchronized with the crank shaft of the engine so that a picture of the spray distribution within the engine at different times during injection and the penetration and development of the spray may be observed. The extent of the spray at different positions within the chamber is determined by varying the position and angle of the laser sheet with respect to the piston and the injector. Results are presented for two injector configurations, one where the spray impinges normally on the opposite cylinder wall, and another where the spray impinges on the piston crown at an acute angle. In both cases an engine speed of 600 rpm was used. Elements of the structure of these sprays, from beginning of injection throughmore » past its end, are discussed.« less
Reply to comment on “Ground vs. surface air temperature trends: Implications for borehole surface temperature reconstructions” by D. Chapman et al.

season temperature in determining cold season GST. We stand by all these statements. [4] CBH appear to miss the key point of MS03 with regard to the interpretation of past temperature trends. Our analysis of this particular climate model, under the particular forcings and for the time-period discussed is not intended to be a demonstration of what actually happened in past centuries. The forcings would be different, and the actual climate change, both in the annual mean, but more relevantly, in different seasons, is unlikely to reflect that seen in the model. However, the modelled relationships of the key variables at the local level are physically consistent. All of the analysis regarding influences on cold season GST are thus based on the sum of these local influences (as shown by MS03’s Figures 2 and 3). Statements regarding
Regulation of oral chemotherapeutic products in the United States.

Although many countries have well-established mechanisms for regulation of drugs dispensed by prescription order, far less attention has been directed to control of drugs sold "over-the-counter" (OTC). Since most oral chemotherapeutic agents are OTC preparations, these drugs frequently escape critical review of their safety and efficacy by regulatory agencies. Although widespread use of these OTC preparations indicates that they are generally safe, their effectiveness is not established. In some cases (e.g., detergent pre-brush rinses), there is good evidence for lack of efficacy. In the US, two recent developments suggest that more rigorous scientific review and oversight of oral chemotherapeutic agents will occur. First, the US Food & Drug Administration has initiated a process to evaluate several OTC products which claim to be effective against plaque and gingivitis. A panel of experts has been convened to establish criteria by which these products will be judged and regulated. The agency has also publicly indicated its intention to interact more closely with the dental community in discharging its responsibility for ensuring drug safety and efficacy. Second, the American Dental Association, through its Council on Dental Therapeutics, is refining criteria for evaluating various types of chemotherapeutic agents. These criteria will be used to judge the efficacy and safety of agents voluntarily submitted for review to the Council by manufacturers. Both of these developments should improve the clinical utility of such agents and may provide models for regulatory agencies in other countries.
Investigating Parenting Stress Across Pediatric Health Conditions - A Systematic Review

The stress parenting responsibilities place on parents increases in situations involving pediatric illness, and therefore can potentially interfere with the normal family life. The present review examines sources of parenting stress across a wide spectrum of illnesses, using three illness groups as exemplars: Congenital heart disease, pediatric cancer, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. A systematic review of the literature using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases yielded 66 observational studies investigating sources of parenting stress in parents of young children with congenital heart defects, cancer, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Quality assessment, using the STROBE and COREQ quality indexes, was further conducted for the included studies. Stressors were categorized, and then analyzed in light of the diagnostic characteristics of the populations in focus. Findings indicate that parents across all illness groups experience increased levels of parenting stress. Several categories were identified in accordance to the parenting stress model as follows: illness-related factors, parental factors, child characteristics, familial factors, and social factors. Further analysis has revealed distinct parental concerns within the groups deriving from the diagnostics, care demands, or social responses specific to each group. Theoretical and practical implications for Family-Systems Nursing Practice were further discussed. Future research and assessment of parenting stress should account for the illness course and address family needs within the specific context of the illness.
THE INITIATING AND PROMOTING ELEMENTS IN TUMOR PRODUCTION : AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF TAR, BENZPYRENE, AND METHYLCHOLANTHRENE ON RABBIT SKIN.

Benzpyrene brings about neoplastic changes in rabbit epidermis much sooner than has been supposed. The long interval that elapses before visible growths appear is due in the main to the relatively slight power of the carcinogen to encourage multiplication of the cells it renders neoplastic. Yet some slight power of this sort it has. Methylcholanthrene has somewhat more but not nearly so much as tar. It may initiate neoplastic changes within less than 17 days, as compared with less than 10 days for tar, but tumors due to it do not ordinarily appear until months after those called forth by tarring. All three agents give rise to growths of essentially the same kinds, but most of those due to benzpyrene and methlycholanthrene remain for a long while small, dry, and indolent whereas many of the tar tumors are fleshy, vigorous, and rapidly enlarging,—differences wholly consequent on differences in the ability to promote growth. Such ability is an important element in the effectiveness of carcinogens. Tar and the polycyclic hydrocarbons cause many more cells to become tumor cells than give rise to visible growths. Benzpyrene is as effective in initiating neoplastic changes when dissolved in mineral oil as when in benzene, yet no tumors result from it until months after the benzene solution has given rise to them, the reason being that when in oil it is almost devoid of influence to encourage cell proliferation. Benzene itself has a very slight influence of the sort. Solvents may determine not only whether carcinogens initiate neoplastic change but may condition to a crucial degree the influence of these agents to encourage tumor formation. Rabbit epidermis is much more responsive to carcinogenic influences than that of the mouse, as measured in terms of time taken to elicit benign neoplasms. Even benzene will call forth these growths from rabbit skin. In appraising the relative responsiveness to carcinogens of various animal species it is essential to reckon in terms of cells of identical type.
Open heart surgery without transfusion in high-risk patients

Abstract Recent innovations, both pharmacologic and mechanical, make possible the performance without blood transfusions of even complex open heart operations in patients with advanced disease. Preoperative red cell mass and postoperative chest-tube drainage are independent risk factors for transfusion. The key to avoiding the need for transfusion is to have an adequate red cell mass preoperatively and to avoid losing that red cell mass with surgical intervention. Our institution’s bloodless-surgery program includes the use of erythropoietin in patients who have inadequate red cell mass preoperatively, aprotinin to prevent or decrease the coagulopathy associated with open heart surgery, and a process of retrograde autologous priming to decrease the heart–lung machine’s dilution of blood with crystalloid solution. Based on a study of our experience, we use a hematocrit of 15% in most patients as our signal for transfusion during open heart surgery in patients without relevant comorbidity.
Facilitating Students' Competence in Caring for the Bariatric Surgical Patient: The Case Study Approach

Abstract Bariatric surgery is a safe and highly effective option for treating the disease of morbid obesity. Given that the numbers of morbidly obese adults exceed one in twenty in the United States, bariatric surgery is no longer an uncommon surgical procedure and will likely continue to become increasingly common. Therefore, it is imperative that nursing programs prepare prelicensure students to deliver high-quality, competent care to bariatric surgical patients. These patients have complex collaborative care needs that can be best taught utilizing an active learning format, such as the case study format. This article presents an exemplar case study that can be used to teach nursing students about the unique needs of the bariatric surgical patient. The pre-operative, peri-operative, post-operative, and continuing care needs of the bariatric surgical patient are addressed using a nursing process framework and critical thinking exercises.
Georgia's Use of Lime in Full-Depth Reclamation

The Georgia Department of Transportation completed its first roadway project using lime as a stabilizing agent in full-depth reclamation (FDR). The roadway is performing well after 1 year of service. The FDR was performed on a rural route (Huckabee Road) in Jones County, Georgia, where base and pavement failures had been observed along the roadway. This route served as an excellent candidate for the new process, because the base and pavement failures observed were mainly caused by the instability of the underlying subgrade material, which consisted of micaceous, clay—silt soils. Rather than total reconstruction, lime stabilization was recommended, and a provisional specification was written. Construction began in April 2006 and included reclamation to a depth of 14 in. (35 cm) and incorporation of 56.0 lb/yd2 (30 kg/m2) of lime. The provisional specification required the use of hydrated lime, commercial granular lime, or pelletized quicklime for stabilization; the pelletized quicklime was used. Soil and f...
Recombination mediated by vaccinia virus DNA topoisomerase I in Escherichia coli is sequence specific

Abstract Specialized type I topoisomerases catalyze DNA strand transfer during site-specific recombination in prokaryotes and fungi. As a rule, the site specificity of these systems is determined by the DNA binding and cleavage preference of the topoisomerase per se. The Mr 32,000 topoisomerase I encoded by vaccinia virus (a member of the eukaryotic family of "general" type I enzymes) is also selective in its interaction with DNA; binding and cleavage occur in vitro at a pentameric motif 5'-(C or T)CCTT in duplex DNA. Expression of vaccinia virus DNA topoisomerase I in a lambda lysogen of Escherichia coli promotes int-independent excisive recombination of the prophage. To address whether the topoisomerase directly catalyzes DNA strand transfer in vivo, the recombination junctions of plaque-purified progeny phage were cloned and sequenced. In five of six distinct excision events examined, a topoisomerase cleavage sequence is present in one strand of the DNA duplex of both recombining partners. Recombination entails no duplication, insertion, or deletion of nucleotides at the crossover points, consistent with excision via conservative strand exchange at sites of topoisomerase cleavage. Three of these five recombination events are distinguished by the presence of direct repeats at the parental half-sites that extend beyond the pentameric cleavage motif, suggesting that sequence homology may facilitate excision. The data are consistent with a model in which vaccinia topoisomerase catalyzes reciprocal strand transfer, leading to the formation of a nonmigrating Holliday junction, the resolution of which can lead to excisive recombination.
Healthy Relationships: Where’s the Research?

The author reviewed research on healthy couple relationships from the past decade. Few research articles exist targeting healthy relationships within the context of couple relationships. The existi...
Different behavioral functions of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens and ventrolateral striatum: a microdialysis and behavioral investigation.

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to investigate the behavioral functions of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens and ventrolateral striatum. In the first experiment, dialysis probes were implanted in the nucleus accumbens or ventrolateral striatum of rats previously trained to respond on fixed interval lever pressing schedules for food reinforcement. During the dialysis test session, both schedule- and site-dependent effects on dopamine release were observed. Overall, lever pressing on a fixed interval 30-s schedule produced a greater increase in extracellular dopamine than did responding on a fixed interval 120-s schedule. The fixed interval 30-s schedule was also accompanied by a higher rate of lever pressing. Rats with nucleus accumbens probe placements showed significantly higher increases in dopamine release than rats with ventrolateral striatal placements. An additional dialysis experiment showed that baseline levels of dopamine were suppressed by 1.0 μM tetrodotoxin to a similar extent in the nucleus accumbens and ventrolateral striatum. In the third experiment, 6-hydroxydopamine was injected locally into either the nucleus accumbens or the ventrolateral striatum in order to deplete dopamine. Nucleus accumbens dopamine depletions produced only a minor decrease in operant responding, whereas rats with ventrolateral striatal dopamine depletions showed low levels of responding that differed from both the control group and from the group that had accumbens dopamine depletions. Thus, these results are somewhat paradoxical, in that the structure that showed the greatest increase in dopamine release (i.e. the nucleus accumbens) was also the terminal region at which dopamine depletions had very little effect on operant responding. Ventrolateral striatal dopamine appears to be largely permissive over lever pressing, in that normal levels of dopamine in the ventrolateral striatum are critical for responding, although dopamine levels do not fluctuate much during behavioral sessions.
Variable selection for international bankruptcy forecasts

Corporate financial distress not only incurs serious financial loss to its creditors but also has a high cost to the society and the country's economy. Consequently, financial distress prediction studies are important to all those involved: owners, shareholders, lenders, suppliers, and government. In this paper, we focus on the corporate bankruptcy prediction for international market using CompuStat Global database. First, we introduce a robust variable selection technique, called adaptive lasso (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator), on the global corporate bankruptcy data in search for a parsimonious default forecasting model. Second, we demonstrate a comprehensive case study on Japan bankruptcy prediction. Comparing to US and UK, significant variables selected are generally different across countries. Only firm's activity indicator Sales/Total Assets displays uniform significance across three countries.
Ritual, Space, and Authority in Seventeenth- Century English Cathedral Cities

In seventeenth-century English cathedral cities, civic authorities and cathedral clergy vied vigorously for control over the ritual use of urban space. A close examination of this contest in its spatial context is essential to a thorough understanding of serious disputes linking the struggle for civic autonomy to religious culture. Moreover, it provides a window onto the role of public space in the devotional, communal, and political experience of English dwellers during a turbulent and transitional period.
Hollywood, the Pentagon, and Washington: The Movies and National Security from World War II to the Present Day – By Jean‐Michel Valantin

The author of this work, a researcher at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Peace and Strategic Studies in France, contends that postwar American film served the interests of the national...
Enhancement of the liver and pancreas in the hepatic arterial dominant phase: Comparison of hepatocyte-specific MRI contrast agents, gadoxetic acid and gadobenate dimeglumine, on 3 and 1.5 Tesla MRI in the same patient

Purpose: To evaluate the relative enhancement of liver, pancreas, focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), pancreas-to-liver index, and FNH-to-liver index in the hepatic arterial dominant phase (HADP) after injection of hepatocyte-specific MRI contrast agents, gadoxetic acid and gadobenate dimeglumine, on 3 and 1.5 Tesla (T) MRI in the same patient. Materials and Methods: The MRI database was retrospectively searched to identify consecutive patients who underwent abdominal MRI at 3T and 1.5T systems, using both 0.025 mmol/kg gadoxetic acid-enhanced and 0.05 mmol/kg gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced MRI at the same magnetic strength field system. 22 patients were identified, 10 were scanned at 3T system and 12 at 1.5T system. The enhancement of liver, pancreas, and FNH was evaluated quantitatively on MR images. Results: The relative enhancement of liver in HADP in the gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced group in all subjects was significantly higher than that in gadoxetic acid-enhanced group (P = 0.023). The gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced group in HADP had better relative enhancement of pancreas and FNH, pancreas-to-liver index, and FNH-to-liver index than gadoxetic acid-enhanced group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The 0.05 mmol/kg gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced abdominal MRI studies at 3T and 1.5T MR systems are superior in relative enhancement of the liver in HADP to 0.025 mmol/kg gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI. This type of assessment may provide comparative effectiveness data. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:903–908. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The regulation and activation of ciliary neurotrophic factor signaling proteins in adipocytes.

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is primarily known for its roles as a lesion factor released by the ruptured glial cells that prevent neuronal degeneration. However, CNTF has also been shown to cause weight loss in a variety of rodent models of obesity/type II diabetes, whereas a modified form also causes weight loss in humans. CNTF administration can correct or improve hyperinsulinemia, hyperphagia, and hyperlipidemia associated with these models of obesity. In order to investigate the effects of CNTF on fat cells, we examined the expression of CNTF receptor complex proteins (LIFR, gp130, and CNTFRα) during adipocyte differentiation and the effects of CNTF on STAT, Akt, and MAPK activation. We also examined the ability of CNTF to regulate the expression of adipocyte transcription factors and other adipogenic proteins. Our studies clearly demonstrate that the expression of two of the three CNTF receptor complex components, CNTFRα and LIFR, decreases during adipocyte differentiation. In contrast, gp130 expression is relatively unaffected by differentiation. In addition, preadipocytes are more sensitive to CNTF treatment than adipocytes, as judged by both STAT 3 and Akt activation. Despite decreased levels of CNTFRα expression in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, CNTF treatment of these cells resulted in a time-dependent activation of STAT 3. Chronic treatment of adipocytes resulted in a substantial decrease in fatty-acid synthase and a notable decline in SREBP-1 levels but had no effect on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, acrp30, adipocyte-expressed STAT proteins, or C/EBPα. However, CNTF resulted in a significant increase in IRS-1 expression. CNTFRα receptor expression was substantially induced in the fat pads of four rodent models of obesity/type II diabetes as compared with lean littermates. Moreover, we demonstrated that CNTF can activate STAT 3 in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in vivo. In summary, CNTF affects adipocyte gene expression, and the specific receptor for this cytokine is induced in rodent models of obesity/type II diabetes.
Using scheduling in flexible manufacturing systems

Abstract In this paper the concept of recursive Allen temporal algebra is fully described, along with its relationship to the smart scheduler program and the concept of smart scheduling in general. Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are described, and their relationship with smart scheduling is explored. A case study that shows the utility of SSP in an FMS environment is presented in detail. Conclusions about the concept of smart scheduling are presented in closing.
Defining Social Work: Does the Working Definition Work Today?:

The components of the working definition's constellation that makes up social work practice are examined. This article suggests that the working definition, as stated, is not appropriate today. It ...
High-resolution Rb two-photon spectroscopy with ultrafast lasers

A two-photon transition in cold Rb atoms will be probed with a phase-coherent wide-bandwidth femtosecond laser comb. Frequency domain analysis yields a high resolution picture where phase coherence among various transition pathways through different intermediate states produces interference effects on the resonantly-enhanced transition probability. This result is supported by the time domain Ramsey interference effect. The two-photon transition spectrum is analyzed in terms of the pulse repetition rate and carrier frequency offset, leading to a cold-atom-based frequency stabilization scheme for both degrees of freedom of the femtosecond laser.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in the management of obstructive sleep apnea: the mayo clinic experience.

OBJECTIVE To assess the role of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using polysomnography (PSG) data within 6 months before and after surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed PSG and body mass index (BMI) data from patients with OSA who were 18 years or older and who underwent UPPP between January 1, 1988, and August 31, 2006. RESULTS Sixty-three patients (51 men [81.0%]; mean ± SD age, 42.1±13.9 years; mean ± SD BMI, 34.9±7.2) underwent PSG a mean ± SD of 50±47 days before and 88.5±34.0 days after UPPP. Surgical cure was defined as a postoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 5 or less. Fifteen patients (24%) achieved a surgical cure. Twenty-one patients (33%) had a postoperative AHI of 10 or less, whereas 32 (51%) achieved a 50% or greater reduction in AHI and/or an AHI of 20 or less. No significant changes were noted in BMI before and 6 months after UPPP. Patients who attained an AHI of 5 or less were younger (mean ± SD age, 35.9±13.1 vs 44±13.7 years; P =.05), had lower BMIs (mean ± SD, 30.8±6.5 vs 34.6±6.6; P =.05), and had less severe OSA (mean ± SD AHI, 38.1±33.6 vs 69.6±32.8; P =.004). Of the 48 patients (76%) with a post-UPPP AHI greater than 5, 35 (56%) received continuous positive airway pressure, with a mean reduction in pressure of 1.4 cm H 2 O (95% confidence interval, -0.4 to -2.4 cm H 2 O). CONCLUSION Independent of changes in BMI, in our retrospective analysis, UPPP achieved an AHI of 5 or less in 24% and an AHI of 10 or less in 33% of patients with OSA who underwent PSG 6 months before and after surgery. In those with residual OSA who received continuous positive airway pressure, the required pressure setting decreased by 1.4 cm H 2 O.
Polarization effects in a high-birefringence elliptical fiber laser with a Bragg grating in a low-birefringence fiber.

The polarization characteristics of a fiber laser cavity that combines a high-birefringence Er3+-doped elliptical core fiber with a Bragg grating fabricated in a low-birefringence (Low-Bi) fiber are studied. It is shown that, by use of an adequate length of Low-Bi fiber and an intracavity polarization controller, the dependence of the fiber laser’s state of polarization on the pump’s state of polarization can be altered. This fiber laser cavity design allows for the realization of a double-frequency, orthogonally polarized single-mode fiber laser source insensitive to the polarization parameters of the pump source.
Race, treatment, and survival among colorectal carcinoma patients in an equal‐access medical system

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the influence of race on the treatment and survival of patients with colorectal carcinoma. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included all white or black male veterans given a new diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma in 1989 at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers nationwide. After adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidity, distant metastases, and tumor location, the authors determined the likelihood of surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and death in each case. RESULTS Of the 3176 veterans identified, 569 (17.9%) were black. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression revealed no significant differences in the proportions of patients undergoing surgical resection (70% vs. 73%, odds ratio 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.74-1.15), chemotherapy (23% vs. 23%, odds ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.78-1.24), or radiation therapy (17% vs. 16%, odds ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 0.85-1.43) for black versus white patients. Five-year relative survival rates were similar for black and white patients (42% vs. 39%, respectively; P = 0.16), though the adjusted mortality risk ratio was modestly increased (risk ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.28). CONCLUSIONS Overall, race was not associated with the use of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma among veterans seeking health care at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Although mortality from all causes was higher among black veterans with colorectal carcinoma, this finding may be attributed to underlying racial differences associated with survival. This study suggests that when there is equal access to care, there are no differences with regard to race. Cancer 1998;82:2312-2320. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Positive Affectivity as a Moderator of the Objective‐Task Characteristics/Perceived‐Task Characteristics Relationship

Data from a randomized experimental study were used to examine whether the dispositions of negative affectivity (NA) and positive affectivity (PA) moderated the relationships between task enrichment, task perceptions (job scope), and task satisfaction. Participants performed tasks that were low, moderate, or high in terms of enrichment. Results of regression analyses show that the task-enrichment manipulations explained a greater proportion of variance in job scope and task satisfaction than did the dispositions. Furthermore, PA, but not NA, moderated the relationship between task enrichment and job scope. Consistent with previous theory and research, our findings suggest that dispositions may play a role in individuals' perceptions of situational characteristics, but only when such characteristics are ambiguous.
Melting of sodium and potassium in a diamond anvil cell.

Melting temperatures of sodium and potassium to 110 and 145 kbar, respectively, were determined by optical property changes with an externally heated diamond anvil cell using mineral oil as the pressure medium. The pressure was obtained from the known pressure and temperature shifts of the ruby fluorescence line. Sodium shows a continuous rise in the melting temperatures with pressure. The melting temperature of potassium remains nearly constant above about 70 kbar and the melting curve changes its slope drastically at 110 kbar. This is attributed to the bcc-fcc phase transformation that has been recently reported at room temperature around 110 kbar using the diamond anvil technique.
Facilitating Treatment Access and Engagement for Justice-Involved Veterans With Substance Use Disorders

More than one half of U.S. military Veterans with criminal-justice involvement report problematic substance use, but less than one third ever receive or engage in treatment for substance use disord...
The Diversity of Myosin-Based Contractile Systems in Eukaryotic Cells

Myosin is a molecular motor that through its interaction with actin, produces the movement characterized by such diverse cellular functions as muscle contraction and cytokinesis. The myosin molecules responsible for these movements are encoded by complex multigene families in higher organisms. Genes in these families show tissue-specific as well as developmentally regulated expression. In mammals, it has not been possible to dissect the precise functional contributions of individual members of the myosin heavy chain gene family. This manuscript discusses the information that can be gained from the molecular cloning of mammalian myosin heavy chains and how those cloned sequences can be used to study their function in vitro and in vivo
Instructional Effects on Word Association Commonality in High and Low “Schizophrenic” College Students

Summary In an attempt to assess the ability of normal Ss to give uncommon word associations and of “schizophrenic” Ss to give common ones, the effects of three types of instruction on the word association performance of 144 college students were measured. All Ss, including those with valid MMPI profiles suggestive of schizophrenia were able to increase their response commonality under instructions to give the word “most people” would give, and to decrease their commonality under instructions to give a word “no one else” would give, relative to the free association condition. Though Ss with high MMPI Schizophrenia scores produced more original associations under all conditions, there was an apparent floor effect on the production of popular responses under the “no one else” instructions.
Über die anodische oxydation von aktivkohlen in wässrigen elektrolyten

Zusammenfassung Elektroden aus graphitierter Aktivkohle, Aktivkohle, Holzkohle, Russ und Graphit ergeben in 20 %iger Schwefelsaure bei 100°C potentiostatisch bei 1100 mV [reversibles Wasser- stoffpotential = 0 mV] einen anodischen Strom. Bei Russ ist die Stromdichte um den Faktor 10, bei Graphit um den Faktor 100 kleiner als bei den drei erstgenannten Kohlearten. Die anodische Oxydation ist von einer Kohlendioxid-Entwicklung begleitet. Elektrodenkohle mit einer spezifischen Oberflache von 200 m 2 /g erreicht in 20 %iger Schwefelsaure bei 100°C bei einer Stromdichte von 2,5 mA/cm 2 nach einem Verbrauch von etwa 0,5 F/Mol ein Potential von 1070 mV. Bei Erhohung der Stromdichte auf 12,5 mA/cm 2 nimmt die Polarisation um 100 mV zu. Anderseits fallt bei Verringerung der Stromdichte auf 0,25 mA/cm 2 das Potential auf 850 mV. Nach einem Verbrauch von etwa 1 F/Mol nimmt die Polarisation stark zu. Anodische potentiostatische Stromspannungskurven, galvanostatische Potential-Zeit-Kurven, kathodische Reduktion, gravimetrische Umsatzbestimmung, volumetrische Kohlendioxidmessung, chemische Analyse, Rontgenanalyse und Messung des elektrischen Widerstandes wahrend des Stromflusses haben als Hauptergebnis, dass die Elektrodenkohle auf nahezu direktem Wege von etwa 80 Prozent der Elektrizitatsmenge zu Kohlendioxid und von etwa 20 Prozent zu einer Kohlenstoff-Sauerstoff-Verbindung oxydiert wird, und zwar unterhalb des reversiblen Sauerstoffpotentials. Dies geschieht unabhangig von der Temperatur [55–100°C] und der Konzentration der Schwefelsaure (20–70 Prozent) oder der Phosphorsaure (10–85 Prozent). In Kalilauge erfolgt in entsprechender Weise Carbonatbildung. Die Kohlenstoff-Sauerstoff-Verbindung kann bis zu 20 Gew.-Prozent Sauerstoff enthalten. Sie lasst sich oberhalb des reversiblen Wasserstoffpotentials zum grosseren Teil nicht reduzieren, ist thermisch bis mindestens 130°C stabil und enthalt nach dem Trocknen bei dieser Temperatur kein Wasser. Ein kleiner Teil der Kohlenstoff-Sauerstoff-Verbindung ist reduzierbar. Er ist unabhangig vom Oxydationsgrad der Kohle und wird deshalb als Oxiddeckschicht angesehen. Diese reduzierbare Deckschichtmenge ist auch unabhangig davon, ob in Schwefelsaure, Phosphorsaure oder Kalilauge oxydiert wird. Sie ist jedoch nur so gross, dass formal etwa jedes neunte Kohlenstoffatom in der Oberflache eine Ladung tragt. Auf der Oberflache kann sich aber ausserdem noch ein Teil des nicht reduzierbaren Oxids befinden, da die Elektrodenkohle bis zu 0,4 F/Mol an Sauerstoff aufnehmen kann. In diesem Falle truge bei homogener Verteilung des Oxids jedes dritte. Kohlenstoffatom formal eine Ladung, d.h. das Atomverhaltnis Kohlenstoff zu Sauerstoff ware 6:1.
G 2 tensor product splines over extraordinary vertices

We present a second order smooth filling of an n-valent Catmull-Clark spline ring with n biseptic patches. While an underdetermined biseptic solution to this problem has appeared previously, we make several advances in this paper. Most notably, we cast the problem as a constrained minimization and introduce a novel quadratic energy functional whose absolute minimum of zero is achieved for bicubic polynomials. This means that for the regular 4-valent case, we reproduce the bicubic B-splines. In other cases, the resulting surfaces are aesthetically well behaved. We extend our constrained minimization framework to handle the case of input mesh with boundary.
Could TCR antagonism explain associations between MHC genes and disease

Alleles of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci are associated with certain types of diseases, including those of infectious and autoimmune origin. MHC products can promote susceptibility or resistance to disease by stimulating or inhibiting immune responses. Recent evidence suggests that MHC-associated peptides derived from self-proteins can act as antagonists of T-cell activation, thereby inhibiting immune responses to antigens. We suggest that self-peptide-promoted antagonism might explain some associations between MHC alleles and particular chronic diseases.
A competing risks derivation of a mixture model for the analysis of survival data

Boag (1949) and Berkson and Gage (1952) proposed a mixture model for the analysis of survival time data when aproportion of treated patients are cured. This paper presents a derivation of the Boag/Berkson-Gage mixture model as well as a eneralization of the model based on the theory of competing risks. The assumptions underlying the model are stated and discussed and a general likelihood function is obtained. Use of the model is illustrated ith data from the Stanford Heart Transplant Program.
The epidemiology of nonfatal injuries among US children and youth.

OBJECTIVES. National data are not routinely available regarding the incidence of and associated risk factors for nonfatal injuries in children and youth. The Child Health Supplement to the 1988 National Health Interview Survey provided an opportunity to determine accurate national estimates of childhood injury morbidity by demographic factors, location, external cause, nature of injury, and other factors. METHODS. The closest adult for 17,110 sampled children was asked whether the child had had an injury, accident, or poisoning during the preceding 12 months and about the cause, location, and consequences of the event. An analysis for potential underreporting from 12 months of recall provided adjustments of annual rates to those for a 1-month recall period. RESULTS. On the basis of 2772 reported injuries, the national estimated annual rate for children 0 to 17 years of age was 27 per 100 children after adjustment to 1-month recall. Boys experienced significantly higher rates than girls (risk ratio [RR] = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37, 1.68), and adolescents experienced the highest overall rate (38 per 100 children) and proportion of serious injuries. CONCLUSIONS. Approximately one fourth of US children experience a medically attended injury each year, but the risks vary considerably depending on the characteristics of subgroups and the injury cause.
III-nitrate ultraviolet photonic materials: epitaxial growth, optical and electrical properties, and applications

This paper summarizes some of the recent advances made by our group on the growth, characterization and applications of AlGaN alloys with high Al contents. Recently, our group has achieved highly conductive n-type AlxGa1-xN for x as high as 0.7 (a resistivity value as low as 0.15 ohm-cm has been achieved). Prior to this, only insulating AlxGa1-xN (x > 0.5) can be obtained. Our success is largely attributed to our unique capability for monitoring the optical qualities of these layers -- the development of the world's first (and presently only) deep UV picosecond time-resolved optical spectroscopy system for probing the optical properties of III-nitrides [photoluminescence (PL), electro-luminescence (EL), etc.] with a time-resolution of a few ps and wavelength down to deep UV (down to 195 nm). Our time- resolved PL results have shown that we must fill in the localization states (caused by alloy fluctuation) by doping before conduction could occur. The density of states of localization states is about 1018/cm3 in this system. It was also shown that AlxGa1-xN alloys could be made n-type for x up to 1 (pure AlN). Time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) studies carried out on these materials have revealed that Si-doping reduces the effect of carrier localization in AlxGa1-xN alloys and a sharp drop in carrier localization energy as well as a sharp increase in conductivity occurs when the Si doping concentration increases to above 1 x 1018 cm-3. For the Mg-doped AlxGa1-xN alloys, p-type conduction was achieved for x up to 0.27. The Mg acceptor activation energy as a function of Al content has been deduced. Mg-δ-doping in GaN and AlGaN epilayers has been investigated. We have demonstrated that δ-doping significantly suppresses the dislocation density, enhances the p-type conduction, and reduces the non-radiative recombination centers in GaN and AlGaN. AlN epilayers with high optical qualities have also been grown on sapphire substrates. Very efficient band-edge PL emission lines have been observed for the first time with above bandgap deep UV laser excitation. We have shown that the thermal quenching of the PL emission intensity is much less severe in AlN than in GaN and the optical quality of AlN can be as good as GaN. From the low temperature (10 K) emission spectra, as well as the temperature dependence of the recombination lifetime and the PL emission intensity, the binding energies of the bound excitons and free excitons in AlN were deduced to be around 16 meV and 80 meV, respectively. From this, the energy bandgap of AlN epilayers grown on sapphire was found to be around 6.11 eV at 10 K. The observed large free exciton binding energy implies that excitons in AlN are extremely robust entities. This together with other well-known physical properties of AlN may considerably expand future prospects for the application of III-nitride materials.