cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 23 Blindsight: hypotheses and clinical implications

Publisher Summary People who are partially blind due to brain damage or surgery that has compromised their visual system can occasionally respond to stimuli placed within their region of clinically defined blindness. This phenomenon has come to be called “blindsight” because the patients show “sight” where they are clinically “blind.” Blindsight, by its very nature, continues to be controversial. Their sight is not normal, in that, patients are often unaware of seeing anything presented within their blind field; however, they are often able to respond to stimuli presented within their blind field. This phenomenon—blindsight—has been operationally defined as “residual visual abilities within a field defect in the absence of acknowledged awareness.” This chapter discusses the history of blindsight, outlines the three prominent hypotheses regarding the neurobiological underpinnings of blindsight and describes research key to analyzing these hypotheses, and concludes with clinical implications concerning residual vision, blindsight and visual restitution.
Assessment of switching frequency impact on the prediction capability of common-mode EMI emissions of sic power converters using unterminated behavioral models

With silicon carbide (SiC) devices increasing in commercial availability, high switching frequency is becoming a general trend to increase the power density of power converters. High switching frequency operation nonetheless exacerbates EMI emissions in a system, for which accurate EMI models of power converters are needed to predict noise and aid in the design of their EMI filters. Accordingly, this paper assesses the effect on the EMI emissions from a higher switching frequency and evaluates the newly proposed unterminated behavioral model (UBM), which can predict the CM noise of power converters in the conducted EMI frequency range using equivalent noise sources and impedances by assessing its capability to predict the EMI noise of high switching frequency SiC power converters. The results obtained show that under high switching frequency, the input and output current spectrum shifts towards the MHz range, which is effectively captured by the equivalent noise sources of the UBM. A high-pass filter can be applied to capture the noise above the system noise floor, ultimately favoring the UBM prediction capacity extending to the whole conducted EMI range. Experimental results of a 3 kW, 300 V DC, SiC three-phase inverter switching at 20–70 kHz are used to demonstrate these findings and validate the analysis conducted.
Financial Reporting Quality and Proprietary Costs

This study investigates the association between proprietary costs and the quality of financial reporting. Interpreting a firm’s financial reporting policy as a choice of precision (“quality”) for the disclosed accounting earnings, I find evidence that the higher the proprietary costs, the lower the precision (“quality”) of reported accounting earnings. This is consistent with analytical work in disclosure theory which suggests that, ceteris paribus, as the proprietary cost of disclosure increases, the quality of disclosure decreases.
Multiplex PCR assays for simultaneous detection and characterization of Vibrio vulnificus strains

Aims: Vibrio vulnificus is a major cause of seafood-related deaths in the United States. Several biomarkers, e.g. the virulence-correlated gene (vcg), 16S rRNA, and the capsular polysaccharide operon (CPS) have been used to differentiate virulent- from nonvirulent-type V. vulnificus strains. In this study, we combined the use of these biomarkers with a species-specific V. vulnificus cytolysin/haemolysin gene (vvhA) to develop two pairs of multiplex PCR assays that simultaneously detect and characterize V. vulnificus strains. Methods and Results: The first multiplex PCR pair amplified four genes (vvhA, vcg, 16S rRNA, and CPS), with one for virulent-type and the other one for nonvirulent-type V. vulnificus strains, while the second pair targeted three of those genes excluding CPS. Primer concentration and annealing temperature were optimized for the four multiplex PCR assays. When testing ten V. vulnificus reference strains and 80 field oyster isolates, results from each multiplex PCR matched 100% with known strain characteristics for these target genes. Conclusions: The optimized multiplex PCR assays were capable of simultaneously detecting and characterizing V. vulnificus with high specificity and speed. Significance and Impact of the Study: Multiplex PCR assays designed in this study are valuable tools for microbial ecology and epidemiology studies. They may facilitate better control of V. vulnificus risks in oysters, thereby reducing the number of illnesses and deaths because of V. vulnificus in the long run.
Sparse bayesian learning and the relevance vector machine

This paper introduces a general Bayesian framework for obtaining sparse solutions to regression and classification tasks utilising models linear in the parameters. Although this framework is fully general, we illustrate our approach with a particular specialisation that we denote the 'relevance vector machine' (RVM), a model of identical functional form to the popular and state-of-the-art 'support vector machine' (SVM). We demonstrate that by exploiting a probabilistic Bayesian learning framework, we can derive accurate prediction models which typically utilise dramatically fewer basis functions than a comparable SVM while offering a number of additional advantages. These include the benefits of probabilistic predictions, automatic estimation of 'nuisance' parameters, and the facility to utilise arbitrary basis functions (e.g. non-'Mercer' kernels). We detail the Bayesian framework and associated learning algorithm for the RVM, and give some illustrative examples of its application along with some comparative benchmarks. We offer some explanation for the exceptional degree of sparsity obtained, and discuss and demonstrate some of the advantageous features, and potential extensions, of Bayesian relevance learning.
'Law and Finance' Revisited

The Antidirector Rights Index from La Porta et al.'s Law and Finance (1998) has been used as a measure of shareholder protection in almost 100 published studies. With articles by legal scholars questioning the accuracy of index values for several countries, I undertake a systematic study to verify these values for 46 countries with the help of local lawyers. My emphasis is on accuracy of the data; I do not change the original variable definitions. The study leads to a substantial revision: 33 of the 46 observations need to be corrected, and the correlation of corrected and original values is only .53. With accurate values, the well-known results of La Porta et al. (1997, 1998) no longer hold: accurate index values are neither distributed with significant differences between Common and Civil Law countries nor correlated with stock market size and ownership dispersion. All of the many results derived with the index will have to be revisited.
Credit Theories and the Value of Knowledge

One alleged advantage of credit theories of knowledge is that they are capable of explaining why knowledge is essentially more valuable than mere true belief. I argue that credit theories in fact provide grounds for denying this claim and therefore are incapable of overcoming the ‘value problem’ in epistemology. Much of the discussion revolves around the question of whether true belief is always epistemically valuable. I also consider to what extent, if any, my main argument should worry credit theorists.
Streptococcal diversity in oral biofilms with respect to salivary function.

Abstract Objective: In a previous study, we screened 149 subjects and established four groups high or low for salivary killing of oral bacteria, and for aggregation and live and dead adherence of oral bacteria (as a combined factor). Caries scores were significantly lower in both High Aggregation–Adherence groups. In this study we looked at the effects of those differences in salivary function on the quantity and diversity of oral biofilm streptococci. Design: Subjects from those four groups were recalled for collection of overnight oral biofilm from buccal upper central incisors, lingual lower central incisors, buccal upper and lower first molars, and lingual upper and lower first molars. At each site, groups were compared for total biofilm (by DNA concentration), total streptococci (by quantitative PCR), and streptococcal diversity (by Streptococcus-specific denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis). Results: Total biofilm DNA and total streptococci were correlated. Both were highest on buccal molar surfaces and lowest on lingual lower central incisors, and both were significantly lower in the High Aggregation–Adherence groups (particularly at the buccal molar site). Fifty distinct bands were observed in denaturing gradient gels. There was great diversity within and between sites. Three major bands were present in almost every person at every site. Densities for two of those bands were significantly lower in both High Aggregation–Adherence groups. Other less-prevalent bands also showed the same pattern. Conclusion: These findings are consistent with our caries results in suggesting that differences in salivary function can influence the quantity and composition of streptococci in oral biofilms.
Recent developments in RF sputtered cadmium stannate films

Abstract A method for producing single-phase cadmium stannate thin films is reported. Polycrystalline films were prepared by RF sputtering onto water-cooled Corning glass substrates, followed by a high temperature anneal. Resistivities as low as 1.28 × 10 −4 ohm·cm have been achieved, lower than any previously published results, for this material. Even with sheet resistivities as low as 2.5 ohm sq −1 , exceptionally high film transparency (∼85%) is maintained, with very low absorption in the visible spectrum.
Simulation of a phosphene-based visual field: Visual acuity in a pixelized vision system

A visual prosthesis for the blind using electrical stimulation of the visual cortex will require the development of an array of electrodes. Passage of current through these electrodes is expected to create a visual image made up of a matrix of discrete phosphenes. The quality of the visual sense thus provided will be a function of many parameters, particularly the number of electrodes and their spacing. We are conducting a series of psychophysical experiments with a portable “phosphene” simulator to obtain estimates of suitable values for electrode number and spacing. The simulator consists of a small video camera and monitor worn by a normally sighted human subject. To simulate a discrete phosphene field, the monitor is masked by an opaque perforated film. The visual angle subtended by images from the masked monitor is 1.7° or less, depending on the mask, and falls within the fovea of the subject. In the study presented here, we measured visual acuity as a function of the number of pixels and their spacing in the mask. Visual acuity was inversely proportional to pixel density, and trained subjects could achieve about 20/26 visual acuity with a 1024 pixel image. We conclude that 625 electrodes implanted in a 1 cm by 1 cm area near the foveal representation of the visual cortex should produce a phosphene image with a visual acuity of approximately 20/30. Such an acuity could provide useful restoration of functional vision for the profoundly blind.
The two-body problem in geometrodynamics

The problem of two interacting masses is investigated within the framework of geometrodynamics. It is assumed that the space-time continuum is free of all real sources of mass or charge; particles are identified with multiply connected regions of empty space. Particular attention is focused on an asymptotically flat space containing a “handle” or “wormhole.” When the two “mouths” of the wormhole are well separated, they seem to appear as two centers of gravitational attraction of equal mass. To simplify the problem, it is assumed that the metric is invariant under rotations about the axis of symmetry, and symmetric with respect to the time t = 0 of maximum separation of the two mouths. Analytic initial value data for this case have been obtained by Misner; these contain two arbitrary parameters, which are uniquely determined when the mass of the two mouths and their initial separation have been specified. We treat a particular case in which the ratio of mass to initial separation is approximately one-half. To determine a unique solution of the remaining (dynamic) field equations, the coordinate conditions g0α = −δ0α are imposed; then the set of second order equations is transformed into a quasilinear first order system and the difference scheme of Friedrichs used to obtain a numerical solution. Its behavior agrees qualitatively with that of the one-body problem, and can be interpreted as a mutual attraction and pinching-off of the two mouths of the wormhole.
Self-retaining retractor and handrest system for neurosurgery

A system for self-retaining retraction that has also been used as part of a technique of dissection in microneurosurgery is described. Small, multiple (i.e., more than two) blades can be used easily with a positioning opportunity of 360 degrees of purchase and without the necessity of another surgeon. Hand tremor, which is not particularly during microsurgery, has been dealt with by the development of a system for stabilization by a handrest. The components of the system, its sequential assembly, and its use are described and illustrated.
Chicken Killers or Bandwidth Patriots?: A Case Study of Ethics in Virtual Reality

In 2008, a resident of a computerized virtual world called "Second Life" programmed and began selling a "realistic" virtual chicken. It required food and water to survive, was vulnerable to physical damage, and could reproduce. This development led to the mass adoption of chicken farms and large-scale trade in virtual chickens and eggs. Not long after the release of the virtual chickens, a number of incidents occurred which demonstrate the negotiated nature of territorial and normative boundaries. Neighbors of chicken farmers complained of slow performance of the simulation and some users began terminating the chickens, kicking or shooting them to "death." All of these virtual world phenomena, from the interactive role-playing of virtual farmers to the social, political and economic repercussions within and beyond the virtual world, can be examined with a critical focus on the ethical ramifications of virtual world conflicts. This paper views the case of the virtual chicken wars from three different ethical perspectives: as a resource dilemma, as providing an argument from moral and psychological harm, and as a case in which just war theory can be applied.
Resource competition in a discrete environment: Why are plankton distributions paradoxical?

For nearly all natural waters, planktonic organisms will be distributed discretely in the fluid mechanical sense. This means that the dynamics of planktonic ecosystems occur among discrete particles, not continuous scalar fields. This idea was first suggested by Hurlburt (1990) as an explanation for the paradox of the plankton. However, the discrete nature of organism distributions has many important implications for the interpretation and modeling of planktonic ecosystems. In particular, mass conservation relationship approaches to the modeling of planktonic populations (i.e., resource competititon and its result, competitive exclusion) will not be valid for all natural conditions. A microscale model of competition among individual phytoplankton cells was used to investigate the role of discreteness on phytoplankton competitition for a single, limiting nutrient substrate. This scaling analysis demonstrates that rates of competitition should increase with cellular abundance and phytoplankton size. For a typical eutrophic planktonic ecosystem (relatively large cell abundances and cell sizes), resource competitition among individual phytoplankters appears to be likely. However, for oligotrophic conditions (low cell abundances and small cells), rates of competitive displacement should be greatly reduced. The microscale competition model does not predict that the final outcome of competition will differ from resource competition theory when evaluated over thousands of division cycles. However the time required for this outcome to occur may be so long that other processes, such as episodic nutrient inputs, imposed diel cycles, and specialization of the grazer assemblage, are likely to have a dominant role in determining the species composition of an oligotrophic phytoplankton community. This seeming violation of the principle of competitive exclusion occurs because nutrient competition in oligotrophic environments is governed by interactions among discrete individuals rather than entire populations. Discreteness in plankton distributions also creates an ecological subgrid scale (SGS) problem that must be solved as part of most mathematical descriptions of plankton population dynamics. Approaches towards solution of the ecological SGS problem are suggested; however, a great deal of theoretical and experimental work remains.
The influence of Nb and C on the solidification microstructures of Fe-Ni-Cr alloys

A parametric analysis is presented which summarizes the amount of total ({gamma}/NbC + {gamma}/Laves) and individual {gamma}/NbC and {gamma}/Laves constituents which form during solidification of {gamma}{sub (Fe,Ni,Cr)} alloys with variations in nominal Nb and C contents. Calculated results are presented for Fe base alloys and Ni base alloys. The results provide a quantitative rationale for understanding the relation between alloy composition and solidification microstructures and should provide useful insight into commercial alloys of similar composition.
Alternate-Day Prednisone Therapy in Children With IgA-Associated Nephritis

IgA nephropathy (lgAN) leads to renal failure in up to 30% of affected children and adults. There is currently no consensus on therapy in IgAN. Six patients with risk factors for disease progression were identified based on clinical or histologic findings. These patients were treated with alternate-day prednisone for 12 to 60 (mean, 36) months and followed for 28 to 60 (mean, 54) months. Follow-up biopsies were available in four patients. At last examination all treated patients had normal urinalysis and serum creatinine level. Follow-up biopsies showed stable or improved glomerular histology in three of four patients. One patient had a slight worsening of the interstitial disease. No steroid toxicity was observed. The outcome of these treated patients was compared with that of 15 comparable patients from another center who received no treatment and with patients from two published clinical pathology series. A normal urinalysis was found at follow-up in all treated patients, compared with one of 15 untreated patients ( P = 0.003). None of the patients in the published series with comparable disease had normal urinalysis at follow-up. End-stage renal disease or renal insufficiency occurred in seven of 15 untreated and no treated patients ( P = 0.19). The data strongly support the need for a prospective control trial of prednisone therapy in IgAN.
Immunohistochemical distribution of aldose reductase

Aldose reductase (AR) has been purified from canine kidneys., and a monospecific antibody against the enzyme prepared. These antibodies were used in an immunohistochemical test to detect tissue sites of aldose reductase in the dog, a species known to develop diabetic lesions morphologically identical to those seen in diabetic patients. Using this method, the enzyme has been demonstrated in numerous cell types, including lens, epithelium, aortic endothelium and smooth muscle, Schwann cells of peripheral nerves, and, in the kidney, interstitial cells and cells of Henles loop and the collecting tubules. Many other cells and tissues, including capillaries throughout the body, lack immunoreactive aldose reductase. The distribution of the immunoreactive enzyme is compatible with a potential role of the enzyme in the aetiology of some complications of diabetes, namely cataract, neuropathy, macroangiopathy and renal papillary necrosis, but not the microvascular complications.
Synthesis and Chiral Separation of Some Antitumor Agents

Abstract Four Z-isomers of 1,1-dichloro-2,2,3-triarylcyclopropane (DTACs), designed as potent antitumor agents, were synthesized from their appropriately substituted ethenes, which were prepared from the Grignard reaction followed by the dehydration of their intermediate carbinols. The stereospecific addition of dichlorocarbene to the ethenes followed by fractional crystallization afforded ( Z )-1,1-dichloro-2-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-phenylcyclopropane and ( Z )-1,1-dichloro-2,3-diphenyl-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)cyclopropane. Displacement of the bromo group from the ethoxy side chain intermediates with dimethylamine gave the desired basic side chain compounds, ( Z )-1,1-dichloro-2,3-diphenyl-2-[4-(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)phenyl]cyclopropane and (Z)-1,1-dichloro-2-[4-(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)phenyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-phenylcyclopropane. While both E- and Z-stereoisomers of the DTACs were isolated using fractional crystallization, only the Z-compounds were resolved on a chiral stationary phase consisting of amylose tris-3,5-dimethylphenyl carbamate coated on silica gel. Complete resolution of the E-compounds was not observed with this system.
On Current Measurements in Lake Superior by Photogrammetry

Abstract Approximately, 15,000 velocity measurements off the Keweenaw Peninsula were made in 1971. Preliminary results, based on less than 3% of the data, indicate that accurate, nearly synoptic current information can be obtained across an entire coastal current using aerial photography to track surface drift cards and photogrammetric reduction methods. Multiple currents are indicated with Lagrangian velocity fluctuations greater than 10%.
Survey of Academic Programs for Disadvantaged Students in Higher Education.

In the 1960's many colleges and universities developed programs for “disadvantaged” students in higher education. Almost all programs were involved to a certain extent with four different areas: basic skills development, affective objectives, use of technological aids, and evaluation of students. In order to determine the specific policies and practices in the academic programs now being implemented for the disadvantaged student, a questionnaire was designed and mailed to 262 colleges and universities. The questionnaire listed 14 academic program statements and asked the respondents to what extent the statements applied to their particular programs. The respondents indicated that teaching relationships with minority groups must be highly personal for effective learning to take place. They recognized the importance of communication skills but also felt that such virtues as self-discipline and self-respect were equally important as academic skills. In addition, most respondents felt their students did not need social skills (such as the ability to relate to fellow students) more than communication skills. Reading machines, tape recorders, computer-assisted instruction, and other technological aids tended not to be used in most programs. Compensatory work seldom carried college credit. Most programs did not have a pass-no-pass system for academic assessments, and almost no programs gave students financial incentives for grades or class attendance.
Conformational analysis. LXII. solvolysis and deamination studies of the 5-t-butylcylooctyl system.

Abstract The solvolyses of cis - and trans -5-t-butylcyclooctyl tosylates in acetic acid have been studied, and the rates and products are reported. The fast rate and rearranged product from the cis isomer are interpreted in terms of neighboring group participation by hydride. Improved syntheses of the compounds are given. Deamination reactions of the corresponding amines were also studied, and a product study is described and interpreted in terms of the accepted mechanism of the reaction.
Preliminary experience in treating skull base chordomas with high-dose hyperfractionated stereotactic photon radiation therapy

Objective Skull base chordomas (SBC) are characterized by persistent progression. Conventional radiation following resection increases 5- and 10-year local control (LC) to 36 and 23 %, respectively. Patients treated with protons result in 10-year LC of 50 %. Brainstem dose constraints have inhibited higher prescription doses with photons. We reviewed our experience using high-dose fractionated stereotactic photon radiation therapy (HD-FSRT) to 81 Gy for SBC.
Simulation-based Mastery Learning Improves Cardiac Auscultation Skills in Medical Students

Background Cardiac auscultation is a core clinical skill. However, prior studies show that trainee skills are often deficient and that clinical experience is not a proxy for competence.
Analysis of skin cooling for quantitative dynamic infrared imaging of near-surface lesions.

Abstract Dynamic infrared (IR) imaging is a clinical diagnostic method that relies on external cooling to enhance the thermal contrasts between a lesion and healthy skin during the thermal recovery process after the removal of the cooling. The subject of this paper is the proper selection of the cooling method, cooling temperature, time and depth to maximize thermal contrasts while minimizing discomfort to the patient. The systematic computational analysis of the influence of these parameters on the measured signal is reported. Three cooling methods are considered: constant temperature, water-soaked cotton, and convective cooling. The analysis suggests that 20 °C is a suitable cooling temperature that allows the cooling effect to reach the lesion depth within 2 min. The induced thermal contrast is in the range of 0.1−0.3 °C during the thermal recovery. The thermal contrasts enhanced by cooling can be accurately measured by a properly designed IR imaging system. Cooling durations from 5 to 120 s were considered. Two types of thermal responses were identified. Shorter cooling leads to a maximum of thermal contrast within the first few seconds of thermal recovery. Longer cooling durations result in a maximum that is lower, broader and it appears later in time (20–40 s after the removal of cooling). The computational model was validated using data from in vivo dynamic IR imaging measurements. The analysis in this study provides a quantitative basis for the selection and optimization of cooling conditions in clinical practice.
WE-D-18A-05: Construction of Realistic Liver Phantoms From Patient Images and a Commercial 3D Printer

Purpose: To assess image quality and radiation dose reduction in abdominal CT imaging, physical phantoms having realistic background textures and lesions are highly desirable. The purpose of this work was to construct a liver phantom with realistic background and lesions using patient CT images and a 3D printer. Methods: Patient CT images containing liver lesions were segmented into liver tissue, contrast-enhanced vessels, and liver lesions using commercial software (Mimics, Materialise, Belgium). Stereolithography (STL) files of each segmented object were created and imported to a 3D printer (Object350 Connex, Stratasys, MN). After test scans were performed to map the eight available printing materials into CT numbers, printing materials were assigned to each object and a physical liver phantom printed. The printed phantom was scanned on a clinical CT scanner and resulting images were compared with the original patient CT images. Results: The eight available materials used to print the liver phantom had CT number ranging from 62 to 117 HU. In scans of the liver phantom, the liver lesions and veins represented in the STL files were all visible. Although the absolute value of the CT number in the background liver material (approx. 85 HU) was higher than in patients (approx.more » 40 HU), the difference in CT numbers between lesions and background were representative of the low contrast values needed for optimization tasks. Future work will investigate materials with contrast sufficient to emulate contrast-enhanced arteries. Conclusion: Realistic liver phantoms can be constructed from patient CT images using a commercial 3D printer. This technique may provide phantoms able to determine the effect of radiation dose reduction and noise reduction techniques on the ability to detect subtle liver lesions in the context of realistic background textures.« less
THE POSITION OF MUNICIPAL POLICE CHIEF: AN EXAMINATION OF SELECTION CRITERIA AND REQUISITE SKILLS

Selection criteria for individuals seeking to become police officers continues to receive attention from practitioners and academicians. However, an area of equal, if not greater importance, selection criteria for police chiefs, continues to receive minimal attention. After examining the findings of a content analysis of advertisements for the position of police chief and conducting a survey of a purposive sample of police chiefs, a national, randomly selected sample of police chiefs was surveyed. The results indicate that police chiefs support police management experience and extensive training and education as two important selection criteria. Furthermore, they indicate that leadership and communication are the two top skills a police chief should possess. A brief discussion of these findings’ implications is offered.
Probing Intraband Conductivity Dynamics in Graphene

We use ultrafast optical spectroscopy to investigate intraband conductivity dynamics in a graphene monolayer grown by chemical vapor deposition, revealing the effect of the conical band structure on two-dimensional Dirac quasiparticles.
Pentavalent ion substitutions in the apatite structure part A. Crystal chemistry

Abstract The substitution of pentavalent arsenic, vanadium, chromium, manganese and antimony for phosphorus in apatites has been investigated. Arsenic, vanadium, and chromium completely replaced phosphorus in the calcium, strontium and barium fluor- and chlorapatites. X-Ray diffraction data showed that the calcium fluor-vanadate, -arsenate, and -chromate structures were distorted relative to the normal hexagonal apatite. Manganese completely replaced phosphorus in only the barium apatites while chromium and manganese could not be incorporated into lead apatites. Excluding these exceptions, continuous solid solutions were formed between the phosphate and/or vanadate and the chromate or manganate analogues for given divalent and halide ions. The substitution of large amounts of antimony (> 20 mole %) for phosphorus was unsuccessful.
Routine droperidol pre-medication improves sedation for ERCP.

Abstract Background: Pre-medication with droperidol has been used to improve sedation during endoscopy, especially in patients with a history of alcohol or narcotic abuse. We studied whether routine use of droperidol pre-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) could improve patient and physician satisfaction with sedation. Methods: Sixty-seven patients undergoing routine ERCP were enrolled in this double-blind placebo-controlled study. Patients were given either parenteral normal saline solution or 5 mg of droperidol 15 minutes before the procedure. After the ERCP, several parameters of procedural sedation were scored on an ordinal scale by the endoscopist, the endoscopy nurse, and the recovered patient. In addition, a follow-up telephone call was made to the patient after 24 hours. Results: The mean procedural room time was similar in the two groups. Nearly 25% less meperidine and diazepam was used in the droperidol-treated patients, making the overall medication cost similar in both groups. The mean recovery room time was 113 minutes for the placebo group and 106 minutes for the droperidol group. Droperidol premedication significantly decreased post-procedure nausea and vomiting, reduced gagging at intubation, and decreased retching during the procedure. Droperidol also improved physician ( p = 0.001), nurse ( p = 0.001), and patient ( p = 0.0001) impressions of overall sedation and decreased the need for physical restraint during the procedure. Droperidol significantly increased the number of patients with no memory of the procedure. Conclusion: Droperidol improved overall patient, physician, and nurse satisfaction with sedation during ERCP. It also reduced post-ERCP nausea and vomiting without increasing recovery time or medication cost. Droperidol is recommended for routine pre-ERCP sedation. (Gastrointest Endosc 2000;52:362–6).
Missed opportunities: a case study of barriers to the delivery of palliative care on neonatal intensive care units.

Despite clear guidance from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Heath and Together for Short Lives, among others, the delivery of palliative care remains inconsistent on neonatal intensive care units, with many infants receiving full intensive care measures until the final moments of their lives. This case study identifies barriers faced by members of the neonatal team: fear of respiratory depression surrounding opiate use at the end of life, conflict among members of the care team leading to moral distress, and inadequate training and support for staff, which can inhibit the full transition to a palliative care framework at the end of life. Recommendations from the literature are collated to address these barriers. Training programmes for staff covering the tenets of palliative care, including symptom management, analgesic use, and communication skills, as well as regular multidisciplinary forums and debriefings are necessary to improve the care provided to infants and their families where there i...
A high power target for the production of [18F] fluoride

Abstract A target for high yield production of aqueous [18F] fluoride at high beam currents has been developed for the 11 MeV Siemens/CTI RDS proton cyclotron at the University of Wisconsin. The silver body, gold backed target is characterized a small volume (400 μl) and is operated at high pressure (40 bar). The target yield is 79% of the theoretical maximum for beam currents up to 40 μA. The highest yield to date is 70 GBq. Target construction and performance are presented, and recent applications to PET radioisotope syntheses and radioactive beam production are discussed.
Motivational effects of compounding discriminative stimuli associated with food and cocaine

In previous experiments, the compounding of two discriminative stimuli associated with the same reinforcer increased rats' responding approximately three-fold, regardless of whether the reinforcer was food, water, cocaine, or shock-avoidance. Compounding a discriminative stimulus associated with food with one associated with water increased responding two-fold. In the present experiment, compounding a discriminative stimulus associated with food with one associated with cocaine increased responding two-fold. These results support the hypothesis that 1) the effects of stimuli associated with reinforcers from the same incentive class (appetitive or aversive) are mutually enhancing, and 2) the combined effects of stimuli associated with two different reinforcers from within the same class are not as strong as those of two stimuli associated with the same reinforcer. These results also suggest that discriminative stimuli associated with non-drug reinforcers may increase the motivation to self-administer cocaine when encountered in combination with drug-related stimuli.
Internal Diamagnetic Fields

In the precise molecular beam experiments of Rabi and his collaborators, it is necessary to know the value at the nucleus of the magnetic field produced by the diamagnetism of the atomic electrons. This has been calculated on the basis of the Fermi-Thomas model, and checked for a number of atoms by use of the available Hartree calculations. The statistical treatment gives for ratio of induced to external field $0.319\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}{Z}^{\frac{4}{3}}$, while the numerical coefficient on the basis of the Hartree model is lower by 19 percent at $Z=19$ and by 12 percent at $Z=80$. The effect is equivalent to a reduction of the nuclear $g$ value by a factor of ($1\ensuremath{-}0.319\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}{Z}^{\frac{4}{3}}$), and in this form, the correction may be applied in the calculation of hyperfine structure of heavy atoms. The influence of the diamagnetic fields on an orbital electron has also been considered, and it is shown that it is equivalent to a reduction in the $g$ value of an outer $s$ electron by an amount of just the same order of magnitude as the relativistic correction calculated by Margenau.
Constructing stable spherical galaxy models

A recent method of Gerhard for constructing spherical galaxy models with velocity anisotropy is extended. The method develops the distribution function f(E, L) given the potential and density and a trial function g(E, L), by solving an integral equation, for which a suitable numerical algorithm is given. For any g(E, L) there is a unique f, though positivity is not guaranteed. A two-parameter family of models is packed and the radial orbit instabilityis studied by linear theory. The results indicate that the anisotropy of the core is important for the instability, but not independently of other features (such as the asymptotic small-E behaviour of f) and its appears that there is no simple general criterion for predicting instability
Osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells cultured on Arg-Gly-Asp modified hydrogels without dexamethasone and β-glycerol phosphate

Abstract In this study, we investigated the effect of signaling peptides incorporated into oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate) (OPF) hydrogels on in vitro differentiation and mineralization of marrow stromal cells (MSCs) cultured in media without soluble osteogenic supplements (dexamethasone and β-glycerol phosphate). When MSCs were cultured for 16 days on OPF hydrogels modified with Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) containing peptides, the normalized cell number was dependent on the peptide concentration between days 0 and 5 and reached comparable values at day 10 regardless of the concentration. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of MSCs on the peptide-modified OPF hydrogels was also concentration-dependent: ALP activity showed peaks on day 10 or day 13 on OPF hydrogels modified with 2.0 and 1.0 μmol peptide/g, which were significantly greater than those on the OPF hydrogels modified with 0.1 μmol peptides/g or no peptide. A characteristic marker of osteoblastic differentiation, osteopontin (OPN), was detected for all the test groups. However, OPN secretion between days 0 and 10 was significantly higher on the peptide modified hydrogels compared to that on tissue culture-treated polystyrene. Taken together, the results indicate that the presence of signaling peptide allows for a favorable microenvironment for MSCs to differentiate into osteoblasts and produce mineralized matrix, although the soluble factors may further enhance calcium deposition. These findings further support the usefulness of OPF hydrogels as scaffolds for guided bone regeneration, and represent an initial step in exploring the complex relationship between soluble and insoluble factors in osteogenic differentiation on biodegradable materials.
Microrheology of biomaterial hydrogelators

Microrheology uses the motion of dispersed colloidal probe particles to measure the viscosity or viscoelastic moduli of soft materials. The distinct advantages of microrheology include small sample volume requirements, access to a large range of time scales for the dynamic response and short acquisition times. These advantages make microrheology important for studies of biomaterial hydrogelators. Recent advances have enabled the precise characterization of hydrogelator sol–gel transitions, measurements of rare and scarce materials and high-throughput screening of hydrogel rheology over a large composition space. In this review, we focus on multiple particle tracking microrheology, including the considerations that define its operating regimes and its recent applications. Those interested in biomaterial rheology will find these methods as accessible as bulk rheological measurements and straightforward to implement in their own work.
High-precision Location of North Korea's 2009 Nuclear Test

On 25 May 2009, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) announced that it had conducted a second nuclear test, without providing information of exact time, location, and yield. On that day, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported detecting a magnitude 4.7 seismic tremor in an aseismic region in North Korea (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009hbaf.php; also archived copy at http://geophysics.geo.sunysb.edu/wen/NK/usgs\_north\_korea\_2009\_test.webarchive). The seismic waveform features recorded at the seismic stations around the globe for the event exhibit characteristics of an explosion. However, the exact location of the test remains elusive. Seismic monitoring of underground nuclear explosions relies on seismic observations recorded by seismometers around the globe. Because seismic observations are influenced by the seismic properties along the paths of the wave propagation from the source to the seismometers, the accuracy of determination of an event location and time depends on the degree of our knowledge of the seismic properties in the interior of the Earth. The challenge in accurately determining the location of North Korea's nuclear tests stems from the fact that, due to the lack of seismic stations and seismicity in the region, the seismic structure is not known in enough detail that its influence can be well calibrated. For example, the horizontal uncertainty of the 2009 event location reported by the USGS is about ±3.8 km (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009hbaf.php). While our knowledge of the seismic structure in the region is unlikely to improve soon, in this study we demonstrate a strategy that uses the forensic evidence registered by North Korea's 2006 nuclear test to determine the location of the 2009 test in high precision, and we present our determination of the location of the 2009 test. ### Scientific Evidence Registered by the 2006 Test The possible location of North Korea's 2006 test is identified by satellite images (http://cryptome.org/eyeball/dprk-test/dprktest.htm; also an archived copy at http://geophysics.geo.sunysb.edu/wen/NK/eyeball.webarchive) (Table 1). High-quality …
SHANK2 redemption: another synaptic protein for mental retardation and autism.

Mutations in the SHANK2 synaptic scaffolding gene in autism spectrum disorder and mental retardation Berkel et al. (2010) Nature Genetics 42(6):489–491
Spatial big-data challenges intersecting mobility and cloud computing

Increasingly, location-aware datasets are of a size, variety, and update rate that exceeds the capability of spatial computing technologies. This paper addresses the emerging challenges posed by such datasets, which we call Spatial Big Data (SBD). SBD examples include trajectories of cellphones and GPS devices, vehicle engine measurements, temporally detailed road maps, etc. SBD has the potential to transform society via next-generation routing services such as eco-routing. However, the envisaged SBD-based next-generation routing services pose several significant challenges for current routing techniques. SBD magnifies the impact of partial information and ambiguity of traditional routing queries specified by a start location and an end location. In addition, SBD challenges the assumption that a single algorithm utilizing a specific dataset is appropriate for all situations. The tremendous diversity of SBD sources substantially increases the diversity of solution methods. Newer algorithms may emerge as new SBD becomes available, creating the need for a flexible architecture to rapidly integrate new datasets and associated algorithms.
Concepts of fen and bog re-examined in relation to bryophyte cover and the acidity of surface waters

Studies of surface-water pH and bryophyte assemblages in 440 plots from five peatland regions across northern North America reveal a very distinct, two-fold division into fens with a pH mode at 6.76-7.00, in which Amblystegiaceae are prominent, and bogs with a pH mode at 4.01-4.25, in which Sphagnaceae are dominant. The relevance of the data to past and current views on peatland classification is explored.
Multimedia at Work: Harvesting Resources for Recording Concurrent Videoconferences

The objective was to provide the visual communication technology to support high levels of interactivity and engagement, but the videoconferencing equipment typically deployed for these events is limited in terms of group interaction. Given the limitation of traditional tools, the virtual classroom program needed a solution driven by a one-step, record-and-publish model that could complement the synchronous communication offered by videoconferencing. This article presents an overview of the broadband virtual camera (BVCam) system, which enables one-step videoconference recording by using idle desktop computers on an IP network.
A possible experiment with two counter-orbiting drag-free satellites to obtain a new test of Einstein's general theory of relativity and improved measurements in geodesy

In 1918, J. Lense and H. Thirring calculated that a moon in orbit around a massive rotating planet would experience a nodal dragging effect due to general relativity. We describe an experiment to measure this effect by means of two counter-orbiting drag-free satellites in polar orbit about the earth. For a 2 1/2 year experiment, the measurement should approach an accuracy of 1%. An independent measurement of the geodetic precession of the orbit plane due to the motion about the sun may also be possible to about 10% accuracy. In addition to precision tracking data from existing ground stations, satellite-to-satellite Doppler data are taken at points of passing near the poles to yield an accurate measurement of the separation distance between the two satellites. New geophysical information on both earth harmonics and tidal effects is inherent in this polar ranging data.
Vector pipelining, chaining, and speed on the IBM 3090 and Cray X-MP

Vector pipelining and chaining are clarified through the use of timing and pipeline diagrams of the instruction execution process. The technique for evaluating the performance of the concurrent vector operations of vector processors is evaluated by testing two of the most widely used computers with vector facilities: the IBM 3090 and Cray X-MP. On the basis of the testing results analyzed at the assembler level, suggestions are given for machine users and designers about vectorization on these two machines. The ideas presented can be applied to other vector processors. The actual implementations, however, may differ, depending on individual machine architecture. >
Effects of acute vitamin replacement therapy on 6-aminonicotinamide induced cleft palate late in rat pregnancy.

SummaryPregnant rats were given single injections of nicotinamide (NAM) (8-100 mg/kg body wt) before or after a teratogenic dose of the vitamin antimetabolite 6-amino-nicotinamide (6-AN) late in gestation. NAM effectively competed with 6-AN in preventing cleft palate when given 2 hours before, simultaneously, or up to 2 hours after antimetabolite treatment. However, vitamin replacement therapy was unable to prevent palatal abnormalities or restrict the action of 6-AN to specific time periods when given 12-24 hours before or 2-72 hours after 6-AN administration.