cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utility of Skin Grafting and Tissue Expansion in Penile Reconstruction for the Exstrophy-Epispadias Complex

Abstract Objective To describe the use of additional tissue recruited for coverage after penile lengthening in male exstrophy-epispadias complex patients using either local skin from tissue expansion (TE) or extragenital skin with a skin graft (SG) and report their respective outcomes. Methods An institutionally approved database of exstrophy-epispadias complex patients was retrospectively reviewed for male patients who received penile reconstruction. This included a penile lengthening procedure and the subsequent use of TE and/or a full thickness skin graft to provide cutaneous coverage of gained corporal length. Results A total of 50 patients (mean age 18.1 years) underwent penile reconstruction. TE was used in 27 patients, SG in 19, and 4 received a combination of TE and SG. The mean number of previous penile operations was 2.7 for patients that received TE and 3.1 for SG. A successful outcome from primary reconstruction was achieved in 35 patients (70%) and overall successful reconstruction was achieved by 48 patients (96%). Conclusion TE and SG are useful techniques in providing soft tissue coverage following penile lengthening. TE is the preferred technique for primary reconstruction in a lengthening procedure. When genital skin is not expandable or coverage from TE is insufficient after lengthening, extragenital skin (SG) is recruited.
Mittlere Schwingungsamplituden für einX(YZ)2-Molekülmodell mit C2v-Symmetrie: Anwendung auf die Moleküle B2O3, B2S3 und S(CN)2

Auf Grund von Symmetrieuberlegungen wird eine Methode zur Bestimmung der mittleren Amplitudenquadrate der Schwingungen einesX(YZ)2-Molekulmodells mit C2v Symmetrie entwikkelt. Es werden analytische Ausdrucke fur die verschiedenen mittleren Amplitudenquadrate in Termen der symmetrisierten Matrizen der mittleren Amplitudenquadrate erhalten. Die Methode wird auf die Molekule B2O3, B2S3 und S(CN)2 angewendet. Es werden die mittleren Amplitudenquadrate und die mittleren Schwingungsamplituden bei Zimmertemperatur fur gebundene und nichtgebundene Atompaare aus den beobachteten Ramanund Infrarotgrundschwingungen sowie den Daten der Molekulstruktur berechnet. Die chemische Bedeutung der beiden verschiedenen charakteristischen Bindungen im Zusammenhang mit anderen Molekulen mit ahnlichen Bindungsverhaltnissen wird kurz besprochen. Weiters werden die molaren thermodynamischen Funktionen fur das Schwefeldicyanidmolekul im Temperaturbereich von 200 bis 2000° K unter Annahme eines starren Rotator-und harmonischer Oszillator-Modells berechnet.
Comparing inpatient costs of heart failure admissions for patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction with or without type 2 diabetes.

Both heart failure (HF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) account for major healthcare expenditures. We evaluated inpatient expenditures and cost drivers in patients admitted with HF with and without DM. Methods We created a retrospective cohort of acutely decompensated HF patients, using linked data from cost accounting systems and electronic medical records. We stratified patients by LVEF into reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, LVEF ≤40%) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, LVEF >40%) groups and by DM status at admission. Results Our population had 544 people: 285 HFrEF patients (43.5% with DM) and 259 HFpEF patients (43.6% with DM). Patients with HFrEF and DM had the longest hospital stay (5.10 ± 5.21 days). Patients with HFrEF and DM had the highest hospitalization cost ($11 576 ± 15 818). HFrEF and HFpEF patients with DM had the highest cost, and cost per day alive was highest for HFpEF patients with DM [$3153 (95% CI 2332, 4262)]. Conclusion Overall cost was higher for patients with DM, whether or not they were admitted with acute HF due to HFrEF or HFpEF. Cost per day alive for patients with DM continued to exceed corresponding costs for patients without DM, with HFpEF patients with DM having the highest cost.
Development of a Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (TR-FRET) Assay for the Inhibition of Keap1–Nrf2 Protein–Protein Interaction:

The transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), plays a major role in regulating the antioxidant defense system through the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-Nrf2-antioxidant response element (Keap1-Nrf2-ARE) pathway. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) decrease the rate of Nrf2 degradation by the 26S proteasome and thus increase the intracellular level of Nrf2, which translocates into the nucleus, leading to upregulated expression of cytoprotective and antioxidant enzymes. Such inhibitors can be developed into potential preventive and therapeutic agents of diseases caused by oxidative damage. To more effectively identify promising Nrf2 activators through the inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI, a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay was developed in this work by indirectly labeling the Keap1 Kelch domain protein with Tb-anti-His antibody as the donor and using, as the acceptor, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled 9mer Nrf2 peptide amide, the same fluorescent probe that was used in an earlier fluorescence polarization (FP) assay. Assay conditions, including concentrations of the various components, buffer type, and incubation time, were optimized in the TR-FRET competition assay with known small-molecule inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI. Under the optimized conditions, the Keap1-Nrf2 TR-FRET assay exhibited great sensitivity with a high dynamic range and considerable stability for as long as 5 h. The Z' factor was determined to be 0.82, suggesting that the assay is suitable for high-throughput screening and lead optimization of inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI. Furthermore, the TR-FRET assay is capable of differentiating potent inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI down to the subnanomolar inhibition constant (Ki) range.
Towards Verified Self-Driving Infrastructure

Modern "self-driving'' service infrastructures consist of a diverse collection of distributed control components providing a broad spectrum of application- and network-centric functions. The complex and non-deterministic nature of these interactions leads to failures, ranging from subtle gray failures to catastrophic service outages, that are difficult to anticipate and repair. Our goal is to call attention to the need for formal understanding of dynamic service infrastructure control. We provide an overview of several incidents reported by large service providers as well as issues in a popular orchestration system, identifying key characteristics of the systems and their failures. We then propose a verification approach in which we treat abstract models of control components and the environment as parametric transition systems and leverage symbolic model checking to verify safety and liveness properties, or propose safe configuration parameters. Our preliminary experiments show that our approach is effective in analyzing complex failure scenarios with acceptable performance overhead.
Implementing a Substance Use Screening Protocol in Rural Federally Qualified Health Centers.

INTRODUCTIONIn 2018, nearly 20% of Americans aged 12 years and older reported using illicit substances, with higher rates in rural areas. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide health c...
Headache, eyestrain, and musculoskeletal symptoms in relation to smartphone and tablet use in healthy adolescents

Neck pain and headache are leading causes of years lived with disability globally, and the prevalence is gradually increasing from school age to early adulthood. These symptoms have been linked to the use of digital devices. However, there is little knowledge related to this topic in adolescents, who spend increasingly more time using digital media. The aim of the study was to investigate eyestrain, headache, and musculoskeletal symptoms in relation to the use of tablets and smartphones in healthy adolescents with normal vision. Fifty healthy adolescents aged 11 – 13 years (mean = 12.1 (SD = 0.53)) with normal vision and development participated. A vision examination was performed by an authorised optometrist and an interview questionnaire measuring eyestrain, headache, and musculoskeletal symptoms in relation to screen use was filled out. In addition, screen time, ergonomics, participation in sports, and outdoor time were obtained. Forty-nine (98%) of the 50 children used a smartphone and 17 (34%) used a tablet. Overall, 12% to 41% experienced symptoms of headache, neck pain, tiredness and/or tired eyes while using smartphones and tablets. Nine (18%) experienced at least one symptom often or always while using their device. Musculoskeletal pain and headache were significantly associated with vision and eyestrain. Tablet use was associated with increased symptom scores compared to smartphone use. Increased screen time and shorter viewing distance were associated with eyestrain, headache, and neck pain. Children with neck- shoulder- and back pain were significantly (2.1 hours) less physically active than children without these symptoms. Most adolescents with good health and vision had no symptoms while using smartphones and tablets. However, a significant proportion still experienced symptoms of headache, neck pain, tiredness and tired eyes, and these symptoms were associated. Symptoms increased with screen time, shorter viewing distance and reduced participation in sports. This suggests that even healthy children with good vision may develop vision symptoms and musculoskeletal pain. Awareness should be raised among parents, teachers, eye care- and health care personnel, of the importance of good visual ergonomics and physical activity to promote health in adolescents.
Improving Tests of Abnormal Returns by Bootstrapping the Multivariate Regression Model with Event Parameters

Parametric dummy variable-based tests for event studies using multivariate regression are not robust to nonnormality of the residual, even for arbitrarily large sample sizes. Bootstrap alternatives are described, investigated, and compared for cases where there are nonnormalities, and cross-sectional and time-series dependencies. Independent bootstrapping of residual vectors from the multivariate regression model controls type I error rates in the presence of cross-sectional correlation, and surprisingly, even in the presence of time-series dependence structures. The proposed methods not only improve upon parametric methods, but also allow development of new and powerful event study tests for which there is no parametric counterpart. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.
ARISTOTLE, METAPHYSICS A 10, 993A13–15: A NEW READING AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR THE UNITY OF BOOK ALPHA

This article argues for an emendation in Aristotle's Metaphysics A 10, 993a13–15. The emendation is based on a hitherto overlooked reading preserved in Alexander of Aphrodisias’ commentary on A 7. First, the article problematizes the reading of the Metaphysics manuscripts in terms of syntax, diction and content. Second, it shows that Alexander's reading is free of all three problems. Third, it argues for the originality of Alexander's reading according to the principle utrum in alterum abiturum erat? and based on the fact that the new reading reveals a subtle didactic link between A 7 and A 10 that sheds new light on the argumentative architecture of Metaphysics Book A.
EMI Investigation and Mitigation of Flexible Flat Cables and Connectors

In modern mobile devices, as a result of the increase in data rate, requirement for higher density signal and cost-effective solution, the flexible flat cable (FFC) now plays an important role to connect separated printed circuit boards (PCBs). Due to the low-cost fabrication and varied shielding structure, FFC has been identified as a noise source for electromagnetic interference (EMI) and desense issues. In this paper, the common mode noise generated from FFC and related connectors is investigated. With the assistance of full wave and circuit simulation, main cause of the common mode noise has been identified as the ground discontinuity and the related voltage difference between the PCB ground and the FFC ground. By providing better shielding and improving ground continuity, 11 dB reduction of total radiation power (TRP) is observed at 5 GHz.
Comparison of thermal burn-induced and excisional-induced scarring in animal models: a review of the literature.

Significance Scar formation is a natural result of mammalian wound healing. In humans and other mammals, however, deep dermal wounds and thermal injuries often result in formation of hypertrophic scars, leading to substantial morbidity, and lending great importance to development of therapeutic modalities for burn scars. Clinical Issues: Thus, preclinical burn wound models that adequately simulate processes underlying human burn-induced wound healing, particularly those processes leading to chronic inflammation and development of hypertrophic scars, are critical to developing further treatment paradigms for clinical use. Approach Here we review literature describing various burn models, focusing on their characteristics and the functional readouts that lead to generation of useful data. We also briefly discuss recent work using human ex-vivo skin culture as an alternative to animal models, as well as our own development of rabbit ear wound models for burn scars, and assess the pros and cons of these models compared to other models. Future Direction: Understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of preclinical burn wound models will enable choice of the most appropriate wound model to answer particular clinically relevant questions, furthering research aimed at treating burn scars.
Hydraulic Studies for the Fluid-Bed Reactor*

The hydraulics of water-fluidized beds of steel balls up to . in diameter were studied to investigate parameters of bed homogeneity and fluid flow relationships for the fluid-bed nuclear reactor co...
Estimating diet digestibility: a comparison of 11 techniques across six different diets fed to rams.

Six digestion trials were conducted using eight Suffolk rams (four/trial; two trials run concurrently) to determine the ability of 11 techniques to estimate in vivo apparent DM digestibility (DMD). Diets (trials) were as follows: 1) ad libitum access to chopped fescue hay, 2) ad libitum access to alfalfa hay, 3) limit-fed fescue hay, 4) limit-fed alfalfa hay, 5) 25% soybean meal and 75% fescue hay and 6) 40% rolled corn and 60% alfalfa hay. Total feces were collected for 7 d following a 21-d adaptation to each diet. Digestibility methods evaluated were the following: 1) in vitro disappearance (INVITRO); 2) 48 h and 3) 72 h in situ nylon bag (48NB, 72NB); 4) 48NB followed by a 48-h acid pepsin digestion; 5) 96 h and 6) 144 h in vitro fermentation followed by NDF analysis (INDF96 and INDF144) 7) 96 h and 8) 144 h in vitro fermentation followed by ADF analysis (IADF96 and IADF144); 9) ADL ratio; 10) alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment before ADL analysis (APFPRE) and 11) alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment after ADF extraction of ADL (ADLPST). Apparent in vivo DMD was accurately estimated (P greater than .10) by INVITRO, ADL and APLPST with Diet 1. However no marker accurately estimated in vivo DMD when fescue was limit-fed. Apparent DMD of Diet 2 was accurately predicted (P greater than .10) by INVITRO, but when Diet 2 was limit-fed, only 48NB and 72NB predicted (P greater than .10) DMD accurately. In vivo DMD coefficients for Diet 5 followed a pattern similar to that of Diet 1. Diet 6 was predicted by INVITRO, 48NB, INDF96, INDF144 and IADF96 (P greater than .10). Results suggest that caution should be exercised when using these techniques, because no single technique provided accurate estimates across all diets and feeding conditions.
On the Minimum Volume of a Perturbed Unit Cube

We give exact bounds to the minimum volume of a paralelepiped whose spanning vectors are perturbations of the n unit vectors by vectors of length at most ?. This extends Micciancio's recent sharp bounds to all possible values of ?. We also completely determine all possible perturbations with length at most ? that achieve this minimum volume.
The linear, hydrodynamic stability of an interfacially perturbed, transversely isotropic, thin, planar viscoelastic film: II. Extension of the theory to the study of the onset of small-scale cell membrane motions

Abstract The dispersion equation derived in Part I describes the linear, hydrodynamic stability of an interfacially perturbed, transversely isotropic, viscoelastic thin film; this equation is utilized in this study to examine the onset and linear dynamics of instability of small-scale biological cell membrane motions. By assuming that the cell membrane is transversely constrained and that the electrostatic potential differences between the membrane interfaces and the adjoining bulk fluids are equal, the dispersion relation of Part I is simplified considerably. The reduced relation admits only stretching eigenmodes and exhibits the principle of exchange of stabilities. Physicochemical parameter loci describing stable and unstable states of the cell system as a function of the interfacial tension, the surface potential, and the total potential difference across the system are developed from the simplified dispersion relation. It is shown that increasing absolute values of the surface and system potentials above certain critical values renders the cell unstable to interfacial fluctuations. Hence physiological events which alter the surface and system potentials can function as initiators of small-scale membrane motion. Simulations of the real part of the frequency as a function of the perturbation wavelength indicate that the time scale for the evolution of an interfacial disturbance is of the order of 10−3 sec and that the characteristic length of the disturbance (the dominant wavelength) is of the order of one micron.
Interlimb differences in trajectory and positional control mechanisms

Previous findings suggest that movement trajectory and final position are specified and controlled differentially by the dominant and nondominant limb/hemisphere systems. In the current studies, we examine interlimb differences in trajectory planning and feedback mediated positional control mechanisms. The first study examines load compensation responses, whereas, the second study examines control of movements made to a range of distances. In the first study, the nondominant arm showed substantially better response to load compensation, whereas, the dominant arm over-compensated the effects of the load, producing a large and systematic overshoot of final position. In the second study, dominant arm movement amplitude was well predicted by peak acceleration, reflecting pre-planning of movement distance. However, nondominant arm peak accelerations did not predict movement distance well. Instead, the duration of acceleration varied systematically with peak velocity and movement amplitude. These findings suggest that the nondominant and dominant controllers specify and control movement distance through distinct mechanisms, the former utilizing a pulse-height strategy, and the latter using a pulse-width strategy. Taken together, these findings support the hypothesis that the dominant arm system is specialized for feedforward control of trajectory, and the nondominant system, for feedback mediated control of final limb posture.
miRNAs as the molecular clock regulating mandibular osteoinduction (921.5)

Precise timing of cranial neural crest cell (CNCC) differentiation into bone is essential for proper formation of the craniofacial bones. Delayed osteoinduction leads to micrognathia, whereas prema...
Learning from deliberated reactivity

Abstract An important problem in machine learning research is acquiring the information necessary for learning new behaviors. This problem is particularly difficult when the goal is to analytically learn rules for new reactive strategies, because a primary goal of reactive systems is to avoid computing and maintaining the complex information that is necessary for analytic learning. We describe a solution to this problem, in which a planner (which is invoked only when necessary) uses the reactivity rules in the course of planning. These invocations of the reactive rules are thus annotated by planning information, such as goal-subgoal-action relations, that is necessary for explanation-based learning. We discuss this approach in the context of the CASTLE system1, which learns strategies in the domain of chess.
Heterozygote Expression in Propionyl Coenzyme A Carboxylase Deficiency: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MAJOR COMPLEMENTATION GROUPS

We measured propionyl coenzyme A carboxylase (PCC) activity in extracts of skin fibroblasts and peripheral blood leukocytes from controls and obligate heterozygotes for PCC deficiency. 6 heterozygotes were from the pcc A complementation group; 12 were from the other major complementation group, designated pcc C. Mean PCC activity in fibroblast extracts from pcc A heterozygotes was 52% of that in controls, whereas mean PCC activity in pcc C heterozygotes was indistinguishable from that of controls. Similar results were obtained with extracts of peripheral blood leukocytes. In none of eight families (three pcc A and five pcc C) in which PCC activity was studied in both parents of an affected child were significant intrafamilial differences observed. The activities of two other mitochondrial enzymes (beta-methyl-crotonyl CoA carboxylase and glutamate dehydrogenase) were comparable in controls and both groups of heterozygotes. Whereas the data from pcc A heterozygotes are consistent with expected gene dosage effects, those from pcc C heterozygotes are not. Inasmuch as mammalian PCC is a large molecular weight tetramer, each protomer of which is probably composed of two nonidentical subunits, the latter results are most consistent with unbalanced rates of synthesis and(or) degradation of the two subunits in normal cells with compensatory balancing in pcc C heterozygotes.
Volatility Rules: Valuing Emerging Market Companies

As the center of gravity shifts from developed markets in the United States to emerging markets in Asia and Latin America, analysts are also grappling with estimation questions that arise more frequently with emerging market companies. In this paper, we begin by looking at common errors that show up in emerging market company valuations. We then deal with two big issues that underlie these valuations. The first relates to country risk and how best to deal with it in valuation. In particular, what are the country risks that we should incorporate into cash flows and when does country risk affect discount rates? The second arises from the lack of transparency and poor corporate governance that characterize many emerging market companies. We close the paper by examining how best to do relative valuation in emerging markets, especially when the comparable companies are listed in other markets.
“Self”-reflection by KIR

Significant debate exists over the proposed mechanisms by which NK receptor expression coordinates with the acquisition of function and titration of responsiveness, a process called NK-cell education. In this issue of Blood , Andersson and colleagues provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying NK-cell repertoire formation and the modulation of NK-cell function.[1][1] [1]: #ref-1
Evaluation of pulverized trommel fines for use as a soil amendment.

Abstract Pulverized trommel fines collected from the City of Chicago’s municipal solid waste were applied as a soil amendment over a 2-year period to evaluate: (1) their effects on soil quality by measuring soil elemental concentrations, pH, organic matter and cation exchange capacity; (2) their potential for pathogen transfer. A secondary objective was to examine crop growth, yield and productivity. Total and fecal coliform, Enterococci, Escherichia coli , Staphylococci and Salmonella were below minimum detection limits in trommel fines. Trommel fines contained 894.5 ± 171.4 mg/kg Pb, and when applied at a rate equivalent to 9.95 mt/ha dry wt, resulted in a soil Pb concentration increase of 18.80 mg/kg, thereby limiting lifetime trommel fine application to 15.9 years before reaching the 300 ppm IEPA (USEPA) regulatory limit. Trommel fines were subjected to a shake extraction procedure and resulting leachate Pb samples were 88.7% below the IEPA (USEPA) regulatory limit (5 mg/l). For the first year, corn yield was significantly higher on soil amended with trommel fines than soil amended with inorganic nitrogen fertilizer. During the second year, soybean yield was significantly lower on soil amended with trommel fines than on soil amended with inorganic fertilizer due to lower plant population. Results of this study suggest that trommel fines can be land applied as a soil amendment if best management practices are followed.
Salaryman Sudden Death Syndrome

Much current Japanese popular discussion centres on the sudden death, at an early age, of Japan′s hard‐working, white‐collar workers: Karoshi (death from overwork) – Salaryman′s Sudden Death Syndrome. Officially, it does not exist, as the government and big business are hesitant to acknowledge the phenomenon in light of the growing need to become more productive. The current recessionary pressure and growing shortage of labour in Japan has exposed this social phenomenon. Describes karoshi, defines the extent of the phenomenon, explores changes that are occurring in Japan′s workforce and analyses the impact on Japan.
Thrombin and Restenosis: Has the Question Been Answered?*

And diff'ring judgments serve but to declare, that Truth lies somewhere, if we knew but where.—William Cowper, Hope Ever since the advent of percutaneous treatment of coronary disease, restenosis has been the “Achilles' heel,” limiting long-term success. Early clinical studies evaluated
Infectious complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy

The relationships of infectious disease and fiberoptic gastrointestinal endoscopy have been reviewed. After a decade of burgeoning fiberoptic use, endoscopically related infections have occurred, but with remarkable rarity, despite lack of uniformity in endoscopic cleansing techniques. Transmission of viral disease has not been demonstrated. Reported bacterial cross infections have occurred under variable cleansing conditions which did not include disinfection. Transient low level bacteremia occurs following gastrointestinal endoscopy, and is generally inconsequential. Prophylactic antibiotics against gram negative organisms are to be considered in the patient with a prosthetic valve, because of theoretical risks which have not been clinically observed. Problems of cross infection and bacteremia can be generally avoided by various measures, but can most certainly be precluded by use of disinfectants, which maximally suppress microorganisms. Endogenous infection, chiefly evident as aspiration pneumonia, is likely underreported but uncommon, and prevention is probably related in part to good endoscopic technique. Infections are not an important complication of gastrointestinal endoscopy.
A Comparison of the Meteorological Conditions Associated with a Major Wildland Fire in the United States and a Major Bush Fire in Australia

Abstract Two days which produced major wildland fires in the eastern United States and southeastern Australia were compared in respect to prevailing weather conditions. Both days were seen as representative of extreme fire weather situations. Many similarities were noted. These included warm, dry and windy conditions at the surface occurring ahead of a strong cold front, the proximity of a pronounced upper level trough, unstable temperature lapse rates, and strong winds throughout the lower levels of the atmosphere.
Integration of design and manufacture of complex geometries through solid and surface modeling techniques

Abstract This paper presents the concepts of integrating a solids and surface modeler database with a manufacturing postprocessor in the production of complex shapes and geometries encountered in high technology manufacturing. The postprocessor translates information between a standard IGES file and the solid modeler to be fed to a 5 axis CNC machine. This process is demonstrated through an example which generates the mold cavities of an injection molding toll. IGES surface entities are created individually for each face of the solid model and the postprocessor creates a CNC program based on ruled surfaces corresponding to the IGES surface information. A second method is presented in the transfer of information between a surface modeler, a design database and the postprocessor. The design database provides information for blade shapes which are altered periodically. The surface modeler builds the complete impeller shape based on cross sectional geometries, overall design dimensions and number of blades on a given impeller. The postprocessor transfers the geometrical data from the surface modeler into a 5 axis CNC machine to manufacture the impeller blades. Blades are exclusively defined by ruled surfaces, so, the tool design and dimensions are critical to the success of the machining operation.
Effect of molecular orientation on the elastic constants of polypropylene

The Brillouin spectroscopic measurements of elastic properties of polypropylene films fabricated by different processing techniques are described. We find that the elastic symmetry and the associated elastic constants are dependent on the molecular orientation brought about by the processing conditions used to produce the films. We have shown that Brillouin scattering techniques can successfully be used to track the molecular orientation induced by uniaxial stretching. We find a direct correspondence between the Brillouin measurements and optical birefringence measurements, illustrating that molecular orientation plays a dominant role in determining the mechanical anisotropy in these materials.
Competition between abstraction and exchange channels in H + HCN reaction: Full-dimensional quantum dynamics

Dynamics of the title reaction is investigated on an ab initio based potential energy surface using a full-dimensional quantum wave packet method within the centrifugal sudden approximation. It is shown that the reaction between H and HCN leads to both the hydrogen exchange and hydrogen abstraction channels. The exchange channel has a lower threshold and larger cross section than the abstraction channel. It also has more oscillations due apparently to quantum resonances. Both channels are affected by long-lived resonances supported by potential wells. Comparison with experimental cross sections indicates underestimation of the abstraction barrier height.
The correspondence between credibilities and induced betting rate assignments

Operational statistics is an operational theory of probability and statistics which generalizes classical probability and statistics and provides a formalism particularly suited to the needs of quantum mechanics. Within this formalism, statistical inference can be accomplished using the Bayesian inference strategy. In a hierarchical Bayesian approach, a second-order probability measure, or credibility, represents degrees of belief in statistical hypotheses. A credibility determines an assignment of simple and conditioned betting rates to events in a natural way. In the setting of operational statistics, we show that a credibility is completely determined by the assignment of the betting rates it induces. This result suggests a certain unity between the Bayesian philosophy which deems that betting rates are central and the one which advocates the hierarchical approach.
Efficacy and Safety of Mu-Opioid Antagonists in the Treatment of Opioid-Induced Bowel Dysfunction: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Boston, Massachusetts; ¶ Javelin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA ABSTRACT Context. Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD) is characterized by constipation, incomplete evacuation, bloating, and increased gastric reflux. OBD occurs both acutely and chronically, in multiple disease states, resulting in increased morbidity and reduced quality of life. Objective. To compare the efficacy and safety of traditional and peripherally active opioid antago- nists vs conventional interventions for OBD. Design. We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and EMBASE. Additional reports were identified from the reference lists of retrieved articles. Study Selection. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials that investigated the efficacy of mu-opioid antagonists for OBD. Data Extraction. Data were extracted by two independent investigators and included demographic variables, diagnoses, interventions, efficacy, and adverse events. Results of Data Synthesis. Twenty-two articles met inclusion criteria and provided data on 2,352 opioid antagonist-treated patients. The opioid antagonist investigated was alvimopan (eight stud- ies), methylnaltrexone (six), naloxone (seven), and nalbuphine (one). Meta-analysis demonstrated that methylnaltrexone and alvimopan are efficacious in reversing opioid-induced increased gas- trointestinal transit time and constipation, and that alvimopan is safe and efficacious in treating postoperative ileus. The incidence of adverse events with opioid antagonists was similar to placebo and generally reported as mild-to-moderate. Conclusions. Insufficient evidence exists for the safety or efficacy of naloxone or nalbuphine in the treatment of OBD. Long-term efficacy and safety of any of the opioid antagonists is unknown, as is the incidence or nature of rare adverse events. Alvimopan and methylnaltrexone both show promise in treating OBD, but further data will be required to fully assess their place in therapy.
Radiographic and histologic analysis of the bone underlying inverted papillomas

Introduction: Inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign but locally aggressive sinonasal tumor. Those localized to the maxillary sinus or medial maxillary wall have classically been removed through an external approach. In recent years, endoscopic removal has been advocated as an effective, minimally invasive approach. Successful endoscopic management is based on accurate intraoperative identification and complete resection of the tumor. The surgical management of the bone underlying the surface of an IP is less clearcut. Controversy exists as to whether the bony undersurface of an IP should be removed. In this article, histopathologic specimens and preoperative radiologic studies are prospectively examined to better understand the involvement of the bone underlying an inverted papilloma. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of patients with maxillary sinus IP treated with endoscopic or endoscopic-assisted resection over a 12-month period was conducted. Intraoperatively, the site of tumor attachment was identified, and a 1- to 2-cm wedge of bone with overlying tumor was removed en bloc and analyzed under light microscopy. Preoperative radiographic studies were analyzed with respect to bony changes in the area of the tumor pedicle. Results: On histopathologic analysis, the bony surf/ce underlying the IP was irregular with multiple bony crevices in all nine cases. In two cases (22% of specimens), an isolated rest of normal-appearingsalivary gland and/or mucosal tissue was seen embedded in the underlying bone. Radiographic osteitic bony changes were seen at site of tumor attachment in 100% of cases. Conclusion: The irregularity of the bony surface may hinder complete tumor removal because microscopic rests of mucosa can be hidden within the bony crevices. Intraoperative removal of the bony surface at the site of tumor attachment may ensure a more complete removal.
Settlement, raw material, and lithic procurement in the central Mojave Desert

Abstract This paper explores the prehistoric use of two quarries in the central Mojave Desert. Technological analysis and cation-ratio dating of refitted core/flake sequences indicate that patterns of raw material selection, reduction strategies, and the range of objects produced at and removed from the sites remained essentially constant over time despite major changes in human mobility and settlement organization. Changes are evident in the rates at which the sites were exploited, the degree of reduction carried out at one site over time, and the kinds of products emphasized at one of the sites during one period. These results indicate that human use of these sites was conditioned by a range of factors, in addition to mobility strategies, including regional patterns of raw material quality and abundance and quarry location.
Vestibular signals can distort the perceived spatial relationship of retinal stimuli.

The flash-lag phenomenon is an illusion that affects the perceived relationship of a moving object and a briefly visible one: the moving object appears to be ahead of the flashed one. In practically all studies of this phenomenon, the image of the object moves on the retina as the object moves in space. Therefore, explanations of the illusion were sought in terms of purely visual mechanisms. Here we set up a situation in which the object’s motion in space is entirely produced by passive rotation of the subject. No motion occurred on the retina. The visual display (a continuously lit stimulus and a flashed one) was mounted on a vestibular chair. While the subjects fixated this display, they were rotated in the dark at a constant speed and suddenly stopped. Perceptual misalignment (flash-lag) was robust and consistent during both the initial phase of rotation and the postrotary period when neither chair, subject, nor stimulus was actually moving. As a vestibular signal can cause an illusory spatial dissociation in the visual domain, we conclude that the mechanism of the flash-lag must be more general than was thought up-to-now.
Angioedema associated with angiotensin II receptor antagonists: challenging our knowledge of angioedema and its etiology.

Introduction Use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors has long been associated with angioedema. Increased levels of bradykinin caused by the inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme have been thought to be responsible for this side effect. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (AT2 blockers), such as losartan potassium (Cozaar; Merck & Co., West Point, PA), are a new class of antihypertensives developed in part to eliminate cough and angioedema associated with ACE inhibitors. These agents act by selectively binding to angiotensin II receptor sites, thereby eliminating the hypertensive effects of angiotensin without affecting local and systemic bradykinin levels. We present three cases of AT2 receptor antagonist-induced angioedema, and examine its significance in the treatment of angioedema and its proposed etiology. Methods A retrospective chart review and review of the literature. Results Three patients taking the AT2 blocker losartan presented with mucosal swelling in the head and neck clinically consistent with angioedema. All three patients had prior episodes of angioedema while on losartan. Two patients presented with involvement of the anterior tongue and face that resolved within 12 hours of discontinuation of the losartan and a course of intravenous steroids. The third patient experienced recurring episodes of angioedema that eventually required a tracheotomy for airway compromise. After discontinuing the losartan and receiving a course of intravenous steroids, the angioedema resolved in 5 days. The patient was decannulated 10 days after onset of symptoms. Conclusion Angioedema is a potentially life-threatening condition commonly associated with ACE inhibitor use. AT2 blockers bind to angiotensin II receptor sites and have no demonstrable effect on local or systemic bradykinin levels. We present three cases that demonstrate AT2 blocker-induced angioedema. They were all complicated by the fact that the inciting agent, losartan, was not discontinued after the initial episode and resulted in recurrent episodes of angioedema, one of which required surgical airway intervention. The incidence of AT2 blocker-induced angioedema brings into question prior theories on the etiology of angioedema and bradykinin's role in its pathogenesis.
Immobilized Streptomyces clavuligerus NP1 cells for biotransformation of penicillin G into deacetoxycephalosporin G

An investigation was conducted to determine whether immobilized resting cells of Streptomyces clavuligerus NP1, entrapped on a polymeric matrix, are able to perform oxidative ring expansion of benzylpenicillin into deacetoxycephalosporin G by virtue of their deacetoxycephalosporin C synthase ("expandase") activity. Cells entrapped in polyethyleneimine-barium alginate (1.5%) were able to sustain activity for at least four 2-h cycles, whereas free resting cells were inactive after the second cycle. Although entrapped cells exhibited lower oxidative ring expansion activity than free resting cells, immobilization may offer storage stability, recyclability, and operational stability for biotransformation of penicillins to cephalosporins, thus contributing to the development of a biological means for the production of the important industrial intermediate 7-aminodeacetoxycephalosporanic acid.
Septal-lateral annular cinching abolishes acute ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Abstract Objective: Ring annuloplasty prevents acute ischemic mitral regurgitation in sheep, but it also abolishes normal mitral annular and posterior leaflet dynamics. We investigated a novel surgical approach of simple septal-lateral annular cinching with sutures to treat acute ischemic mitral regurgitation. Methods: Nine adult sheep underwent implantation of multiple radiopaque markers on the left ventricle, mitral anulus, and mitral leaflets. A septal-lateral transannular suture was anchored to the midseptal mitral anulus and externalized to a tourniquet through the midlateral mitral anulus and left ventricular wall. Open-chest animals were studied immediately postoperatively. Acute ischemic mitral regurgitation was induced by means of proximal left circumflex artery snare occlusion, and 3 progressive steps of septal-lateral annular cinching (each 2-3 mm suture tightening for 5 seconds) were performed with the transannular suture. Biplane videofluoroscopy for 3-dimensional marker coordinates and transesophageal echocardiography were performed continuously before and during left circumflex ischemia and septal-lateral annular cinching. Results: Acute left circumflex ischemia caused ischemic mitral regurgitation (+0.5 ± 0.4 [baseline] vs +2.0 ± 0.7 [ischemia]; P = .005; scale, +0-4), which decreased progressively with each step of septal-lateral annular cinching and was eliminated during the third step (ischemic mitral regurgitation, +0.6 ± 0.5; P = not significant vs baseline). The third step of septal-lateral annular cinching decreased the septal-lateral diameter by 6.0 ± 2.6 mm ( P = .005); however, mitral anulus area reduction (8.5% ± 1.0% and 6.9% ± 1.9% for ischemic mitral regurgitation and septal-lateral annular cinching step 3, respectively; P = .006) and posterior leaflet excursion (50° ± 9° and 44° ± 11° for regurgitation and annular cinching step 3, respectively; P = .002) throughout the cardiac cycle were affected only mildly. Normal mitral annular 3-dimensional shape was maintained with septal-lateral annular cinching. Conclusions: Isolated 22% ± 10% reduction in mitral annular septal-lateral dimension abolished acute ischemic mitral regurgitation in normal sheep hearts while allowing near-normal mitral annular and posterior leaflet dynamic motion. Septal-lateral annular cinching may represent a simple method for the surgical treatment of ischemic mitral regurgitation, either as an adjunctive technique or alone, which helps preserve physiologic annular and leaflet function. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002;123:881-8
Long-term follow-up of physical activity behavior in older adults.

Objective To examine the contribution of social-cognitive factors (self-efficacy and affect) in predicting long-term physical activity in a sample of older adults (N=174). Design A prospective design assessed physical activity and psychosocial variables at 2 and 5 years following a 6-month randomized, controlled exercise trial. Main outcome measures The primary outcome variable was self-reported physical activity, with previous behavior, self-efficacy, and affect assessed as determinants of physical activity. Results Covariance modeling analyses indicated that physical activity at Year 2 was the strongest predictor of physical activity at 5-year follow-up. Both self-efficacy and affect at Year 2 were also associated with physical activity at Year 5, as was original treatment condition. Variables accounted for 35% of the variance in Year 5 activity. Conclusion Older adults with higher levels of physical activity, more positive affect, and higher self-efficacy at Year 2 were more likely to continue to be active at Year 5. This study is one of the longest follow-ups of exercise behavior in older adults and has implications for structuring environments to maximize the maintenance of physical activity.
Determining the pulse-echo electromechanical characteristic of a transducer using flat plates and point targets

A common technique to determine the electromechanical response of a spherically focusing transducer is to use a reference pulse echo from a flat plate in the focal plane of the transducer. We show that when the pressure focusing gain of the transducer is much greater than unity, the focal plane reflection is a valid approximation of the desired electromechanical response. An alternative calibration target is a point scatterer and we show theoretically and experimentally that this waveform is the double time differential of the flat-plate response. The use of calibration to describe general scatterers through a Born approximation (Jensen, J. A. (1991), J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 89, 182–190) is discussed.
Isolated seminal vesicle invasion imparts better outcomes after radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer: prognostic stratification of pt3b disease by nodal and margin status.

Abstract Objectives To examine the survival differences in men with seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) according to surgical margin (SM) and nodal (N) status to characterize the influence of isolated SVI on disease progression after radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Methods We reviewed the records of 941 men who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer between 1984 and 2002. Three groups with evidence of SVI (SM−/N−, SM+/N−, and N+) were analyzed to identify differences in age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, biopsy Gleason score, surgical Gleason score, time to PSA progression, follow-up time, and cancer-specific and overall survival. Kaplan-Meier estimates and univariate and multivariate calculations were generated to examine differences in biochemical-free survival. Results Of 941 patients, 87 were identified with SVI; of these, 28 (32.2%) were SM−/N−, 35 (40.2%) were SM+/N−, and 24 (27.6%) were N+. The median follow-up for all patients was 70 months. The 5-year biochemical progression-free rate for SM−/N−, SM+/N−, and N+ patients was 71.9%, 36.6%, and 25.9%, respectively. The median time to PSA progression for SM−/N−, SM+/N−, and N+ patients was 26, 16, and 6 months, respectively. The clinical stage, pretreatment PSA level, and margin and node status were statistically predictive ( P P = 0.06). The overall and cancer-specific 5-year survival rates for SM−/N−, SM+/N−, and N+ patients were 89% and 100%, 79% and 97%, and 78% and 86%, respectively. Conclusions Isolated SVI is associated with lower rates of, and longer intervals to, biochemical failure compared with SVI with positive margins and/or regional lymph node involvement.