cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgeon workhours in the era of limited resident workhours.

Abstract Background Resident workhours have received much attention, yet there is little information concerning faculty workhours. In addition, the perspectives of surgical faculty on the anticipated effects of reducing resident hours have not been studied. Study design An anonymous survey was distributed to all clinical faculty in the Departments of Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, and Otolaryngology at a single, large academic institution. Surgeons completed a detailed retrospective report of hours worked during a 1-week period. Opinions regarding resident workhour restrictions were also elicited. Chi-square or Student's t -tests were used to determine p values as appropriate, with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Results Of 120 surveys distributed, 102 (85%) were returned. Subspecialty departments comprised 51% of respondents with 49% from general surgeons. The mean number of hours worked per week by faculty was 70.4 ± 12.5 (SD) (73.8 ± 14.1 for general surgeons versus 67.1 ± 9.9 for subspecialists, p=0.006), with only 44.1% having at least 1 day per week free from clinical duties. Up to 95% of general surgeons are paged overnight at least once per week (mean 13.6 ± 11.2 calls/week), with 73% returning from home at least once during the week (mean 1.8 ± 1.1 returns/week). Importantly, 84% of general surgeons believe reducing resident workhours will increase faculty hours, compared with 57% of subspecialists (p = 0.004). In addition, 87% predict that reducing resident hours will compromise surgical education, with only 11% believing the benefits of hour reduction will outweigh the negatives. Conclusions The recommended limit for resident workhours closely approximates the average number of hours worked by surgical faculty in an academic center. Despite this, significant concern exists among the majority of surgical faculty regarding the impact of resident workhour restriction, both on faculty workhours and on resident education.
Ion bombardment of insulators

Abstract Some of the effects which were observed when some stable inorganic insulators were subjected to ion bombardment are described. Most of the results were for bombardment at room temperature with the light ions H + , D + , He + , having energies in the neighborhood of 100 keV. Phenomena associated with destruction of the surface: stress, deformation, fracture, and blistering, are emphasized.
Lysosomal and other enzymes in the hemolymph of Crassostrea virginica and Mercenaria mercenaria

Abstract 1. 1. The activities of lysozyme, acid and alkaline phosphatases, β-glucuronidase, amylase, lipase, glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase, and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase in the whole hemolymph and 4000 g pellets and supernatants of Crassostrea virginica and Mercenaria mercenaria were assayed. All of these enzymes, except for amylase, occurred in whole hemolymph as well as in the fractions of both species of molluscs. 2. 2. Amylase only occurred in the whole hemolymph and serum of C. virginica. Since this mollusc possesses a crystalline style, the amylase is believed to have originated from this structure. 3. 3. It is postulated that the lysosomal enzymes detected in the serum of both species of molluscs had been released from certain hemolymph cells and may play a role in destroying certain invading organisms.
Microbiological determination of apparent free methionine in the blood of children.

ConclusionThe concentration of apparent free L-,methionine in the plasma of children is significantly lower than has been recorded in the literature for adult male subjects. The plasma of the blood in the umbilical cord at the time of delivery contains, on the average, the same amount of L-methionine as is recorded for adult males, and more than three times as much as is present in the plasma of “normal” children.
Investigating Academic Success Factors for Undergraduate Business Students

Student academic performance is of major interest to all stakeholders of higher education institutions. This study questions whether or not statistical analysis of information that is readily available in most universities' official records system can be used to predict overall academic success. In particular, this study is an attempt to understand factors that affect academic success for business students by examining gender, age, ethnicity, and performance in two required core knowledge courses as predictors of academic success for a large sample of undergraduate students at a Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business–accredited business school. The results suggest that student performance is significantly related to some basic demographic variables, but the strongest predictors of overall academic success are the grades the students receive in core knowledge courses that are typically taken in the earlier semesters of business students' plans of study.
Effect of antioxidant properties of lecithin emulsifier on oxidative stability of encapsulated bioactive compounds

Oxidation of encapsulated bioactive compounds in emulsions is one of the key challenges that limit shelf life of emulsion containing products. Oxidation in these emulsions is triggered by permeation of free radicals generated at the emulsion interface. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of antioxidant properties of common emulsifiers (lecithin and Tween 20) in reducing permeation of free radicals across the emulsion interface. Radical permeation rates were correlated with oxidative stability of a model bioactive compound (curcumin) encapsulated in these emulsions. Rate of permeation of peroxyl radicals from the aqueous phase to the oil phase of emulsion was inversely proportional to the antioxidant properties of emulsifiers. The rate of radical permeation was significantly higher (p<0.05) for emulsions stabilized using Tween 20 and oxidized lecithin compared to native lecithin that showed higher antioxidant activity. Free radical permeation rate correlated with stability of curcumin in emulsions and was significantly higher (p<0.05) in lecithin stabilized emulsions as compared to Tween 20 emulsions. Overall, this study demonstrates that antioxidant activity of emulsifiers significantly influences permeation of free radicals across the emulsion interface and the rate of oxidation of bioactive encapsulant.
The effects of 1,2-propanediol as a cryoprotectant on the freezing of mouse oocytes

Cryopreservation of mammalian eggs has been successfully accomplished using 1,2-propanediol (PG). Effects of holding times of 0 and 30 min at -40 degrees C and storage times of 1 d and 1 mo at -196 degrees C were investigated in combination with various concentrations of PG (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0M) to determine the survival and fertilizability of mouse oocytes rapidly frozen and thawed in straws. A rapid one-step dilution using 0.5 M sucrose solution inside the straws was used following the thawing of oocytes. A significant effect of PG concentration was found between 1.0 M and 1.5 or 2.0 M (P 0.05) on subsequent survival and fertilizability of frozen and thawed mouse oocytes. With 2.0 M PG, the best survival rate (58.3%) and fertilizability rate (19.0%) were obtained by holding at -40 degrees C for 30 min and by storage at -196 degrees C for 1 d. Thirty minutes of holding at -40 degrees C reduced oocyte damage during the procedure but not significantly (P>0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the various storage periods (P>0.05). This study demonstrated that mammalian oocytes can be cryopreserved in the presence of 1,2-propanediol by utilizing a rapid freezing and thawing procedure.
Invariance detection within an interactive system: a perceptual gateway to language development.

In this article, we hypothesize that invariance detection, a general perceptual phenomenon whereby organisms attend to relatively stable patterns or regularities, is an important means by which infants tune in to various aspects of spoken language. In so doing, we synthesize a substantial body of research on detection of regularities across the domains of speech perception, word segmentation, word–referent mapping, and grammar learning. In addition, we outline our framework for how invariance detection might serve as a perceptual gateway to more sophisticated communication by providing a foundation for subsequent emergent capacities. We test our hypothesis using the domain of word mapping as a case in point, emphasizing its epigenetic nature: Word mapping is rooted in the real-time interactions between the infant and the physical world. The present account offers an alternative to prior theories of early language development and helps to link the field of early language development with more general perceptual processes.
Effect of Crystal Distortion upon Change of Resistivity of Silicon by Heat Treatment

Silicon crystals grown by the Teal-Little method under certain conditions change resistivity upon heat treatment at about 450\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, becoming more $n$-type. When crystals of this type are bent at 1100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and quenched, heat treatment at 450\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C indicates that the distorted regions are more stable than undistorted regions. This suggests that structural defects retard the appearance of $n$-type carriers and may be responsible for variations among samples grown under different conditions.
Receipt of preventive health services in young adults.

Abstract Purpose To examine self-reported rates and disparities in delivery of preventive services to young adults. Methods A population-based cross-sectional analysis, of 3,670 and 3,621 young adults aged 18–26 years who responded to California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) in 2005 and CHIS 2007, respectively. The main outcome measures were self-reported receipt of flu vaccination, sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening, cholesterol screening, diet counseling, exercise counseling, and emotional health screening. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine how age, gender, race/ethnicity, income, insurance, and usual source of care influence the receipt of preventive services. Results Delivery rates ranged from 16.7% (flu vaccine) to 50.6% (cholesterol screening). Being female and having a usual source of care significantly increased receipt of services, with female participants more likely to receive STD screening ( p p p p p p p p p p Conclusions Rates of preventive services delivery are generally low. Greater efforts are needed to develop guidelines for young adults to increase the delivery of preventive care to this age-group, and to address the gender and ethnic/racial disparities in preventive services delivery.
Source-to-source translation: Ada to Pascal and Pascal to Ada

An implementation of translators between Ada and Pascal is described. The method used is to define subsets of each language between which there is a straightforward translation and to translate each source program to its respective sublanguage by program transformations. A common internal tree representation is used. The underlying organization of the translators is described, and some of the difficulties we have confronted and solves are discussed.
Ability of CCSM4 to simulate California extreme heat conditions from evaluating simulations of the associated large scale upper air pattern

This study assesses how well the Community Climate System Model version 4 (CCSM4) simulates the large scale conditions needed for extreme hot surface temperatures in the California Central Valley (CV). Extreme hot summer days in the CV are associated with a large scale meteorological pattern (LSMP) described in Grotjahn and Faure (2008). The strength and sign of that pattern are assessed using a circulation index developed in Grotjahn (2011). The circulation index is strongly linked to daily maximum surface temperature normalized anomalies at stations spanning the CV. (Extreme heat events in the CV also affect a wider area of California and United States west coast). This study makes two primary points. First, the approach used in Grotjahn (2011) can be applied as a novel tool to evaluate how skillfully a model simulates conditions present during CV hot spells by evaluating how well the LSMP is simulated. The circulation index is calculated from historical simulations by CCSM4 and its distribution compared with that of the observed circulation index. Second, values of the CCSM4 based circulation index have smaller standard deviation than observed in reanalysis data. CCSM4 can generate a few comparably large circulation index values (implying high surface temperature anomalies) but not as often as in reanalysis data. Correct simulation of this large scale pattern is a necessary condition for successful simulation of California extreme hot days by a regional climate model. Also, the CCSM4 topography does not have a CV, but a broad topographic slope instead. Various choices of CCSM4 grid points were tested and none satisfactorily represented the CV maximum temperatures. These results should discourage use of CCSM4 surface data directly but encourage use of a regional climate model driven by the CCSM4 to capture hot spells in the CV.
Dopamine receptor-mediated inhibition of serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity in retina.

Abstract The possible involvement of catecholamines in the regulation of serotonin N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity in retina of the African clawed frog was investigated using an in vitro eye cup preparation. Dopamine (10 μM) and norepinephrine (50 μM) had no significant effect on NAT activity of eye cups incubated in the light. However, dopamine inhibited the increase of retinal NAT activity that occurs in eye cups incubated in darkness; the ED 50 for dopamine was 0.3 μM. The effect of dopamine on NAT activity was mimicked by the dopamine receptor agonists apomorphine and bromocriptine, but not agonists of α 1- , α 2 , oir s-adrenergic receptors. Dopamine-mediated inhibition of NAT activity was antagonized by spiroperidol and by α-flupenthixol, but not by s-flupenthixol, phentolamine or timolol. Benztropine, an inhibitor of dopamine reuptake, also decreased NAT activity in eye cups incubated in the dark. The inhibitory effect of benztropine was antagonized by spiroperidol, suggesting that it was mediated by an increase in the extracellular concentration of endogenous dopamine. These studies indicate that the regulation of NAT activity in the retina is subject to modulation by a dopamine receptor-mediated mechanism and suggest that dopamine may play a role in the inhibition of NAT activity by light.
Statistical Evaluation of Data for Detecting Adulteration of California Navel Orange Juice

Compositional data from California early-, mid-, and late-season navel orange juice, concentrate and two-stage pulpwash were analyzed by various statistical techniques (ratios, regression, chi-square, Linear combination, and discriminant analysis) for detecting adulteration. These techniques were evaluated according to applicability for detecting three types of adulteration: (1) addition of sugar and/or citric acid, (2) addition of excess or unauthorized pulpwash, and (3) addition of other constituents intended to mask the dilution. Most parameters were significantly affected by time of harvest following commercial maturity. Two-stage pulpwash showed small but significant differences from corresponding single strength juice. Product differences were of about the same magnitude as the differences due to harvest date.
A Multi-Year Longitudinal Study of Water Quality Parameters in Four Salmon-Bearing and Recreational Streams on Mount Hood, Oregon

Four streams–Clear Fork, Lost Creek, Camp Creek and Still Creek–in northwestern Oregon’s Sandy River Basin were monitored for temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, and fecal bacterial concentrations in a multi-year analysis examining stream health for recreational users and anchor habitat for Pacific Salmon. Temperatures were recorded using micro –T temperature loggers at 15 locations, during 22 July - 5 September 2006, 2 July - 4 September 2007, 20 June - 7 September 2008, 23 June - 9 September 2009, and 2 July –9 September 2010. The Seven-Day Average Maximum water temperature (7-DAM) of 13°C was used as a reference value for the biological limit governing suitable salmonid spawning and egg incubation conditions. The maximum 7-DAM temperatures occurred on different dates and all streams neared or exceeded the 13°C standard at least once each summer. Dissolved oxygen levels were measured at weekly or longer intervals in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. Dissolved oxygen levels fell below the 9.0 ppm standard for Clear Fork on almost half the sampling dates in 2006, 2007, and 2009. Concentrations of the bacterial genus Enterococcus were measured as an indicator of fecal contamination. Samples were collected at 15 sites along the four streams. Weekly samples were collected during a 9 week period from July - September 2007, an 11 week period from June - September 2008, and an 11 week period from June - September 2009. Enterococcus counts exceeded the federal recommended national criterion value of 61 colony forming units (CFU) per 100 mL every year in Camp Creek and occasionally elsewhere, with exceedances trending towards late summer.
THE EXTRACORTICAL ACTION OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONE ON THE ELEVATION OF PLASMA FREE FATTY ACIDS.

Abstract The effect of ACTH on the elevation of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) was demonstrated in the fasted, adrenal-ectomized, reserpinized, and eviscerated rats with or without hypophysectomy. The difference in plasma FFA between control and experimental animals was statistically significant. The dose of ACTH used was 2 × 10−2 μg. or about 2 mU per rat, which is comparable to the plasma concentration. The demonstration of this extracortical effect of a small dose of ACTH in vivo was presumably due to the elimination of the effects of factors such as lipid-mobilizing hormones, glucose and organs responsible for supplying or removing plasma FFA.
The Drama as Rhetorical Critique: Language, Bodies, and Power in Angels in America

This article broadens rhetoric’s scope by reclaiming a space for it in drama. It reviews rhetoric’s bodily beginnings in theatre to read contemporary plays, specifically Tony Kushner’s Angels in America, as rhetorical critique. As critique, Angels enacts the relationship among language, bodies, and power via Kushner’s dramatizing of the metaphoric constructions of AIDS and ideology. The play also performs the disruption and resignification of discourses that marginalize peripheral bodies on the sociopolitical stage. Consequently, Angels adopts a sophistic approach to rhetorical critique that demonstrates language’s mutability.
Equivalent circuit model of a waveguide‐type Ge/Si avalanche photodetector

An equivalent circuit with an inductive element is presented for modelling a waveguide-type Ge/Si avalanche photodetector (APD) with a separate-absorption-charge-multiplication structure. A genetic algorithm optimization is used to extract the parameters for the elements included in the equivalent circuit by fitting the measured S22. Due to a resonance in the avalanche region, there is a peak enhancement for the frequency response of the APD when the bias voltage is relatively high. This is observed in the measurement and agrees with the theoretical calculation shown in this paper. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cathepsin B mediates TRAIL-induced apoptosis in oral cancer cells

Purpose: The death ligand TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand) triggers apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells, which implies the potential for therapeutic applications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the lysosomal protease cathepsin B (CB) in mediating TRAIL-induced cell death in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. Methods: OSCC cell lines from primary tumor and lymph node metastasis were examined for expression of apoptosis markers by Western blots, enzyme activity assays, nuclear fragmentation assays, and FACS analysis. Gene-specific ribozymes or chemical inhibitors were used to inhibit CB or caspases in target cells. Results: TRAIL-induced activation of caspase-3, cleavage of Bid and poly–ADP-ribose polymerase, release of cytochrome c, and DNA fragmentation were blocked either by a pan-caspase inhibitor (zVAD-fmk) or a CB inhibitor (CA074Me), consistent with the involvement of TRAIL as well as CB in cell death. The primary tumor cells were more susceptible to apoptosis than their corresponding lymph node metastatic cells. Stable transfection of a ribozyme which inhibited CB expression also decreased the apoptotic process. Conclusions: We conclude that TRAIL-induced apoptotic cell death in OSCC cells is mediated through CB or through caspase activation. Our data point to a new tumor-suppressive role for CB in OSCC which is opposed to the invasion- and metastasis-promoting functions of lysosomal proteases.
Carotid stenting: Innovation results in a standardized procedure

Abstract The procedure of carotid artery stenting is described, and special attention is paid to patient selection, angiography, and choice of techniques. Stent selection and choice of antiembolic device are described. A standard technique, which is currently being tested in randomized clinical trials is described by the authors.
Adaptive critic based approximate dynamic programming for tuning fuzzy controllers

We show the applicability of the dual heuristic programming (DHP) method of approximate dynamic programming to parameter tuning of a fuzzy control system. DHP and related techniques have been developed in the neurocontrol context but can be equally productive when used with fuzzy controllers or neuro-fuzzy hybrids. We demonstrate this technique on a highly nonlinear 2nd order plant proposed by Sanner and Slotine (1992). Throughout our example application, we take advantage of the Takagi-Sugeno model framework to initialize our tunable parameters with reasonable problem specific values, a practice difficult to perform when applying DHP to neurocontrol.
Volatility Clustering within Industries: An Empirical Investigation

This paper examines the clustering of return volatility within industries by comparing the short‐run responses of stock returns to the arrival of macroeconomic news across several industries. We hypothesize that some industries have distinctive qualities which influence the sensitivity of companies’ equity value to information releases. To test this hypothesis, we sample intraday stock price data of ten firms from three industries ‐ General Industry, Banking, and Real Estate Trusts ‐ and conduct the Brown‐Forsythe‐Modified Levene tests. The evidence shows that there exist different degrees of responses to the release of macroeconomic news and consequently different degrees of return volatility clustering: strongest in General Industry, less strong in Banking, and weak in Real Estate Investment Trusts.
Hitting a moving target: catheter ablation and respiration.

t p c r Catheter ablation requires manipulating an electrodetipped catheter to remotely target and modify arrhythmogenic myocardium. Ablation success is challenged by the inability to directly visualize complex 3-dimensional cardiac structures, necessitating the use of indirect observational methods. Fluoroscopy delineates the entire course of an electrode catheter but displays myocardial tissues poorly, leading to a reliance on other means of determining catheter position and contact. Local electrogram content such as the presence of a His bundle or vein potential aid in electrode localization, but reveal little information as to electrode tissue contact force. Sophisticated mapping systems have been developed to create cardiac geometries in an effort to overcome the limitations of standard fluoroscopy. Noteworthy, however, is the fact that none of the models created depict cardiac motion or both systole and diastole. During each cardiac cycle, the regional myocardium to be targeted is displaced by cardiac motion, potentially affecting catheter contact with the desired ablation target. Furthermore, changes in the rhythm may modify the degree and amplitude of displacement. All this motion is further superimposed on normal respiration or ventilation, which can lead to displacement of a catheter tip by distances of close to a centimeter. The adverse effect of respiratory motion on arrhythmia map creation has led to the development of compensatory algorithms, which acquire data at similar points in the espiratory cycle to mitigate map degradation, but at the xpense of acquisition latency. However, whether the obious dislocation of the catheter during the course of the espiratory cycle adversely affects ablation has not been reviously reported. It is an important issue, since when adiofrequency energy is used for ablation, the electrode ontact force significantly impacts energy transfer and leion creation. In this issue of HeartRhythm, Kumar et al systematically and methodically address this deficit in our knowledge base. Fifteen patients undergoing cavotricuspid isthmus ablation under general anesthesia were studied. Experienced operators performed ablation guided by fluoroscopy and intracardiac electrograms. Lesions were created during either apnea
The Politics of Free Markets: The Rise of Neoliberal Economic Policies in Britain, France, Germany, and the United States

The Politics of Free Markets: The Rise of Neoliberal Economic Policies in Britain, France, Germany, and the United States. By Monica Prasad. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2006. 280p. $57.00 cloth, $23.00 paper. This is an ambitious book, and an important one. It asks one of the key questions of contemporary political economy: how to explain the rise of neoliberal economic policies in advanced industrialized countries. It answers this question by considering the rise of neoliberal policies in four countries—Britain, France, Germany, and the United States—in three policy areas—taxation, welfare, and industrial policy. Although the book's main focus is on important moments of policy change in the 1970s and 1980s, it considers these in the light of the preceding postwar period and uses them to illuminate more recent events. It notes that although in retrospect it may seem natural that the United States and the UK would have become neoliberal and France and Germany not, this was not at all obvious at the time. Much the contrary, since both the United States and the UK in the 1970s had more progressive tax policies, more egalitarian welfare states, and more anti-business industrial policies than France or Germany. The puzzle, then, is how to explain the transformations in all four countries, which left the United States and the UK much more neoliberal in tax policies, less egalitarian in welfare states, and arguably more pro-business.
Race and Race-Of-Institution Effects on Mailed Questionnaire Response

This paper reports the results of research examining the issue of non-response bias to mailed surveys. The hypothesis for this experitnent was that lower response rates of black citizens to mail questionnaires could be overcome, in part, by using black sponsoring institutions. A city was selected which contained both a traditionally black and a traditionally white state supported university. Two samples of randomly chosen registered voters from selected precincts received the same mailed survey. The samples consisted of equal numbers of black and white registered voters. Some precincts were racially segregated (all black or all white) and others integrated and were from middle and working class neighborhoods. If a total design method is used (in contrast to a single shot survey design) institutional afiliation does not affect response rates of black or white citizens. The research helps to elucidate empirically the complexity of the response rate hypothesis as it applies to race.
Key Priorities for Social Science Research on Cyberspace

Social science research on cyberspace should concentrate on theory development, a national baseline survey of current networking practices, ethnographic case studies of businesses and other networked organizations, the implications of the National Information Infrastructure and multimedia technology for education, and policy options for mitigating socioeconomic and other inequalities that new communication and information technologies exacerbate.
A Recurrent Neural Network for Generation of Occular Saccades

This paper presents a neural network able to control saccadic movements. The input to the network is a specification of a stimulation site on the collicular motor map. The output is the time course of the eye position in the orbit (horizontal and vertical angles). The units in the network exhibit a one-to-one correspondance with neurons in the intermediate layer of the superior colliculus (collicular motor map), in the brainstem and with oculomotor neurons. Simulations carried out with this network demonstrate its ability to reproduce in a straightforward fashion many experimental observations.
Very fast sequencing and data addressing made easy with new CMOS VLSI components

Two new CMOS devices, the ADSP-1401 micro program sequencer and ADSP-1410 address generator, have been announced by ADI to support all sequencing and data addressing requirements in high-performance microcoded Digital Signal Processing (DSP) systems. This paper describes their respective architecture after identifying the features needed to support the most important sequencing and addressing requirements of fast DSP systems.
Dietary patterns and changes in body mass index and waist circumference in adults

BACKGROUND Obesity has increased > 20% in the past decade in the United States, and more than one-half of US adults are overweight or obese. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to further elucidate the nutritional etiology of changes in body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) and waist circumference by dietary intake pattern. We hypothesized that a healthy dietary pattern would lead to smaller changes in BMI and waist circumference than would other dietary patterns. DESIGN Subjects were 459 healthy men and women participating in the ongoing Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Diet was assessed with the use of 7-d dietary records, from which 41 food groups were created and entered into a cluster analysis. RESULTS Five dietary patterns were derived (healthy, white bread, alcohol, sweets, and meat and potatoes). The mean annual change in BMI was 0.30 +/- 0.06 for subjects in the meat-and-potatoes cluster and 0.05 +/- 0.06 for those in the healthy cluster (P < 0.01). The mean annual change in waist circumference was more than 3 times as great for subjects in the white-bread cluster (1.32 +/- 0.29 cm) as for those in the healthy cluster (0.43 +/- 0.27 cm) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Consuming a diet high in fruit, vegetables, reduced-fat dairy, and whole grains and low in red and processed meat, fast food, and soda was associated with smaller gains in BMI and waist circumference. Because foods are not consumed in isolation, dietary pattern research based on natural eating behavior may be useful in understanding dietary causes of obesity and in helping individuals trying to control their weight.
Evaluation of ultrasound-based prostate localization for image-guided radiotherapy.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the use of the ultrasound-based BAT system for daily prostate alignment. Materials and methods Prostate alignments using the BAT system were compared with alignments using radiographic images of implanted radiopaque markers. The latter alignments were used as a reference. The difference between the BAT and marker alignments represents the displacements that would remain if the alignments were done using ultrasonography. The inter-user variability of the contour alignment process was assessed. Results On the basis of the marker alignments, the initial displacement of the prostate in the AP, superoinferior, and lateral direction was −0.9 ± 3.9, 0.1 ± 3.9, and 0.2 ± 3.4 mm respectively. The directed differences between the BAT and marker alignments in the respective directions were 0.2 ± 3.7, 2.7 ± 3.9, and 1.6 ± 3.1 mm. The occurrence of displacements ≥5 mm was reduced by a factor of two in the AP direction after the BAT system was used. Among eight users, the average range of couch shifts due to contour alignment variability was 7, 7, and 5 mm in the antero-posterior (AP), superoinferior, and lateral direction, respectively. Conclusion In our study, the BAT alignments were systematically different from the marker alignments in the superoinferior, and lateral directions. The remaining random variability of the prostate position after the ultrasound-based alignment was similar to the initial variability. However, the occurrence of displacements ≥5 mm was reduced in the AP direction. The inter-user variation of the contour alignment process was significant.
The Impact of Intelligent Infrastructure Investment on the Well-Being of a Country

There is significant debate among scholars and policymakers about the size and role of government. Many governments have responded to economic recession by cutting their expenses to balance their budgets. There are nonetheless some government expenses that are indispensable for a healthy national economy.In this paper we argue that many nations that have achieved basic infrastructure provision need to move to the development of intelligent infrastructures through the use of ICTs. We believe that the impact that these technologies can have on the overall well-being of a nation are now significantly higher than further investment in other infrastructures. We thus want to explore the impact that government expenditure, debt, and economic recession have had on infrastructure investments and the impact that these have on a country’s well-being as measured by the human development index.Fifty years ago it was essential to provide sanitation and water to prevent illnesses that could have deadly consequences. Electricity has been crucial for overall economic activity from manufacturing to retail, and transportation has facilitated and expanded commerce. Information and communication technologies are now capable of supporting the development of intelligent infrastructures that can improve the well-being of a nation, including what scholars have called “beyond GDP” metrics of development. Current infrastructures are, for the most part, dumb; they don’t generate information that could be used to make decisions regarding maintenance, replacement or upgrades. Next generation infrastructures can use sensors and communication networks to provide relevant parties and decision makers with information that can facilitate decision making and potentially reduce operational costs. Highways for example can send information about congestion and road conditions. Electricity grids can provide information about demand, loads, and outages. Water pipes can send alert about unusual levels of usage and breakdowns.Intelligent infrastructures rely on ICTs but governments, under both internal and external pressure to cut costs, may not be making the investments that these intelligent infrastructures require. It is our belief that by reducing investments in intelligent infrastructures they are potentially incurring higher costs in the future and reducing their country’s well-being relative to what it could be if appropriate investments are made.This study uses a two stage statistical analysis of a panel of approximately 170 countries for a period of 10 years to determine how government debt and expenses affect infrastructures including intelligent ones (measured as the interaction between traditional infrastructure and broadband or secure Internet services. We want to identify the types of infrastructure that have the most impact on the human development index and how ICTs and infrastructures can contribute to the well-being of a nation.
Visibility as Privilege and Danger: Heterosexual and Same-Sex Interracial Intimacy in the 21st Century

Sexuality scholars largely neglect interracial intimacy in the United States as a site worthy of sustained empirical research. Consequently, monoracialiry is not adequately problematized or identified as a racial prerequisite to fundamental heterosexual privileges. Further, by implicitly constructing same-sex couples as monoracial, scholars fail to consider how heterosexuality and White supremacy together saturate public spaces to render queer interraciality profoundly invisible. In this essay I critique the monoracial bias of sexuality research by analyzing interracial narratives on the topic of visibility. Using in-depth qualitative interviews with four heterosexual and four same-sex interracial couples, I argue that for interracial partners a paradoxical tension surrounds visibility. Though couples may seek public affirmation of intimate relationships, for both heterosexual and queer interracial couples, public recognition risks harassment or violence.
The illusion of technology auditing: the results of a survey and proposed solutions

This paper revisits the author's prediction of 10 years ago of the risk of conflict of interest between information technology auditors and large CPA firms and discusses some cases which lend support to this prediction. The survey shows the lack of consulting boundaries/rules has had terrible consequences to the economy and to the small investors. In order to address this problem of conflict of interest, three actions are proposed.
Towards a neurophysiological foundation for cognitive neuromodulation through deep brain stimulation

It may soon be possible to adapt the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) technologies developed to treat movement disorders to improve the general cognitive function of brain-injured patients. We outline neurophysiological foundations for novel neuromodulation strategies to address these goals. Emphasis is placed on developing a rationale for targeting the intralaminar and related nuclei of the human thalamus for electrical stimulation. Recent anatomical and physiological studies are compared with original neurophysiological recordings obtained in an alert non-human primate. In this context we consider neuronal mechanisms that may underlie both clinical observations and cognitive rehabilitation maneuvers that provide theoretical support for open and closed-loop strategies to remediate acquired cognitive disability (ACD).
Labetalol compared with propranolol in patients with both angina pectoris and systemic hypertension: a double-blind study

Labetalol is a non-selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist agent with added alpha 1-adrenergic blocking properties, beta 2-stimulating action, and direct vasodilatory activity. A multi-center, double-blind, parallel group study compared the safety and efficacy of labetalol to propranolol in the treatment of patients with both exertional angina and mild to moderate systemic hypertension. An initial 4 to 5 week placebo washout phase was followed by a five week titration phase and a four month maintenance phase. Labetalol and propranolol had similar effects in reducing supine and standing blood pressures, except for a greater reduction in standing systolic blood pressure seen in the labetalol group. There were comparable effects by both treatments on angina attacks, nitroglycerin use, and exercise tolerance. Adverse effects were frequent with both drugs, but were generally minor. Thus, labetalol appears to be an effective alternative to propranolol in the treatment of patients with coexisting angina pectoris and hypertension, with the choice of agent dependent on the clinical situation.
Optimal Network Modularity for Information Diffusion

We investigate the impact of community structure on information diffusion with the linear threshold model. Our results demonstrate that modular structure may have counterintuitive effects on information diffusion when social reinforcement is present. We show that strong communities can facilitate global diffusion by enhancing local, intracommunity spreading. Using both analytic approaches and numerical simulations, we demonstrate the existence of an optimal network modularity, where global diffusion requires the minimal number of early adopters.
How Small Enterprises in Ghana Have Responded to Adjustment

Ghana is often cited as an African country that has undertaken major macroeconomic reforms with generally positive results for economic growth. Within Ghana's industrial sector, the effects of structural adjustment policies have differed among subsectors and firms. Little is known, however, about the impact of adjustment on smaller firms. A survey of small-scale enterprises (SSEs) was carried out in November 1989 to learn more about the impact of the adjustment program on their operations, to evaluate their potential contribution to dynamic industrial recovery, and to identify appropriate measures that would accelerate the growth of SSEs in numbers, size and productivity. Specific objectives of the survey were to : 1) learn more about the characteristics of small firms and their owners; 2) analyze how policy changes have affected small firms, highlighting entrepreneurs' strategies for adapting to their new environments; and 3) identify constraints to the future growth of small firms. Results show that adjustment policies have forced the SSEs to become more competitive to survive and that significant structural changes are taking place across subsectors and within firms. The overall business environment has generally improved during the adjustment program, although shortcomings remain. Uncertainty about political and economic stability and lack of finance appear to be the most immediate restraints on investment.
Magnetic resonance imaging--the evaluation of choice in residual shunt after congenital heart disease surgery?

Accurate anatomic diagnosis presents a dilemma in patients with residual shunt after corrective surgery for congenital heart disease. We describe a patient who, after atrial septal defect repair, developed dyspnea and central cyanosis despite normal pulmonary arterial pressures and right heart chamber size. A role for early MRI is suggested. (Chest 1991; 99:249–51)
In Vivo Measures of Shear Wave Speed as a Predictor of Tendon Elasticity and Strength

The purpose of this study was to assess the potential for ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) to measure tissue elasticity and ultimate stress in both intact and healing tendons. The lateral gastrocnemius (Achilles) tendons of 41 New Zealand white rabbits were surgically severed and repaired with growth factor coated sutures. SWE imaging was used to measure shear wave speed (SWS) in both the medial and lateral tendons pre-surgery, and at 2 and 4 wk post-surgery. Rabbits were euthanized at 4 wk, and both medial and lateral tendons underwent mechanical testing to failure. SWS significantly (p < 0.001) decreased an average of 17% between the intact and post-surgical state across all tendons. SWS was significantly (p < 0.001) correlated with both the tendon elastic modulus (r = 0.52) and ultimate stress (r = 0.58). Thus, ultrasound SWE is a potentially promising non-invasive technology for quantitatively assessing the mechanical integrity of pre-operative and post-operative tendons.
Examining the Panic Attack Specifier in Social Anxiety Disorder

Panic attacks (PAs) are characterized by overwhelming surges of fear and discomfort and are one of the most frequently occurring symptoms in psychiatric populations. The most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (i.e. DSM-5) allows for a panic attack (PA) specifier for all disorders, including social anxiety disorder (SAD). However, there is little research examining differences between individuals diagnosed with SAD with the PA specifier versus individuals diagnosed with SAD without the PA specifier. The current study examined social anxiety, mood, anxiety, and anxiety sensitivity social concerns, a risk factor for social anxiety in SAD-diagnosed individuals without (N = 52) and with (N = 14) the PA specifier. The groups differed only in somatic symptoms of anxiety. Result of the current study provides preliminary evidence that the presence of the PA specifier in social anxiety does not result in elevated levels of comorbidity or a more severe presentation of social anxiety.
Motion Measurement for Synthetic Aperture Radar.

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) measures radar soundings from a set of locations typically along the flight path of a radar platform vehicle. Optimal focusing requires precise knowledge of the sounding source locations in 3 - D space with respect to the target scene. Even data driven focusing techniques (i.e. autofocus) requires some degree of initial fidelity in the measurements of the motion of the radar. These requirements may be quite stringent especially for fine resolution, long ranges, and low velocities. The principal instrument for measuring motion is typically an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), but these instruments have inherent limi ted precision and accuracy. The question is %22How good does an IMU need to be for a SAR across its performance space?%22 This report analytically relates IMU specifications to parametric requirements for SAR. - 4 - Acknowledgements Th e preparation of this report is the result of a n unfunded research and development activity . Although this report is an independent effort, it draws heavily from limited - release documentation generated under a CRADA with General Atomics - Aeronautical System, Inc. (GA - ASI), and under the Joint DoD/DOE Munitions Program Memorandum of Understanding. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi -more » program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of En ergy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE - AC04 - 94AL85000.« less
Towards a More Reasoned Application of the Robinson-Patman Act A Holistic View Incorporating Principles of Law and Economics in Light of Congressional Intent

We take an economic perspective to analyze the recurring criticisms of the Robinson-Patman Act as being anticompetitive or inefficient. We determine that the legislative history of the Act identifi...
Rosettes and Pseudorosettes

Neural rosettes are microscopic flower-like structures that occur transiently during the development of the central nervous system and are also found in many neurological tumors. True rosettes are composed of neuroepithelial cells surrounding either a central neuropil-filled space or an empty central lumen. Examples of true rosettes include Homer Wright rosettes characteristic of medulloblastoma and other primitive embryonal-like neural tumors, and neurocytic or pineocytomatous rosettes that occur in more differentiated tumors such as central neurocytoma and pineocytoma, respectively. Examples of true rosettes, which demonstrate a central lumen, include Flexner–Wintersteiner rosettes, most characteristic of retinoblastoma, and the true ependymal rosettes, which are most often found in ependymal tumors. The other major type of neural rosette is the perivascular pseudorosette. In perivascular pseudorosettes, neuroepithelial cells extend cell process onto the basement membrane of a small blood vessel. Perivascular pseudorosettes are predominant features of ependymoma and astroblastoma, but like true rosettes, they can be seen in many neurological and neuroendocrine tumors.
Aspergillus terreus Infection of Pseudoaneurysm of Aortofemoral Vascular Graft with Contiguous Vertebral Osteomyelitis

This is a case report of a patient who developed several unusual complications of an aortofemoral vascular graft. These were thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm, and infection. There was an Aspergillus terreus infection of the pseudoaneurysm of the vascular prosthesis. A contiguous vertebral osteomyelitis due to A. terreus subsequently developed. This represented a localized, invasive form of aspergillosis.