cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Snakebites: Comparing Patients in Two Geographic Locations in the United States.

Abstract Background Management of children with snakebites may vary based on subjective criteria, geographic, and climatic factors. We reviewed the incidence and management of snakebite injuries in children at two tertiary referral centers in separate geographic and climatic location to assess differences in management and outcomes of these patients. Methods After institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review was performed for patients ≤18 years with snakebite injuries at emergency departments (ED) of two American College of Surgeons verified trauma centers (2006-2013). One center is in southeast US and experiences a sub-tropical climate whereas the other is in southwest US and experiences a semi-arid climate. Demographic and clinical parameters were extracted. Results A total of 108 patients (59% male), median age of 9 y (1 y-17 y), were included. Snake type was identified by bystanders in 55.5% cases; copperhead was the most common (37%) subtype. Approximately 30% of patients received antivenom. One quarter of all patients were discharged from the ED. Two patients received surgical intervention in the first 48 hours after presentation. Compared to patients who sustained a snakebite in semi-tropical regions, patients in semi-arid areas had shorter bite-to-ED time, presented directly to the referral center, were more frequently bitten by a rattlesnake, had longer lengths of hospital stay, required antivenom more frequently and at higher doses, and were more frequently admitted to the ICU. No differences were seen in gender, age at presentation, severity of wound, location of bite, abnormalities in coagulation profile or rate of admission to hospital amongst the two sites. Conclusions Patients sustaining snakebites in semi-arid climates were more commonly exposed to dangerous snake types, resulting in higher antivenom requirement, as well as longer hospital stays and need for intensive monitoring. Although no fatalities were reported in our study, our data supports early transfer of snakebite victims to higher levels of care, especially in semi-arid or high-risk areas.
Collecting High Frequency Panel Data in Africa Using Mobile Phone Interviews

As mobile phone ownership rates have risen in Africa, there is increased interest in using mobile telephony as a data collection platform. This paper draws on two pilot projects that use mobile phone interviews for data collection in Tanzania and South Sudan. The experience was largely a success. High frequency panel data have been collected on a wide range of topics in a manner that is cost effective, flexible (questions can be changed over time) and rapid. And once households respond to the mobile phone interviews, they tend not to drop out: even after 33 rounds of interviews in the Tanzania survey, respondent fatigue proved not to be an issue. Attrition and non-response have been an issue in the Tanzania survey, but in ways that are related to the way this survey was originally set up and that are fixable. Data and reports from the Tanzania survey are available online and can be downloaded from: www.listeningtodar.org.
Overtreatment of Transient Maternal Hyperthyroidism Resulting in Fetal Goiter

* Abbreviations: EXIT: : ex utero intrapartum treatment hCG: : human chorionic gonadotropin PTU: : propylthiouracil T3: : triiodothyronine T4: : thyroxine TSH: : thyroid-stimulating hormone TSI: : thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin A 25-year-old gravida 1 para 0 pregnant woman was referred to our fetal center at 33 weeks and 1 day of gestation after an incidental fetal neck mass was identified on ultrasonography. Her pregnancy was complicated by weight loss, hair loss, and palpitations in early gestation as well as persistent nausea and vomiting. This prompted an evaluation that was notable for a low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level (0.06 mIU/L; normal range: 0.27–4.20 mIU/L) and an elevated free thyroxine (T4) level (2.11 ng/dL [27.16 pmol/L]; normal range: 0.86–1.76 ng/dL [11.0–22.6 pmol/L]). The thyroid antibody panel, including thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroglobulin antibody, was normal. She was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and treated with propylthiouracil (PTU) at a dose of 150 mg twice a day. Both the TSH and free T4 concentrations normalized on this regimen. A third-trimester fetal growth scan showed a new finding of a fetal neck mass consistent with a fetal goiter, prompting referral to our center for further evaluation. Early detection and expedited management of fetal goiter is important for optimal infant outcomes. Referral to a tertiary center is recommended if there is a concern for a large fetal goiter. When a pregnant woman is referred to the Texas Children’s Hospital Fetal Center because of a fetal goiter, we perform fetal imaging to determine the risk of postnatal airway obstruction and, if this risk is present, establish a plan for management in the delivery room. We also assess for other abnormalities because many fetuses with a goiter also have other findings, such as a pericardial effusion or a hyperextended neck. If there is an esophageal obstruction because of the mechanical effect of the goiter, this may limit fetal swallowing of the amniotic fluid. In turn, this may lead to polyhydramnios and a small stomach size seen on …
Gravimetric and Number Distributions of Urban PM Residuals from Urban Maintenance Practices

AbstractParticulate matter (PM) recovery from street sweeping (SS), catch basin (CB), and unit operation (UO) is essential for sustainability of these urban hydrologic functional units (HFUs). PM i...
Theoretical Mechanics of Biological Neural Networks

Preface I. Theoretical Mechanics of Neuroelectric Signalling. II. Dynamic Similarity Theory of Neuronal Firing. III. Coordinated Dynamic Firing Patterns in Local Networks. IV. Theoretical Mechanics of Composite Neural Networks. Afterward Appendix Index
Be Careful What You Wish For: Goodyear, Daimler, and the Evisceration of General Jurisdiction

International Shoe and its progeny permit states to assert general jurisdiction over nonresidents that have "continuous and systematic" contacts with the forum. In Goodyear Dunlop Tires Operations, S.A. v. Brown decided in 2011, and Daimler AG v. Bauman decided in early 2014, the Supreme Court made a sharp break from these cases, stating that general jurisdiction based on minimum contacts now exists only where a defendant is "at home." The opinions in these cases are unpersuasive. While the Court purported to follow International Shoe and its two prior decisions on general jurisdiction, this simply is not so. Nor does the Court justify its use of an analogy to the traditional basis of domicile to determine to legitimate scope of contacts based jurisdiction. Arguably, an analogy to presence would be more apt. Worse, these two cases, when added to the Court’s grudging approach to specific jurisdiction, put some plaintiffs at risk of being unable to bring a defendant to justice in an American court. Goodyear and Daimler could have been decided on far narrower grounds; the Court should read them in the future to be limited to those grounds. It should restrict the novel "at home" test to cases that have no relation at all, not even the plaintiff’s residence, to the forum state. For all other cases of general jurisdiction the Court should provide a "floor" of appropriate" systematic and continuous" contacts necessary in every case. And it should further direct the lower courts to employ the "fairness factors" developed in its specific jurisdiction cases to ensure that jurisdiction will be available in those cases in which it is still needed.
Blitz Model for the Eruptions of Eta Carinae

Following the “Great Eruption” of 1843, η Carinae underwent a second major eruption around 1890. We suggest a preliminary working model developed during this meeting (in one night, hence the term “Blitz”) that attempts to explain the temporal development of the 19th century eruptions of η Car, as well as the formation of the Homunculus nebula (note that we are not offering an explanation for the cause of the Great Eruption!). The essence of the model is that after the Great Eruption ends, the star’s extended outer envelope re-adjusts itself on a thermal time scale. This re-adjustment allows envelope material to crash back onto the surface of the star, inducing the second eruption in 1890.
Towards standards for integrated gaming and simulation for incident management

Simulation and gaming can support decision making through all phases of incident management including prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. A number of gaming and simulation tools have been developed for the purpose but they generally utilize proprietary or unique data interfaces and their own view of partitioning the application and solution space. This creates a large obstacle for wide use, and in particular, prevents the use of these tools in an integrated manner to address the application space. This paper explores the groundwork needed to build standards for integrated gaming and simulation tools for incident management.An architecture has been proposed to identify the required groups of simulation and gaming modules for incident management and define their scope in the solution space. A conceptual model is proposed for the data required for such simulations. Available data exchange standards are mapped to the conceptual data model. A concept prototype has been developed based on the architecture to demonstrate the value of integrated modeling and simulation and the architecture itself. A number of simulation and gaming modules have been utilized to model the major aspects of a hypothetical scenario. The exercise is used to identify the issues due to lack of data exchange standards.
Ultrasonographically observed early placental maturation and perinatal outcome

Abstract Perinatal outcome in 398 patients who had Grade II or Grade III placentas was analyzed in a cross-sectional study. Early placental maturation was identified in 51 patients. A trend toward lower mean birth weights was identified in the group with early placental maturation as compared to controls; however, statistical significance was achieved only in the Grade II population. In the Grade III population, early placental maturation identified a group of patients with a 16.7% incidence of growth retardation as compared to 4.1% in control patients (p
Theory of Supernova Remnants and the Hot Interstellar Medium

The three major classes of supernova, Types Ia, Ib, and II, can probably be identified with the explosions of white dwarfs, massive stars without their hydrogen envelopes, and massive stars with their hydrogen envelopes, respectively. The Type Ib Supernovae and massive Type II Supernovae are likely to have progenitor stars that strongly affect their surroundings through stellar winds and photoionizing radiation. The Type Ib events may have a particularly complex environment because their progenitors may go through both fast and slow wind phases. Type Ia Supernovae may interact more directly with the interstellar medium. Self-similar solutions are particularly useful in describing the hydrodynamic interaction of the expanding supernova with the surrounding gas. In most Type II Supernovae, the supernova first interacts with the red supergiant wind, giving radio and X-ray emission. Type Ib Supernovae are probably related to oxygen-rich remnants, so these objects are expected to have a particularly complex interaction. Type Ia remnants can have a simpler interaction and X-ray spectroscopy is a powerful tool to investigate the properties of the supernova. Hot gas created by Supernovae fills at least 20% of the interstellar medium. It is possible that it fills most of the medium and that there is a circulation rate of about 10Mo yr-1 through the hot gas. This model predicts a large column density of 0 VI in the galactic corona. The alternative model with a small filling factor of hot gas implies nonthermal support of the galactic corona.
Correlation between (6Li, 8B) two-proton pickup and (d, 6Li) ϵ-particle pickup in the zirconium region

Abstract Spectra have been measured for the 94,98 Mo( 6 Li, 8 B) 92,96 Zr reactions at 90 MeV. Differences in transition strengths for the first excited 0 + states, first noted in some recent (d, 6 Li) work, are quantitatively accounted for by the changing proton configurations with neutron number.
Valine-sensitive nonketotic hyperglycinemia: Case report

An infant with nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) who developed coma in response to oral valine is described.Valine loading tests confirmed that hyperglycinemia enhances valine toxicity. This valine-sensitive form of NKH was, like previous reports of NKH, associated with deficient conversion of glycine-1- 14 CO 2 to 14 CO 2 . Treatment with sodium benzoate maintained normal plasma glycine levels after the second week of life and prevented brain-stem depression. Additional treatment with a low-valinellow-glycine formula from the third to the tenth month of life did not prevent the development of severe mental deficiency.
Matrix screening of substituted N-aryl-1,8-naphthalimides reveals new dual fluorescent dyes and unusually bright pyridine derivatives.

A 3 × 14 matrix of substituted N-aryl-1,8-naphthalimides was synthesized for the evaluation and discovery of dual fluorescence. Because of their unique photophysical properties, these dual fluorescent systems represent an exception to the widely studied TICT (Twisted Internal Charge Transfer) fluorescent dyes or tautomeric benzofluorescein class of two-color dyes. The matrix library was designed to investigate the effects of heterocycles, particularly π-excessive and π-deficient systems. Of the 42 compounds surveyed, five displayed well-resolved two-color emission in solvents as nonpolar as hexane. Based on the observed trends in fluorescence λmax and quantum yield, a new model is proposed that predicts LW and SW emission for these systems. In addition, this model provides potential design features for the synthesis of new dual fluorescent species.
Adjustment among area youth after the Boston Marathon bombing and subsequent manhunt

BACKGROUND: The majority of research on terrorism-exposed youth has examined large-scale terrorism with mass casualties. Limited research has examined children’s reactions to terrorism of the scope of the Boston Marathon bombing. Furthermore, the extraordinary postattack interagency manhunt and shelter-in-place warning made for a truly unprecedented experience in its own right for families. Understanding the psychological adjustment of Boston-area youth in the aftermath of these events is critical for informing clinical efforts. METHODS: Survey of Boston-area parents/caretakers ( N = 460) reporting on their child’s experiences during the attack week, as well as psychosocial functioning in the first 6 attack months. RESULTS: There was heterogeneity across youth in attack- and manhunt-related experiences and clinical outcomes. The proportion of youth with likely attack/manhunt-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was roughly 6 times higher among Boston Marathon–attending youth than nonattending youth. Attack and manhunt experiences each uniquely predicted 9% of PTSD symptom variance, with manhunt exposures more robustly associated than attack-related exposures with a range of psychosocial outcomes, including emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer problems. One-fifth of youth watched >3 hours of televised coverage on the attack day, which was linked to PTSD symptoms, conduct problems, and total difficulties. Prosocial behavior and positive peer functioning buffered the impact of exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical efforts must maintain a broadened focus beyond simply youth present at the blasts and must also include youth highly exposed to the intense interagency pursuit and manhunt. Continued research is needed to understand the adjustment of youth after mass traumas and large-scale manhunts in residential communities.
Driver assist behaviors for high-speed small UGVs

Currently deployed small UGVs operate at speeds up to around 6 mph and have proven their usefulness in explosives ordnance disposal (EOD) missions. As part of the TARDEC-funded Stingray Project, iRobot is investigating techniques to increase the speed of small UGVs so they can be useful in a wider range of missions, such as high-speed reconnaissance and infantry assault missions. We have developed a prototype Stingray PackBot, using wheels rather than tracks, that is capable of traveling at speeds up to 18 mph. A key issue when traveling at such speeds is how to maintain stability during sharp turns and over rough terrain. We are developing driver assist behaviors that will provide dynamic stability control for high-speed small UGVs using techniques such as dynamic weight shifting to limit oversteer and understeer. These driver assist behaviors will enable operators to use future high-speed small UGVs in high optempo infantry missions and keep warfighters out of harm's way.
Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone secretory dynamics in Turner's syndrome.

In eight teenage patients with Turner's syndrome, LH and FSH were measured at 20-min intervals for 24 h. The 24-h mean LH and FSH levels ranged from 20.2-70.5 mIU/ml and 60.4-229 mIU/ml, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the individual LH and FSH levels in the eight patients; the common correlation coefficient was 0.449 (P less than 0.001). The 24-h mean estradiol level was measurable in only two of the patients and the 24-h mean testosterone level for the eight patients was 0.10 ng/ml. The mean LH concentration during sleep was significantly higher (P less than .01) than during waking. The mean FSH concentration during sleep was also significantly higher (P less than 0.05) than during waking. The LH and FSH peak levels after LRH were significantly correlated with the 24-h mean LH (r = 0.918; P less than 0.01) and FSH concentrations (r = 0.754; P less than 0.05), respectively.
Cardiac output measurements. A review of current techniques and research.

Cardiac output is the volume of blood ejected by the heart per unit time. It is a useful measurement in that it can be used to evaluate overall cardiac status in both critically ill patients and patients with suspected cardiovascular disease. An ideal cardiac output measurement system would have automated continuous output capability, be minimally invasive, accurate, fast, small, low cost and clinically adaptable. This paper presents a theoretical and practical description of the variety of clinical techniques in use today and lists their advantages and shortcomings with respect to the ideal system. Included are the Fick method, indicator dilution techniques, velocity measurements and transthoracic impedance and combined Doppler ultrasound as noninvasive techniques. In addition, several experimental methods are described along with their desirable features and possible constraints. These include intravascular heating/recording, thermistor tracking of cardiac output, ejection fraction measurements and magnetic susceptability plethysmography.
Collective Strategies in Fighting Corruption: Some Intuitions and Counter Intuitions

This article explores the plausibility of some intuitions and counter intuitions about the anti-corruption efforts of MDBs and international organizations leveraging the power of the private sector. Regulation of a sizable percentage of global private sector actors now falls into a new area of international governance with innovative institutions, standards, and programs. We wrestle with the role and value of private sector partnerships and available informal and formal social controls. Crafting proportional informal controls (e.g., monitoring, evaluations, and sanctions) and proper incentives to cooperative games across networks are the lynchpins of successful collective action programs. Ambivalence with informal social controls or effective incentives, we argue, risks far too much deference to private sector interests.
Mode interaction and the bypass route to transition

The manner by which external vortical disturbances penetrate the laminar boundary layer and induce transition is explored. Linear theory suggests that the well-known Klebanoff mode precursor to transition can be understood as a superposition of Squire continuous modes. Shear sheltering influences the ability of free-stream disturbances to generate a packet of Squire modes. A coupling coefficient between continuous spectrum spectrum Orr–Sommerfeld and Squire modes is used to characterize the interaction. Full numerical simulations with prescribed modes at the inlet substantiate this approach. With two weakly coupled modes at the inlet, the boundary layer is little perturbed; with two strongly coupled modes, Klebanoff modes are produced; with one strongly coupled and one weakly coupled high-frequency mode, the complete transition process is simulated.
Biotin-responsive propionic acidemia presenting as the rumination syndrome†

5. McReynolds MEW, Dabbous MK, Hanissian AS, Duenas D, and Kimbrell R: Abnormal collagen in ataxia-telangiectasia, Am J Dis Child 130:305, 1976. 6. Fudenberg HH, Gold ER, Vyas GN, and MacKenzie MR: Human antibodies to human IgA globulins, Immunochemistry 5:203, 1968. 7. Hansen H J, Lance KP, and Krupey J: Demonstration of an ion sensitive antigenic site on carcinoembryonic antigen using zirconyl phosphate gel, Clin Res 19:143, 1971. 8. Gold P, and Freedman SO: Demonstration of tumor 9.
Political Beliefs, Policy Interpretations, and Political Persuasion

A central requirement for explaining many political outcomes is an understanding of how advocates manipulate the preferences of voters on various policy proposals. A major tactic by which the advocates of a policy proposal attempts to influence the preferences of voters is the presentation of "interpretations" about the various consequences of the policy proposal. Despite the central role of interpretations in political manipulations, little is known about when and why a particular interpretation will be effective. We argue that the effectiveness of different interpretations depends significantly on the political beliefs and schemata of voters and on the chronic cognitive accessibility of the interpretations, but only in certain information environments. We develop three hypotheses and devise two experiments to investigate them. In each experiment, registered voters read interpretations of policy proposals and then evaluated the proposals. The interpretations were drawn from the actual public debate on fo...
Closed Loop Control of Resin Flow in VARTM Using a Multi-Segment Injection Line and Real-Time Adaptive, Model-Based Control

To improve process controllability during VARTM, a new resin injection line was designed and tested. The injection line, which consists of multiple segments each independently operated, allows for the control of resin flow to different locations within the mold. Simulation of different injection line configurations for various mold geometries is studied. Performance of a prototype line is quantified with a laboratory size mold used to demonstrate the potential value and benefits of this approach. Specific performance metrics, including resin flow front controllability, total injection time and void formation are used to compare this new approach to conventional VARTM injection methods. Computer-based closed loop controller strategies are designed that use point sensor feedback of resin location. In addition, an adaptive control algorithm that uses a finite element model to provide real-time updates of the injection line configuration is presented. Experimental validation of two different control strategies is presented, and demonstrates that real-time, model-based control is possible in VARTM.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Increasing mixed chimerism and the risk of graft loss in children undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for non-malignant disorders

We performed quantitative PCR-based serial chimerism testing of whole blood (WB) and CD3+ cells and retrospectively correlated the results of chimerism tests and the risk of graft loss in children undergoing transplant for non-malignant disorders. Twenty-four children were included in this study. All patients initially engrafted; subsequently, 12% lost the graft, 21% achieved complete donor chimerism and 67% had mixed chimerism (MC). Patients underwent delayed taper of cyclosporine (CsA) if they had MC. Overall survival was 87±7% (s.d.) at 5-years post transplant, and it was not affected by chimerism status. Both WB and CD3+ chimerism showed significant fluctuations with a peak in autologous cell signal occurring at a median of 7 months for WB and 2 months for CD3+ cells. Initial post transplant chimerism percentage in either WB or CD3+ lineage was not related to graft loss. Increasing MC to >30% host cells was seen in 33% of patients, and it was related to increased risk of graft loss, as previously published. However, 63% of children with increasing MC did not lose their graft. Additional studies of post transplant chimerism are required to improve our ability to accurately identify children at risk of graft loss following transplant for non-malignant disorders.
Phosphoprotein phosphate activity at the outer surface of intact normal and transformed 3T3 fibroblasts

Abstract Using 32P-labeled phosphocasein or phosphohistones as exogenous substrates it was possible to detect a phosphoprotein phosphate activity on the outer surface of intact normal and transformed 3T3 fibroblasts. Incubation of monolayers of intact cells in buffered salt solution with the radioactively labeled substrate resulted in the release of alkali-labile 32P counts into the surrounding medium. The reaction was: (a) linear with time (at least up to 20 min); (b) proportional to the cell density; (c) dependent on the temperature and pH of the incubation medium; (d) stimulated by K+; and (e) inhibited by sodium fluoride, inorganic pyrophosphate, zinc chloride and relatively impermeant sulfhydryl reagents. Less than 2% of the externally located phosphoprotein phosphatase activity was detectable in pooled cell-free washings of the intact cell monolayer. Phosphocasein did not cause any detectable leakage of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase or soluble phosphoprotein phosphatase activity into the external medium; incubation of the cells with phosphohistones, on the other hand, resulted in appreaciable leakage of both these cytoplasmic activities. Neoplastic transformation was associated with a nearly two-fold decrease in the activity of the surface phosphoprotein phosphatase. Addition of serum to either non-transformed 3T3 or spontaneously transformed 3T6 cells resulted in a rapid and remarkable drop in the cell surface dephosphorylating activity. Acrylamide gel electrophoresis of the dephosphorylated casein or histone substrate revealed no proteolytic degradation or change in electrophoretic mobility. The intact cells showed no damage upon microscopic examination as a result of exposure to phosphocasein or phosphohistones.
Social Factors Associated with History of Sexual Assault Among Ethnically Diverse Adolescents

We examine the association of adolescents’ self-reported sexual assault victimization with their living arrangements, parent’s education, and plans for college. Participants included 1,634 ethnically-diverse and economically-disadvantaged high school students in southeast Texas. Lifetime history of forced sexual assault was reported by 8.3% of girls and 9% of boys. No association with gender, age, or parent’s education was detected. However, adolescents in non-traditional households (living with one parent, grandparents, or other) were more likely to report rape than youth living with both parents. Adolescents who were one race/ethnicity were less likely to report being raped than those in the multiple race category. Sexual assault intervention programs should account for a teenager’s living situation; and prevention efforts may benefit from targeting individuals in non-traditional households. The lack of an association with either gender or socio-educational status indicates that all children are at risk and that school-based programs should be broadly targeted.
Implementation of DSC model and application for analysis of field pile tests under cyclic loading

The disturbed state concept (DSC) model, and a new and simplified procedure for unloading and reloading behavior are implemented in a nonlinear finite element procedure for dynamic analysis for coupled response of saturated porous materials. The DSC model is used to characterize the cyclic behavior of saturated clays and clay–steel interfaces. In the DSC, the relative intact (RI) behavior is characterized by using the hierarchical single surface (HISS) plasticity model; and the fully adjusted (FA) behavior is modeled by using the critical state concept. The DSC model is validated with respect to laboratory triaxial tests for clay and shear tests for clay-steel interfaces. The computer procedure is used to predict field behavior of an instrumented pile subjected to cyclic loading. The predictions provide very good correlation with the field data. They also yield improved results compared to those from a HISS model with anisotropic hardening, partly because the DSC model allows for degradation or softening and interface response. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycine-like immunoreactivity in synaptic boutons of identified inhibitory interneurons in the mammalian spinal cord.

Abstract Glycine is thought ti be a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian CNS. Two types of physiologically identified interneurons, Renshaw cells and Ia inhibitory interneurons, were intracellularly staind with horseradish peroxidase, and their axon terminals were studied at the electron microscopic level. Post-embedding immunogold procedures weer used to reveal the presence of glycine-like immunoreactivity. The synaptic terminals of both types of interneuron were significantly enriched with glycine-like immunoreactivity, providing support for the idea that glycine is a mediator of synaptic transmission in the recurrent and reciprocal inhibitory pathways to motoneurons.
Does annual temperature influence the prevalence of otolaryngologic respiratory diseases

Objectives/Hypothesis: Determine if increasing annual temperature is associated with an increase in the prevalence of otolaryngologic respiratory diseases. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Patients and disease variables were extracted from the National Health Interview Survey for the calendar years 1998 to 2006 adult sample. Corresponding average annual temperature statistics were obtained from the National Climatic Data Center. The disease prevalences of hay fever, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, and jaw/face pain (control group) were determined and tabulated according to mean annual temperature and compared graphically. Regression analysis for disease prevalence according to mean annual temperature was conducted. Results: A total of 851,584 adults were sampled with a mean age of 35.7 years and a male:female ratio of 0.93:1. The overall disease prevalences for the disease conditions across all years of the study were (±95% confidence interval): hay fever (9.2% ± 0.1%), sinusitis (15.0% ± 0.2%), chronic bronchitis (4.5% ± 0.1%) and pain in jaw/front of ear (4.5% ± 0.1%). Regression analysis did not find a significant relationship between average annual temperature and the prevalence of disease for hay fever, jaw pain, or chronic bronchitis. A statistically significant but small regression coefficient (0.004) was noted for an increasing prevalence of sinusitis with increasing annual temperature (P = .031). Conclusions: Changes in mean annual temperature did not influence the prevalence of hay fever but did influence the prevalence of sinusitis over a 9-year period. Given the strong prevalence of hay fever and sinusitis, the effect of global warming on the otolaryngologic disease deserves continued epidemiologic surveillance. Laryngoscope, 2009
Skin cancer risk perceptions: A comparison across ethnicity, age, education, gender, and income

Background Studies of noncutaneous and cutaneous malignancies support the hypothesis that poor risk-perception status contributes to health disparity. Objective We evaluated skin cancer (SC) risk perceptions across race and other demographic markers using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) and compared them to discover differences in perception that may contribute to the disparities in SC diagnosis and treatment. Methods Respondents with no history of SC were randomly selected to answer questions assessing perceived risk and knowledge of preventive strategies of SC. Logistic regression was performed to identify associations between perceptions of SC and demographic variables including self-described race, age, sex, education, income, and health insurance status. Results Blacks, the elderly, and people with less education perceived themselves as at lower risk of developing SC. They, along with Hispanics, were also more likely to believe that one cannot lower their SC risk and that there are so many different recommendations on how to prevent SC that it makes it difficult to know which ones to follow. Lower education also correlated with greater reluctance to have a skin examination. Limitations HINTS is a cross-sectional instrument, thus it only provides a snapshot of SC perceptions. Conclusion Uncertainty and altered perceptions are more common in the SC risk perceptions of ethnic minorities, the elderly, and those with less education. These are the same groups that are subject to disparities in SC outcomes. Educational programs directed at these demographic groups may help to reduce the SC-related health disparities.
A novel study of head motion hysteresis issues in contact probe recording systems

Contact-based recording on ferroelectric media and polymer media have been proposed and investigated for high-density probe storage. To achieve fast data rate, it is necessary to perform reading or writing with multiple probe heads simultaneously. However, localized variations in tribological behavior at the contact interface between the probes and recording media and variation in normal contact force would result in variation in friction and stiction over the interface and therefore amongst individual heads in the probe head array. This causes variation in the hysteretic motion of the heads over the array, which in turn results in off-track motion during track-positioning and timing errors during scanning. In this paper a novel method of modeling these effects is developed to study the effect of relative head-motion hysteresis (RHMH) on timing-error during data read–write and off-track errors during seek-settle. A mathematical model of RHMH during scanning along the bit-wise direction is developed based on the idea of stochastic averaging. A transient response model is similarly developed for estimating hysteresis effects during seek-settle. These models help to understand parametric dependencies of RHMH and can be used in designing the probe heads, the probe–media interface (PMI) and the probe system in general. Further several schemes involving modulation of the normal force at the PMI are proposed to mitigate RHMH and their benefits are analyzed using the models described in this paper.
Minilaparotomy staging pelvic lymphadenectomy follow-up: a safe alternative to standard and laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy.

Minilaparotomy pelvic lymphadenectomy (MINILAP), which utilizes a small 6-cm lower midline incision with the aid of standard retractors and instruments, was introduced in 1992 as an alternative to standard and laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy. Since that time, MINILAP has been popularized by the urology community to become the procedure of choice for pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients who are at high risk for lymph-node prostate-cancer metastasis. A total of 24 patients who underwent MINILAP were followed prospectively for the assessment of perioperative morbidity. For the 15 patients who had MINILAP alone the length of hospitalization was <1 day and the postoperative analgesic requirement was <10 tablets of oral pain medication. All patients resumed their normal activity within 3–5 days. No acute or late complication was observed. Hence, MINILAP appears to be a safe alternative to either laparoscopic or standard pelvic lymphadenectomy.
Relating computer-associated stress to computerphobia.

The associations of computer-related stress, somatic complaints, and computerphobia were studied by administering questionnaires covering demographic data, exposure to computer information, computer-related stress, as measured by the Computer Technology Hassles Scale, somatic complaint items of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist, and Rosen, Sears, and Weil's measures of computerphobia: Computer Anxiety Rating Scale, Attitudes Toward Computers Scale, and Computer Thoughts Scale to 109 students. Correlations indicated scores on the Computer Technology Hassles Scale were significantly correlated .35 with somatic complaints, .27 with years used a computer, and .28 with self-rated computer knowledge. The Computer Technology Hassles Scale was not significantly correlated (.18, -.08, and -.05) with the three measures of computerphobia. Computer-related stress appears to be distinct from computerphobia.
Driver/Vehicle Response Diagnostic System for the Vehicle-Following Case

It is well known that not all drivers drive the same and that the same driver has different driving characteristics with different vehicles. Identifying the characteristics that are unique to each driver/vehicle response opens the way for more personalized and accurate driver assistance systems. In this paper, the authors consider the problem of identifying the driver/vehicle characteristics by processing real-time driving response data. The authors propose the use of a Gaussian mixture model combined with the knowledge of dynamic characteristics modeled as probability distributions together with additional logic and appropriate thresholds in order to implement a real-time driver/vehicle response diagnostics system. They focus their efforts on the vehicle-following part of driving. The system is tested on a customized vehicle using different drivers under different driving conditions. The authors demonstrated that the system can distinguish between different drivers and can classify driver aggressiveness during vehicle following.
Factors contributing for improved graft survival in recipients of kidney transplants.

Factors contributing for improved graft survival in recipients of kidney transplants. We analyzed the survival results of 300 consecutive kidney transplants (TXs) performed at Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, between March 1965 and April 1980. The graft survival results were compared between three sequential time periods, each comprising 100 renal TXs. The proportion of live donor TXs decreased from 27% in period 1 to 16% in period 2 and 5% in period 3, while the number of older patients, diabetic and multiple TX patients increased steadily. A comprehensive patient care scheme utilizing clinical protocols was developed in period 2 and carried out effectively in period 3. The Cox multivariate regression models used in this analysis allowed us to assess the influence of each variable on the graft survival results, while the effects of all others were held constant. Among the nondiabetic patients who received antilymphocyte globulin, the 1 and 5 year graft survival rates were 59.7 and 38.8% in period 1, 85.3 and 74.3% in period 2, 90.4 and 83.1% in period 3 (periods 1 versus 2: P=0.008, periods 1 versus 3: P Facteurs contribuant pour l'amelioration de survie du greffon chez les receveurs de transplant de rein. Nous avons analyse les donnees concernant la survie des greffes de 300 transplantes renaux consecutifs (TXs) faites au Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, entre Mars 1965 et Avril 1980. Les resultats ont ete compares entre trois periodes de temps successives, chacune comprenant 100 TXs renales. La proportion de donneur vivants de TXs a diminue de 27% dans la periode 1 a 16% dans la periode 2 et a 5% dans la periode 3, tandis que le nombre de patients plus âges, de patients diabetiques, ou de TXs repetees a augmente continuellement. Un schema de soin rationnel aux malades utilisant des protocoles cliniques a ete developpe pendant la periode 2 et utilise effectivement dans la periode 3. Les modeles de regression multi-factorielle de Cox utilises paurcette analyse ont permis de preciser l'influence de chaque variable sur les resultats de la survie de la greffe, alors que les effets des autres etaient maintenus constants. Parmi les patients non diabetiques qui ont recu du serum anti-lymphocytaire, les taux de survie de la greffe a 1 et 5 ans etaient de 59,7 et 38,8% dans la periode 1, 85,3 et 74,3% dans la periode 2, 90,4 et 83,1% dans la periode 3 (periode 1 contre periode 2: P=0.008, periode 1 contre periode 3: P
Differential Expression of Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription during Human Adipogenesis

Abstract Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STATs) display unique expression patterns upon induction of differentiation of murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into adipocytes. During differentiation, expression of STAT1 and STAT5 increase, while STAT3 and STAT6 remain relatively unchanged. Here, we determined whether human subcutaneous preadipocytes expressed STATs and if the pattern of expression changed during adipogenesis. We found by Western blot analysis that freshly isolated preadipocytes expressed STAT1, STAT3, STAT5, and STAT6, but not STAT2 and STAT4. Induction of preadipocyte differentiation with 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine, dexamethasone, insulin, and BRL49653 decreased expression of STAT1, and increased expression of STAT3 and STAT5. STAT6 expression did not change during adipogenesis. Changes in expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ), C/EBPδ, C/EBPα, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ were similar to murine cell lines. These results suggest that unlike the traditional adipogenic transcription factors, unique differences exist in STAT expression patterns between murine and human adipose cells.
The Operational GFDL Coupled Hurricane–Ocean Prediction System and a Summary of Its Performance

Abstract The past decade has been marked by significant advancements in numerical weather prediction of hurricanes, which have greatly contributed to the steady decline in forecast track error. Since its operational implementation by the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) in 1995, the best-track model performer has been NOAA’s regional hurricane model developed at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL). The purpose of this paper is to summarize the major upgrades to the GFDL hurricane forecast system since 1998. These include coupling the atmospheric component with the Princeton Ocean Model, which became operational in 2001, major physics upgrades implemented in 2003 and 2006, and increases in both the vertical resolution in 2003 and the horizontal resolution in 2002 and 2005. The paper will also report on the GFDL model performance for both track and intensity, focusing particularly on the 2003 through 2006 hurricane seasons. During this period, the GFDL track errors were the lowest of all the...
“Scalability”: the paradox of human resources in e‐commerce

This paper develops a framework exploring the question, “How does service affect the economics of e‐commerce?” Development of the framework requires an understanding of the different forms service takes in e‐commerce. These are described as “virtual” (either pure information or automated) and “physical” (requiring some degree of human intervention). The framework suggests that because the nature and quantity of physical service necessary to deliver value to customers influences the quantity of human intervention required, it also influences a firm’s ratio of variable to fixed costs, which alters its “scalability”. The paradox comes in that while reduced scalability is viewed negatively by many venture capitalists and proponents of e‐commerce, the cause of that reduction in scalability, human intervention, may help a firm to differentiate its offering to customers, thus providing a source of competitive advantage.
Comparative Feeding Value of High-Sugar Male Sterile and Regular Dent Corn Silages

Abstract Nutritive qualities of high-sugar male sterile hybrid corn and regular dent hybrid corn silages were compared over 2 yr with growing Holstein steers and lactating cows. Silage yield and harvesting data were obtained both years. High-sugar corn silage contained more crude protein than regular silage, 8.59 versus 6.34% of dry matter. Silage dry matter yields per hectare were greater for regular corn in year 1, but greater for high-sugar corn the second yr. Two groups of 12 Holstein steers were fed the respective silages ad libitum and 1.81kg of a 13.2% crude protein supplement per head per day. Silage dry matter intake and average daily gain did not differ between groups: 5.32 and 1.02 versus 5.48 and .93kg/day for the high-sugar and regular corn fed groups. Apparent digestibilities of protein and fiber were greater for the high-sugar corn silage: 63.5 versus 52.2% and 61.9 versus 59.3%, respectively. During year 2, 20 cows were included in a switchback design to compare regular with high-sugar corn silage for lactation. Cows fed regular corn silage produced more milk (17.5 versus 16.55kg/day) and solids-corrected milk (18.03 versus 16.79 kg/day) than those fed high-sugar corn silage. No differences in dry matter intake, milk fat production, or body weight changes were detected.
Supramolecular chemistry: Self-assembly of titanium based molecular squares

The interaction of Cp2TiCl2 with LiC5H5N and LiC11H8N provides Cp2Ti(Cl)(C5H5N) and Cp2Ti(Cl)(C11H8N), respectively. Reaction of these species with AgOSO2CF3 results in self-assembly of the respective cationic, tetranuclear molecular squares where the required 90° bond angles, demanded by a rectangle, is provided by the distorted tetrahedral bond angles of the coordinated Ti.
Need for reduction of cyclosporin dosage in renal transplant patients with hypertriglyceridemia but not hypercholesterolemia

Currently there is a paucity of data regarding the influence of high serum triglyceride levels on cyclosporin A (CyA) levels and dosing. We therefore undertook a retrospective study to determine the relationship of serum lipid levels to CyA levels and CyA dosages. Renal transplant patients at a 0.5-to-3-year post-transplant stage, with a stable CyA dosage, who were not on medications that affect CyA metabolism or renal function, were entered into the study. The CyA dosage was adjusted by clinicians to maintain whole blood. 12-h CyA trough levels between 200 and 250 ng/ml (monoclonal TDX method, which measures the parent compound). Fortyfour patients qualified for the study. The data clearly indicated that high cholesterol levels (>300 mg/dl and with normal triglyceride levels) did not influence the CyA levels or the dosages. Conversely, high triglyceride levels (>500 mg/dl) significantly reduced the amount of CyA required. A decreased clearance of CyA in the presence of hypertriglyceridemia led to high CyA levels in some patients. Reducing the CyA dosage to achieve levels between 200 and 250 ng/ml improved renal allograft function and decreased other side effects attributed to CyA toxicity. These studies indicate that high triglyceride levels, but not high cholesterol levels, increase CyA levels, which can lead to CyA toxicity.