cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recurrent hyperparathyroidism and forearm parathyromatosis after total parathyroidectomy.

Background In multiple endocrine neoplasia type I and renal failure, the type of initial parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism may influence the operative risks and development of recurrence. We compared subtotal parathyroidectomy with total parathyroidectomy and immediate forearm autotransplantation (TPFA) in a large series with long-term follow-up. Methods The data of patients treated from 1977 to 2009 by initial or reoperative TPFA or subtotal parathyroidectomy were examined for outcomes including the interval to sites and tissue patterns of recurrence. Results Permanent hypoparathyroidism was rare and uninfluenced by disease type. Neither initial procedure nor underlying disease affected the mean time to reoperation for recurrent hyperparathyroidism. In renal failure, reoperation was more common after TPFA than subtotal parathyroidectomy (5/19, 26% vs 11/193, 6%; P = .008). Twelve patients required forearm reoperation after TPFA, which was often complicated by parathyromatosis (7/12, 58%). Further reoperative forearm surgery was more likely after explant excision than after en bloc resection (7/11 vs 0/8; P = .01) and occurred sooner in renal failure than in multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (mean 4.4 vs 9 years; P = .04). Permanent hypoparathyroidism was rare and uninfluenced by disease type. Conclusion Because of frequent recurrence, TPFA should be abandoned as a treatment of renal hyperparathyroidism. In multiple endocrine neoplasia type I, subtotal parathyroidectomy has similar outcomes to TPFA. Forearm autotransplantation can be complicated by parathyromatosis, and surgeons should be prepared for reoperative en bloc resection.
Dynamics of Spinning Dust Grains in the Interstellar Medium: Slowing-down and Rotation-damping Timescales

Not only do dust particles spinning in the interstellar medium radiate electromagnetic waves, they also emit longitudinal plasma waves. In this paper the slowing-down time resulting from this plasma-wave emission is estimated analytically. For very small grains with an intrinsic electric dipole moment, it is, in most interstellar environments, orders of magnitude shorter than the usual slowing-down time due to collisional friction. For larger grains, the conclusion depends on the charge carried by the grain. Still, a "rotating charge" number of a few units is sufficient to preserve these trends in most cases, and the slow down of all dust particles up to a fraction of a micron may be determined by the plasma-wave emission. The effect of plasma-wave emission on the grain spin is also estimated. Spin-up is predicted for grain speeds V higher than the electron thermal speed. For "subthermal" speeds, the rotation is damped, however, and the damping time is derived analytically in the limit of small V. In this limit, the damping timescale is again shorter than the damping time due to binary collisions. This is true for the smallest grains in most interstellar environments and is conditioned by the existence of an intrinsic electric dipole moment. For larger grains, the conclusions again depend on the variation of the charge with the grain size. Finally, the plasma effects described in this paper are expected to be at their maximum in the cold neutral medium and in reflection nebulae, where a low temperature is combined with a still relatively high electron density. In third and fourth ranks come the warm ionized and warm neutral media, followed by photodissociation regions and molecular clouds.
Gemfibrozil, nicotinic acid and combination therapy in patients with isolated hypoalphalipoproteinemia: a randomized, open-label, crossover study

Abstract OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of nicotinic acid (NA), gemfibrozil and combination therapy on the lipid profile of patients with clinical atherosclerotic disease and isolated hypoalphalipoproteinemia. BACKGROUND Isolated hypoalphalipoproteinemia (low high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] alone) accounts for a significant percentage of patients with premature atherosclerosis. However, it remains unclear whether currently available pharmacotherapy has the ability to favorably affect the lipid profile and therefore potentially reduce clinical events. METHODS Twenty-three patients with clinically well-defined atherosclerosis and isolated hypoalphalipoproteinemia were prospectively randomized to receive gemfibrozil, NA or combination therapy in an open-label, crossover design trial to assess the effects on serum lipids. Lipid profiles and other relevant laboratory variables were monitored while the patients were on and off pharmacologic lipid-modulating therapy. RESULTS In those 14 patients able to tolerate all forms of pharmacotherapy, HDL-C of 0.89 ± 0.17 mmol/liter (34.5 ± 6.5 mg/dl) increased by 15%, to 1.02 ± 0.18 mmol/liter (39.7 ± 7.1 mg/dl), while taking gemfibrozil (1200 mg/day); by 35%, to 1.20 ± 0.21 mmol/liter (46.5 ± 8.1 mg/dl), while taking NA (mean dose 2,250 mg/day); and by 45%, to 1.29 ± 0.19 mmol/liter (50.0 ± 7.5 mg/dl), while taking combination therapy of gemfibrozil plus NA (p CONCLUSIONS In the majority of patients with clinical atherosclerotic disease and isolated hypoalphalipoproteinemia, pharmacologic therapy to raise HDL-C is not only feasible but is also effective with currently available agents, particularly when used in combination.
Molecular Recognition in the Selective Oxygenation of Saturated C-H Bonds by a Dimanganese Catalyst

Although enzymes often incorporate molecular recognition elements to orient substrates selectively, such strategies are rarely achieved by synthetic catalysts. We combined molecular recognition through hydrogen bonding with C-H activation to obtain high-turnover catalytic regioselective functionalization of sp 3 C-H bonds remote from the –COOH recognition group. The catalyst contains a Mn(μ-O) 2 Mn reactive center and a ligand based on Kemp9s triacid that directs a –COOH group to anchor the carboxylic acid group of the substrate and thus modify the usual selectivity for oxidation. Control experiments supported the role of hydrogen bonding in orienting the substrate to achieve high selectivity.
Perceived Automobile Safety as a Function of Body Style, Cosmetic Design Variation, and Viewing Distance

Some of the noticeable external variations in the appearance of vehicle systems are direct reflections of structural differences while others are more “cosmetic” in nature. It was hypothesized that judgements of vehicle safety, although often a function of structural design and operator personal experience, may be influenced by essentially cosmetic external variations in design that do not represent salient differences in vehicle structure. Individuals were asked to rate the general and specific safety characteristics of automobiles from viewing a series of photographs of each of several body styles. The general safety rank orderings, obtained in two separate samples, were expected, placing sedans and station wagons safest with convertibles least safe. Those cars initially ranked as less safe than average exhibited further reductions in average rated safety as viewing distance decreased. Rated likelihood of injury increased, on average, as viewing distance decreased. Rated likelihood of rollover ejection ...
Restoration of distorted depth maps calculated from stereo sequences

A model-based Kalman estimator is developed for spatial-temporal filtering of noise and other degradations in velocity and depth maps derived from image sequences or cinema. As an illustration of the proposed procedures, edge information from image sequences of rigid objects is used in the processing of the velocity maps by selecting from a series of models for directional adaptive filtering. Adaptive filtering then allows for noise reduction while preserving sharpness in the velocity maps. Results from several synthetic and real image sequences are given.
A comparison of the actions of four cardiac glycosides on a patient with congestive heart failure

Abstract 1. 1. In a case of auricular fibrillation and congestive heart failure the circulation compensated promptly, but temporarily, after each intravenous administration of lanatoside C, digoxin, digitaline Nativelle, and ouabain. The drugs were given successively and in equal gram-molecular amounts. 2. 2. When compared molecule for molecule, ouabain initiated effects most rapidly, and digitaline Nativelle most slowly. Between the two, but resembling ouabain more closely, were digoxin and lanatoside C; the former was slightly more rapid in its action. 3. 3. When the cardiac glycosides were administered intravenously they produced abrupt changes in several circulatory functions without alterations in others: 3.1. a. Elevated venous pressure fell quickly to normal. 3.2. b. Rapid ventricular rate slowed promptly. 3.3. c. Diminished arterial pulse pressure increased as a result of elevation of the systolic pressure. 3.4. d. Volume of the blood flow to the calf and hand remained unaltered. 3.5. e. Cheyne-Stokes respiration speedily disappeared. 3.6. f. Cardiac size and shape did not change. 3.7. g. Electrocardiograms showed only a slowing of the ventricular rate.
Computer Control of Power in a Nuclear Reactor

A signal validation methodology has been simultaneously applied to the on-line fault diagnosis of neutron flux detectors, primnary coolant flow and temperature sensors, and to the computer control of power in an operating nuclear reactor. A CRT display presents the validated data and sensor diagnostics. The feedback signal to the controller is a digitally processed, weighted average of several valid power sensor signals where the weights are not a priori fixed but dependent on the a posteriori probabilities of failure of individual sensors computed on the basis of past and current observations.
Purification and partial characterization of trypsin/chymotrypsin inhibitors from cabbage foliage

Abstract Proteinase inhibitors from cabbage foliage ( Brassica oleracea ) had trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activity that was relatively stable over a broad range of temperatures (0–100°) and pH values (4.5–7.5). The six proteinase inhibitors that were purified by affinity chromatography had M r s that ranged from 9000 to 25 000, and isoelectric points that ranged from 4.5 to 5.0. Separation of these affinity-purified proteins by reverse phase HPLC resulted in 14 unique protein species with trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activity. Based on similarities in the amino acid content, the HPLC-purified inhibitors were arranged into four groups.
On the possibility of using complex values in fuzzy logic for representing inconsistencies

In science and engineering, there are paradoxical cases in which we have some arguments in favor of some statement A (so the degree to which A is known to be true is positive (nonzero)), and we have some arguments in favor of its negation A, and we do not have enough information to tell which of these two statements is correct. Traditional fuzzy logic, in which truth values are described by numbers from the interval [0, 1], ], easily describes such paradoxical' situations: the degree a to which the statement A is true and the degree 1 - a to which its negation A is true can both be positive. In this case, if we use traditional fuzzy &-operations (min or product), the truth value a & (1 - a) of the statement A & ¬ A is positive, indicating that there is some degree of inconsistency in the initial beliefs. When we try to use fuzzy logic to formalize expert reasoning in the humanities, we encounter the problem that is humanities, in addition to the above-described paradoxical situations caused by the incompleteness of our knowledge. there are also true paradoxes, i.e., statements that are perceived as true and false at the same time. For such statements, A & ¬ A = true.' The corresponding equality a & (1 - a) = 1 is impossible in traditional fuzzy logic (where a & (I - a) is always ≤ 0.5), so, to formalize such true paradoxes, we must extend the set of truth values from the interval [0, 1]. In this paper we show that such an extension can be achieved if we allow truth values to be complex numbers.
The Backus-Gilbert method and their minimum-norm solution

ABSTRACTThis paper has two objectives. One is to review the Backus-Gilbert (BG) method. Backus and Gilbert investigate continuous inverse problems in a radially symmetric earth using an approach completely different from that of standard inversion methods. If m is an earth property of interest, the BG method provides average values of m over some radial intervals. If an interval w is relatively short and centered near a particular radius r0, the BG average will be a local average of m near r0 with a resolving length of w. Backus and Gilbert also introduce the concept of trade-off between resolution and error, which is essential in inverse theory regardless of the inversion method. In spite of its importance, inverse theory texts neither describe the BG method in full nor show how to apply it in all its generality. Because the three papers that introduce the BG method are mathematically difficult, this paper provides background material and a detailed derivation of the method, as well as two completely wor...
Barriers to effective teaching

Medical school faculty members are charged with the critical responsibility of preparing the future physician and medical scientist workforce. Recent reports suggest that medical school curricula have not kept pace with societal needs and that medical schools are graduating students who lack the knowledge and skills needed to practice effectively in the 21st century. The majority of faculty members want to be effective teachers and graduate well-prepared medical students, but multiple and complex factors-curricular, cultural, environmental, and financial-impede their efforts. Curricular impediments to effective teaching include unclear definitions of and disagreement on learning needs, misunderstood or unstated goals and objectives, and curriculum sequencing challenges. Student and faculty attitudes, too few faculty development opportunities, and the lack of an award system for teaching all are major culture-based barriers. Environmental barriers, such as time limitations, the setting, and the physical space in which medical education takes place, and financial barriers, such as limited education budgets, also pose serious challenges to even the most committed teachers. This article delineates the barriers to effective teaching as noted in the literature and recommends action items, some of which are incremental whereas others represent major change. Physicians-in-training, medical faculty, and society are depending on medical education leaders to address these barriers to effect the changes needed to enhance teaching and learning.
The mitochondrion: an organelle commonly involved in programmed cell death in Arabidopsis thaliana

Plant cells undergoing programmed cell death (PCD) at late stages typically show chromatin condensation and endonucleolytic cleavage prior to obvious membrane or organelle ultrastructural changes. To investigate possible early PCD-associated events, we used microscopic observations and flow cytometry to quantitate mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) changes during PCD at the single cell and population levels using Arabidopsis protoplasts. A DeltaPsim loss was commonly induced early during plant PCD and was important for PCD execution, as evidenced by the concomitant reduction of the change in DeltaPsim and PCD by cyclosporin A, which inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition pores in animal cells. DeltaPsim loss occurred prior to nuclear morphological changes and was only associated with mitochondrial cytochrome c release (an apoptotic trigger in animals) in response to one of three PCD elicitors. Three different stimuli in wild type implicated DeltaPsim changes in PCD: ceramide, protoporphyrin IX, and the hypersensitive response elicitor AvrRpt2. Additionally, the behavior of the conditional ectopic cell death mutant accelerated cell death2 and ACD2-overproducing plants also implicated DeltaPsim alteration as key for PCD execution. Because ACD2 is largely a chloroplast component in mature plants, the observation that the cell death in acd2 mutants requires changes in mitochondrial functions implicates communication between chloroplasts and mitochondria in mediating PCD activation. We suggest that DeltaPsim loss is a common early marker in plant PCD, similar to what has been documented in animals. However, unlike in animal cells, in plant cells, mitochondrial cytochrome c release is not an obligatory step in PCD control.
Gender Differences in Dual Task Gait Performance in Older Adults

Although attention-dividing dual tasks hinder gait performance in older persons, gender differences in gait have not been examined. The purpose of this study was to examine whether gait performance differs between older men and women during dual task walking. A total of 44 healthy adults (20 men and 24 women) aged 65 years or older participated in the study. Participants walked under normal and dual task (backward spelling) conditions at self-selected speeds. Mean gait speed and stride-to-stride variability in gait speed were quantified with GAITRite ® instrumentation. Whereas gait speed decreased and variability in gait speed increased in both groups during dual task walking, men walked with greater variability during dual task walking than did women. The magnitude of the increase in variability in gait speed observed in men indicates that stride-to-stride variability in gait speed during dual task walking requires more investigation as a potential risk factor for falls in older men.
The Vac14p–Fig4p complex acts independently of Vac7p and couples PI3,5P2 synthesis and turnover

Phosphoinositide-signaling lipids function in diverse cellular pathways. Dynamic changes in the levels of these signaling lipids regulate multiple processes. In particular, when Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells are exposed to hyperosmotic shock, PI3,5P2 (phosphatidylinositol [PI] 3,5-bisphosphate) levels transiently increase 20-fold. This causes the vacuole to undergo multiple acute changes. Control of PI3,5P2 levels occurs through regulation of both its synthesis and turnover. Synthesis is catalyzed by the PI3P 5-kinase Fab1p, and turnover is catalyzed by the PI3,5P2 5-phosphatase Fig4p. In this study, we show that two putative Fab1p activators, Vac7p and Vac14p, independently regulate Fab1p activity. Although Vac7p only regulates Fab1p, surprisingly, we find that Vac14 regulates both Fab1p and Fig4p. Moreover, Fig4p itself functions in both PI3,5P2 synthesis and turnover. In both the absence and presence of Vac7p, the Vac14p–Fig4p complex controls the hyperosmotic shock–induced increase in PI3,5P2 levels. These findings suggest that the dynamic changes in PI3,5P2 are controlled through a tight coupling of synthesis and turnover.
The 2007 Nobel Memorial Prize in Mechanism Design Theory

This paper provides an overview of mechanism design theory, and explains the roles played by Leonid Hurwicz, Eric Maskin and Roger Myerson in the development of this field.
Overview of electrochemical power sources for electric and hybrid/electric vehicles

Electric and hybrid-electric vehicles are being developed and commercialized around the world at a rate never before seen. These efforts are driven by the prospect of vehicles with lower emissions and higher fuel efficiencies. The widespread adaptation of such vehicles promises a cleaner environment and a reduction in the rate of accumulation of greenhouse gases. Critical to the success of this technology is the use of electrochemical power sources such as batteries and fuel cells, which can convert chemical energy to electrical energy more efficiently and quietly than internal combustion engines. This overview concentrates on the work being conducted in the United States to develop advanced propulsion systems for the electric and hybrid vehicles. This work is spearheaded by the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) for electric vehicles and the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicle (PNGV) for hybrid-electric vehicles.
Tongue Movement During Speech: A Real-Time Ultrasound Evaluation

Tongue movement during production of the speech sounds /a/, /i/, and /k/ was examined with a real-time sector scanner positioned submentally. With this technique, it is possible to obtain excellent visualization of the tongue surface and to identify much of the intrinsic soft tissue anatomy of the tongue and floor of the mouth. Tongue movement and configuration were found to be consistent for 10 normal speakers, especially for /i/ and /k/. Three patients with neurological disease and dysarthria showed varying but significant differences in articulation compared to normals. It appears that real-time ultrasound imaging of the oral cavity is a potentially valuable technique for the clinical investigation of normal and abnormal speech.
Elements of Comparison between Electron-Nucleus and Nucleon-Nucleus Scattering

The relationship between electron-nucleus scattering and nucleon-nucleus scattering is reviewed. Specific features of this relationship are used to obtain information on the effective interaction for nucleon-nucleus scattering. Emphasis is on the 100–200 MeV incident energy region which is currently being investigated experimentally at the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility. It is shown that a local t matrix interaction with central, spin-orbit, and tensor parts gives a good description of many features of the experimental data. Normal parity transitions of approximate isoscalar character (including elastic scattering), isovector dipole transitions in the (p,n) reaction, and transitions to high spin states of ‘stretched’ configuration are all discussed in some detail. The manner in which different parts of the interaction are manifested in the cross section is illustrated in the examples. Some new (π,π′) and proton analyzing power data for ‘stretched’ states in 28Si is discussed briefly.
The influence of temperature on power production during swimming. II. Mechanics of red muscle fibres in vivo.

We found previously that scup (Stenotomus chrysops) reduce neither their stimulation duration nor their tail-beat frequency to compensate for the slow relaxation rates of their muscles at low swimming temperatures. To assess the impact of this ‘lack of compensation’ on power generation during swimming, we drove red muscle bundles under their in vivo conditions and measured the resulting power output. Although these in vivo conditions were near the optimal conditions for much of the muscle at 20 degrees C, they were far from optimal at 10 degrees C. Accordingly, in vivo power output was extremely low at 10 degrees C. Although at 30 cm s(−)(1), muscles from all regions of the fish generated positive work, at 40 and 50 cm s(−)(1), only the POST region (70 % total length) generated positive work, and that level was low. This led to a Q(10) of 4–14 in the POST region (depending on swimming speed), and extremely high or indeterminate Q(10) values (if power at 10 degrees C is zero or negative, Q(10) is indeterminate) for the other regions while swimming at 40 or 50 cm s(−)(1). To assess whether errors in measurement of the in vivo conditions could cause artificially reduced power measurements at 10 degrees C, we drove muscle bundles through a series of conditions in which the stimulation duration was shortened and other parameters were made closer to optimal. This sensitivity analysis revealed that the low power output could not be explained by realistic levels of systematic or random error. By integrating the muscle power output over the fish9s mass and comparing it with power requirements for swimming, we conclude that, although the fish could swim at 30 cm s(−)(1) with the red muscle alone, it is very unlikely that it could do so at 40 and 50 cm s(−)(1), thus raising the question of how the fish powers swimming at these speeds. By integrating in vivo pink muscle power output along the length of the fish, we obtained the surprising finding that, at 50 cm s(−)(1), the pink muscle (despite having one-third the mass) contributes six times more power to swimming than does the red muscle. Thus, in scup, pink muscle is crucial for powering swimming at low temperatures. This overall analysis shows that Q(10) values determined in experiments on isolated tissue under arbitrarily selected conditions can be very different from Q(10) values in vivo, and therefore that predicting whole-animal performance from these isolated tissue experiments may lead to qualitatively incorrect conclusions. To make a meaningful assessment of the effects of temperature on muscle and locomotory performance, muscle performance must be studied under the conditions at which the muscle operates in vivo.
Comments on the INRC group

In Piaget's theory, cognitive behavior in sonic problem situations can be likened to a four-group—a mathematical group whose elements consist of four transformations. These four transformations are represented as follows: I (identity), N (negation), R (reciprocal), C (correlative). The INRC group has logical and physical “realizations,” i.e., different systems which exemplify its properties. Piaget holds that the INRC group and combinatorial structures can only be found at the stage of formal operations. In the snail problem, referred to by Easley, a snail is placed on a board which rests on a table. The snail can move from left to right or right to left while the board is stationary. Likewise, the board can move in either direction while the snail is stationary. Finally, the snail and the board can move simultaneously in either direction. In the following note Easley presents an analysis of the snail problem in terms of the INRC group.
A profound deficiency in thymic progenitor cells in mice lacking Jak3.

Humans and mice with genetic deficiencies that lead to loss of signaling through common γ-chain (γc)-containing cytokine receptors have severe defects in B and T lymphocytes. In humans, these deficiencies lead to a complete absence of T cells, whereas in mice, small thymuses give rise to normal numbers of peripheral T cells. We have examined the first wave of developing T cells in Jak3 −/− , IL-7 −/− , and IL-7Rα −/− fetal mice, and have found a near absence of thymic progenitor cells. This deficiency is highlighted by the complete inability of Jak3 −/− progenitor cells to reconstitute T cell development in the presence of competing wild-type cells. These data clearly demonstrate a strong common basis for the T cell deficiencies in mice and humans lacking γc/Jak3 signaling pathways.
Through a Shade Darkly

A 43-year-old man complained of difficulty seeing in dim light (nyctalopia). A prolonged photostress test and abnormal electroretinogram confirmed retinal rather than optic nerve dysfunction. Vitamin A deficiency secondary to remote ileal-jejunal bypass was diagnosed, and his visual symptoms and signs reversed with oral vitamin A supplementation.
Increased prevalence of comorbid conditions in women with uterine cancer

Abstract Objectives To compare comorbidities of women with uterine cancer (UC) to controls so as to aid in development of survivorship care plans and programs. Methods Retrospective cohort study using the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) database that compared women who had a hysterectomy for UC to women without UC undergoing hysterectomy. Frequencies and odds ratios (ORs) of 26 comorbidities were calculated. Mantel–Haenszel stratified ORs were determined to correct for different age distributions between the UC and control groups using UHC predetermined age groups. Results 23,227 patients in the dataset were included in the UC cohort, and 142,601 patients served as controls. Uncorrected ORs≥2 were found for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, congestive heart failure, pulmonary circulatory diseases, peripheral vascular disease, and renal failure. Higher ORs for UC remained significant after stratification by age for hypertension (OR=1.7), diabetes (OR=2.1), obesity (OR=3.3), congestive heart failure (OR=1.5), pulmonary circulatory disorders (OR=1.7), and renal failure (OR=1.2). Conclusions Multiple comorbid conditions, specifically those related to the metabolic syndrome, were more prevalent in UC survivors than in the general population, and this difference persisted after adjustment for age. UC survivorship programs should plan to allocate resources to account for these differences in healthcare needs.
Cognitive Wireless Mesh Network Testbed

Due to their potential capabilities, cognitive radios have recently been creating a significant interest for researchers to develop new techniques that take advantage of their use to increase spectrum utilization. Albeit generally these researchers proposed solutions that address issues related to cognitive radios, they mainly relied on either analytical or simulation tools to evaluate their proposed approaches. Being able to implement and evaluate newly- developed techniques in a testbed can be far more effective and accurate than simulation/analytical methods when assessing the performance of such techniques. In this paper, we describe an experimental wireless mesh network that we designed and built from off-the-shelf commercial components at Oregon State University. Our research group is currently developing cross-layer techniques and protocols for next- generation cognitive radio networks, and will be using the testbed to implement, test, and evaluate these techniques.
Understanding the Hydraulics of Porous Pipes: Tradeoffs Between Water Uptake and Root Length Utilization

The water uptake region in roots is several hundred times longer than the root diameter. The distributed nature of the uptake zone requires that the hydraulic design of roots be understood by analogy to flow through a “porous pipe.” Here we present results of an analytical and experimental investigation that allowed an in-depth analysis of root hydraulic properties. Measurements on nodal maize roots confirm the nonlinear distribution of water uptake predicted by the porous pipe model. The major design parameter governing the distribution of water uptake along a porous pipe is the ratio between its axial and radial hydraulic resistance. However, total flow is proportional to the pipe's overall resistance. These results suggest the existence of a tradeoff between the effective utilization of root length and the total capacity for water uptake.
The Relationship of Alternative Negligence Rules to Litigation Behavior and Tort Claim Disposition

Recently most states have abandoned the traditional tort defense of contributory negligence and substituted a form of comparative negligence. Using an extensive data set of auto accident injury claims, we provide evidence on the relationship between negligence rules and claimants' litigation decisions to retain attorneys, file lawsuits and litigate versus settle out of court. Litigation choices appear to be rational responses to the varying incentives created by alternative tort standards. We find that in contrast to comparative negligence, claims arising under comparative negligence are associated with greater probabilities of attorney involvement, higher average award levels, and longer delays in securing payment. Only 37% of claims involving attorneys in contributory negligence states result in a lawsuit being filed compared to 49% and 47% under the pure and modified forms of comparative negligence, respectively. The study provides the first statistical evidence on the litigation costs of the new forms of comparative negligence.
Biologic vs synthetic inguinal hernia repair: 1-year results of a randomized double-blinded trial.

Background Various surgical meshes are used in the repair of inguinal hernia and are associated with numerous complications. Our main objective in this study was to determine whether a biologic hernia matrix is equivalent to polypropylene mesh in an open inguinal hernia repair using the Lichtenstein technique. Study Design A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, single-center trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a biologic Inguinal Hernia Matrix (IHM; Cook Medical) compared with polypropylene (PP) mesh using Lichtenstein's inguinal hernia repair in a 3-year outcomes study. Patients were evaluated for recurrence and complications by a blinded surgeon at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post procedure. Patient demographics, including comorbidities and nutrition status, were recorded. Intraoperative information including hernia type and location, procedure time, level of difficulty, degree of surgeon frustration, and surgical experience were collected. Results One hundred male patients provided informed consent and were randomized into the study in a 1:1 fashion. There were no significant differences in degree of difficulty and level of frustration between the 2 groups. At 1-year follow-up, 3 recurrences were diagnosed in the IHM group as compared with none in the PP group (p = 0.11). Persistent pain trended higher in the PP group (6% vs 4%). All 3 recurrences occurred in the direct inguinal hernia group and were performed by attendings in the first year post training (3 different attendings). No recurrences occurred in patients operated on by more senior surgeons. Conclusions The IHM hernioplasty compares favorably with PP mesh at 1-year follow-up with similar recurrence rates and complications. Surgeon experience appears to be a major factor affecting successful outcomes.
Bar operators for quasiparabolic conjugacy classes in a Coxeter group

Abstract The action of a Coxeter group W on the set of left cosets of a standard parabolic subgroup deforms to define a module M J of the group's Iwahori–Hecke algebra H with a particularly simple form. Rains and Vazirani have introduced the notion of a quasiparabolic set to characterize W-sets for which analogous deformations exist; a motivating example is the conjugacy class of fixed-point-free involutions in the symmetric group. Deodhar has shown that the module M J possesses a certain antilinear involution, called the bar operator, and a certain basis invariant under this involution, which generalizes the Kazhdan–Lusztig basis of H . The well-known significance of this basis in representation theory makes it natural to seek to extend Deodhar's results to the quasiparabolic setting. In general, the obstruction to finding such an extension is the existence of an appropriate quasiparabolic analogue of the “bar operator.” In this paper, we consider the most natural definition of a quasiparabolic bar operator, and develop a theory of “quasiparabolic Kazhdan–Lusztig bases” under the hypothesis that such a bar operator exists. Giving content to this theory, we prove that a bar operator in the desired sense does exist for quasiparabolic W-sets given by twisted conjugacy classes of twisted involutions. Finally, we prove several results classifying the quasiparabolic conjugacy classes in a Coxeter group.
Long-Term Outcome of Pediatric-Onset MS

Researchers at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff; and University of Bristol, UK studied the clinical features and disability in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) in a population-based cohort with long-term follow-up, and compared to a cohort of patients with adult-onset (AOMS) disease.
Lost in translation: understanding the failure of the progesterone/traumatic brain injury Phase III trials

*Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University, 1365 B Clifton Road NE, Suite 5100, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Tel.: +1 404 712 2540; Fax: +1 404 778 2630; dstei04@emory.edu
P5-S3.05 A clinical practice intervention to increase chlamydial screening: sustaining the gain and translating into practice 4 years later

Background Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) continues to be a major public health problem among sexually active adolescent and young adult females. Although annual CT screening is recommended, actual rates remain low. System-based interventions are an effective approach to improve clinical practice including CT screening. Objective There are two objectives: (1) To describe the sustainability of a systems-based, clinical practice improvement intervention to increase urine-based CT screening among adolescent girls (14–18 years old) during routine check-ups in a paediatric clinic setting (2) To describe and evaluate the translation of this intervention into control clinics. Methods The study randomised 10 paediatric clinics (5 experimental, 5 control) within a large Northern California health maintenance organization (HMO). Clinics in the experimental group received a systems-based clinical practice improvement intervention (CPI) and controls received a traditional provider education intervention. The original study took place between 2000 and 2002 (Shafer et al JAMA , 2002). After the study ended, the intervention was translated to the remaining clinics including to the five controls. Data were tracked for four additional years (2003–2006). The proportion of 14–18-year-old girls who had sexual intercourse and who were screened for CT during their routine checkups was calculated using the same methodology as the original study. We assessed changes in the rate variable over time, within sites and between the intervention and control groups using linear mixed effects models with random intercepts. Results The average screening rate in the intervention group was sustained at an average of 60% during the 4-year follow-up period (CI 0.41 to 0.79) with no significant increases over time. Prior to translation activities, the proportion screened in controls was 21%. After translation activities, the control group exhibited statistically significant linear and quadratic effects of time (p=0.0019 by Wald χ 2 test). The estimated rate for the controls was 0.42 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.59) at time 1, increased to a maximum of 0.69 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.83) at year 2.5, then declined to 0.52 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.70) at the end of year 4. Conclusions This CPI systems intervention was both translatable and sustainable to other paediatric clinics within this HMO.
Our commitment to patient care

The section of the manifesto addressing "our commitment to patient care" is what I believe to be the core of pharmacy practice, regardless of specialty. As psychiatric pharmacists, we have a great responsibility in providing health care to a population that in many areas is underserved by their community. These patients often hesitate to seek assistance, whether due to the stigma of mental illness and lack of insight, access to services, or trust in others. Psychiatric and neurologic specialty pharmacists must establish themselves as compassionate, respectful healthcare providers that will provide prescribers and patients with the highest quality of service. With the provision of medication therapy management services becoming the standard of care, our specialty must take this opportunity to screen patients who may not be receiving adequate assistance. We must be able to not only make medication interventions to improve their care, but also provide resources to empower and assist our patients on their path to a better quality of life.
Nutritional studies with the guinea pig; B-vitamins other than pantothenic acid.

SummaryA determination has been made of the essentiality or non-essentiality of vitamins of the B group as components of a semi-synthetic diet developed especially for guinea pigs. Clear-cut deficiencies of choline, pyridoxine, and riboflavin were produced for the first time. In addition, a dietary need of thiamine, niacin, and folic acid has been confirmed. It appears that in the presence of an adequate supply of folic acid, PABA is not essential in the diet. Under our conditions no requirement has yet been demonstrated for inositol, biotin, or vit. B12.
Using formal methods to derive test frames in category-partition testing

Testing is a standard method of assuring that software performs as intended. We extend the category-partition method, which is a specification-based testing method. An important aspect of category-partition testing is the construction of test specifications as an intermediate between functional specifications and actual tests. We define a minimal coverage criterion for category-partition test specifications identify a mechanical process to produce a test specification that satisfies the criterion, and discuss the problem of resolving infeasible combinations of choices for categories. Our method uses formal schema-based functional specifications and is shown to be feasible with an example study of a simple file system. >
Surgical Techniques: Operative Decompression Using the Transaxillary Approach for VTOS

When treating a patient with venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS), the most critical structures are the anterior part of the first rib, the anterior part of the clavicle, and the associated subclavius muscle and costoclavicular tendon connecting the two – the costoclavicular junction. The transaxillary exposure provides the best exposure of the anterior first rib, subclavius muscle, and costoclavicular tendon, yields excellent exposure of the entire subclavian vein to the level of the jugular vein, allows thorough circumferential external venolysis, and is most cosmetically attractive for patients, many of whom are in a young, active age group. When combined with thrombolysis and performed with proper technique for effort thrombosis, complications, most commonly hematoma, asymptomatic small pneumothorax, and temporarily troubling but temporary long thoracic nerve injury, should be rare, and long-term success achieved in over 90 % of patients treated.
Reproducibility of left ventricular function measurements with varying gamma camera head tilt in gated blood pool imaging

2117 Objectives : Northwestern Memorial Hospital utilizes caudal tilt for gated blood pool imaging to remove the left atrium from the left ventricular region of interest (ROI). However, the impact of caudal tilt on ejection fraction is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if the ejection fraction (EF) changes when a caudal tilt is applied to the left anterior oblique (LAO) projection as opposed to no caudal tilt in gated cardiac blood pool imaging and to evaluate which technique gives the most accurate results for diagnostic purposes. Methods : Eleven patients (9 women, 2 men) mean age 52 +/- 14.4 years, who had undergone gated equilibrium blood pool (GBP) imaging by planar method were studied. Planar GBP imaging was performed with a dual head gamma camera after red blood cell labeling using 20 mCi of Tc99m-pertechnetate. Patients were acquired in the following views: anterior, left lateral, left anterior oblique at 45 degrees positioned with a 14 degree caudal tilt and a left anterior oblique positioned at 45 degrees with no caudal tilt. Analysis of left ventricular ejection fraction was measured using standard methods from background subtracted end-diastolic and end-systolic ROI9s. Results : From the left anterior oblique projection the average ejection fraction value calculated with a 14 degree caudal tilt was 59.0 +/- 8.1%. The average ejection fraction value calculated with no caudal tilt was > 58.5 +/- 7.3%. Conclusions : These findings suggest that there is no significant statistical difference in the ejection fraction values calculated with or without caudal tilt in gated cardiac blood pool imaging. These results suggest that it is not necessary to use caudal tilt in order to determine ejection fraction in gated blood pool imaging.
Survival of Infants Born at Periviable Gestational Ages

Periviable births are those occurring from 20 0/7 through 25 6/7 weeks of gestation. Among and within developed nations, significant variation exists in the approach to obstetric and neonatal care for periviable birth. Understanding gestational age–specific survival, including factors that may influence survival estimates and how these estimates have changed over time, may guide approaches to the care of periviable births and inform conversations with families and caregivers. This review provides a historical perspective on survival following periviable birth, summarizes recent and new data on gestational age–specific survival rates, and addresses factors that have a significant impact on survival.
Ethnic Conflicts and Ancient Hatreds: Cultural Concerns

The view that ethnic conflicts today can be traced back to ancient group hatreds is known as essentialism, sometimes also called ‘primordialism.’ This perspective dominates the portrayals of ethnic conflict in newspapers and magazines. Contemporary ethnic animosities, according to this view, are based on inherent differences of race, religion, or culture, going back into ancient times. Few academic scholars subscribe to the essentialist view today. Those who came to be known as ‘instrumentalists’ launched the first systematic attack on essentialism. The key proposition of instrumentalism is that political leaders use ethnic identity for purely instrumental purposes—power or resources—regardless of whether they believe in ethnicity. Since the mid-1980s, another important view has emerged: constructivism. The central claim of constructivism is that the formation of ethnic or national identities is a modern phenomenon. It has little to do with ancient times. In postcolonial societies, for example, the major contemporary ethnic cleavages were a creation of the colonial power and, given the immense power of colonial masters, such divisions have endured, and will last for a long time. This article presents a brief overview of all three approaches.
Sensory Limitations of the International Space Station's Robotic Maintenance Systems

Abstract The tele-operated Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) will be used on the International Space Station to exchange failed orbital replaceable units (ORUs) for functional ones. Use of the SPDM will help reduce the burden on astronauts to perform these external maintenance tasks. Limited sensing capability on the SPDM, however, in combination with complex ORU worksites make the exchange of ORUs challenging tele-robotically. Position and force information constitute the primary sensor feedback to the operator. The operator also has limited camera views with which to monitor and direct the task. This paper describes the tele-sensing capabilities of the robotic maintenance system and proposes design concepts to supplement these capabilities.
Research note: “Should we stay or should we go? Exploring the outcomes of great power retrenchment”:

Within foreign policy and academic circles in the United States and other western countries, retrenchment has become an increasingly controversial topic. In spite of the increased attention, there have been few empirical studies that rigorously examine the outcomes of great power retrenchment. In this paper, we seek to fill this gap by performing a quantitative analysis of great power retrenchment outcomes from 1870–2007. Counter to the retrenchment pessimists’ expectations, we find that retrenchment leads to relatively positive outcomes for declining states. States that choose to retrench experience shorter periods of economic decline and are less likely to be the target of predatory conflict initiation.
Power-on-paper: Origami-inspired fabrication of 3-D microbial fuel cells

Abstract We demonstrate that fabricating low-cost microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can be done efficiently by using a paper substrate and origami techniques. A 3-D MFC was developed from a 2-D sheet of paper by integrating the anode, reservoir, cation exchange membrane (CEM) and air-cathode. The cell was easily formed by folding the paper along pre-defined creases. The entirely paper-based all-printed MFC developed in this work rapidly generated power with a small amount of bacteria-containing liquid through rapid adsorption and instant attachment of the bacteria cells to the anode. A graphite-polymer composite and graphite ink with activated carbon were readily applicable as novel anodic materials on paper and enhanced performance better than a conventional graphite ink or gold anode. The hydrophobic wax-based CEM was readily built with a commercially available wax printer and using heat to control how deep the wax penetrated the paper. This work will create a novel platform for paper-based power source, stepping toward batch-fabricable flexible papertronics.