cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of children and adolescents 1 year after being seen in a multidisciplinary psychogenic nonepileptic seizures clinic.

Objective Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are paroxysmal events that may involve altered subjective experience and change in motor activity with a psychological cause. The aim of this work is to describe a population of pediatric patients with PNES and identify factors predictive of 12-month outcomes. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study of children and adolescents referred to the multidisciplinary Nationwide Children's Hospital PNES clinic between November 2017 and July 2019. Information was collected from patients during clinic visits and semistructured follow-up phone calls. Descriptive statistics and Fisher exact test were used for analysis. Results Of the 139 consecutive patients referred to the PNES clinic, 104 were seen in clinic and 63 answered 12-month follow-up calls. Patients with comorbid epilepsy had increased rates of participation at 12-month follow-up (p = .04). Complete remission was achieved by 32% (20/63) of patients at 12 months. Combined PNES remission and improvement was 89% (56/63) at 12 months. Patients and families who were linked with counseling at 1 month were more likely to achieve remission at 12 months (p = .005). Less than half (44%, 28/63) of patients reached at 12 months had their events documented on video-electroencephalogram (EEG) at diagnosis; however, those who did were not more likely to be accepting of the diagnosis at 12 months (p = 1.0), be linked with counseling at 12 months (p = .59), or be event-free at 12 months (p = .79). Significance Remission occurred in one third of patients by 12 months; however, improvement in events was seen in 89%. Connection to counseling by 1 month was associated with increased remission rates at 12 months. Capturing events on video-EEG was not associated with increased acceptance or event freedom at 12 months. Diagnosis should be followed by strong encouragement to connect with counseling quickly to achieve a goal of increasing 12-month PNES remission rates.
DISCO: Species Tree Inference using Multi-Copy gene family Tree Decomposition.

Species tree inference from gene family trees is a significant problem in computational biology. However, gene tree heterogeneity, which can be caused by several factors including gene duplication and loss, makes the estimation of species trees very challenging. While there have been several species tree estimation methods introduced in recent years to specifically address gene tree heterogeneity due to gene duplication and loss (such as DupTree, FastMulRFS, ASTRAL-Pro, and SpeciesRax), many incur high cost in terms of both running time and memory. We introduce a new approach, DISCO, that decomposes the multi-copy gene family trees into many single copy trees, which allows for methods previously designed for species tree inference in a single copy gene tree context to be used. We prove that using DISCO with ASTRAL (i.e., ASTRAL-DISCO) is statistically consistent under the GDL model, provided that ASTRAL-Pro correctly roots and tags each gene family tree. We evaluate DISCO paired with different methods for estimating species trees from single copy genes (e.g., ASTRAL, ASTRID, and IQ-TREE) under a wide range of model conditions, and establish that high accuracy can be obtained even when ASTRAL-Pro is not able to correctly roots and tags the gene family trees. We also compare results using MI, an alternative decomposition strategy from Yang and Smith (2014), and find that DISCO provides better accuracy, most likely as a result of covering more of the gene family tree leafset in the output decomposition.
Comparison of the IaaS Security Available from the Top Three Cloud Providers

Cloud providers have simplified the ability for any customer to generate Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) machines in a few hours. Unlike the purchase of traditional hardware, the securing of the computer is a now a shared responsibility between the customer and the provider. The delineation of which security controls are the responsibility of the cloud provider will be presented. Unique cloud-related security issues will be discussed. Security controls available from Amazon, Google, and Azure will be compared. This discussion will conclude with recommendations for how businesses can optimize security using cloud providers.
An Algebra for Symbolic Diffie-Hellman Protocol Analysis

We study the algebra underlying symbolic protocol analysis for protocols using Diffie-Hellman operations. Diffie-Hellman operations act on a cyclic group of prime order, together with an exponentiation operator. The exponents form a finite field: this rich algebraic structure has resisted previous symbolic approaches. We define an algebra that validates precisely the equations that hold almost always as the order of the cyclic group varies. We realize this algebra as the set of normal forms of a particular rewriting theory. The normal forms allow us to define our crucial notion of indicator, a vector of integers that summarizes how many times each secret exponent appears in a message. We prove that the adversary can never construct a message with a new indicator in our adversary model. Using this invariant, we prove the main security goals achieved by UM, a protocol using Diffie-Hellman for implicit authentication.
Morphotropic phase boundary and electrical properties of lead-free (1−x)BaTiO3−xBi(Li1/3Ti2/3)O3 ceramics

Dense polycrystalline ceramics of lead-free perovskite solid solution (1−x)BaTiO3−xBi(Li1/3Ti2/3)O3 (0.05≤x≤0.20) have been synthesized via the conventional solid state reaction method. A morphotropic phase boundary separating the tetragonal and orthorhombic phases was observed between the compositions x=0.07 and 0.10. With increasing Bi(Li1/3Ti2/3)O3 content, the solid solution displays a stronger frequency dispersion in its dielectric behavior and a significant suppression in the sharp dielectric anomaly at the Curie point as well as the remanent polarization. However, the Curie point of the solid solution is almost independent of x in the composition range studied. These behaviors can be explained by the observed core-shell grain structure. The incorporation of Bi(Li1/3Ti2/3)O3 into BaTiO3 leads to the formation of nanodomains in the shell, which imparts the relaxor characteristics to the dielectric behavior. The core of the grain preserves the large lamellar domains as those in BaTiO3, contributing to...
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization: Impact on Morbidity and Mortality in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery bypass surgery is very effective in relieving angina pectoris. ST-segment response and exercise tolerance have impact on the need for revascularization. The principal means by which coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) alters survival prognosis appears to be a reduction in infarct size and infarct-related mortality rather than influence upon the incidence of infarction or unstable angina. The limitation of saphenous vein graft durability is evident clinically in the return of symptoms in surgically bypassed patients often within 5 years and increased morbidity that follows. In contrast to saphenous vein grafts, internal mammary conduits are remarkably resistant to atherosclerosis with 10-year patency rates of 80–95%. The internal mammary artery performs best when used to bypass the left anterior descending coronary artery. Other arterial conduits used today include the radial artery and the inferior epigastric arteries. Thus, it is possible to perform multivessel revascularization without using a saphenous vein graft. Off-pump coronary bypass is generally equivalent to the standard procedure, but it reduces perioperative inflammation and morbidity and improves outcomes in selected high-risk patients. Atrial fibrillation is the most common complication of CABG, occurring in 25% to 30% of patients. Balloon angioplasty reliably increases vessel lumen diameter. The risk of angiographic restenosis and need for repeat revascularization is markedly reduced in patients who receive stents eluting sirolimus, paclitaxel, or everolimus in native coronary lesions, small vessels, saphenous vein grafts, after myocardial infarction, and in patients with diabetes mellitus. Balloon angioplasty and stent-percutaneous coronary revascularization (PCR) are effective forms of therapy for patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), unstable angina, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and the patient with stable angina. The risk of performing a revascularization procedure and its long-term efficacy must be weighed against the prognosis for survival and myocardial infarction that is estimated using clinical, physiologic, and anatomic criteria. Revascularization procedures do not alter the natural history of atherosclerosis, only the likelihood of surviving as the disease progresses. Therefore, every effort should be made to lower serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels as much as possible, preferably by diet and a potent statin.
Development of Space Inflatable/Rigidizable Structures Technology

Space inflatable and rigidizable structures technology is one of the emerging technologies that can potentially revolutionize the design and applications of large space structural systems. In the last two years, NASA and its industry and academia partners have made significant progress in addressing important technical challenges for the actual implementation of inflatable structures for space flight systems. A summary assessment on the state of the art of three of the challenges, namely controlled deployment, space rigidization and dynamic modeling and simulation, is presented. Also, two recently developed inflatable structural systems, the inflatable SAR and the NGST inflatable sunshield, are described.
Reachability algorithm for biological piecewise-affine hybrid systems

We consider a class of qualitative biological models which describe species (e.g. protein) interactions in terms of promotion or inhibition, from which a piecewise-affine (PWA) hybrid system model can be generated. These models have a special structure under which negative feedback is a necessary condition for the presence of limit cycles, centers, and foci. We describe modifications to reachability algorithms to take advantage of this special structure, and we give conditions on the qualitative model for termination of the algorithm. An example of applying the algorithm to a simple biological system is given.
Phenomenological and Mathematical Modeling of a High Pressure Steam Driven Jet Injector, Part 2

An injector is a particular type of jet pump which uses condensable vapor to entrain a liquid and discharge against a pressure higher than either motive or suction pressures. The injector has no moving parts and requires no external power supply nor any complex control system. Thus, the injector is particularly suited for emergency core cooling operations. A detailed survey has indicated that various injector designs are available for operating pressures below 250 psig. However, the design of these injectors from the viewpoint of a basic understanding of heat and mass transfer processes has not been well developed. A critical review of the models showed serious discrepancies between the analytical models and the experimental observations. The discrepancies evolved from the neglect of non-equilibrium aspects of the flow. The origin of the non-equilibrium aspects can be traced to the extremely small time scales governing the flow in the injector. Thus, time scales of the order of 10{sup {minus}2} seconds are involved in the injector, accompanied by mass, momentum, and heat transfer rates of orders of magnitude higher than that observed in conventional two-phase flows. The present study focuses on the phenomenological and mathematical modeling of the processes in the injector from the viewpoint of its non-equilibrium nature.
Syntactic Processing Skills in the Three Variants of PPA (P6.229)

Objective: To determine if three variants of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) are differentially impaired on grammatical sentence production using anagrams. Background: Agrammatism is a key feature of nonfluent agrammatic variant of PPA (nfvPPA). It has been proposed that assessment of grammatical sentence production using anagrams could be used to identify patients with nfvPPA. However, we hypothesized that patients with all variants of PPA would be impaired on syntactically complex sentence production with anagrams because the task requires adequate semantic processing and working memory. Methods: We enrolled a series of 63 participants who fulfilled criteria according to recent guidelines for logopenic, nonfluent, and semantic PPA variants (16 nfvPPA, 24 svPPA, and 23 lvPPA). Mean disease duration for nfvPPA was 3.3 years, 3 years for svPPA, and 4.1 years for lvPPA. We created a relatively simple to understand sentence anagram test, the Baltimore Sentence Anagram Test (BaSAT) with 5 active sentences and 5 passive sentences to match pictures. All participants completed a battery of tests including the BaSAT, Pyramids and Palm Trees (PPT) to assess semantic processing and sentence repetition to assess working memory. One way ANOVA was used to compare mean response accuracy across PPA variants on the BaSAT. Pearson correlations were used to examine relationships between tests. Results: There was no main effect of group [F (2, 60)=. 10, p=. 89]. Mean accuracy scores were 51.7 for lvPPA, 57.69 for nfvPPA and 54.3 for svPPA. Accuracy rate on the BaSAT correlated with disease duration (r=-0.44, p <0.05), PPT (0.43,p<0.05) and sentence repetition (0.72, p<0.05). Conclusions: Ability to produce grammatical sentences with anagrams to match pictures is impaired in all variants of PPA, and does not distinguish among them. Performance on the BaSAT correlated with performance on tests of semantic processing and working memory, as well as disease duration. Disclosure: Dr. Sebastian has nothing to disclose. Dr. Davis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gomez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Trupe has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hillis has received research support from Allon Pharmaceutical.
On Determining the Submanifolds of State Space Where the Optimal Value Surface Has an Infinite Derivative

The problem of obtaining the optimal value surface of an optimal control process is investigated. In practice, the optimal cost surface often possesses an infinite derivative at points of certain submanifolds of the state space. A necessary condition is derived with which the equations of such submanifolds can be established without solving first the entire optimal control problem. The necessity of the condition is proved in a theorem, but only for submanifolds having one dimension less than the dimension of the state space. Three examples are provided to illustrate the utility of the condition.
LDA-based probabilistic graphical model for excitation-emission matrices

In this paper, we present a novel latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) based probabilistic graphical approach for mod- eling and analyzing fluorescent spectroscopy excitation-emission Matrices (EEMs). By viewing the EEMs as being generated from an underlying hidden pool of flourophore compounds, the proposed method provides a latent flourophore-space repre- sentation of an EEM. We show that this LDA-based model can increase classification performance, especially when paired with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) which may be regarded as perhaps the most popular and widely used tool for dealing with EEMs. Our experiments show that the proposed LDA-based algorithm is in some cases more robust than PARAFAC to certain types of noise and data disturbances. We also observe that pairing this LDA-based method with PARAFAC leads to an improvement in classification performance and to added robustness at high peak-signal-to-noise-ratio (PSNR) values.
Patterns of residual covariance structure

Chapter 5 concentrates on a linear regression approach on longitudinal data in which the structure of the residual variance–covariance matrix is specified while the covariance matrix for the random effects is left unspecified. A number of residual variance–covariance pattern models are exhibited, including those applied either in situations where repeated measurements are equally spaced or in the analysis of longitudinal data with irregular time intervals. Next, strategies to select an appropriate residual variance–covariance structure are summarized. Scaling techniques for the time factor are then displayed. An overview is provided for the definition of a classification factor, with a number of basic coding schemes being introduced. The design matrices for the time factor and for its interaction with another classification factor are also delineated. This is followed by the computational procedures of least squares means, the local contrasts, and local tests, respectively. Lastly, an empirical illustration is provided for displaying how to apply the linear regression model specifying a residual variance–covariance pattern.
Galactic Evolution and Global Star Formation

The basic ingredients of a model for galactic star formation are reviewed and incorporated into a simple scheme for galactic evolution. A unified model in which the star formation rate is proportional to the ratio of gas surface density to local dynamical time-scale describes star formation in starburst galaxies, protogalactic disks, and protogalactic spheroids. The possible role of active galactic nuclei in triggering early star formation provides an alternative evolutionary scheme.
Quantum Diffusion-Limited Aggregation

Though classical random walks have been studied for many years, research concerning their quantum analogues, quantum random walks, has only come about recently. Numerous simulations of both types of walks have been run and analyzed, and are generally well-understood. Research pertaining to one of the more important properties of classical random walks, namely, their ability to build fractal structures in diffusion-limited aggregation, has been particularly noteworthy. However, only now has research begun in this area in regards to quantum random motion. The study of random walks and the structures they build has various applications in materials science. Since all processes are quantum in nature, it is important to consider the quantum variant of diffusion-limited aggregation. Recognizing that Schrodinger equation and a classical random walk are both diffusion equations, it is possible to connect and compare them. Using similar parameters for both equations, we ran various simulations aggregating particles. Our results show that particles moving according to Schrodinger equation can create fractal structures, much like the classical random walk. Furthermore, the fractal dimensions of these quantum diffusion-limited aggregates vary between 1.43 and 2, depending on the size of the initial wave packet.
Significantly Decreased Recurrence Rates in Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor With Simple Enucleation and Curettage Using Carnoy's Versus Modified Carnoy's Solution.

Purpose A variety of modalities has been suggested for treatment of keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KOT), including Carnoy's solution (CS) and modified Carnoy's (without chloroform) solution (MC). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of CS versus MC as it relates to the KOT recurrence rates when used in conjunction with simple enucleation and curettage (EC hazard ratio 6.9). Conclusion In the present retrospective study, the recurrence rate of KOTs treated by E&C with application of CS is significantly lower than that of MC. The data provided could be considered by the Food and Drug Administration for a clinical trial of CS in patients with KOT.
Assessing the influence of exogenous ethylene on electron transport and fluorescence quenching in leaves of Glycine max

Abstract We conducted a series of modeling exercises designed to re-evaluate the light-response and CO 2 -response curves of Taylor and Gunderson ( Pl. Physiol. 86, 85–92, 1988) and to examine further their conclusion that ethylene-induced inhibition of electron transport may contribute to reduced CO 2 assimilation in leaves of Glycine max . By partitioning the response of CO 2 assimilation to either electron transport-limited or Rubisco-limited rates of carboxylation, we calculated that the electron transport capacity ( J max ) of ethylene-treated leaves decreased by over 30% following a 4-hr exposure to 10 μl/l ethylene and noted that ethylene-induced reductions in CO 2 assimilation could be explained without a decrease in Rubisco activity ( Vc max ). Measurements of in vivo Chl fluorescence supported these observations and indicated that the efficiency by which excitation energy was captured in PSII (i.e. ( F m − F o / F m ) was reduced from 0.80 to 0.73 after a 4-hr exposure to 10 μl/l ethylene. This reduction was also accompanied by a 12% decrease in steady-state photochemical quenching ( q p ), indicating that a lower proportion of open or oxidized PSII reaction centers were participating in light-dependent processes. Effects of ethylene on Chl fluorescence were amplified at increased irradiance, suggesting that photoinhibition may play a role in the ethylene-induced inhibition of CO 2 assimilation.
Comparison of acute and chronic lithium treatment on 3H-norepinephrine uptake by rat brain slices.

The effects of lithium chloride, given IP in high (2.5–15 mEq/kg) and low (1.25 mEq/kg) doses twice daily, upon 3H-norepinephrine uptake and retention were examined with slices from four regions of the rat brain, namely brain stem, hypothalamus, parietal cortex, and caudate nucleus. Control uptake was significantly higher in slices from the caudate nucleus and lower in brain stem slices than in slices from hypothalamus or parietal cortex. With the higher doses, uptake increased significantly in all regions after 2 days of treatment and returned to normal by 7 days. With the lowest dose, uptake was increased after 7 days but normal at 14 days. Only in caudate slices was there a second elevation of 3H-norepinephrine uptake after 21 days of treatment, which returned to normal by 42 days. No other effects were observed during 70 days of treatment with lithium. The correlation between changes in 3H-norepinephrine uptake and plasma lithium levels was studied.
CASE 8—2014Anesthetic Management of Bilateral Lung Transplantation From Donor Lungs Managed by the Organ Care System

57-YEAR-OLD MAN with medical history significant for end-stage lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and progressive limited systemic sclerosis presented for bilateral lung transplantation. Previous management included mycophenolate, prednisone, treprostinil, and sildenafil. His pretransplant transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction of 65% with high estimated right ventricular systolic pressures between 109-116 mmHg. Cardiac catheterization confirmed elevated pulmonary arterial (PA) pressures, 102/40/63 mmHg, with a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of 11 mmHg and a cardiac index of 2.3 L/min/m 2 . There was no significant coronary artery disease. The patient was randomized to be transplanted with donor lungs managed by the Organ Care System (OCS) (TransMedics Inc, Andover, MA), the first such transplantation in the United States. In the operating room, placement of invasive monitoring, anesthetic induction, and intubation proceeded uneventfully. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography confirmed preoperative findings. Upon surgical incision, dense adhesions were found in both pleural spaces requiring extensive dissection and lysis. Cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass proceeded, and the donor lungs arrived via the Organ Care System. After satisfactory examination of the donor lungs, they were arrested with Perfadex solution (XVIVO, Englewood, CO) at 101C and explanted from the OCS. Explantation of the recipient lungs and implantation of the donor lungs proceeded in a sequential fashion. The newly transplanted lungs were ventilated with room air, and reperfusion began. After several minutes, the patient was weaned off of cardiopulmonary bypass. There was adequate hemostasis and the anastomosis lines appeared stable by examination by flexible bronchoscopy. Initial arterial gases after bypass reveal a PaO2 of 56 mmHg and a PaCO2 of 33 mmHg. The double-lumen endotracheal tube was exchanged for a single-lumen endotracheal tube and the patient was transported to the ICU for further care. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, with extubation on the first postoperative day. He was discharged ten days after his transplantation. Surveillance bronchoscopy one month after transplantation revealed no evidence of rejection or graft dysfunction. DISCUSSION
Biologic and immunomodulatory events after CTLA-4 blockade with ticilimumab in patients with advanced malignant melanoma†

BACKGROUND T-regulatory (TR) cells expressing cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) maintain peripheral immune tolerance and negatively affect host immune responses against cancer. The immunobiologic effects of ticilimumab, a human monoclonal antibody against CTLA-4, was administered to patients with metastatic melanoma who participated in a Phase I/II clinical trial. METHODS Thirty patients who received ticilimumab at a dose of 10 mg/kg monthly (n = 20) or 15 mg/kg every 3 months (n = 10) were studied at study entry and at 14-day intervals thereafter to assess lymphocyte immunophenotypes, interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-10 production, and the expression of TR-related genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from a subset of patients was studied by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Four of 12 patients with immune-related adverse events (IRAE) attained objective antitumor responses (ATR), whereas only 1 of 18 patients without IRAE attained ATR (χ2 = 4.0; P = .0455). Patients with ATR had significant reductions in TR cells and constitutive IL-10 production accompanied by a significant increase in IL-2 production by activated T cells. Although IRAE+/ATR+ patients demonstrated a positive correlation between CTLA-4 and glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) transcripts (Spearman rho = .522; P = .015), IRAE−/ATR− patients had a positive correlation between the transcripts of CTLA-4 and program death-1 (PD-1) receptor (Spearman rho = .891; P = .000). CONCLUSIONS Antitumor responses in patients with metastatic melanoma who were treated with ticilimumab were found to be correlated with reductions in TR cells and constitutive secretion of IL-10, an increase in IL-2 production, and a positive correlation between transcripts of CTLA-4 and GITR. Conversely, a lack of ATR was found to be correlated with steady levels of TR cells and constitutive IL-10 secretion, and a positive correlation between the transcripts of CTLA-4 and PD-1. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
DIFFERING RATES OF DEATH AT INNER AND OUTER SURFACES OF THE PROTOPLASM : III. EFFECTS OF MERCURIC CHLORIDE ON NITELLA.

The inner and outer protoplasmic surfaces in Nitella may differ greatly in behavior. When 0.01 M HgCl2 is applied externally death arrives first at the inner surface. But when 0.01 M HgCl2 + 0.01 M KCl is applied death takes place sooner at the outer surface. Since 0.01 M KCl by itself is not toxic its effect may be to condition the surface layer chemically or by means of the diffusion potential it sets up (this may amount to 100 mv.). These surfaces consist of non-aqueous films forming the boundaries of a layer of aqueous protoplasm not over 10 microns in thickness. These and earlier experiments with formaldehyde and with chloroform show clearly that it is possible to control the behavior of the protoplasmic surfaces so that when a toxic agent is applied it may produce death more rapidly at the inner or at the outer surface according to experimental conditions.
A generalized quality control procedure

Abstract A new control chart procedure is given for which the Shewhart X -chart, the cumulative sum chart, and the exponentially weighted moving average chart are special cases. The run length properties for a one-sided generalized control chart are analyzed using an integral equation approach. A comparison of the average run lengths of various new control chart procedures is given.
Future libraries: Dreams, madness & reality: Crawford, Walt, & Gorman, Michael. Chicago, IL: American Library Association, 1995. 208 pp. $25.00 (paperback). ($22.50 to ALA members). (ISBN 0-8389-0647-8)

Abstract LISR considers for review reference works, dissertations, research methods texts, computer software, and professional literature covering the research process and applications of research. Views expressed are those of the reviewers and do not necessarily reflect views of the Editorial Board or publisher. Anyone wishing to write reviews or suggest titles should contact Debora Shaw at the School of Library and Information Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405 〈shawd@ indiana.edu or shawd@iubacs.bitnet〉. Publishers, likewise, are requested to forward announcements of new and forthcoming titles that may interest LISR readers.
Subretinal suture misdirection during 360 degrees suture trabeculotomy.

Purpose To report a new complication of 360 degrees suture trabeculotomy attributable to subretinal suture misdirection. Design Observational case report. Methods Retrospective chart review. Results A 5-month-old female with bilateral congenital glaucoma underwent uncomplicated 360 degrees suture trabeculotomy in the right eye. In the left eye, a scleral flap was created and dissection to Schlemm's canal was achieved. A 6-0 Prolene suture was passed into Schlemm's canal long enough for 360 degrees of treatment, did not come out the opening, and was retracted. The procedure was completed with a trabeculotome. One month later, an unusual white tract was noted subretinally in the left eye. There was no overlying retinal break or detachment. The tract presumably was caused by the misdirected Prolene suture exiting Schlemm's canal prematurely and being directed posteriorly. Conclusions Suture misdirection subretinally during cannulation of Schlemm's canal should be considered a possible complication of 360 degrees suture trabeculotomy.
Rainfall distribution under a corn canopy: implications for managing agrochemicals.

(...) Rainfall distribution under the canopies of replicate conventional till corn plots was investigated by placing rainfall collectors at discrete locations within small 1.6-m by 0.76-m areas of the plots. Collection cups were also fixed around the stalks of individual corn plants to quantify stemflow. Results obtained from eight storm event in 1987 revealed that corn plants channel 19 to 49% of the total rain inputs down the stem to the base of the stalk (...)
The Impact of Psychological Distress on the Control of Hypertension

Abstract Previous research has yielded inconsistent results in the control of essential hypertension. One explanation for response to drug or behavioral therapy may be the patient's psychological status upon entering treatment. Thirty-five borderline hypertensive males entered into a self-management program with biofeedback and cognitive restructuring components. The SCL-90 (Symptom Checklist-90) and the Holmes' Schedule of Recent Events were used to determine if responders and non-responders could be distinguished prior to treatment on the basis of psychological status. Patients whose hypertension was resistant to treatment (diastolic ≥ 90 mm Hg) reported signficantly greater levels of psychological distress and greater life changes than did controlled patients. Pre-treatment differences could not be explained by compliance or expectation of success. This study suggests that a relationship exists between psychological distress, life changes and the subsequent control of hypertension; this has implication...
AN ARCHITECTURE OF e-BUTLER: A CONSUMER-CENTRIC ONLINE PERSONALIZATION SYSTEM

This paper presents an architecture of the e-Butler service, i.e. a personalized consumer-centric infomediary delivering a broad range of shopping-related services to consumers. In order to provide these services effectively, e-Butler should be "intelligent". This paper describes how a certain level of intelligence can be achieved through the utilization of a broad range of technologies, including data mining, personalization, profiling, recommender systems, data warehousing, Web proxy servers, data monitoring and XML-based technologies, that are integrated into a unique architecture of e-Butler.
Genomic profiling of acquired resistance to apoptosis in cells derived from human atherosclerotic lesions: potential role of STATs, cyclinD1, BAD, and Bcl-XL.

Current theories suggest that atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, stroke, and restenosis after angioplasty may involve defective apoptotic mechanisms in vascular cells. Prior work has demonstrated that cells from human atherosclerotic lesions, and cells from the aorta of aged rats, exhibit functional resistance to apoptosis induced by TGF-β and glucocorticoids. The present studies demonstrate that human lesion-derived cells (LDC) are also resistant to apoptosis induced by fas ligation compared to cells derived from the adjacent media, and that in vitro expansion of LDC causes acquired resistance to apoptosis. Microarray profiling of fas-resistant versus sensitive cells identified a set of genes including STATs, caspase 1, cyclin D1, Bcl-xL, VDAC2, and BAD. The STAT proteins have been implicated in resistance to apoptosis, potentially via their ability to modulate caspase 1 (ICE), Bcl-xL, and cyclin D1 expression. Western blot analysis of sensitive and resistant LDC clonal lines confirmed increases in cyclin D1, STAT6, Bcl-xL, and BAD, with decreased expression of caspase 1. Thus, transcript profiling has identified a potential pathway of apoptotic regulation in subsets of lesion cells. The resistant phenotype may contribute to plaque stability and excessive vascular repair, while sensitive cells may be involved in plaque rupture and infarction. The data suggests both genetic interventions and novel small-molecule inhibitors that may be effective modulators of apoptosis in atherosclerosis, angina, and in-stent restenosis.
A Photovoltaic Array Transformer-Less Inverter With Film Capacitors and Silicon Carbide Transistors

A new photovoltaic (PV) array power converter circuit is presented. This inverter is a transformer-less topology with grounded PV array and only film capacitors. The motivations are to reduce circuit complexity, eliminate leakage ground currents, and improve reliability. The use of silicon carbide (SiC) transistors is the key enabling technology for this particular circuit to attain reasonable (>97%) efficiency. Some background about the challenges of ground currents and power decoupling to be addressed is first discussed. The proposed solution of a bidirectional buck boost converter, dynamically varying dc link, and half-bridge inverters is then presented along with details on the basic functionality. Some aspects of selecting passive components for the circuit are discussed. The average dynamic model and control system are then presented. Finally, simulation and experiment results are shown demonstrating that the proposed topology is a viable solution.
Age-related changes in the lipid metabolism of Fisher 344 rats

Lipid metabolism of male Fisher 344 rats aged 2-24 months was studied. Serum and liver cholesterol levels did not display the age-related gradual increase seen in other rat strains. An increase in the serum plus liver cholesterol pool from 2 to 6 months was followed by a plateau through 18 months and then another increase at 24 months of age. The triglyceride pool increased from 2 to 6 months and then remained unchanged through 24 months of age. Cholesterol synthesis from acetate decreased 50% between 2 and 9 months and fell only slightly through 24 months of age. Assay of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl Coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase showed a similar pattern but did not decrease further after 9 months of age. Cholesterol 7alpha hydroxylase activity was not significantly altered by age. These age- and strain-related differences present an opportunity for a comparative study of the aging process using the parameters of lipid metabolism as indicators.
The structure of the solar corona as observed by the Solar Extreme Ultraviolet Rocket Telescope and Spectrograph

Abstract Data from the Solar Extreme-ultraviolet Rocket Telescope and Spectrograph (SERTS) have been used to address a number of important scientific problems. The primary strength of the SERTS data is the fact that this spectral range is rich with emission lines. Over 270 lines are seen in the SERTS active Sun spectrum, from 57 different ions. For example, multiple (≥4) lines are observed for all ionization states of iron from Fe IX to Fe XVII. Temperatures and densities have been derived for a number of active and quiet Sun regions, the coronal magnetic field strength has been estimated for both a plage region and an active region.
The total synthesis of delesserine, leucodrin, and dilaspirolactone aglycone

Abstract The synthesis of delesserine, 1, leucodrin, 2, and dilaspirolactone aglycone, 3, are reported. The preparation of these ascorbigens was implemented by the addition of ascorbic acid to a p -hydroxy benzyl alcohol derived quinone methide.
Work in progress: Video tutorials that enhance laboratory learning

Laboratories are a means by which students take a hands-on approach and practice concepts learned in class lectures under real or close-to-real world settings. This provides a kinesthetic method of learning which rounds out the auditory methods typical of a lecture course. Unfortunately, many students spend most of the lab time troubleshooting their experiment instead of deepening their understanding of the concepts taught in class. This causes frustration and anxiety amongst students. In our opinion, this is due to a lack of knowledge of equipment used in the lab as well as training on different equipment in previous classes. We have developed a video tutorial series for our Biomedical Measurements class that teaches basic circuit building, equipment set-up, and equipment use — students may watch these videos before the lab and at any moment during the lab. Thus far, post-semester surveys have indicated that all respondents, whether bio-electrical, pre-medical, or bio-mechanical concentration in biomedical engineering, find the video tutorials helpful in the lab. The incorporation of technology in the lab session ensures that the lab time is spent deepening conceptual knowledge instead of troubleshooting circuits.
Perspectives on risk assessment impact of recent reports on benzene.

Very sensitive methods that can detect the benzene metabolite muconic acid (MA) in the urine of virtually all members of the general population have recently become available and have been used in a few occupational studies as a marker of benzene exposure. Preliminary findings from these studies suggest that urinary MA may be a reliable marker of occupational exposure to greater than 5 ppm benzene. It was also consistently observed that a certain proportion of the general population have urinary MA levels compatible with those seen in persons occupationally exposed to greater than 1 ppm benzene. It is unlikely that these elevated levels can be explained solely as being artifactual. The frequency with which they occur for a given individual, and the duration with which they are maintained, are not known. Information on these two factors is needed in order to adequately assess whether or not these levels present a significant risk for a segment of the general population.30 references.
Sound Manipulation With Acoustic Metamaterials

Acoustic metamaterials are engineered materials with properties hard or impossible to find in natural materials (e.g. negative effective density and/or negative bulk modulus). Therefore, a myriad of novel applications could be imagined and some of them have already been theoretically and/or experimentally demonstrated. Gradient index acoustic lenses, acoustic cloaks or acoustic absorbing panels are some common examples. Here, we review the coordinate transformation approach (transformation acoustics) which provides the material parameters needed to precisely control the acoustic wave propagation. Then, we use this technique to design an acoustic black hole and a 3D acoustic ground cloak. We use numerical simulations to explore the practical feasibility of the material parameters required by these applications and design non-resonant, highly sub-wavelength unit cells that will implement them in practice.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Use of base rates and case cue information in making likelihood estimates.

In five experiments, we investigated college students’ use of base rate and case cue information in estimating likelihood. The participants reported that case cues were more important than base rates, except when the case cues were totally uninformative, and made more use of base rate information when the base rates were varied within subjects, rather than between subjects. Estimates were more Bayesian when base rate and case cue information was congruent, rather than contradictory. The nature of the “witness” in case cue information (animate or inanimate) did not affect the use of base rate and case cue information. Multiple trials with feedback led to more accurate estimates; however, this effect was not lasting. The results suggest that when base rate information is made salient by experience (multiple trials and within-subjects variation) or by other manipulations, base rate neglect is minimized.
Right-Sizing Testing for Pulmonary Embolism: Recognizing the Risks of Detecting Any Clot

In this issue of Annals, we present seemingly contrasting information about the search to identify individuals with acute pulmonary embolism. Our goal is to make sense of this discordance and offer a pragmatic and patient-centered approach. The systematic review and meta-analysis of the pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria (PERC) by Singh et al assesses almost 14,000 patients from the 11 best-quality studies performed in 6 countries. The authors observed that the frequency of missed pulmonary embolism in patients meeting all 8 PERC criteria was 0.3%. This 1 in 300 result is as close to ideal as is possible in medicine, allowing us to identify patients for whom D-dimer testing and imaging can be avoided altogether. Because some individuals have previously advocated D-dimer testing for low-risk pulmonary embolism patients, this is an important advance. Adding D-dimer testing can almost never help detect a pulmonary embolism in PERC-negative patients, it increases care time and resource use absent a benefit, and it may add harm. Experts estimate that 1 radiation-induced cancer will result from every 2,000 computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiograms, with half of such cancers ultimately fatal. Similarly, 1 contrast-induced renal failure will occur for every 200 such studies, with half of such events ultimately fatal. Simply put, pulmonary embolism testing in PERC-negative patients will almost always lead to more harm than benefit. Also in this issue, Hennessey et al reported a case of a 42year-old woman presenting to an emergency department (ED) with chest pain, with apparently very low pulmonary embolism risk, whether applying the Wells score, revised Geneva criteria, PERC, or unstructured clinical judgment. An inadvertently ordered D-dimer result was abnormal, and the subsequent CT pulmonary angiography revealed a saddle embolus; the “needle in the haystack” was found. So how do we resolve this paradox? Is PERC effective or isn’t it? Can we avoid extensive testing seeking pulmonary embolism in low-risk patients? This case p
Anti-immigration rhetoric in the United States: Veiled racism?

It seems like a day does not go by in the United States without hearing about immigration on televised news broadcasts, print news stories, radio talk shows, or Internet blogs. Immigration, more specifically “illegal immigration,” is a hot topic in the U.S., perhaps fueled by the fact that 2008 is a presidential election year. Furthermore, since the issue of illegal immigration tends to divide constituents into two distinct camps (i.e., those opposed to it and those tolerant of it), political candidates for local school boards and county commission vacancies to gubernatorial and U.S. Congress and Senate seats continuously stir political debate with unfounded sound bites, and quick “facts.” Consequently, much of the immigration rhetoric is anti-immigration. We contend that this anti-immigration sentiment is not a true fervor for the law, but instead is veiled racism. There is no doubt that the U.S. needs to address immigration through immigration reform, but the strong, and at times vitriolic, discussion is eerily similar to the anti-non-White, non-Protestant, rhetoric “discussions” of the past. This type of negative, hateful, sentiment has contributed to a 40% increase in the number of hate groups in the U.S. since 2000 (Southern Poverty Law Center, 2007).
The Role of the Orbitofrontal Cortex in Anxiety Disorders

Advances in neuroimaging techniques over the past two decades have allowed scientists to investigate the neurocircuitry of anxiety disorders. Such research has implicated the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Characterizing the role of OFC in anxiety disorders, however, is principally complicated by two factors-differences in underlying pathophysiology across the anxiety disorders and heterogeneity in function across different OFC sub-territories. Contemporary neurocircuitry models of anxiety disorders have primarily focused on amygdalo-cortical interactions. The amygdala is implicated in generating fear responses, whereas cortical regions, specifically the medial OFC (mOFC) and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), are implicated in fear extinction. In contrast to mOFC, anterolateral OFC (lOFC) has been associated with negative affects and obsessions and thus dysfunctional lOFC may underlie different aspects of certain anxiety disorders. Herein, we aim to review the above-mentioned theories and provide a heuristic model for conceptualizing the respective roles of mOFC and lOFC in the pathophysiology and treatment of anxiety disorders. We will also review the role of the OFC in fear extinction and the implications of this role to the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders.
Fruit Surface Colonization and Biological Control of Postharvest Diseases of Pear by Preharvest Yeast Applications

ABSTRACT The yeasts Cryptococcus infirmo-miniatus, Cryptococcus laurentii, and Rhodotorula glutinis, applied to Bosc and d'Anjou pear fruit in the field 3 weeks prior to harvest, maintained high population levels through harvest, while populations of Candida oleophila declined after 1 and 2 weeks, and by harvest were not significantly different from total yeast populations on untreated fruit. Yeasts were sprayed individually on fruit at concentrations of 1 to 3 × 108 CFU/ml, with approximately 2 ml applied per fruit. Initial population sizes for all four species averaged 5 × 106 CFU per fruit. C. infirmo-miniatus provided the most consistent decay control in fruit treated 3 weeks before harvest. C. infirmo-miniatus and R. glutinis also provided significant postharvest decay control in Bosc fruit treated 1 day before harvest.