cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extended antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of surgical-site infections in morbidly obese women who undergo combined hysterectomy and medically indicated panniculectomy: a cohort study.

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare surgical-site infection rates in obese women who had extended prophylactic antibiotic (EPA) vs standard prophylactic antibiotic. Study Design An electronic records-linkage system identified 145 obese women (body mass index, >30 kg/m 2 ) who underwent combined hysterectomy and panniculectomy from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2008. The EPA cohort received standard antibiotics (cefazolin, 2 g) and continued oral antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) until removal of drains. Regression models were used to adjust for known confounders. Results The mean age was 56.0 ± 12.1 years, and mean body mass index was 42.6 ± 8.4 kg/m 2 (range, 30–86.4 kg/m 2 ). The EPA cohort experienced fewer surgical-site infections (6 [5.9%] vs 12 [27.9%]; P P P = .05), and required fewer infection-related admissions (5 [4.9%] vs 6 [13.9%]; P = .08). Conclusion Extended antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce surgical-site infections in obese women after combined hysterectomy and panniculectomy.
Why Work While Incarcerated? Inmate Perceptions on Prison Industries Employment

Prison industries offers vocational training and professional work experience to inmates. The limited research on its effectiveness focuses primarily on post-release employment and recidivism outcomes. The current study interviews 70 male and female inmates from four Pennsylvania correctional industries programs. Inmates discussed their perceptions on the program, its impact on their behavior, and whether the training and skills are transferable. Prison industries improves one's sense of self and offers structure and routine. However, the relevance of the experience depends on the type of industry. Strengths and weaknesses of prison industries, including the need for gender-specific correctional work programs, are highlighted.
Studies of the antidiuretic activity of blood and hypothalamus of hypophysectomized rats.

IN RECENT years the concept of secretion by specialized nervous tissue has become generally accepted (Scharrer and Scharrer, 1954). One of the more important neurosecretory structures is the hypothalamico-neurohypophyseal tract. Essentially as the result of histological evidence it has been proposed that the antidiuretic hormone of the posterior pituitary is formed in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus and travels along nerve pathways to be released into the blood stream through the blood vessels of the posterior pituitary. It has usually been considered that the totally hypophysectomized animal does not release antidiuretic hormone into its blood (Birnie, Jenkins, Eversole and Gaunt, 1949; Ames and van Dyke, 1952; Ginsburg and Heller, 1953). However, in a recent communication from this laboratory it was reported that while the blood of animals which have been hypophysectomized for a short period of time contains no detectable antidiuretic hormone,
Rhodopsin formed from bacterial retinal and cattle opsin.

Abstract Retinal, the chromophore of the visual pigment rhodopsin, was isolated from the extremely halophilic bacterium, Halobacterium halobium . Opsin, the visual protein, was extracted from bleached cattle retinas. The isolated retinal when reacted with the cattle opsin formed the photosensitive visual complex cattle rhodopsin.
Optical design of a free-space photonic switching system.

The optical design of a photonic switching system is described in detail. The system is a 4-f imaging system with one lens design based on a Petzval lens and the second lens design based on a double Gauss lens. The assembled system is 60 mm × 70 mm × 370 mm and features a single imaging stage, pupil division for beam combination, and a single fiber bundle for both input and output. A brief description of the system requirements is provided, and the implication of some of these requirements for the paraxial design is explained. The choice of design forms for the lenses is explained, the design process is outlined, and the final lens designs are provided. Lens tolerancing is outlined and the final lens tolerances are provided. Finally, the assembly and the alignment processes are described.
Recent changes in benthic macroinvertebrate populations in Lake Huron and impact on the diet of lake whitefish (coregonus clupeaformis)

Surveys of the benthic macroinvertebrate community were conducted in the main basin of Lake Huron in 2000 and 2003, and corresponding studies of lake whitefish diets were conducted in 2002-2004. Populations of three major benthic taxa, Diporeia spp., Sphaeriidae, and Chironomidae, declined dramatically between 2000 and 2003, with densities declining 57%, 74%, and 75% over this 3-year period. By 2003, Diporeia, an important food source for lake whitefish, was gone or rare at depths < 50 m except in the far northeastern portion of the lake. In contrast, densities of the Dreissena bugensis (quagga mussel) increased between 2000 and 2003, particularly at the 31-50 m depth interval, while densities of the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha remained stable. As expected, the diet of lake whitefish varied with fish size. Age-0 lake whitefish fed mainly zooplankton, most of which were Daphnia (98%). Medium lake whitefish (< 350 mm excluding age-0 fish) fed mainly on zooplankton, Chironomidae, and Dreissena bugensis...
Thrombspondin Acts via Integrin-associated Protein to Activate the Platelet Integrin αIIbβ3

Integrin-associated protein (IAP or CD47) is a receptor for the cell/platelet-binding domain (CBD) of thrombospondin-1 (TS1), the most abundant protein of platelet alpha granules. Although it associates with alphaIIbbeta3, IAP has no known function in platelets. TS1, the CBD, and an IAP agonist peptide (4N1K) from the CBD of TS1 activate the platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3, resulting in platelet spreading on immobilized fibrinogen, stimulation of platelet aggregation, and enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase. Furthermore, 4N1K peptide selectively stimulates the phosphorylation of LYN and SYK and their association with FAK. The phosphorylation of SYK is blocked by pertussis toxin, implicating a Gi-like heterotrimeric G protein. IAP solublized from membranes of unstimulated platelets binds specifically to an affinity column of 4N1K peptide. Both alphaIIb and beta3 integrin subunits and c-Src bind along with IAP. This complex of proteins is also detected with immunoprecipitation. Activation of platelets with the agonist peptide 4N1K results in the association of FAK with the IAP-alphaIIbbeta3 complex. Thus an important function of TS1 in platelets is that of a secreted costimulator of alphaIIbbeta3 whose unique properties result in its localization to the platelet surface and the fibrin clot.
The Nacirema and the Tsiruot

Abstract The way that the Nacirema, a North American people, perceive other cultures is shaped, in significant measure, by their ideas about their own culture. The projection of Nacirema values and behaviors onto other people is especially evident when Nacirema go on spiritual pilgrimages called sruot . Individual Nacirema who participate in these journeys bear the honorific title tsiruot , and they invest considerable resources and hope in the enlightenment they anticipate as the outcome of their travels. This essay describes representative encounters between Nacirema tsiruots and members of other societies, and provides a glossary of terms that are often used by the Nacirema to explain their experiences during sruot .
“Where fantasy becomes reality”: how tourism forces made Brazil a sexual playground

This paper examines the political economy of tourism representations and destination imaging in Brazil and its effect on tourism impacts in the country. The central argument is that the way Brazil and its women are represented in tourist images has an important effect on how they are consumed. By investigating the representation of Brazil and its women during colonial times by Europeans, by the Brazilian Government and by the contemporary Western media, this study explores how these representations have made Brazil a sexual playground for tourists. The study contributes to the tourism literature by concluding that Brazil's image is not a direct outcome of tourism representations alone; rather its destination image is strongly connected with complex historical, political and cultural processes.
On a generalized family of colorings

Motivated by a question in cellular telecommunication technology, we investigate a family of graph coloring problems where several colors can be assigned to each vertex and no two colors are the same within any ball of radiusR. We find bounds and coloring algorithms for different kinds of graphs including trees,n-cycles, hypercubes and lattices. We briefly examine connections to Heawood's map color theorem and state a few conjectures and open problems.
Thermodynamic activity of zinc in dilute zinc-tin alloys by torsion-effusion method☆

Abstract The present investigation utilizes a torsion-effusion method for measuring thermodynamic activity which differs from other torsion-effusion methods reported in the literature. Specifically, our attention is given to the concentration gradient of the solute which develops during the course of an experimental run. These concentration differences may be accounted for by solving the partial differential equation defining Fick's second law with known boundary conditions. With this approach, the concentration of solute at the bulk-gas interface can be determined and utilized in subsequent calculations rather than the bulk average concentration. Ignoring this concentration gradient may result in erroneous thermodynamic values. Measurements of the partial pressure of the volatile solute, Zn, in dilute ZnSn alloys, i.e. less than 5 at. %Zn, as a function of time were obtained at 772°K. On the basis of these data and the calculated concentration distribution of Zn during effusion utilizing the known diffusion coefficient of Zn as reported by Ma and Swalin, the activity coefficient and the Wagner self-interaction parameter of Zn are determined. Experimental values of γzn at dilute solution correlate well with those reported in the literature at higher Zn concentration. It was found that within the scatter of the experimental data, In γzn increases with decreasing Zn concentration. The intercept of the plot at pure Sn yields the limiting value of the activity coefficient of Zn, γzn0 = 2.20 ± 0.10 while the slope yields the Wagner self-interaction parameter of eznZn = −2.4 ± 1.0. Comparison with eznZn = −1.6 as predicted by the randomsolution model shows reasonable agreement. Since the ZnSn solutions do not deviate strongly from ideal behavior, the predicted value of eznZn = −1.8 determined by the first approximation of the quasichemical approach differs little from that predicted by the random-solution model. It is also shown in the Appendix that an approximate value of D for effusing component may be obtained using the present approach when such data are unknown.
Adaptive-critic based neural networks for aircraft optimal control

A dual neural network architecture for the solution of aircraft control problems is presented. The neural network structure, consisting of an action network and a critic network, is used to approximately solve the dynamic programming equations associated with optimal control with a high degree of accuracy. Numerical results from applying this methodology to optimally control the longitudinal dynamics of an aircraft are presented. The novelty in this synthesis of the optimal controller network is that it needs no external training inputs; it needs no a priori knowledge of the form of control. Numerical experiments with neural-network-based control as well as other pointwise optimal control techniques are presented. These results show that this network architecture yields optimal control over the entire range of training. In other words, the neural network can function as an autopilot. A scalar problem is also used in this study for easier illustration of the solution development.
Empirical valence bond models for reactive potential energy surfaces. II. Intramolecular proton transfer in pyridone and the Claisen reaction of allyl vinyl ether

Empirical valence bond (EVB) surfaces have been constructed for 2-pyridone-2-hydroxypyridine proton transfer and for the Claisen rearrangement of allyl vinyl ether at the MP2/6-311 + G(d,p) level of theory. A distributed Gaussian approach is used to approximate the interaction matrix elements. Parameters for the distributed Gaussians are determined by fitting to energy, gradient and Hessian data obtained from ab initio electronic structure calculations at one to nine points along the reaction path. An efficient DIIS (direct inversion of iterative subspace) method is used to solve the fitting equations. Criteria for choosing internal coordinates for the representation of the potential energy surfaces and for the interaction matrix element are discussed. Practical techniques for determining the placement and exponents of the Gaussians are described. With one set of s-, p- and d-type Gaussians at the transition state, the error in the energy along the reaction path is less than 10 kJ mol−1 for pyridone tauto...
Patient characteristics are important determinants of neurodevelopmental outcome during infancy in giant omphalocele.

Abstract Objective To examine patient-specific factors as potential predictors of neurodevelopmental (ND) outcome in children with giant omphalocele (GO). Materials Between 06/2005 and 07/2012, 31 consecutive GO survivors underwent ND assessment using the BSID-III at a median of 24 months (range 6–35). ND delay was defined by a score of ≤ 84 in any composite score. Severe impairments were defined as a score of ≤ 69 in at least one domain. Correlations between ND outcome and patient-specific factors were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, chi-square, or logistic regression as appropriate. Results The mean cognitive score (86.8 ± 16.8) was in the low average range. Mean language (83.2 ± 21.1) and motor (81.5 ± 16.2) scores were below average. Forty-six-percent scored within the average range for all scales. Mild deficits were found in 19%, and 35% had severe delays in at least one domain. Hypotonicity was present in 55%. Autism was suspected/confirmed in 13%. Predictors of lower ND scores were prolonged ventilator support (P 2 supplementation at day of life 30 (P Conclusions Neurological impairments were present in more than half of GO survivors. Disease severity was associated with ND dysfunction. Autism and hypotonicity were often co-morbidities with ND delays and poor motor function.
Graphene-Based Ultracapacitors

The surface area of a single graphene sheet is 2630 m2/g, substantially higher than values derived from BET surface area measurements of activated carbons used in current electrochemical double layer capacitors. Our group has pioneered a new carbon material that we call chemically modified graphene (CMG). CMG materials are made from 1-atom thick sheets of carbon, functionalized as needed, and here we demonstrate in an ultracapacitor cell their performance. Specific capacitances of 135 and 99 F/g in aqueous and organic electrolytes, respectively, have been measured. In addition, high electrical conductivity gives these materials consistently good performance over a wide range of voltage scan rates. These encouraging results illustrate the exciting potential for high performance, electrical energy storage devices based on this new class of carbon material.
WE‐G‐103‐07: Simulation of Contrast Enhanced Digital Mammography with a Four Dimensional Digital Breast Phantom

Purpose: Although contrast injection helps make cancerous lesions more visible in contrast enhanced digital mammograms (CEDM), the overlapping of dense tissue with the lesion could affect the degree of the improvement. In this study, we developed and used a simulation method to investigate such effects. Methods: A digital phantom for a compressed breast was generated from cone beam CT images of a mastectomy specimen to represent the stationary anatomy of a breast. The 3D map of a tumor was inserted into the phantom. Published contrast enhancement data and clinical contrast enhanced CT images were used to estimate and assign temporarily varying CT enhancement values to both cancerous and normal tissues following contrast injection. These values were added to the digital phantom to form a 4D digital phantom, which was used to compute digital mammograms to visualize the lesion and measure the time density curve over the lesion. The results were used to investigate and quantify the effects of the lesion size and overlapping with dense tissue structures on the visibility of the lesion, degree of contrast enhancement and time of arrival in CEDM. Results: We have successfully generated and used a 4D digital breast phantom to simulate CEDM. It was found that the overlapping of the lesion with dense tissue could affect the degree of contrast enhancement and time of arrival information for the lesion. The effects was found to vary with the size of the lesion relative to the breast thickness in the direction of the x‐ray path. Conclusion: The benefit of contrast enhancement in digital mammography varies with the size of the lesion relative to the density tissue in the region of interest. The overlapping dense tissue structure could degrade the visibility of the contrast enhanced lesion both in the image and in the time density curves measured. This work was supported in part by grants CA13852 and CA124585 from the NIH‐NCI.
Structured statistical syntax tree prediction

Statistical models of source code can be used to improve code completion systems, assistive interfaces, and code compression engines. We are developing a statistical model where programs are represented as syntax trees, rather than simply a stream of tokens. Our model, initially for the Java language, combines corpus data with information about syn- tax, types and the program context. We tested this model using open source code corpuses and find that our model is significantly more accurate than the current state of the art, providing initial evidence for our claim that combining structural and statistical information is a fruitful strategy.
Liberalism, Black Power, and the making of American politics, 1965–1980

by Devin Fergus, Athens, University of Georgia Press, 2009, 368 pp., US$26.95 (paperback), ISBN 978‐0820333243 The recent trials and tribulations of American liberalism – and the concomitant growth...
Design and synthesis of inhibitors of noroviruses by scaffold hopping

A scaffold hopping strategy was employed to identify new chemotypes that inhibit noroviruses. The replacement of the cyclosulfamide scaffold by an array of heterocyclic scaffolds lead to the identification of additional series of compounds that possessed anti-norovirus activity in a cell-based replicon system.
A Simple Mathematical Model for Ionization in Flames

Abstract A semi-empirical model for computing the ion concentration in premixed hydrocarbon flames is developed. The model takes the kinetics of ion formation and recombination, ambipolar diffusion, and convection into account, but depends on a prior knowledge of the flame kinetics. Dimensionless variables which influence the ion distribution and are related to the Damkohler similarity groups are identified. Computed ion profiles are in reasonable agreement with experimental results.
Scaling function for two-point correlations. I. Expansion near four dimensions

A detailed calculation to order ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{2}$ of the two-point correlation function in the zero-field critical region ($T\ensuremath{\ge}{T}_{c}$) is presented for an $n$-vector system in $d=4\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ dimensions. Scaling behavior is verified over the full parameter range and the scaling function is obtained as a universal explicit convergent integral (independent of any cutoffs). Study of the scaling function as $T\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{T}_{c}$ in the finite ($q\ensuremath{\ne}0$) momentum limit, confirms the presence of terms varying as ${t}^{1\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ and as $t$ [with $t=\frac{(T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{c})}{{T}_{c}}$]; explicit evaluation of their amplitudes reliably determines the form of the scattering intensity at fixed $q$ and locates the corresponding maximum accurately.
Sectionally continuous injections of Euclidean spaces

Abstract A function ƒ: R n → R n , n⩾2 , is sectionally continuous if each restriction ƒ|H to an (n − 1)-dimensional hyperplane H is continuous. We show that a sectionally continuous injection ƒ is continuous at a point x in R n if and only if ƒ(x) is not a limit point of any component of R n ƒ( R n ) . In particular, ƒ is an imbedding if and only if ƒ( R n ) is open. For n = 2, we also describe all possible images for sectionally continuous injections with only countably many discontinuities.
Identifying genes for male sex determination in humans.

The convergence of genetic and molecular technologies has led to the identification of a number of genes for male sex determination. The observation of chromosomal translocations, deletions, and duplications in sex reversed individuals was instrumental for the positional cloning of SRY, SOX9, WT1, and DAX1. Cloning by protein-DNA interaction was required for the identification of SF1. The observation of an extended phenotype for the alpha thalassemia-mental retardation syndrome assigned a role for XH2 in the testicular determining process. Over the next several years, new sex determining genes will be identified by linkage analysis in large families with multiple sex reversed members, comparative genomic hybridization of sex reversed individuals, and database searches for genes that encode interacting proteins or paralogs of other species. Given the apparent differences in the sex determining mechanisms of even closely related species, the roles of all of these genes will require confirmation by demonstrating expression in human gonadal ridge at the critical time, and that mutations result in sex reversal.
10th NTES Conference: Nickel and Arsenic Compounds Alter the Epigenome of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

Abstract The mechanisms that underlie metal carcinogenesis are the subject of intense investigation; however, data from in vitro and in vivo studies are starting to piece together a story that implicates epigenetics as a key player. Data from our lab has shown that nickel compounds inhibit dioxygenase enzymes by displacing iron in the active site. Arsenic is hypothesized to inhibit these enzymes by diminishing ascorbate levels – an important co-factor for dioxygenases. Inhibition of histone demethylase dioxygenases can increase histone methylation levels, which also may affect gene expression. Recently, our lab conducted a series of investigations in human subjects exposed to high levels of nickel or arsenic compounds. Global levels of histone modifications in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from exposed subjects were compared to low environmentally exposed controls. Results showed that nickel increased H3K4me3 and decreased H3K9me2 globally. Arsenic increased H3K9me2 and decreased H3K9ac globally. Other histone modifications affected by arsenic were sex-dependent. Nickel affected the expression of 2756 genes in human PBMCs and many of the genes were involved in immune and carcinogenic pathways. This review will describe data from our lab that demonstrates for the first time that nickel and arsenic compounds affect global levels of histone modifications and gene expression in exposed human populations.
Assignment of the nuclear mitotic apparatus protein NuMA gene to human chromosome 11q13.

Abstract A monoclonal antibody that was specific for a nuclear matrix protein was obtained and used to screen a human λgt11 expression library. Several partial cDNA clones were isolated and sequenced. The sequence for this protein was shown to be identical to that of NuMA, a 236-kDa nuclear mitotic spindle apparatus protein. NuMA has been recently characterized by two independent studies, and is thought to be part of a family of proteins that is required for the completion of mitosis. In this report, the chromosomal localization and copy number of the NuMA gene are analyzed using cDNA clones. High-resolution in situ hybridization reveals a single pair of signals on sister chromatids of human chromosome 11 at band q13. Stringent Southern analysis of human genomic DNA resulted in simple restriction patterns. These results together indicate that the NuMA gene is present as a single copy on human chromosome 11q13.
Absorption of magnesium and chloride by excised corn root.

Absorption characteristics of Mg2+ and Cl− were investigated with 5-day-old excised corn (Zea mays) roots. Uptake from both 0.5 and 10 milliequivalents per liter MgCl2 solutions occurred at steady state rates for the first 6 hours. Inhibition by dinitrophenol and low temperatures established that absorption during this period was metabolically mediated in the absence and presence of Ca2+. Absorption isotherms indicated dual mechanisms of Mg2+ and Cl− absorption from solutions above 1 milliequivalent per liter. The effect of H+ on absorption of Mg2+ and Cl− was typical of that generally reported for other plant roots and other ions. In the physiological pH range, Ca2+ greatly suppressed the rate of Mg2+ absorption but had little effect on Cl−. The influence of Ca2+ on Mg2+ appeared to be noncompetitive and independent of its effect on membrane permeability.
Nonlinear static and transient finite element analysis of laminated beams

Abstract A one-dimensional finite element formulation based on a higher-order displacement model has been developed. The model accounts for geometric nonlinearities, a parabolic shear strain distribution through the thickness, and satisfies the shear stress free boundary conditions at the upper and lower surfaces of the beam. The model also accounts for the bend-stretch, shear-stretch and bend-twist couplings inherent to generally laminated beams. The lateral strains are assumed to be nonzero and retained in the formulation. The model has been applied to the nonlinear static and transient analysis, free vibration analysis, and impact analysis of laminated beams. For impact problems, nonlinear effects may be important and the inplane stresses developed due to the geometric nonlinearity may be greater than those due to initial stresses.
Synthesis and structure of a titanium hydrazido(2-) complex

Reaction of 1 equiv each of Ti(NMe2)2(dap)2 (1), 1-hexyne, tert-butyl isocyanide, and 1,1-dimethylhydrazine at room temperature results in the formation of Ti(NNMe2)(dap)[N(But)CHCHC(Bun)N(NMe2)-κ2N] (2), where one of the ligands is formed through iminohydrazination of the alkyne. A possible pathway for the generation of 2 and the crystal structure of this rare terminal hydrazido(2−) complex of titanium are discussed.
Understanding What We Think We Know: The Role of Content Analysis in T&E:

Though we are quite clever in developed ways to measure and express system performance, including human system performance, we frequently stop short of understanding what our results mean. One reason for this is that we do not have cost effective and efficient ways to use the richness of data available in written or verbal information. Techniques of protocol and content analysis provide ways to use such data, but are usually too expensive and time consuming to use in applied settings. This paper explores the possibility of human factors specialists using commonly available personal computers and software in ways that allow practical analysis of verbal and written material as part of a T&E effort.
Applications of Cyclodextrins in Chromatographic Separations and Purification Methods

Abstract Cyclodextrins have been utilized as biomimetic models for a wide variety of processes ranging from enzymatic catalysis and membrane transport to protein ac tive-site-substrate binding interactions. As a consequence, numerous articles characterizing cyclodextrins as well as delineating their unique properties pervade the chemical literatur e.22–148 Even though the results of those studies promise great potential in terms of analytical chemistry, especially as they pertain to chromatographic separations, relatively few articles concerning their applications have been published. In view of the present inadequacy, this article is dedicated to the systematic reviewing of the use of cyclodextrins in chromatography and chemical separations. The topics to be covered include the use of cyclodextrins as selective isomeric precipitating agents, their use and role in chromatographic stationary or mobile phases, and their ability to enhance chromatographic detections. As a prerequisite to this discussion, a d...
Nuclear dependence at large transverse momentum

Abstract We treat the anomalous nuclear dependence of high- p T jet and single-particle photoproduction cross sections in perturbative QCD. We show that the A α dependence is associated with multi-parton matrix elements in nuclei. Assuming a natural model for these correlation functions, we derive predictions for the x F , x T and energy dependence of the enhancement. Significant enhancements are found without introducing scales other than Λ QCD . The methods described may be applied to other high- p T nuclear cross sections.
Ear foreign-body removal: A review of 98 consecutive cases

Although patients with external auditory canal foreign bodies present frequently, there is scant literature on the topic other than case reports. A study of 98 consecutive patients referred over a 1-year period to otolaryngologists at a large urban county hospital was undertaken. Fifty-seven percent of these patients were over 12 years of age. A data form was completed by the otolaryngology resident removing the foreign body. Fifty-three percent of the cases had undergone one or more previous attempts at removal prior to the otolaryngologist's attempt, usually by an emergency room physician. Method of removal included use of a microscope in only 6% of previous attempts, while otolaryngologists used a microscope in 91%. Canal wall lacerations were present in 48% of patients following previous attempts at removal by other health-care professionals, but were found in only 4% of removals by an otolaryngologist. Recommendations include use of a microscope for removal and referral to an otolaryngologist if the foreign body is not readily removed by the primary-care physician.
Peyronie’s Disease: Review of Nonsurgical Treatment Options

The purpose of this article is to review the contemporary literature on nonsurgical therapies for Peyronie's disease (PD); focus on randomized, placebo-controlled trials; and review the latest guidelines for the management of PD from the International Consultation on Sexual Medicine. A combination of oral agents or intralesional injection with traction therapy may provide a synergy between the chemical effects of the drugs and the mechanical effects of traction. Until a reliable treatment emerges, some of the nonsurgical treatments discussed can be used to stabilize the scarring process and may result in some reduction of deformity with improved sexual function.
A Methodology for Calibrating Microscopic Simulation for Modeling Traffic Flow under Incidents

Incidents cause significant delays and their impacts on traffic flow need to be modeled to evaluate and mitigate them. The objective of this paper is to provide a methodology for modeling incidents in a microscopic traffic simulation environment. Queue lengths and shockwave propagation speeds resulting from incidents obtained from analytical kinematic wave theory (Lighthill - Witham - Richard or LWR) were used to calibrate the incident model in microscopic traffic simulation (VISSIM). A two lane freeway along the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT) corridor was taken as a test bed. Fundamental diagram corresponding to the corridor was developed using Van-Aerde traffic mode and was used as an input to LWR. Queue length as a result of incidents blocking only one lane and both lanes were analyzed. Reduction in capacity, as suggested in HCM, was considered in the process of incident model calibration. The results suggest that a well calibrated incident model in VISSIM is capable of reproducing the queue lengths and shockwaves obtained from LWR and thus can be used for understanding the impact of incidents on freeways and testing alternative traffic management strategies, e.g., minimize delay or emissions.
Pyroelectric Line Scanner For Remote IR Imaging Of Vehicles

In this paper the design and development of a small-aperture imaging system used for surveillance of vehicular traffic at night is discussed. Such a sensor may have applicability to the safeguarding of a secure facility, where it is important to monitor vehicle activity near the facility perimeter. The sensing element is a linear pyroelectric focal plane array. Motion of a target vehicle provides for scanning in the horizontal direction, and negates the need for a chopper to produce a differential IR signal. Also presented are various digital image processing procedures that are employed to enhance the collected image data, since the images produced by such an array are qualitatively quite different than those obtained in the visible portion of the spectrum. The array consists of 32 lithium tantalate (LiTaO3) elements spaced on 15 mil centers on a single crystal, with element dimensions of 13 by 32 mils. Thirty-two individual on-chip hybrid detector pre-amplifiers reduce the large switching noise that would accompany post-multiplexer amplification. Processed images collected with this prototype system are shown.
Role of integrins in angiogenesis

INTRODUCTION ANGIOGENESIS, OR the development of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, is a tightly regulated process that plays a critical role in a variety of normal physiological events, including trophoblast implantation, wound healing and embryonic development [Id]. However, uncontrolled neovascularisation can contribute to a number of pathological processes such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic retinopathy and tumour growth and metastasis [l-4]. Therefore, the identification of molecules that regulate angiogenesis, and in turn, understanding how these molecules function during the angiogenic cascade, are major concerns facing researchers in the field of modem vascular biology.
Scopolamine degrades spatial working memory but spares spatial reference memory: dissimilarity of anticholinergic effect and restriction of distal visual cues.

The influence of the centrally active anticholinergic, scopolamine hydrobromide, on working and reference memory was studied in rats tested in a 12-arm radial maze. Both 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg doses of the drug increased the number of working memory (WM) but had no effect on reference memory (RM) errors. A lower dose (0.125 mg/kg) was ineffective, as was the peripherally active anticholinergic, scopolamine methylbromide (0.5 mg/kg). Some of the behavioral effects of anticholinergic on spatial memory are mimicked by blindness or eliminating distal visual cues. If distal visual cues were more important for maintining accurate WM than for RM, the selective effect of scopolamine on WM could be easily explained. But surrounding the maze with a curtain to eliminate extramaze cues increased RM errors without significantly increasing WM errors. Thus, selective effect of anticholinergics on spatial memory in the radial maze qualitatively different from the effect of restricting distal visual cues and musse from some other action of the drug.
Modeling the accretion disk X-ray continuum of black hole candidates

We critically examine issues associated with determining the fundamental properties of the black hole and the surrounding accretion disk in an X-ray binary based on modeling the disk X-ray continuum of the source. We base our work mainly on two XMM-Newton observations of GX 339-4, because they provided high-quality data at low energies (below 1 keV), which are critical for reliably modeling the spectrum of the accretion disk. A key issue examined is the determination of the so-called "color correction factor," which is often empirically introduced to account for the deviation of the local disk spectrum from a blackbody (due to electron scattering). This factor cannot be predetermined theoretically, because it may vary with, e.g., mass accretion rate, among a number of important factors. We follow up on an earlier suggestion to estimate the color correction observationally by modeling the disk spectrum with saturated Compton scattering. We show that the spectra can be fitted well, and the approach yields reasonable values for the color correction factor. For comparison, we have also attempted to fit the spectra with other models. We show that even the high-soft state continuum (which is dominated by the disk emission) cannot be satisfactorily fitted by state-of-the-art disk models. We discuss the implications of these results.
Role of in-plane stacking sequence on transverse effective thermal conductivity of unidirectional composite laminates

Abstract Laminated polymer matrix carbon fiber composites have poor thermal conductivity in through thickness direction as all the conductive fibers are within the plane. One can increase the through thickness thermal conductivity by introducing conductive fibers in that direction or by modifying the form, direction and architecture of the fiber network. In this paper we conduct a parametric study using finite element analysis to investigate the relation between the local fiber architecture and its effective through-thickness thermal conductivity. The role of the fiber tow orientation, volume fraction and stacking sequence is explored. Unidirectional laminates containing fiber tows aligned in the same direction for all laminae exhibit higher through thickness thermal conductivity than the stacking sequence with other orientations. A conductive coating surface layer enhances the thermal conductivity of laminates independent of fiber orientation configuration. A geometric scalar parameter is proposed to correlate laminate through-thickness thermal conductivity with fiber tow stacking sequence. The influence of different boundary condition types on the through-thickness thermal conductivity is also assessed.
Critical Analysis of a Trauma Fellowship-Modeled, Six-Year Orthopaedic Surgery Training Program

Background Work-hour restrictions and increased supervision requirements have altered the clinical experience of orthopaedic surgery residents, while the specialty's body of knowledge and requisite skill set continue to expand. This dilemma means that the duration and practice experience of the traditional orthopaedic residency may not meet the needs of today's trainees. For the past eighteen years, however, residency training in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Brown University has included a mandatory postgraduate year six (PGY6) trauma fellowship-modeled year, during which trainees are conferred full staff admitting and operating privileges, with time allotted for completing research. They are supervised by senior attending staff, with increasing autonomy as the year progresses. A formal, critical analysis of this transition-to-practice training model in orthopaedics has not previously been described. Methods An anonymous thirty-one-item questionnaire was distributed to all practicing graduates of the six-year Brown University Orthopaedic Surgery training program (n = 69). A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess attitudinal questions. An independent-sample t test was used to compare the responses of pre-duty-hour trainees with those of post-duty-hour trainees, with a p value of l0.05 utilized for significance. Results All sixty-nine practicing graduates of the Brown University PGY6 trauma fellowship completed the survey (100% response rate). Most graduates (78.2%) would choose to complete the PGY6 year if they had to do residency again, and 72.4% would recommend trauma fellowship-modeled training to residents beginning their training. Trainees who completed residency during or after the imposed 2003 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education duty-hour restrictions (79.3%) were significantly more likely (p = 0.014) to rank the PGY6 year as their most valuable training year compared with trainees who completed residency prior to duty-hour restrictions (50.0%). Nearly half of the graduates (46.4%) thought that the PGY6 fellowship year was financially burdensome. Conclusions The unique trauma fellowship-modeled sixth year of orthopaedic surgery training at Brown University was thought to be a valuable training experience by a large majority of graduates, although nearly half thought that the year was financially burdensome. These data suggest that a trauma fellowship-based sixth year of independent yet structured training has the potential to enhance orthopaedic education and could become an alternative standard given the current requirements imposed upon surgical residency training. These results may help guide further discussion among orthopaedic training programs to determine the optimal model for orthopaedic residency education in the twenty-first century.
Real-Time Digitization of Metabolomics Patterns from a Living System Using Mass Spectrometry

The real-time quantification of changes in intracellular metabolic activities has the potential to vastly improve upon traditional transcriptomics and metabolomics assays for the prediction of current and future cellular phenotypes. This is in part because intracellular processes reveal themselves as specific temporal patterns of variation in metabolite abundance that can be detected with existing signal processing algorithms. Although metabolite abundance levels can be quantified by mass spectrometry (MS), large-scale real-time monitoring of metabolite abundance has yet to be realized because of technological limitations for fast extraction of metabolites from cells and biological fluids. To address this issue, we have designed a microfluidic-based inline small molecule extraction system, which allows for continuous metabolomic analysis of living systems using MS. The system requires minimal supervision, and has been successful at real-time monitoring of bacteria and blood. Feature-based pattern analysis of Escherichia coli growth and stress revealed cyclic patterns and forecastable metabolic trajectories. Using these trajectories, future phenotypes could be inferred as they exhibit predictable transitions in both growth and stress related changes. Herein, we describe an interface for tracking metabolic changes directly from blood or cell suspension in real-time.
The Milk Supply of Paris, Rome and Berlin

Introduction, 626. — Paris, 627. — The price-making forces, 630. — The surplus problem, 631. — Rome, 633. — The Fascist organization, 635. — Use of a base-rating plan, 637. — Berlin, 638. — Optional cartellization, 1930–34, 639. — Compulsory cartellization since 1933, 643. — Conclusion, 647.
Steady state thermodynamics and spatial correlations

Abstract The formulation of thermodynamic functions based on the statistical distribution of extensive variables at nonequilibrium steady states is reviewed. The case of Couette flow is considered, and the necessity of introducing functionally dependent state functions is discussed. Using these techniques we give a consistent derivation of the equations used by Hanley and Evans to analyze their computer dynamics calculations of homogeneous shear flow. Finally, the connection between thermodynamic state functions and spatial correlations is illustrated for a solution phase chemical reaction scheme.
Measuring reinforcer efficacy: does relative persistence do it? Comment on Meisch (2000)

R. A. Meisch (2000a) offers a new way to scale the effectiveness of reinforcers. Specifically, he uses as a measure the ratio of output under a relatively large fixed-ratio schedule to the output under a smaller fixed-ratio schedule. With such metrics, it is usually the case that as reinforcer magnitude is increased, the measured ratio increases. The method, however, violates a foundation of all measurement, comparison against a fixed standard. Some of the data provided in this article illustrate the problem of selecting what will serve as the "baseline" for comparison (i.e., what will serve as the denominator of the measure). Depending on the selection of baseline, one can find effects of a particular experimental operation ranging from none to substantial.
The GlueX Central Drift Chamber: Design and Performance

Tests and studies concerning the design and performance of the GlueX Central Drift Chamber (CDC) are presented. A full-scale prototype was built to test and steer the mechanical and electronic design. Small scale prototypes were constructed to test for sagging and to do timing and resolution studies of the detector. These studies were used to choose the gas mixture and to program a Monte Carlo simulation that can predict the detector response in an external magnetic field. Particle identification and charge division possibilities were also investigated.
Alcohol-induced suppression of BOLD activity during goal-directed visuomotor performance

The neurophysiological influence of alcohol produces deficits of many cognitive functions, including executive and motor control processes. This study examined the acute effects of alcohol in the context of goal-directed visuomotor performance during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Subjects consumed alcohol-laced gelatin during one scan session and non-alcoholic placebo gelatin in another. During each session, subjects performed a visuomotor target capture where they received continuous or terminal positional feedback information. Blood-oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) activity in the cerebellum was suppressed in the presence of alcohol, consistent with the known ethanol sensitivity of the cerebellum. A fronto-parietal network was identified as most affected by alcohol consumption, with differential patterns of BOLD contingent on visual feedback. Results indicate that alcohol selectively suppresses cognitive activity in frontal and posterior parietal brain regions that, in conjunction with cerebellar nuclei, are believed to contribute to the formation of internal cognitive models of motor representation and action.
The Task Gallery: a 3D window manager

The Task Gallery is a window manager that uses interactive 3D graphics to provide direct support for task management and document comparison, lacking from many systems implementing the desktop metaphor. User tasks appear as artwork hung on the walls of a virtual art gallery, with the selected task on a stage. Multiple documents can be selected and displayed side-by-side using 3D space to provide uniform and intuitive scaling. The Task Gallery hosts any Windows application, using a novel redirection mechanism that routes input and output between the 3D environment and unmodified 2D Windows applications. User studies suggest that the Task Gallery helps with task management, is enjoyable to use, and that the 3D metaphor evokes spatial memory and cognition.
Teachers' Reactions to African American Students' Movement Styles:

The public education system in the United States has overidentified African American children as targets for special education. In 1998, figures released by the U.S. Department of Education showed ...
No Evidence for Race and Socioeconomic Status as Independent Predictors of 30-Day Readmission Rates Following Orthopedic Surgery

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services considers readmissions within 30 days of discharge to be a quality indicator. Hospitals’ and eventually physicians’ readmission rates will be used to de...