cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prescription opioids are commonly unused after ambulatory head and neck surgeries: Opioids prescription presence and size has no effect on patient satisfaction with pain control.

Abstract Purpose To explore the opioid prescribing practices after common ambulatory head and neck surgeries in a large academic institution; and to examine the association between opioid prescription and the patient's satisfaction with pain control. Methods This retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary academic medical center. Phone interviews of patients who underwent ambulatory head and neck surgeries one month after their procedures were conducted. The interview included, among several questions, the amount of opioid prescribed and consumed, the use of non-opioid pain medications, and the patient's satisfaction with pain control. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the significant factors affecting the patient's satisfaction with pain control. Results Most patients were prescribed opioids at discharge (84%). Of those, 17% did not use their prescriptions. The median of leftover opioid was 76.50 morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) with IQR (45–130.95). Patient satisfaction with pain control is not associated with opioid prescription at discharge (OR 0.195 [95% CL, 0.036–1.036], p = 0.059) or the amount of the prescribed opioid (OR 1.001 [95% CL, 0.997–1.004], p = 0.717) after controlling for other patient and procedural factors. Conclusion A significant portion of ambulatory head and neck surgery patients were discharged with opioid prescriptions they may not use. Patient satisfaction with pain control is not associated with the presence or the amount of opioid prescribed.
Super Charged Jejunal Tube (Microvascular Anastomosis)

Long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) in children poses significant functional and psychosocial challenges. A number of techniques to address LGEA include primary repair, esophageal traction-induced growth (e.g., Foker procedure) or esophageal replacements with stomach (gastric pull-up), small bowel or colonic interpositions; however, each of these approaches has limitations and may not be indicated for all LGEA patients. Of the esophageal replacements, the supercharged pedicled jejunal interposition (SPJI) is a technique which offers a number of advantages over the stomach or colon as conduits when the native esophagus cannot be used. SPJI interposes a segment of jejunum, keeping the distal jejunum connected to its native blood supply, while “supercharging” the transposed segment using neck or intrathoracic vessels to augment perfusion following transposition. SPJI is a technically complex and intensive intervention necessitating a multidisciplinary team approach. Recent studies support SPJI as a viable and safe option for children with LGEA who have failed previous reconstructive techniques. In addition, SPJI may provide a better long-term solution to LGEA in children where esophageal conduits must remain intact and functional for decades.
Association of race and gender with primary caregiver relationships and eligibility for advanced heart failure therapies

Background Caregiver support is considered necessary after heart transplant (HT) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) for patients with end-stage heart failure (HF). Few studies have demonstrated how caregivers differ by gender and race, and whether that impacts therapy eligibility. Methods We examined caregiver relationships among 674 patients (32% women, 55% Black) evaluated at Emory University from 2011 to 2017. Therapy readiness was assessed using the Stanford Integrated Assessment for Transplant (SIPAT). Evaluation outcome according to caregiver relationship was compared using χ2 analysis. Multivariable logistic regression determined the association between caregiver and eligibility according to gender and race. Results Women and Black patients were less likely to have spouses as their support person (P Conclusion Lack of caregiver support is considered a relative contraindication to advanced therapies. Type of caregiver in our cohort varied according to race and gender but did not explain differences in eligibility for advanced therapies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Rent(s) Asunder: Sectoral Rent Extraction Possibilities and Bribery by Multinational Corporations

We argue that openness to foreign investment can have differential effects on corruption, even within the same country and under the exact same domestic institutions over time. Our theoretical approach departs from standard political economy by attributing corruption motives to firms as well as officials. Rather than interpreting bribes solely as a coercive “tax” imposed on business activities, we allow for the possibility that firms may be complicit in using bribes to enter protected sectors. Thus, we expect variation in bribe propensity across sectors according to expected profitability which we proxy with investment restrictions. Specifically, we argue that foreign investment will not be associated with corruption in sectors with fewer restrictions and more competition, but will increase dramatically as firms seek to enter restricted and uncompetitive sectors that offer higher rents. We test this effect using a list experiment, a technique drawn from applied psychology, embedded in a nationally representative survey of 10,000 foreign and domestic businesses in Vietnam. Our findings show that the impact of domestic reforms and economic openness on corruption is conditional on polices that restrict competition by limiting entry into the sector.
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Collapsing Ultrashort Laser Pulses

In nonlinear optics, a wave collapse manifests itself as the self-focusing of light. There exist a number of universal features associated with wave collapse, such as self-similar evolution, pulse splitting, filamentation, and shock formation, in which nonlinear optics has offered an unparalleled opportunity for study and comparison of theory with experiment. This chapter reviews recent theoretical and experimental work in which such phenomena have been observed.
Contrast and Glare Sensitivity: Association with the Type and Severity of the Cataract

Purpose: Contrast and glare sensitivity tests are now being used as adjuncts to visual acuity in the assessment of visual function. Limited data are available on the associations of the former tests with cataract type and severity. The aim of the study is to assess these associations using standardized techniques. Methods: Contrast sensitivity tests (using the Pelli-Robson chart) and glare sensitivity tests (using the Vistech MCT 8000) were done on 128 patients with cataracts and no other ocular disease and on 29 control volunteers. The cataracts were graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System II (LOCS II). Data from the left eyes were analyzed using logistic regression models. Results: Contrast sensitivity loss was associated with cataract severity for cortical ( P P = 0.0001) cataracts and with decreased visual acuity ( P = 0.0001). Night and day glare sensitivity were each associated only with increased severity of posterior subcapsular cataracts ( P ≤ 0.003) and with decreased visual acuity ( P Conclusion: These results suggest that the Pelli-Robson Chart and the Vistech MCT 8000 are good techniques for evaluating visual function in moderate to advanced cataracts. However, for early cataracts, other techniques need to be explored to assess visual function loss.
Exploring and Improving Access to High Vertical Resolution Radiosonde Data

A workshop was held in Stony Brook, N. Y., to discuss new research results relating to high vertical resolution radiosonde data (HVRRD), to explore new research applications using HVRRD, and to discuss improving access to HVRRD worldwide. The workshop, sponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation and Stratosphere-Troposphere Processes and the Role in Climate (SPARC), a core project of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), was attended by 19 scientists from 9 countries.
Retrieval‐Based Learning: Research at the Interface between Cognitive Science and Education

This essay reviews research on retrieval-based learning, which refers to the general finding that practicing active retrieval enhances long-term, meaningful learning. The idea that retrieval promotes learning has existed for centuries, and the first experiments demonstrating retrieval practice effects were carried out near the beginning of experimental research on learning and memory. Interest in retrieval practice was sporadic during the past century, but the topic has received intense interest in recent years as part of a broader movement to integrate research from cognitive science with educational practice. The essay provides a selective review of foundational research and contemporary work that has been aimed at deepening our theoretical knowledge about retrieval practice and integrating retrieval-based learning within educational activities and settings. Keywords: retrieval; active learning; meaningful learning; education; metacognition
A simplified technique for vaccination against smallpox.

A new device for performing vaccination against smallpox has been successfully used in 323 patients. The percentage of vaccination "takes" of the experimental scarifier "loaded" with vaccine material (Groups III, IV and V) is greater than the presently-used multiple-pressure method, although the difference is not statistically significant. The new vaccinator provides uniformly smaller and cosmetically superior scars. Struggling of infants and children is eliminated by this procedure. The fear of the sight of the currently employed vaccinating needle is eliminated in children by the use of this new procedure. There is less pain with the proposed method since the points are designed to press into the epidermis, and pricking of the dermis is minimized. A vaccination can be performed in 2 to 3 seconds with ease in all age groups.
Bovine Heart Malic Dehydrogenases: VIII. SUBUNIT STRUCTURE AND MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF THE SUPERNATANT ENZYME

The molecular weight of bovine heart supernatant malic dehydrogenase has been determined by sedimentation equilibrium. The enzyme was shown to be a dimer with a molecular weight of 72,000. Upon reaction with maleic anhydride or in the presence of guanidinium chloride, the enzyme was dissociated into two subunits having identical molecular weights of about 37,000 as determined by sedimentation equilibrium. These results were confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and peptide mapping experiments. The COOH-terminal amino acid residue of both subunits was identified as alanine, and cleavage by carboxypeptidase digestion did not affect the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Circular dichroism measurements showed that the dissociation of the enzyme by maleic anhydride and guanidinium chloride was accompanied by significant amounts of unfolding in the protein.
Occultation Studies with Small Telescopes

Various types of occultations and eclipses offer individuals with access to small telescopes the opportunity to contribute significantly to modern solar system research. In fact, often it is only through the cooperation of several such observers that the desired scientific objectives can be, realized. This review discusses three classes of occultations which are of high current interest and which are particularly suitable for investigation with small telescopes.
Upgrading the CEBAF Accelerator to 12 GeV

Jefferson Lab is preparing to upgrade its 6 GeV Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) to 12 GeV. The doubled energy will significantly extend research reach of the three existing experimental Halls A, B and C, and the upgrade will add scientific capability, with a newly constructed hall, Hall D. Areas of special initial interest are reactions at high xBjorken, GPD’s and exotic hybrid mesons. The present linacs will have their acceleration roughly doubled through the addition of 10 new cryomodules which will perform at ∼5 times the original specification for CEBAF. The cryogenics plant will be roughly doubled and new rf systems will be installed for the new cryomodules. The beam transport system will strongly leverage existing hardware but must be enhanced with new power supplies, one new recirculation arc, and a beamline to the new Hall D. A brief description of the scope for the various accelerator subsystems will be given as well as the status of the project as a whole.
American Development Policy: The Case of Internal Improvements

The subject I should like to discuss grows directly out of the theme of the meetings as a whole. They have been concerned with the American West as an Underdeveloped Region, and the title was intended to suggest the analogy between the United States of an earlier period and the so-called underdeveloped nations of the present day. To many it would suggest a contrast in policy. These other nations are now in many cases striving to achieve economic development by national planning and deliberate measures of governmental policy. On the other hand the United States achieved its massive economic development without over-all economic planning, without five-year plans or explicit national targets of input and output, and—it is sometimes believed—without the adoption of policies deliberately intended to promote development.
(Dis)connected in Today's College Classroom? What Faculty Say and Do about Mixed-Age Classes.

Abstract The historically distinct fields of adult and higher education are converging in a dramatic demographic shift from undergraduate classrooms occupied primarily by traditional-age college students to ever-increasing numbers of adults within baccalaureate programs. This study found that while higher education faculty acknowledged that adult students differ from their traditional-age counterparts and enhance the overall educational environment in mixed-age undergraduate classes, they perceived no need to adapt their instructional approach to accommodate this growing postsecondary demographic. These findings reveal a lack of understanding by the professoriate regarding adult learners and adult education methodologies, and they provide valuable insight into an emerging crisis in America's college classrooms where faculty members are increasingly unable to meet the needs of today's learners. Amid the clamor for accountability in higher education, the results and context of this study provide direction f...
Presumed transient reactive astrocytic hyperplasia in immature retina.

PURPOSE To describe the appearance and clinical course of small, white, endophytic calcific, peripheral lesions in developing retina of premature infants. METHODS Retrospective review of all patients evaluated for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at a level I neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in San Jose, CA, between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2004. Patients were examined either in the NICU or the affiliated outpatient clinic. Clinical examination consisted of dilated fundus examination with 360 degree scleral depression. Lesions were identified if they were white, calcific, peripheral, and transient. Ancillary testing and examination of family members was performed as indicated. RESULTS A total of 302 unique patients were screened for ROP. Ten lesions were identified in seven eyes. Three eyes had two lesions each. All lesions were unilateral. The size of the lesions was estimated to range between 500 and 700 microm. All lesions were located anterior to the vascularized retina, had minimal elevation on scleral depression, and demonstrated a predilection for the nasal and temporal raphe. Ultrasound findings demonstrated an elevated, hyperechoic mass with orbital shadowing. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging tests did not demonstrate the lesions. Lesions involute slowly over a period of 6 months. There were no systemic findings or familial dispositions. CONCLUSION Immature retina in premature infants may predispose to the formation of transient reactive astrocytic hyperplasia. Development of mature retinal vascularization and spontaneous resolution of lesions should alleviate concerns regarding a more malignant diagnosis.
The effect of behavior therapy on caudate N-acetyl-l-aspartic acid in adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Abstract Previous studies suggest that baseline differences in neuronal markers between patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy controls no longer exist following successful pharmacotherapy. The current study used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to investigate differences in absolute concentrations of neurochemicals (i.e., N -acetyl- l -aspartic; NAA) in the head of the caudate nucleus (HOC) and orbital frontal white matter (OFWM) between 15 adults with OCD and a sex- and age-matched control group, as well as the effects of behavior therapy on these chemicals. Behavior therapy was associated with a significant increase in left HOC NAA. When the analyses were restricted to only pairings with complete data (OCD patient, control, post-treatment), the levels of left HOC NAA were significantly lower in patients compared to controls, and increased significantly with treatment. Exploratory analyses suggested that levels of NAA and Cr (creatine) in the right OFWM may be significantly lower in the OCD group than the control group. The results raise the possibility that successful behavioral treatment may be associated with increases in markers of neuronal viability, although other associations found in the literature were not replicated.
Management of Osteoporosis in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic disease that causes respiratory failure within the Caucasian population. The life span of patients with CF has gradually increased from a median of 2 years of age to >30 years. Concurrent with this increased lifespan, a variety of other nutritional, endocrine and bone issues have been recognised. Decreased absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (D and K in particular) because of pancreatic insufficiency, altered sex hormone production, chronic inflammation, a lack of physical activity, glucocorticoid treatment and an intrinsic hyper-resorptive bone physiology are some of the factors that contribute to the prominence of bone disease within the CF population. In some series, three-quarters of adult patients with CF have osteopenia or osteoporosis. Lung transplantation is one viable treatment for patients with end-stage CF, which requires a lifetime of antirejection medication. Immunosuppressant therapies have a detrimental effect on bone mineral density (BMD). To combat the multifactorial nature of CF-related bone disease, advances in nutritional and vitamin supplementation, and anti-resorptive and anabolic therapies have evolved. Chronic vitamin D depletion contributes to bone disease in the CF population. The isoform of vitamin D that is the best and safest supplement, with the lowest cost, has yet to be identified. However, it is clear that many patients with CF who receive the standard of care (i.e. two daily combination vitamin A, D, E and K tablets [ADEKs®]) may still be vitamin D-deficient. More aggressive supplementation needs to be individualised, with close monitoring of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Similarly, routine calcium supplementation may be important, and evidence is accumulating that vitamin K also plays an important role in maximising and maintaining BMD. Early recognition and treatment of delayed puberty in adolescents and hypogonadism in adults with hormone replacement therapy is recommended to maintain BMD in patients with CF. Bisphosphonates, including pamidronic acid, etidronic acid and alendronic acid, reduce bone resorption by inhibiting the recruitment and function of osteoclasts. Pamidronic acid is beneficial in improving BMD in CF patients before and after transplantation. Bisphosphonate therapy and minimisation of glucocorticoid dosage have been shown to be efficacious in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Teriparatide is the first US FDA-approved anabolic growth agent for bone, and has been shown to increase BMD and decrease fracture incidence in postmenopausal women. Teriparatide may offer a new avenue for treating bone disease in CF since many patients may have poor bone formation as well as accelerated bone breakdown. Numerous clinical trials are underway to optimise treatment of CF osteoporosis.
BioSYNTHESIS: access to a knowledge network of health sciences databases.

Users of the IAIMS Knowledge Network at the Georgetown University Medical Center have access to multiple in-house and external databases from a single point of entry through BioSYNTHESIS. The IAIMS project has developed a rich environment of biomedical information resources that represent a medical decision support system for campus physicians and students. The BioSYNTHESIS system is an information navigator that provides transparent access to a Knowledge Network of over a dozen databases. These multiple health sciences databases consist of bibliographic, informational, diagnostic, and research systems which reside on diverse computers such as DEC VAXs, SUN 490, AT&T 3B2s, Macintoshes, IBM PC/PS2s and the ATT ISN and SYTEK network systems. Ethernet and TCP/IP protocols are used in the network architecture. BioSYNTHESIS also provides network links to the other campus libraries and to external institutions. As additional knowledge resources and technological advances have become available, BioSYNTHESIS has evolved from a two phase to a three phase program. Major components of the system including recent achievements and future plans are described.
Factors Affecting Accuracy From Genomic Selection in Populations Derived From Multiple Inbred Lines: A Barley Case Study

We compared the accuracies of four genomic-selection prediction methods as affected by marker density, level of linkage disequilibrium (LD), quantitative trait locus (QTL) number, sample size, and level of replication in populations generated from multiple inbred lines. Marker data on 42 two-row spring barley inbred lines were used to simulate high and low LD populations from multiple inbred line crosses: the first included many small full-sib families and the second was derived from five generations of random mating. True breeding values (TBV) were simulated on the basis of 20 or 80 additive QTL. Methods used to derive genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) were random regression best linear unbiased prediction (RR-BLUP), Bayes-B, a Bayesian shrinkage regression method, and BLUP from a mixed model analysis using a relationship matrix calculated from marker data. Using the best methods, accuracies of GEBV were comparable to accuracies from phenotype for predicting TBV without requiring the time and expense of field evaluation. We identified a trade-off between a method's ability to capture marker-QTL LD vs. marker-based relatedness of individuals. The Bayesian shrinkage regression method primarily captured LD, the BLUP methods captured relationships, while Bayes-B captured both. Under most of the study scenarios, mixed-model analysis using a marker-derived relationship matrix (BLUP) was more accurate than methods that directly estimated marker effects, suggesting that relationship information was more valuable than LD information. When markers were in strong LD with large-effect QTL, or when predictions were made on individuals several generations removed from the training data set, however, the ranking of method performance was reversed and BLUP had the lowest accuracy.
The shape of things to come.

Surface receptors can link binding of ligands to changes in the actin-based cell cytoskeleton. Chia et al. and Chen et al. provide evidence for direct binding between the cytoplasmic tails of receptors and the WAVE complex, a regulator of the actin nucleator Arp2/3 complex, which might help to explain how environmental signals are translated into changes in morphology and motility.
Negative differential resistance through real‐space electron transfer

A new mechanism is proposed to obtain negative differential resistance in layered heterostructures for conduction parallel to the interface. The mechanism is based on hot‐electron thermionic emission from high‐mobility GaAs into low‐mobility AlxGa1−xAs. Preliminary calculations indicate that high peak‐to‐valley ratios can be achieved. The transfer speed is estimated to be of the order of 10−11 s. We further show that the concept of hot‐electron thermionic emission can be applicable to a variety of devices.
Isolation and characterization of cDNAs encoding the rat pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor

Abstract Rat pituitary cDNAs encoding the full peptide coding sequence of the rat gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor were isolated and characterized. The deduced amino acid sequence encodes a protein of 327 residues with seven putative transmembrane domains characteristic of the family of G-protein coupled receptors. It is 95% identical at the amino acid level with the mouse gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor. An mRNA of 4.5 Kb was identified in the rat pituitary, ovary, and testis, and in murine αT3 cells. In addition, a larger mRNA species of 5.0–5.5 Kb was present in these rat tissues, and a smaller mRNA species of 1.8 Kb was present in the rat pituitary and ovary, and in αT3 cells. The receptor mRNA levels were increased in the female rat pituitary after ovariectomy compared to levels in intact female rats.
Extraction of Maltol from Fraser Fir: A Comparison of Microwave-Assisted Extraction and Conventional Heating Protocols for the Organic Chemistry Laboratory

Two methods for the extraction of maltol from Fraser fir needles are performed and compared in this two-week experiment. A traditional benchtop extraction using dichloromethane is compared to a microwave-assisted extraction using aqueous ethanol. Students perform both procedures and weigh the merits of each technique. In doing so, students see a trade-off between the ease of working with a highly volatile organic solvent and the selectivity that can be achieved with the greener solvent combination. This experiment combines multiple lab techniques, highlights the connections between chemistry and biology, and provides straightforward 1H NMR spectra to support the introduction of spectroscopy in first-semester organic chemistry.
Aristotle, Linnaeus, and Lewin, or the place of classification in the evaluative-therapeutic process.

(1968). Aristotle, Linnaeus, and Lewin, or the Place of Classification in the Evaluative-Therapeutic Process. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 78, No. 1, pp. 41-59.
Plasma acidic glycohydrolases in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

We assayed plasma activities of Β-galactosidase, Β-hexosaminidase, α-mannosidase, α-fucosidase and α-galactosidase involved in degradation of the glycoprotein molecule in 110 insulin-dependent diabetics aged 3-1/2 to 19 years and compared them to a group of normal youngsters. We correlated the plasma enzyme activities with the duration, control and sequelae of insulin-dependent diabetes. Insulin-dependent diabetics had a significantly higher plasma activity of Β-hexosaminidase and α-mannosidase (p<0.01) and a significantly lower plasma activity of α-fucosidase and α-galactosidase (p<0.01). Of the 5 enzymes studied, only plasma Β-hexosaminidase correlated with fasting and postprandial blood sugar (p<0.01), cholesterol and triglycerides (p<0.05). Additionally, poor control of diabetes was also associated with a significantly higher plasma Β-hexosaminidase activity (p<0.01). Proteinuria or an abnormal Addis count suggestive of renal involvement was associated with various changes in plasma acidic hydrolases. These changes may be related to insulin deficiency rather than hyperglycemia and may be genetically determined.
Comparison of central venous to mixed venous oxygen saturation in patients with low cardiac index and filling pressures after coronary artery surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the correlation and agreement between mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO 2 ) and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO 2 ) in patients with low cardiac index and filling pressures after coronary artery surgery. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Tertiary care academic hospital. Participants: Sixty consecutive patients with a cardiac index 2 and a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure Interventions: Patients were monitored by a pulmonary artery catheter and a central venous catheter positioned in the superior vena cava. Measurements and Results: SvO 2 and ScvO 2 were simultaneously measured before (T0) and after (T1) normalization of the cardiac index (>2.5 L/min/m 2 ) by fluid therapy. Sixty pairs of measures were obtained at T0 and at T1. Bias between SvO 2 and ScvO 2 was −0.6% (T0) and −0.8% (T1). Limits of agreement were from −19.2% to 18% (T0) and from −15.6% to 14% (T1), and the correlation coefficient was 0.463 (T0) and 0.72 (T1). SvO 2 and ScvO 2 changes from T0 to T1 (ΔSvO 2 and ΔScvO 2 ) were calculated. The bias between ΔSvO 2 and ΔScvO 2 was −0.25. Limits of agreement were from −20% to 19.5%, and the correlation coefficient was 0.6. Conclusions: In patients with low cardiac index and filling pressures after coronary artery surgery, ScvO 2 could not be used as a direct alternative for SvO 2 . After fluid therapy and normalization of the cardiac index, differences between individual values remained large, and the disagreement between ScvO 2 and SvO 2 changes was significant.
RESPONDING TO THE “CALL FOR PAPERS”: Participation at A.S.C. Annual Meetings

The purpose of this study is to examine the participation of criminology and criminal justice graduate departments at the 1977-1979 American Society of Criminology meetings. Results show that institutional prestige. not productivity, is the leading predictor of meeting participation. In addition, meeting participation does not appear to be influenced by meeting site. Finally, it is suggested that criminologists focus more attention upon professional activities in order to facilitate our understanding of criminology as a science.
The structure of sculpin populations along a stream size gradient

Data on spatial variation of sculpin density, growth and fecundity support the hypothesis that populations of stream fish are structured by changes in risk of predation and prey availability along a gradient in stream size. Cottus bairdi in warm streams and C. cognatus in cold streams exhibit similar patterns. Sculpins in large streams have faster individual growth rates and higher fecundities than those in small streams, but occur at lower density. The patterns appear to be persistent and suggest that predation reduces sculpin density in larger streams. Competitive release, variations in prey productivity, and local factors probably contribute to the variation in sculpin growth.
1-D FDTD EM, thermal, and displacement multiphysics simulations

1-D FDTD solvers are being developed to simulate multiphysics problems seen in real world applications. These simulators are attempting to solve self-consistently the Maxwell, heat conduction and thermoelasticity equations in the time domain and determine the impact of thermal variations on electromagnetic performance, e.g., the reflection and transmission coefficients of a periodic structure. The solvers are being used to study two main situations: 1) EM emission control by thermally heating a periodic structure and the change in this emission control when changes in material properties and physical dimensions of the structure occur. 2) EM performance degradation caused by the heating from the material losses and the associated dimensional changes in the periodic structure. The results from this study lay the basis for advancing to 2-D and 3-D solvers that can be used to study antennas in extreme environments like missile flights and space environments.
FACTORS PREDICTIVE OF POOR OUTCOME 1 YEAR POST CHILDHOOD INJURY. • 611

Childhood injury is a major public health issue and medical concern in large, urban cities. A follow-up study was conducted with a cohort of children(N = 105) 1 year post traumatic injury, and prior to the initiation of a multidisciplinary Pediatric Injury Center (PIC), to investigate factors associated with poor outcome. The children were injured between October 1993 and June 1994 and met the following inclusion criteria: a) injury requiring hospitalization; b) skull, femur, or poly-fracture; or, c) injury from assault or physical abuse. All injured children were initially brought to the same public hospital for treatment. A physical exam was conducted 1 year post-injury as well as interviews with the children and parents. Poor outcome was defined as an injury related problem detected at the 1 year post-injury exam, requiring referral, and was handled as a dichotomous variable in the analyses. Forty percent of the children in the study population met the definition for poor outcome. Children with a poor outcome did not differ from those with a good outcome by gender (69% vs. 62% male) or race/ethnicity (55% Hispanic, 33% Black, 10% White vs. 59%, 30%, 11%). Poor outcome children were significantly older, 12 vs. 7.9 years, than children with good outcomes(p<0.0001). Other variables not associated with outcome included mechanism of injury, eye/gag/verbal/motor assessment upon injury, source of payment for injury-related medical costs, and parent demographics including age, race/ethnicity, and spoken-language. Logistic regression modeling found older age at injury (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.4; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.5-3.9) and type of injury including abdomen (OR = 5.1; 95% CI = 1.2-23.9), upper extremity (OR = 8.0; 95% CI = 2.3-32.8) and head (OR = 4.0; 95% CI = 1.4-13.0) as significant predictors of poor outcome 1 year post-injury. Children at risk for poorer outcome following injury can be identified and for optimal recovery should receive appropriate support services.
Progress toward motor recovery with active neuromuscular stimulation: muscle activation pattern evidence after a stroke.

Chronic cerebrovascular accident individuals with partial paralysis in an upper extremity typically demonstrate difficulty in voluntarily controlling movement initiation. This study investigated patterns of electromyogram (EMG) activation levels while stroke subjects voluntarily initiated their impaired wrist and finger extensor muscles. Twenty subjects were randomly assigned to either a unilateral movement/stimulation group or a bilateral movement/stimulation group. Participants completed 4 days (6 h over 2 weeks) of active neuromuscular stimulation (i.e., 5 s/trial, 90 trials/day, biphasic waveform) on the wrist and finger extensors according to group assignments. The EMG activation levels were analyzed with a three-factor mixed design Motor recovery protocol x Session block x Trial block (2 x 2 x 3) ANOVA with repeated measures on the second and third factors. This robust analysis revealed higher EMG activation levels for the coupled bilateral movement/stimulation group than the unilateral movement/stimulation group. In addition, higher muscle activation levels were found for the second session block as well as trial blocks 2 and 3. Overall, these findings indicated improved motor capabilities of the impaired muscles as evidenced by the higher voluntary EMG activation levels.
SANDO: another presentation of mitochondrial disease.

Abstract Purpose To describe a unique mitochondrial syndrome that may present with the combination of ocular manifestations, sensory symptoms, and speech dysfunction. Design Case report. Methods Case report and review of the literature. Results A 43-year-old man presented with a Sensory Ataxic Neuropathy, Dysarthria, and Ophthalmoparesis (SANDO). Nerve conduction studies showed a sensory ganglionopathy. Skeletal muscle biopsy revealed ragged red fibers, and polymerase chain reaction analysis of the tissue demonstrated multiple mitochondrial DNA deletions. Conclusion Mitochondrial disease should be considered in cases of external ophthalmoplegia, especially if a sensory ganglionopathy and dysarthria are present.
Experimental study of the separation behavior of nanoparticles in micro- and nanochannels

In this article, we investigate the effects of pH, ionic strength, and channel height on the mobility and diffusivity of charged spherical particles within planar microfluidic channels. Specifically, we report results of a broad experimental study on the transport and separation behavior of 50 and 100 nm spherical carboxylated polystyrene nanoparticles, confined in 20 μm, 1 μm, and 250 nm deep fluidic channels. We find that pH, ionic strength, and channel height have coupled impacts on mobility changes. In particular, we show that, depending on pH, the dependence of particle mobility on channel size can have opposing behavior. In addition, we also show that at the nanoscale, at lower ionic strengths, there is a substantial increase in mobility, due to enhanced electric fields within the nanochannels. These effects are important to understand in order to avoid potential downfalls in terms of separation efficiency as well as design for better tuning of separation performance in micro- and nanochannels. Finally, we propose a method to estimate the effective zeta potential of spherical particles from measured electrophoretic mobility data. This could prove useful in characterizing a heterogeneous collection of particles having a distribution over a range of values of the zeta potential.
Ensemble learning based on multiple kernel learning for hyperspectral chemical plume detection

Recently, a SVM-based ensemble learning technique has been introduced by the authors for hyperspectral plume detection/classification. The SVM-based ensemble learning consists of a number of SVM classifiers and the decisions from these sub-classifiers are combined to generate a final ensemble decision. The SVM-based ensemble technique first randomly selects spectral feature subspaces from the input data. Each individual classifier then independently conducts its own learning within its corresponding spectral feature space. Each classifier constitutes a weak classifier. These weak classifiers are combined to make an ensemble decision. The ensemble learning technique provides better performance than the conventional single SVM in terms of error rate. Various aggregating techniques like bagging, boosting, majority voting and weighted averaging were used to combine the weak classifiers, of which majority voting was found to be most robust. Yet, the ensemble of SVMs is suboptimal. Techniques that optimally weight the individual decisions from the sub-classifiers are strongly desirable to improve ensemble learning performance. In the proposed work, a recently introduced kernel learning technique called Multiple Kernel Learning (MKL) is used to optimally weight the kernel matrices of the sub-SVM classifiers. MKL basically iteratively performs l2 optimization on the Euclidian norm of the normal vector of the separating hyperplane between the classes (background and chemical plume) defined by the weighted kernel matrix followed by gradient descent optimization on the l1 regularized weighting coefficients of the individual kernel matrices. Due to l1 regularization on the weighting coefficients, the optimized weighting coefficients become sparse. The proposed work utilizes the sparse weighting coefficients to combine decision results of the SVM-based ensemble technique. A performance comparison between the aggregating techniques - MKL and majority voting as applied to hyperspectral chemical plume detection is presented in the paper.
A proposed mechanism for cell polarization with no external cues

The cytoskeletal protein actin is the main building material of the ever-changing structures that underlie directed cell migration in response to external cues [Small et al., 2002]. But how the cell coordinates the disassembly of filaments and their carefully placed and timed reassembly to effect directed movement remains something of a mystery. More specifically, how cells, such as freshly plated neurons and fibroblasts, initially develop polarity in the absence of any apparent external cues (i.e., spontaneous polarization) is not understood. We are proposing that the following sequence is likely: (1) Stochastic accumulation of a Na /H exchanger results in transient alkalization of a subplasmalemmal microdomain. (2) This transient alkalization induces remodeling of existing, cortical actin filaments lining the plasma membrane into nascent cables perpendicular to the membrane, thus determining the site of the presumptive leading edge. (3) The site of the stochastically selected leading edge is reinforced and stabilized by an actomyosin-dependent feedback loop that perpetuates the initial filament assembly at the selected site. Our own work, and three recent reports, based on studies of very different organisms, suggest and support the idea that pH modulation of ADF/cofilin proteins may trigger actin remodeling, the second stage of this proposed model for spontaneous polarization. These are proteins able to promote either actin disassembly or assembly, depending upon their concentration relative to actin [Bamburg, 1999; Chen, 2001; Yeoh et al., 2002; Idrissi et al., 2002]. Clearly transient, stochastically induced alkalization could activate other actin regulatory proteins with the potential of contributing to actin remodeling. Moreover, ADF/cofilin, itself, could be activated by other stochastic fluctuations to induce actin remodeling, e.g., phospholipase activation that reduces inhibitory binding of PIP2 to ADF/cofilin [Ojala et al., 2001]. In the following sections, we will discuss recent publications that support our proposed model.
Characterization of the CoA ligases of human liver mitochondria catalyzing the activation of short- and medium-chain fatty acids and xenobiotic carboxylic acids.

Abstract Two distinct forms of xenobiotic/medium-chain fatty acid:CoA ligase (XM-ligase) were isolated from human liver mitochondria. They were referred to as HXM-A and HXM-B based on their order of elution from a DEAE-cellulose column. Activity of the two ligases was determined toward 15 different carboxylic acids. HXM-A represented 60–80% of the benzoate activity in the lysate, and kinetic analysis revealed that benzoate was the best substrate (highest Vmax/Km). The enzyme also had medium-chain fatty acid:CoA ligase activity. HXM-B had the majority of the hexanoate activity and hexanoate was its best substrate. It was, however, also active toward many xenobiotic carboxylic acids. Comparison of these two human XM-ligases with the previously characterized bovine XM-ligases indicated that they were kinetically distinct. When assayed with benzoic acid as substrate, both HXM-A and HXM-B had an absolute dependence on either Mg2+ or Mn2+ for activity. Further, addition of monovalent cation (K+, Rb+, or NH4+) stimulated HXM-A activity by >30-fold and HXM-B activity by 4-fold. For both forms, activity toward straight-chain fatty acids was stimulated less by K+ than was activity toward benzoate or phenylacetate. A 60 kDa short-chain fatty acid:CoA ligase was also isolated. It had activity toward propionate and butyrate, but not acetate, hexanoate or benzoate. The Kmapp values were high but similar for propionate and butyrate (285 μM and 250 μM, respectively) but the Vmaxapp was nearly 6-fold greater with propionate as substrate. While the Km values are somewhat high, the enzyme is still more efficient with these substrates than either of the XM-ligases.
Bigram and trigram frequencies and versatilities in the English language

A comprehensive count of bigram and trigram frequencies and versatilities was tabulated for words recorded by Kucera and Francis. Totals of 577 different bigrams and 6,140 different trigrams were found. Their frequencies of occurrence and the number of different words in which they appeared are reported in this article.
Creativity in the Retarded

A diagnosis of “retardation” has generally promoted self-fulfilling expectations of incapacity. While a realistic assessment of “intellectual” and adaptive limitations needs to be provided, it is necessary to remember that a focus upon part-functions fails to capture the full complexity of being human. In the case of the “retarded,” this has led to the neglect of creativity. A comprehensive evaluation, however, requires an atmosphere that facilitates potential. The art of two “retarded” young men has been selected to demonstrate the imaginative expression which occurs in a receptive environment. These two people represent different levels of “retardation” (mild versus moderate), and varying degrees of artistic talent at the time of their first contact with the program. Both exhibit the interpersonal growth which can accompany creative expansion. Finally, the technical and compositional proficiency which these individuals display requires a re-evaluation of traditional expectations in mental retardation.
EFFECTS OF ANTAGONISTIC CONTRACTION ON ELBOW-FLEXION MOVEMENT TIME IN MAN

The use of neuromuscular facilitation has long been advocated by physical therapists as a technique for inducing the greatest possible activity in affected muscles. Increased central excitation enhances voluntary activity of paralyzed or paretic muscles and speeds recovery considerably. To a lesser extent, coaches and physical educators have employed similar techniques to improve athletic performance. One facilitation technique which has recently been shown to increase isokinetic knee extensor strength (1) is the reversal of antagonists. Based upon Sherrington's law of successive induction (3), it involves the isometric contraction of antagonists followed by the immediate contraction of agonists. Since muscular strength and another important characteristic of performance, speed, are usually thought to be unrelated (2), it was unclear how this technique might effect movement time. A horizontal elbow-flexion arm movement, executed at maximal speed and timed from 130 to 100" of flexion was studied in nine male subjects to determine the effects of a pre-stimulus antagonistic isometric contraction on movement time. Subjects reacted to an auditory stiaulus, immediately preceded by one of three conditions: complete muscular relaxation of both agonist and antagonist arm muscles prior to the response cue, or pre-stimulus isometric antagonist contractions at two different intensities. All subjects performed 20 trials at each pre-stimulus tension level (0, 5, 10 kg), with tension treatments presented in random order across subjects. Movement time (30" of displacement) and average angular velocity were determined. All test-retest reliability coefficients were high, i.e., r > 0.87. A variance analysis, corrected for repeated measures, showed that movement times and average angular velocities were significantly improved after pre-stimulus antagonistic contractions were performed. Movement times decreased 11.59% and 16.60% and average angular velocities increased 23.60% and 31.0% on trials where pre-stimulus antagonist contractions were performed at intensities of 5 and 10 kg, respectively. Present results taken together with previous findings (1) suggest chat the principle of successive induction is applicable to voluntary movement as well as reflex activity. The efficacy of applying this technique to specific athletic activity remains to be investigated.