cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bridge Category Models: Development of Bayesian Modelling Procedures to Account for Bridge Ordinal Ratings for Disease Staging

Disease grading and staging is accomplished through the assignment of an ordinal rating. Bridge ratings occur when a rater assigns two adjacent categories. Most statistical methodology necessitates the use of a single ordinal category. Consequently, bridge ratings often go unreported in clinical research studies. We propose three methodologies (Expanded, Mixture, and Collapsed) Bridge Category Models, to account for bridge ratings. We perform simulations to examine the impact of our approaches on detecting treatment effects, and comment on a real-world scenario of staging liver biopsies. Results indicate that if bridge ratings are not accounted for, disease staging models may exhibit significant bias and precision loss. All models worked well when they corresponded to the data generating mechanism.
Wet Sneakers, Bottom Lines, and Other Obstacles to Spirituality

Measurement of the traditionalbottom line leaves room for socialresponsibility and a sense of spirituality ifwe include the theme of connection in thediscussion. Spirituality in the workplacesuggests the combination of profitability withconcern for the common good. Transfer of themodel of social return on investment (SROI)from the not-for-profit sector to thefor-profit sector can be accomplished with someconceptual reframing. An earlier version ofthis paper was presented as the luncheonaddress at the Seventh Annual InternationalConference Promoting Business Ethics, Sept. 21,2000 (NYC).
The contributions of chemistry and transport to low arctic ozone in March 2011 derived from Aura MLS observations

Stratospheric and total columns of Arctic O3 (63-90 N) in late March 2011 averaged 320 and 349 DU, respectively. These values are 74 DU lower than averages for the previous 6 years. We use Aura MLS O3 observations to quantify the roles of chemistry and transport and find there are two major reasons for low O3 in March 2011: heterogeneous chemical loss and a late final warming that delayed the resupply of O3 until April. Daily vortex-averaged partial columns in the lowermost stratosphere (p greater than 133 hPa) and middle stratosphere (p less than 29 hPa) are unaffected by local heterogeneous chemistry and show a near total lack of transport into the vortex between late January and late March, contributing to the observed low column. The lower stratospheric (LS) column (133-29 hPa) is affected by both heterogeneous chemistry and transport. Low interannual variability of Aura MLS 0 3 columns and temperature inside the Arctic vortex (2004-2011) shows that the transport contribution to vortex O3 in fall and early winter is nearly the same each year. The descent of MLS N2O vortex profiles in 2011 provides an estimate of O3 transported into the LS column during late winter. By quantifying the role of transport we determine that PSC-driven chemical loss causes 80 (plus or minus 10) DU of vortex-averaged O3 loss by late March 2011. Without heterogeneous chemical loss, March 2011 vortex O3 would have been ~40 DU lower than normal due to the late final warming and resupply of O3 which did not occur until April.
A lab exercise for 2D line clipping

Line clipping is a fundamental topic in an introductory graphics course. The simplicity and elegance of the classic Cohen-Sutherland 2D Line Clipping Algorithm makes it suitable for implementation by the student in a lab exercise. An understanding of the algorithm is reinforced by having students write actual code and see the results. A code framework is provided that allows an instructor to focus student effort on the algorithm while avoiding the details of the visualization API used to render the results.
Relationship of emotional adjustment during pregnancy to obstetric complications

Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to asses the relationship of manifest anxiety and personality characteristics to obstetric complications. For this purpose, 86 gravid white patients were administered a psychometric battery during the second trimester consisting of the MMPI, the Taylor manifest anxiety scale, the interpersonal checklist, and the Kent intelligence scale. Following delivery, each patient was categorized as abnormal or normal depending on the presence of any commonly accepted abnormality observed during gestation, delivery, or in the fetus. The subjects in the normal and abnormal groups were quite similar in regard to I.Q., age, social class, and mean gravidity. The results of this study, however, indicated that patients who experience a variety of complications are characterized by a significantly greater degree of anxiety. In addition, these individuals evidence a greater degree of neuroticism as well as trends toward more deviant behavior. An explanation of the mechanisms through which anxiety effects these changes observed clinically was offered, as were suggestions for future research.
Milton's Scriptural Reasoning: Narrative and Protestant Toleration

Preface and acknowledgments Abbreviations and editions 1. Introduction: scriptural reasoning Part I. Scriptural Reasoning in Milton's Prose: 2. Reason, rhetoric, and educational reading 3. Monism and Protestant toleration Part II. Biblicist Rhetoric and Ontology in Paradise Lost: Part II introduction 4. Divine justice and divine filiation 5. Divine kingship 6. Rational battle 7. Rational allegory and gender Part III. Biblicist Poetics and Hermeneutic Ethics: Part III introduction 8. Biblical metanarrative as rule of faith 9. Paradise Regained as rule of charity 10. Samson Agonistes as personal drama Notes Subject index Index of scripture references.
Quadtree interconnection network layout

Quadtree data structure has been used in a number of applications. However, VLSI embedding of quadtree based parallel architecture using grid model has not been studied. This paper studies VLSI embedding of quadtree using grid model. H-tree layout for binary tree is extended for trivial quadtree layout, followed by two layout strategies for rectangular grids. Two generic layout styles (standard layout and X-layout) are proposed for higher order grids (e.g., hexagonal and octagonal grids). Base tile layout patterns are proposed for area compaction with recursive X-layout. In each case, layout dimensions and I/O bandwidth are computed. The authors demonstrate how the two generic layouts can be mixed to obtain higher I/O bandwidth and estimate the area sacrifice. An improved recursive layout mixing strategy is proposed. >
The impact of hypercarbia on the evolution of brain injury in a porcine model of traumatic brain injury and systemic hemorrhage

Carbon dioxide is perhaps the most potent available modulator of cerebrovascular tone and thus cerebral blood flow (CBF). These experiments evaluate the impact of induced hypercarbia on the matching of blood flow and metabolism in the injured brain. We explore the hypothesis that hypercarbia will restore the relationship of CBF to metabolic demand, resulting in improved outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hemorrhage. A behavioral outcome score, hemodynamic, metabolic, and pathologic parameters were assessed in anesthetized and ventilated juvenile pigs. Animals were assigned to either normocarbia or hypercarbia and subdivided into TBI (via fluid percussion) with or without hemorrhage. The experimental groups were TBI; TBI + 40% hemorrhage (40%H); TBI + hypercarbia (CO2); and TBI + 40%H + CO2. Hemorrhaged animals were resuscitated with blood and crystalloid. Hypercarbia was induced immediately following TBI using 10% FiCO2. The normocarbic group demonstrated disturbance of the matching of CBF...
Teleological computer graphics modeling

Summary form only give. Teleological modeling, a developing approach for creating abstractions and mathematical representations of physically realistic time-dependent objects, is described. In this approach, geometric constraint-properties, mechanical properties of objects, the parameters representing an object, and the control of the object are incorporated into a single conceptual framework. A teleological model incorporates time-dependent goals of behavior of purpose as the primary abstraction and representation of what the object is. A teleological implementation takes a geometrically incomplete specification of the motion, position, and shape of an object, and produces a geometrically complete description of the object's shape and behavior as a function of time. Teleological modeling techniques may be suitable for consideration in computer vision algorithms by extending the current notions about how to make mathematical representations of objects. Teleological descriptions can produce compact representations for many of the physically derivable quantities controlling the shapes, combining-operations, and constraints which govern the formation and motion of objects. >
Quantifier Elimination for Real Closed Fields: A Guide to the Literature

This article provides a brief summary of the most important publications relating to quantifier elimination algorithms for the elementary theory of real closed fields. Especially mentioned is the cylindrical algebraic decomposition method and its relation to the facilities of computer algebra facilities.
Retroviral transduction of adherent cells in resonant acoustic fields.

Ultrasound-induced cavitation has been extensively used to enhance the efficiency of nonviral-based gene delivery. Although such unique mechanical force could possibly augment the efficacy of retrovirus-mediated gene transfer, we harnessed an alternative approach, a resonant acoustic field, to facilitate the retroviral transduction rate. NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells suspended in a culture well and mixed with ecotropic retroviruses were co-treated with megahertz resonant acoustic fields (RAF). Suspended NIH 3T3 cells under RAF treatment agglomerated at acoustic nodal planes by primary radiation force within a short exposure time. These first arrived and agglomerated cells formed bands as nucleating sites for nanometer-sized ecotropic retroviruses circulated between nodal planes to attach on and thereby increased cell-virus encounters. According to the neomycin-resistant colony assay, 2-fold increment of retroviral transduction rate was obtained by exposing cells and retroviruses in the RAF for 6 min in the presence of 8 μg/mL Polybrene.
Taiwanese-Canadian Mothers' Beliefs about Personal Freedom for Their Young Children.

This study examined Taiwanese–Canadian mothers’ conceptions of personal freedom in everyday situations for their children and the influence of acculturation on their beliefs. Forty mothers of six- to eight-year-old children participated in a semistructured interview and sorting task. Interview responses revealed that, regardless of acculturation, child decision-making was important and that mothers should negotiate and compromise with their child on everyday issues such as clothing, food, activities, daily routine and homework. They believed that child resistance was motivated by the children's personal interests, laziness, limit testing and their emotional state. Sources of conflict were resolved by parental authority, discussing/negotiating and conceding to the child. The sorting task also revealed that personal issues were judged as within their children's jurisdiction.
Andras Angyal, 1902–1960: Pioneer in humanistic psychotherapy

Abstract Forty years have passed since my initial encounter with Andras Angyal. In the intervening years I have come to appreciate his role as my essential therapist. This personal account of our contacts is supplemented by an appreciative synopsis of Angyal's bi‐modal personality theory and his humanistic and transpersonal bridgings.
Crime and social control in Asia and the Pacific: an examination of larger social institutions and processes

Asia and the Pacific is a dynamic region of expanding economic development, deepening political reform, and sweeping cultural transformation. Amid rapid, drastic, and multifaceted social change, crime, deviance, and social problems occur in unprecedented volumes, forms, and complexities, posing serious challenges to social control systems in countries throughout the region. This paper examines larger social institutions and processes – capitalism vs. socialism, Eastern civilizations vs. Western development, and democratic forms of government vs. authoritarian leadership – their changing dynamics and possible impacts on crime and social control. Upon examination of each contrast with respect to its past, present, and future, the paper points out that crime and social control will inevitably lie in the fusion of opposing social forces within and without national borders across Asia and the Pacific and around the world.
Information-Theoretic Model of Evolution over Protein Communication Channel

In this paper, we propose a communication model of evolution and investigate its information-theoretic bounds. The process of evolution is modeled as the retransmission of information over a protein communication channel, where the transmitted message is the organism's proteome encoded in the DNA. We compute the capacity and the rate distortion functions of the protein communication system for the three domains of life: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukaryotes. The tradeoff between the transmission rate and the distortion in noisy protein communication channels is analyzed. As expected, comparison between the optimal transmission rate and the channel capacity indicates that the biological fidelity does not reach the Shannon optimal distortion. However, the relationship between the channel capacity and rate distortion achieved for different biological domains provides tremendous insight into the dynamics of the evolutionary processes of the three domains of life. We rely on these results to provide a model of genome sequence evolution based on the two major evolutionary driving forces: mutations and unequal crossovers.
Motor unit number estimates correlate with strength in polio survivors

Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) has been proposed as an outcome measure in clinical trials for the motor neuron diseases. One major criticism of MUNE is that it may not represent a clinically meaningful endpoint. We prospectively studied a cohort of polio survivors over a period of 15 years with respect to MUNE and strength. We identified a significant association between thenar MUNE and arm strength, extensor digitorum brevis MUNE and leg strength, and the summated MUNE and global strength of the polio survivors. These findings confirm the clinical relevance of MUNE as an outcome measure in the motor neuron diseases and provide further validation for its use in clinical trial research.
Steady-state and time-resolved phosphorescence of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan lambda cI repressor bound to DNA

The spectral overlap of tryptophan containing proteins and DNA has limited the use of luminescence methods to investigate protein-nucleic acid interactions. However, the steady-state and time-dependent phosphorescence of wild-type and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-O1-ITrp) X ci repressor are spectroscopically distinct such that we can selectively excite the 5-OHTrp-?. ci in the presence of DNA, or even in the presence of a 15-fold molar excess of N-acetyl-tryptophanamide (NATrpA). The phosphorescence of wild-type X ci is red-shifted by 3 nm relative to NATrpA, characteristic of buried tryptophan, and the phosphorescence of the spectrally enhanced protein (SEP), 5-OHTrp-X ci repressor is also red shifted relative to the model, 5-OHTrp, providing spectroscopic evidence that the modified repressor is structurally equivalent to the native repressor. Although the phosphorescence decays of NATrpA and 5-OHTrp are simple exponentials, the decay of either wild-type or 5-OHTrp-X ci repressors requires three exponentials whose fractional contributions to the phosphorescence are similar. Since the 5-OFITrp phosphorescence can be excited without interference from tryptophan or DNA, we measured the phosphorescence of the SEP/DNA complex. Th emission characteristics of SEP alone and the SEP/DNA complex are indistinguishable, showing that during binding, the C-terminal domain of the protein, believed to be involved in protein dimer stabilization, is structurally conserved in the vicinity of the three modified trytptophans.
The metabolism of oral tissues; a biologic perspective.

Abstract In discussing the metabolism of oral tissues, we have touched on many disciplines of biology. The problem begins in the phylogenetic and evolutionary aspects of the development of oral structures, which are reflections of the metabolism of our ancestors, and continues into the ontogenetic aspects capable of supplying valuable and fundamental information at all stages of the individual's history. The possible levels of metabolic study are from the intact organism to its subcellular and molecular units of life. To reiterate, in the mouth and its associated structures, are found nerve, blood vessel, muscle, gland, connective tissue, epithelium, bone, and also highly specialized tissues not found elsewhere, such as cementum, dentine, and enamel. These tissues obey the same fundamental laws and exhibit the same basic biologic phenomena that are found elsewhere in the body. Many of the oral structures are close to the body's exterior and are more easily observed and more accessible than any others of comparable metabolic activity. In addition, they usually require less manipulation and are subjected to less trauma in experimental situations. We have stressed the unique possible application of oral tissue metabolism studies in relation to problems of cell respiration. Our purpose has been to stress some of the fascinating problems involved in study of the oral tissues and to point to some of the potentialities of their use for the study of fundamental biologic phenomena.
Differentiated Outcomes Resulting from Individualized Instruction at a Two-Year College.

Abstract Two instructional treatments, individualized and traditional, were used with 44 students in each group. Students were classified at concrete or abstract by a forced-choice measure, the Interpersonal Topic Inventory (ITI). It was hypothesized that abstract students would prefer and perform better in the individualized approach, while concrete students would prefer and perform better in the traditional setting. No significant differences were found in their preference or achievement. However, the differentiated-outcome hypothesis was supported as students in the individualized setting manifested significantly more search initiative, spent more time in transfer problem solving, and had more correct solutions than those in the traditional institution.
Proposing a Dissertation with a Free Rein

Any Ph.D. knows that developing a basic statement of dissertation ideas rarely begins or ends with the formal proposal. In a sense dissertators never stop “proposing.” Throughout the process of data gathering and writing, they must make sense of new ideas and information, contend with theoretical and empirical dead ends, address the suggestions (or demands!) of advisors and committees. Nevertheless, the aspiring Ph.D. must start somewhere, and finding a starting point depends on one's own aptitudes and interests and the expectations of the scholars who will ultimately assess one's work. All of these may vary widely.
Impedance spectroscopy and biochip sensor for detection of Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a deadly foodbome human pathogen. Its ubiquitous nature and its ability to grow at refrigeration temperatures makes this organism a difficult one to control. High-volume processing of food products and poor sanitary conditions of the processing plants often allow this organism to be present in processed, ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. Improved processing along with real-time detection could reduce the incidence of this pathogen. Conventional methods can detect this pathogen accurately, but take several days (2-7d) to complete, which is not practical considering the short shelf-life and cost of storage of RTE foods. Biosensor based approaches were adopted for sensitive detection of Listeria. Antibody-coupled fiber optic and microelectrical-mechanical system (MEMS) biochips were designed and examined for direct detection of L. monocytogenes from liquid samples. Also, interdigitated microsensor electrode (IME) chip and spectrofluorometer were used to measure L. monocytogenes interaction with mammalian cells (cytopathogenic activities) for indirect detection. Preliminary data generated using laboratory cultures of Listeria species indicated that L. monocytogenes could be detected in 30 mm to 1 h 30 mm depending on the techniques used.
Logic synthesis for integrated optics

As silicon photonics technology matures, optical devices will be available on a scale never before seen or utilized. It is therefore imperative to develop automated methods for synthesizing optical devices for large-scale designs. We present design and synthesis methodologies for implementing digital logic using conventional integrated optical components, specifically optical cross-bar routing devices based on Mach-Zehnder Interferometry. Our design methodologies utilize the unique advantages of these optical devices, while also addressing the limitations of the technology. We extend these design concepts to include technology-specific logic sharing, and provide automated techniques for logic design implementation, evaluating the efficacy of our techniques on a number of logic designs. Through the convergence of communications and computing, optical devices are utilized on scales beyond traditional optic design.
ANDROGEN SYNTHESIS BY TESTICULAR TISSUE FROM A PATIENT WITH GONADAL INSUFFICIENCY.

Testicular tissue removed from a 15½-yr-old boy with delayed sexual maturation, despite normal levels of urinary gonadotropins for 2 yr, was shown to be capable of converting pregnenolone-7α-3H to androstenedione, testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and 16α-hydroxy pregnenolone. Microscopical examination of the tissue revealed almost complete lack of spermatogenesis and reduced numbers of spermatogonia. Leydig cells were present but reduced in number. Chromosomal studies of the testicular tissue showed a normal XY-46 pattern. This patient is considered unique in that, although his testes were capable of making androgens in vitro, and he was shown to be responsive to exogenous androgen, various clinical tests, including estimation of plasma testosterone, suggested insufficient androgen production in vivo. The testicular pathology found on microscopical examination is incompatible with the diagnosis of constitutional delayed adolescence.
Dextrorphan and dextromethorphan attenuate hypoxic injury in neuronal culture

The dextrorotatory opioid derivatives, dextrorphan and dextromethorphan, can attenuate hypoxic injury in cortical cell cultures. This effect is concentration-dependent in the micromolar range, and not strongly stereospecific, as it can also be demonstrated with the levorotatory enantiomer of dextrorphan, levorphanol. The possibility that these clinically available compounds may have therapeutic utility in hypoxic or ischemic encephalopathy warrants further investigation.
Cost estimation models for reuse and prototype SW development life-cycles

The Cocomo cost estimation model was developed to estimate the cost of developing software utilizing the waterfall life-cycle model. The assumptions in the waterfall model account for many software development situations, but do not account for the actual development process when the requirements are known to be unstable or incomplete or when extensive code and design information are reused. The prototype and reuse life-cycle models, respectively, were developed to model these specific situations. The assumptions made by any life-cycle model directly influence its cost estimation model; therefore, when the life-cycle model is inappropriate, its cost estimation model is also inappropriate. This makes the Cocomo cost estimation model inadequate for estimating development effort for software developed utilizing the prototype or reuse software development life-cycle models. Two cost estimation models, one for the prototype software life-cycle model and one for the reuse software life-cycle model, are presented. Each cost estimation model is derived from the basic Cocomo model and modified to fit the characteristics of its respective life-cycle model.
Can we better select patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma for cytoreductive nephrectomy

BACKGROUND: The benefits of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) should outweigh surgical morbidity. Even when the generally agreed upon selection criteria for CN are met, some patients do poorly after surgery. The objective of this study was to identify preoperative factors that were prognostic of outcome in patients who were being considered for CN. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective study to investigate the overall survival (OS) of patients who underwent CN using the OS of patients with mRCC who did not undergo CN as a referent group. Patients who underwent CN were divided into 2 groups based on when their OS diverged from that of nonsurgical patients. Chi-square analysis was used to identify variables that differed between the 2 surgical groups. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze those variables for the entire CN cohort. Risk factors were defined as preoperative variables that remained significant on multivariate analysis. The median OS and the overall risk of death were calculated based on the number of risk factors. RESULTS: From 1991 to 2007, 566 patients who were eligible for or received systemic therapy underwent CN, and 110 patients received medical therapy alone. On multivariate analysis, independent preoperative predictors of inferior OS in surgical patients included a lactate dehydrogenase level greater than the upper limit of normal, an albumin level less than the lower limit of normal, symptoms at presentation caused by a metastatic site, liver metastasis, retroperitoneal adenopathy, supradiaphragmatic adenopathy, and clinical tumor classification ≥T3. Inferior OS and an increased risk of death were correlated positively with the number of risk factors. Surgical patients who had ≥4 risk factors did not appear to benefit from CN. CONCLUSIONS: The authors of this report identified 7 preoperative variables that permitted them to identify patients who were unlikely to benefit from CN. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Knowledge About Genomic Recurrence Risk Testing Among Breast Cancer Survivors

Genomic expression profiling of tumors is used to individualize early-stage breast cancer treatment. However, very little is known about patients’ understanding of and desired information about these tests, such as Oncotype DX. We addressed these issues via a survey mailed to 130 early-stage breast cancer patients who received an Oncotype DX test result. The survey assessed understanding (14 items), information desired about genomic expression profiling tests, and if and where they sought information about Oncotype DX. Sixty-four surveys were returned. Overall, 54% of the knowledge items were answered correctly. Patients wanted education about genomic tests in many areas. Overall, 62% sought information about the test, primarily from the Internet (48%) and doctor or health care provider (31%). In sum, patients’ misunderstanding of genomic tests abound, necessitating better educational efforts on behalf of health care systems to meet their needs for varied information through different communication channels.
Overview of DT results from TFTR

Experiments with plasmas having nearly equal concentrations of deuterium and tritium have been carried out on TFTR. To date (September 1995), the maximum fusion power has been 10.7 MW, using 39.5 MW of neutral beam heating, in a supershot discharge and 6.7 MW in a high beta P discharge following a current ramp-down. The fusion power density in the core of the plasma has reached 2.8 MW/m3, exceeding that expected in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). The energy confinement time tau E is observed to increase in DT, relative to D plasmas, by 20% and the n1(0).T1(0). tau E product by 55%. The improvement in thermal confinement is caused primarily by a decrease in ion heat conductivity in both supershot and limiter H mode discharges. Extensive lithium pellet injection increased the confinement time to 0.27 s and enabled higher current operation in both supershot and high beta P discharges. First measurements of the confined alpha particles have been performed and found to be in good agreement with TRANSP simulations assuming classical confinement. Measurements of the alpha ash profile have been compared with simulations using particle transport coefficients from helium gas puffing experiments. The loss of energetic alpha particles to a detector at the bottom of the vessel is well described by the first-orbit loss mechanism. No loss due to alpha particle driven instabilities has yet been observed. ICRF heating of a DT plasma, using the second harmonic of tritium, has been demonstrated. DT experiments on TFTR will continue both to explore the physics underlying the ITER design and to examine some of the physics issues associated with an advanced tokamak reactor
GRAIN DRYING USING CONTINUOUS AND PULSED MICROWAVE ENERGY

ABSTRACT A laboratory microwave oven was used to dry high-moisture corn samples. The microwave oven was operated in both continuous and pulsed modes at 250 W of magnetron power setting. In the pulsed mode, two magnetron power-on times of 10 s and 15 s were used each with different power-off times in the range of 20 s to 75 s. Drying was more rapid in the continuous mode than in the pulsed mode. But, the continuous mode required much higher total magnetron power-on times. In the pulsed mode, longer power-on times generally resulted in slightly faster drying; and the power-off times did not strongly influence the drying rate. Longer power-on times should be followed by relatively longer power-off times. For a given on-time, increase in power-off time helps to decrease the total power-on time required for drying. When the microwave oven was operated at 10 s of power-on and 75 s of power-off pulsing, it resulted in the lowest total power-on time.
Alzheimer's disease: Glutamate depletion in the hippocampal perforant pathway zone

The perforant pathway is the primary source of cortical input to the hippocampal formation. Its cells of origin, in the entorhinal cortex, are destroyed in Alzheimer's disease. Because the principal neurotransmitter of the perforant pathway's excitatory action is thought to be glutamate, we microdissected a portion of the pathway's terminal zone and assayed the excised tissue for glutamate. There was an 83% decrease in the level of free glutamate in subjects with Alzheimer's disease as compared to control subjects not affected by dementia (p less than 0.005). We believe that this diminution in the glutamate content is a direct neurochemical correlate of perforant pathway destruction and that disruption of this crucial corticolimbic pathway contributes to the memory dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.
One-Lung High-Frequency Ventilation for Tracheoplasty and Bronchoplasty: A New Technique

Abstract Major airway surgery requires the maintenance of adequate ventilation and oxygenation during the period of resection and reconstruction, as well as an unobstructed surgical field and optimal access to the airway's circumference. High-frequency positive-pressure ventilation (HFPPV) at a frequency of 1 Hz (60 breaths/min) or more, along with a small tidal volume (50 to 250 cc), provides adequate ventilation and oxygenation with minimal impairment of pulmonic and systemic circulatory functions. We have used HFPPV of one lung through a 2 mm internal diameter catheter in six patients (three undergoing right sleeve pneumonectomies, two having carinal tumor resections, and one having tracheal resection). High-frequency positive-pressure ventilation of the left lung provided continuous and adequate ventilation and oxygenation during the period of resection and reconstruction of the airways, while the small catheter permitted unimpaired visualization and adequate access to the operative site.
Extensive Calcification of the Myocardium Report of a Case

An unusual case of extensive calcification of the myocardium in a 25 year old woman is presented. Presumably it was the result of an earlier severe toxic or septic myocarditis.
Supported Parenting to Meet the Needs and Concerns of Mothers with Severe Mental Illness

Women with serious mental illness often parent without adequate support from psychiatric and behavioral health providers. The lack of such services is significant, given that women with SMI have children at the same or higher rates as women without psychiatric disabilities. In this call to action, we argue that the need to develop supported parenting initiatives for women with SMI is necessary and long overdue. First, we describe numerous social and systemic barriers in the U.S. that have hindered the development of parenting supports for women with SMI over the last century. We next describe recent qualitative and quantitative findings regarding the parenting needs and strengths of these mothers. Finally, we conclude with suggestions for future research, program development, and systems-level policy changes to support mothers with SMI in parenting most effectively.
Consecutive-k-out-of-n: F Networks

This paper develops a counting scheme for determining the reliability of a consecutive-k-out-of-n:F network. An example of such a network, a set of tables, and a comparative example are provided.
Probe atomization for laser enhanced ionization in a graphite tube furnace

Abstract Reported here is the first use of laser enhanced ionization (LEI) together with modern furnace technology, for the determination of metals in samples. The experimental arrangement that was used included a pulsed excimer pumped dye laser, a graphite tube furnace, and a graphite probe that was used for both sample introduction and as an electrode. For elements with excitation transitions which promoted the atoms to energy levels within 7000 cm−1 of the ionization limit, such as thallium, indium and lithium, detection limits in the 0.7–2 pg range were obtained. Lead, magnesium and iron, which were excited to levels between 24 000 cm−1 and 31 000 cm−1 from the ionization limit, had detection limits between 10 and 60 pg. The linear dynamic range for each of the elements was between three and four orders of magnitude, and the precision for aqueous standards was between 12 and 16%. Theoretical estimates showed that the final ionization step was collisional ionization, rather than photoionization or radiative ionization by furnace black-body emission, for transitions that were less than 15 000 cm−1 from the ionization continuum. However, for transitions that were more than 25 000 cm−1 from the ionization limit, photoionization and collisional ionization both contributed significantly to the LEI signal. Interferences from easily ionized elements and acids were studied, and indium was chosen as an example analyte. Sodium severely depressed the indium LEI signal in a graphite furnace. Nitric acid and sulfuric acid had little effect upon the indium LEI signal, but the signal was suppressed at high concentrations of hydrochloric acid, probably due to the formation of diatomic indium chloride.
Modulation of T‐cell Reactivity During Equine Pregnancy is Antigen Independent

Problem Pregnant mares demonstrate a reduction in cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) reactivity against cells from the breeding stallion. We investigated whether this effect is limited to activity against paternal major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, and whether it occurs during MHC-compatible pregnancy. Method of Study Mares were mated to carry MHC-compatible or MHC-incompatible pregnancies. CTL activity of these mares when pregnant and non-pregnant was measured against cells from horses with MHC haplotypes unrelated to the mare or breeding stallion. Results While carrying MHC-incompatible pregnancies, mares demonstrated reduced CTL activity against lymphocytes from third-party horses in addition to those from the breeding stallion. This effect was also observed in mares carrying MHC-compatible pregnancies. Conclusions The decrease in maternal T-cell reactivity characteristic of normal equine pregnancy is not restricted to paternal alloantigen, and occurs during MHC-matched matings. This suggests that antigen-independent mechanisms may be responsible for this reduction in cell-mediated immune activity.
Finite element analysis of the foot: Model validation and comparison between two common treatments of the clawed hallux deformity

Abstract Background Clawed hallux is defined by first metatarsophalangeal joint extension and first interphalangeal joint flexion; it can increase plantar pressures and ulceration risk. We investigated two corrective surgical techniques, the modified Jones and flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer. Methods A finite element foot model was modified to generate muscle overpulls, including extensor hallucis longus, flexor hallucis longus and peroneus longus. Both corrective procedures were simulated, predicting joint angle and plantar pressure changes. Findings The clawed hallux deformity was generated by overpulling: 1) extensor hallucis longus, 2) peroneus longus + extensor hallucis longus, 3) extensor hallucis longus + flexor hallucis longus and 4) all three together. The modified Jones reduced metatarsophalangeal joint angles, but acceptable hallux pressure was found only when there was no flexor hallucis longus overpull. The flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer reduced deformity at the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints but may extended the hallux due to the unopposed extensor hallucis longus. Additionally, metatarsal head pressure increased with overpulling of the extensor hallucis longus + flexor hallucis longus, and all three muscles together. Interpretation The modified Jones was effective in correcting clawed hallux deformity involving extensor hallucis longus overpull without flexor hallucis longus overpull. The flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer was effective in correcting clawed hallux deformity resulting from the combined overpull of both extensor and flexor hallucis longus, but not with isolated extensor hallucis longus overpull. An additional procedure to reduce the metatarsal head pressure may be required concomitant to the flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer. However this procedure avoids interphalangeal joint fusion.
DREAMS OF SUBJECTS WITH LOSS OF MEMORY FOR RECENT EVENTS

Dreams of six subjects with postencephalitic complete loss of memory for recent events were compared to dreams of control subjects with intact memory. The incidence of dreams decreased with the memory defect. Furthermore, the dreams were shorter, simpler, reality bound, lacked daily residue and emotional depth, and followed secondary-thought-type logic. They were stereotyped and repetitious. Instead of symbolically elaborated new attempted solutions for recent conflicts, these dreams contained the memory of events the subjects experienced before the onset of the memory defect. In each instance, the remembered event once offered a relief for a physiological need, similar to the one that precipitated the dream. Assuming that the mechanism of dreaming remains intact in these subjects with permanent memory loss for recent events, the results suggest that dreams of subjects with intact memory combine two processes: 1) a sensory stimulus of internal origin (e.g., an organic need) may serve as a decoding signal resulting in retrieval of an old memory trace; and 2) processes connected with perception and encoding the memory of recent events contribute the daily residue and the newly created symbolic elaboration of the daily residue, and old memory traces under an emotional impact.
Prevention of epidural fibrosis after laminectomy

Abstract Purpose of study: Epidural fibrosis contributes to failed back surgeries. Previously, many methods were used to reduce postlaminectomy scar with mixed results. The purpose of this study is to: 1) compare the effect of a thin barrier (Macropore) sheet and a hyaluronan (HA) gel using a control laminectomy model; 2) to examine the incisional wound integrity after treatment; and 3) to compare long-term and short-term results. Methods used: Bilateral laminectomies (L5 and L6) and a disc injury (L5–L6) were performed in 80 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats. There were four groups: 1) normal controls without surgery; 2) laminectomy without treatment; 3) HA gel and 4) a Macropore barrier sheet. The animals were sacrificed at 3 and 8 weeks for analysis. Sixty-six specimens were analyzed biochemically to determine the amount of total collagen from hydroxyproline content in the dura and the L5 nerve roots. Fourteen specimens were prepared and stained with Masson-Goldner Trichrome to assess collagen distribution. Twenty-seven healing surgical incisions were analyzed by uniaxial tensile testing to determine ultimate force, strain and prefailure stiffness. Statistics were performed using analysis of variance. of findings: Gross appearance and histology show that the untreated laminectomy scar becomes more adherent to the dorsum of the dura mater with time, whereas the barrier sheet and the HA gel prevented scar attachment to the dural sleeve in both the 3-week and 8-week study. The treatment groups showed significant (p Relationship between findings and existing knowledge: Wound healing experiments using HA are based on the concept of fetal healing. Fetal wounds heal without scar during the first two trimesters of gestation. Application of HA has been shown to decrease cutaneous scar formation in various models. Thus, HA represents a possible candidate for reduction of postlaminectomy scar formation. The barrier sheet, by walling off the overlying muscle may be effective in reducing cellular trafficking and vascular ingrowth into postlaminectomy defect. Because the barrier is a confined substrate, it should not interfere with normal posterior incisional wound healing. The current study confirmed the hypothesis that postlaminectomy scar formation can be attenuated by application of HA or placement of a particular barrier sheet. Furthermore, we show the antifibrotic agent used did not interfere with the incisional wound healing. Overall significance of findings: HA and Macropore barrier sheet treatment significantly reduced postlaminectomy peridural scar formation in this model without affecting the integrity of incisional wound healing. Furthermore, our results suggest untreated postlaminectomy scar is maturing with time, as indicated by increase collagen content and improvement of incisional mechanical properties. Disclosures: Device or drug: Healon. Status: approved. Device or drug: Macropore (70:30 absorbable poly L-lactide-co-D and Poly L-lactide). Status: approved. Conflict of interest: Jennifer Massie, grant research support: VA Merit Grant.
Dose to the inferior pharyngeal constrictor predicts prolonged gastrostomy tube dependence with concurrent intensity-modulated radiation therapy and chemotherapy for locally-advanced head and neck cancer.

Abstract Background and purpose To determine if dose and/or dose-volume parameters to anatomic swallowing structures are predictive of gastrostomy tube (PEG) dependence from chemotherapy-intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). Methods and materials A retrospective study was performed on 141 consecutive patients with LAHNC (squamous cell) treated with definitive chemoIMRT with weekly concurrent carboplatin and paclitaxel. Late dysphagia was assessed by length of PEG requirement. Analysis of IMRT dose was retrospectively performed for critical swallowing structures. Results Approximately 62% of patients required PEG, the majority placed during treatment. Mean and median time for PEG was 7.7 and 4.4months respectively (range 1.4–43.8). Only IMRT dose to the inferior constrictor was significantly associated with length of PEG. Mean dose (of individual mean doses) was 47Gy for prolonged PEG use versus 41Gy for PEG ⩽12months. V 40 to the inferior constrictor also correlated with PEG >12months ( p =0.02) with a mean V 40 of 48% versus 41% for PEG ⩽12months. Conclusions IMRT dose to the inferior constrictor correlated with persistent dysphagia requiring prolonged PEG use. Maintaining mean inferior constrictor dose to ⩽41Gy and V 40 to ⩽41% may help minimize gastrostomy tube dependence.
Asymptotic frame selection for binary black hole spacetimes: Post-Newtonian limit

One way to select a preferred frame from gravitational radiation is via the principal axes of $⟨{\mathcal{L}}_{(a}{\mathcal{L}}_{b)}⟩$, an average of the action of rotation group generators on the Weyl tensor at asymptotic infinity. In this paper we evaluate this time-domain average for a quasicircular binary using approximate (post-Newtonian) waveforms. For nonprecessing unequal-mass binaries, we show the dominant eigenvector of this tensor lies along the orbital angular momentum. For precessing binaries, this frame is not generally aligned with either the orbital or total angular momentum, working to leading order in the spins. The difference between these two quantities grows with time, as the binary approaches the end of the inspiral and both precession and higher harmonics become more significant.
Regulation of cardiolipin synthase levels in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae cardiolipin (CL) synthase encoded by the CRD1 gene catalyses the synthesis of CL, which is localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane and plays an important role in mitochondrial function. To investigate how CRD1 expression is regulated, a lacZ reporter gene was placed under control of the CRD1 promoter and the 5′-untranslated region of its mRNA (PCRD1-lacZ). PCRD1-lacZ expression was 2.5 times higher in early stationary phase than in logarithmic phase for glucose grown cells. Non-fermentable growth resulted in a two-fold elevation in expression relative to glucose grown cells. A shift from glycerol to glucose rapidly repressed expression, whereas a shift from glucose to glycerol had the opposite effect. The derepression of PCRD1-lacZ expression by non-fermentable carbon sources was dependent on mitochondrial respiration. These results support a tight coordination between translation and transcription of the CRD1 gene, since similar effects by the above factors on CRD1 mRNA levels have been reported. In glucose-grown cells, PCRD1-lacZ expression was repressed 70% in a pgs1Δ strain (lacks phosphatidylglycerol and CL) compared with wild-type and rho− cells and elevated 2.5-fold in crd1Δ cells, which have increased phosphatidylglycerol levels, suggesting a role for phosphatidylglycerol in regulating CRD1 expression. Addition of inositol to the growth medium had no effect on expression. However, expression was elevated in an ino4Δ mutant but not in ino2Δ cells, suggesting multiple and separate functions for the inositol-responsive INO2/INO4 gene products, which normally function as a dimer in regulating gene function. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.