cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trainees perception and experience in pleural procedures

Introduction Since the National Patient and Safety Agency(NPSA) 2008 report highlighted concerns around intercostal chest drains there has been a drive to improve clinical practice and patient safety.The NPSA and BTS advocate using ultrasound (US) when inserting drains for pleural effusions and the 2011 BTS pleural audit confirms that safer practices have been adopted albeit disparately. Trainees experience and training remains variable, and ascertaining practice and competence can be difficult to qualify or quantify. Aim To survey CMT (year 3 and 4 interns) experience and practices in pleural procedures for pleural effusions. Methodology CMTs at a Kent, Surrey & Sussex (KSS) Deanery regional training day were surveyed using audience response devices ensuring respondent anonymity and 100% response rate on their practice surrounding pleural procedures for effusions. Results Of 151 CMTs from 19 hospitals,49 trainees were anonymously surveyed.All trainees had done a diagnostic or therapeutic pleural tap, but only 37% with bedside US.97% of them had inserted a chest drain, of which 79% by seldinger techniques, 3% by surgical dissection method, and 15% having done both methods.Only 20% of trainees had inserted more than 10, 50% between 1 and 5 and 30% only one. 38% of chest drains were inserted with no US guidance;15% had “X” marks the spot by radiology and drain subsequently inserted on the ward;and 47% used bedside US at time of insertion. Conclusion Despite increased awareness on the potential for harm with chest drains,clinical practice remain variable.A more focussed approach which includes e-learning, simulation and practical workshops is needed to improve trainees’ competence and skill and consequently patient safety.
Missing great earthquakes

[1] The occurrence of three earthquakes with moment magnitude (Mw) greater than 8.8 and six earthquakes larger than Mw 8.5, since 2004, has raised interest in the long-term global rate of great earthquakes. Past studies have focused on the analysis of earthquakes since 1900, which roughly marks the start of the instrumental era in seismology. Before this time, the catalog is less complete and magnitude estimates are more uncertain. Yet substantial information is available for earthquakes before 1900, and the catalog of historical events is being used increasingly to improve hazard assessment. Here I consider the catalog of historical earthquakes and show that approximately half of all Mw ≥ 8.5 earthquakes are likely missing or underestimated in the 19th century. I further present a reconsideration of the felt effects of the 8 February 1843, Lesser Antilles earthquake, including a first thorough assessment of felt reports from the United States, and show it is an example of a known historical earthquake that was significantly larger than initially estimated. The results suggest that incorporation of best available catalogs of historical earthquakes will likely lead to a significant underestimation of seismic hazard and/or the maximum possible magnitude in many regions, including parts of the Caribbean.
Zimbabwe lives: autobiography as history

Re-Living the Second Chimurenga: Memories from Zimbabwe's Liberation Struggle Fay Chung Stockholm: Nordic Africa Institute/Harare: Weaver Press, 2006, 358 pp A Lifetime of Struggle Edgar Tekere Har...
Extraction of aortic wall lipids by high molecular weight dextrans.

Summary Bovine thoracic aortas were extracted with aqueous dextran, saline, and chloroformmethanol solutions in vitro. The data indicate that high molecular weight dextrans are capable of acting as lipid extractants. It is suggested that synthetic analogues of native ground-substance carbohydrates may possibly be of some use in reversing localized atherosclerotic foci by regional perfusion techniques.
Thinking about Linguistic Discrimination

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGWas eigentlich ist die Sprachdiskriminierung?Die sprachliche Ungleichheit wird als unvermeidbar geduldet, aber auch als falsch und widerrechtlich angegriffen. Dieser Widerspruch wird durch Mehrdeutigkeit gefordert. Mindestens funf sprachliche Ungleichheitsarten werden haufig erwahnt aber selten unterschieden. Diese Mehrdeutigkeit begunstigt diejenigen, die durch die Verschleierung von Ungerechtigkeit profitieren.Die Theorie der sprachlichen Ungleichheit ist kaum ausgearbeitet und last Begriffe wie "ungleiche Spracheignungen," "Sprachmacht," "sprachlicher Sexismus" und "Sprachdiskriminierung" ungenau. Verschiedene Ungleichheitsmase geben unterschiedliche Antworten auf solche Fragen wie "Ist Indien sprachlich mehr oder weniger ungleichheitlich als die UdSSR?"Rechtswissenschaftliche Arbeiten von Kloss, Van Dyke und anderen uber die sprachlichen Menschenrechte irren bei der Annahme, das die Behandlung von Sprachen notwendigerweise und deshalb gerechtigerweise ungleich ist. Solche Ansatze rechtfertigen willkurliche Anwendungen von Diskriminierungs-masstaben, wobei die Staatskosten minimiert werden und die Kosten des Einzelnen steigen. Es ware sinnvoller (1) die gleichartige Behandlung von Sprachen, (2) die gleichwertige Behandlung von Sprachen und (3) die gleichartige Behandlung von Sprechern zu unterscheiden. Das dritte dieser Prinzipien der sprachlichen Nichtdiskriminierung erlaubt nichtsprachliche Entschadigung fur sprachliche Nachteile und dadurch die theoretische Vereinbarkeit von Gleichheit und Effizienz. Es wirft allerdings neue theoretische, rechtliche und politische Fragen auf, darunter die sprachliche Anwendbarkeit des Enteignungsrechts und die sprachwandel-hemmende Wirkung von Nachteilentschadigungen.RESUMOLingva maljusteco kaj teoria malĝustecoOni akceptas la lingvan malegalecon pro gia neceseco sed kritikas gin pro gia maljusteco. Tiu duba sento dauras helpe de duba senco. Almenaŭ kvin oftaj sencoj de "lingva malegaleco" ekzistas, sed oni malofte distingas ilin. Tiu dubsenceco povas cefe kasi kaj do pliigi maljustecon.La teorio de lingva malegaleco praecas, do "malegalaj lingvokapabloj," "lingva potenco," "lingva seksismo," "lingva diskriminado" kaj similaj konceptoj malklaras. Diversaj malegalec-mezuroj male decidas ĉu, ekzemple, Hindujo ĉu Sovetunio lingve pli malegalas.Jursciencaj argumentoj pri lingvaj rajtoj, ekz. de Kloss kaj Van Dyke, malprave supozas ke endas kaj do justas trakti lingvojn malegale. Tiu skolo permesus preskau laŭbontrovajn decidojn pri la (mal)obeiteco de kontraŭdiskriminaj reguloj. Registaroj rajtus trakti lingvojn tiel ke la propraj kostoj malpleju dum la kostoj de iliaj ŝtatanoj altu. Pli inda analizo agnoskas triopon de "lingvaj egalecoj": (1) same trakti lingvojn, (2) egale trakti lingvojn, (3) egale trakti lingvanojn. La tria principo permesas nelingve kompensi lingvajn malavantagojn kaj, teorie, akordigi la egalecon kun la efikeco. Ĝi ankaŭ, tamen, kreas novajn problemojn teoriajn, jurajn kaj politikajn. Inter tiuj estas la eventuala lingva etendigo de la bienkonfiska juro kaj la kontrau-lingvolerna efiko de diskrimin-kompensoj.
SIMPLE CONDITIONS FOR GROWTH OF UNICELLULAR BLUE‐GREEN ALGAE ON PLATES

The efficiencies of plating of 2 cultures of unicellular blue-green algae, 1 coccoid and 1 rod-shaped, were studied systematically. Reproducible colony growth and accurate viable counts are dependent on the use of a low agar concentration, and on the sterilization of the agar separately from the mineral components of the medium.
Delayed appearance of lethal and specific gene mutations in irradiated mammalian cells.

Abstract We have examined the occurrence of lethal and 6-thioguanine resistant (hprt locus) mutants among the progeny of irradiated CHO and BALB/3T3 cells. The expression of lethal mutations, as measured by a reduced cloning efficiency in the progeny cell population, was detected up to 30 mean population doublings after x-radiation. Preliminary evidence indicates that the expression of mutations at the hprt locus may also be delayed for at least 67 population doublings. These results suggest that radiation can induce genetic instability in cells, resulting in an increased rate of spontaneous mutations which persists for many generations of cell division. These findings are discussed in terms of their possible influence on the response of irradiated tumor cell populations in vivo.
Macro/Micro Mechanical Level Characterization of Spot Friction Welded Lap Joints in 6111 Aluminum Alloy Using Combined Experimental/Numerical Approaches

Modal vibration testing and static flexure testing at the macromechanical level combined with numerical finite element (FE) models have been used to indirectly determine the elastic moduli of 6111 aluminum alloy base metal and spot friction welded (SFW) joints which have been formed at different processing times. It was observed that the frequency (and the corresponding apparent stiffness) of the joint oscillates at low amplitudes as processing time increases. For each vibration mode, the amplitude of the oscillation in the frequency vs. processing time is only a few percent of the mean frequency with 99% confidence level, while the corresponding lap shear strength increases monotonically by a factor of about 8 as the processing time increases. Due to the scatter in the damping data it is difficult to detect any significant trends. Comparison of predicted modal frequencies and static load-displacement response of SFW joints at the macromechanical level with the corresponding measured responses seems to indicate that the weld zone is not as stiff as the base metal, but more detailed micromechanical analysis is required before definite conclusions can be drawn. In addition, studies of microstructural characteristics and Vickers microhardness distributions across the weld zone for the SFW samples reveals the formation of a partial metallurgical bond in the direction of flow, which is governed by the tool used, whereas the hardness distribution in the weld zone depends on the processing time.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Acute Effects of Bilateral Lung Volume Reduction Surgery on Lung and Chest Wall Mechanical Properties

Study objectives To characterize acute changes in the dynamic, passive mechanical properties of the lungs and chest wall, elastance (E) and resistance (R), caused by lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS). Design Prospective data collection. Patients Nine anesthetized/paralyzed patients with severe emphysema. Interventions Bilateral LVRS. Measurements and results From measurements of airway and esophageal pressures and flow during mechanical ventilation throughout the physiologic range of breathing frequency ( f ) and tidal volume (VT), E and R of the total respiratory system (Ers and Rrs), lungs (EL and RL), and chest wall (Ecw and Rcw) immediately before and after LVRS were calculated. After surgery, Ers, EL, Rrs, and RL were all greatly increased at each combination of f and VT (p 0.05). The increases in EL were greatest in those patients with the lowest residual volumes, highest FEV 1 values, and highest maximum voluntary ventilations measured 3 months preoperatively (p Conclusion Acute effects of LVRS are large increases in lung elastic tension and resistance; these increases need to be considered in immediate postoperative care, and can be predicted roughly from results of preoperative pulmonary function tests.
Paleodemography of the Carlston Annis (Bt-5) Late Archaic skeletal population.

The study presents a demographic assessment of the Carlston Annis (Bt-5) Late Archaic hunting and gathering population recovered from the banks of the Green River in west-central Kentucky. The shell midden habitation and cemetery site originally yielded the remains of 390 individuals. Radiocarbon dates place site occupation between 3,000 and 4,500 y.b.p. The skeletal sample consisted of 354 individuals ranging in age from 7 months in utero to 70+ years. Subadults were aged by seriation of dental and skeletal developmental criteria. Adult ages were determined by the multifactorial summary age method that employed (1) five indicators of adult skeletal age at death, (2) the procedure of age indicator seriation, and (3) differential weighting of age assessments as determined by principal components analysis. Adult sex diagnoses were based on qualitative assessment of pelvic and cranial morphological criteria. The Bt-5 life table analysis yields an E0 of 22.4 years, crude birth of 45, mean family size of 3.3, gross reproductive rate of 2.7, generation length of 26.6 years, and B of .076, indicating a healthy population with a substantial capability to replace succeeding generations. Survivorship profiles and demographic parameters that compare the Carlston Annis (Bt-5) and Indian Knoll (Oh-2) skeletal series are presented. Both populations display type II survivorship curves, with high infant mortality and early onset of elevated mortality rates in adults. Major differences between Bt-5 and Oh-2 demographic parameters concern adult sex ratio and adult age distribution over 30 years. These differences are interpreted to reflect census errors in the Oh-2 demographic reconstruction that were possibly introduced by selective methodological biases and/or taphonomic factors.
A practical method of determining project risk contingency budgets

Given a collection of accepted risks with corresponding impacts and probabilities over the life of a project (or a relevant portion), a method to estimate the total potential impact at a given certainty is presented. Project sponsors and managers can decide their risk tolerance and set aside corresponding contingency funds. This analytic method uses a binomial distribution with a probability equal to the risks’ average probability. At a desired statistical confidence level, the number of risks to consider is determined, and risks are ranked in descending order of either impact or expected value of impact. The ranked risks’ impacts are then summed over the specified number of risks, leading to an appropriate contingency budget. The budget found with this method compares extremely well with the one ascertained from numerical simulations of the risk occurrences.
Geopolitical Legacies and Central European Export Linkages: A Historical and Gravity Model Analysis of Hungary

This paper analyzes Hungary's export linkages of the interwar and Cold War periods using gravity model and historical analyses. Hungary is a useful example of former Soviet satellites because it combines relative political stability (since 1956) and experimentation with the New Economic Mechanism (NEM) during the 1970s and 1980s. Historical analysis reveals seven events since World War I that changed Hungary's trade patterns. Gravity model analysis for 1955, 1965, 1975, and 1985 shows the dramatic cleavage of the “Iron Curtain,” the effect of the NEM, and particularly strong and weak linkages for Hungarian trade that may result from historical legacies, complementarity, or specific political contacts.
Preserving Patron Privacy in the 21st Century Academic Library

Abstract How do libraries reconcile increasing access to information and encouraging the use of 21st century technology systems and tools while also preserving patrons' privacy? This question is challenging for all libraries to address, but academic libraries must grapple with it while also considering other complex issues: not only do these libraries need to comply with the ALA's Library Bill of Rights and supporting documents, but they must also adhere to federal-, state-, and institution-level policies regarding student privacy and information security. This article presents how one university's libraries worked to both develop a public statement on patron privacy and identify behind-the-scenes issues with the collection, storage, and disposal of library patrons' private information. The strategies used herein may be helpful to other academic libraries as they consider patron privacy in the 21st century.
Women and Work: A Survey of Textbooks

The author discusses the content and level of analysis of nine books suitable for use in an undergraduate course on the role of women in the labor market.
Role of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase in platelet lipoxygenase metabolism

Abstract We have found that the occurrence of the 12-HPETE breakdown products, i.e., 12-THETE and 12-α-HEPA in platelet-arachidonate incubations, appears to be related to an inhibition of the platelet glutathione peroxidase system. This inhibition was induced by either high substrate levels of arachidonate, in the absence of glucose, the presence of the azo compound diamide or by selenium deficiency. These observations demonstrate the importance of the gluathione peroxidase system to lipoxygenase metabolism of essential fatty acids.
Natural Law in the Thought of Luther

Henry Drummond's Natural Law in the Spiritual World (1883) opens with the sentence: “Natural law is a new word.” But the term may claim a respectable antiquity: it goes back to the pre-Socratic philosophers. In Drummond's time it was merely being put to a new use. To him it meant the body of principles learned in the laboratories of physical science. In the long tradition of ethical, legal, and political thought from Hippias to Kant it implied a body of principles which, resting upon a divinely implanted endowment of human nature, underlie all acceptable ethical precepts, just laws, and sound political institutions.
[18F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in Aging and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is becoming an increasingly important public health problem. The clinical diagnosis of AD continues to be problematic and costly. [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-position
Postsynaptic currents at the Mauthner fiber giant synapse of the hatchetfish

Abstract Postsynaptic currents (PSCs) at the giant synapse between Mauthner and giant fibers of the hatchetfish Gasteropelecus were studied under voltage clamp. This axo-axonic synapse lies in the central nervous system beneath the floor of the 4th ventricle where electrodes can be closely positioned both pre- and postsynaptically. Transmission is nicotonic cholinergic. The PSCs produced by Mauthner fiber impulses rise rapidly to a peak and decay in two phases; an early more rapid phase is followed by a late slower phase. The slope conductance of the peak amplitude of the PSCs declines at more inside positive potentials. The late phase of decay is exponential and voltage dependent, becoming faster for PSCs evoked at more inside positive potentials. At potentials positive to about −40 mV the late phase merges with the early phase. The decay rate constant of the slowest phase is exponentially related to voltage for potentials negative to about −10 mV, but becomes less voltage dependent for more positive potentials. The peak current is independent of whether it is evoked during inward or outward active currents of the electrically excitable membrane, and two phase decays are observed in PSCs of reduced quantal content. Thus, changes in slope conductance and two phase decays are not due to series resistance or interactions between quanta. PSCs can be modeled by a 3 state reaction scheme in which closed channels open when they bind transmitter and then can pass to a second closed state with receptor still bound such that they must return through the open state before losing their transmitter and returning to the resting, closed state.
Responses of brain and non-brain endothelial cells to meningitis-causing Escherichia coli K1

Bacterial interaction with specific host tissue may contribute to its propensity to cause an infection in a particular site. In this study, we examined whether meningitis-causing Escherichia coli K1 interaction with human brain microvascular endothelial cells, which constitute the blood-brain barrier, differed from its interaction with non-brain endothelial cells derived from skin and umbilical cord. We showed that E. coli K1 association was significantly greater with human brain microvascular endothelial cells than with non-brain endothelial cells. In addition, human brain microvascular endothelial cells maintained their morphology and intercellular junctional resistance in response to E. coli K1. In contrast, non-brain endothelial cells exhibited decreased transendothelial electrical resistance and detachment from the matrix upon exposure to E. coli K1. These different responses of brain and non-brain endothelial cells to E. coli K1 may form the basis of E. coli K1's propensity to cause meningitis.
Inhibitory effect of binocular rivalry suppression is independent of orientation

Abstract A series of experiments examined the relationship between the inhibitory effect of binocular rivalry suppression and the difference in orientation of dichoptically viewed gratings. Using forced-choice techniques, it was found that test-probe detection was impaired during periods of suppression by an amount which was invariant with orientation differences. These data are inconsistent with a recently proposed neural model of binocular suppression based on inhibition between cortical feature detectors.
Simultaneous inversion for mantle shear velocity and topography of transition zone discontinuities

SUMMARY Until now, modelling of three-dimensional (3-D) velocity variations in the mantle and topography of the transition zone discontinuities have been considered separately. Velocity models were obtained assuming that the radii of the discontinuities are constant. Then, the travel time data sensitive to the topography, such as the SS precursors, were corrected for the effect of 3-D seismic structure and inverted for depth variations of a discontinuity. Such a procedure is unsatisfactory, as it may introduce artefacts that could significantly affect the topographic results; the opposite trade-off is less likely to introduce conceptually important changes in the velocity distribution but should also be considered. In this study we bring together the same set of S-velocity sensitive data as used by Gu et al. and combine it with a large set of differential travel times of SS-S400S, S-S670S, and direct measurements of S400S–S670S. We formulate the inverse problem in terms of the volumetric (3-D) and topographic (2-D) perturbations for both the 400- and 670-km discontinuities. The best-fitting model of the joint inversion significantly improves the variance reduction of SS-S400S and SS-S670S residuals. The velocity distribution in the resulting model, TOPOS362D1, is very similar to that in model S362D1 (with correlation coefficients >0.9 throughout the mantle), which indicates that lateral variations of discontinuity depths have only minor influence on global modelling of velocity. Important changes, however, have been made to the topography of the 400- and 670-km discontinuities with respect to those obtained earlier assuming an existing velocity model. The overall undulation of the 400-km discontinuity is considerably less than that reported by earlier global studies; in TOPOS362D1 its maximum variation does not exceed 12 km. The strong degree-1 component before the joint inversion has decreased, such that the correlation between the velocities above the discontinuity and the shape of the discontinuity itself has substantially diminished. Spatially, this result means a significant diminution in the strength of the earlier reported depression of the 400-km discontinuity under the Pacific. The power spectrum of the topography of the 670-km discontinuity has been enriched in long wavelength component, especially in degree 2. The range of depth variations is ±18 km and its shape correlates well with the radially averaged velocity perturbations in the transition zone. At wavelengths greater than 1000 km, there is little correlation between the depth perturbations of the 400- and 670-km discontinuities. The topography of the 400-km discontinuity does not appear to be strongly influenced by thermal structures potentially associated with subduction processes and plumes. This implies that thermal influence on the olivine α- to β-phase transformation may not fully account for the observed depth variations; dynamical effects and potential variations in composition may be important near the top of the transition zone.
Inhibition of mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase activity during the execution phase of apoptosis prevents apoptotic body formation.

Abstract The objective of this study was to understand factors responsible for apoptotic body formation and release during apoptosis. We have found that inhibition of mono-ADP ribosylation after ultraviolet (UV) light induction of apoptosis in HL-60 cells does not block caspase-3 activation, gelsolin cleavage, or endonucleolytic DNA fragmentation. However, the cytoskeletal features of apoptosis leading to apoptotic body formation and release were inhibited by meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) and novobiocin, potent inhibitors of arginine-specific mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases (mono-ADPRTs). Suppression of mono-ADP ribosylation as late as 120 min following UV irradiation blocked the depolymerization of actin and release of apoptotic bodies. This suggested that the cytoskeletal changes of apoptosis may be decoupled from the caspase cascade and that there may be a biochemical event either distal to or independent of caspase-3 that regulates apoptotic body formation. To test the hypothesis that ADP ribosylation of actin may occur with the induction of apoptosis, an in vivo assay of mono-ADPRT activity using an antibody against ADP-ribosylarginine was used. An approximately 64% increase in the ADP ribosylation of actin was observed at 2 h following exposure to UV light. When MIBG or novobiocin was present, the ADP ribosylation of actin was only 14–18% above the levels observed in control nonirradiated cells. The current study is the first to demonstrate a relationship between ADP-ribosylation of actin and the formation of apoptotic bodies.
Dual function lipin proteins and glycerolipid metabolism

Lipin family proteins are emerging as crucial regulators of lipid metabolism. In triglyceride synthesis, lipins act as lipid phosphatase enzymes at the endoplasmic reticular membrane, catalyzing the dephosphorylation of phosphatidic acid to form diacylglycerol, which is the penultimate step in this process. However, lipin proteins are not integral membrane proteins, and can rapidly translocate within the cell. In fact, emerging evidence suggests that lipins also play crucial roles in the nucleus as transcriptional regulatory proteins. Thus, lipins are poised to regulate cellular lipid metabolism at multiple regulatory nodal points. This review summarizes the history of lipin proteins, and discusses the current state of our understanding of lipin biology.
Vitamin E treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in children: a pilot study.

Aim: To determine whether supplemental oral vitamin E is effective in lowering serum aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels in children with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) associated with obesity. Study design: Open-label pilot study enrolling all children Results: Eleven subjects with a mean age of 12.4 years were enrolled; treated patients were followed up for 4 to 10 months. The body mass index did not change significantly before and after treatment (32.8 ± 3.8 kg/m 2 vs 32.5 ± 4.4 kg/m 2 , respectively). Serum alanine aminotransferase decreased from 175 ± 106 IU/L to 40 ± 26 IU/L ( P P P Conclusions: Daily oral vitamin E administration normalized serum aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels in children with NASH. Obese children with NASH should be encouraged to lose weight as part of a comprehensive weight reduction program and to consider taking supplemental α-tocopherol.
Acquired Fanconi's Syndrome Associated with Tenofovir Therapy

Tenofovir (Viread®) is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor introduced into the United States in 2001. It is frequently prescribed not only for its efficacy but also for its decreased side effect profile compared with other nucleoside analogs. It is now increasingly recognized as a cause of acquired Fanconi's syndrome (FS) in human immunodeficient individuals. We describe a case of a patient with AIDS, who, after starting tenofovir therapy, developed myalgias, renal failure, and profound electrolyte abnormalities compatible with the classic features of FS. On discontinuation of tenofovir and replacement of electrolytes, the individual improved clinically with normalization of his renal failure and electrolyte abnormalities. With the success of tenofovir in the anti-HIV drug market, practitioners should remain alert to the possibility of the development of FS. Frequent urine, renal, and electrolyte parameters should be measured at regular intervals following initiation of tenofovir therapy.
The role of Addington v. Texas on involuntary civil commitment.

The United States Supreme Court in 1979 set the standard for involuntary commitment. This decision, styled Addington v Texas, raised the burden of proof required to commit persons from the usual civil burden of proof of "preponderance of the evidence" to "clear and convincing" evidence. There was no reduction in the rates of commitment as a result of the decision. The proportion of patients committed in Texas grew in almost linear fashion during the years 1972-1986. Various economic, sociological, and treatment factors may have more influence on commitment of patients than does a court decision.
Membrane crystals of Ca2+ ATPase in sarcoplasmic reticulum of normal and dystrophic muscle

Two-dimensional crystalline arrays of the Ca2+ transport ATPase develop after treatment of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles with Na3VO4. The dimensions of the crystal lattice are similar in sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes isolated from normal and genetically dystrophic human, mouse, and chicken muscles. These observations indicate similar requirements for ATPase-ATPase interactions in sarcoplasmic reticulum of normal and dystrophic muscles and lessen the likelihood of a molecular defect of the Ca2+ pump in the various forms of genetic muscular dystrophies.
Insights on Species Richness and Turnover from Long-Term Ecological Research: Fishes in North Temperate Lakes

SYNOPSIS. We examined eleven years of annual survey data on fish assemblages in seven lakes. Expectations based on biogeographic literature were that, owing to the isolation of lakes, fish species structure should be relatively stable and species turnover low. Our original objective was to determine whether lakes house relatively stable fish assemblages or ones with high rates of species turnover. Methodological issues became apparent that caused us to consider issues of rare species and sample sufficiency.Our data were from samples rather than complete counts and rare species could have been missed. In our results mean annual richness was considerably lower than cumulative richness. In addition, species turnover was overestimated and decreased exponentially as the number of yearsbetween observation increased. Sampling variability might explain these results; however, given the same number of survey years, cumulative richness increased with the number of years between observations. Apparently extinctions and invasions occurred even within eleven years, but uncertainty remains because rare taxa can be missed and their appearances and disappearances in the record influence estimates of richness and turnover. To compensate for this problem we removed rare taxa and corrected turnover rates by removing an estimate of sampling error (the turnover rate between adjacent years). Even using these conservative approaches, estimates of turnover among lakes ranged from 0.36% to 0.50% per year. Because the threshold for species detection by most sampling regimes is greater than zero, survey data are expected to underestimate species richness and overestimate species turnover even with standardized methods. Conservation biologists should evaluate claims of decline in species richness against such considerations
Biochemical characterization of cell-death via Raman spectroscopy

Necrosis is the dominant form of cell-death that results from several modalities of cancer treatment. An estimate of post-treatment necrosis serves as an useful indicator of treatment efficacy and tumor response. A non-invasive means of identifying necrosis would serve as a useful clinical tool. In this study, we use Raman spectroscopy for the biochemical characterization of necrosis. Necrosis formation in tissue has been modeled in vitro by the use of multicellular spheroids. The relative amounts of various biochemical components have been estimated and correlated with quantitative estimates of necrosis.
Temperature difference between the body core and arterial blood supplied to the brain during hyperthermia or hypothermia in humans

A vascular heat transfer model is developed to simulate temperature decay along the carotid arteries in humans, and thus, to evaluate temperature differences between the body core and arterial blood supplied to the brain. Included are several factors, including the local blood perfusion rate, blood vessel bifurcation in the neck, and blood vessel pairs on both sides of the neck. The potential for cooling blood in the carotid artery by countercurrent heat exchange with the jugular veins and by radial heat conduction to the neck surface was estimated. Cooling along the common and internal carotid arteries was calculated to be up to 0.87 °C during hyperthermia by high environmental temperatures or muscular exercise. This model was also used to evaluate the feasibility of lowering the brain temperature effectively by placing ice pads on the neck and head surface or by wearing cooling garments during hypothermia treatment for brain injury or other medical conditions. It was found that a 1.1 °C temperature drop along the carotid arteries is possible when the neck surface is cooled to 0 °C. Thus, the body core temperature may not be a good indication of the brain temperature during hyperthermia or hypothermia.
Clues to positive birth outcomes in New Mexico

Childbearing women in New Mexico possess several characteristics known to be associated with poor pregnancy outcomes: late entry into prenatal care and few visits, a high rate of teen pregnancy, low family income, and ethnic and minority group membership. Despite these, rates of low birth weight and infant mortality in New Mexico remain at or below those for all American women. Data from the 1988 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey were used to compare characteristics of New Mexico women with women in the southwest and with all American women to identify factors that may contribute to favorable pregnancy outcomes in New Mexico. Observed differences that warrant further study were: a high proportion of births for Hispanic women, greater gestational weight gain, and a high rate of participation in the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
Intensity measurements in freon bands of atmospheric interest

The absolute intensities of the i.r. absorption bands, which are located in the atmospheric window region, of CFCl3 (“Freon-11”) and CF2Cl2 (“Freon-12”) have been measured at 300°K. Our best estimates for these parameters are: for CFCl3 (“Freon-11”), Sv = 635±36 cm-2atm-1 (9.2μ band), Sv = 1536±45 cm-2atm-1 (11.8μ band); for CF2Cl2 (“Freon-12”), Sv = 718±14 cm-2atm-1 (8.7μ band), Sv = 1136±22 cm-2atm-1 (9.1μ band), and Sv = 1302±40 cm-2atm-1 (10.9μ band).
A Curative Method for the Assay of Vitamin D with Chicks

Abstract INTEREST in methods of evaluating vitamin D supplements for poultry feeding has increased greatly in the last few years. In the early work of this laboratory (Carver et al. 1933), the preventive, or prophylactic, method of determining the comparative vitamin D potency of vitamin D supplements was used for several years. It was recognized that this method of assay had many limitations, some of which could be corrected. Some of these variable factors observed were: (1) the variability of chicks, (2) the absence of a standardized U.S.P. vitaman D reference oil for chicks, (3) the effect of the individual carry-over of vitamin D from the hen to the chick, (4) the relation of the quantity and ratio of calcium and phosphorous. Evidence was presented by Murphy (1936) to show that the vitamin D reserve of the chick was dependent upon the vitamin D intake of the parent stock and was . . .
Collagen Injection for Female Urinary Incontinence After Urethral or Periurethral Surgery

Purpose: We evaluated the result of periurethral collagen injection in incontinent patients after prior urethral surgery.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the charts of patients who underwent periurethral collagen injection between January 2000 and December 2006 for persistent stress urinary incontinence after a failed suspension procedure or urethral repair. Preoperative assessment included the validated Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 symptom questionnaire, a single global quality of life score, history and physical examination, cystogram while standing and multichannel urodynamics. All patients had a well supported urethra and intrinsic sphincteric deficiency. Outcome measures included questionnaires and 3-dimensional urethral ultrasound at 6 weeks, 6 to 12 months and yearly thereafter. In patients who were still symptomatic after the first injection a repeat injection was considered when there was asymmetrical or low collagen volume on ultrasound, and another therapy was considered when ultrasound fi...
Psychotherapeutic drugs and biogenic amines. Current concepts and therapeutic implications.

Over the last 2 decades evidence has continued to accumulate from studies in various model systems that drugs effective in the treatment of major psychiatric disorders alter biogenic amines which function as neurotransmitters. As a result of these findings, various hypotheses have been formulated that there is a fundamental abnormality of one or another of the biogenic amine systems (i.e. the serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems) in the affective disorders and schizophrenia. Numerous attempts have been made to assess these biogenic amine hypotheses, primarily through quantitation of the major metabolites of the amines and recently by assessment of receptor sensitivity or density. The combination of basic pharmacological and clinical research has shown that there are biochemical subtypes, especially among those with affective illness, which might show a preferential response to biochemically specific drugs. If verified, such research constitutes a significant therapeutic advance. The status of these investigations is critically assessed in this review.
Size dependence of exciton fine structure in CdSe quantum dots

We use photoluminescence excitation and fluorescence line narrowing spectroscopies to examine structure observed in the band-edge absorption feature of CdSe quantum dots. We study eight samples ranging from \ensuremath{\sim}15 to \ensuremath{\sim}50 \AA{} in radius to probe the size dependence of this structure. We compare our results with recent theories, which predict band-edge exciton splittings in CdSe dots due to their internal crystal structure, nonspherical shape, and the exchange interaction between the electron and hole. We find reasonable agreement between our data and theory, supporting the observation of exciton fine structure. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Shock-induced chemical reactions and synthesis of nickel aluminides

Chemical reactions in Ni and Al powder mixtures, initiated by the passage of shock waves, are used for the synthesis of nickel aluminides. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the extent of these shock-induced chemical reactions and the type (stoichiometry) of shock-synthesized compound formed depend on shock-loading conditions and the initial powder particle morphology. More intense shock conditions and irregular powder morphology assist in attaining an intimately (mechanically) mixed and activated closed-packed mass, thereby favoring bulk chemical reactions and resulting in the synthesis of compounds. While the Ni3Al compound is the preferred reaction product at lower shock conditions, more intense shock conditions favor the formation of the equiatomic B2-phase NiAl compound (having highest melting temperature and highest heat of reaction in contrast to other nickel aluminides), in spite of the starting powders mixed in a volumetric ratio corresponding to the Ni3Al compound.
Integrated activity of PDZ protein complexes regulates epithelial polarity

Polarized cells contain numerous membrane domains, but it is unclear how the formation of these domains is coordinated to create a single integrated cell architecture. Genetic screens of Drosophila melanogaster embryos have identified three complexes, each containing one of the PDZ domain proteins — Stardust (Sdt), Bazooka (Baz) and Scribble (Scrib) — that control epithelial polarity and formation of zonula adherens. We find that these complexes can be ordered into a single regulatory hierarchy that is initiated by cell adhesion-dependent recruitment of the Baz complex to the zonula adherens. The Scrib complex represses apical identity along basolateral surfaces by antagonizing Baz-initiated apical polarity. The Sdt-containing Crb complex is recruited apically by the Baz complex to counter antagonistic Scrib activity. Thus, a finely tuned balance between Scrib and Crb complex activity sets the limits of the apical and basolateral membrane domains and positions cell junctions. Our data suggest a model in which the maturation of epithelial cell polarity is driven by integration of the sequential activities of PDZ-based protein complexes.
On Galois Algebras Satisfying the Fundamental Theorem

Let B be a Galois algebra over a commutative ring R with Galois group G such that B H is a separable subalgebra of B for each subgroup H of G. Then it is shown that B satisfies the fundamental theorem if and only if B is one of the following three types: (1) B is an indecomposable commutative Galois algebra, (2) B = Re ⊕ R(1 − e) where e and 1 − e are minimal central idempotents in B, and (3) B is an indecomposable Galois algebra such that for each separable subalgebra A, V B (A) = ⨁∑ g∈G(A) J g , and the centers of A and B G(A) are the same where V B (A) is the commutator subring of A in B, J g = {b ∈ B | bx = g(x)b for each x ∈ B} for a g ∈ G, and G(A) = {g ∈ G | g(a) = a for all a ∈ A}.
A new supervised learning algorithm for multiple spiking neural networks with application in epilepsy and seizure detection

A new Multi-Spiking Neural Network (MuSpiNN) model is presented in which information from one neuron is transmitted to the next in the form of multiple spikes via multiple synapses. A new supervised learning algorithm, dubbed Multi-SpikeProp, is developed for training MuSpiNN. The model and learning algorithm employ the heuristic rules and optimum parameter values presented by the authors in a recent paper that improved the efficiency of the original single-spiking Spiking Neural Network (SNN) model by two orders of magnitude. The classification accuracies of MuSpiNN and Multi-SpikeProp are evaluated using three increasingly more complicated problems: the XOR problem, the Fisher iris classification problem, and the epilepsy and seizure detection (EEG classification) problem. It is observed that MuSpiNN learns the XOR problem in twice the number of epochs compared with the single-spiking SNN model but requires only one-fourth the number of synapses. For the iris and EEG classification problems, a modular architecture is employed to reduce each 3-class classification problem to three 2-class classification problems and improve the classification accuracy. For the complicated EEG classification problem a classification accuracy in the range of 90.7%-94.8% was achieved, which is significantly higher than the 82% classification accuracy obtained using the single-spiking SNN with SpikeProp.
Ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (RSK1) activation requires signals dependent on and independent of the MAP kinase ERK.

Abstract Background: The rsk1 gene encodes the 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (RSK1) protein, which contains two kinase domains. RSK1, which is involved in regulating cell survival and proliferation, lies at the end of the signaling cascade mediated by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) subfamily of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. ERK activation and subsequent phosphorylation of the RSK1 carboxy-terminal catalytic loop stimulates phosphotransferase activity in the RSK1 amino-terminal kinase domain. When activated, RSK1 phosphorylates both nuclear and cytoplasmic substrates through this amino-terminal catalytic domain. It is thought that stimulation of the ERK/MAP kinase pathway is sufficient for RSK1 activation, but how ERK phosphorylation activates the RSK1 amino-terminal kinase domain is not known. Results: The individual isolated RSK1 kinase domains were found to be under regulatory control. In vitro kinase assays established that ERK phosphorylates RSK1 within the carboxy-terminal kinase domain, and the phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) phosphorylates RSK1 within the amino-terminal kinase domain. In transiently transfected HEK 293E cells, PDK1 alone stimulated phosphotransferase activity of an isolated RSK1 amino-terminal kinase domain. Nevertheless, activation of full-length RSK1 in the absence of serum required activation by both PDK1 and ERK. Conclusions: RSK1 is phosphorylated by PDK1 in the amino-terminal kinase-activation loop, and by ERK in the carboxy-terminal kinase-activation loop. Activation of phosphotransferase activity of full-length RSK1 in vivo requires both PDK1 and ERK. RSK1 activation is therefore regulated by both the mitogen-stimulated ERK/MAP kinase pathway and a PDK1-dependent pathway.
Radical reduction in the rate of extensive corrective surgery for clubfoot using the Ponseti method.

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Ponseti method in reducing extensive corrective surgery rates for congenital idiopathic clubfoot. Methods. Consecutive case series were conducted from January 1991 through December 2001. A total of 157 patients (256 clubfeet) were evaluated. All patients were treated by serial manipulation and casting as described by Ponseti. Main outcome measures included initial correction of the deformity, extensive corrective surgery rate, and relapses. Results. Clubfoot correction was obtained in all but 3 patients (98%). Ninety percent of patients required ≤5 casts for correction. Average time for full correction of the deformity was 20 days (range: 14–24 days). Only 4 (2.5%) patients required extensive corrective surgery. There were 17 (11%) relapses. Relapses were unrelated to age at presentation, previous unsuccessful treatment, or severity of the deformity (as measured by the number of Ponseti casts needed for correction). Relapses were related to noncompliance with the foot-abduction brace. Four patients (2.5%) underwent an anterior tibial tendon transfer to prevent further relapses. Conclusions. The Ponseti method is a safe and effective treatment for congenital idiopathic clubfoot and radically decreases the need for extensive corrective surgery. This technique can be used in children up to 2 years of age even after previous unsuccessful nonsurgical treatment.
Comment on 3PL IRT Adjustment for Guessing

Guessing behavior is an issue discussed widely with regard to multiple choice tests. Its primary effect is on number-correct scores for examinees at lower levels of proficiency. This is a systemati...