cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Standardized Ictal Assessment: Improving the Quality of an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (2018)

Objective: To identify whether introducing a standardized ictal assessment improves the quality of information obtained during an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) stay. Background: The utility of long term video-EEG monitoring to characterize events and localize seizures is well established. Analysis of electrographic and clinical information from recorded events informs the clinician to provide the optimal treatment. However, the unpredictable and variable nature of seizures limits the accuracy and detail of ictal assessments. Like the NIHSS used in the assessment of stroke, using a standardized observational tool during ictal assessments may improve accuracy. To date, no standardized tool for ictal assessments has been developed. Design/Methods: The local RSRB at the University of Rochester approved this study. Consecutive patients admitted to the EMU for two consecutive months were screened for the presence of “event” button triggered ictal assessments. Patients were excluded if they were After the two months, there was a nursing staff quality improvement intervention; nurses had didactic training regarding ictal assessments and were provided a simple ictal assessment card to attach to ID badges as a reminder. Ictal assessments were again analyzed regarding their completeness over the following month. Results: In the pre-QI group 34 patients had 96 ictal assessments performed. The post-QI group 12 patients had 62 events ictal assessments performed. The quality of the ictal assessments performed improved in the post-QI group than in the pre-QI group (68% vs. 45%). The improvement persisted over all the individual domains except for the post-ictal behavior domain which was unchanged. Conclusions: Providing medical staff with formal didactic training and a simple standardized ictal assessment form improves the quality of the ictal assessments performed in the EMU. Disclosure: Dr. Hanrahan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Liu has received research support from SKLife and UCB as Principal Investigator for studies..
Pertinence de la création d’une unité transversale d’éducation du patient au sein d’un GHT

Introduction : Le developpement notoire de l’education therapeutique du patient (ETP) ces dernieres annees sur le territoire national, du en grande partie a son inscription dans la legislation francaise, a permis a de multiples acteurs de sante de proposer aux patients des activites d’ETP. Au vu de cette evolution rapide de l’ETP, de nombreux etablissements creent des unites transversales d’education du patient (UTEP) en leur sein pour coordonner l’offre educative, ses organisations et ses pratiques. Elles sont souvent deployees dans les CHU et les etablissements de sante de grande taille. Objectif : Le developpement des UTEP pourrait s’envisager dans le cadre des recents dispositifs de groupements hospitaliers de territoire (GHT) regissant la cooperation entre plusieurs etablissements publics de sante d’un meme territoire. Description : L’UTEP de GHT coordonnerait l’ETP a l’echelle d’un departement « dans » et « hors les murs » des etablissements publics faisant parties du GHT, pour rendre accessibles et claires les offres d’ETP pour les patients et pour tous les partenaires de sante du departement. Conclusion : La constitution d’un GHT pourrait etre une occasion pour creer une UTEP departementale afin de promouvoir et developper l’ETP au sein d’un departement, en utilisant ce GHT comme support methodologique et de diffusion.
First Receivers: Managing Blast Injuries upon Hospital Arrival

Victims of explosions are uncommon in civilian emergency departments, but when encountered, polytrauma from multiple mechanisms may be present in any one individual patient, and multiple casualties may present simultaneously or in rapid succession. Penetrating, blunt, and thermal mechanisms of injury occur. Some initial survivors, particularly those who were in enclosed spaces or in water, may have unique injuries caused by the high-pressure blast wave. Blood in the airways, pulmonary contusions, and pneumothoraces may lead to hypoxemia. Uncontrolled hemorrhage, tension pneumothoraces, and arterial air emboli may lead to cardiovascular compromise. Injuries of the brain, eyes, ears, and bowel may present with subtle findings. Intentional contamination with chemical, biological, or radiological materials may pose risks to healthcare providers. All these factors can complicate triage and treatment decisions upon hospital arrival and throughout courses of care. Initial triage methodologies applied during the chaotic or disordered arrival phase should be followed up with more detailed examinations seeking to identify these specific problems. Knowledge, planning, and rehearsals are the keys to mitigating potentially preventable morbidity and mortality.
Association between the lengths of excised obstructed vas deferens segments at the time of vasovasostomy and surgical outcomes.

Objective This study aimed to determine whether the length of the excised obstructed vas deferens at vasovasostomy (VV) performed for fertility is associated with semen parameters and/or pregnancy outcomes postoperatively. Material and methods The patients who underwent a VV at our institution from September 2004 to December 2018 were contacted via questionnaire and a chart review was performed. Linear and logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between the length of the obstructed vas deferens removed and postoperative outcomes including sperm concentration, motility, and successful pregnancy after reversal. Results A total of 83/170 questionnaires were returned. After exclusions, a total of 35 patients were included for analysis. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 40.1 years and the mean time since vasectomy 9.3 years. The mean length of the obstructed vas deferens removed during VV was 2.25 cm. The longer the vas deferens segments removed, the more significant was the increase in sperm motility at 3 and 9 months postoperatively (p=0.011 and 0.008, respectively), but decreased sperm motility at 6 months (p=0.029). In 75.9% of the patients, sperm was present postoperatively, 23.2% achieved pregnancy through natural conception, and 55.8% achieved pregnancy using assisted reproductive techniques. There was no significant relationship between the length of the vas deferens removed and sperm concentration or pregnancy achieved after surgery. Conclusion In this cohort, the length of the excised obstructed vas deferens at VV was associated with improved sperm motility at 3 and 9 months postoperatively but not with pregnancy outcomes.
In Reply: Contemporary Analysis of Minimal Clinically Important Difference in the Neurosurgical Literature.

Background Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is determined when a patient or physician defines the minimal change that outweighs the costs and untoward effects of a treatment. These measurements are "anchored" to validated quality-of-life instruments or physician-rated, disease-activity indices. To capture the subjective clinical experience in a measurable way, there is an increasing use of MCID. Objective To review the overall concept, method of calculation, strengths, and weaknesses of MCID and its application in the neurosurgical literature. Methods Recent articles were reviewed based on PubMed query. To illustrate the strengths and limitations of MCID, studies regarding the measurement of pain are emphasized and their impact on subsequent publications queried. Results MCID varies by population baseline characteristics and calculation method. In the context of pain, MCID varied based on the quality of pain, chronicity, and treatment options. Conclusion MCID evaluates outcomes relative to whether they provide a meaningful change to patients, incorporating the risks and benefits of a treatment. Using MCID in the process of evaluating outcomes helps to avoid the error of interpreting a small but statistically significant outcome difference as being clinically important.
Describing and Predicting COVID19 Evolution Using Pandemic Equation

The COVID-19 pandemic evolution is accurately described by the new Pandemic Equation, which is the generalized rate equation describing the pandemic curve flattening and accounting for the mitigation measures, such as the introduction or removal of the quarantine, and for the effect of vaccination or drugs, when and if introduced. The Pandemic Equation model allows for an easy parameter extraction amenable to training Artificial Intelligence model for the automatic parameter extraction. The predictive capabilities of the Pandemic Equation are based on the parameter ranges extracted from multiple localities with well advanced pandemic evolution correlated with the mitigation measures.)
Clinical Trials in Localized Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

Recent advances in surgical techniques, bladder cancer molecular biology discoveries, access to point-of-care genomic biomarker platforms, and therapy options in metastatic bladder cancer patients suggest that significant improvements in the options and outcomes for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) are achievable. Indeed, multiple MIBC clinical trials with practice-changing impact are ongoing. This chapter provides a synopsis of the key populations, designs, and endpoints under investigation in these important MIBC trials.
Hitting the buffers.

Bruce C. Gibb reminds us that buffers are not necessarily innocent bystanders and that they can bind to biomacromolecules too.
Rural African Americans and progressive reform

L'A. analyse et compare les reformes qui ont concerne l'agriculture du sud des Etats-Unis entre 1880 et la premiere guerre mondiale et le bien-etre des noirs americains dans le monde agraire
Afferent Loop Syndrome

Afferent loop syndrome (ALS) is caused by mechanical obstruction of the afferent loop of a double-barrel gastrojejunostomy. Patients with ALS may present with the acute form due to complete obstruction, usually in the early postoperative period and requiring emergent surgical intervention, or chronic form due to partial obstruction, usually in the late postoperative period and requiring elective treatment. Recent studies suggest the incidence of ALS ranges from 0.2 to 13 %. ALS may be caused by a number of postoperative conditions or surgical techniques. Symptoms associated with ALS are caused by increased intraluminal pressure secondary to accumulation of enteric secretions in a partially or completely obstructed afferent limb. In acute ALS, high intraluminal pressures can lead to ischemia, perforation, and peritonitis. In chronic ALS, stasis of enteric secretions leads to bacterial overgrowth and bile acid deconjugation, resulting in malabsorption. Patients with ALS may present with abdominal pain, distension, vomiting, steatorrhea, diarrhea, and megaloblastic anemia. ALS requires correcting the mechanical obstruction in the afferent loop using endoscopic or surgical interventions.
TU‐G‐204‐08: Investigation of Volume Adjustment Techniques in Low Dose CT Lung Densitometry

Purpose: Low dose CT for lung densitometry has shown utility in evaluating severity and progression of pulmonary emphysema in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Effort is underway at QIBA to standardize measurement protocols based on published longitudinal studies on non-diseased subjects. The purpose of this report is to assess an important component of the densitometry CT data interpretation: the volume adjustment necessary to reduce the effect of respiration on density. Methods: The 15 percentile density scores (Perc 15), defined as a threshold HU containing 15% lowest density in the attenuation histogram of the whole lung, were compiled for 30 subjects obtained from the National Lung Cancer Trial database with baseline and repeat scans one year apart. A model assuming an adapted sponge model, where the relationship between volume (V) and density (rho) is given by m=rhoV^s (Staring et al, Med. Phys. 41, 021905 (2014)). s can be obtained for each subject, and for the entire sample, which allowed adjustment of the Perc15 value at the repeat scan both at the sample level and for each subject. Results: The average bias (change between scan 2 and 1) and standard deviation (SD) of the bias for a) unadjusted, b) sample-level adjusted, and c) subject-level adjusted Perc 15 (HU) values are 2.0 (13.7), 1.5 (3.6), and 2.4 (9.8), respectively, suggesting that the method of volume adjustment affects the assessment of the accuracy and precision of the measurement. Method b) improves both more than c). The distribution of the value s indicates that less than 1/5 of the subjects followed the sponge-like behavior (unity s). Conclusion: Volume adjustment has a major impact on the assessment of accuracy and precision of quantitative lung density CT, and therefore the interpretation directly influence the decision making in a clinical setting. Sean Fain receives grant funding from GE Healthcare.
Review of software tools and methods used in operational support systems development

This paper provides some background to the diversity of software development environments and tools used within BT. Past and present approaches to the subject are described, along with some of the lessons learned along the way. The paper explains why BT is concerned to use modern tools to give higher productivity and describes the work going on to standardise the operational support systems infrastructure and reduce the large number and variety of tools used. The company‘s huge software portfolio, covering systems of all sizes from standard (but very large) invoicing systems to complex systems which interact in real time with the voice and data networks, means that BT has to live with a diverse set of software environments and the large variety of tools which go with them. The challenge is to control the diversity in a rapidly changing industry.
THE INDEX OF LEADING ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS A SOURCE OF EXPECTATIONAL SHOCKS

suggested to be of significance by the above literatures. In particular, we employ the American Statistical Association-National Bureau of Economic Research (ASA-NBER) Survey of Forecasts by Economic Statisticians to measure expectations concerning future growth in the economy, and demonstrate that errors in the initial announcements of the index of leading economic indicators are an important source of this type of expectational shock. In the literatures mentioned above, the expectations of agents concerning “other” agents’ production plans are a determinant of future aggregate activity. That is, if all agents suddenly revised upwards their beliefs concerning the production plans of other agents—even if there were no change in any real variable—the result would be a type of self-fulfilling increase in the future level of production. The intuition behind this result is easiest to see in the literature concerning strategic complementarity. A macroeconomic model that exhibits strategic complementarity is simply one in which the higher is aggregate production, the larger is the incentive for any individual agent to produce. Suppose that in such a world all agents were to become more optimistic
A Review of “A New Science: The Discovery of Religion in the Age of Reason”

Some books are at once dazzling in learning, consistently insightful in textual interpretation, engaging in tone, and impoverished in comprehensive argument. A New Science is one of those books. St...
Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology

Valid measurement scales for predicting user acceptance of computers are in short supply. Most subjective measures used in practice are unvalidated, and their relationship to system usage is unknown. The present research develops and validates new scales for two specific variables, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, which are hypothesized to be fundamental determinants of user acceptance. Definitions of these two variables were used to develop scale items that were pretested for content validity and then tested for reliability and construct validity in two studies involving a total of 152 users and four application programs. The measures were refined and streamlined, resulting in two six-item scales with reliabilities of .98 for usefulness and .94 for ease of use. The scales exhibited hgih convergent, discriminant, and factorial validity. Perceived usefulness was significnatly correlated with both self-reported current usage r = .63, Study 1) and self-predicted future usage r = .85, Study 2). Perceived ease of use was also significantly correlated with current usage r = .45, Study 1) and future usage r = .59, Study 2). In both studies, usefulness had a signficnatly greater correaltion with usage behavior than did ease of use. Regression analyses suggest that perceived ease of use may actually be a causal antecdent to perceived usefulness, as opposed to a parallel, direct determinant of system usage. Implications are drawn for future research on user acceptance.
Fast recursive subspace updating for detection and angle estimation of multiple sources

This paper is concerned with detection of a number of sources and estimation of their corresponding direction-of-arrival using eigenvalue decomposition updating with subspace structure constraint. The covariance matrix is a low rank matrix plus a noise diagonal matrix. In addition to cleaning up the data, the subspace constraint enables the author to develop an efficient algorithm for updating the principal subspace and the noise eigenvalue. >
Metal capital sustaining a North American city : Iron and copper in New Haven, CT

A detailed inventory shows that an average resident of the City of New Haven depends on a per capita capital stock of 9200 kg/c of iron and 144 kg/c of copper in the city infrastructure, buildings, transportation systems, and equipment. Of the iron stock 28% is in items such as rail cars and ships in ocean trade not permanently within the city, and 22% is devoted to receiving and delivering oil fuel to the city and its surrounding communities. Copper is principally used in the distribution of electric power and in water piping within buildings. The city's 9200 kg/c of iron stock-in-use is less than the 13,000 kg/c national average due to New Haven's lack of heavy industry and relatively small number of large buildings. The 144 kg/c of copper stock-in-use is only 58% of the overall value for the United States, but is comparable to that in cities such as Stockholm, Sweden. Attainment of a level of iron and copper services with contemporary technology in less developed countries to the level enjoyed in New Haven would require consumption of the presently identified world copper resources.
Vibration-to-vibration energy transfer in COCO collisions

Abstract Vibration-to-vibration energy transfer rates for collision between two CO molecules are calculated. Results obtained are compared with recent experiments and theoretical values. It is pointed out that none of the existing calculations gives a complete account of the available experimental data.
The Glyoxal Clock Reaction

Research on the glyoxal clock reaction has led to adaptation of the clock reaction to a general chemistry experiment. This particular reaction is just one of many that used formaldehyde in the past. The kinetics of the glyoxal clock makes the reaction suitable as a general chemistry lab using a Calculator Based Laboratory (CBL) or a LabPro. The apparent order of the reacting species has been determined: first order in glyoxal and zero order in bisulfite.
N and P metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor characteristics of hafnium-doped SiO2 gate dielectrics

This work presents the interfacial properties of hafnium-doped SiO2 films via N and P metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) materials, MOS-capacitor, and N and P metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) characterization. The results indicate that HfSixOy films (a) have excellent transistor characteristics; (b) remain amorphous through high-temperature processing; (c) are compatible with N+ and P+ polysilicon electrodes; (d) have lower gate leakage than SiO2 of the same equivalent oxide thickness (EOT); and (e) have a dielectric constant of ∼8. Therefore, the hafnium-doped SiO2 films are at-tractive as a dielectric material and offer a technologically relevant gate-stack node for insertion, prior to deployment of high-K dielectrics.
Dynamic Spectrum Access as a Mechanism for Transition to Interference Tolerant Systems

Much of the consideration of Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) has been focused on its ability to provide secondary spectrum sharing without any impact on primary users of the spectrum. This paper argues that significantly more spectrum sharing is possible, if a regime is established where-in some level of interference is permitted, and all users of the spectrum have the ability to utilize DSA in order to relocate in the event of unacceptable interference. It is shown that this regime offers higher reliability for both primary and secondary users, significantly increases the density of spectrum usage, and provides the ability to statistically distribute the effects of interference to ensure that no single user is subjected to highly correlated effects. While features resembling DSA are being included in some emerging system designs, its transition to a general and heterogeneous environment has not yet occurred.
Phase Lags in the Optical-Infrared Light Curves of Asymptotic Giant Branch Stars

To search for phase lags in the optical-infrared light curves of asymptotic giant branch stars, we have compared infrared data from the COBE DIRBE satellite with optical light curves from the AAVSO and other sources. We found 17 examples of phase lags between the times of infrared and optical maximum, and 4 stars with no observed lags. There is a clear difference between the Mira variables and the semiregular variables in the sample, with the maximum in the optical preceding that in the near-infrared in the Miras, while in most of the semiregular variables no lags are observed. Comparison to published theoretical models indicates that the phase lags in the Miras are due to strong titanium oxide absorption in the visual at stellar maximum, and suggests that Miras pulsate in the fundamental mode, while at least some semiregular variables are first-overtone pulsators. There is a clear optical–near-infrared phase lag in the carbon-rich Mira V CrB; this is likely due to C2 and CN absorption variations in the optical.
DIMENSIONS OF PERSONALITY IN DELINQUENT BOYS AS INFERRED FROM THE FACTOR ANALYSIS OF CASE HISTORY DATA.

Case histories of a sample of 115 institutionalized male delinquents were rated for the presence of each of 29 behavior traits. A factor analysis of the intercorrelations among the trait ratings resulted in four orthogonal factors bearing considerable resemblance to those identified in earlier research. The factors were labeled Socialized-Subcultural, Unsocialized-Psychopathic, Disturbed-Neurotic, and Inadequate-Immature.
Monolog vs. dialog in costly bilateral communication

Abstract We study a two-person team whose members hold private information and whose task is to optimally choose an action for the team when communication is costly. Information exchanges are classified as monologs or dialogs. We characterize the efficient frontier for monolog of decision error versus length of communication using a minimax metric. It can be optimal for one partner to act without communication in some circumstances even though the right to communicate has been paid for. Dialog can strictly outperform monolog. It is sufficient, but not necessary for monolog efficiency (i.e. for dialog to be unnecessary) that the decision problem be additively separable in the agents' private data.
Low-ozone pockets observed by EOS-MLS

[1] Earth Observing System (EOS) Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) observations of ozone are analyzed along with meteorological data from the Met Office using a new automated algorithm to detect low-ozone pockets (LOPs) in stratospheric anticyclones. The algorithm is illustrated with a case study, and all LOPs identified in over 3 years of MLS data are shown. Daily averaged LOP ozone mixing ratios are 5–30% lower than ozone mixing ratios located directly outside a LOP. In the middle stratosphere, near 50° latitude and the Date Line, large LOPs are identified on over 60% of Northern Hemisphere (NH) winter and 50% of Southern Hemisphere (SH) spring days. This suggests that a LOP is present in the Aleutian and Australian anticyclones nearly all the time during these seasons. Ozone reductions in the heart of the LOPs are typically about 20% (10%) in the NH (SH). Thus the LOP contribution to seasonal ozone loss in the anticyclones is estimated at up to ∼12% in NH winter and ∼5% in SH spring. Average total column ozone loss from individual LOPs is estimated at ∼3–6%.
Cefamandole versus cefazolin in vascular surgical wound infection prophylaxis: Cost-effectiveness and risk factors

Abstract Purpose: Recent studies of perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis have indicated an improved efficacy of β-lactamase-stable cephalosporins compared with cefazolin, the most commonly used prophylactic agent. Previous studies in our institution have revealed a superiority of cefamandole to cefazolin in patients undergoing heart surgery, although there was no difference between cefazolin and cefuroxime in patients undergoing peripheral vascular surgery. This study was therefore designed to compare cefamandole with cefazolin in wound infection prophylaxis in clean vascular surgery. Methods: The study was conducted from August 1990 through May 1992 and consisted of 893 patients with aortic or infrainguinal arterial procedures randomized to receive either cefamandole or cefazolin. Results: The difference in infection rates associated with cefamandole versus cefazolin prophylaxis (3.2% vs 1.9%, respectively) was not significant ( p = 0.42). A cost savings of approximately $95,000 per year at our institution favors the continued use of cefazolin over cefamandole. Risk factor analysis was carried out for preoperative and postoperative events that might have predisposed to infection. Only preoperative use of aspirin and the postoperative finding of a lymphocele correlated with a higher infection rate. Conclusions: Cefazolin continues to be the most cost-effective antibiotic for prophylaxis in clean vascular surgical procedures. (J VASC SURG 1993;18:470-6.)
Finite Sample Thickness Effects on Elasticity Determination Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Finite sample thickness effects on material elasticity measurements made using an atomic force microscope have been calculated. The model includes an elastic layer on an elastic foundation and simulates sample indentation under an applied load. Rigid axisymmetric tips with conical, paraboloidal, and hyperboloidal profiles are considered. The results show that a common approach to estimating elastic moduli from force−displacement curves can lead to a significant error that depends on the units of measurement. A method to unambiguously estimate and correct this error is proposed. In addition, it is shown that elasticity estimates for monolayer thick samples using the force−modulation technique can contain a substantial, sample thickness-dependent error. Local thickness variations can result in misleading contrast in force−modulation images for samples that are several nanometers thick.
Rapid three-step purification of a hepatic neutral cholesteryl ester hydrolase which is not the pancreatic enzyme

A rat liver cytosolic cholesteryl ester hydrolase (CEH) was purified 12,600-fold by ammonium sulfate precipitation, cation exchange chromatography and gel permeation high-performance liquid chromatography, with an overall yield of 20%. Its properties are compared to those of pancreatic CEH, with which it has sometimes been identified. Liver CEH exhibited a single silver stained band following SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Mr=66 kDa), was activated by 0.5–10 mM taurocholate but was strongly inhibited by higher levels of taurocholate, which activate pancreatic CEH. Whereas bile salts are known to induce formation of a hexamer of pancreatic CEH, in the current study, 0.5 mM taurocholate dissociated a multimeric form of liver CEH to monomer. Liver CEH did not coelute with pancreatic CEH from cation exchange and chromatofocusing columns, exhibited no immunoreactivity with anti-rat pancreatic CEH IgG in Western blots, was not inhibited by anti-rat pancreatic CEH IgG and had a different amino acid composition from pancreatic CEH. In contrast to liver CEH, which is known to be activated by protein kinases A and C, pancreatic CEH was unaffected by cofactors for protein kinase A and was inhibited by cofactors for protein kinase C.
Biogeographic Ancestry in the African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study (ADAGES): Association With Corneal and Optic Nerve Structure.

Author(s): Girkin, Christopher A; Nievergelt, Caroline M; Kuo, Jane Z; Maihofer, Adam X; Huisingh, Carrie; Liebmann, Jeffrey M; Ayyagari, Radha; Weinreb, Robert N; Ritch, Robert; Zangwill, Linda M; ADAGES Study Group | Abstract: PurposeWe determined if quantitative measurements of biogeographic ancestry (BGA) correlate with variations in optic disc area, corneal thickness (CCT), and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness.MethodsData were obtained from 656 participants in the African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study (ADAGES) cohort who consented to BGA testing. Data for CCT, optic disc area, and RNFL thickness were obtained from subjects in the ADAGES study who also had participated in the current substudy. A total of 31 ancestry informative markers (AIMs) with large allele frequencies differences between populations was used to calculate admixture proportion (implemented in STRUCTURE). Correlations with BGA adjusted for diagnosis, age, and sex for CCT and optic disc area using the whole group and RNFL thickness adjusted for age and sex for the normal study participants were determined.ResultsThe mean percentage of African admixture was 79.6% in the self-described African Descent (AD) group and 3.5% in the European Descent (ED) group. Percent African ancestry was significantly correlated with CCT (ρ = -0.27, P l 0.0001) and disc area (ρ = 0.15, P l 0.0001), but only marginally associated with RNFL thickness (ρ = 0.20, P = 0.092) in adjusted models.ConclusionsThe BGA correlates with variation in ocular features that significantly differ across racial groups and that have been associated with the development of glaucoma. While BGA can provide an objective measurement of the biologic component of self-described race for ocular research, for most nongenetic epidemiologic studies, self-described race may adequately describe the associations with these ocular characteristics. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00221923.).
Sixth and eighth graders and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: The results of focus group analysis

Objective: To determine young adolescents' range of factual knowledge and beliefs about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among those who have received AIDS education. Design: Focus group analysis. Setting: Urban middle school. Participants: Two male and two female groups consisting of 4–7 students each, ages 11–15 years. Results: The predominant responses in all four groups relating to factual knowledge of HIV transmission and mechanisms of prevention were correct. However, responses indicated that factual information had not been integrated into students' plans for situations involving relationships and sexual activity. All four groups shared the image of AIDS as a disease of adults. The girls frequently gave responses which included discussion and use of condoms, whereas only a few boys could realistically visualize using condoms. Many students, predominately boys, identified with media figures such as Magic Johnson and saw themselves to be at risk for HIV, but the girls almost exclusively saw Magic Johnson as a rich, famous person and did not identify with him. Students gave suggestions about ways to improve AIDS education and recommended that AIDS education begin in the early grades. Conclusion: Standard AIDS education may be effective in teaching factual information about AIDS, but it may have little effect on students' future behavior. The format of AIDS education may need to be modified to better address adolescents' beliefs and behaviors regarding HIV and AIDS.
NMR Studies of 3He Droplets in Dilute 3He-4He Solid Solutions

We have performed measurements of the temperature dependence of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation times (T 1) for a wide range of 3He concentrations for dilute mixtures of 3He in solid 4He. The temperatures for phase separation are determined for 3He concentrations 500<x 3<2000 ppm for a molar volume V M =20.7 cm3. We report the temperature dependence of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation times for 3He in the droplets formed after phase separation at low temperatures. The temperature dependence suggests that the interface 3He atoms responsible for the relaxation are degenerate, not solid-like.
Interrelationship of superficial siderosis and microbleeds in cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Objective: We sought to explore the mechanisms leading to cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)-related cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) by examining its neuroimaging and genetic association with cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). Methods: MRI scans of 84 subjects with probable or definite CAA participating in a longitudinal research study were graded for cSS presence and severity (focal, restricted to ≤3 sulci vs disseminated, ≥4 sulci), and CMB count. APOE e variants were directly genotyped. We performed cross-sectional analysis comparing CMB counts and APOE e2 and e4 allele frequency between subjects with no, focal, or disseminated cSS. Results: cSS was present in 48% (n = 40) of the population. APOE e2 was overrepresented among participants with focal (odds ratio [OR] 7.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–29.3, p = 0.008) and disseminated (OR 11.5, 95% CI 2.8–46.2, p = 0.001) cSS relative to individuals without cSS. CMB counts decreased with increasing severity of cSS (median: 41, 38, and 15 for no cSS, focal cSS, and disseminated cSS, respectively, p = 0.09). The highest CMB count tertile was associated with APOE e4 (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.4–6.6, p = 0.006) relative to the lowest tertile. Conclusions: Among individuals with advanced CAA, cSS tends to occur in individuals with relatively lower CMB counts and with a distinct pattern of APOE genotypes. These results suggest that CAA-related cSS and CMBs may arise from distinct vasculopathic mechanisms.
TWO-BODY FORCES AND NUCLEAR SATURATION. III. DETAILS OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE NUCLEUS

The characteristics of particle motion in the nuclear medium have been examined in detail. The origin of the strong dependence of the potential energy on the nucleon momentum is discussed and an equivalent formulation is exhibited in which a uniform and constant potential is assumed but the nucleon moves with markedly reduced mass. The determination of the potential is shown to lead to a self-consistency problem which is to some extent similar to that appearing in the Hartree method of self-consistent fields. Solution of this problem shows that the self-consistency requirements impose severe restrictions on the solution and have a strong stabilizing influence in the saturation problem. The volume energy of the nucleus has been evaluated by using two-body potentials closely equivalent to a combination of central and tensor forces which agree with the low-energy parameters and predict scattering correctly up to 90 Mev. The result agress closely with the observed values of energy and density.
A NEW GASTROPACHA

Phyllodesma Dyari n. sp.—General apperance of the palest sienna or yellowish-ochre. Thorax and patagia thickly clothed with short hair of a uniform pale tone, the abdominal covering similar, but longer and finer, which gives to it a slightly silky appearance. ♂. Anterior wings with the anal angle deeply emarginate; three lines of dusky spots cross the disc ending near the costa, these being lines rather than bands.
Differential expression of the "C" and "T" alleles of the 5-HT2A receptor gene in the temporal cortex of normal individuals and schizophrenics.

A genetic association between schizophrenia and a silent C/T(102) polymorphism in the 5-HT2A receptor gene (5-HT2AR) has been previously reported; however, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unknown. Here we developed an improved quantitative assay for measurements of allele ratios, which revealed that the expression of allele "C" in the temporal cortex of normal heterozygous individuals was significantly lower than the expression of allele "T" (allele "C" to allele "T" ratio of approximately 0.8, P 26 weeks) schizophrenics (n = 11) were significantly lower than in controls (P = 0.03). The data suggest that increased prevalence of allele "C" among schizophrenics may be due to intrinsically low expression of this allele, which may contribute to a deficit in 5-HT2AR expression in some schizophrenics.
External nasal valve collapse repair: the limited alar-facial stab approach

Objectives: Permanent treatment for external nasal valve collapse (ENCV) is primarily surgical. In some situations, instead of a major operation, the placement of structural alar rim graft may be all that is needed. Alar rim graft placement is usually achieved through a marginal incision as a part of a rhinoplasty. We compared the aesthetic and functional outcomes of a simple technique in which the graft is placed via an external incision in the alar–facial groove with the outcomes of the more commonly used method. Methods: All patients who underwent ENCV repair in 2007 and 2008 were reviewed. Fifteen cases in which grafts were placed using the alar–facial stab technique were identified. Twenty cases with marginal incision graft placement in that time period were then randomly selected. All of the patients underwent concurrent additional procedures such as rhinoplasty/septorhinoplasty. The aesthetic and functional assessments of both techniques were explored by means of blinded observers rating the aesthetic outcome and patients rating their functional outcome through the use of questionnaires. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study. Results: A comparison between the patients' subjective results showed no difference between the outcomes of these two techniques (P > .05). The blinded surgeon evaluators could not differentiate between the different approaches utilized in the vast majority of cases studied. Conclusions: The alar–facial stab incision with alar rim grafting for treatment of ENCV is a very simple and effective technique that does not require significant rhinoplasty experience and may be performed in the office under local anesthesia. Laryngoscope, 2011
Heavy-Mineral Data at the Southern End of San Joaquin Valley

Results of a brief heavy-mineral investigation are offered here as a supplement to a contemporaneous paper by R. D. Reed and J. P. Bailey. It is shown that distinct stratigraphic variations in heavy-mineral content occur in late Tertiary sediments of the San Emigdio foothills, sediments which, from all indications, have been eroded from a single mountain mass of comparatively uniform petrographic character. It is concluded, therefore, that the practical value of heavy minerals for correlation is not restricted to conditions under which sediments have been derived from two or more petrographically distinct sources.
Network structure in gels of rod-like polypeptides

The formation of a mechanically self-supporting, macromolecular gel or network is understood on a molecular scale in terms of cross-links or branch points, either of a permanent nature by covalent bond formation, or of a reversible nature, such as in the gelation of gelatin. In thermally reversible gels each branch point may contain numerous monomeric units, indicative of local crystallite or aggregate formation, as in cellulose acetate or gelatin, or only two monomeric units as in polyacrylylglycinamide. The formation of reversible networks in nonionic, rod-like polypeptide homopolymers, particularly at low concentrations (<0.1 wt%), is surprising in that the molecular origin of the branch points is not obvious. We have suggested previously that this network constitutes a thermodynamic phase resulting from a particular kinetic mechanism of phase formation made favourable by the unusual polymerdiluent phase equilibria occurring with stiff-chain polymers. Here, the network is visualized by electron microscopy, and shown to be compatible with the proposed mechanism.
Experiential learning activities in Operations Management

This paper describes eight in-class activities that have been effectively used to complement the traditional theoretical presentation in an introductory operation and production management course in either an undergraduate or graduate program. For each activity we include the course topics the activity supports, a description of the activity and an evaluation of its effectiveness based on our experience. The activities include physically played games as well as computer simulations. Most are easily adaptable to different courses and teaching styles.
Stoichiometry and purity of HgI2

Techniques given by ACS Reagent Specifications have been refined to allow the determination of deviations from stoichiometry in HgI2+x at a level of x = 10−4. Selected trace metals have also been determined with sensitivities of 0.5 – 10 mole ppm by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. HgI2 in the form of commercial reagents, materials purified from these reagents by vacuum sublimation, and single crystals grown under a variety of conditions were investigated. The largest deviation from stoichiometry found corresponds to x = −3×10−3. No iodine excess has been observed.
BMP9 protects septal neurons from axotomy-evoked loss of cholinergic phenotype.

Background Cholinergic projection from the septum to the hippocampus is crucial for normal cognitive function and degeneration of cells and nerve fibers within the septohippocampal pathway contributes to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 9 is a cholinergic differentiating factor during development both in vivo and in vitro. Methodology/Principal Findings To determine whether BMP9 could protect the adult cholinergic septohippocampal pathway from axotomy-evoked loss of the cholinergic phenotype, we performed unilateral fimbria-fornix transection in mice and treated them with a continuous intracerebroventricular infusion of BMP9 for six days. The number of choline acetyltransferase (CHAT)-positive cells was reduced by 50% in the medial septal nucleus ipsilateral to the lesion as compared to the intact, contralateral side, and BMP9 infusion prevented this loss in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, BMP9 prevented most of the decline of hippocampal acetylcholine levels ipsilateral to the lesion, and markedly increased CHAT, choline transporter CHT, NGF receptors p75 (NGFR-p75) and TrkA (NTRK1), and NGF protein content in both the lesioned and unlesioned hippocampi. In addition, BMP9 infusion reduced bilaterally hippocampal levels of basic FGF (FGF2) protein. Conclusions/Significance These data indicate that BMP9 administration can prevent lesion-evoked impairment of the cholinergic septohippocampal neurons in adult mice and, by inducing NGF, establishes a trophic environment for these cells.
CLUSTER–IMPACT NUCLEAR FUSION: SHOCK–WAVE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Cluster–impact nuclear fusion is analyzed via a shock–wave model. We show that shock waves can be generated by clusters. Energy loss mechanisms are considered, and the conditions when they are not negligible are determined. Our theoretical model indicates that shock–wave enhanced fusion temperatures are possible with molecular size clusters impacting upon hydrogen isotope targets, somewhat as envisioned by Winterberg and Harrison for macro–projectiles. Our theory explains and reproduces the yields from known target and cluster compositions, as a function of cluster size and energy. Predictions are made, and new tests proposed. We show that contaminants are an unlikely artifact in the experimental data.
Use of a Lung Model to Assess Mechanical In-Exsufflator Therapy in Infants With Tracheostomy

Background The mechanical in-exsufflator (MIE) is commonly used to augment cough in patients with neuromuscular disease from infancy to adulthood. Little is known about the alveolar pressures, lung volumes, and expiratory flow rates generated by the MIE when used via tracheostomy tube in infants and children. Methods A high-fidelity mechanical lung model was programmed to simulate infants with tracheostomy tubes. Generated pressures, volumes, and expiratory flows using the MIE device at variable insufflation/exsufflation pressures and times were recorded. The primary measure of interest was maximal expiratory flow (MEF). Results Pressure equilibration across the tracheostomy tube did not occur with insufflation time 70% vital capacity attained at insufflation pressures as low as 20 cmH2O. Though higher insufflation pressures resulted in increased expiratory flow rates, more negative exsufflation pressure had a greater absolute impact on MEF. Conclusions Using the MIE via tracheostomy tube in an infant lung model, we found that an insufflation time of >1 sec is required for equilibration of insufflation pressure and alveolar pressure. Longer exsufflation time does not significantly alter MEF. Higher insufflation and exsufflation pressures both increased MEF, but greater exsufflation pressure had more substantial impact. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:211–217. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Influence of Interface Degradation on the Performance of Piezoelectric Actuators

An experimental and numerical study was performed to investigate the effects of interface debonding on the performance of piezoelectric (PZT) ceramic actuators for structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. Interface degradation of PZT actuators may occur over time during the in-service life of the structure compromising the performance and reliability of the SHM system. Energy losses and signal changes should be understood to guarantee the reliability of the SHM systems during the life-time of the structure. Here we present the first systematic study on the performance of PZT actuators with a partially degraded interface. The electro-mechanical coupling between PZT actuators and a hosting aluminium plate was found to vary with the interface debonding over a wide frequency range affecting the amplitude and phase of the actuator’s signal. A signal delay and an amplitude decrease were observed for: increasing debonding area, different debond shape, and location underneath the PZT actuators. Changes were fo...
Proteins in meat and egg products determined by dye binding.

SUMMARY— Under optimum conditions Acid Orange–12 will bind to the proteins of meat and eggs. The dye-binding capacity is somewhat greater for these products than the previously reported values for wheat and milk products. A standard curve relating free dye concentration to mg of protein in the sample as determined by the Kjeldahl method can be readily prepared for each type of product. The method is rapid and useful for composition control in ground meats, eggs and prepared mixes. Cooking has little effect on the dye-binding capacity but hydrolysis of the proteins to the proteose-peptone stage reduces the dye bound. The coefficient of variation averaged about 3% of the protein content for the samples of meat and eggs tested.