cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methodological Aspects of Contrast Sensitivity Measurements in the Diagnosis of Optic Neuropathy and Maculopathy

Spatial contrast sensitivity and visual evoked potential studies reveal defects not tapped by visual acuity measurements in patients suffering from maculopathy and optic neuropathy. Differential diagnosis can be aided, since in maculopathy the loss is of the high frequency type, in glaucomatous optic neuropathy it shows up best as a loss of dynamic, low spatial frequency detection, and in demyelinating optic neuropathy it may occur only for selected orientations and/or spatial frequency of the pattern.
Is robust control reliable

Robust control has addressed the issue of model uncertainty in control systems mainly through worst-case analysis. While this has led to significant new insight and tools, the emphasis on the worst-case has avoided a probabilistic understanding of robust control. In this essay we suggest that tools for structural reliability analysis can be adapted for this purpose.
Extracellular matrix fistula plug for repair of bronchopleural fistula

Abstract Introduction Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a feared complication of pulmonary resection. Fistula plugs (FP) have been described as an adequate treatment in anorectal disease. We describe our early experience placing an FP in the treatment of BPF. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed 5 patients for whom a FP was placed for BPF at our institution. Demographic data, initial perioperative information, method and technique of FP placement, and success is reported. Results Five patients (4 male, 1 female) with a median age of 63 years (range, 57–76 years) underwent 6 FP placements for BPF. Two patients were post-pneumonectomy and 3 patients post-lobectomy. The median time to presentation following surgery was 118 days (range 22–218). Upon bronchoscopic or operative re-evaluation, 3 patients had successful cessation of their air leak at 0, 1 and 4 days. Two of three patients subsequently underwent a thoracic muscle flap placement to augment healing. One patient had a persistent air leak despite 2 separate FP placements. The air leak stopped with endobronchial valves (EBV) which were deployed proximal to the FP, 9 days after placement of the FP. Another patient had a successful muscle flap placed 80 days after FP placement. There were no complications associated with the FP. Three of five patients were deemed successfully treated with FP placement alone. Conclusion In patients with a postoperative BPF and pleural window, placement of a FP had a modest success rate and can be considered as a treatment modality option for BPF.
TDP-43 proteinopathy in aging: Associations with risk-associated gene variants and with brain parenchymal thyroid hormone levels.

Abstract TDP-43 proteinopathy is very prevalent among the elderly (affecting at least 25% of individuals over 85 years of age) and is associated with substantial cognitive impairment. Risk factors implicated in age-related TDP-43 proteinopathy include commonly inherited gene variants, comorbid Alzheimer's disease pathology, and thyroid hormone dysfunction. To test parameters that are associated with aging-related TDP-43 pathology, we performed exploratory analyses of pathologic, genetic, and biochemical data derived from research volunteers in the University of Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Center autopsy cohort (n = 136 subjects). Digital pathologic methods were used to discriminate and quantify both neuritic and intracytoplasmic TDP-43 pathology in the hippocampal formation. Overall, 46.4% of the cases were positive for TDP-43 intracellular inclusions, which is consistent with results in other prior community-based cohorts. The pathologies were correlated with hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HS-Aging) linked genotypes. We also assayed brain parenchymal thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine [T3] and thyroxine [T4]) levels. In cases with SLCO1A2/IAPP or ABCC9 risk associated genotypes, the T3/T4 ratio tended to be reduced (p = .051 using 2-tailed statistical test), and in cases with low T3/T4 ratios (bottom quintile), there was a higher likelihood of HS-Aging pathology (p = .025 using 2-tailed statistical test). This is intriguing because the SLCO1A2/IAPP and ABCC9 risk associated genotypes have been associated with altered expression of the astrocytic thyroid hormone receptor (protein product of the nearby gene SLCO1C1). These data indicate that dysregulation of thyroid hormone signaling may play a role in age-related TDP-43 proteinopathy.
A Community-based Study Assessing the Relationship Between Insulin Resistance and Sleep Duration

PURPOSE: Children are sleeping less than the recommended number of hours per night. Shorter sleep duration has been associated with insulin resistance. Simultaneously, the rates of obesity and pediatric type 2 diabetes mellitus have increased drastically. The study objective was to examine the association between sleep duration and insulin resistance (as measured by homeostatic model assessment – insulin resistance, HOMA-IR) in non-diabetic overweight/obese children. METHODS: …
A Case Report and Literature Review to Aid in the Management of Trunnion Failure in Hip Arthroplasty Patients: Can Trunnionosis and Prosthetic Joint Infection Co-Exist?

Trunnionosis is a type of corrosion and wear at the head-neck taper junction of the femoral implant, and it can be a slow and silent catastrophe. Simultaneous prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is occasionally possible based on the fulfillment of a few of the minor criteria from the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS), but the existing literature lacks adequate evidence to support that the infection actually exists. We are presenting a case of an 82-year-old man with right total hip arthroplasty performed over a decade prior to presenting to the emergency room with a sudden-onset pop followed by groin pain and difficulty in walking. Radiographs showed a dissociated femoral implant at the level of trunnion with malalignment and heterotopic ossification. Metal Artifact Reduction Sequence MRI of the right hip showed mixed type-two and type-three pseudotumors, and atrophy of surrounding abductor muscles. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was within normal limits, C-reactive protein was borderline raised, and serum cobalt-chromium levels were elevated without any signs of systemic metal toxicity. Hip joint aspirate revealed blood-stained fluid flooded with red blood cells, leukocytes and neutrophils, and a positive alpha-defensin assay. These findings were interpreted as positive for prosthetic joint infection. Intraoperatively, there was severe wear of the inferomedial aspect of the femoral head-neck junction and extensive metallosis throughout the right hip. Tissue and fluid specimens were sent for cultures, sensitivities, and histopathology for pseudotumor and infection evaluation. An articulating antibiotic spacer was then placed with the intent to perform a staged reconstruction of the femur and right acetabulum. Final synovial, bone, and soft tissue cultures, as well as histopathological photomicrograph of the tissue slides, were negative for infection. This case demonstrates the striking features of metallosis associated with trunnion failure of a metal-on-polyethylene total hip joint prosthesis that was simultaneously showing signs of prosthetic infection by satisfying the minor criteria according to the latest guidelines by the MSIS with a strikingly high cell count of red blood cells in the synovial fluid exam, indicating inflamed hyper-vascular pseudotumors vs. hemarthrosis vs. bloody tap. Diagnostic dilemma led by positive synovial fluid alpha defensin, high synovial neutrophil and white cell count results with negative final cultures or infection on histological slides raises concern that infection was not present and two-stage revision arthroplasty with six weeks of antibiotics was not necessary along with increased risk of morbidity, mortality as well as cost of care.
Developmental Apraxia of Speech: I. Descriptive and Theoretical Perspectives.

Developmental apraxia of speech (DAS) is a putative diagnostic category for children whose speech errors presumedly (a) differ from the errors of children with developmental speech delay (SD) and (b) resemble the errors of adults with acquired apraxia of speech. The studies reported in this series (Shriberg, Aram, & Kwiatkowski, 1997a, 1997b) concern both premises, with primary focus on the first--that children with DAS can be differentiated from children with SD on the basis of one or more reliable differences in their speech error profiles. Immediate goals are to identify a diagnostic marker for DAS and to consider implications for research and clinical practice. A long-term goal is to identify the phenotype marker for DAS, on the assumption that it may be a genetically transmitted disorder. This first paper reviews relevant descriptive and theoretical perspectives. Findings from a local ascertainment study support the clinical functionality of the term suspected DAS.
Canal of Nuck hernias

The canal of Nuck, caused by the failed closure of the processus vaginalis in the female, is the continued outpouching of parietal peritoneum through the inguinal canal to the labia majora. Disorders of the canal of Nuck include hernia and hydrocele. Some canal of Nuck hernias, especially of the ovary, may result in emergent complications such as incarceration, strangulation, and ovarian torsion. Knowledge of canal of Nuck disorders and prompt diagnosis are important to avoid serious complications. Imaging, especially ultrasound, is essential for timely diagnosis, leading to appropriate management and better patient care.
Recent Patterns in Lake Erie Phosphorus and Chlorophyll a Concentrations in Response to Changing Loads

Despite the initial success of extensive efforts to reduce phosphorus (P) loading to Lake Erie as a part of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, Lake Erie appears to be undergoing a re-eutrophication and it is plagued by harmful algal blooms. To offer insights into potential lake responses under differing Maumee River loads and reveal recent changes with time, we explored patterns in phosphorus and chlorophyll a data from 2008 to 2018 collected in western Lake Erie near the mouth of the Maumee River. We found high, but relatively stable Maumee River and lake concentrations of total P (TP) and soluble reactive P (SRP) with no discernable annual or seasonal patterns. Maumee spring TP load was not strongly related to lake TP, and lake SRP concentrations were positively but weakly related to SRP loads. Lake TP was a strong predictor of chlorophyll a, but the relationship was weaker at sites closer to the Maumee. These results highlight spatial differences both in P concentration and the relationship between TP and chlorophyll a, and these indicate that spring phosphorus loads are a weak algal biomass predictor in the portion of the western basin of Lake Erie represented by these sampling stations.
CST Particle Studio Simulations of Coaxial Multipactor and Comparison With Experiments

Using CST Particle Studio, we simulate the evolution of the multipactor, beginning with a single seed electron inside a coaxial waveguide. Upon impact with either the outer or inner metallic wall, the primary electron is removed and the emitted secondary electrons are allowed to have a realistic 3-D velocity distribution. It is found that the single electron evolves very quickly into an axisymmetric distribution. The radial distribution of the multipactoring electrons is broad and very different from the infinitesimally thin multipactor electron sheet that was often assumed in previous models. The simulated threshold voltage for the onset of multipactor was compared with published experiments, and the level of agreement was found to depend on the secondary electron yield model chosen.
Towards a Conceptual Model for Provoking Privacy Speculation

The proliferation of ubiquitous computing introduces several challenges to user privacy. Data from multiple sensors and users is aggregated at various scales to produce new, fine-grained inferences about people. Users of these systems are asked to consent to sharing their data without full knowledge of what data are recorded, how the data are used, who has access to the data, and most importantly risks associated with sharing. Recent work has shown that provoking privacy speculation among system users, by visualizing these various aspects, improves user knowledge and enables them to make informed decisions about their data. This paper presents a conceptual model of how researchers can make inferences that provoke privacy speculation among system users and a case study applying the model.
Memorias y reflexiones en torno de la de/colonialidad del poder

The critical essays by Andrea Barrica and Ariel Petruccelli on the coloniality of power, Anibal Quijano and my own work, led me to reflect on precisely these three hinge points. The memories and reflections on the coloniality of power announced in the title, motivated by specific points indicated by Barrica and Petrucelli, instances of a constant question that I ask myself and my undergraduate students; sometimes when in workshops or conversatorios the conversational drift brings me to this point. The question is this: Why do we do what we do? Personally, why do I do what I do? My personal answer to this question revolves around the moment when the concept of "coloniality" entered my life. Not in my profession or discipline, but in my life, which led me to understand where I was located in the colonial matrix of power. Hence, after presenting the colonial matrix of power on the first day of a graduate seminar, I invite students to reflect during the semester on these two issues: where each of them has been located (by gender and sexual preferences, social class and racialized ethnicity, language, nationality, religion ), etc. in the colonial matrix of power. And secondly, I invite them to be alert to where coloniality is showing up in their daily lives and on whether coloniality touches them in any way. These memories and reflections are about this.
Cardiac, Autonomic, and Cardiometabolic Impact of Exercise Training in Spinal Cord Injury: A QUALITATIVE REVIEW.

INTRODUCTION Direct and indirect effects of spinal cord injury lead to important cardiovascular (CV) complications that are further increased by years of injury and the process of "accelerated aging." The present review examines the current evidence in the literature for the potential cardioprotective effect of exercise training in spinal cord injury. REVIEW METHODS PubMed and Web of Science databases were screened for original studies investigating the effect of exercise-based interventions on aerobic capacity, cardiac structure/function, autonomic function, CV function, and/or cardiometabolic markers. We compared the effects in individuals <40 yr with time since injury <10 yr with those in older individuals (≥40 yr) with longer time since injury (≥10 yr), reasoning that the two can be considered individuals with low versus high CV risk factors. SUMMARY Studies showed similar exercise effects in both groups (n = 31 in low CV risk factors vs n = 15 in high CV risk factors). The evidence does not support any effect of exercise training on autonomic function but does support an increased peripheral blood flow, improved left ventricular mass, higher peak cardiac output, greater lean body mass, better antioxidant capacity, and improved endothelial function. In addition, some evidence suggests that it can result in lower blood lipids, systemic inflammation (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and C-reactive protein), and arterial stiffness. Training intensity, volume, and frequency were key factors determining CV gains. Future studies with larger sample sizes, well-matched groups of subjects, and randomized controlled designs will be needed to determine whether high-intensity hybrid forms of training result in greater CV gains.
Front-line Fowl: Messenger Pigeons as Communications Technology in the U.S. Army

The United States Army Signal Corps maintained a program for communication by messenger pigeon from 1917 to 1957, long after developments in electronic communications technology rendered pigeons ob...
Using smartphone-based accelerometers to gauge postoperative outcomes in patients with NPH: Implications for ambulatory monitoring.

Background The surgical treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) with shunting remains controversial due to the difficulty in distinguishing such pathology from other neurological conditions that can present similarly. Thus, patients with suspected NPH should be carefully selected for surgical intervention. Historically, clinical improvement has been measured by the use of functional grades, alleviation of symptoms, and/or patient/family-member reported surveys. Such outcome analysis can be subjective, and there is difficulty in quantifying cognition. Thus, a push for a more quantifiable and objective investigation is warranted, especially for patients with idiopathic NPH (INPH), for which the final diagnosis is confirmed with postoperative clinical improvement. We aimed to use Apple Health (Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA) data to approximate physical activity levels before and after shunt placement for NPH as an objective outcome measurement. The patients were contacted and verbally consented to export Apple Health activity data. The patient's physical activity data were then analyzed. A chart review from the patient's EMR was performed to understand and better correlate recovery. Case description Our first patient had short-term improvements in activity levels when compared to his preoperative activity. The patient's activity level subsequently decreased at 6 months and onward. This decline was simultaneous to new-onset lumbar pain. Our second patient experienced sustained improvements in activity levels for 12 months after his operation. His mobility data were in congruence with his subjectively reported improvement in clinical symptoms. He subsequently experienced a late-decline that began at 48-months. His late deterioration was likely confounded by exogenous factors such as further neurodegenerative diseases coupled with old age. Conclusion The use of objective activity data offers a number of key benefits in the analysis of shunted patients with NPH/INPH. In this distinctive patient population, detailed functional outcome analysis is imperative because the long-term prognosis can be affected by comorbid factors or life expectancy. The benefits from using smartphone-based accelerometers for objective outcome metrics are abundant and such an application can serve as a clinical aid to better optimize surgical and recovery care.
A Pilot Study of Pioglitazone for the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background and Aims: Insulin resistance appears to be a major factor involved in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this pilot study, we examined the effect of pioglitazone, an insulin-sensitizing agent, on patients with NAFLD and NASH. Methods: The medical records of patients referred to our clinic over a 48-month period were reviewed, and individuals with a clinical diagnosis of NAFLD or NASH, who were overweight (BMI|“|with chronic elevated liver enzymes were included in this study. The patients were either treated with pioglitazone or advised to start a weight-reduction diet and exercise, in a non-blinded random method based on the treating physicians' discretion. Results: Thirty-four patients' charts were retrospectively analyzed. Nineteen patients were treated with pioglitazone and 15 patients were advised to start a weight reduction diet and exercise. There were significant improvements in mean ALT and AST in the pioglitazone group at the end of treatment when compared to pretreatment values and to the diet/exercise group. There were no significant changes in the lipid profiles, body mass index or fasting glucose levels between baseline and at the end of the therapy in either group. There were no adverse side effects, including hypoglycemia, in patients treated with pioglitazone. Conclusions: Preliminary results using pioglitazone in patients with NAFLD or NASH are promising. However, larger prospective studies are further needed to validate the results of our study and to examine histological response.
An Abstract Schema for Equivalence-Checking Games

Equivalence games have been shown as an efficient way to diagnose design systems. Nevertheless, like other diagnostic routines, equivalence games utilize the information already computed by equivalence checker during verification. Therefore, these diagnostic routines tightly gear to the data structure of checker being used, and their ability of migrating to a different checker is not always guaranteed. Moreover, different equivalence relations demand different game schemas, which makes it tedious to implement equivalence games. We solve the first problem by utilizing a generalized version of partition refinement tree (PRT) as an abstract of proof structures. With a little bookkeeping, a partition refinement-based checker is able to supply PRT as the evidence to support its result. The diagnostic routines built on PRTs are independent of equivalence checkers being used. PRTs may also be used to certify the equivalence-checking result.To solve the second problem, we introduce a semantics hierarchy. Implementation following this hierarchy enjoys greater code sharing among different games. The prototype of this schema, including PRT-friendly algorithms and the architecture of semantics hierarchy, has been implemented on the Concurrency Workbench.
CARCINOMA IN SITU OF THE CERVIX. AN ANALYSIS OF TREATMENT BY HYSTERECTOMY.

T 11 E 13 A r I0 N A L E of surgical intervention upon establishing a diagnosis of carcinoma in situ of the cervix is clearly based upon the conviction that this lesion does, in fact, represent the noninvasive stage of epidermoid carcinoma. While good arguments may be set forth in defense of the reality of carcinoma in situ, certain features of the behavior of the tumor in some patients remain unexplained. Chief among these is the great range of growth potential varying from almost stationary to instances when invasion occurs rather rapidly. A related unknown is the intangible factor in biological potential which effects stromal invasion-a factor which appears to be more than mere mechanical containment by a basement membrane. From the viewpoint of treatment, consensus is that neither radiotherapy nor radical surgery is indicated in carcinoma in situ even though a report of lymphatic invasion appears in the literature.’ Conization alone, the other end of the therapeutic spectrum, has its proponents. Theoretically, complete local extirpation might be effected by this means. Total hysterectomy, the middle
Monks on the move: Evaluating pilgrimage to Byzantine St. Stephen's monastery using strontium isotopes.

Objectives Written and archaeological evidence indicates that migration, in the form of pilgrimage to Byzantine Palestine, was a major social phenomenon between the 5th and 7th centuries CE. Monasteries saw record growth at this time as pilgrims chose to stay in the region and take up religious life. A major influx of people to the region, with a corresponding growth in monastic vocations that led travelers to stay in the area, is not in question; however, the distant origins of pilgrims reflected in surviving texts may be an artifact of preservation, biased towards an elite minority. The Byzantine monastery of St. Stephen's provides an opportunity to study this question from a bioarchaeological perspective, given the excellent preservation of the human skeletal assemblage, a wealth of written works about the community as well as daily life in Byzantine Palestine, and a rich archaeological record for the site and region. Materials and Methods: An analysis of radiogenic strontium isotope values from the third molars of 22 individuals recovered from the St. Stephen's crypt complex was conducted to test whether those interred at the monastery were of local origin. Results: Of those examined ( = 0.7084 ± 0.0007, 1σ), 8 out of 22 (36%) exhibited 87Sr/86Sr ratios that fell outside of local ranges. Discussion: These results confirmed the sizeable presence of nonlocals at St. Stephen's Monastery. While most of these migrants likely traveled to Jerusalem from different areas of the Levant as pilgrims, others may have hailed from further afield, including Europe. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hybrid discretization in power converters' digital controller design

Digital compensator design is an important and essential step to achieve stable power converter with good steady-state and dynamic performance. Generally there are two digital controller design approaches: The digital redesign approach and the direct design approach. In this paper, hybrid discretization (s-to-z transformation) approach is applied to power converters digital controllers/compensators to achieve better redesigned controller. This is because of the fact that two or more transformation methods with opposite warping effects can be hybridized when discretizing the analog transfer function to reduce the total warping effect. Hybrid discretization can be implemented by different ways, of which three were discussed in this paper. Theoretical, design and simulation results show that better controller/compensator design results, which are closer to the analog case, can be achieved using hybrid discretization technique in the digital redesign approach rather than using single transformation method.
Fiber angle and aspect ratio influence the shear mechanics of oriented electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds.

Fibrocartilages, including the knee meniscus and the annulus fibrosus (AF) of the intervertebral disc, play critical mechanical roles in load transmission across joints and their function is dependent upon well-defined structural hierarchies, organization, and composition. All, however, are compromised in the pathologic transformations associated with tissue degeneration. Tissue engineering strategies that address these key features, for example, aligned nanofibrous scaffolds seeded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), represent a promising approach for the regeneration of these fibrous structures. While such engineered constructs can replicate native tissue structure and uniaxial tensile properties, the multidirectional loading encountered by these tissues in vivo necessitates that they function adequately in other loading modalities as well, including shear. As previous findings have shown that native tissue tensile and shear properties are dependent on fiber angle and sample aspect ratio, respectively, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a changing fiber angle and sample aspect ratio on the shear properties of aligned electrospun poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds, and to determine how extracellular matrix deposition by resident MSCs modulates the measured shear response. Results show that fiber orientation and sample aspect ratio significantly influence the response of scaffolds in shear, and that measured shear strains can be predicted by finite element models. Furthermore, acellular PCL scaffolds possessed a relatively high shear modulus, 2-4 fold greater than native tissue, independent of fiber angle and aspect ratio. It was further noted that under testing conditions that engendered significant fiber stretch, the aggregate resistance to shear was higher, indicating a role for fiber stretch in the overall shear response. Finally, with time in culture, the shear modulus of MSC laden constructs increased, suggesting that deposited ECM contributes to the construct shear properties. Collectively, these findings show that aligned electrospun PCL scaffolds are a promising tool for engineering fibrocartilage tissues, and that the shear properties of both acellular and cell-seeded formulations can match or exceed native tissue benchmarks.
Purification of the lethal fraction of the venom of the marine snail Conus californicus.

Abstract Gel filtration of the venom of Conus californicus with Sephadex G-200 resulted in a five-fold increase in toxicity per weight of protein. The total activity recovered in the effluent fractions averaged 80 per cent of the initial actitity. Analysis of the purified venom by disc electrophoresis showed a pattern similar to that of the original extract and it was suggested that all of the protein components of the crude venom extract may not appear in the disc electrophoresis pattern. The absorption spectrum of the purified fraction had a maximum at 278 mμ, and the lethal component is thought to be a protein or bound to protein. The ld 50 and 95 per cent confidence limits of the venom in the experiments were calculated with a modification of the up-and-down method enabling the use of relatively small sizes.
Nanoparticle-based bio-bar codes for the ultrasensitive detection of proteins.

An ultrasensitive method for detecting protein analytes has been developed. The system relies on magnetic microparticle probes with antibodies that specifically bind a target of interest [prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in this case] and nanoparticle probes that are encoded with DNA that is unique to the protein target of interest and antibodies that can sandwich the target captured by the microparticle probes. Magnetic separation of the complexed probes and target followed by dehybridization of the oligonucleotides on the nanoparticle probe surface allows the determination of the presence of the target protein by identifying the oligonucleotide sequence released from the nanoparticle probe. Because the nanoparticle probe carries with it a large number of oligonucleotides per protein binding event, there is substantial amplification and PSA can be detected at 30 attomolar concentration. Alternatively, a polymerase chain reaction on the oligonucleotide bar codes can boost the sensitivity to 3 attomolar. Comparable clinically accepted conventional assays for detecting the same target have sensitivity limits of ∼3 picomdar, six orders of magnitude less sensitive than what is observed with this method.
A Fortran technique for correlating a circular environmental variable with a linear physiological variable in the sugar maple

Abstract This paper deals with a computer program adapted to a statistical method for analyzing an unlimited quantity of binary recorded data of an independent circular variable (e.g. wind direction), and a linear variable (e.g. maple sap flow volume). Circular variables cannot be statistically analyzed with linear methods, unless they have been transformed. The program calculates a critical quantity, the acrophase angle (PHI, Φo). The technique is adapted from original mathematics [1] and is written in Fortran 77 for easier conversion between computer networks. Correlation analysis can be performed following the program or regression which, because of the circular nature of the independent variable, becomes periodic regression. The technique was tested on a file of approximately 4050 data pairs.
Factor Structure of the WISC-R for Mexican-American Students Referred for Intellectually Gifted Assessment.

This study assessed the factor structure of the WISC‐R with Mexican‐American students referred for intellectually gifted assessment. The students included 68 Mexican‐American students who were referred for evaluation for an intellectually gifted program. The 12 WISC‐R subtest scaled scores were used as the variables to be factored. The method of factor extraction used was the maximum likelihood analysis followed by a varimax rotation. On each of the previously‐identified three factors, differences were observed.
Who Should Define Value in Spine Care

Ideally, each patient should be provided with accurate information on outcome and cost and select care based on the best value and personal care preferences. Unfortunately, useful information on outcome is often absent or equivocal, and information on cost is obscured by the design of our health care system. Numerous efforts are underway to better empower patients in decision-making and support patient-centered research. Comparative effectiveness studies and patient registries will generate new information and may help to define value. Techniques for measurement of cost will need to be refined and more commonly used. While these efforts are progressing, medical societies, the government, and insurers have developed standardized methods to collect and analyze the current literature and make recommendations for care they believe valuable and appropriate. Clinical care guidelines, health technology assessments, meta-analysis, and appropriateness criteria are some of the structured methods for assessing the current evidence. These clinical care recommendations are useful but are incomplete and inadequate in defining value because of the absence of information on cost and the limited information on outcomes.
Foreword to Schedules of reinforcement. 1957.

Schedules of Reinforcement (Schedules) is an extraordinary monograph. It is an account of exciting scientific discoveries that were both important and original. The material was quite unfamiliar except to a small coterie who had been close to the work. A monograph of this magnitude is normally preceded by a series of technical papers in the scientific literature, describing reasonably coherent fragments of the work as it progresses, so that people in the field can have some familiarity (which often passes as understanding) with the new discoveries. But Schedules was not preceded by papers. It appeared full grown in 700 pages of almost entirely original material. To most psychologists even the nomenclature was unfamiliar, although some terms had been used before. In a word, it was an uncompromising challenge. Here it is, a mother lode of information on new discoveries: Go ahead and mine it. There are substantive written sections, mostly in the early chapters, but the bulk of Schedules is the 921 figures and their accompanying description. This atlas of figures contrasts sharply with the careful, analytical development in earlier books by Skinner (The Behavior of Organisms and Science and Human Behavior) and even more with other books in psychology. An account of why Schedules is such a different book will give some perspective on the historical importance of the research and may help those approaching the book for the first time to understand it and appreciate its significance. Ferster and Skinner discovered the incredible power of schedules of reinforcement to engender patterns of behavior. Their own behavior was so reinforced by the phenomena associated with schedule-controlled respond-
Review of eight restricted-access programs and potential implications for pharmacy

Limited-access programs, also called restricted-access programs, place limitations on who may prescribe, dispense, or take certain medications. These limitations are based on safety data gathered by the drug manufacturer and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The first restricted-access program
The role of ethics in executive compensation: Toward a contractarian interpretation of the neoclassical theory of managerial renumeration

The topic of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) compensation has been a focus of interest for many years. The purpose of this article is to explore the ethical dimensions of various generally accepted theories of CEO renumeration. We argue that a contractarian approach, based on the Kantian ethical framework, can be used to augment the existing contingent pay models. While the neoclassical economic model of the firm views the maximization of the shareholders' wealth as the sole responsibility of top management, a contractarian approach regards the balancing of various stakeholders' interests as the primary task of top management. Ethical problems emerge when there are divergent, yet equally justifiable interests which compete in order to channel organizational resources to meet their own needs. In this situation, given the inherent ambiguities and ever present possibilities of multiple perspectives, it may not always be feasible to provide a categorical answer to the question of whether the CEO's decisions are ethical. We suggest that a broad interpretation of the neoclassical theory of the firm, one that is grounded in Kantian and contractarian ethics, can serve as a basis for a reconciliation of different theories of executive compensation.
Studies of the methanation catalysts ThNi5 and ZrNi5 by Auger and Characteristic Energy Loss Spectra

Abstract ThNi5 and ZrNi5 (fresh, used, and H2S poisoned) have been examined by Auger spectroscopy (AES) and Characteristic Energy Loss Spectroscopy (CELS) to elucidate the strikingly different behavior of these materials as methanation catalysts. With use ZrNi5 is transformed into Ni supported on ZrO2 and ThNi5 into Ni supported on ThO2. AES indicates that the Ni on ZrO2 is heavily overlaid with graphite. This does not occur with Ni and ThO2, accounting for the exceptional activity of this catalyst compared to Ni on ZrO2. Plasmon excitation energy determined from CELS are consistent with this picture. The large amount of surface Ni for the transformed ThNi5 catalyst accounts for its high resistance to H2S poisoning compared to that of ZrNi5. A strong CELS peak is observed at 6.5 eV in ZrNi5 and ThNi5 as well as in elemental Ni, suggesting a very similar band structure for these materials. In this respect Ni and the Ni intermetallics are similar to Co and Co intermetallics as deduced from photoemission studies and recent APW band calculations.
Innervation of the rat anterior and neurointermediate pituitary visualized by immunocytochemistry for the growth-associated protein GAP-43.

Immunocytochemical localization of the neuronal growth associated protein GAP-43 revealed a dense axonal plexus throughout the neurointermediate lobe of the rat pituitary. These axons were fine, presumably monoaminergic fibers, whereas magnocellular neurosecretory axons did not appear to contain detectable GAP-43. These experiments also revealed the presence of an extensive nerve plexus within the anterior lobe. Fine beaded fibers were present throughout the parenchyma of the anterior lobe, and punctate staining suggestive of nerve terminals was seen surrounding numerous endocrine cells. Nerve fibers did not appear to cross directly between the intermediate and anterior lobes, but rather entered the anterior lobe directly from its margins or in association with blood vessels. Preabsorption of antisera with GAP-43 purified from neonatal rat brain completely eliminated immunoreactivity. These findings confirm the existence of a direct innervation of the anterior pituitary of the rat; moreover, the presence ...
Synthesis of 8,9‐difluoro‐2‐methyl‐6‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydropyrrolo[3,2,1‐ij]quinoline‐5‐carboxylic acid

A new and efficient seven-step synthesis of 8,9-difluoro-2-methyl-6-oxo-1,2-dihydropyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]-quinoline-5-carboxylic acid (9), an important intermediate used in the synthesis of quinolone antibacterials, has been developed beginning with commercially available 2,3,4-trifluoronitrobenzene. Selective displacement of the 2-fluorine of the starting material with the anion of ethyl acetoacetate and subsequent hydrolysis and decarboxylation affords the arylacetone derivative 11. Reduction of the ketone and nitro groups of 11 followed by condensation with diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate gives 14, which is cyclized to the indole derivative 15 by the Mitsunobu procedure. Friedel-Crafts cyclization of 15 and acid hydrolysis gives the title compound 9.
Functional Metabolomics Reveals Novel Active Products in the DHA Metabolome

Endogenous mechanisms for successful resolution of an acute inflammatory response and the local return to homeostasis are of interest because excessive inflammation underlies many human diseases. In this review, we provide an update and overview of functional metabolomics that identified a new bioactive metabolome of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Systematic studies revealed that DHA was converted to DHEA-derived novel bioactive products as well as aspirin-triggered (AT) forms of protectins. The new oxygenated DHEA derived products blocked PMN chemotaxis, reduced P-selectin expression and platelet-leukocyte adhesion, and showed organ protection in ischemia/reperfusion injury. These products activated cannabinoid receptor (CB2 receptor) and not CB1 receptors. The AT-PD1 reduced neutrophil (PMN) recruitment in murine peritonitis. With human cells, AT-PD1 decreased transendothelial PMN migration as well as enhanced efferocytosis of apoptotic human PMN by macrophages. The recent findings reviewed here indicate that DHEA oxidative metabolism and aspirin-triggered conversion of DHA produce potent novel molecules with anti-inflammatory and organ-protective properties, opening the DHA metabolome functional roles.
Nuclear-magnetic-resonance relaxation in glassy Cu-As-Se and Cu-As-S.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of 63 Cu and nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) of 75 As have been used to study relaxation effects and the possibility of local atomic diffusion in the Cu-As-S and Cu-As-Se glassy systems. The frequency and temperature dependences of the spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times have been measured. The NMR spin-lattice relaxation measurements for 63 Cu in the Cu-As-Se and Cu-As-S glassy systems suggest that the spin-lattice relaxation rate T 1 -1 is probably dominated by two relaxation mechanisms depending on the temperature
Substance P elicits thromboxane-induced contraction of canine pulmonary veins

The effect of substance P on isolated rings of dog pulmonary vein was examined using tissue bath techniques. Substance P (10(-8)-10(-6) M) had no effect on baseline tone but equally potentiated matched contractions induced by exogenous norepinephrine (NE) and electrical field stimulation (ES). Potentiations produced by substance P were blocked by the substance P antagonist, [D-Arg, D-Pro2, D-Try, Leu] substance P as well as by indomethacin, the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor dazoxiben, and the thromboxane receptor antagonist SQ 29,548. Removal of the endothelium did not alter the substance P potentiation of NE-induced contractions but greatly enhanced the response to exogenous NE. There was marked desensitization to substance P but not to the thromboxane receptor agonist U-46619. We conclude that substance P enhances NE-induced contractions of pulmonary veins by stimulating the production and release of thromboxane A2 from non-endothelial cells. Thromboxane appears to exert a direct effect on smooth muscle cells rather than enhancing NE release from intramural neurons because the responses to NE and ES were potentiated equally. Desensitization probably resulted from down regulation of substance P receptors or depletion of thromboxane A2 rather than an effect on thromboxane A2 receptors.
Utility of Radiologic Review for Noncardiac Findings on Multislice Computed Tomography in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Evaluated for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) without replacement requires precise knowledge of the anatomic dimensions and physical characteristics of the peripheral vasculature and aortic valve annulus at the insertion of the aortic valve leaflet and root at the level of the sinus of Valsalva. Multislice computed tomography (CT) allows detailed and precise assessment of the anatomic variables. Noncardiovascular structures are also amenable to assessment by CT. Of the 394 patients screened for TAVI, 259 (65.7%) had non-contrast CT to evaluate chest anatomy and contrast CT to evaluate ilio-femoral anatomy. Significant noncardiac findings were defined as those requiring immediate evaluation or intervention or additional clinical or radiologic follow-up. Noncardiovascular findings known before CT were not included. Of the 259 patients, 105 (40.5%) were men. The mean age was 82.3 +/- 8.1 years. New, significant noncardiovascular findings were found in 89 (34.3%) and malignancy in 11 (4.2%) patients. Insignificant noncardiovascular findings were identified in 222 patients (85.7%). Signs of fluid retention were noted on CT in 105 patients (40.5%), with pleural effusion in 100 (38.6%), ascites in 17 (6.5%), and pericardial effusion in 14 (5.4%). Important peripheral vascular disease was found in 98 patients (37.8%), resulting in exclusion of 49 (19.1%) from TAVI using the transfemoral approach. An aortic aneurysm was found in 10 patients (3.8%) and a "porcelain" aorta (heavily calcified ascending aorta) in 19 (7.3%). In conclusion, malignancy and other noncardiovascular abnormalities are often found in patients who undergo CT for evaluation for TAVI. Populations must be meticulously examined to ensure that important findings are not missed.
Saturation of Energy Levels in Analytical Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry. I. Theory.

Abstract The potential importance of energy-level saturation to analytical atomic fluorescence spectrometry has prompted a two-part fundamental investigation into the saturation process. The first part, reported here, develops a model for saturation which is applicable to both resonance and non-resonance fluorescence of atoms in flames or other gaseous media excited by a continuum or pseudo-continuum source. Provision is made for considering both collisional excitation and quenching of atoms, and the exciting source can be chosen to be of any desired duration. To illustrate the utility of the model, values are predicted for the source spectral power density necessary to saturate several analytically important atomic transitions. Application of the model requires only a knowledge of the kinetic parameters of the energy levels being probed, including Einstein coefficients and quenching rates. Assumptions implicit in the model are discussed and its sphere of valid application considered. Experimental verification of the model will be reported in part II.
Sudden intrapartum fetal death in fetuses with absent pulmonary valve syndrome: report of two cases.

Objective To describe potential intrapartum complications for fetuses affected by absent pulmonary valve syndrome. Study Design Two cases of intrapartum fetal death at full term were collected from our institution's labor and delivery unit records. Results In both cases of intrapartum fetal death, the fetuses had been diagnosed with absent pulmonary valve syndrome and had likely experienced acute cardiac events during labor. Both were delivered as stillbirths despite emergency cesarean delivery. Conclusion Patients should be counseled prior to labor about potential intrapartum complications for a fetus with absent pulmonary valve syndrome. Plans for fetal monitoring and the extent of aggressive intervention should be in place before labor in case sudden complications occur.
Accumulations research: Problems and prospects for estimating site occupation span

Accumulations research examines the dynamic relationship among artifact discard, duration of occupation, and population size. The history of accumulations research is reviewed, emphasizing studies that use accumulation rates to measure site occupation span. Ethnoarchaeological and experimental research demonstrates that cooking pots are an ideal artifact type for accumulations research. Data from the Duckfoot site in southwestern Colorado are used to develop an annual accumulation rate of cooking pot sherds for households. This rate is used, along with population estimates and estimates of the total cooking pot sherd accumulation, to determine the occupation span of five sites located in the nearby Dolores River valley.