cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of pelvic examination in the assessment of patients with operable cervical cancer

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether pelvic examination identifies factors that suggest the need for radiotherapy after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer. Study design This was an observational study that was conducted from July 1, 2000 through December 31, 2002 that comprised 67 patients with stage 1B-2A cervical cancer who underwent primary surgical treatment. Assessments that were made on pelvic examination were compared with pathologic findings. Data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics, calculation of sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive values, and determination of odds ratios. Results The overall spectrum of small to large tumors ( r =0.77-0.88). The accuracy of examination was approximately 50% for tumor diameter (±25%), 85% for cervical diameter (±25%), 80% for outer-third invasion, 80% for endophytic growth, and 90% for vaginal involvement. The likelihood for adjuvant radiotherapy had a significant association with the number of at-risk examination variables that were present. Conclusion For women who undergo radical hysterectomy for stage 1B to 2A cervical cancer, the presence of multiple high-risk factors that are found on pelvic examination is associated significantly with indications for adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy.
Gerontology in Five Images

In his Kent Award lecture, Scott Bass called for a greater coherence of gerontology. This article proposes that the teaching of gerontology is one way to address the centrifugal tendencies of the field and economize its disciplinary sprawl. The instructional strategy is to concentrate attention to a limited number of focal visuals from which the exposition of gerontological knowledge can radiate out and to which it can circle back. The 5 images selected here synthesize numerous ideas about life course; senescence, development, and interventions in these processes; the long gestation of relative health and illness; the succession of cohorts and social change; and the question of preparing for and managing the uncertainties of adult life. The 5 pictures and charts show some common features, such as lifelong flows of time and a recurring arc-like shape that is used to depict them. A sixth image is suggested in order to counter the impression that aging is a process of diminishment. Most knowledge about aging is rooted in a core discipline, but the teaching of that knowledge beyond the discipline can integrate content in fruitful ways.
Adaptive Optics Images of Kepler Objects of Interest

All transiting planets are at risk of contamination by blends with nearby, unresolved stars. Blends dilute the transit signal, causing the planet to appear smaller than it really is, or produce a false-positive detection when the target star is blended with eclipsing binary stars. This paper reports on high spatial-resolution adaptive optics images of 90 Kepler planetary candidates. Companion stars are detected as close as 0ˮ1 from the target star. Images were taken in the near-infrared (J and Ks bands) with ARIES on the MMT and PHARO on the Palomar Hale 200 inch telescope. Most objects (60%) have at least one star within 6" separation and a magnitude difference of 9. Eighteen objects (20%) have at least one companion within 2" of the target star; six companions (7%) are closer than 0ˮ5. Most of these companions were previously unknown, and the associated planetary candidates should receive additional scrutiny. Limits are placed on the presence of additional companions for every system observed, which can be used to validate planets statistically using the BLENDER method. Validation is particularly critical for low-mass, potentially Earth-like worlds, which are not detectable with current-generation radial velocity techniques. High-resolution images are thus a crucial component of any transit follow-up program.
Nitrification in high chloride zones near fertilizer bands in a calcareous soil

Abstract The effect of high chloride (Cl) on nitrification of ammonium‐nitrogen (NH4‐N) in zones surrounding applied fertilizer and on nitrogen (N) uptake by sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench)] was examined in a calcareous silt loam soil. Fertilizer N was applied at a rate of 120 mg N/kg as ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] or ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and supplemented by calcium chloride (CaCl2) to provide a final Cl concentration of 350 or 700 mg Cl/kg to simulate a concentrated point placement. Soil around the point of fertilizer placement and shoot dry matter (if present) were sampled and analyzed at 1,7,14, 24, 34, and 44 days after application. Soil pH within 2.0 cm from the fertilizer placement point for the Cl treatments was below the bulk soil pH during the entire study due to the effect of adding CaCl2. Beyond the fertilizer placement zone, soil pH for the ammonium sulfate treatment without Cl increased initially to near pH 8.5 then declined steadily with time as acidification from nitrification in...
Multifractal magnetic susceptibility distribution models of hydrothermally altered rocks in the Needle Creek Igneous Center of the Absaroka Mountains, Wyoming

Magnetic susceptibility was measured for 700 samples of drill core from thirteen drill holes in the porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit of the Stinkingwater mining district in the Absaroka Mountains, Wyoming. The magnetic susceptibility measurements, chemical analyses, and alteration class provided a database for study of magnetic susceptibility in these altered rocks. The distribution of the magnetic susceptibilities for all samples is multi-modal, with overlapping peaked distributions for samples in the propylitic and phyllic alteration class, a tail of higher susceptibilities for potassic alteration, and an approximately uniform distribution over a narrow range at the highest susceptibilities for unaltered rocks. Samples from all alteration and mineralization classes show susceptibilities across a wide range of values. Samples with secondary (supergene) alteration due to oxidation or enrichment show lower susceptibilities than primary (hypogene) alteration rock. Observed magnetic susceptibility variations and the monolithological character of the host rock suggest that the variations are due to varying degrees of alteration of blocks of rock between fractures that conducted hydrothermal fluids. Alteration of rock from the fractures inward progressively reduces the bulk magnetic susceptibility of the rock. The model introduced in this paper consists of a simulation of the fracture pattern and a simulation of the alteration of the rock between fractures. A multifractal model generated from multiplicative cascades with unequal ratios produces distributions statistically similar to the observed distributions. The reduction in susceptibility in the altered rocks was modelled as a diffusion process operating on the fracture distribution support. The average magnetic susceptibility was then computed for each block. For the purpose of comparing the model results with observation, the simulated magnetic susceptibilities were then averaged over the same interval as the measured data. Comparisons of the model and data from drillholes show good but not perfect agreement.
Does money empower the elderly? Evidence from the Agincourt demographic surveillance site, South Africa

Aims: To quantify the impact of the South African old age (social) pension on outcomes for pensioners and the prime-aged adults and children who live with them, and to examine alternative means by which pensions affect household outcomes. Methods: We collected socioeconomic data on 290 households in the Agincourt demographic surveillance area (DSA), stratifying our sample on the presence of a household member age-eligible for the old-age pension (women aged 60 and older, men aged 65 and older). Results: The presence of a pensioner significantly reduces household reports that adults and, separately, children missed meals because there was not enough money for food. In addition, girls are significantly more likely to be enrolled in school if they are living with a pensioner, an effect that is driven entirely by living with a female pensioner. Our results are consistent with a model in which pensioners have a greater say in household functioning once they begin to receive their pensions. Conclusions: We find a program targeted toward the elderly plays a significant role in children’s health and development.
Immunologic endocrine disorders

Autoimmunity affects multiple glands in the endocrine system. Animal models and human studies highlight the importance of alleles in HLA-like molecules determining tissue-specific targeting that, with the loss of tolerance, leads to organ-specific autoimmunity. Disorders such as type 1A diabetes, Graves disease, Hashimoto thyroiditis, Addison disease, and many others result from autoimmune-mediated tissue destruction. Each of these disorders can be divided into stages beginning with genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, active autoimmunity, and finally metabolic derangements with overt symptoms of disease. With an increased understanding of the immunogenetics and immunopathogenesis of endocrine autoimmune disorders, immunotherapies are becoming prevalent, especially in patients with type 1A diabetes. Immunotherapies are being used more in multiple subspecialty fields to halt disease progression. Although therapies for autoimmune disorders stop the progress of an immune response, immunomodulatory therapies for cancer and chronic infections can also provoke an unwanted immune response. As a result, there are now iatrogenic autoimmune disorders arising from the treatment of chronic viral infections and malignancies.
Upper Mantle Project: Phase III , 1968–1970

Largely at the urging of many of the smaller countries, the period of the Upper Mantle Project was extended through 1970 by the International Council of Scientific Unions. By the end of 1965, 37 countries had formally announced their intention to participate in the UMP; of these, 16 had made their announcement in 1965. It was clearly impossible for these new participants to organize and carry out their programs by 1967.
Acute myeloid leukemia with t(5;18)(q35;q21)

A case of acute myelocytic leukemia with a translocation (5;18)(q35;q21) is reported. Cytogenetic abnormalities of the long arm of chromosome 5 have long been known to affect hematopoiesis. Although translocations between 5q and other chromosomes have been associated with malignancy, this is the first reported case of a t(5;18) resulting in acute myeloid leukemia. Possible molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of the disease are discussed.
High Levels of Genetic Recombination during Nasopharyngeal Carriage and Biofilm Formation in Streptococcus pneumoniae

Transformation of genetic material between bacteria was first observed in the 1920s using Streptococcus pneumoniae as a model organism. Since then, the mechanism of competence induction and transformation has been well characterized, mainly using planktonic bacteria or septic infection models. However, epidemiological evidence suggests that genetic exchange occurs primarily during pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage, which we have recently shown is associated with biofilm growth, and is associated with cocolonization with multiple strains. However, no studies to date have comprehensively investi- gated genetic exchange during cocolonization in vitro and in vivo or the role of the nasopharyngeal environment in these pro- cesses. In this study, we show that genetic exchange during dual-strain carriage in vivo is extremely efficient (10 2 ) and approxi- mately 10,000,000-fold higher than that measured during septic infection (109 ). This high transformation efficiency was associated with environmental conditions exclusive to the nasopharynx, including the lower temperature of the nasopharynx (32 to 34°C), limited nutrient availability, and interactions with epithelial cells, which were modeled in a novel biofilm model in vitrothat showed similarly high transformation efficiencies. The nasopharyngeal environmental factors, combined, were critical for biofilm formation and induced constitutive upregulation of competence genes and downregulation of capsule that promoted transformation. In addition, we show that dual-strain carriage in vivo and biofilms formed in vitro can be transformed during colonization to increase their pneumococcalfitness and also, importantly, that bacteria with lower colonization ability can be protected by strains with higher colonization efficiency, a process unrelated to genetic exchange. IMPORTANCE Although genetic exchange between pneumococcal strains is known to occur primarily during colonization of the nasopharynx and colonization is associated with biofilm growth, this is thefirst study to comprehensively investigate transfor- mation in this environment and to analyze the role of environmental and bacterial factors in this process. We show that trans- formation efficiency during cocolonization by multiple strains is very high (around 10 2 ). Furthermore, we provide novel evi- dence that specific aspects of the nasopharyngeal environment, including lower temperature, limited nutrient availability, and epithelial cell interaction, are critical for optimal biofilm formation and transformation efficiency and result in bacterial protein expression changes that promote transformation andfitness of colonization-deficient strains. The results suggest that cocoloni- zation in biofilm communities may have important clinical consequences by facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance and enabling serotype switching and vaccine escape as well as protecting and retaining poorly colonizing strains in the pneumococcal strain pool.
Adaptive Control of Indoor Thermal Environments Using Fan Coil Units

The work described in this paper relates to advanced control systems, specifically designed for heating, ventilation and air conditioning in office buildings. This work specifically focuses on the use of state of the art fan coil units with advanced instrumentation and control. The premise of the work is that control systems can be significantly enhanced by using real-time data from a distributed sensor network deployed in the building. Specifically, the performance of control systems can be improved by augmenting predictive (feed-forward) control operations with techniques to improve the accuracy of models. A control algorithm for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems is described in this paper that integrates an advanced feedforward control algorithm with conventional feedback control. This paper further contains a description of a functional prototype used to demonstrate the proposed control algorithm for indoor thermal environmental control. The test-bed used in this work — the Robert L Preger Intelligent Workplace (IW), at Carnegie Mellon University, involves a large number of variables and hence a complex control task, i.e., the test bed contains multiple sources of thermal energy, and multiple constraints and disturbances — both measurable and immeasurable. The algorithms demonstrated in this test-bed are expected to perform satisfactorily on other environments with smaller number of variables. This paper contains a description of experiments that were performed to validate the comfort and energy benefits of increased sensing using fan coil units that are in installed in two spaces in the IW.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Comparison of Numerical and Post-Newtonian Waveforms for Generic Precessing Black-Hole Binaries

We compare waveforms and orbital dynamics from the first long-term, fully nonlinear, numerical simulations of a generic black-hole binary configuration with post-Newtonian (PN) predictions. The binary has mass ratio q{approx}0.8 with arbitrarily oriented spins of magnitude S{sub 1}/m{sub 1}{sup 2}{approx}0.6 and S{sub 2}/m{sub 2}{sup 2}{approx}0.4 and orbits 9 times prior to merger. The numerical simulation starts with an initial separation of r{approx_equal}11M and orbital parameters determined by 2.5 PN and 3.5 PN evolutions of a quasi-circular binary starting from r=50M. The resulting binaries have very little eccentricity according to the 2.5 PN and 3.5 PN systems, but show eccentricities of e{approx}0.01-0.02 and e{approx}0.002-0.005 in the respective numerical simulations, thus demonstrating that 3.5 PN significantly reduces the eccentricity of the binary compared to 2.5 PN. We perform three numerical evolutions from r{approx_equal}11M with maximum resolutions of h=M/48, M/53.3, M/59.3, to verify numerical convergence. We observe a reasonably good agreement between the PN and numerical waveforms, with an overlap of nearly 99% for the first six cycles of the (l=2, m={+-}2) modes, 91% for the (l=2, m={+-}1) modes, and nearly 91% for the (l=3, m={+-}3) modes. The phase differences between numerical and post-Newtonian approximations appear to be independent of the (l,m) modesmore » considered and relatively small for the first 3-4 orbits. An advantage of the 3.5 PN model over the 2.5 PN one seems to be observed, which indicates that still higher PN order (perhaps even 4.0 PN) may yield significantly better waveforms. In addition, we identify features in the waveforms likely related to precession and precession-induced eccentricity.« less
Feminist Philosophy of Art

This article outlines the issues addressed by feminist philosophy of art, critically surveys major developments in the field, and concludes by considering directions in which the field is moving.
Radiometric assay for cytochrome P-450-catalyzed progesterone 16 alpha-hydroxylation and determination of an apparent isotope effect.

In the course of studies on the oxygenation of steroids by purified P-450 cytochromes, particularly rabbit liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 form 3b, a rapid and reliable radiomettic assay has been devised for progesterone l6cu-hydroxylation. In view of the lack of a commercially available, suitably tritiated substrate, [I ,2,6,7,16,1 7-3H]progesterone was treated with alkali to remove the label from potential hydroxylation sites other than the 16n position. The resulting [ 1,7,1 6-3H]progesterone was added to a reconstituted enzyme system containing cytochrome P-450 form 3b, NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, and NADPH, and the rate of 16a-hydroxylation was measured by the formation of ‘HrO. This reaction was shown to be linear with respect to time and to the cytochrome P-450 concentration. An apparent tritium isotope effect of 2. I was observed by comparison of the rates of formation of tritium oxide and 16a-hydroxyprogesterone, and the magnitude of the isotope effect was confirmed by an isotope competition assay in which a mixture of [ 1,7,1 6-3H]progesterone and [4-‘4C]progesterone was
Reflex ImmunoCyt Testing for the Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer in Patients with Atypical Urine Cytology

Background: ImmunoCyt/uCyt (Scimedx, Denville, NJ, USA) is a well-established urinary marker assay with high sensitivity for the diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma (UC) and can function as a second-level test to arbitrate atypical reads of urine cytology. Objective: To determine the utility of uCyt as a reflex test for atypical cytology in patients undergoing a hematuria evaluation or surveillance with a history of UC. Design, setting, and participants: The uCyt assay was performed as a second-level reflex test on all voided urine cytology tests read as atypical between January 2007 and June 2010 in an academic medical center. Records were retrospectively reviewed. Three hundred twenty-four patients underwent a total of 506 uCyt assays. Intervention: Reflex uCyt assay on atypical urine cytology. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The uCyt test characteristics include sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV). Results and limitations: Reflex uCyt was performed on 506 atypical voided urine samples that were followed by cystoscopy within 90 d. Reflex uCyt with a history of UC showed a sensitivity of 73%, a specificity of 49%, and an NPV of 80%. In those with a history of low-grade UC, reflex uCyt had a sensitivity of 75%, a specificity of 50%, and an NPV of 82%, while in those with a history of high-grade UC, it had a sensitivity of 74%, a specificity of 44%, and an NPV of 79%. Without prior history of UC, reflex uCyt had a sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 59%, and an NPV of 94%. This study’s limitations include its retrospective design and interobserver variability inherent to cystoscopy, which was used as the reference test. Conclusions: When used as a reflex test on atypical urine cytology, negative uCyt may predict a negative cystoscopy in select patients and modulate the urgency and further work-up in those with no prior history or low-grade disease. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of European Association of Urology.
Impacts of conservation easements for threat abatement and fire management in a rural oak woodland landscape

Abstract Rural residential development can impact habitat and complicate fire management. Conservation easements are created to prevent development but are rarely assessed for their influence on development patterns. In the Lassen Foothills, California, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) holds over 37,000 ha of mostly public-funded conservation easements on ranchland dominated by blue oak ( Quercus douglasii ) woodland. For this region we modeled land use through 2050 under two scenarios, with and without conservation easements, using a rule-based growth model. We mapped development footprints on 760 rural residential parcels through automated remote sensing. From calculated footprint sizes we projected site-level habitat loss for each scenario. We also projected the influence of development patterns on fire management. With easements present the Lassen Foothills would gain about 184 new homes, compared with 223 homes if easements were absent. With an average residential footprint size of 0.34 ± 0.25 ha (mean ± SD), we found that easements slightly reduce vegetation conversion, protecting an additional 16.8 ha than were protected by the general plan alone. Without easements, scattered development may alter fire management on 12,370 ha (17.5% of undeveloped wildfire containment areas) by requiring more fire suppression and reducing options for prescribed burning. Low development pressure and county land use policies maintain very low residential densities in the Lassen Foothills. The easement program may increase options for fire management by preserving large landscapes. This case illustrates the limited effectiveness of land acquisition in preventing development in a low-threat landscape, and demonstrates the utility of growth models for prioritizing conservation investments.
Photometry of variable stars with periods near 1 day

Summary. We have obtained accurate, well-sampled light curves for seven stars which were candidates for short period type II Cepheids. One of the stars, CM UMa, was found to have an erroneous period. The correct period is 0.589 day and the star is an RRab star. The Fourier decomposition coefficients for the light curve of KP Cyg (period=0.86 day) combined with its high metallicity are consis­ tent with its being either a type II Cepheid or an RR Lyrae star. The result for V486Her (period=0.8day) is inconclusive; it is probably an RRabstar. The Fourier coefficients showed that CE Her (period= 1.21 day) and XX Vir (period=1.35 day) are type II Cepheids as suspected. Both stars show excess scatter and rapid variations during declining light which we suggest deserve further attention. BB Gem has Fourier coefficients which are appropriate to a short period classical Cepheid, making it the shortest period fundamental pulsa­ tor of that class known in the Galaxy. A period of 1 day is commonly assumed as the boundary between the RRab stars and the type II Cepheids. The latter stars in the short-period range are a heterogeneous group with metallicities ranging from very low to at least solar (Harris 1981), kinematics appropriate to a range of populations (Harris & Wallerstein 1984) and a variety of light curve shapes. Diethelm (1983) sorted the light curves into several categories and subsequently (Diethelm 1986) used photometric abundances to show that at least one of the groups, his RRd stars, was physically distinct. Petersen & Diethelm (1986) carried out Fourier decomposition of the light curves of 35 type II Cepheids and concluded that their pulsational properties were similar to those of the classical Cepheids. However, Simon (1986) rediscussed the Fourier coefficients in connection with pulsa­ tion models and reached somewhat different conclusions. In particular, he suggested that there
Rothia mucilaginosa Prosthetic Device Infections: a Case of Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis

Rothia mucilaginosa is increasingly recognized as an emerging opportunistic pathogen associated with prosthetic device infections. Infective endocarditis is one of the most common clinical presentations. We report a case of R. mucilaginosa prosthetic valve endocarditis and review the literature of prosthetic device infections caused by this organism.
Which renal transplant candidates should accept marginal kidneys in exchange for a shorter waiting time on dialysis

Renal transplantation has been established as a life-saving procedure for patients with ESRD. Deceased donor kidneys convey variable life expectancies for recipients. However, limited information is available to guide patients and patient advocates concerning the appropriateness to list for expanded criteria donations (ECD). Half-lives for wait-listed transplant candidates were estimated from the time of ESRD onset on the basis of recipient age, primary diagnosis, and organ quality using survival models. In addition, we evaluated the likelihood of candidates' receiving a transplant on the basis of age and other characteristics by duration of waiting time. Older patients (65+) had longer life expectancy when they accepted an ECD within 2 yr of ESRD onset (5.6 yr) compared with waiting for a standard kidney (5.3 yr) or a living donation (5.5 yr) after 4 yr of dialysis. Conversely, younger recipients (18 to 39 yr) had longer life expectancy with a living donation (27.6 yr) or standard kidney (26.4 yr) after 4 yr on dialysis compared with an ECD after 2 yr of dialysis (17.6 yr). Increased candidate age was associated with the likelihood of not receiving a transplant during the period on the waiting list as a result of mortality and separately related to morbidity and delisting. Older and frailer transplant candidates benefit from accepting lower quality organs early after ESRD, whereas younger and healthier patients benefit from receiving higher quality organs even with longer dialysis exposure. These findings are important for transplant candidates and advocates decision-making and for potential further implementation in allocation policy.
Spatial Dynamics of Two Oriental Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Parasitoids, Fopius arisanus and Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), in a Guava Orchard in Hawaii

ABSTRACT We examined spatial patterns of both sexes of oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), and its two most abundant parasitoids, Fopius arisanus (Sonan) and Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) in a commercial guava (Psidiumguajava L.) orchard. Oriental fruit fly spatial patterns were initially random, but became highly aggregated with host fruit ripening and the subsequent colonization of, first, F. arisanus (egg-pupal parasitoid) and, second, D. longicaudata (larval-pupal parasitoid). There was a significant positive relationship between populations of oriental fruit fly and F. arisanus during each of the F. arisanus increases, a pattern not exhibited between oriental fruit fly and D. longicaudata. Generally, highest total numbers of males and females (oriental fruit fly, F. arisanus, and D. longicaudata) occurred on or about the same date. There was a significant positive correlation between male and female populations of all three species; we measured a lag of 2-4 wk between increases...
Wood‐Based Composite Board

General composition, materials, and processes used to manufacture wood-based composite boards are described in this article. Conventional wood-based composite panels intended for general construction and/or interior use and the mechanical properties of these types of composite panels are presented and discussed. Keywords: particleboard; fiberboard; MDF; OSB; flakeboard; wood-plastic composite
Inflammation: Mechanisms, Costs, and Natural Variation

Inflammation is a pervasive phenomenon that operates during severe perturbations of homeostasis, such as infection, injury, and exposure to contaminants, and is triggered by innate immune receptors that recognize pathogens and damaged cells. Among vertebrates, the inflammatory cascade is a complex network of immunological, physiological, and behavioral events that are coordinated by cytokines, immune signaling molecules. Although the molecular basis of inflammation is well studied, its role in mediating the outcome of host-parasite interactions has received minimal attention by ecologists. This review provides a synopsis of vertebrate inflammation, its life-history modulation, and its effects upon host-pathogen dynamics as well as hostcommensal microbiota interactions in the gut. What emerges is evidence for phenotypic plasticity of inflammatory responses despite the apparently invariant and redundant nature of the immunoregulatory networks that regulate them.
A Modest Proposal To Balance The Federal Budget

The total debt of the United States (US) federal government now exceeds annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This level has historically proved problematic in other countries. The primary driver of the debt is a federal budget deficit that now exceeds $1 trillion per year. Despite forecasts of dire consequences, the deficit and debt have not been controlled, as efforts to make meaningful reductionsincluding plans developed by the bipartisan Bowles-Simpson and Domenici-Rivlin groupshave so far fallen prey to infighting in the political process. This paper examines one approach to eliminate the annual deficit, balance the federal budget, and reduce the federal debt. This approach increases tax revenues with a flat income tax applied to a broader tax base plus a consumption tax. Health and welfare spending is reformed using the Boortz-Linder Prebate and the Bismarck social-insurance health care plan to provide a more comprehensive safety net. Defense spending is reduced by making greater use of reserve forces following the model of Sweden, Switzerland, and Israel, by reducing overseas deployments, and by reforming procurement. Many unnecessary or counterproductive activities are cancelled, transferred to the states, or privatized. Social security is placed on a sound footing for the future. These proposals are based in large part upon programs and procedures that have produced positive results in other countries. This approach is offered not as the only or best solution, but rather to indicate that solution is possible and to lead to further discussion.
FRAMESHIFT SUPPRESSION IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE. II. GENETIC PROPERTIES OF GROUP II SUPPRESSORS

Suppressors of ICR-induced mutations that exhibit behavior similar to bacterial frameshift suppressors have been identified in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast suppressors have been divided into two groups. One of these groups (Group II: SUF1, SUF3, SUF4, SUF5 and SUF6) appears to include a set of informational suppressors in which the vehicle of suppression is glycyl-tRNA. Some of the genetic properties of Group II suppressors are described in this communication.——Corevertants of the Group II frameshift mutations his4–519 and leu2–3 have been characterized to determine the spectrum of reversion events induced by the frameshift mutagen ICR-170. Seventythree ICR-induced corevertants were analyzed. With the exception of one corevertant, which carried an allele of SUF1, all carried alleles of SUF3 or SUF5. SUF1, SUF3, SUF4 and SUF6 were represented among spontaneous and UV-induced corevertants. In the course of these experiments one of the suppressors was mapped. SUF5, the probable structural gene for tRNAGLY1, is located between ade2 and ade9 on chromosome XV.——SUF1, SUF4 and SUF6 have novel properties and comprise a distinct subset of suppressors. Although these suppressors show no genetic linkage to each other, they share several common features including lethality in haploid pairwise combinations, reduced tRNAGLY3 isoacceptor activity and increased efficiency of suppression in strains carrying the cytoplasmically inherited [PSI] element. In addition, strains carrying SUF1, SUF4 or SUF6 are phenotypically unstable and give rise to mitotic Suf+ segregants at high frequency. These segregants invariably contain a linked, second-site mutation that maps in or adjacent to the suppressor gene itself. Strains carrying any of these suppressors also give rise to mitotic segregants that exhibit enhanced efficiency of suppression; mutations responsible for this phenotype map at two loci, upf1 and upf2. These genes show no genetic linkage to any of the Group II suppressors.——Methods that permit positive selection for mutants with decreased or enhanced efficiency of suppression have been devised in order to examine large numbers of variants. The importance of these interacting mutants is underscored by their potential utility in studying suppressor function at the molecular level.
A multichain polymer slip-spring model with fluctuating number of entanglements for linear and nonlinear rheology

A theoretically informed entangled polymer simulation approach is presented for description of the linear and non-linear rheology of entangled polymer melts. The approach relies on a many-chain representation and introduces the topological effects that arise from the non-crossability of molecules through effective fluctuating interactions, mediated by slip-springs, between neighboring pairs of macromolecules. The total number of slip-springs is not preserved but, instead, it is controlled through a chemical potential that determines the average molecular weight between entanglements. The behavior of the model is discussed in the context of a recent theory for description of homogeneous materials, and its relevance is established by comparing its predictions to experimental linear and non-linear rheology data for a series of well-characterized linear polyisoprene melts. The results are shown to be in quantitative agreement with experiment and suggest that the proposed formalism may also be used to describe the dynamics of inhomogeneous systems, such as composites and copolymers. Importantly, the fundamental connection made here between our many-chain model and the well-established, thermodynamically consistent single-chain mean-field models provides a path to systematic coarse-graining for prediction of polymer rheology in structurally homogeneous and heterogeneous materials.
Alternatively Spliced Human TREK-1 Variants Alter TREK-1 Channel Function and Localization

TREK-1, an outward-rectifying potassium channel activated by stretch, is found in the myometrium of pregnant women. Decreased expression of TREK-1 near term suggests that TREK-1 may contribute to uterine quiescence during gestation. Five alternatively spliced TREK-1 variants were identified in the myometrium of mothers who delivered spontaneously preterm (<37 wk), leading to the hypothesis that these TREK-1 variants could interfere with TREK-1 function or expression. To investigate a potential role for these variants, immunofluorescence, cell surface assays, Western blots, and patch clamp were employed to study TREK-1 and TREK-1 variants expressed in HEK293T cells. The results of this study demonstrate that coexpression of TREK-1 with TREK-1 variants alters TREK-1 expression and suppresses channel function. Each variant affected TREK-1 in a disparate manner. In HEK293T cells coexpressing TREK-1 and each variant, TREK-1 membrane expression was diminished with compartmentalization inside the cell. When expressed alone, individual variants displayed channel properties that were significantly decreased compared to full-length TREK-1. In coexpression studies using patch clamp, basal TREK-1 currents were reduced by ∼64% (4.3 vs. 12.0 pA/pF) on average at 0 mV when coexpressed with each variant. TREK-1 currents that were activated by intracellular acidosis were reduced an average of ∼77% (21.4 vs. 94.5 pA/pF) at 0 mV when cells were transfected with TREK-1 and any one of the splice variants. These data correlate the presence of TREK-1 variants to reduced TREK-1 activity, suggesting a pathological role for TREK-1 variants in preterm labor.
Indigenous Stories: Knowledge Is Sometimes Where You Least Expect to Find It

The famous American baseball player Yogi Berra, who played for and coached the New York Yankees once said, “this is like deja vu all over again.” As we read the chapter Australian Torres Strait Islander Students Negotiate Learning Secondary School Science in Standard Australian English: A Tentative Case for also Teaching and Assessing in Creole, Berra’s famous comments rang true for us as a Native person who has worked in Native American schools for nearly three decades and as a white man who has worked in critical pedagogy as a teacher/researcher for many years. However, we are not trying to be glib. The similarities between Native Americans from North America and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities from Australia are just far too obvious. It is sad for us to see the same oppression and failed decontextualized pedagogy being implemented for the education of Aboriginal children as have been implemented in the United States for Native children. In our response, we reflect on the ways in which our educational experiences on the Menominee Reservation in Northern Wisconsin mirror issues similar to those experienced by Chigeza and Whitehouse in Australia’s Torres Islands.
Biodiesel Testing in Two On-Road Pickups

Two on-road diesel pickups were operated on a mixture of 20% Biodiesel and 80% diesel for 80,000 kilometers (km). The engines were unmodified, but modifications were made to the vehicles for the convenience of the test. Fuel mixing was done on-board to extend the driving range to over 5,000 km between Biodiesel fill ups. Chassis dynamometer testing, injector coking, engine compression, injector valve opening pressures, and engine oil analyses were done at regularly scheduled intervals to monitor the engine performance parameters. RME produced 5% less power than D2, while 20RME and 20RAW produced one percent less power than D2. Smoke density was reduced 39% with RME, while 20RME increased 18%, and 20RAW decreased smoke density by 3.1 times that of D2. Emissions tests with a chassis transient dynamometer at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Authority Emissions Test Facility resulted in a decrease in HC (20%), CO (25%), NOx (2.6%), PM (10.9%), and there was no difference in CO{sub 2} with 20 RME compared to D2.
Prostaglandins and Leukotrienes in Pulmonary O2 Toxicity

O2 radicals can initiate peroxidation of cellular membranes, resulting in the release of hydrolytic enzymes, decreased membrane fluidity, and compromised membrane integrity. Free radicals also may cause the release of vasoactive substances, including prostaglandins (PG) and leukotrienes (LT). These products of the arachidonic acid cascade have been shown to produce vasoconstriction, vasodilation, platelet aggregation, increased capillary permeability, plasma extravasation, and edema formation. Of interest is that a similar pathophysiology is seen after O2 exposure. Employing the isolated perfused lung (IPL) prepared from lungs of rats exposed to 100% O2, the role of PG and LT in O2-induced lung damage was studied.
Carbohydrate Properties of Pituitary Follicle-Stimulating and Luteinizing Preparations.∗

SummaryThe carbohydrate content of our follicle-stimulating and luteinizing preparations is given in terms of glucose calculated from the reducing action of the hydrolysates. Results from enzymatic inactivation and electrodialysis are given which suggest that the follicle-stimulating activity may be associated with a carbohydrate grouping.
Identifying Optimal Sampling Design for Monitoring Multiple Contaminants under Uncertain Hydrogeology

A method for identifying cost effective sampling designs for long term monitoring is presented when multiple contaminants are involved over several time periods. Monitoring costs are minimized under a constraint to meet an acceptable level of error in the estimation of total mass for multiple contaminants simultaneously over many equiprobable realizations of hydraulic conductivity field. A myopic heuristic algorithm (MS-ER) that combines an error-reducing search neighborhood is developed to solve the optimization problem. The method is applied to design sampling locations and frequency for a hypothetical case study. The results showed that MS-ER algorithm consistently performed better in multiple trials when compared to simulated annealing and genetic algorithm. The best design of MS-ER algorithm produced a savings of nearly 25% in project cost over a conservative sampling plan that uses all possible locations and samples.
Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis transmission: modeling, backward bifurcation, and optimal control

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a vector-borne disease caused by protozoan flagellates of the genus Leishmania, is transmitted by sand flies. After malaria, VL is the second-largest parasitic killer, responsible for an estimated 500,000 infections and 51,000 deaths annually worldwide. Mathematical models proposed for VL have included the impact of dogs versus wild canids in disease dissemination and models developed to assist in control approaches. However, quantitative conditions that are required to control or eradicate VL transmission are not provided and there are no mathematical methods proposed to quantitatively calculate optimal control strategies for VL transmission. The research objective of this work was to model VL disease transmission system (specifically Zoonotic VL), perform bifurcation analysis to discuss control conditions, and calculate optimal control strategies. Three time-dependent control strategies involving dog populations, sand fly population, and humans are mainly discussed. Another strategy sometimes used in attempts to control zoonotic VL transmission, dog culling, is also evaluated in this paper.
Tezacitabine Hoechst Marion Roussel.

Tezacitabine (MDL-101731, KW-2331, FMdC), an antimetabolite deoxycytidine analog, is an irreversible ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor and DNA chain terminator discovered by Hoechst Marion Roussel, now Aventis Pharma, and under development by Matrix and Kyowa as a potential treatment for solid tumors [117987,153697]. It is in phase II trials for colorectal and hematological cancer [333949,343071,353481] and was evaluated in a phase II trial for non-small cell lung cancer, for which enrollment was reported to have stopped [342009]; however, tezacitabine continues to be explored for this indication [378351]. In February 1999, the first phase II trial patient was treated with tezacitabine. A total of 30 patients with non-small cell lung cancer were expected to be enrolled by Matrix [316463]; however, in October 1999, Matrix closed enrollment in this trial (after 28 patients were enrolled); preliminary analysis of the evaluable patients did not show meaningful clinical activity with tezacitabine as a stand-alone therapy in this indication at the dose and regimen tested [342009]. In May 1999, Matrix announced it would enroll up to 30 colorectal cancer patients for treatment in a phase II study [326017]. Despite closing enrollment for the NSCLC trial, as of October 1999, the phase II trial of tezacitabine in colorectal cancer was continuing to accrue patients [342009]. In March 2000, a clinical trial was initiated at the University of Pennsylvania to study tezacitabine administered intravenously in combination with cisplatin; a phase I trial studying the drug in combination with 5-FU at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute also commenced at that time [360590]. In May 1999, the results of four phase I trials were presented at the 35th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The studies enrolled 70 patients, 97% of whom had had previous chemotherapy and 46% of whom had failed three or more prior regimens. Groups of patients were given i.v. infusions of tezacitabine in schedules ranging from once every 3 weeks to twice a week for 3 weeks at doses ranging from 16 to 630 mg/m2. The dose-escalation studies showed the compound to be well tolerated and indications of efficacy were observed in patients with various advanced solid tumors [325070,327102]. In September 1998, Matrix Pharmaceutical acquired worldwide rights to tezacitabine except in Japan [299373]. Kyowa Hakko Kogyo has a license from HMR to develop tezacitabine in Japan [195494]; in 1995, the company began phase I clinical trials in Japan for tezacitabine administered orally [195494]. In 1996, this product was designated one of HMR's nine top priority products, serving an unmet medical need and addressing a potential market in excess of US $500 million per year [221118].
Hepatic Disease of Horses in the Western United States

Abstract Comprehensive clinical and standardized histologic descriptions of horses with naturally occurring hepatic disease in the western United States have not been performed. The purpose of this study was to describe clinical and histologic features of horses with hepatic disease admitted to a referral hospital in the western United States. A retrospective case review of 92 horses of various breeds residing in the western United States older than 1 year of age admitted between 2000 and 2010 with liver disease confirmed by histopathology was performed. Clinical data were retrieved from the medical record. Slides were reviewed, with a standardized hepatic histologic evaluation by a single board certified veterinary pathologist. Case follow-up information was obtained through phone interview. Sex was evenly distributed, and median age was 10 years (range, 1–31 years). Portal inflammation, portal fibrosis, necrosis, and lipidosis were commonly observed, and the majority of horses had moderate to severe grades of histologic injury. Sixty-eight horses were euthanized, and 24 were discharged from the hospital, with follow-up available for 19 obtained through phone interview. Six horses (32%) were euthanized within 1 year of hospital discharge, three from progression of primary liver disease, and three from colic. Hepatic disease in horses in the western United States often has serious consequences, with severe illness and often death of as a clinical outcome.
Hospitalized Children With Encephalitis in the United States: A Pediatric Health Information System Database Study

Abstract Objectives Given the paucity of data on resource utilization among children with encephalitis, the objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology and evaluate resource utilization and discharge data of children with encephalitis admitted to US hospitals from 2004 to 2013. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing the Pediatric Health Information System database of children aged 0 to 18 years with the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for encephalitis from 2004 to 2013. Only the initial admissions were included, and the age group analyzed was 0 to 18 years. Results Among 7298 children with encephalitis, 2933 (40%) were admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit. The median age was nine years, the overall median length of stay was 16 days, and children requiring critical care had a median length of stay of 25 days. Children in the pediatric intensive care unit were more likely to have seizures ( P P Conclusions Encephalitis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Children with encephalitis admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit are more likely to have seizures and to undergo a more extensive evaluation to determine the cause of encephalitis. Use of plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin is on the rise in hospitalized children. Prospective studies are necessary to better understand treatment and intervention strategies for children with encephalitis and their impact on outcomes.