cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospective trial evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[18F]-fluoro-L-phenylalanine (18F-DOPA) PET and MRI in patients with recurrent gliomas.

Treatment-related changes can be difficult to differentiate from progressive glioma using MRI with contrast (CE). The purpose of this study is to compare the sensitivity and specificity of 18F-DOPA-PET and MRI in patients with recurrent glioma. Thirteen patients with MRI findings suspicious for recurrent glioma were prospectively enrolled and underwent 18F-DOPA-PET and MRI for neurosurgical planning. Stereotactic biopsies were obtained from regions of concordant and discordant PET and MRI CE, all within regions of T2/FLAIR signal hyperintensity. The sensitivity and specificity of 18F-DOPA-PET and CE were calculated based on histopathologic analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed optimal tumor to normal (T/N) and SUVmax thresholds. In the 37 specimens obtained, 51% exhibited MRI contrast enhancement (M+) and 78% demonstrated 18F-DOPA-PET avidity (P+). Imaging characteristics included M−P− in 16%, M−P+ in 32%, M+P+ in 46% and M+P− in 5%. Histopathologic review of biopsies revealed grade II components in 16%, grade III in 43%, grade IV in 30% and no tumor in 11%. MRI CE sensitivity for recurrent tumor was 52% and specificity was 50%. PET sensitivity for tumor was 82% and specificity was 50%. A T/N threshold > 2.0 altered sensitivity to 76% and specificity to 100% and SUVmax > 1.36 improved sensitivity and specificity to 94 and 75%, respectively. 18F-DOPA-PET can provide increased sensitivity and specificity compared with MRI CE for visualizing the spatial distribution of recurrent gliomas. Future studies will incorporate 18F-DOPA-PET into re-irradiation target volume delineation for RT planning.
Effect of seminar on compassion on student self-compassion, mindfulness and well-being: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to have psychological benefits in college students. We explored the effects of an academic Seminar on Compassion on student psychological ...
Egocentric and allocentric fears in olfactory reference syndrome

Abstract Olfactory reference syndrome (ORS) is characterized by a false preoccupation that one has a foul body odor. Scarce systematic data on ORS exist, which has thwarted its diagnostic classification and conceptualization. Western and Eastern conceptual models of ORS emphasize different core fears as central to the disorder. Western conceptualizations emphasize a focus on one's body odor embarrassing oneself (egocentric fears) whereas Eastern conceptualizations emphasize a focus on one's body odor offending others (allocentric fears). The aim of the present Internet study (N = 252) was to determine whether ORS presents with egocentric core fears (supporting Western models), allocentric core fears (supporting Eastern models), or a combination of fear types (supporting a blend of Western and Eastern conceptualizations). Results showed that the majority (58.7%) of ORS participants endorsed both egocentric and allocentric fears. Fears did not differ significantly by culture. Those with both egocentric and allocentric fears had more severe ORS symptoms than those with only egocentric or allocentric fears. Taken together, results provide preliminary evidence that culture-bound definitions of ORS may be overly-restrictive. Rather, individuals in this sample present with symptoms that span across both conceptualizations. Results provide novel empirical evidence with which to hone conceptual models of ORS.
Formulation Development, Optimization, and In Vitro-In Vivo Characterization of Natamycin-Loaded PEGylated Nano-Lipid Carriers for Ocular Applications.

Abstract Current study aimed at formulating and optimizing natamycin (NT) loaded PEGylated NLCs (NT-PEG-NLCs) using Box-Behnken Design and investigating their potential in ocular applications. Response surface methodology (RSM) computations and plots for optimization were performed using Design Expert ® software, to obtain optimum values for response variables based on the criteria of desirability. Optimized NT-PEG-NLCs had predicted values for the dependent variables not significantly different from the experimental values. NT-PEG-NLCs were characterized for their physicochemical parameters; NT's rate of permeation and flux across rabbit cornea was evaluated, in vitro ; ocular tissue distribution was assessed in rabbits, in vivo . NT-PEG-NLCs were found to have optimum particle size ( In vitro transcorneal permeability and flux of NT from NT-PEG-NLCs was significantly higher than Natacyn ® . NT-PEG-NLC (0.3%) showed improved delivery of NT across the intact cornea and provided concentrations statistically similar to the marketed suspension (5%) in inner ocular tissues, in vivo , indicating that it could be a potential alternative to the conventional suspension during the course of fungal keratitis therapy.
Validation of the Head–Toes–Knees–Shoulders task in Native Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian children

Abstract The current study examined psychometric properties, as well as convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity of the Head–Toes–Knees–Shoulders (HTKS) task with a sample of Native Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian kindergartners from a rural community in Hawaiʻi. There were 120 (58 girls, 62 boys; 71 Native Hawaiian, 49 non-Hawaiian) participants (M = 59.79 months; SD = 5.00). Children completed the 20-item version of the HTKS task in the fall (T1) and spring (T2) semester of kindergarten. The criterion measures for convergent validity included the Peg Tapping Task (PTT), and parent and teacher measures of attention, working memory, and inhibitory control that assessed “cool” aspects of self-regulation, whereas the criterion measures for discriminant validity included parent and teacher measures of emotional control and impulsivity that tapped “hot” aspects of self-regulation. The Test of Preschool Early Literacy (TOPEL) was used as the criterion measure for predictive validity. The results supported the one-factor model of the HTKS. The HTKS items also had satisfactory item properties based on item characteristic curves and most items did not show differential item functions (DIFs) between Native Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian children. In addition, the two-factor model of “cool” and “hot” self-regulation fit the data satisfactorily at T1 but not T2, providing modest evidence for convergent and discriminant validity. With regard to predictive validity, path analyses showed that the HTKS scores at T1 were positively associated with the TOPEL scores at T1, but not at T2 (after controlling for the TOPEL scores at T1). We discuss the importance of developing the self-regulation skills of Native Hawaiian children from at-risk backgrounds as they enter formal schooling.
A Column-Generation Approach for the Assembly System Design Problem with Tool Changes

This assembly system design problem (ASDP) is to prescribe the minimum-cost assignment of machines, tooling, and tasks to stations, observing task precedence relationships and cycle time requirements. The ASDP with tool changes (ASDPTCs) also prescribes the optimal sequence of operations at each station, including tool changes, which are important, for example, in robotic assembly. A unique solution approach decomposes the model into a master problem, which is a minimum-cost network-flow problem that can be solved as a linear program, and subproblems, which are constrained, shortest-path problems that generate station configurations. Subproblems are solved on state-operation networks, which extend earlier formulations to incorporate tooling considerations. This paper presents a specialized algorithm to solve the subproblems. Computational tests benchmark the approach on several classes of problems, and the results are promising. In particular, tests demonstrate the importance of using engineering judgment to manage problem complexity by controlling the size of state-operation networks
Eight Artist-Level Violinists Performing Unaccompanied Bach: Are There Consistent Tuning Patterns?:

This study was designed to explore the intonation performances of highly regarded concert violinists in an unaccompanied context. I chose eight solo artists representing different generations of pe...
Cerebral blood flow response and its association with symptoms during orthostatic hypotension.

Introduction The preservation of cerebral blood flow with orthostatic hypotension (e.g., following prolonged bed rest or microgravity exposure) is vital for the attenuation of symptoms and the maintenance of consciousness. We tested the hypothesis that decreasing mean arterial pressure (MAP) by > 30% is associated with compromised cerebral autoregulation and orthostatic symptoms during a squat-stand test (SST). Methods There were 19 subjects who performed an SST. MAP and middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (CBFV) were recorded continuously. Subjects were divided retrospectively into those who reported: (1) at least one orthostatic symptom (Sx; n=9); or (2) no orthostatic symptoms (NSx; n=10). Cerebral autoregulation was assessed via the calculation of time to nadir and time to recovery for MAP and CBFV and linear regression analysis of the dynamic changes in MAP and CBFV (within 10 s of standing). Results On standing, MAP decreased by 37 +/- 2% (NSx) and 42 +/- 4% (Sx) (p = 0.100). CBFV fell by 6% more in the Sx group than in the NSx group (NSx, -33 +/- 1% vs. Sx, -39 +/- 3%, p = 0.032). Cerebral autoregulation remained intact in both groups as indicated by: (1) a faster time to nadir for CBFV compared with MAP; (2) a faster time to recovery for CBFV compared with MAP; and 3) a poor correlation between CBFV and MAP responses on standing (NSx R2 = 0.43; Sx R2 = 0.60). Conclusion Lower cerebral blood flow during severe hypotension may account for the reporting of orthostatic symptoms, despite the maintenance of cerebral autoregulation.
Using Internet of Vehicle Technology for Decreased Medical Response Times

Internet of Things technology has great potential to be integrated into the automotive industry. Cheap electronics systems such as the Raspberry Pi can be used to communicate GPS information between emergency and pedestrian vehicles. This information can be used to instruct pedestrian vehicles to pull over preemptively, decreasing the response time of emergency vehicles. Further, emergency vehicles can take advantage of cloud computing to give hospitals vitals data from a patient, such as their heart rate, breathing rate, or temperature in order to achieve a quicker diagnosis. This paper displays a proof of concept for this idea and a small-scale test for accuracy and latency of this communication, as well as many of the challenges in designing a project of this nature. At the conclusion of this paper, the reader should have a basic understanding of the process of implementation and obstacles this technology faces in the future.
Intracellular pH dynamics and charge-changing somatic mutations in cancer

An unresolved question critical for understanding cancer is how recurring somatic mutations are retained and how selective pressures drive retention. Increased intracellular pH (pHi) is common to most cancers and is an early event in cancer development. Recent work shows that recurrent somatic mutations can confer an adaptive gain in pH sensing to mutant proteins, enhancing tumorigenic phenotypes specifically at the increased pHi of cancer. Newly identified amino acid mutation signatures in cancer suggest charge-changing mutations define and shape the mutational landscape of cancer. Taken together, these results support a new perspective on the functional significance of somatic mutations in cancer. In this review, we explore existing data and new directions for better understanding how changes in dynamic pH sensing by somatic mutation might be conferring a fitness advantage to the high pH of cancer.
Recurrent Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections with Atypical Pathogens after Injection Drug Abuse: Another Manifestation of the Opioid Crisis.

Background: The United States is in the midst of an opioid crisis. Injection drug use is a major risk factor for necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) by introducing bacteria into the soft tissues. Repetitive infection and atypical pathogens may be tangible manifestations of the opioid crisis. Methods: We describe recidivism in two cases of NSTI involving opioid abuse and atypical pathogens at a single institution and review pertinent international literature. Results: Repetitive NSTI is rare. Patients with chronic injection drug use, however, may be at particular risk of repetitive NSTI and infections with atypical organisms. Conclusions: Care providers must have a heightened awareness of infections with atypical pathogens and risk of repetitive infection in patients with injection drug use. Aggressive surgical management and antibiotic coverage tailored to culture and susceptibility data are necessary for a successful short-term outcome. A successful long-term outcome mandates identification and management of co-existent behavioral health issues.
Quantitative CT Evidence of Airway Inflammation in WTC Workers and Volunteers with Low FVC Spirometric Pattern

The most common abnormal spirometric pattern reported in WTC worker and volunteer cohorts has consistently been that of a nonobstructive reduced forced vital capacity (low FVC). Low FVC is associated with obesity, which is highly prevalent in these cohorts. We used quantitative CT (QCT) to investigate proximal and distal airway inflammation and emphysema in participants with stable low FVC pattern. We selected study participants with at least two available longitudinal surveillance spirometries, and a chest CT with QCT measurements of proximal airway inflammation (wall area percent, WAP), end-expiratory air trapping, suggestive of distal airway obstruction (expiratory to inspiratory mean lung attenuation ratio, MLAEI), and emphysema (percentage of lung volume with attenuation below − 950 HU, LAV%). The comparison groups in multinomial logistic regression models were participants with consistently normal spirometries, and participants with stable fixed obstruction (COPD). Compared to normal spirometry participants, and after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, BMI, smoking, and early arrival at the WTC disaster site, low FVC participants had higher WAP (ORadj 1.24, 95% CI 1.06, 1.45, per 5% unit), suggestive of proximal airway inflammation, but did not differ in MLAEI, or LAV%. COPD participants did not differ in WAP with the low FVC ones and were more likely to have higher MLAEI or LAV% than the other two subgroups. WTC workers with spirometric low FVC have higher QCT-measured WAP compared to those with normal spirometries, but did not differ in distal airway and emphysema measurements, independently of obesity, smoking, and other covariates.
Sport History: The Basics

This is a fundamental text for the study of sport history. It answers the ‘why,’ ‘how,’ and ‘what’ questions, introducing the key principles and practices of sport history and walking the reader through the fascinating stories, debates, issues, and national and international narratives that constitute the history of sport. The book provides an overview of the field and the various professional roles assumed by practitioners, such as researchers, academics, and public historians. It is brief, crisp, and to the point. The main general topics of interest within the field – gender, race, nationalism, religion, sport and leisure, and megaevents – are covered with introductory vignettes, stories of interest, a wide variety of theoretical frameworks, and relevant historiography in the most current and timely text of its kind. Each chapter provides a list of further readings for more in-depth study. Students are taught how to conduct research and present their findings in a variety of mediums, and teaching and publication tips are offered for educators. Sport History: The Basics is essential reading for any student on a sport-related degree course or with an interest in social and cultural history. It is also fascinating reading for anybody with a general interest in sport.
Refugees’ pathways to German Higher Education institutions

Abstract Since 2015, Germany has followed a welcoming policy for refugees and has made efforts to integrate them in German society through initiatives such as development programs. However, very few refugee students have actually managed to enter German Higher Education (HE) institutions. Using a qualitative methodology, the researcher interviewed Arab refugee students studying in pre-academic and academic degree programs in Germany, to obtain answers to the following two main questions: 1) What are the main challenges that refugee students have experienced on their path to Germany as a host country? 2) What are the challenges that refugee students faced in HE in Germany and how does the German HE system respond to their needs? The findings suggest that, despite Germany’s desire to open up access to HE for refugees, the implementation of the policies adopted often sets administrative and social challenges to refugee students along their pathways to German HE institutions. These challenges include rigid access policies and procedures, unwelcoming public discourse and feelings of alienation. Nevertheless, students positively valued the new window of opportunity and universally applicable procedures offered in Germany, although they had not quite provided adequate responses to the refugees’ needs. The paper concludes with implications for policy makers wishing to open pathways for refugees to HE in intercultural academic spaces where they can interact and integrate within the academic community in preparation for their full integration into their host society.
Application of 1D 15 N and band-selective 2D 1 H-15 N CLIP-HSQMBC to detect 35/37 Cl isotope effect on nitrogen for unequivocal structure elucidation of the N-Cl moiety in molecules.

An impurity, designated MS204, was isolated from a scale-up production of an intermediate toward the synthesis of an active pharmaceutical ingredient. Structural elucidation of this chloro-containing impurity was performed based on the analysis of the MS and NMR data. Band-selective 2D 1 H-15 N CLIP-HSQMBC experiment was developed to unequivocally identify the ionic N-Cl moiety in the molecule by discovering the two isotope-shifted nitrogen peaks as 3 to 1 ratio separated by about 1 Δ15 N(37/35 Cl) = 19.6 ppb (1.19 Hz) due to the Cl isotope effect. 1D 15 N and 2D 1 H-15 N CLIP-HSQMBC experiments were applied to commercially available compounds to further confirm the techniques by detecting the isotope shift of nitrogen peaks for the N-Cl moiety in molecules.
Occupancy analysis in commercial building cooling energy modelling with domestic water and electricity consumption

Abstract Occupancy is known to play a crucial role in building energy consumption, but its application in building energy calculations has been much simplified. In whole-building energy statistical models, occupancy is rarely considered if at all. One hurdle is that many buildings in which energy efficiency projects are implemented do not have occupancy sensors for pre-project measurement. This work explores a potential workaround for such buildings by comparing the consumption of domestic cold water and electricity as proxies for occupancy in building energy statistical models. They are tested using a clustering approach and a linear approach. Using the chilled water consumption data of a classroom building, the use of domestic cold water in the clustering approach was able to reduce the model’s coefficient of variation of the root mean square error (CV-RMSE) by 2.9 percentage points to an average of 11.3% from the already-good 14.2% produced by the traditional weekday-and-weekend method. The case study data also covered a period when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the building closure. This sudden change of utility consumption caused problems for all modelling methods and this study highlights the special care that must be taken to treat such events.
Time Dependent Quantum Calculations on the Femtosecond Pump/Probe Ionization Spectroscopy of Molecular Sodium

The real time spectroscopy of small molecules in the gas phase has become an active field since ultrashort laserpulses are available1. The use of laser pulses of 50-100 fs duration allows the experimentalist to follow periodical bound state motion, to monitor molecular fragments while they dissociate1 or to study the time dependence of the absorption properties of molecules2. In most experiments the system under consideration is electronically excited by a first laserpulse and a coherent superposition of states, i.e. a localized wave packet is created. The probe pulse prepares the system in yet another electronic state which afterwards decays via a radiative transition. The total fluorescence as a function of delay time between pump and probe characterizes the dynamics within the intermediate electronic state. Alternatively the second excitation step may lead to ionization if the probe wavelength is chosen properly. There are experimental3 as well as theoretical4 investigations on such ionization processes. Femtosecond pulses were used to study the competing processes of molecular autoionization and fragmentation5. More recently Gerber and coworkers carried out molecular beam experiments with sodium molecules6. The total amount of Na 2 + ions produced by a multiphoton transition was detected as a function of the temporal separation between the ultrashort pump and probe pulses. Below we will use time dependent quantum mechanical methods to describe and analyze this process. The basic theory and the underlying model is outlined in Sec. II. The results are presented in Sec. III. A comparison with experiment and conclusions are given in the final section.
Reactions of W2(H)(OR)7, W2(OR)6(py)2 and W4(OCH2cC4H7)12 compounds (R = Pri, CH2But, cC5H9) with azobenzene, 1,2-diphenylhydrazine and 1,1-dimethylhydrazine

Abstract The reaction of W2(H)(OR)7, W2(OR)6(py)2 and W4(OCH2cC4H7)12 compounds ( R = Pr i , CH 2 Bu t , c C 5 H 9 ) in hydrocarbon solvents with azobenzene, 1,2-diphenylhydrazine and 1,1-dimethylhydrazine have been studied. The tetranuclear cluster proved to be inert while W 2 (H)(OR) 7 was the most kinetically labile. In all cases where a reaction was observed the dinuclear center was ultimately oxidized with the formation of imido (NR 2− ) or hydrazido (NNR 2 2− ) ligands being formed. These were isolated as compounds of W(6+) supported by four OR ligands. These products require alkoxide group scrambling and no compound from which OR groups were lost was detected. Studies of the reactions between W 2 (H)(OR) 7 compounds and hydrazines by low-temperature NMR spectroscopy indicate the initial formation of 1:1 adducts followed by elimination of H 2 and ROH as the hydrazine is activated. The following compounds were isolated and crystallographically characterized by single crystal studies: [W(OPr i ) 4 NPh] 2 , [W 3 (μ 3 -H)(OPr i ) 9 (NPh (py)], [W(Opri)4(NpH)(pyl)] and [W(OPri)4(NNMe2)((py)]. The trinuclear tungsten compound is noteworthy in being a rare, if not the only, example of a 12-electron triangular metal cluster capped by a hydrido ligand. In the other structures the W(6+) center is in a distorted octahedral coordination and the imido or hydrazido(2−) ligand is terminal with significant contribution from the resonance form having a W-N triple bond.
Confidence Intervals and p-Values

Although group sequential methods allow for early termination of a clinical trial while preserving the overall significance level of the test concerning its primary endpoint, they introduce substantial difficulties in constructing confidence intervals for the parameters of interest following the trial. The naive confidence interval that ignores the data-dependent nature of the sample size needs justification and may be unreliable. Section 7.1 gives an overview of several developments in the literature to address this issue. Most of them focus on the simple case of a normal mean μ with known variance, for which “exact methods” to construct confidence intervals for μ following a group sequential test of μ ≤ 0 (or of μ = 0) are available.
Generalized Scheme for Topology-Update in Dynamic Networks

Many network control-functions like routing and flow-control require the knowledge of the whole network topology at each network site. The topology-update problem is the problem of keeping this knowledge current, when the network topology is dynamic, i.e. when links fail and recover at arbitrary times. Existing networks cope with the problem by the use of flooding algorithm, indicating the most recent topology status either by employing sequence numbers, which are akin to time-stamps, or by spontaneous periodic flooding of the most recent information. In contrast, recently Spinelli provided a topology-update algorithm which does not use sequence numbers and is event-driven.
Zero Tolerance and Academic Performance: When Fear Dictates School Culture

During the 1990s, stories of drugs and violence among youth sparked public fear about the safety of primary and secondary schools. Out of this fear came the adoption of zero tolerance policies by schools across the nation. While these policies were intended to address instances of crime in school systems, they have also resulted in grave consequences. One of such consequences is the effect that zero tolerance policies have on student academic performance. This study will demonstrate that as zero tolerance policies increase in severity of punishments imposed on students, especially for minor infractions, student academic performance decreases.
Functional significance of mitochondrial bound hexokinase in tumor cell metabolism. Evidence for preferential phosphorylation of glucose by intramitochondrially generated ATP.

Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that mitochondrial bound hexokinase is markedly elevated in highly glycolytic hepatoma cells (Parry, D. M., and Pedersen, P.L. (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 10904-10912). A pore-forming protein, porin, within the outer membrane appears to comprise at least part of the receptor site (Nakashima, R.A., Mangan, P.S., Colombini, M., and Pedersen, P.L. (1986). Biochemistry 25, 1015-1021). In studies reported here experiments were carried out to assess the functional significance of mitochondrial bound tumor hexokinase. Two approaches were used to determine whether the bound enzyme has preferred access to mitochondrially generated ATP relative to cytosolic ATP. The first approach compared the time course of glucose 6-phosphate formation by AS-30D hepatoma mitochondria under conditions where ATP was regenerated endogenously via oxidative phosphorylation or exogenously by added pyruvate kinase and phosphoenolpyruvate. The second approach involved the measurement of the specific radioactivity of glucose 6-phosphate formed following the addition of [gamma-32P]ATP to either phosphorylating or nonphosphorylating AS-30D mitochondria. Both approaches provided results which show that the source of ATP for bound hexokinase is derived preferentially from the ATP synthase residing within the inner mitochondrial membrane compartment rather than from the medium (i.e. from the cytosolic compartment). These results provide the first direct demonstration that the exceptionally high level of hexokinase bound to mitochondria of highly glycolytic tumor cells has preferred access to mitochondrially generated ATP, a finding that may have rather profound metabolic significance for such tumors.
Jimsphere and radar wind profiler turbulence indicators

The primary objective of this paper is to report on the research and technology in identifying wind and turbulent regions from the surface to 16 km (9.94 mi) by the FPS-16 radar/Jimpshere system and to use these wind and turbulent assessments to validate NASA's 50-MHz Radar Wind Profiler. Eleven wind profiles obtained from two Space Shuttle launches, STS-37 and STS-43, during the day of launch were compared. Comparative measurements of the Jimsphere and the Wind Profiler for the vertical gradient (turbulence), Richardson number, stability parameter, scalar wind, and the turbulence probability index show very good agreement between the two sensors. Wind profile statistics from the two wind sensors were compared at a 150-m wavelength. This important calculation of 150-m wavelength was obtained by computing autospectra, cross-spectra, and coherence squared spectra from 20 Jimsphere balloons tracked simultaneously by FPQ-14 and FPS-16 radars. It is further demonstrated that the prototype wind profiler is an excellent monitoring device illustrating the measurements of the winds within 1/2 h of launch zero (L-O). This fills in the time gap of wind profiles closer to L-O because during the Space Shuttle launches, the ascent wind loads are computed 2 h before launch, based on winds aloft obtained by the Jimsphere 2.0 h before liftoff. This increases the probability of a successful mission.
A study of the incidence of culture-positive endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in an ambulatory care center.

■ BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of culture-positive endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in an ambulatory surgical care center and to analyze the effectiveness of povidone-iodine solution in the preoperative preparation in preventing culture-positive endophthalmitis. ■ PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective series of 19,269 consecutive cases of cataract extraction with lens implantation over 12 years in an ambulatory care center was reviewed. ■ RESULTS: Nine cases of culture-positive endophthalmitis occurred, for an incidence of 0.05%. The initial 4,740 cases (1985-1989) were performed without the use of povidone-iodine; the following 14,529 cases (1990-1996) were done using povidone-iodine. The incidence of culture-positive endophthalmitis was 0.08% and 0.03%, respectively. ■ CONCLUSION: The incidence of culture-positive endophthalmitis in this series was very low. The use of 5% povidone-iodine, topically, appeared to be beneficial in reducing the incidence of culture-positive endophthalmitis after cataract extraction (P=0.24), but was not statistically significant in this retrospective series. Evaluation and methods to prevent endophthalmitis are difficult in retrospective clinical studies due to multiple variables and the rarity of this complication.
Toward a New Personology: An Evolutionary Model

THEORY I: Evolutionary Foundations of Physical and Biological Science. THEORY II: Concordance of Evolutionary Polarities and Psychological Science. NOSOLOGY: Deriving a Classification for a Personological Science. INSTRUMENTATION: Assessment of Personality Polarities, Domains, and Disorders. INTERVENTION: Integrative Therapy for Personality Disorders. CLOSING REFLECTIONS. References. Author Index. Subject Index.
Averting maternal death and disability.

Recent articles in these pages have referred to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These goals were set in 2000 by the General Assembly of the United Nations to be achieved by 2015. While aimed primarily at development and poverty reduction 3 goals refer to measures of health. Of the 8 goals the one of interest to this section of IJGO is MDG5 which refers to maternal health: Reduce by three-quarters between 1990 and 2015 the maternal mortality ratio; Achieve by 2015 universal access to reproductive health care; A related goal is MDG4 which is to: Reduce by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015 the under-five mortality rate. (excerpt)
Improving signal integrity in time domain measurements of antenna boresight fields

Radiated electric field of an antenna, normalized to the asymptotic far field, is investigated as a function of distance. Far fields are extracted from sampled near fields in the boresight direction by minimizing the mean square error between the sampled fields and the fields fitted with a power series in 1/r where r is the distance between the antenna and the field point. Computed results are presented over a range of parameters such as the frequency, and the maximum distance between transmit and receive apertures, by optimizing the number of field samples and their spacing.
Ethnic Politics and Women's Empowerment in Africa: Ministerial Appointments to Executive Cabinets

Under what conditions do women participate in executive power in multiethnic societies? Previous research has examined how political institutions, socioeconomic factors, and cultural norms affect the appointment of women as cabinet ministers. However, no study has assessed the extent to which the politicization of ethnicity�a cleavage that shapes political life in many countries�affects women's cabinet appointments. Focusing on sub-Saharan Africa, we argue that women are less likely to become cabinet ministers where incumbents use such appointments to build patronage-based alliances with politicians who act as advocates for ethnic constituencies. Using an original dataset on the composition of cabinets in 34 African countries from 1980 to 2005, we show that women's share of cabinet appointments is significantly lower in countries where leaders must accommodate a larger number of politicized ethnic groups, but it rises with higher levels of democracy and greater representation of women in parliament.
The determinants of dairying and milk use in the old world: Ecological, physiological, and cultural

This paper weighs the various hypotheses that have been advanced by scholars to explain a curious problem in the geography of food and nutrition. This problem is why, in pre‐modern times, two practices—dairying and use of the milk of domestic animals in human diet—failed to spread into all parts of the Old World where milkable animals were present. The conclusion is reached that this failure cannot be explained, as is commonly done, in terms of a single determinant, that instead one must acknowledge the role of a series of interrelated influences deriving from human ecology, physiology, and culture.
Comparative benthic plant ecology by SCUBA-monitored quadrats

The feasibility of permanent benthic quadrats checked by SCUBA divers was tested. Stations were set up on the bottom of six representative aquatic habitats, both marine and inland, including oligotrophic and eutrophic ponds, river, coastal lagoon, estuary, and open marine coast. Data include physical-chemical factors, species composition, number and height of shoots, and general observations. From volume/length constants, the standing crops per quadrat were calculated. Seasonal changes in environmental factors and plant standing crop are parallel-plotted for the six habitats, thus providing comparative information on stations. Benthic diel periodicity and light intensity periodicity at various depths were investigated also. In all habitats, maximum standing crop occurred in July and August, but species composition varied considerably. Length of time the water temperature exceeded 15C did not correlate with standing crop. Dissolved oxygen was never deficient, even under ice; and diurnal changes were slight. Light was diminished under ice, but 4–60 ft-c were recorded in midwinter. Lenght of day is about 2 hours shorter at 20 ft than at 6 ft. Onset of vernal benthic growth seems correlated more closely with increase in light intensity than with temperature. The permanent quadrats monitored by divers proved feasible in all habitats tested, and directly comparable data were obtained.
Does Training with Differential Reinforcement on Similar Problems Help in Solving a New Problem

Summary.-An experiment to determine, for achieving correct solutions to the Hatrack Problem whether prior experience on a simpler version of the problem helps and the effects of positive and negative reinforcement. After 30 min., 50.0% of the 30 Ss with no experience but only 25.0% of the 60 Ss with experience on the simpler version solved the problem (p < .05). Positive and negative reinforcement showed no differential effects for 30 Ss receiving each. Previous experience may inhibit productive problem solving by providing too many false directions. Principles of reinforcement developed for learning are limited in their applicability to problem-solving behavior. The present study was designed to test certain propositions which have been offered about problem solving. Prior experience and posicive and negative induced reinforcement were examined for cheir effeccs on Ss' ability to solve Maier's Hacrack Problem (Maier, 1945) and on their approaches ro the problem's solution. The following questions were asked. ( 1 ) Does prior experience in solving a simpler but related problem, in which S is encouraged to produce a variety of solutions, help him to solve the more difficult problem? Saugscad ( 1955 ) has suggested chat solutions to this type of problem depend almost exclusively on the availability to S of the functions necessary for the solution. Thus, Ss who were given the opportunity to manipulate in a variety of ways all the materials used in the test problem should benefit by having more functions available. On the other hand, such prior experience may encourage Ss to perseverate in old directions (Maier, 1930) in approaching the test problem and, thus, be less effective than Ss without the previous experience. (2) Do E's positive or negative evaluations of Ss' proposed solutions to
Fragrance material review on phenethyl butyrate.

Abstract A toxicologic and dermatologic review of phenethyl butyrate when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. Phenethyl butyrate is a member of the fragrance structural group aryl alkyl alcohol simple acid esters (AAASAE). The AAASAE fragrance ingredients are prepared by reacting an aryl alkyl alcohol with a simple carboxylic acid (a chain of 1–4 carbons) to generate formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate and carbonate esters. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone document. Available data for phenethyl butyrate were evaluated, then summarized, and includes: physical properties, acute toxicity, skin irritation, and skin sensitization data. A safety assessment of the entire AAASAE will be published simultaneously with this document. Please refer to Belsito et al. (2012) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all AAASAE in fragrances. Belsito, D., Bickers, D., Bruze, M., Calow, P., Dagli, M., Fryer, A.D., Greim, H., Hanifin, J.H., Miyachi, Y., Saurat, J.H., Sipes, I.G., 2012. A toxicologic and dermatologic assessment of aryl alkyl alcohol simple acid esters when used as fragrance ingredients.
Modeling user interface-application interactions

The authors describe how to model the interface between the user interface and the application. Their conceptual modeling system contains constructs and abstraction mechanisms that structure knowledge in a model. They use the interaction semantics of a spreadsheet to illustrate the practical applications of their system. >
Calcitriol Metabolism in Patients With Chronic Renal Failure

We studied calcitriol metabolism In white patients with chronic renal failure and in age- and sex-matched normal subjects. The plasma levels of calcitriol (21.9 ± 1.6 pg/mL, n=7, v control, 37.4 ± 2.9 pg/mL, P v control, 0.58 ± .02 mL/min/kg, P v control, 31.8 ± 3.2 ng/kg/d, P
Material Flow in Aluminum Friction Stir Welds

A detailed examination of the texture evolution occurring within a friction stir weld inAA2195 reveals features that are not consistent with current models of material ow in frictionstir welds. While the deposited weld is dominated by a B ideal shear texture component, thistexture periodically alternates with a B texture, indicating a reversal in the sense of the sheardeformation. In addition, the observed rotation of the orientation of these shear textures, andtheir replacement by a distinct, new shear texture orientation to correct for the misorientationthat develops, reveals a heretofore unobserved characteristic of friction stir welds that providesfurther details about material ow during friction stir welding.
Postoperative radiotherapy in the treatment of extremity soft tissue sarcomas.

From 1966 to 1983, 50 patients with extremity soft tissue sarcomas were treated with wide local excision and postoperative radiotherapy at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology. The median follow-up was 70 months (range 28 to 168). Grade was the most significant factor affecting survival: all 11 patients with well differentiated tumor survived versus 68 patients with moderate and 1731 patients with poorly differentiated tumors (p < 0.01). In addition, lymph node involvement at diagnosis conferred a worse prognosis with only 25 patients alive after treatment (p < 0.05). Eleven of 50 (22%) failed locally. Factors affecting local control included gross residual tumor after operation and limited treatment volume. Among the 35 patients who did not have gross residual tumor or limited treatment volume, two patients who received less than 5000 cGy failed locally versus 118 patients who received between 5000–6000 cGy and 215 patients who received more than 6000 cGy. Microscopically positive margins and a volume encompassing less than the total muscular compartment was not associated with an increase in the incidence of local failure. Eight patients developed local complication: five due to retreatment for local recurrence. Overall, 2426 patients who are alive have had their limbs preserved with normal function.
Interaction of apomorphine, neuroleptics and stimulants with α-methyl-m-tyramine, a false dopaminergic transmitter

Abstract The rate of decline of α-methyl- m -tyramine (MMTA) from the corpus striatum of the rat can be altered by drugs acting on the dopamine (DA) receptor. By the use of this false dopaminergic transmitter, amine release by drugs acting directly on the neurone can be distinguished from that by drugs acting indirectly via DA receptor interaction. The rate of disappearance of MMTA is much slower than that of DA after tyrosine hydroxylase inhibition, but the combination of synthesis blockade and monoamine oxidase blockade greatly slowed the rate of DA decline, suggesting that normally much DA is metabolized intraneuronally. The decline rate of MMTA appears to accurately reflect the striatal DA neurone impulse flow rate under normal conditions or after administration of drugs which act only to alter impulse flow.
The Role of Acculturation and Collectivism in Cancer Screening for Vietnamese American Women

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of demographic variables and the interplay between collectivism and acculturation on breast and cervical cancer screening outcomes among Vietnamese American women. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 111 Vietnamese women from the Richmond, VA, metropolitan area, who participated in a larger cancer screening intervention. All participants completed measures on demographic variables, collectivism, acculturation, and cancer-screening-related variables (i.e., attitudes, self-efficacy, and screening behavior). Findings indicated that collectivism predicted both positive attitudes and higher levels of self-efficacy with regard to breast and cervical cancer screening. Collectivism also moderated the relationship between acculturation and attitudes toward breast cancer screening such that for women with low levels of collectivistic orientation, increasing acculturation predicted less positive attitudes towards breast cancer screening. This relationship was not found for women with high levels of collectivistic orientation. The current findings highlight the important roles that sociodemographic and cultural variables play in affecting health attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavior among Vietnamese women. The findings potentially inform screening programs that rely on culturally relevant values in helping increase Vietnamese women's motivation to screen.
Evidence that mercury from silver dental fillings may be an etiological factor in smoking

The smoking habits of 119 subjects without silver/mercury dental fillings were compared to 115 subjects with amalgams. The amalgam group had 2.5-times more smokers per group than the non-amalgam group, which was highly significant. Because mercury decreases dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine in the brain, and nicotine has just the opposite effect on these neurotransmitters, this may help explain why persons with dental amalgams smoke more than persons without amalgams.
Treatment of elimination disorders: State of the art 1991

Abstract Current data-based research on both fecal and urinary incontinence is reviewed. The (urine alarm) conditioning method is superior to chemotherapy, even though imipramine (Tofranil) is the most commonly employed treatment. A multifaceted approach involving the use of cathartics, behavior conditioning, and compliance procedures is the treatment of choice for encopresis.
Steric Effects and Solvent Effects in Ionic Reactions

Rates of SN2 reactions of chloride ion with methyl- and tert-butyl-substituted chloroacetonitrile were measured by using Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance spectrometry to follow the isotopic exchange reaction. Barrier heights for these reactions indicate that steric effects in the gas phase are diminished relative to apparent steric effects in solution. We attribute the increased barrier in solution to a solvation effect. Monte Carlo simulations done using statistical perturbation theory confirm that steric hindrance to solvation contributes to SN2 barriers in solution.
Robots in the desert: a research parable for our times

DARPA's grand challenge spurred advances in the application of AI and, ironically, acted as a referendum on its de-emphasis on academic research.
Decision Support System for Local Area Network Procurement: A Case Study

Since its inception in the early 1980s, the local area network LAN Technology has proven to be one of the most effective tools for solving communication problems. However, the task of configuring the optimal LAN for a certain application remains a difficult one, given the large number of components contained by the communication network. The decision making process requires technical skills, financial savvy, as well as considerable knowledge about a dynamic commercial market. This paper describes a Decision Support System based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process AHP methodology to assist managers in the decision-making process for the procurement of a Local Area Network LAN.
What Micronutrient Deficiencies Should Be Considered in Distinct Neurological Disorders

The expanding understanding of the biochemical and physiologic role of micronutrients, commonly referred to as vitamins and minerals, is driving the identification of their consequences in both deficiency and toxicity. Neural tissue is quite sensitive to physiologic changes, and as such, micronutrient deficiencies can have significant and profound effects on the functioning of both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Understanding which micronutrients can affect the nervous system can aid physician identification of these neurological symptoms and signs, leading to diagnostic testing and appropriate therapy.
Outcomes of spherocylinder treatments in the comprehensive refractive surgery LASIK study.

The CRS LASIK Study is a surgeon-sponsored collaborative project to evaluate LASIK outcomes with the Summit and VISX lasers. The current report includes 3-month outcomes in the first group of patients who underwent spherocylindrical corrections of 1 to 10 diopters of myopia and 1 to 4 diopters of astigmatism with the Summit Apex Plus and VISX Star lasers. Cohort selection criteria were applied to select 911 eyes that underwent surgery between April 1, 1996 and October 1, 1997 in the range of study. Eyes with preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of worse than 20/40 (0.5) were excluded. Outcomes were stratified according to myopic treatment range. One day uncorrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 83% of eyes with both lasers. At 3 months, 20/40 uncorrected acuity was found in 93% of Summit and 90% of VISX eyes in the -1.00 to -4.00 D group, in 88% of Summit and 84% of VISX eyes in the -4.01 to -7.00 D group, and in 67% of Summit and 70% of VISX eyes in the -7.01 to -10 D group. Three-m...