cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of laryngeal paraganglioma

Laryngeal paragangliomas are rare tumors that arise from 3 superior and 1 inferior paraganglia within the larynx. They present as painless, submucosal masses that become symptomatic after they surpass a critical size. At this point, hoarseness followed by dysphagia becomes evident. These tumors are rarely familial and rarely, if at all, malignant. Diagnosis is made by a thorough head and neck examination. On laryngoscopy, the most common finding is a submucosal mass in the false vocal fold. Imaging reveals a rather round mass with clear margins. The lesion is hyperintense on imaging. Delineation from nerve sheath tumors can be accomplished by somatostatin receptor imaging. No biopsy is needed to treat these tumors as all laryngeal submucosal tumors require surgery. Transoral laryngeal biopsy is discouraged because of subsequent profuse bleeding and unnecessary disruption of the overlying mucosa. Transcervical excision via a lateral laryngotomy is the procedure of choice for supraglottic paragangliomas. It can be accomplished with minimal blood loss, complete extirpation, and no tracheotomy. Embolization is unnecessary because supraglottic paragangliomas are rarely larger than 3 cm without obstructing the patient׳s airway. The blood supply to these tumors is through the laryngeal branch of the superior thyroidal artery, which is controlled during the excision. Patients with infraglottic paragangliomas are rare and are best approached through laryngofissure. Patients can expect rapid recovery, no significant blood loss, and minimal, if any, temporary dysphagia.
Left-right semantics as a facilitator of programmatic structuration

Ideological labels work like compass directions in politics; they provide a means by which citizens and other political actors orient themselves within a political arena. Ideally, they allow citizens to distinguish among political choices without requiring them to possess significantly high levels of information. Political elites aid this process by employing these labels to communicate party programs. For ideological labels to function as useful heuristic aids, there must be minimal variation around their meaning, and they must reference relevant dimensions of choice. By using the Salamanca survey of political elites to assess the symbolic and substantive significance of these labels in Latin America, this chapter contributes to our understanding of the left-right semantics in the region and, moreover, gives us insight into the programmatic structuration of these party systems. The analyses in this chapter reveal several interesting tendencies. First, we find significant variance in the left-right stances taken by legislators across party systems, with some party systems leaning more toward the right (e.g., Bolivia), some toward the center (e.g., Chile), and some more toward the left (e.g., Uruguay). Second, there is variation in the substantive meaningfulness of left-right labels across left and right party families, with parties on the left associating relatively greater issue content with these labels. Third, our analyses reveal significant variation in the substantive meaningfulness of left-right semantics across party systems.
A review of psychologically oriented treatment of alcoholism. I. The use and interrelationships of outcome criteria and drinking behavior following treatment.

In 265 studies of alcoholism treatment, drinking criteria were used far more than other measures and were positively related to many nondrinking dimensions. About two-thirds of patients improved wi...
Molecular Aspects of Memory Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, causes progressive cognitive decline and degeneration of synapses and neurons. Some neurological impairments in AD may reflect reversible network dysfunction rather than loss of neurons. Biochemical and genetic studies have identified several molecules that may play a causal role in the pathogenesis of AD. We will review how these molecules impair memory. Many molecules that are important for synaptic plasticity are altered in AD, including receptors, channels, kinases, and neuromodulators. We will discuss how these alterations could contribute to deficits in synaptic plasticity and memory and review promising entry points for therapeutic interventions.
Association of Phenotype and Genotype in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of ARVC/D in the Adult Population

Abstract This chapter discusses current evidence in the genotype to phenotype correlation of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D). Due to incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity, the genotype to phenotype relationship is often difficult to predict. ARVC/D is classically thought of as a disease of desmosomal proteins, as mutations in five desmosomal genes account for a majority of cases (DSP, DSG2, DSC2, JUP, and PKP2). Other non-desmosomal genes have also been implicated in disease pathogenesis (TGFB3, TMEM43, TP63, DES, LMNA, CTNNA3, PLN, and TTN), but their roles are less well understood due to insufficient data and overlap with other diseases. Emerging evidence is summarized and suggests an expanding role for ARVC/D genotype and the relationship to prognosis and management.
Effect of Soil Moisture on Oviposition, Water Absorption, and Survival of Southern Masked Chafer (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Eggs

Eggs of Cyclocephala immaculata Olivier absorb water from the soil, increasing ca. threefold in weight during the first 10 days of embryonic development. Eggs developed normally at soil moistures of 12.5% and above, but shriveled and died in drier soils. Length of incubation period, survival, and final egg weight did not differ at soil moistures within the range required for survival; however, few eggs were laid in dry soil or when soil moisture approached field capacity. Oviposition in soil moisture gradients indicated that the depth at which eggs are laid can vary in response to moisture levels. The chorion of the egg is covered densely and uniformly by minute tubercles, but specialized hydropyles are absent. The eggs are most susceptible to desiccation when newly laid or close to hatching, but are relatively resistant during the middle stage of development. These differences are associated with changes in the thickness of the serosal cuticle.
A Cognitive Engineering Approach for Facilitating Analysis of Human-Computer Interaction in Complex Work Domains

This paper demonstrates that work domain analysis (WDA), a cognitive engineering approach based on Rasmussen's abstraction hierarchy (AH) framework, is a valuable and alternate analytic tool for an...
Analysis on the current status of human resources structure of centers for disease control and prevention at county level in Beijing

Objective To analyze the current status of human resources at county level in Beijing for making scientific planning and allocation of human resources in the future. Methods Beijing administrative region was divided into four functional areas and the data were analyzed by Excel. Results The total number of the personnel of county CDC in Beijing was 2385. The number of county CDC staff was 1. 18 in a population of ten thousand people. The average age of county CDC staff was 38. 97 years old,female accounted for 57. 65%. The average length of service was 16. 71 years. The main academic background was bachelor degree,accounted for 44. 57%. The proportion of primary titles and intermediate titles was 36. 56% and 34. 21% respectively. Medical technical personnel accounted for 86. 00%. The average score of the comprehensive quality was 7. 32 points. Conclusion The human resources construction at county CDC level in Beijing had greatly developed in recent years and had a relatively younger age structure. The comprehensive quality was high.However,the total number of staff was still insufficient,and the distribution was uneven. The structure of the degree title and professional title remained to be further optimized,in order to play a greater work efficiency.
Regional accuracy of computed tomography of the mediastinum in staging of lung cancer

To determine the regional accuracy of computed tomography of the mediastinum in staging lung cancer, we compared the results of preoperative computed tomographic staging to pathologic findings in lymph nodes taken at mediastinoscopy and/or thoracotomy in 61 patients. Twenty-two patients had adenocarcinoma, 24 had squamous cell carcinoma, eight had large cell tumors, and seven had small cell cancer or mixed cellular types. Sixteen patients had Stage I, eight had Stage II, and 37 had Stage III disease. Thirteen patients had mediastinoscopy only, and the remaining 48 patients had thoracotomy. Computed tomographic staging of the mediastinum as a whole had an accuracy of 88% with a negative predictive index of 96.1%. In examining the differential regional accuracy within the mediastinum we found results in the aortopulmonary window to be inferior to those of other regions, with an accuracy of 80% and a negative predictive index of 83.3%. The reliability of computed tomographic scan staging varied relative to cell type. The accuracy rate in adenocarcinoma was 94.7% compared to 70.6% in squamous cell carcinoma. Computed tomography is accurate for staging the mediastinum in lung cancer, and this accuracy holds over the regions of the mediastinum except the aortopulmonary window. Computed tomography is more accurate for staging adenocarcinoma than squamous cell cancer.
Defining Cervical Elongation: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract Objectives Our primary aim was to define cervical elongation (CE) using the following methods: (1) measurement of pathology specimen, (2) physician perception, (3) intraoperative estimate of anterior cervical length, and (4) office Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) points C and D. Our secondary aim was to determine whether these definitions correlate with perioperative outcomes. Methods Women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy and prolapse repair were enrolled. Office POP-Q measurements were collected. Estimates of cervical length were made based on points C minus D of the POP-Q and by manual exam using the surgeon's index and middle fingers. Cervical dimensions were measured from the pathology specimen at the end of the case. CE was defined as one standard deviation (SD) above the mean for each definition. Additional intraoperative data was collected to determine the surgeon perception of cervical anatomy. Results A total of 90 patients were enrolled during the study period. Our definitions for CE were as follows: (1) 5 cm (70 without and 20 with CE), (2) physician perception (67 without and 23 with CE), (3) 3.4 cm (79 without and 11 with CE), and (4) 8.3 cm (77 without and 13 with CE). After controlling for uterine weight and the presence of fibroids, the operative time was the only outcome measure that remained elevated for patients with CE using our first definition (42.4 ± 20.1 without vs. 53.8 ± 19.2 with CE, P = 0.03). Conclusions CE using our first definition was associated with a statistically significant increase in operative time in women undergoing hysterectomy at the time of prolapse repair.
A comprehensive assessment of land surface-atmosphere interactions in a WRF/Urban modeling system for Indianapolis, IN

As part of the Indianapolis Flux (INFLUX) experiment, the accuracy and biases of simulated meteorological fields were assessed for the city of Indianapolis, IN. The INFLUX project allows for a unique opportunity to conduct an extensive observation-to-model comparison in order to assess model errors for the following meteorological variables: latent heat and sensible heat fluxes, air temperature near the surface and in the planetary boundary layer (PBL), wind speed and direction, and PBL height. In order to test the sensitivity of meteorological simulations to different model packages, a set of simulations was performed by implementing different PBL schemes, urban canopy models (UCMs), and a model subroutine that was created in order to reduce an inherent model overestimation of urban land cover. It was found that accurately representing the amount of urban cover in the simulations reduced the biases in most cases during the summertime (SUMMER) simulations. The simulations that used the BEP urban canopy model and the Bougeault & Lacarrere (BouLac) PBL scheme had the smallest biases in the wintertime (WINTER) simulations for most meteorological variables, with the exception being wind direction. The model configuration chosen had a larger impact on model errors during the WINTER simulations, whereas the differences between most of the model configurations during the SUMMER simulations were not statistically significant. By learning the behaviors of different PBL schemes and urban canopy models, researchers can start to understand the expected biases in certain model configurations for their own simulations and have a hypothesis as to the potential errors and biases that might occur when using a multi-physics ensemble based modeling approach.
Shadow Learning: Building Robotic Surgical Skill When Approved Means Fail:

I explore here how trainees in a community of practice learn new techniques and technologies when approved practices for learning are insufficient. I do so through two studies: a two-year, five-sit...
South–South Organizing in the Global Plantation Zone: Ramón Marrero Aristy, the novela de la caña, and the Caribbean Bureau

ABSTRACTThis essay proposes a theory of the elided interwar novela de la cana (sugarcane novel), arguing that the genre participates in a transnational political exchange and cosmopolitics in which...
Growth and recovery of selected gram-negative bacteria in reconditioned wastewater.

Previous reports indicate that Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and Vibrio cholerae can grow in nutrient-limited, reconditioned wastewater over the temperature range of 4 to 46°C when the biological oxygen demand of this water is 2. In the current study, we investigated the growth response of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Shigella spp., Vibrio vulnificus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water samples with a CGR of 2 over the temperature range of 4 to 50°C. Both the nonselective media, tryptic soy agar, and the selective media used to identify the pathogen were used for their recovery. The selective media were thiosulfate-citrate-bile-sucrose (TCBS), MacConkey agar (MAC), and Pseudomonas isolation agar (PIA) for the Vibrio, Shigella, and Pseudomonas spp., respectively. V. parahaemolyticus numbers declined rapidly after surviving for 6 days under the nutrient-limiting growth conditions. Shigella spp. did not grow but survived for 28 days at 4 to 25°C. V. v...
The role of hormones on digestive and urinary tract carcinogenesis.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of hormones in carcinogenesis, hormone-dependent tumors, metabolism of the hormones, chemical carcinogenesis and environmental factors involved in carcinogenesis. In carcinogenesis, hormones play a role at two stages: (1) the activation of the chemical carcinogen to the ultimate carcinogen, and (2) possibly during the growth and development of the latent tumor cells into a differentiated tumor. The interplay of hormones is so delicate and all-encompassing that it is difficult to conclude specifically which stage is affected more. As carcinogens, hormones act quite differently from other chemical carcinogens. Most of the hormones, natural or synthetic, cause tumors to develop not by direct contact with a target organ, but by affecting a second endocrine gland, causing an atrophy or lack of function in the second gland. Carcinogenesis may be caused by the imbalance produced by the presence of excess hormones, which may disrupt the feedback mechanism. The chapter explains the metabolism of carcinogens and to do so it discusses a study of some enzyme systems involved in the metabolism of the carcinogen and the binding to the sites of carcinogen action.
Cortisol Response in Children After Second Cardiopulmonary Bypass

A surge in cortisol levels is seen after surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Based on evidence of attenuation of the cortisol response to repeated stress in other settings, we hypothesized that the magnitude of cortisol increase in children after a second exposure to CPB would be reduced. Serial cortisol levels were measured at three time points after each CPB: immediately (day 0), on the first morning (day 1), and second morning (day 2). Forty-six children underwent two surgeries with CPB during the study period. The mean age (standard deviation) at first and second surgery was 3.5 (6.3) months and 10.4 (9.9) months, respectively. Cortisol levels at the first surgery were 109 (105) µg/dl, 29 (62) µg/dl, and 17 (12) µg/dl on day 0, 1, and 2, respectively; similarly at second surgery, it was 61 (57) µg/dl on day 0 to 20 (16) µg/dl and 11 (10) µg/dl on day 1 and 2, respectively. After log-transformation and adjusting for time interval between surgeries, cortisol levels at the second surgery were lower by 42% on day 0 (p = 0.02), and 46% lower on day 2 (p = 0.02). A second exposure to CPB in children with congenital heart disease is associated with an attenuated cortisol release.
PHOSPHATURIC MESENCHYMAL HEEL TUMOR PRESENTING WITH TUMOR-INDUCED OSTEOMALACIA.

ABSTRACT Objective: To help clinicians identify and treat patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) resulting from a phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor, mixed connective tissue variant (PMTMCT). M...
Unique mitochondrial gene order in Xenodermichthys copei (Alepocephalidae: Otocephala) – a first observation of a large-scale rearranged 16S–WANCY region in vertebrates

Mitochondrial gene orders in vertebrates have proven to comprise strong phylogenetic characters when reconstructing phylogenetic relationships. Unfortunately, larger gene-order rearrangements, comp...
Response of newly introduced tomato cultivars to different levels of potassium fertilizer under controlled environment condition.

The experiment was carried out during growing season (2016-2017) at station of greenhouses, AL-muthanna university- collage of agriculture- second research station (Al-Bander) to study the response of introduced tomato cultivars to different concentrations of potassium under protected agriculture conditions. The research included three cultivars (Pusa ruby - Arka vikash- Arka Alok) and three levels of Potassium Fertilizer (90-180-270 kg/ha-1). The Randomized Complete Block Design with factorial experiment (RCBD) with three replicates. The results showed the superiority of Arka Alok variety over others in plant height 121.76 cm, fruit width 6.82 cm, fruit length 4.23 cm, average fruit weight 130.61g, leaf area 129.5 cm2, the yield per plant 2.16 kg. The potassium level (270 Kg/ha-1) was also significantly higher in plant height 118.79 cm, fruit width 5.477 cm, fruit length 3.536 cm, 84.60 g, leaf area 127.3 cm2, TSS 4.97 and chlorophyll content 406.89 mg.m2 and yield per plant 2.16 kg. While the interaction showed significant difference (Arka Alok × 270 Kg.ha-1) in fruit length was 4.24 cm, chlorophyll content was 374.91 mg. m2 and the yield per plant was 2.82 kg. plant-1
Key Factors Influencing Retention Rates Among Historically Underrepresented Students Groups in STEM Fields

In this study, we identified factors influencing completion rates (graduation) of undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We used hierarchical, logistic,...
Specific Viral Etiologies Are Associated With Outcomes in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Objectives:Infectious pneumonia is the most common cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome, with viruses frequently implicated as causative. However, the significance of viruses in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome is unknown. We aimed to characterize the epidemiology of viral pneum
Platelet-Rich Plasma: Does It Decrease Meniscus Repair Failure Risk?:

Objectives:(1) To determine whether intraoperative PRP affects meniscus repair failure risk. (2) To determine whether the effect of PRP on meniscus failure risk is influenced by ACL reconstruction ...
Understanding local residents’ responses to the development of Mount Gariwang for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games

Formerly a protected area, Mount Gariwang in South Korea was partially bulldozed and developed into an alpine ski venue for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, displacing loca...
Urine collection in a multi-story building and opportunities for onsite recovery of nutrients and non-potable water

Abstract The purpose of this research was to demonstrate urine collection in a multi-story building and evaluate the quantity of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and water recovered by struvite precipitation, ammonia stripping–acid absorption, and distillation, respectively, and the quality of fertilizers (struvite, ammonium sulfate, potash) and non-potable water generated. Urine was collected from a 5-story building in which floors 2–5 had one flush urinal, and the urinals were piped separately from building wastewater to a storage tank on the 1st floor. The extent of urea hydrolysis, defined as total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) divided by total nitrogen (TN), was measured in urine entering the storage tank (in the pipe) and after urine had been collected for 8 h (in the storage tank). In the pipe, complete hydrolysis of urea, i.e., greater than 90 %, occurred at TN concentrations below 600 mg N/L. In the storage tank, complete hydrolysis of urea was realized after each 8 h urine collection. The pH, conductivity, inorganic anions and cations of urine collected for 8 h on 17 different days is also reported. Three batches of urine were put through a multi-process approach of struvite precipitation, ammonia stripping–acid absorption, and distillation. The mass of N, P, K, and water recovered was over 90 % and the synthesis of value-added products compared well with non-potable water and fertilizers on the market such as struvite, ammonium sulfate, and potash.
Paediatric anaesthesiaNeuraxial anaesthesia in paediatrics

Neuraxial anaesthesia is a valuable aid in the practice of paediatric anaesthesia. Spinal and epidural blockade are used as either the sole anaesthetic or as an adjunct to general anaesthesia, and often confer significant postoperative analgesia. Caudal epidural anaesthesia is used extensively for lower abdominal, urological, and orthopaedic procedures in the setting of outpatient surgery. Lumbar and thoracic epidural infusions via a catheter can provide analgesia for chest and upper abdominal procedures. Major complications related to neuraxial catheter placement are uncommon in paediatric anaesthesia, even though block placement is typically after the patient is anesthetized. The use of the ultrasound for real-time visualization during paediatric neuraxial blocks provides an opportunity for observing final catheter position or confirming successful injection into the epidural space.
Identification and quantification of phenanthrene ortho-quinones in human urine and their association with lipid peroxidation.

Abstract Although human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) has been associated with in vivo oxidative damage, and hydroxyPAH metabolites have been used as biomarkers to assess PAH-induced oxidative stress, few studies have looked at the likely causative compounds for oxidative stress in humans - PAH quinones. We developed a method using pre-column derivatization - liquid chromatography-heated electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HESI-MS/MS) to analyze ortho-phenanthrene quinones (PheQs) in human urine. 1,2-PheQ and 3,4-PheQ were identified and quantified in 3 mL of human urine; their total concentrations were higher in cigarette smokers (0.79 ± 0.98 nmol/6h urine) than in nonsmokers (0.20 ± 0.98 nmol/6h urine) (p
Cellulose and lignocellulose nanofibril suspensions and films: A comparison.

Abstract A comparative study on the morphology and physico-mechanical properties of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and lignocellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) produced using a pilot-scale ultra-refining facility in the form of slurries and films was conducted. Suspensions and films of CNF and LCNF at different fines contents from 50% to 100% were prepared from bleached kraft pulp and old corrugated container (OCC) feedstock, respectively. We showed that the effect of film density on mechanical properties of CNF and LCNF films can outweigh the effect of fines content (or degree of fibrillation) and consequently an equally strong and stiff film can be produced from lower grades of CNF or LCNF at higher densities. After density normalization, particle size was found to be the main determining factor. Finally we conclude that a CNF or LCNF suspension with 70 % fines will yield films as strong and stiff as the materials with 100 % fines providing an opportunity for cost reduction.
Industrial Biomaterials Start-ups: Technology Selection

Transforming an innovation into a start-up company can be highly rewarding to the technologist. This editorial considers technology selection for a start-up company. A simple system for screening initial of technologies is given. This editorial is based on years of experience working in translating technologies into start-up companies by the author. These companies have approached their start-up strategies in a variety of different ways. It is important for the technologist to enter into a start-up venture with an understanding of how their technology is positioned both technically and from a business perspective.
Alignment and Calibration of the CMS Tracker

This chapter provides a detailed description of the alignment and calibration procedure for the CMS detector’s silicon tracker. The algorithms used to align the detector are presented and the plots used to validate the results of that alignment are shown. The chapter also explains methods for detecting systematic misalignments of the tracker and concludes with a summary of the tracker alignment performance for the 2015–2018 run period.
MMB-FOXM1-driven premature mitosis is required for CHK1 inhibitor sensitivity

To identify genes whose loss confers resistance to CHK1 inhibitors, we perform genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screens in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines treated with the CHK1 inhibitor prexasertib (CHK1i). Five of the top six hits of the screens, MYBL2 (B-MYB), LIN54, FOXM1, cyclin A2 (CCNA2), and CDC25B, are cell-cycle-regulated genes that contribute to entry into mitosis. Knockout of MMB-FOXM1 complex components LIN54 and FOXM1 reduce CHK1i-induced DNA replication stress markers and premature mitosis during Late S phase. Activation of a feedback loop between the MMB-FOXM1 complex and CDK1 is required for CHK1i-induced premature mitosis in Late S phase and subsequent replication catastrophe, indicating that dysregulation of the S to M transition is necessary for CHK1 inhibitor sensitivity. These findings provide mechanistic insights into small molecule inhibitors currently studied in clinical trials and provide rationale for combination therapies.
Higher-order resting state network association with the useful field of view task in older adults

Speed-of-processing abilities decline with age yet are important in performing instrumental activities of daily living. The useful field of view, or Double Decision task, assesses speed-of-processing and divided attention. Performance on this task is related to attention, executive functioning, and visual processing abilities in older adults, and poorer performance predicts more motor vehicle accidents in the elderly. Cognitive training in this task reduces risk of dementia. Structural and functional neural correlates of this task suggest that higher-order resting state networks may be associated with performance on the Double Decision task, although this has never been explored. This study aimed to assess the association of within-network connectivity of the default mode network, dorsal attention network, frontoparietal control network, and cingulo-opercular network with Double Decision task performance, and subcomponents of this task in a sample of 267 healthy older adults. Multiple linear regressions showed that connectivity of the cingulo-opercular network is associated with visual speed-of-processing and divided attention subcomponents of the Double Decision task. Cingulo-opercular network and frontoparietal control network connectivity is associated with Double Decision task performance. Stronger connectivity is related to better performance in all cases. These findings confirm the unique role of the cingulo-opercular network in visual attention and sustained divided attention. Frontoparietal control network connectivity, in addition to cingulo-opercular network connectivity, is related to Double Decision task performance, a task implicated in reduced dementia risk. Future research should explore the role these higher-order networks play in reduced dementia risk after cognitive intervention using the Double Decision task.
Impact of Treatment Modality on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction for Uterine Cancer Survivors.

Purpose/objective(s) Long-term adverse effects of uterine cancer patients are not well reported. In this single-institution, cross-sectional study we compared pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in uterine cancer survivors across different treatment modalities. Materials/methods Patients with uterine cancer treated from 2006-2018 were eligible. Three cohorts with no recurrence of cancer were identified through the institutional tumor registry, including patients who: underwent hysterectomy/bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) alone; hysterectomy/BSO and adjuvant brachytherapy; or, hysterectomy/BSO and adjuvant external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). A non-cancer cohort who had a hysterectomy/BSO for benign indications was also identified. To compare PFD, we utilized the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), a validated 20-item measure to assess lower urinary distress (UDI-6), colorectal distress (CRAD-8), and pelvic organ prolapse dysfunction (POPDI-6). The three subscale scores ranged from 0-100, with an overall summary score ranging from 0-300. Treatment, BMI, comorbidities, and number of vaginal births were obtained from medical records. A generalized linear model with γ-distribution and subsequent multivariable model was used to assess treatment modalities and covariate effects on PFDI-20 results. Results A total of 302 patients completed the PFDI-20 (hysterectomy/BSO alone, n = 64; brachytherapy, n = 77; EBRT, n = 96; benign hysterectomy/BSO, n = 65). Median time from surgery to completion of survey was 6.7 years. Median age was 65.9 years (range 34-92), median BMI at surgery 30.9 (range 18.1-68), median current BMI 29.9 (range 16.8-64.3), and median number of vaginal births 1.28 (range 0-10). Most uterine cancers were endometroid (73%, n = 173); 45% (n = 105) were treated with concurrent chemotherapy. Any PFD symptoms were reported in 76% of patients with a median total PFDI-20 score of 38.7. Overall, lower urinary tract symptoms were the most predominant (median 20.1), followed by colorectal-anal distress (median 11.8), then uterovaginal prolapse (median 6.8). The EBRT cohort had the highest median PFDI-20 score (48.9), followed by the benign hysterectomy group (median 43.5), surgery only group (median 34.6), and brachytherapy group (median 27.5). Among the treatment groups, the EBRT cohort had a statistically significant increase in PFD (P = 0.011). Number of vaginal births was associated with significantly worsened overall pelvic floor dysfunction (P = 0.015). Upon multivariable analysis which included treatment cohort, BMI at surgery, current age, number of vaginal births, and Charlson Comorbidity Index, only number of vaginal births remained significant (P = 0.003). Conclusion This study highlighted the effect of treatment modality on pelvic floor dysfunction in uterine cancer survivors and underscores the impact of EBRT on late pelvic floor symptoms and need to screen survivors for symptoms to improve long-term quality of life.
Enhancing Nitrogen Fixation by Use of Pesticides: A Review

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights that the harmful predators, grazers, or competitors can be controlled by pesticides. Several methods are used to obtain isolates of microorganisms that are resistant to the chemicals that are introduced for the control of predators or possible competitors that affect the nitrogen fixers. For fixation of nitrogen, Rhizobium must colonize the rhizosphere of its host legume, free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria must grow around the roots of nonlegumes, and blue–green algae must multiply in fields of lowland rice. Biological controls may affect free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the root zone of nonlegumes. Grazing by ostracods and cladocerans reduces the extent of colonization of flooded soils by blue-green algae. Few attempts have been made to favor the inoculum organism in some selective way. The inoculums strain is added to the seed, the floodwater, or sometimes the soil, and in the absence of means of selective stimulation, large inocula are used. The chapter determines that the biotic stress is reduced or overcome, and the introduced nitrogen fixer has a selective advantage in the heterogeneous community in which its establishment is aimed.
CONSTRUCTION AND EVALUATION OF A THREE DIMENSIONAL STRAIN ROSETTE

The results of this work have shown that a three-dimensional strain rosette may be constructed and used to determine principal-strain magnitudes and directions at interior points in homogeneous isotropic solids. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time electrical-resistance strain gages have been used to accomplish this. Improvements in technique will surely improve the accuracy of this method. In this first attempt, the accuracy with which principal strains can be established is not as good as in surfacestrain studies. It is believed that this new strain-gage technique should find applications in solving problems in solid mechanics which could not be approached using other experimental methods. An example would be a problem in three dimensions involving time-dependent strains.
A Systematic Experimental Investigation of Pd-Based Light-Off Catalysts

Close-coupled or manifold catalysts have been extensively employed to reduce emissions during cold start by achieving quick catalyst light-off. These catalysts must have good thermal durability, high intrinsic light-off activity and high HC/CO/NOx conversions at high temperature and flow conditions. A number of studies have been dedicated to engine control, manifold design and converter optimization to reduce cold start emissions. The current paper focuses on the effect of catalyst design parameters and their performance response to different engine operating conditions. Key design parameters such as catalyst formulation (CeO 2 vs. non CeO 2 ), precious metal loading and composition (Pd vs. Pd/Rh), washcoat loading, catalyst thermal mass, substrate properties and key application (in use) parameters such as catalyst aging, exhaust A/F ratio, A/F ratio modulation, exhaust temperature, temperature rise rate and exhaust flow rate were studied on engine dynamometers in a systematic manner. Optimized Pd light-off catalysts on 400cpsi/6.5, 600cpsi/3 and 900cpsi/2mil cordierite substrates were further examined at the manifold location for FTP-75 emission performance as a function of cold start A/F ratio to achieve the best emission results on a 1997 Nissan Altima.
Legal responses to patient injury: a future agenda for research and reform.

Concern about liability for medical malpractice pervades our health care delivery system. A national data bank mandated by Congress now tracks all paid malpractice claims against physicians as well as information about disciplinary actions. When the Physician Payment Review Commission seeks to reform Medicare fees for physicians, an integral task is computing increments for reimbursing liability insurance premiums. Liability issues can affect medical decisions from obstetrical choice of delivery methods at the beginning of life to a determination whether to withdraw artificial life support at its end.
Reproductive characteristics of wild Sanje mangabeys (Cercocebus sanjei).

An accurate description of reproductive characteristics and ovarian endocrinology is necessary to address questions about the reproductive strategies and life history of a species and for meaningful, cross species analyses. Here we used analysis of fecal estradiol (fE) and behavioral observations to determine for the first time the reproductive characteristics and endocrinology of a wild group (N = 18 adult and 3 adolescent females) of Sanje mangabeys (Cercocebus sanjei). The study was conducted in the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania, from October 2008 through September 2010. Average cycle length (±SD) was 29.3 ± 3.2 days in adults and 51.4 ± 5.5 days in adolescents. Menses appeared within 5.1 ± 2.1 days in adults and 4.8 ± 0.3 days in adolescents after the end of maximum tumescence, and lasted 6.7 ± 3.1 and 10.3 ± 5.0 days, respectively. Infant death tended to reduce the number of cycles to conception (4.3 ± 1.5 cycles after a surviving infant vs. 2.6 ± 1.0 cycles after infant death). Adolescents cycled for at least 16 months without conceiving. Implantation bleeding began 17.5 ± 0.7 days from the onset of detumescence, and lasted 10.0 ± 1.4 days. Gestation length averaged 171.8 ± 3.4 days. Postpartum amenorrhea lasted 6.7 ± 2.3 months while females whose infants had died resumed cycling within 14.3 ± 5.9 days. The interbirth interval after a surviving infant averaged 20.0 ± 4.3 months. These reproductive characteristics of the Sanje mangabey resembled those of other mangabeys and related cercopithecines, with the exception of an earlier onset and longer duration of menstruation and implantation bleeding. Further information on the physiology of the Sanje mangabey is needed to clarify what factors may cause the unusual characteristics of both, their menses and implantation bleeding. Am. J. Primatol. 76:1163–1174, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Charged-particle—producing reactions of 15-MeV neutrons on V 51 and Nb 93

Cross sections for the ($n,xp$), ($n,d$), and ($n,x\ensuremath{\alpha}$) reactions for 15-MeV neutrons on $^{51}\mathrm{V}$ and $^{93}\mathrm{Nb}$ have been measured with a magnetic quadrupole spectrometer. The importance of the ($n,{n}^{\ensuremath{'}}p$) reaction as a source of protons is examined by comparing these results with those recently obtained for $^{46}\mathrm{Ti}$. Good fits to the ($n,xp$) and ($n,x\ensuremath{\alpha}$) energy spectra require contributions from both equilibrium and nonequilibrium reactions, while only the latter appear in the ($n,d$) spectra. Calculated values for the ($n,{n}^{\ensuremath{'}}p$) and ($n,{n}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\alpha}$) cross sections agree well with the experimental values. The cross sections are $^{51}\mathrm{V}(n,xp)$ 91 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 14 mb, $^{51}\mathrm{V}(n,xd)$ 7 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 3 mb, $^{51}\mathrm{V}(n,x\ensuremath{\alpha})$ 17 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 3 mb, $^{93}\mathrm{Nb}(n,xp)$ 51 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 8 mb, $^{93}\mathrm{Nb}(n,xd)$ 8 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 3 mb, and $^{93}\mathrm{Nb}(n,x\ensuremath{\alpha})$ 14 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 3 mb.
The Political Economy of Terrorism: Statistical Studies and the Dynamics of Terrorist Behavior

Our eyes are wonderful at detecting associations in data because our brains are wired to simplify complicated patterns and relationships. Within a few seconds, you should be able to figure out that 25 is the next number in the sequence 1, 4, 9, 16. A computer program may need to make millions of calculations just to detect a pattern in the chess pieces that is readily visible to an accomplished player. The problem is that the patterns we perceive in the data may not meaningfully characterize its actual behavior. In the same way that our brains are able to “see” elaborate paintings in the clouds, we are sometimes able to “recognize” what are spurious relationships in economic data. This chapter will present the time plots of various types of terrorist incidents, including bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, and skyjackings. Some features of the data will be clear even to the casual observer; for example, there is no decidedly upward trend in any of the incident series. However, many other features of the data may not be readily apparent, so statistical analysis may be required to draw inferences about the data. Toward this end, the chapter uses the basic tools of spectral analysis and intervention analysis to formally analyze data of terrorist incidents. Spectral analysis enables us to estimate the cyclical patterns in the various terrorist incident series, while intervention analysis allows us to measure the effects of important structural changes on the incident series. For example, using intervention analysis we can examine the effects on skyjackings of the introduction of metal detectors in airports, and the behavior of terrorists since the attacks of 9/11.
The problem of interiority in Freud and Lacan

The problem of interiority constitutes one of the fundamental problems of modernity. Once the decision is made to ground human experience within the locus of subjectivity, how is it possible to establish connection with an object (Gegenstand) that “stands against” and is somehow independent of human subjectivity—what Lacan refers to as “the real”? A Lacanian reading of Freud’s Project for a Scientific Psychology places the problem of interiority in a radically new, yet continous light. While Freud begins with a conception of reality interior to the subject, Lacan offers a way out of the traditional problem of interiority through a nuanced account of sublimation. Lacan’s “way out” consists of an oblique passage from the “symbolic order” to the real – through “the zone Oedipus entered having scratched out his eyes.”
A dissertation on tulips and America online

The tulip mania of 17 th century Holland offers proof that prices for mundane, everyday items can sometimes reach truly exceptional levels that cannot be supported by any reasonable reading of underlying economic fundamentals. A careful reading of the late 1990s stock evidence concerning the pricing of tech stocks, especially tech stocks with business prospects tied directly to the Internet, suggests that bubbles sometimes emerge in modern and typically efficient securities markets. In the last 50 years, well-documented episodes of aberrant pricing behavior have emerged for assets as diverse as computer (tronics) stocks, Nifty Fifty companies, oil stocks, sugar, gold, silver, Japanese stocks, and biotech companies. Kindleberger documents that the history of a typically well-functioning financial system has been punctuated by an unpredictable series of manias, panics, and crashes. Within this context, it becomes reasonable to regard the efficient market hypothesis as a working premise regarding primarily rational investors that typically price securities in a rational fashion. However, outbreaks of abnormal crowd behavior, typified by extraordinary popular delusions, and madness are occasionally observed in typically rational corners of the world, such as the stock market “extraordinary popular delusions and madness,” are occasionally observed intypically rational corners of the world, such as the stock market.
Diffuse Midline Gliomas with Histone H3-K27M Mutation: A Series of 47 Cases Assessing the Spectrum of Morphologic Variation and Associated Genetic Alterations

Somatic mutations of the H3F3A and HIST1H3B genes encoding the histone H3 variants, H3.3 and H3.1, were recently identified in high-grade gliomas arising in the thalamus, pons and spinal cord of children and young adults. However, the complete range of patients and locations in which these tumors arise, as well as the morphologic spectrum and associated genetic alterations remain undefined. Here, we describe a series of 47 diffuse midline gliomas with histone H3-K27M mutation. The 25 male and 22 female patients ranged in age from 2 to 65 years (median = 14). Tumors were centered not only in the pons, thalamus, and spinal cord, but also in the third ventricle, hypothalamus, pineal region and cerebellum. Patients with pontine tumors were younger (median = 7 years) than those with thalamic (median = 24 years) or spinal (median = 25 years) tumors. A wide morphologic spectrum was encountered including gliomas with giant cells, epithelioid and rhabdoid cells, primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET)-like foci, neuropil-like islands, pilomyxoid features, ependymal-like areas, sarcomatous transformation, ganglionic differentiation and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA)-like areas. In this series, histone H3-K27M mutation was mutually exclusive with IDH1 mutation and EGFR amplification, rarely co-occurred with BRAF-V600E mutation, and was commonly associated with p53 overexpression, ATRX loss (except in pontine gliomas), and monosomy 10.
High-frequency fully-tuned CMOS transconductance-C filter

The improved design and evaluation of a continuous-time eight-order fully integrated CMOS transconductance-C bandpass filter for operation at 4 MHz are presented. A PLL (phase-locked loop) for frequency-tuning and a four-point amplitude-locking loop for Q-factor-tuning at the reflection zeros of the filter are implemented. The transfer characteristics were found to be essentially within specifications: less than 75 dB stopband attenuation and S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio and 0.5% harmonic distortion for 0.5 V/sub pp/ signal were observed. Offset of the transconductances was internally controlled by an offset-control loop to less than 4 mV. >
Calculations of optical properties of high-temperature superconductors

Abstract The optical dielectric functions of the high- T c superconductors, Ba 0.6 K 0.4 BiO 3 , YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 and Tl 2 Ba 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 10 , have been calculated using a tight-binding model. The results are compared to experimental data. The peak recently observed by De and Woollam at about 3.5 eV in the 2223 material is interpreted as O(2p) to Tl(6p) excitations.
Evaluating learners' motivational and cognitive processing in an online game-based learning environment

This paper describes the process and results of an evaluation on an online game-based learning environment (GBLE) by focusing on learners' motivational processing and cognitive processing. The goal is to explore how online GBLE might initiate and support learners' goal-setting activities and impact learners' cognitive loads. The study surveyed 144 undergraduate students after their autonomous participation in the online game available at the Nobel Prize Foundation website teaching the Heckscher-Ohlin Theory on international trade. Grounded in the integrative theory of motivation, volition, and performance (MVP), the evaluation indicated that participants felt significantly confident in learning the subject. The perceived satisfaction, however, was lower than the rest of motivational components possibly due to heavy cognitive processing. The finding of cognitive load reported that learners perceived a significantly higher level of intrinsic load than the germane load due to the novelty of the subject matter. Data analysis further indicated a significant canonical correlation between learners' motivational and cognitive processing. This particular finding could inform future research to investigate specific motivational processing components' effects on learners' cognitive load levels in online GBLEs.