cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Associations of mammographic breast density with breast stem cell marker-defined breast cancer subtypes.

High mammographic breast density is a strong, well-established breast cancer risk factor. Whether stem cells may explain high breast cancer risk in dense breasts is unknown. We investigated the association between breast density and breast cancer risk by the status of stem cell markers CD44, CD24, and ALDH1A1 in the tumor. We included 223 women with primary invasive or in situ breast cancer and 399 age-matched controls from Mayo Clinic Mammography Study. Percent breast density (PD), absolute dense area (DA), and non-dense area (NDA) were assessed using computer-assisted thresholding technique. Immunohistochemical analysis of the markers was performed on tumor tissue microarrays according to a standard protocol. We used polytomous logistic regression to quantify the associations of breast density measures with breast cancer risk across marker-defined tumor subtypes. Of the 223 cancers in the study, 182 were positive for CD44, 83 for CD24 and 52 for ALDH1A1. Associations of PD were not significantly different across t marker-defined subtypes (51% + vs. 11–25%: OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.49–5.37 for CD44+ vs. OR 1.87, 95% CI 0.47–7.51 for CD44−, p-heterogeneity = 0.66; OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.27–6.18 for CD24+ vs. OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.14–5.22 for CD24−, p-heterogeneity = 0.61; OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.14–8.10 for ALDH1A1+ vs. OR 2.57. 95% CI 1.30–5.08 for ALDH1A1−, p-heterogeneity = 0.94). Positive associations of DA and inverse associations of NDA with breast cancer risk were similar across marker-defined subtypes. We found no evidence of differential associations of breast density with breast cancer risk by the status of stem cell markers. Further studies in larger study populations are warranted to confirm these associations.
Concentric Hypertrophy is Overestimated by 2D as Compared to 3D Echocardiography in Patients with HFpEF: Long Term Implications for Treatment

Background Accurate left ventricular (LV) mass calculation yields important prognostic information relating to structural heart disease. Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography-based calculation is based on LV geometric assumptions of symmetry while three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography could overcome these limitations. The study aims to compare the performance of 2D compared to 3D LV mass calculation. Methods Prospective review of echocardiography at University of Louisville, Kentucky. Normal ejection fraction (EF) was defined as >=52% in males and >=54% in females. The following calculations were made: Relative wall thickness (RWT) = 2x posterior wall thickness/LV internal diastolic dimension (LVIDd) and 2D LV mass = 0.8{1.04([LVIDd + IVSd +PWd]3 - LVIDd3)} + 0.6. Concentric hypertrophy was RWT > 0.42 and LV mass >95kg/m2 in females or >115kg/m2 in males. Same cutoffs were used for 2D and 3D echocardiography. Results Total 154 patients in the study. There was a weak positive correlation between 2D and 3D LV mass index (R= 0.534, r2= 0.286, p= 0.001) (figure 1). Seventy patients had 3D EF >=45% with clinical heart failure (HFpEF). Among HFpEF patients, LV hypertrophy (LVH) was present in 74% patients by 2D and 30% by 3D echocardiography (McNemar test p= 0.001). Using 3D echocardiography as the reference, 68% of the normal patients were misdiagnosed as LV hypertrophy by 2D (table 1). Two-third of the concentric remodeling patients by 3D were misclassified as concentric hypertrophy by 2D echocardiography (p=0.001). Conclusion Using necropsy proven LV mass index cutoffs, 2D over-diagnosed LV hypertrophy through overestimation of the mass, compared to 3D echocardiography. The majority of HFpEF patients show no structural hypertrophy of LV by 3D. This suggest that the majority of HFpEF patients may be more amenable to pharmacological prevention of progressing to LV remodeling or LVH.
Gaps In Access To Opioid Use Disorder Treatment For Medicare Beneficiaries.

In 2016 only 13.8 percent of substance use disorder treatment programs offered medication treatment for opioid use disorder for older adults who used Medicare to pay for treatment. With increasing ...
Civic Engagement, Autism and Deliberative Democracy: Prioritizing the Inclusion of Marginalized Perspectives.

Imagine the following scenario. You have been invited to participate in a public meeting, organized and run by adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. The organizers call the meeting to o...
Artificial Radioactivity of Ti 45

A radioactive isotope possessing a half-life of 3.08\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.06 hours has been produced by four different types of bombardment. Evidence is presented which indicates that the activity should be assigned to ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{45}$. The four nuclear reactions are: ${{\mathrm{Ca}}^{42}+{\mathrm{He}}^{4},\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Ti}}^{45}+{n}^{1} {\mathrm{Sc}}^{45}+{\mathrm{H}}^{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Ti}}^{45}+2{n}^{1}}{{\mathrm{Sc}}^{45}+{\mathrm{H}}^{1},\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Ti}}^{45}+{n}^{1} {\mathrm{Ti}}^{46}+{n}^{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Ti}}^{45}+2{n}^{1}.}$ Nuclear spin considerations indicate that a fifth reaction, ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{46}(\ensuremath{\gamma},n){\mathrm{Ti}}^{45}$, is improbable, as was verified experimentally. Analysis of cloud-chamber pictures reveals the maximum positron energy to be 1.2 Mev. On a Sargent diagram, the reaction ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{45}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\mathrm{Sc}}^{45}+{e}^{+}$, is a permitted one. The half-life of 3.08\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}.06 hours for ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{45}$ is the weighted average of 3.17, 3.10, and 3.02 hours from $\mathrm{Sc}(p,n)$; 3.04 hours from $\mathrm{Sc}(d,2n)$; 3.17 hours from $\mathrm{Ca}(\ensuremath{\alpha},n)$; 3.0 hours from $\mathrm{Ti}(n,2n)$.
Corrigendum: Along-the-channel modeling and analysis of PEFCs at low stoichiometry: Development of a 1+2D model

Author(s): Pant, LM; Gerhardt, MR; Macauley, N; Mukundan, R; Borup, RL; Weber, AZ | Abstract: The numerical model used in the original article [1] was updated during the review process; however, some cell parameter expressions have remained from the first version of article and mistakenly were not updated during revisions. The expressions used in the actual model and analysis are accurate and therefore none of the results or outcomes are impacted. The oxygen diffusivity in ionomer [Formula presented] expressed in Table 3 of original article is incorrectly reported. The actual expression implemented in the model is as follows: [Formula presented][Formula presented] The membrane protonic conductivity in vapor equilibrated phase [Formula presented] expressed in Table S2 (supplementary material, original article) Eq. (11) is incorrectly reported. The actual expression implemented in the model is as follows: [Formula presented] Finally, the membrane water vapor uptake [Formula presented] fitted to experimental data shown in Fig. S3 (supplementary material, original article) is based on an outdated set of experimental data which was replaced by a more reliable data in revised article. The new fit is shown in the following figure. [Figure presented] Fig. 1. Vapor equilibrated fitted water-uptake curve for the Nafion® HP membrane and comparison with Nafion®112 membrane.
More on Stock Selection Strategy: Alpha Hunting, Risk Adjustment, and Nonparametric Diagnostics

In the previous chapter, we introduced a general procedure and multi-factor framework for alpha construction of stock selection strategies. In this chapter, we continue to explore stock selection strategy with more advanced topics. In particular, we focus on alpha (new factor) hunting, risk adjustment, and nonparametric diagnostics. Regarding new alpha discovery, we present the guidance of IPARE. From a methodological perspective, we introduce the weighted least squares (WLS) method, which provides a tool to integrate risk into a multi-factor alpha model. We then introduce nonparametric approaches as a complement to parametric analysis. In the industry insights section, we provide a nonparametric diagnostics package used in the industry to investigate a new factor. The last section on R programming shows how to refine plots with parameters.
A Practical Guide to Measuring Ex vivo Joint Mobility Using XROMM

X-Ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM), though traditionally used for studies of in vivo skeletal kinematics, can also be used to precisely and accurately measure ex vivo range of motion from cadaveric manipulations. The workflow for these studies is holistically similar to the in vivo XROMM workflow but presents several unique challenges. This paper aims to serve as a practical guide by walking through each step of the ex vivo XROMM process: how to acquire and prepare cadaveric specimens, how to manipulate specimens to collect X-ray data, and how to use these data to compute joint rotational mobility. Along the way, it offers recommendations for best practices and for avoiding common pitfalls to ensure a successful study.
Age patterns of suicide with different methods for US Whites: APC modelling analysis of the 1999-2017 national data

Aims Suicide emerges as a threat to national health of USA with Whites being at extra risk. More information is needed regarding the increased suicide among Whites to improve national suicide prevention strategies. This study aims to characterise the age pattern of suicide among Whites by suicide methods adjusting for time period and birth cohort. Methods Suicide mortality data by age of 15–84 years during 1999–2017 were derived from the Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiological Research, prepared by US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Mortality data for three common suicide methods, firearms, suffocation and poisoning were analysed using the age–period–cohort (APC) model. Period–cohort adjusted mortality rates by age were estimated based on results from APC modelling. Results Period–cohort adjusted rates indicated that the overall age pattern for males contained five phases, including three increasing phases (ages 15–20, 30–50 and 65+), connected by two declining phases (ages 20–30 and 50–65); and the age pattern for females was a parabolic with an increasing phase from 15 years of age up to 50, followed by a declining phase after age 50. Furthermore, the age pattern for different suicide methods differed substantially for males, but did not for females. Among males, suicide by firearms contained two rapid increasing phases, one during adolescence and another in older ages; suicide by suffocation showed a high plateau across an age span from 20 to 55 years; and suicide by poisoning followed a parabolic, increasing by age up to 45 before it declined. Age patterns revealed by the unadjusted crude rates were biased because of significant linear period effect and W-shaped cohort effect. Conclusions This study is the first to quantify the age patterns of suicide by different methods for US Whites using period–cohort adjusted rates. Study findings provide valid evidence supporting precision interventions to reduce the extra suicide mortality among Whites by targeting specific age ranges with different suicide methods.
Lack of reproduction of the hallmark porcine circovirus type 2-associated lesions in a mouse model

BALB/c, C57BL6, and C3H/HeN mice were experimentally-infected with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). The mice were tested for their ability to become infected with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and to develop the hallmark PCV2-associated lymphoid depletion and histiocytic replacement of lymphoid follicles characteristic of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome. Since immunostimulation has been shown to increase PCV2-replication in the pig, half of the mice were immunostimulated with keyhole limpet hemocyanin in incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (KLH/ICFA) at the time of PCV2-inoculation. PCV2 inoculation was done twice at 4 and 5 weeks of age by using intramuscular and intranasal routes. Necropsies were performed in 5-day-intervals at 12, 17, 22, 27, 32, and 37 days post PCV2 inoculation. None of the mice developed clinical disease and none of the mice developed PCV2-associated lymphoid lesions. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in-situ-hybridization (ISH) for PCV2-antigen/nucleic acids was performed on all tissues of all mice and was negative. PCR was done on pooled tissues and serum samples obtained at necropsy. The majority of the mice (101/111 PCV2 infected mice) were positive for PCV2-nucleic acids in tissue samples. Forty-one percent of the mice (46/111 PCV2 infected mice) were positive for PCV2-nucleic acids in serum samples. There was no difference between treatment groups or lines. This study confirms that mice can be infected with PCV2 and could be important in the epidemiology of PCV2; however, the mouse model may not be useful to understand the pathogenesis of PCV2- associated lesions.
Pre-Hospital Diagnosis in Mobile Stroke Unit.

Abstract Objectives Mobile stroke unit (MSU) has been shown to rapidly provide pre-hospital thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). MSU encounters neurological disorders other than AIS that require emergent treatment. Methods/Materials We obtained pre-hospital diagnosis and treatment data from the prospectively collected dataset on 221 consecutive MSU encounters. Based on initial clinical evaluation and neuroimaging obtained on MSU, the diagnosis of AIS (definite, probable, and possible AIS, transient ischemic attack), intracranial hemorrhage, and likely stroke mimics was made. Results From July 2014 to April 2015, 221 patients were treated on MSU. 78 (35%) patients had initial clinical diagnosis of definite/probable AIS or TIA, 69 (31%) were diagnosed as possible AIS or TIA, 15 (7%) had intracranial hemorrhage while 59 patients (27%) were diagnosed as likely stroke mimics. Stroke mimics encountered included 13 (6%) metabolic encephalopathy, 11 (5%) seizures, 9 (4%) migraines, 3 (1%) substance abuse, 2 (1%) CNS tumor, 3 (1%) infectious etiology and 3 (1%) hypoglycemia. Fifty-four (24%) patients received non-thrombolytic treatments on MSU Conclusion About one third of MSU encounters were not AIS initially, including intracranial hemorrhage and stroke mimics. MSU can be utilized to provide pre-hospital treatments in emergent neurological conditions other than AIS.
An exploration of the use of machine learning to predict lateral spreading

The recent availability of large amounts of high-quality data from post-disaster field reconnaissance enables an exploration of the use of machine learning (ML) approaches to predict earthquake-ind...
Is t ime to edefine europathic ain

The current definition of neuropathic pain is not sufficiently inclusive of the neuropathic pain conditions. There is a need in clinical practice and scientific research for the definition to not only cover conditions that are a direct consequence of a lesion or diseases affecting the somatosensory system but also those that are a direct consequence of a lesion or diseases affecting the visceral sensory system, as the IASP definition intends to. Here I propose to redefine neuropathic pain as "Pain caused by a lesion or disease of the sensory nervous system".
Intracranial hemorrhage detected through a craniotomy site with point of care ultrasound

A 60-year-old male presented to the emergency department with acute change in mental status while recovering from a recent hemicraniectomy. During evaluation by the emergency physician, a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was performed using the patient's existing craniectomy site as a sonographic window. Multiple areas of intracranial hemorrhage were visualized on POCUS and head computed tomography scan ultimately requiring urgent neurosurgical intervention. Our case report demonstrates an innovative application of POCUS in the emergency department- setting that has potential to expedite diagnosis and management of life-threatening neurosurgical etiologies, such as hemorrhage and midline shift, in a unique patient population.
Impact of Treatment Parameters on Racial Survival Differences in Oropharyngeal Cancer: National Cancer Database Study.

OBJECTIVE To investigate how differences in treatment parameters account for survival differences between races of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING National Cancer Database. METHODS Data of patients with OPSCC undergoing radiation therapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiation therapy as primary treatment were obtained from the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2016. We analyzed 4 treatment-related time intervals to determine their impact on survival between races when controlling for human papilloma virus (HPV) status. Cox proportional hazards models, stepwise logistic regressions, covariate adjustments, and propensity score matching were performed. RESULTS A total of 3152 patients were identified (2877 White, 275 Black). In HPV- cases, Black patients with prolonged radiation duration had a significantly worse overall survival as compared with White patients (hazard ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.03-3.05; P = .039). In a logistic regression model, the only covariate that was significantly associated with prolonged RT was facility type. When further adjusted for facility type, the survival difference between Black and White patients with HPV- status and prolonged RT times was no longer significant (hazard ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.90-2.69; P = .116). CONCLUSIONS There is a significant disparity in overall survival between Black and White patients with HPV- OPSCC when RT duration is prolonged. Clinicians should be aware of the negative impact of prolonged RT, especially in Black patients, so that they can attempt to decrease treatment-related time intervals. Facility type was also found to affect the outcomes of patients with OPSCC, and efforts should be made to improve patient access to well-equipped, high-volume facilities.
Against Immunizing Nursing Homes

Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities account for approximately one third of the over 500,000 Covid-19 deaths in the United States. Facing liability from that widespread harm, the facilities have sought immunity protection from tort liability. In particular, they have sought protection under the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act, which is designed to extend immunity from liability claims arising from various Covid-19 countermeasures developed and used during the pandemic. Importantly for this essay, the lawsuits filed against nursing homes have centered on their failure to take mitigation measures, rather than on harm from their affirmative use of mitigation measures. Initially, courts held that PREP Act immunity does not apply to these failure-to-act claims. In the waning days of the Trump Administration, however, HHS issued an opinion that (together with other HHS statements) interprets the statute otherwise, broadening immunity even to cover the failure to take mitigation measures. That interpretation has been followed by at least one federal district court. This essay questions the wisdom of HHS’s opinion. It argues that it misreads the words and purpose of the PREP Act’s immunity provisions, and undermines accountability of the nursing home industry, creates the wrong incentives for the industry, and may leave victims without any compensatory remedy. This issue should reach appellate courts soon. If the interpretation continues to be followed by the courts, then the Biden Administration should rescind the opinion so that tort law may continue to protect one of society’s most vulnerable populations.
Physical activity and sleep quality correlations with anthropometric measurements in young adults.

OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study examined correlations between physical activity and anthropometrics as well as sleep quality and anthropometrics. PARTICIPANTS College students (n = 85) with average age 25.6 ± 5.4 years. METHODS Participants received full-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans and completed validated surveys: Habitual Physical Activity questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. RESULTS Males reported more sports-related physical activity than females (p = 0.041). Physical activity indices and percent body fat were inversely correlated (total ⍴ = -0.320, p < 0.001; sport β = -0.378, p = 0.003). Participants had poor overall sleep quality (PSQI = 6.19 ± 2.99). The PSQI sleep quality index: disturbance was directly correlated with body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.328, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION Health interventions on college campuses should promote more physical activity and better quality sleep as these factors were related to improved body anthropometrics and potentially reduced chronic disease risk.
Social Networks of Adolescent Sexual Violence Perpetrators: Peer Friendship and Trusted Adult Characteristics

The current study tested differences in social network characteristics of high school students who report perpetrating sexual violence (SV) versus those who do not. N = 4554 students (49% male, 49% female, 2% another gender identity; 45% Hispanic, 43% white, 12% another racial identity) from 20 high schools reported how often they had perpetrated 13 sexually violent behaviors. Using their responses, students were classified as follows: non-perpetrators, sexual harassment perpetrators, low contact perpetrators, or high contact perpetrators. Students named up to 7 close friends and up to 7 trusted adults at their school and answered questions about other behaviors and attitudes. This information was used to assess (1) students’ connections with peers, (2) students’ connections with trusted adults, and (3) friends’ characteristics. Multilevel models indicated that compared to their peers, high contact perpetrators were less involved in the peer networks, less connected to trusted adults, and more likely to have friends who were involved in risky behaviors (e.g., sexual violence, homophobic name-calling, substance use). Low contact perpetrators were as connected to peers and trusted adults as non-perpetrators but were more likely to have friends engaged in sexual violence and homophobic naming-calling perpetration. By contrast, sexual harassment perpetrators were more involved and held higher status in the peer network (e.g., received more friendship nominations) but otherwise had similar friendship characteristics and similar connections to trusted adults as non-perpetrators. Building on these results, social network-informed SV prevention should use opinion leaders to change SV norms throughout the network and encourage new relationships between low- and high-risk students so as to disseminate norms that do not tolerate SV. Promoting connections to trusted adults also may be a useful avenue, especially for isolated adolescents. Trial Registration This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01672541. Syntax code is available from the authors upon request.
Utility of factor analysis in optimization of resident assessment and faculty evaluation

Abstract Background Increasing focus on more granular assessment in medical education has led to more lengthy instruments, with concern that the increased complexity undermines the utility of these tools. This study evaluated the relative contribution of individual questions in an assessment of resident performance and a faculty performance evaluation by residents. Methods The authors performed factor analysis on the individual items in the resident assessment instrument (3,009 assessments of 71 residents) and faculty evaluations (7,328 evaluations of 61 faculty) collected from 2006 to 2012. Results Factor analysis of the resident assessment tool revealed that 1 component was responsible for 96.6% of the variance. This component encompassed each question from the assessment form, and could also be termed "overall resident competency." Factor analysis of the attending evaluation form revealed 2 unique components, representing "clinical care" and "interpersonal skills," which accounted for 89.9% of variance. Conclusions Three components accounted for 90% to 97% of the observed variance in our analysis. Factor analysis represents a useful strategy for analyzing the utility of data obtained from individual items in the assessment and evaluation instruments.
Conversion Methods Between Parametric and Implicit Curves and Surfaces

Abstract : We present methods for parameterizing implicit curves and surfaces and for implicitizing parametric curves and surfaces, based on computational techniques from algebraic geometry. After reviewing the basic mathematical facts of relevance, we describe and illustrate state-of-the-art algorithms and insights for the conversions problem. Keywords: Points.
Sensor-knowledge-command fusion network for intelligent robotics

This paper presents sensing-knowledge-command (SKC) fusion as a fundamental paradigm of implementing cooperative control for an advanced man-machine system. SKC fusion operates on the "SKC fusion network", representing the connection between sensory data to commands through knowledge. Sensing, knowledge, and command of a human and a machine are merely tapped into the network to provide inputs or stimuli to the network. Such stimuli automatically invokes a SKC fusion process and generates a fused output for cooperative control. Once invoked by stimuli, the SKC fusion process enforces the network to converge to a new equilibrium state through the network dynamics composed of data fusion, feature transformation, and constraint propagation. The SKC fusion process thus integrates redundant information, maintains consistency of the network, identifies faulty data and concepts, and specifies those concepts to be strengthened (for enhancing command reliability) through sensor planning. >
County Health Rankings and the Cult of the Imperfect

Sir Robert Watson-Watt, who developed early warning radar in Britain during World War II to counter the rapid growth of the Luftwaffe, proposed a “cult of the imperfect,” which he stated as “Give them the third best to go on with; the second best comes too late, the best never comes” (Brown 1999). Just as imperfect radar detected incoming German aircraft to protect British citizens, imperfect public health surveillance systems are widely used to measure and monitor the health of populations to mobilize action toward community health.
Sex-based alteration of relative importance of EDRFs in modulating vascular reactivity in Zucker diabetic fatty rats (1051.15)

Little is known about interaction of sex and diabetes in vasculature. Our study investigates the effects of type 2 diabetes on endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxations. Also, if there are sex-based changes in relative contributions of endothelium derived relaxing factors (EDRFs) in modulating vascular reactivity of mesenteric arteries (MA) from ZDF rats. Relaxation responses to acetylcholine (ACh) in MA pre-contracted with phenylephrine (PE) were obtained before and after pretreatment with indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor), L-NAME (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) or barium chloride (Kir blocker) plus ouabain (Na+-K+-ATPase inhibitor). Vascular responses to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were also measured in MA. ACh-induced relaxations were significantly impaired in MA of diabetic rats, regardless of sex. In diabetic females, the relative importance of endothelium derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in relaxation to ACh was reduced, while in diabetic males, role of nitric oxide (NO) was red...
Wide-range variable dynamics using switched capacitor neuromorphs

The use of switched capacitors as wide-range programmable resistive elements in spatially extensive artificial dendritic trees is described. We show that silicon neuromorphs with artificial dendritic trees can produce impulse responses that last nine orders of magnitude longer than the initiating impulse and that the responses are tunable in both shape and duration over five orders of magnitude. The dendritic tree switched capacitor resistors are shown indirectly to have a useful programmable resistance range between 500 k/spl Omega/ and 1000 G/spl Omega/. Experimental results are presented that demonstrate impulse response tuning and rate-invariant neuromorph behavior from widely different spatiotemporal input patterns. >
The pharmacological evaluation of antioxidants.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a general plan for the pharmacological investigation, which permits a thorough appraisal of the toxicology of an antioxidant. Many compounds have been found to possess antioxidant properties, the more common compounds being gum guaiac, gallic acid, catechol, and hydroquinone. Naturally occurring antioxidants have received considerable attention, the purpose being to develop a nontoxic substance suitable for food use. Lecithin, cephalin, tocopherols, and products obtained from cereals, yeasts, sugars, and other food substances have been proposed. The criteria that are considered necessary for establishing the usefulness of a chemical as an antioxidant have been listed. Of the many chemicals proposed for antioxidant use and under active investigation, available pharmacological data on the compounds have been listed. The chapter tabulates a summary of the acute toxicity of the antioxidants. Chronic studies on propyl gallate have been conducted in animals such as guinea pigs and dogs, and lifetime feeding studies in rats have been carried out. The predominant pathologic lesions produced by the various antioxidants after lifetime feeding to rats have been summarized.
Detection of early pregnancy factor (EPF) using the rabbit ovary and oviduct perfused in vitro

Two peaks of rabbit serum EPF activity were seen over the course of pregnancy. Rabbit ovaries with or without attached oviducts were perfused in vitro for 5 h beginning 12, 16, 24, 48, 72 and 120 h after mating. Perfused isolated ovaries did not produce EPF in vitro, but significant EPF activity was detected in the perfusate of the ovary together with oviduct. Pseudopregnant animals and those rabbits that did not ovulate exhibited no perfusate EPF activity. Perfusate EPF activity was highest at the time embryos were at the pronuclear stage and continued through the morula stage. Although the location of embryos at 72 h after mating varied between oviduct and uterus, EPF activity was maintained over the perfusion period. The results suggest that EPF release occurs within 3 h of fertilization and that the presence of the preblastocyst embryo is crucial for EPF release.
Art and/or Ethnographica?: The Reception of Benin Works from 1897–1935

Today’s museum visitors often assume that African art objects were collected by ethnographic museums because early collectors were blinded by racial prejudice and could not see these works as art. However, in some cases African works were accepted as “art” from the beginning of their collection history, even when collected by ethnographic museums. Benin court art provides a useful test case for the reception of African art because this corpus conforms to many of the nineteenth century’s standards for art: mimetic naturalism, the use of “high art” materials like cast bronze1 and ivory, and a courtly provenance dating back to the sixteenth century (Fig. 1). Bronze plaques, figural sculptures, carved ivory, and other pieces from Benin were universally praised for their superior workmanship from the first European visits to the Kingdom in the fifteenth century until their sale at auction in 1897.2 Acknowledged by many buyers and dealers as highly accomplished works of incredible aesthetic merit, and referred to as “art” by many observers, the Benin pieces were exclusively purchased by ethnographic museums until the 1930s, when American art collections began buying them from French dealers (Paudrat 2007:238). This article explores why ethnographic museums dominated the early collection of Benin art, and how a German ethnographer, Felix von Luschan, paved the way for the reception of Benin objects as “art” in the United States. Defining an “ethnographic object” versus an “art object” is a task that has concerned scholars for decades.3 For the purpose of this article, however, art is defined as an object that speaks to the viewer due to its expressive achievement and aesthetic appeal. In contrast, an ethnographic object forms a locus for speech; it is an object that documents the conversation among producers, users, and scholars about its intended use and surrounding cultural beliefs. These theoretical categories may of course overlap; some objects carry the unique aesthetic value assigned to art and yet also function as evidence of cultural practices. However, art objects stand apart as works that can be appreciated for their visual interest whether or not contextual information is available. For example, within this discussion, the Curator of the Berlin Ethnographic Museum, Felix von Luschan, refers to the beauty and high craftsmanship of Benin bronze plaques and carved ivories, showing that they are clearly considered art objects, while his discussion of fishing nets and knives from Micronesia collected in the same period refer to their cultural significance alone, and not their aesthetic address to the viewer.4
Rapid identification of ESKAPE bacterial strains using an autonomous microfluidic device.

This article describes Bacteria ID Chips (‘BacChips’): an inexpensive, portable, and autonomous microfluidic platform for identifying pathogenic strains of bacteria. BacChips consist of a set of microchambers and channels molded in the elastomeric polymer, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). Each microchamber is preloaded with mono-, di-, or trisaccharides and dried. Pressing the layer of PDMS into contact with a glass coverslip forms the device; the footprint of the device in this article is ∼6 cm2. After assembly, BacChips are degased under large negative pressure and are stored in vacuum-sealed plastic bags. To use the device, the bag is opened, a sample containing bacteria is introduced at the inlet of the device, and the degased PDMS draws the sample into the central channel and chambers. After the liquid at the inlet is consumed, air is drawn into the BacChip via the inlet and provides a physical barrier that separates the liquid samples in adjacent microchambers. A pH indicator is admixed with the samples prior to their loading, enabling the metabolism of the dissolved saccharides in the microchambers to be visualized. Importantly, BacChips operate without external equipment or instruments. By visually detecting the growth of bacteria using ambient light after ∼4 h, we demonstrate that BacChips with ten microchambers containing different saccharides can reproducibly detect the ESKAPE panel of pathogens, including strains of: Enterococcus faecalis, Enteroccocus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Enterobacter cloacae. This article describes a BacChip for point-of-care detection of ESKAPE pathogens and a starting point for designing multiplexed assays that identify bacterial strains from clinical samples and simultaneously determine their susceptibility to antibiotics.
STRATEGIC CHOICE VERSUS ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINISM: A DEBATE REVISITED

This paper revisits the debate between environmental determinism and strategic choice. It compares the two theories on their philosophical underpinnings, their view of decision making, and the environment. Although we argue that the theory of strategic choice generally prevails, we recognize that there are factors that restrict the choice and discretion of managers. Here we look at three types of factors—industry related factors (extent of regulation and stage of life cycle), organization related factors (characteristics of top management and organization size), and time related factors and explain how each of these factors either inhibit or enhance managerial discretion. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Periodic amplification and conjugation of optical solitons.

Nondegenerate optical parametric amplifiers can be used to simultaneously phase conjugate and amplify a pulse in a nonlinear optical fiber. The gain in the amplifiers compensates the linear loss in the fiber, while the phase conjugation effectively neutralizes second-order dispersion, self-phase modulation, the Raman self-frequency shift, and Gordon–Haus jitter. If the remaining third-order and nonlinear dispersions balance, solitonlike pulses are able to propagate with subpicosecond pulse widths.
Flexi-distoritional piezoelectric composites

Abstract An alternative form of a flexural amplificaiton type sensor can be proposed using and amplified d 15 response. The mechanically amplified flexi-distortional system may improve the d h g h figure of merit by transferring the compressional stress on the device to a lateral shear on the electroceramic element. This type of amplified system is mechanically classified as distortional and, there fore, without volume change. By transforming the hydrostatic stress to trancsverse strain, as in the flexi-extensional devices, transverse forces can be used to develop shear strain and activate the d 15 coefficient. Electrodes are placed along the sides of the sensing element rather than along the top and bottom surfaces. Flexi-distortional devices are modeled in order to check for the limits of sensitivity in their performance.
Copolymers of L‐proline and sarcosine: Synthesis and physical‐chemical studies

A series of high molecular weight copolypeptides of L-proline and sarcosine have been synthesized. Experimental evidence is presented which indicates that the products are true copolymers rather than mixtures of homopolymers. In contrast to poly-L-proline I, a copolymer of L-proline-sarcosine I containing approximately 50% sarcosine is soluble in water. Two molecular conformations of the copolymers, similar to those found for polyproline, have been characterized by means of infrared spectroscopy and optical rotatory dispersion. The residue rotation of L-proline has been obtained from the copolymers and is −250°.
Ultrasound attenuation estimation using backscattered echoes from multiple sources

The objective of this study was to devise an algorithm that can accurately estimate the attenuation along the propagation path (i.e., the total attenuation) from backscattered echoes. It was shown that the downshift in the center frequency of the backscattered ultrasound echoes compared to echoes obtained in a water bath was calculated to have the form Deltaf=mf(o)+b after normalizing with respect to the source bandwidth where m depends on the correlation length, b depends on the total attenuation, and f(o) is the center frequency of the source as measured from a reference echo. Therefore, the total attenuation can be determined independent of the scatterer correlation length by measuring the downshift in center frequency from multiple sources (i.e., different f(o)) and fitting a line to the measured shifts versus f(o). The intercept of the line gives the total attenuation along the propagation path. The calculations were verified using computer simulations of five spherically focused sources with 50% bandwidths and center frequencies of 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 MHz. The simulated tissue had Gaussian scattering structures with effective radii of 25 mum placed at a density of 250 mm(3). The attenuation of the tissue was varied from 0.1 to 0.9 dB / cm-MHz. The error in the attenuation along the propagation path ranged from -3.5+/-14.7% for a tissue attenuation of 0.1 dB / cm-MHz to -7.0+/-3.1% for a tissue attenuation of 0.9 dB / cm-MHz demonstrating that the attenuation along the propagation path could be accurately determined using backscattered echoes from multiple sources using the derived algorithm.
Determinants of the Broad Recognition of Exocytic Rab GTPases by Mss4

Rab GTPases function as essential regulators of vesicle transport between subcellular compartments of eukaryotic cells. Mss4, an evolutionarily conserved Rab accessory factor, facilitates nucleotide release and binds tightly to the nucleotide-free form of exocytic but not endocytic Rab GTPases. A structure-based mutational analysis of residues that are conserved only in exocytic Rab GTPases reveals three residues that are critical determinants of the broad specificity recognition of exocytic Rab GTPases by Mss4. One of these residues is located at the N-terminus of the switch I region near the nucleotide binding site whereas the other two flank an exposed hydrophobic triad previously implicated in effector recognition. The spatial disposition of these residues with respect to the structure of Rab3A correlates with the dimensions of the elongated Rab interaction epitope in Mss4 and supports a mode of interaction similar to that of other exchange factor-GTPase complexes. The complementarity of the corresponding interaction surfaces suggests a hypothetical structural model for the complex between Mss4 and Rab GTPases.
Functional somatic syndromes, anxiety disorders and the upper airway: A matter of paradigms

The relationship between the functional somatic syndromes, anxiety disorders and the upper airway (particularly, sleep disordered breathing) remains ambiguous. This ambiguity, despite a growing body of research supporting a relationship, may result from the absence of a paradigm to explain how upper airway dysfunction can promote disorders commonly associated with one's mental health. This review models the functional somatic syndromes and anxiety disorders as consequences of chronically increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. It then examines the literature supporting a relationship between these disorders and upper airway dysfunction during wakefulness and sleep. Finally, building upon an existing paradigm of neural sensitization, sleep disordered breathing is linked to functional somatic syndromes and anxiety disorders through chronic activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Visual Information Alone Changes Behavior and Physiology during Social Interactions in a Cichlid Fish (Astatotilapia burtoni)

Social behavior can influence physiological systems dramatically yet the sensory cues responsible are not well understood. Behavior of male African cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni, in their natural habitat suggests that visual cues from conspecifics contribute significantly to regulation of social behavior. Using a novel paradigm, we asked whether visual cues alone from a larger conspecific male could influence behavior, reproductive physiology and the physiological stress response of a smaller male. Here we show that just seeing a larger, threatening male through a clear barrier can suppress dominant behavior of a smaller male for up to 7 days. Smaller dominant males being “attacked” visually by larger dominant males through a clear barrier also showed physiological changes for up to 3 days, including up-regulation of reproductive- and stress-related gene expression levels and lowered plasma 11-ketotestesterone concentrations as compared to control animals. The smaller males modified their appearance to match that of non-dominant males when exposed to a larger male but they maintained a physiological phenotype similar to that of a dominant male. After 7 days, reproductive- and stress- related gene expression, circulating hormone levels, and gonad size in the smaller males showed no difference from the control group suggesting that the smaller male habituated to the visual intruder. However, the smaller male continued to display subordinate behaviors and assumed the appearance of a subordinate male for a full week despite his dominant male physiology. These data suggest that seeing a larger male alone can regulate the behavior of a smaller male but that ongoing reproductive inhibition depends on additional sensory cues. Perhaps, while experiencing visual social stressors, the smaller male uses an opportunistic strategy, acting like a subordinate male while maintaining the physiology of a dominant male.
Workplace Spirituality, Organizational Learning Capabilities and Mass Customization: An Integrated Framework

In today’s world organizations strive to achieve competitive advantage. To this end, mass customization (MC) asa source of competitive advantage has generated a lot of interest. Gap however exists in terms of exploringfactors enabling the successful development of MC. The current study examines the role of organizationallearning capabilities in the development of MC. In addition workplace spirituality has been known to influenceorganizational learning capability. Workplace spirituality also impacts overall employee as well asorganizational outcomes and practices. The goal of the study is to explore the linkages between the dimensionsof workplace spirituality, organizational learning capability and MC. Based on a comprehensive literature review,a theoretical framework and propositions are derived. The findings are expected to provide guidance for firms toeffectively develop MC practices.
Suppurative intracranial complications of sinusitis in children.

Abstract Objective: A review of suppurative intracranial complications of sinusitis in children. Methods: Case series review over a two-year period from 1998 to 1999 in a children's hospital, Singapore. Results: There were seven cases, all male, and age range 9 to 14. Six had subdural empyemas and one had meningitis. The most common presenting symptoms included fever, headache and vomiting. Sinusitis was suspected as the cause in only one patient initially. The intracranial infections were not apparent from the initial brain CT of two patients and were only confirmed later on repeated imaging. Four patients had lumbar punctures without any adverse effects. All seven children had infections involving the frontal, ethmoid and maxillary sinuses and two also had sphenoid involvements. All were treated with high-dose intravenous antibiotics together with drainage of both the intracranial (n=six) and sinus (n=seven) suppurations. Five needed repeated intracranial drainages. Streptococcus species were isolated in five cases. Three patients developed seizures post-operatively which resolved on follow-up. One patient needed a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt for hydrocephalus. All patients had a good Glasgow Outcome Score. The hospital stay ranged from 30 to 89 days with a median of 43 days. Conclusions: Only males were identified in this review, collaborating the feeling that teenage males are at greatest risk of developing intracranial infections from sinusitis. We recommend that radiologic imaging of the brain for suspected intracranial infection should always include the sinuses as this aids early identification of actual cause. Initial CT imaging may be negative and hence repeated scans are warranted if the index of suspicion is high. The successful outcome of the children in this series supports the opinion that combined aggressive surgical and medical treatment is preferable in this patient population.