cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proportions, Pitfalls and Pendulums

The use of proportions to transform raw scores into standardized, dimensionless units creates measurement problems. Such transformations alter the relationships among scale points in a way that impedes accurate comparisons among values. The loge of proportional values can be used to alleviate this problem. A second, related problem arises in the use of fractional (percentage) uncertainties for physical or any other measurements. Where possible, such uncertainties are better related to tolerance limits than to the absolute magnitude of the characteristic being measured. Problems of standardization are shown to be present across scientific fields.
Background hCG in non-pregnant individuals: need for more sensitive point-of-care and over-the-counter pregnancy tests.

Abstract Background Currently, 20 IU/L is the accepted sensitivity of over-the-counter (OTC) hCG pregnancy tests, and the only sensitivity permitted for point of care (POC) tests. These sensitivity limitations cause significant numbers of false-negative tests, which mislead women and cause them to avoid precautions needed to avoid fetotoxic drug or alcohol damaged pregnancies. A large clinical trial is needed examining background hCG (hCG levels in absence of pregnancy) and determining whether sensitivities can be improved to avoid false negative detection. Methods Daily urine samples were collected prospectively from 126 women over 1–7 non-conceptive menstrual cycles and from 68 women while achieving pregnancy. Additional urines were collected from women peri- and postmenopause. A total of 11,991 urines were collected and tested for total hCG and LH. Results The upper reference limit for background ranges in the field of clinical chemistry is the 97.5th percentile. Considering the menstrual cycle, the 97.5th percentile of background hCG results was 1.0 IU/L. Including cycles with early pregnancy losses raised this percentile to 1.1 IU/L. Considering also that 10% of tests involve peri-menopausal women, the 97.5th percentile of background results increased to 1.2 IU/L. Conclusions The 97.5th percentile or background cut-off was 1.2 IU/L. As such a test with sensitivity 1.2–5 IU/L may be appropriate for urine pregnancy testing. An OTC or POC test with a sensitivity in this range will detect 98% of pregnancies close to the time of missing menses, helping prevent fetotoxic pregnancies or retarded babies.
Effects of social defeat on acute cardiovascular response in salt-sensitive and salt-resistant rats.

We studied the effects of social stress (SS) and a high salt diet on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR): S/JR male rats (which exhibit marked elevations in SBP when placed on a high sodium diet) and R/JR male rats (which are resistant to the BP-elevating effects of a high sodium diet) were maintained on a low sodium diet (0.3% NaCl) or placed on a high sodium diet (8% NaCl). Within each dietary condition independent groups were either exposed to SS, by placement in the cage of a trained fighter male (Long—Evans breed) for 25 min, or exposed to no stress. The dietary regimen was imposed for 10 days with stress exposures on Days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9, with SBP and HR measured indirectly by tail plethysmography 3 min following exposure to SS. SS produced an acute decrease in SBP (20–30 mm Hg) in S/JR rats on the second and subsequent exposures, but did not affect HR. SS did not affect SBP of R/JR rats, but did produce a significant elevation of HR. Maintenance on the high sodium diet increased SBP in S/JR, but not R/JR, rats when it was measured on the eighth (no stress) day, but SS obscured the effects of diet on SBP on days when rats were stressed. Following exposure to attacks, defeated SS rats displayed an upright submissive posture relatively late during the first stress exposure when no change in SBP was observed after SS in S/JRs, but displayed the submissive posture immediately and with long duration on the second and subsequent exposures when a marked decrement in SBP was seen.
Key issues for research in self‐directed learning

This paper consists of two parts. The first part gives an overview of two major paradigms which have influenced research in education; the positivist/empiricist and the interpretive. It is argued that research into self‐direction has been dominated by the positivist/empiricist paradigm and that, because of a fundamental incompatibility between the assumptions underlying positivism and those underlying ‘self‐direction,’ research into self‐direction has been ‘blocked.’ It is suggested that the adoption of an interpretive paradigm promises to reinvigorate and redirect research into self‐direction in learning. The second part of the paper represents an attempt to develop a research agenda into self‐direction from an interpretive perspective; that is, one which takes account of the learner's subjective construing of the learning situation. This subjective construing includes pur elements: (1) the learner's view of learning in general; (2) the learner's view of the specific learning endeavour being researched; ...
First-order frege theory is undecidable

The system whose only predicate is identity, whose only nonlogical vocabulary is the abstraction operator, and whose axioms are all first-order instances of Frege's Axiom V is shown to be undecidable.
Ultrasound in the Acute Pediatric Abdomen: How Accurate Is It for Surgical Conditions?

The ultrasonographic and clinical findings in 295 consecutive patients undergoing ultrasound evaluation for adbominal complaints were retrospectively reviewed. The objective of the study was to determine the accuracy and validity of ultrasound in differentiating surgical from nonsurgical acute abdominal conditions. Our results demonstrated that ultrasound was 95% accurate in detecting surgical conditions. As a result, ultrasound is recommended as a satisfactory imaging modality for differentiating acute surgical from nonsurgical abdominal problems in children.
Sibling Foster Care, Placement Stability, and Well-Being: A Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

Sibling relationships are an important, yet underinvestigated dimension of foster care research. Despite the fact that a majority of children in care have brothers or sisters, only recently have child welfare researchers begun to explore the complex and dynamic nature of sibling relationships in substitute care settings. Although cross-sectional and longitudinal studies suggest differences in stability and permanency outcomes for siblings placed together versus those placed separately, exactly how and under what conditions do sibling relationships positively influence placement stability, permanency, and well-being in foster care settings remains unknown. This article provides a substantive review of the research on sibling foster care, placement stability, and well-being; identifies two theoretical frameworks that may be particularly useful to help explain the intersection of these constructs; and proposes a multilevel conceptual model for advancing research and practice with siblings in foster care.
Detecting and localizing border crossings using RF links

Detecting and localizing a person crossing a line segment, i.e., border, is valuable information in security and data analytic applications. To that end, we use the received signal strength (RSS) measured on RF links between nodes deployed linearly along a border as a border crossing detection and localization system. RSS measurements from any single RF link are noisy and prone to variations due to environmental changes (e.g. branches moving in wind). The redundant overlapping nature of the links between pairs of nodes in our proposed system provides an opportunity to mitigate these issues. We propose a hidden Markov model (HMM) which models the RSS on network links as a function of the neighboring nodes between which a person crosses. We demonstrate that the forward-backward solution to this HMM provides a robust and real time border crossing detection and localization system.
Discovery of a midgut peptide hormone which activates the endocrine cascade leading to oögenesis in Phormia regina (Meigen)

Abstract A midgut hormone was discovered in liver-fed, Phormia regina adult females. Results indicated that this hormone is released from the midgut to reach its target, the brain, between 4–8 h after the onset of the liver meal. The stimulated brain neurosecretory cells then initiate the neuroendocrine cascade leading to the beginning and the completion of oogenesis. A bioassay was developed to measure the midgut hormone activity. High activity of this hormone was detected in midgut extract prepared from midguts of liver-fed females 6 h after the onset of the liver meal. The midgut hormone is partially heat resistant and is not denatured in 80% methanol. Its Mr was estimated to reside between 5000 and 11,000. The true Mr remains to be determined. This is the first hormone identified from insect midgut that connects nutrition and the neuroendocrine system with oogenesis. A working hypothesis concerning the dietary initiated endocrine regulation of oogenesis was proposed for P. regina.
In situ thermal measurements of sliding contacts

Abstract This study examines frictional heating and the associated temperature rise for a sliding circular contact using an in situ thermal micro-tribometer. Observation of the contact temperature used a radiometric approach to measure local temperature at the sliding interface with an emphasis on full field imaging and thermal accuracy. Filled natural rubber samples were slid against optically smooth CaF2 counter-samples. Temperature rise was measured for externally applied normal forces ranging from∼100 to 1000 mN and sliding velocities ranging from∼250 to 1000 mm/s, producing temperature rises between ∼3 and 26 °C. Measured temperature rise was compared to the analytical models of Jaeger, Archard, and Tian and Kennedy for the average temperature rise in sliding contacts.
Abstract 656: Antitumor activity of combined therapy with the class I BRAF inhibitor PLX4032 and immunotherapy

PLX4032 is a potent inhibitor of V600E BRAF with response rates of up to 80% in patients with metastatic melanoma. However, drug resistance develops in most of patients leading to response durations of only several months. Immunotherapy for melanoma has induced low frequency, but highly durable tumor responses, which may last years. Therefore, the concept of a combined approach of BRAF inhibition and immunotherapy is very attractive. We have established a novel animal model which allows the testing of this concept in fully immunocompetent mice. An implantable murine melanoma cell line driven by the V600E BRAF oncogene (SM1) was established from a spontaneously arising murine melanoma in transgenic mice backcrossed to C57BL/6 and harboring the V600E BRAF mutation under the control of tyrosinase promoter. The in vitro IC50 of PLX4032 against SM1 was 14μM, which indicates partial resistance to the drug and therefore useful as a model for combined therapy. In vitro assays indicated that SM1 cells undergo apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G1 phase in the presence of the PLX4032. Mice implanted with tumors responded significantly with daily i.p. injection of PLX4032, confirming its efficacy in vivo, though there was no complete eradication of the tumor. Cultured primary murine T lymphocytes exposed to PLX4032 at different time points (24, 48 and 72h) with a broad range of concentration (0.1 to up to 100 μM) showed no evidence of cytotoxicity. In vivo real-time T cell tracking by luciferase bioluminescence imaging, as well as PET/CT, confirmed that PLX4032 did not adversarially affect the viability, engraftment or tumor infiltration of T cells in mice. We then tested the combination of PLX4032 and immunotherapy in vivo using two models of adoptive cell transfer (ACT) therapy. SM1 cells stably expressing the chicken ovalbumin (OVA) model antigen were implanted in C57BL6 mice. Daily i.p. PLX4032 combined with ACT of OVA-specific TCR transgenic cells (OTI) generated by retroviral transduction demonstrated superior effects of the combined treatment (tumor size at day 14 after ACT plus PLX4032: 114.9±23.6 mm2, PLX4032: 203.2±6.2, OTI ACT: 192.5±6.2, and vehicle control 241.3±3.1, p In conclusion, our data derived from two independent models combining BRAF targeted therapy and immunotherapy support the testing of such combinations in patients with V600E BRAF mutant metastatic melanoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 656. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-656
Feeding Behavior of Intensively Cultured Bluegill Fry

Abstract Feeding preferences of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) fry for four zooplankton genera and cladoceran egg cases collected from a municipal sewage lagoon were examined. Bluegill fry ranged in length from 8.0 to 10.5 mm total length at stocking and were reared for 30 d. Gut contents of 1,440 fry were collected during daytime and nighttime hours. Diet composition was evaluated by the linear food selection index. Bluegill fry preferred Cyclops vernalis and Moina brachiata and consistently avoided cladoceran egg cases and Potamocypris spp. The mean length of prey species selected increased curvilinearly with mean length of fry. No significant diel differences in prey species and size selection were found. The number of prey organisms consumed by bluegill fry increased linearly with mean length of fish. The fry ingested significantly fewer organisms at night than during the day.
Consequences of secondary or co-infections for immunity

Abstract While remarkable progress has been made using genetically altered mice to understand the importance of different cytokines in protecting against experimental infections or co-infections, an examination of the opportunistic infections that occur during HIV infection of humans does not yet show a clear picture of cytokine imbalance. Opportunistic infections appear to result from impairments in cells mediating innate resistance, such as natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. Some of these defects may not be corrected even if CD4 + T cells were suddenly restored to normal. The lessons from immunodeficient and gene knockout mice now need to be put to the test ] in the clinic.
Textures in slowly rotating /sup 3/He-A

The free energy of rotating /sup 3/He-A in zero magnetic field and large cylinders (R >> 10 ..mu..m) is calculated for several textural configurations at slow rotation speeds (..cap omega.. approx. = h/2mR/sup 2/). The sequence of equilibrium states with increasing ..cap omega.. is studied near T/sub c/. A transition from the Mermin-Ho state to one of higher circulation should occur for ..cap omega.. approx. = 9.6 h/2mR/sup 2/. This transition may be delayed, however, by the onset of azimuthal distortion (''swirl'') in the Mermin-Ho state. A new experimental method is proposed for studying various textural configurations, based on the anisotropy of negative-ion mobility. Significant and characteristic focusing should occur when ions are swept through long cylinders of length L > 10R. In addition, time-of-flight information can also help identify the textural state. Finally, the qualitative effects of weak magnetic fields and lower temperatures are discussed.
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy Study Of The Oxidation Of A Number Of Toxic Substances

Experiments were conducted to determine the chemical fate of four toxic chemicals. The compounds studied were: formaldehyde, acrylonitrile, trichloroethylene, and vinylidene chloride. These chemicals were irradiated in the presence of nitrous acid and oxides of nitrogen in an N2/O2 700 Torr matrix. The nitrous acid serves as a source of OH radicals. Reactant and product concentrations were determined using long path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results of these experiments which include OH rate constants and atmospheric chemical mechanisms are discussed.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Efficient spectrum allocation in multiband CSMA networks

We consider the problem of assigning a group of users with different rate requirements to a set of frequency bands, which may have different bandwidths, when the users access the channel via carrier-sense multiple access (CSMA). For example, in systems that employ dynamic spectrum access (DSA), secondary users may interleave their transmissions into space-time-frequency slots left open by primary users. The set of primary users that are active at a given time may leave a set of available channels that have unequal bandwidths. The use of CSMA by the secondary users reduces the need to coordinate transmissions among the users allocated to a particular frequency band, but it also results in potential collisions, which reduce the overall data rate that can be accommodated in the band. This is especially true when the presence of a finite sensing delay is considered. In this paper, we consider the layer problem of allocating users to the available frequency bands to minimize the bandwidth used (to accommodate other groups of secondary users), while taking into account the CSMA interactions of assigning multiple users to a band. We formulate this as a new form of bin packing problem, in which the size of the bin depends on the number of users that are assigned to the bin. A near optimal solution to this problem is found numerically using the Gurobi solver, and the performance is compared with the suboptimal first-fit algorithm, which has complexity that is appropriate for online implementation. Simulation results are provided to compare the optimal and online algorithms in terms of efficiency in allocating the bandwidth to the users and their complexity.
Fate of organic carbon reaching the deep sea floor: a status report☆

The rates of organic carbon oxidation by O2, NO3−, MnO2, Fe2O3 and SO4− have been calculated for five pelagic Pacific and Atlantic sites using simple diffusion-reaction models. O2 everywhere oxidizes > 90% of the raining Corg; the fraction oxidized by the secondary oxidants decreases as the rain rate of organic C to the seafloor decreases. A large fraction of the Corg escaping oxidation by O2 is oxidized by the secondary oxidants. Hence while these oxidants play a small role in remineralization, they are important in regulating the burial of organic matter and the consequent removal from the oceans of reduced carbon and nutrients.
R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score predicts early tumor recurrence and complications after percutaneous ablation: a 5-year experience

Studer neobladder (N1⁄43), Indiana pouch (n1⁄42), and ureteroileal diversion (N1⁄41). Ten patients had undergone urological surgery for transitional cell carcinoma, one for trauma, and one for neurogenic bladder. Seven strictures were left-sided and five were on the right. PCBU balloon sizes ranged from 5to 8-mm. Immediately following each PCBU, ureteric patency was assessed and percutaneous nephroureteral stents were placed. Follow-up antegrade nephrostograms were performed at 4-6 weeks intervals. Based upon the nephrostogram and clinical findings, patients underwent either conversion to nephrostomy, repeat dilatation and catheter exchange, or catheter removal. Technical success was defined as the ability to inflate the PCB to profile during the ureteroplasty. Clinical success was defined as attainment of tube-free existence. Failure time was defined as the interval between PCBU and the point at which the stenosis recurred and required re-intervention (surgery or repeat dilation) Results: Immediate technical success of PCBU was 100%. No deaths, or bleeding requiring transfusion or surgery occurred. A single patient was lost to follow-up. Clinical success was achieved in 8 /11 (73%) of the patients available for follow-up. The median failure time of PCBU for all patients, including those without clinical success, was 28 months (95% CI [0,52]. Of patients who achieved clinical success, the median failure time was 40 months (95% CI [5, na]). In addition, for those who achieve clinical success, failure rate was estimated at 33% at 25 months and 73% at 52 months. Conclusion: PCBU can to be a safe and effective treatment alternative to surgery in patients with uretero-enteric anastomotic strictures. Patients that achieve clinical success will generally achieve 3 or more years of tube free existence.
A provider-based water planning and management model--WaterSim 4.0--for the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

Abstract Uncertainty in future water supplies for the Phoenix Metropolitan Area (Phoenix) are exacerbated by the near certainty of increased, future water demands; water demand may increase eightfold or more by 2030 for some communities. We developed a provider-based water management and planning model for Phoenix termed WaterSim 4.0. The model combines a FORTRAN library with Microsoft C# to simulate the spatial and temporal dynamics of current and projected future water supply and demand as influenced by population demographics, climatic uncertainty, and groundwater availability. This paper describes model development and rationale. Water providers receive surface water, groundwater, or both depending on their portfolio. Runoff from two riverine systems supplies surface water to Phoenix while three alluvial layers that underlie the area provide groundwater. Water demand was estimated using two approaches. One approach used residential density, population projections, water duties, and acreage. A second approach used per capita water consumption and separate population growth estimates. Simulated estimates of initial groundwater for each provider were obtained as outputs from the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) Salt River Valley groundwater flow model (GFM). We compared simulated estimates of water storage with empirical estimates for modeled reservoirs as a test of model performance. In simulations we modified runoff by 80%–110% of the historical estimates, in 5% intervals, to examine provider-specific responses to altered surface water availability for 33 large water providers over a 25-year period (2010–2035). Two metrics were used to differentiate their response: (1) we examined groundwater reliance (GWR; that proportion of a providers’ portfolio dependent upon groundwater) from the runoff sensitivity analysis, and (2) we used 100% of the historical runoff simulations to examine the cumulative groundwater withdrawals for each provider. Four groups of water providers were identified, and discussed. Water portfolios most reliant on Colorado River water may be most sensitive to potential reductions in surface water supplies. Groundwater depletions were greatest for communities who were either 100% dependent upon groundwater (urban periphery), or nearly so, coupled with high water demand projections. On-going model development includes linking WaterSim 4.0 to the GFM in order to more precisely model provider-specific estimates of groundwater, and provider-based policy options that will enable “what-if” scenarios to examine policy trade-offs and long-term sustainability of water portfolios.
Axisymmetric motion of radially polarized piezoelectric cylinders used in ink jet printing

An analysis of the low frequency response of piezoelectric squeeze tubes used in drop-on-demand ink jet printing is carried out. The displacements at inner and outer boundaries are determined as a function of voltage and fluid pressure. The results are used to obtain fluid pressure per applied voltage as a function of inner and outer radius. Numerical computations area carried out for PZT-5H, and results are presented in graphical form which can be used to optimize design dimensions. The effect of finite electrode thickness is also studied.
The synthesis and secretion of ribosomes by nurse cells of Antheraea polyphemus

Abstract A technique is described for isolating the three component cell-types that make up the ovarian follicle of the giant silkmoth, Antheraea polyphemus. The synthetic products of one of these cell types, the highly polyploid nurse cells, were examined in detail by density gradient centrifugation. One important synthetic product is large quantities of ribosomal ribonucleoprotein, which accumulate in the nurse cell cytoplasm as inactive monosomes that are subsequently transported to the cytoplasm of the developing oocyte.
Using Semantic Map Tests To Assess Subject Matter Comprehension

The purpose of this investigation was to develop and pilot-test maze-like semantic maps for assessing reading comprehension of content-area information. Semantic map tests reflect students' understanding of relationships among key passage concepts, as an integrated whole. The production, administration, and scoring of semantic map-tests was standardized, using undergraduate college students in education. Next, inter-scorer reliability, scaling and interpretation of four types of map-scores were investigated. The scores were also validated against three criteria: standardized test scores, science report card grades, and teacher ratings. These psychometric properties were investigated through pilot-testing with a heterogeneous group of 144 Grade 7 and 8 students in a low-achieving school. Results showed that good quality maps could be produced and scored with high reliability among preservice teachers. Criterion related validity based on a standardized test was weak, but moderate-to-strong validity was obta...
Review: The Immune Response in Human Tuberculosis—Implications for Tuberculosis Control

In March 1993, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated tuberculosis (TB) a global public health emergency. In the United States, the transient increase in the incidence of TB coupled with the emergence and nosocomial spread of multidrug-resistant disease caused alarm and an outpouring of resources to support TB control and research. The failure to achieve global control of TB stems largely from impediments to the implementation of existing effective measures; these impediments, in turn, are economic, political, and behavioral rather than strictly biologic. Nonetheless, renewed interest and recent progress in basic research on the microbiology and biochemistry of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, host defenses against the organism, and the pathogenesis of TB is expected to accelerate development of interventions that will facilitate TB control. The current sequencing of the genome of M. tuberculosis, likewise, will represent a quantum leap forward in understanding the organism and has tremendous potential to lead to new interventions.
Racial disparities in treatment and survival of women with stage I-III breast cancer at a large academic medical center in metropolitan Detroit.

African-American (AA) women with breast cancer have higher mortality rates than Caucasian woman, and some studies have suggested that this disparity may be partly explained by unequal access to medical care. The purpose of this study was to analyze racial differences in patterns and costs of care and survival among women treated for invasive breast cancer at a large academic medical center. Subjects included 331 AA and 257 Caucasian women diagnosed with stage I–III breast cancer between 1994 and 1997. Clinical, socio-demographic, and cost data were obtained from the medical record, cancer registry, and hospital financial database. Data were collected on the use of cancer directed treatments (surgery, radiation, chemo and hormonal therapy) up to 1-year post-diagnosis. Survival analyses compared disease-free and overall survival by race adjusting for age, stage, nodal involvement, ER/PR status and a diagnosis of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and cerebral vascular accident. There were no significant racial differences in treatment utilization and costs. The mean total 1-year treatment costs were $16,348 for AAs and $15,120 for Caucasians. While AAs had a significantly higher unadjusted relative risk (RR) of recurrence 2.09 (95% CI: 1.41–3.10) and death 1.56 (95% CI: 1.09–2.25), the multivariate adjusted analyses resulted in no significant differences in recurrence 1.38 (95% CI: 0.85–2.26) or death 1.06 (95% CI: 0.64–1.75). There was no obvious racial disparity in treatment and costs noted. Our findings support the theory that equal treatments produce equal outcomes. Improvement in screening may have an important impact on survival among minority women with breast cancer.
Vaginal hysterectomy by uterine morcellation: an efficient, non-morbid procedure.

Objective To evaluate the relationship between uterine size and a possible increase in operative morbidity and procedure failure rates in women undergoing total vaginal hysterectomy. Methods A retrospective chart analysis of all hysterectomies performed for histologically confirmed leiomyomata was completed. A total of 128 cases qualified. Patients were stratified into three groups: group I, patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with a uterine weight of 300 g or greater but less than 1000 g; group II, patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with a uterine weight of 100–299 g; and group III, patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy with a uterine weight of 100–1000 g. The variables evaluated included the following: length of hospital stay, operative time, estimated blood loss, and operative complications. Data regarding failed vaginal hysterectomy requiring an abdominal approach were also obtained. Results Both vaginal hysterectomy groups had a significantly reduced length of stay compared with the total abdominal hysterectomy group. There was no significant difference in mean estimated blood loss between groups I and III. Similarly, there were no significant differences in complication rates among the three groups. Group I had an 84% (31 of 37) success rate versus 95% (40 of 42) for group II (not statistically significant). There were no significant differences in the mean uterine weight, estimated blood loss, and complication rate in unsuccessful versus successful vaginal hysterectomies. The estimated blood loss was significantly higher for unsuccessful vaginal hysterectomy. Conclusion Uterine size alone is not an absolute contraindication to vaginal hysterectomy. Large uterine size (greater than 300 g) was not related to a significant increase in failed vaginal hysterectomy. Conversely, failed vaginal hysterectomy was not size-dependent. Furthermore, there is no additional operative morbidity when vaginal hysterectomy is converted to a total abdominal hysterectomy because of a technical inability to complete the surgery vaginally.
Monocyte surface expression of Fcγ receptor RI (CD64), a biomarker reflecting type-I interferon levels in systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction More than half of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients show evidence of excess type I interferon (IFN-I) production, a phenotype associated with renal disease and certain autoantibodies. However, detection of IFN-I proteins in serum is unreliable, and the measurement of interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression is expensive and time consuming. The aim of this study was to identify a surrogate marker for IFN-I activity in clinical samples for monitoring disease activity and response to therapy.
Bond strength of three esthetic restorative materials to enamel and dentin

Cervical lesions, especially those which require esthetic restorations, are difficult to treat. The depth of a cervicallesion is one factor/ but the retention of mate rials is another factor that determines the success or failure of the restorations. Z For these reasons) the bond strength of different types of esthetic restorative materials to enamel and den tin merits thorough investigation. This study compared the bond strength of three esthetic restorative materials to enamel and dentin. The effects of etching with phosphoric add or citric acid and of no pretreatment on the bond strength were also examined.
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Mycosis to Fusarium vasinfectum in a Child

Background A 12-year-old boy with asthma and 6 years of recurrent pneumonias who had normal serum immunoglobulin concentrations was suspected of having allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Objective To search for and secure a fungal etiology for a child who did not have ABPA but was suspected of having an allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis. Methods Immediate skin testing with fungal extracts, high resolution computerized tomography, and establishment of an ELISA procedure to detect serum IgE and IgG antibodies to Fusarium vasinfecturm . Results Immediate skin reactivity was present for Fusarium, Cladosporium, Helminthosporium, and Aspergillus fumigatus . The ELISA demonstrated serum IgE and IgG antibodies to Fusarium vasinfectum 8.5 and 5.6 times nonatopic control sera. Conclusions This 12-year-old with asthma has sufficient criteria for a diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) to Fusarium vasinfectum . Bronchiectasis was not present despite recurrent pneumonias and hemoptysis. This case appears to be the first pediatric example of ABPM to Fusarium species, a fungus more recognized for causing rotting of tomatoes and melons than human disease.
The impact of an interactive distance learning network on classroom communication

Using a qualitative research methodology (observations and interviews), I examined how the implementation of an interactive distance learning network impacted the communication and learning process in the classroom. The analysis revealed that instructors who used a sense of humor in dealing with technical nuances, used a relaxed interpersonal style focusing on the interaction across the sites, and involved students directly in the course content were perceived as more successful on the network. It also revealed that communication and interaction were hampered by the cameras, the microphones, and by the students seeing themselves on the television monitors. Thus, the findings suggest that technological classroom designs of the future need to be more conducive to the interpersonal dimensions of classroom communication to help bridge the “psychological distance” as well as the physical distance.
The extended free formulation of finite elements in linear elasticity

The free formulation of Bergan and Nygard has been successfully used in the construction of high-performance finite elements for linear and nonlinear structural analysis. The present paper recasts the free formulation within the framework of a mixed-hybrid functional that allows internal stresses, internal displacements, and boundary displacements to vary independently
Haemocyte activity in relation to epidermal cell growth, cuticle secretion, and cell death in a metamorphosing cyclorrhaphan pupa

Abstract The fate of a group of specific blood cells is traced from the time of the cryptocephalic pupal stage to 3 weeks following emergence of the adult fly. The specific cells studied are located in the terminal ‘blind’ end of the developing pre-tarsus of the leg. They are phagocytic blood cells, are derived from larval granular haemocytes, and represent some 95 per cent of the total haemocyte population during the pupal stage. From cryptocephalic pupa to emerging adult takes 11 days at 25°C. The blood cells are seen during the first day to be gorged with larval fragments. At day 2 digestion of fragments progresses; at day 3 there are a large number of osmiophilic globules present in the blood cells which become reduced in number while immediately adjacent epidermal cells accumulate similar globules; at this time the blood cells are closely interdigitated with ventrally located tenent cells of the pulvillus. At day 4 connexions with epicermal cells become less intimate, digestion of larval fragments continues, osmiophilic globules are seen being extruded from larger masses, and large numbers of lysosomes are identifiable in the vicinity of the blood cell nucleus. At day 5 close association of the epidermal and blood cells is again evident: a large area of the blood cell surface interdigitates with that of the dorsal giant cells of the pulvillus. Again enormous numbers of osmiophilic globules accumulate in the dorsal giant and ventral tenent cell cytoplasm, with corresponding depletion of similar bodies in the blood cells. The remainder of the giant cell plasma membrane is thrown into microvilli exhibiting pinocytosis, suggesting the uptake of soluble materials from the haemolymph. Through day 7 continued breakdown of fragments occurs. At day 8 the blood cells are relatively devoid of contents and are correspondingly smaller. Tenent cells begin to show signs of autocytolysis at late day 8, before any association with the blood cells is seen. Through days 9 to 10 phagocytosis of the pycnotic tenent cell nuclei occurs. Giant cells and tracheoles are untouched but the contents of the former are also phagocytosed later, at the time of emergence. The blood cells are also involved in some complex way in the intracellular (giant and tenent) deposition of endocuticle, and in the emerged adult would appear to contribute to the formation of connective tissue. Since these haemocytes appear to be the only cells remaining at the endocuticle-haemolymph junction in the adult pre-tarsus, it may be these blood cells, rather than epidermal cells, that are involved in the attack by, and be the source of resistance to, modern contact insecticides.
Trichinella spiralis: Inhibition of Muscle Larva Growth and Development Is Associated with a Delay in Expression of Infected Skeletal Muscle Characteristics

Infection of skeletal muscle cells by Trichinella spiralis induces host cells to reenter the cell cycle and these cells subsequently become persistently suspended in apparent G2/M. To investigate the role of the parasite in this process, parasite growth and development within the infected cell was inhibited by irradiation of newborn larvae (48 and 80 krad) prior to infection of host muscle cells. Although larvae entered skeletal muscle cells, irradiation inhibited their subsequent growth and stichosome development, including development of alpha and beta stichocytes. A distinct delay in cell cycle reentry was demonstrated for irradiated larva-infected muscle cells, indicating an interaction between parasite and host factors affecting this host process. Despite effects on stichosome development and this delay, infected muscle cells reentered the cell cycle, expressed increased levels of acid phosphatase, were inhibited in myosin heavy-chain expression, and developed collagen capsules. The results indicate that normal alpha and beta stichocyte development is not required for inducing the infected cell characteristics studied. The model system may be useful in analysis of parasite products that are candidates for regulating various aspects of the infected cell phenotype.
Effect of hyperosmotic agents on vitreous osmolality

Increased osmolality of rabbit serum, aqueous humor and vitreous humor occurred one hour after intravenous administration of either urea, mannitol or glycerin. Decrease in vitreous volume is the key to the usefulness of osmotherapy clinically. The mechanism of change in vitreous volume is osmotic loss of fluid via the vasculature in close proximity to the vitreous.
Multispectrum analysis of self- and nitrogen-broadening, pressure shifting and line mixing in the ν3 parallel band of 12CH3D

Abstract Lorentz self- and nitrogen-broadening coefficients as well as self- and nitrogen-pressure induced shift coefficients were measured at room temperature for more than 440 transitions in the QP, QQ and QR branches of the ν3(A1) parallel band of 12CH3D. The simultaneous multispectrum nonlinear least-squares fitting analysis was performed in the 1140– 1440 cm −1 region using 14 spectra of room temperature gas recorded with the McMath–Pierce Fourier transform spectrometer ( 0.005 cm −1 unapodized resolution) of the National Solar Observatory (NSO) on Kitt Peak. The measured self-broadening coefficients varied from about 0.025 cm −1 atm −1 at 296 K for high J, K transitions to about 0.09 cm −1 atm −1 at 296 K for low J, K transitions. In the case of nitrogen broadening these values ranged from about 0.023 to 0.073 cm −1 atm −1 at 296 K . The majority (>90%) of the self-pressure induced shift coefficients as well as nitrogen-pressure-induced shift coefficients was negative with values varying between approximately 0 and −0.012 cm −1 atm −1 . However, similar to air-induced pressure-shift coefficients determined in an earlier study, the measured self- and nitrogen-induced pressure-shift coefficients were positive for the QR-branch transitions with J″=K″, varying from 0 to about +0.009 cm −1 atm −1 . Weak line mixing effects were observed in several high-J lines with K″=3 splitting and approximate values for the off-diagonal relaxation matrix-element coefficients were determined for a few A 1 A 2 (A + A − ) split components. Comparisons are made between the measured self- and nitrogen-broadening and shift coefficients, and the results are also compared with measurements in other bands.
Using Quantitative Spectroscopic Analysis to Determine the Properties and Distances of Type II Plateau Supernovae: SN 2005cs and SN 2006bp

We analyze the Type II plateau supernovae (SNe IIP) SN 2005cs and SN 2006bp with the non-LTE model atmosphere code CMFGEN. We fit 13 spectra in the first month for SN 2005cs and 18 for SN 2006bp. Swift ultraviolet photometry and ground-based optical photometry calibrate each spectrum. Our analysis shows that both objects were discovered less than 3 days after they exploded, making these the earliest SN IIP spectra ever studied. They reveal broad and very weak lines from highly ionized fast ejecta with an extremely steep density profile. We identify He II λ4686 emission in the SN 2006bp ejecta. Days later, the spectra resemble the prototypical Type IIP SN 1999em, which had a supergiant-like photospheric composition. Despite the association of SN 2005cs with possible X-ray emission, the emergent UV and optical light comes from the photosphere, not from circumstellar emission. We surmise that the very steep density falloff we infer at early times may be a fossil of the combined actions of the shock wave passage and radiation driving at shock breakout. Based on tailored CMFGEN models, the direct fitting technique and the expanding photosphere method both yield distances and explosion times that agree within a few percent. We derive a distance to NGC 5194, the host of SN 2005cs, of 8.9 ± 0.5 Mpc and 17.5 ± 0.8 Mpc for SN 2006bp in NGC 3953. The luminosity of SN 2006bp is 1.5 times that of SN 1999em and 6 times that of SN 2005cs. Reliable distances to SNe IIP that do not depend on a small range in luminosity provide an independent route to the Hubble constant and improved constraints on other cosmological parameters.
Entrepreneurship in the Global Firm

Introduction and Overview Types of Subsidiary Initiative Fighting the Corporate Immune System How the Initiative Process Works The Consequences of Initiative Perspectives on the Theory of Entrepreneurship Mapping the Process of Subsidiary Evolution Perspectives on Theory of the Multinational Firm An Internal Market Model of the Multinational Firm Implications for Management Practice
Writing high-quality statistical software for Apple II microcomputers

The purpose of this paper is to describe some principles and techniques that programmers should consider when trying to improve or create a statistical package. Four computational issues are discussed: accuracy, speed, computing probabilities, and error trapping. A single-array data structure is proposed for use within the program. Several other input-output issues are covered, including menus, command languages, questions, data input and editing, CRT and printer formatting, and graphics.
Increased Prevalence of Mitral Stenosis in Women

Introduction The reported data in regard to increased prevalence of mitral stenosis (MS) in women are contradictory. The goal of this study was to investigate the sex-specific prevalence of MS as a surrogate for rheumatic heart disease. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 24,265 echocardiograms performed at our institution between 1984 and 1998. The prevalence of MS as a surrogate of rheumatic heart disease was calculated based on sex. As a control, the prevalence of mitral regurgitation was evaluated in both sexes. Results Echocardiograms were performed on 12,926 female (53%) and 11,339 male (47%) patients. MS was significantly more prevalent in women (1.6% vs 0.4%, P Conclusion Our study is the largest to date to find increased prevalence of MS in women. The cause of this association is not known.
New advances in automatic disposable rotating cartridge skin staplers.

Abstract This report describes the design, operation, and mechanical performance of Auto Suture Multifire Premium disposable skin staplers and staples in a biomechanical laboratory investigation and a clinical evaluation. The performance of this reloadable stapler has been compared with that of a new disposable skin stapler with a rotating cartridge, the Proximate RH stapler. The latter exemplifies a disposable skin stapler whose cartridge cannot be reloaded. The Auto Suture Multifire Premium disposable skin stapler has been designed so that its cartridge can be reloaded during a single surgical procedure. The most obvious advantage of this new device is that it substantially reduces the cost of skin stapling during surgery. Another unique benefit of this stapler is that it can accommodate either regular or wide staples, allowing the surgeon to use both size of staples without discarding the stapler. On the basis of this investigation, the Auto Suture Multifire Premium disposable skin stapler is recommended for skin incision and graft closure, since it provides maximal visualization of the wound as well as the staple during its formation. It delivers the staple into the skin or skin graft so that the topspan of the staple is above the skin or wound surface. In addition, the Auto Suture Multifire Premium disposable skin stapler has a prepositioning (precocking mechanism) that is controlled by the surgeon with minimal force, a mechanism which allows the stapler to hold its staple securely, even when its pointed legs extend beyond the delivery end of the stapler. The force required to form its staples is so low that the surgeon can staple repetitively without fatigue. In addition, the Auto Suture Multifire Premium disposable skin stapler delivers a staple that has a uniform geometry and sharp points that easily penetrate the tissue.
An evaluation of sampling path strategies for an autonomous underwater vehicle

A critical problem in planning sampling paths for autonomous underwater vehicles is balancing obtaining an accurate scalar field estimation against efficiently utilizing the stored energy capacity of the sampling vehicle. Adaptive sampling approaches can only provide solutions when real-time and a priori environmental data is available. Through utilizing a cost-evaluation function to experimentally evaluate various sampling path strategies for a wide range of scalar fields and sampling densities, it is found that a systematic spiral sampling path strategy is optimal for high-variance scalar fields for all sampling densities and low-variance scalar fields when sampling is sparse. The random spiral sampling path strategy is found to be optimal for low-variance scalar fields when sampling is dense.