cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coagulase-negative staphylococci: interplay of epidemiology and bench research.

Abstract Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are major nosocomial pathogens in patients with prostheses and indwelling devices such as central venous catheters. For Staphylococcus epidennidis the unique association with foreign-body infections appears to be due in part to a capsular polysaccharide adhesin that mediates attachment to silicon elastomer and other biomedical materials. In addition, staphylococcal “slime” may promote persistent colonization of indwelling devices and protect staphylococci from clearance by host defense mechanisms. Given these research findings, it seemed reasonable to assume that nosocomial CNS bacteremia in neonatal intensive care units might be associated with the use of indwelling vascular lines, as had been suggested by other investigators. We found that CNS cause the majority of nosocomial bacteremias in our neonatal intensive care units and that low birth weight and length of stay are major independent risk factors for these infections. In addition, we confirmed the association of central venous lines with CNS bacteremia but were surprised to find that intravenous administration of lipid emulsion was an even greater risk factor. These observations have brought our work back to the laboratory, where a rabbit model of CNS catheter infection is being studied to explore the relationship between lipid emulsion and catheter colonization and bacteremia.
Information competition and vividness effects in on-line judgments

Abstract The paper examines the antecedents and consequences of vividness effects in an extremely consequential arena of judgment—jury decisions. Lawyers and student subjects participated in a simulated jury trial. The trial featured a civil suit and allowed examination of the impact of communication vividness in situations of low and high information competition. The vivid information in this study was perceived by subjects as evoking images, being striking (unusual) in imagery, and memorable, but not more emotion-arousing or concrete. Subjects' judgments were significantly biased in favor of the disputant using vivid information presentation.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in elderly men: toward better understanding and treatment.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is the most common of the prostatitis syndromes. It is characterised by pelvic pain, with or without voiding symptoms. CP/CPPS accounts for 2 million office visits in the US alone. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that CP/CPPS can affect men at any age, including those in their 80s. The aetiology is unknown but proposals include infectious, autoimmune, neurologic and psychiatric causes. Men with CP/CPPS are much more likely to have had a past medical history of cardiovascular, neurologic, psychiatric or infectious disease (particularly sinusitis) as compared with asymptomatic individuals. Although leucocytes are commonly found in the prostatic fluid of these men, they do not correlate with the symptoms. The clinical evaluation now includes a validated, self administered symptom score, the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), which was designed as an outcome measure for treatment trials. This can aid in diagnosis and follow-up of patients' response to therapy. Treatment for CP/CPPS is empiric and limited by a lack of randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Antimicrobials are commonly used to treat the symptoms of CP/CPPS. However, the finding that asymptomatic men have equal or greater numbers of bacteria which localise to the prostatic fluid, compared with men with CP/CPPS, has raised doubts about the contribution of infection to the symptoms. Other commonly used drugs include alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists, anti-inflammatory drugs, tricyclic antidepressants and anticholinergic agents. The adverse effects of these medications are a concern in older men with CP/CPPS. Other therapies available include minimally invasive procedures such as microwave thermotherapy and transurethral needle ablation, and now neuromodulation devices.Although much progress has been made, particularly in the last 7 years, considerable work still remains to be done to determine the aetiology and pathogenesis of CP/CPPS, and to develop mechanism based therapy that is shown to be effective in controlled trials.
Hydrogenation of ring opening metathesis polymerization polymers

Various methods of hydrogenating ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) polymers were investigated as part of an effort to improve their stability and increase their usefulness as matrix materials for nanocluster synthesis. Hydrogenation with Pd/BaSO4 catalyst in high-pressure hydrogen gas was only partly successful and limited to unfunctionalized polymers such as polymethyltetracyclododecene. Block copolymers containing phosphine or carboxylic acid functionalities were successfully hydrogenated by diimide generated in situ from p toluenesulfonylhydrazide. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Beauty of Banded Agates by Michael R. Carlson

Fortification Press/Beautiful Agates LLC, Edina, Minnesota; www.agate-nodule.com. 2002; 160 pages; $59.95 plus shipping (hardcover), $38.95 plus shipping (softcover). This well-illustrated book, wh...
An efficient distributed topo-geometric spatial density estimation method for multi-robot systems

A fundamental challenge in multi-robot systems is that global information is needed to succeed in some tasks, while the system's computation and sensing are fundamentally distributed. This paper considers the problem of estimating the relative density of robots in particular regions of the environment, but without wishing to incur the cost of obtaining a consistent metric representation. We compute a probability density function that describes positions of the robots within the system by leveraging properties of the underlying communication network. We introduce three different strategies for using and combining local measurements via a modified Parzen window kernel density method. The result is a representation that is most accurate near to the querying robot but which maintains qualitative properties of the global density. We argue that this a useful relaxation of the problem because it is meaningful from the perspective of the robots within the system itself. Validation takes the form of simulations with hundreds of simple robots.
Nontraditional College Students and the Role of Collaborative Learning as a Tool for Science Mastery

This study investigates the way collaborative learning that occurs primarily outside the classroom affects college students' understanding of science. Collaborative learning is particularly important for the increasing number of nontraditional students who have limited time available for study groups and other peer learning activities occurring outside of class time. Using a national study of 4,644 college students of various academic majors, multiple linear regression was used to identify variables that enhance science learning. Time spent in peer learning settings, such as teaching science to peers and discussing science with peers, were the strongest predictors of understanding science; moreover, this finding was consistent even for nontraditional students who reported less frequency of engagement in such activities. The study suggests that science educators can enhance learning when they structure their courses to include peer learning that engages students with each other over science issues outside the classroom.
BRITISH PLANS FOR THE PARTITION OF PALESTINE, 1929–1938*

The 1937 Peel Commission proposal for the partition of British mandatory Palestine has generally been framed as the precursor to the United Nations partition plan of 1947. This article demonstrates the importance of tracing the roots of the 1937 Peel Commission plan back to conversations taking place in the Colonial Office and government of Palestine as early as 1929. A close analysis of dialogues over territorial division and of preliminary partition plans, particularly those drawn up by L. G. Archer Cust and D. G. Harris, leads to the conclusion that Britain's focus on the ideal of representative government played a primary role in the development of partition proposals. This article argues that inter-ethnic violence played a much smaller role in the development of partition proposals than has previously been thought. Instead, partition was proposed as a solution to the political implications of non-representative government in Palestine, a topic constantly in the spotlight thanks to the League of Nations.
Polydeoxythymidylate inhibition of rabbit reticulocyte RNA dependent protein synthesis in a Krebs II ascites cell system

Abstract Poly(dT) is shown to be a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis in a cell free system responsive to exogenous RNA. This inhibition can be partially reversed by polynucleotides complementary to poly(dT). The inhibition does not appear to be the result of a direct interaction of poly(dT) with message.
Oxidation of 2-hydroxyestradiol and its incorporation into melanin by mushroom tyrosinase.

The presence of catechol in a reaction mixture has been shown previously to promote oxidation of 2-hydroxyestradiol by mushroom tyrosinase. It was now found that the oxidized products of the catecholesterogen are incorporated into melanin under the influence of the enzyme. Whether the oxidation is restricted to tyrosinase or to enzymes with specific steroid oxidizing properties was examined by separating tyrosinase on agarose gel followed by hydroxylapatite. The effectiveness of separation was monitored electrophoretically. Two bands of enzyme activity of 127 kDa were found. One of these bands could be cleanly separated from the other. The fraction which contained the single band, as well as the one which contained both bands, had similar apparent Km values; i.e. 1.5 x 10(-4) and 2.1 x 10(-4) M. They both catalyzed oxidation of 2-hydroxyestradiol but only in the presence of catechol. All enzyme fractions showed the same pattern of activity towards the estrogen. HPLC analysis of reaction products of catechol indicated that not all of the substrate was consumed during the reaction. About 26% remained unreacted at an initial concentration of 100-400 microM of catechol. This remaining catechol, rather than its reaction products, appears to function as activator of the steroid reaction. The data are consistent with the presence on the enzyme of an allosteric activator site specific for catechol and an active site with a much lower structural specificity occupied by the catecholestrogen.
Synthesis and structure of Pr3InSe6

Single crystals of the new compound Pr3InSe6 have been obtained by direct reaction among Pr, Se, and In2Se3 powders at 950°C. The material crystallizes with four formula units in space group C52h - P21c of the monoclinic system in a cell (at 123 K) of dimensions a = 4.109(1), b = 14.275(1), c = 17.891(2) A, β = 103.27(1)°. The structure has been solved and refined from single-crystal X-ray data. The asymmetric unit contains three independent Pr atoms, two independent In atoms, and six independent Se atoms. Two of the crystallographically unique Pr atoms are in distorted bicapped trigonal prisms or distorted square antiprisms of Se atoms with PrSe interactions ranging from 2.970(2) to 3.281(2) A while the other Pr atom is 7-coordinate in a greatly distorted monocapped octahedral environment with PrSe interactions ranging from 2.911(2) to 3.079(2) A. Both independent In atoms are in distorted octahedra of Se atoms with InSe interactions ranging from 2.537(2) to 2.856(2) A.
Neomerinthe bathypevimensis sp. nov. from deep waters of the southern Red Sea

A new species of scorpionfish Neomerinthe bathyperimensis is described from a single specimen, dredged in deep waters of the southern Red Sea. The type specimen is aberrant in that it lacks the anal-fin spines and their supporting pterygiophores. This is the first record of the genus from the Red Sea and the north-western Indian Ocean.
The role of ultraviolet radiation in litter decomposition in arid ecosystems

In arid ecosystems, as much as 75% of solar radiation that penetrates the atmosphere hits the surface of the soil. The combination of high irradiance, high temperature, and low moisture puts constraints on the activity and organization of microbial communities. To separate the direct effects of UV absorbance on litter decomposition from the indirect effects of microbial selection, we placed mixed cohorts of senescent pinon (Pinus edulis) and juniper (Juniperus monosperma) litter into triplicate microcosms assigned to four treatments: UV irradiated (0.6 mW/cm 2 UV-A and UV-B for 12 h/day), with and without water additions, and non-irradiated with and without water additions. After 26 weeks, mass loss rates did not differ significantly among treatments with 90% organic matter remaining for pinon litter and 60% for juniper. The distribution and abundance of functional groups as assessed by FTIR spectra did not reveal any differences in relation to treatment, but differences were observed in the quantity and quality of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) extracted from the samples. The amount of DOC extracted increased by 56% for pinon litter and decreased by 32% for juniper in the UV-only treatment compared to initial values. Litter treated with UV and water had the lowest concentration of DOC with a decrease of 69% for juniper litter and 28% for pinon. The largest concentration of reactive phenols was found in the UV-only treatment with a 309% increase for pinon litter and a 10% reduction for juniper when compared to initial values. The treatments receiving water in the presence or absence of UV showed a similar response for both litter types, a reduction of 20-30% in phenolic concentration. Five extracellular enzyme activities, used, as indicators of microbial activity, were higher in the treatments that received water, but activities did not show an interaction with UV irradiation. The results suggest that UV radiation alone, or in combination with microbial activity, was as effective at decomposing litter as microbial activity alone. Thus, solar radiation can be an important contributor to litter degradation in arid systems. # 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Aerobic mouth flora of the rhesus monkey.

The aerobic and facultative anaerobic mouth flora of 17 rhesus monkeys was studied qualitatively, including antibiotic susceptibilities. The organisms most often encountered were Neisseria species (19.8%), alpha haemolytic streptococci (19.8%), and Haemophilus parinfluenzae (17.2%). All Haemophilus parainfluenzae isolates were susceptible to cefoperazone. The combination of penicillin and cefoperazone may be the most appropriate initial antibiotic treatment for monkey bite injuries.
The uptake of radioactive iodine by carcinoma of the thyroid gland: a study of 128 cases.

IT IS known that certain carcinomas of the thyroid gland are capable of concentrating radioactive iodine, and that this function may be correlated more or less with certain structural qualities of the lesion (1-6). Lesions most likely to pick up iodine are the less anaplastic carcinomas with an orderly arrangement of cells in a follicular pattern, particularly if the follicles contain colloid-like material (2). Conversely, lesions without a follicular component usually do not possess this function. There are, however, apparently so many exceptions to these generalizations that it has been proposed recently that in the case of all patients with distant metastatic lesions from carcinoma of the thyroid an effort should be made to bring them to a treatable stage with radioactive iodine (7). It would be more desirable, obviously, to undertake such treatment only in those cases in which the lesions concentrated or could be made to concentrate sufficient radioactive iodine to affect the carcinoma. Unfortunately,...
A versatile trigger and time-delay generator for laser-enhanced time-of-flight mass spectrometry

In recent years the utilization of pulsed dye lasers to resonantly enhance the photoionization of chemical analytes introduced within the ion source triple grid system of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer has gained popularity. In a typical configuration of such an instrument, a pulsed valve, a laser, and the associated detection electronics must be orchestrated in time to either digitize the entire mass spectrum or monitor a single mass signal. In the former case, the mass spectrum is typically acquired by using a high-speed transient digitizer. In the latter case, a single mass is monitored by using a gated integrator (boxcar integrator). Although several commercial multichannel gate and delay generators are available to the experimentalist, the cost is sometimes prohibitive and, as we suggest below, unnecessary for such experiments.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers Made from High Molecular Weight POLY-L® Polyols

High molecular weight polyether polyols formed by the poly merization of epoxides, especially propylene oxide, using conventional KOH catalysis contain high levels of unsaturation. This unsaturatio...
Ultraviolet and visible light spectrophotometric approach to blood typing: objective analysis by agglutination index.

BACKGROUND: A new blood typing technology based on ultraviolet (UV) and visible light spectroscopy (UV/visible spectroscopy) has been developed. Blood groups and types are determined by quantifying reproducible changes in the UV and visible light spectra of blood in the presence of agglutinating antibodies. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Samples of red cells in the presence and absence of agglutinating antibodies were examined by UV/visible spectroscopy. Blood groups and types were determined by comparing the optical density spectra obtained between 665 and 1000 nm. These comparisons generate numbers (agglutination index) ranging from 0 to 100, with smaller numbers corresponding to lack of agglutination and larger numbers corresponding to agglutination. RESULTS: The optical density of agglutinated blood is dramatically different from that of unagglutinated blood. The agglutination index derived from the relative slopes of the spectra is an objective indicator of agglutination strength. An agglutination index greater than 17 consistently and accurately established blood group- and type-specific agglutination. CONCLUSION: The method accurately predicted A, B, and O blood groups, and D type in over 275 samples. Scattering theory-based calculations of relative volumes of red cells before and after agglutination show a direct correlation with the agglutination index and provide the theoretical basis of the analysis. This quantitative technique is reproducible and has the potential for automation.
Playing to the Crowd: Agenda Control in Presidential Debates

Presidential debates allow candidates to send a message directly to voters. We use an experimental design complemented with a content analysis of all presidential debates in 1992, 2004, and 2008 to explore how candidates should and do use agenda setting, framing, and message tone to shape the agenda in debates. We find that candidates are differentially attentive to various topics, depending on the comparative advantage provided by the topic. Yet, this agenda control occurs only at the margins because topic salience in public opinion predicts candidate attention and conditions voters' receptiveness to debate rhetoric. Our findings thus suggest that topic salience constrains candidates' abilities to focus the agenda strategically. [Supplementary material is available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Political Communication for the following free supplemental resources: Experimental Sample and Randomization; Experimental Treatments; Experimental Results; and the Presidential Debate ...
Develonment of Acuity and Stereopsis in Infants with Esotropia

Visual acuity and stereopsis of 19 esotropic infants and toddlers, 36 normal infants and 7 children with refractive anomalies were measured during the first three years of life using newly developed preferential looking procedures. Children with infantile esotropia corrected with prisms equal in size to the deviation show some degree of binocularity up to at least 21/2 years, as measured by a polaroid bar stereogram procedure with a 1800 seconds of arc disparity. A few children, who did not receive any therapeutic intervention, failed this test during the first and second year. However, all older subjects (over 6 years of age) with a history of infantile esotropia failed the test.
Forecasting consumer satisfaction for vehicle ride using a multivariate measurement system

Consumers perceive quality and performance at the vehicle level. Consumers evaluate vehicle attributes such as ride, handling, roominess, braking and acceleration. Vehicle level attributes are influenced by factors at all levels of the vehicle architecture, and these factors are often correlated. The goal of this research is to efficiently forecast consumer satisfaction measured as a function of vehicle level performance data by developing a multivariate measurement system using the Mahalanobis-Taguchi Gram-Schmidt approach. The Mahalanobis-Taguchi Gram-Schmidt technique is applied to construct the measurement scale and identify a reduced set of useful variables for vehicle ride sufficient to make effective predictions.
A test system for calibrating flickermeters

This paper describes a new calibration system for testing flickermeters. The test system is used to generate and measure all the combinations of amplitude changes and frequencies required for calibrating flickermeters. Two computer-controlled waveform generators are used to produce the test conditions. The percent modulations of the test waveforms are measured with two high accuracy sampling voltmeters. Digital logic and software control ensures that the modulated signals are only measured when either maximum or minimum modulation occurs. Test data indicates that the percent modulation of the waveforms generated by the calibration system for square wave and sinusoidal modulations are within 0.002% and 0.005%, respectively, of the nominal values specified in IEC Standard 61000-3-3.
Improving pregnancy rates in problem breeder cattle by administration of 15 mg of progesterone on days 3–5 post-mating

Days 3–5 post-ovulation is when the embryo is entering the uterus, undergoing genomic activation and progesterone (P4) increases; therefore, this may be a physiologically important time in the cow. The objective of these experiments was to determine the effect on pregnancy rates through the administration of a low dose of P4 or altrenogest (ALT; Regumate) on days 3, 4 and 5 of the estrous cycle among repeat breeder (RB) cattle. In Trial 1, RB cows (n=14), that failed to conceive to 3 breedings with a fertile bull, and fertile control cows (n=14) that were an average of 120 days post-partum were used. In Trial 2, RB cows (n=6), RB heifers (n=4) (identified as in Exp 1) and fertile control cows (n=8) that were an average of 135 days post-partum were used. In Exp 1 and 2, all cattle were exposed to a fertile bull for one estrus and the onset of estrus was considered day 0. The respective treatments and blood sample collections were on days 3–5. In Trial 1, RB cows were administered 15 mg of P4 in 3 ml of eth...
Who Needs More Sleep? Comparing Undergraduate and Graduate Students' Sleep Habits in a National U.S. Sample

Sleep disorders and deficits are a national U. S. health concern, and college students report more sleep difficulties than the general population. Most published studies examine college students as a homogenous population or focus on professional (e.g. medical) students. This study compares sleep patterns of undergraduate and graduate students from a national U.S. sample. Graduate students on average reported better sleep behaviors; however, graduate students’ sleep habits were still poor and these students could also benefit from intervention.
The Lived Experience of Doing the Right Thing A Parse Method Study

The purposes of this research were to discover the structure of the experience of doing the right thing and to contribute to nursing knowledge. The Parse research method was used in this study to answer the research question: What is the structure of the lived experience of doing the right thing? Participants were 10 individuals living in the community. The central finding of this study was the following structure: The lived experience of doing the right thing is steadfast uprightness amid adversity, as honorableness with significant affiliations emerges with contentment. New knowledge extended the theory of humanbecoming and enhanced understanding of the experience of doing the right thing.
On the Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency and its lack of connection to power producing processes

Because some physicists continue to defend the nonexistent theory of finite time thermodynamics, additional incontrovertible experimental and theoretical evidence is provided about its irrationality and nonreality.
Expression of the Salmonella virulence plasmid gene spvB in cultured macrophages and nonphagocytic cells

Certain serotypes of salmonellae carry virulence plasmids that greatly enhance the pathogenicity of these bacteria in experimentally infected mice. This phenotype is largely attributable to the 8-kb spv regulon. However, spv genes are not expressed while bacteria grow in vitro. We now show that spvB, which is required for virulence, is expressed rapidly after Salmonella dublin is ingested by cultured J774 and murine peritoneal macrophages and that expression is not affected by the alkalinization of intracellular vesicles. The level of induction of spvB is reduced when macrophages are pretreated with gamma interferon. spvB is also expressed in human and canine epithelial cell lines and a human hepatoma cell line. In all cases, spvB expression is dependent on the spvR gene, just as it is in stationary-phase cultures in vitro. These data suggest that spv virulence genes are expressed by intracellular salmonellae in vivo in response to a signal that is common to the intracellular compartments of cells that are invaded by salmonellae.
Detection of Immunoglobulin M Antibodies to Hepatitis E Virus by Class Capture Enzyme Immunoassay

The measurement of antibodies to hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV) has been essential for understanding the epidemiology of hepatitis E. Studies to determine the prevalence of HEV infections require a reliable serologic assay that is sensitive and specific. It is also important to distinguish the acute from the convalescent phase of an infection; this usually requires the detection of the immunoglobulin M (IgM) class of antibody. Few enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) that measure IgM anti-HEV have been described, and most have utilized the sandwich method. The present study describes an EIA that detects IgM anti-HEV by antibody class capture methodology. The assay was validated by using serum and/or plasma panels from experimentally infected nonhuman primates. It was used to demonstrate an anamnestic response and the reappearance of IgM anti-HEV in a chimpanzee experimentally challenged with HEV at two different times 45 months apart. The class capture method was more sensitive than the sandwich EIA when used to test clinical samples from two hepatitis E epidemics in Pakistan; it also had the advantage of distinguishing IgM anti-HEV in the presence of high titers of IgG anti-HEV.
False hope: Effects of social class and health policy on oral health inequalities for migrant farmworker families

Few studies have engaged issues of social class and access related to dental health care policy from an ethnographic perspective. The state of Florida in the US has one of the poorest records in the nation for providing dental care for low-income children, falling especially short for Medicaid-enrolled children. In this paper, we discuss unmet dental health needs of children in migrant farmworker families. Although one of the most marginalized populations, most are eligible for Medicaid and are thus covered for dental services. However, serious disparities have been linked to the lack of access through the public insurance system. This study was informed by participant observation at dental clinics and a Migrant Head Start Center and interviews with dental health providers (n ¼ 19) and migrant farmworker parents (n ¼ 48) during 2009. Our results indicate that some typical factors associated with poor oral health outcomes, such as low dental health literacy, may not apply disproportionately to this population. Instead, we argue that structural features and ineffective policies contribute to oral health care disparities. Dental Medicaid programs are chronically underfunded, resulting in low reimbursement rates, low provider participation, and a severe distribution shortage of dentists within poor communities. We characterize the situation for families in Florida as one of “false hope” because of the promise of services with neither adequate resources nor the urgency to provide them. The resulting system of charity care, which leads dentists to provide pro bono care instead of accepting Medicaid, serves to only further persistent inequalities. We provide several recommendations, including migrant-specific efforts such as programs for sealants and new mothers; improvements to the current system by removing obstacles for dentists to treat lowincome children; and innovative models to provide comprehensive care and increase the number of providers.
Carbon films from polyacrylonitrile

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) films have been fabricated by both spin and solvent casting techniques, and pyrolyzed to produce carbon films in the thickness range of 200--50 000 A. These films have higher electrical conductivities than carbon films produced from most other precursors at similar temperatures. The chemical structure of the films at different stages of processing was investigated by UV, IR, Raman, and XPS spectroscopies. An extra degree of control over the final electrical conductivity was obtained by varying the PAN content of copolymer precursors. Oxidation rates and an activation energy were determined. Finally, processing techniques are described which allow both dry and wet film transfer and lithographic patterning.
NEW TAXA IN PAPHIA AND DIMORPHANTHERA ( ERICACEAE ) IN PAPUASIA AND THE PROBLEM OF GENERIC LIMITS IN VACCINIEAE

New species of Ericaceae recently collected in Papua New Guinea necessitate a re-evaluation of the status of Agapetes subgenus Paphia section Paphia. The combination of molecular and morphological data confirms that Agapetes, currently a genus of about 100 species from Fiji, New Caledonia and Queensland to mainland SE Asia, and most diverse in the latter area, cannot be maintained in its current circumscription. Various taxonomic solutions that do justice to our current knowledge of the morphology and relationships of the two main parts of the genus are discussed. The reinstatement of Paphia does least violence nomenclaturally. All 23 taxa recognized in Paphia are listed, 14 new combinations of Agapetes from the New Guinea–SW Pacific area are made in Paphia, three new species are described (P. megaphylla, P. vulcanicola and P. woodsii), and an incompletely known taxon is characterized. A key to all taxa is presented. In Dimorphanthera, five new species are described (D. angiliensis, D. anomala, D. antennifera, D. cratericola and D. inopinata), three reduced to synonymy, one reduced to a variety and one variety recognized as a species (D. continua). A key to the 87 taxa currently recognized in the genus is presented.
Coexistent atypical polypoid adenomyoma and endometrial adenocarcinoma

Atypical polypoid adenomyoma (APA) is a rare entity that is believed to follow a benign course. We report a case of APA with coexistent endometrial adenocarcinoma. The example raises the possibility that APA may progress to endometrial adenocarcinoma in some cases.
A semi-Markov model for survival data with covariates

Abstract Clinical trials are often concerned with the evaluation of two or more time-dependent stochastic events and their relationship. The information on covariates for individuals in the studies is valuable in assessing the survival function. This paper develops a multistate stochastic survival model which incorporates covariates. It is assumed that the underlying process follows a semi-Markov model. The proportional hazards techniques are applied to estimate the force of transition in the process. The maximum likelihood estimators are derived along with the survival function for competing risks problems. An application is given to analyzing the survival of patients in the Stanford Heart Transplant Program.
Addressing Dental Fear in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study Using Electronic Screen Media

Background. Dental care is a significant unmet health care need for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Many children with ASD do not receive dental care because of fear associated with dental procedures; oftentimes they require general anesthesia for regular dental procedures, placing them at risk of associated complications. Many children with ASD have a strong preference for visual stimuli, particularly electronic screen media. The use of visual teaching materials is a fundamental principle in designing educational programs for children with ASD. Purpose. To determine if an innovative strategy using 2 types of electronic screen media was feasible and beneficial in reducing fear and uncooperative behaviors in children with ASD undergoing dental visits. Methods. We conducted a randomized controlled trial at Boston Children’s Hospital dental clinic. Eighty (80) children aged 7 to 17 years with a known diagnosis of ASD and history of dental fear were enrolled in the study. Each child completed 2...
Pharmacologic treatment of binge eating disorder.

Objective To review the findings from pharmacologic trials of binge eating disorder (BED) and to provide guidelines for pharmacologic treatment. Methods The literature was searched for studies of pharmacologic treatment of BED and related conditions, such as nonpurging bulimia nervosa. Results Placebo-controlled studies of desipramine, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, dexfenfluramine, sibutramine, and topiramate have demonstrated the efficacy of these agents in the treatment of BED. An open trial of venlafaxine has offered preliminary evidence for the efficacy of this medication. Guidelines for pharmacologic management of BED are provided. Conclusions The literature offers support for the use of agents from three categories of medication (antidepressants, appetite suppressants, and anticonvulsants) in the treatment of BED. © 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 34: S74–S88, 2003.
Empirical Profiles of Service Recovery Systems: The Maturity Perspective

This paper presents an important new means of analyzing service recovery efforts from an operational systems maturity perspective. Specifically, seven dimensions that measure the structure of a ser...
Reduced lateral wave cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna

A reduced-lateral-wave cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is presented, which produces very little lateral radiation at the horizon. The design technique centers on finding an optimal aspect ratio of height to radius for the DRA to minimize the lateral radiation. The lateral radiation of the DRA is reduced by operating in the higher-order TM 121 mode. The tradeoff is a reduced bandwidth, relative to the usual TM 110 mode. Numerical results are obtained from both HFSS and CST Microwave Studio simulations.
Introduction and Range Expansion of Nonnative Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in California

Abstract Predation on endangered species by nonnative red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and the resulting controversy over red fox control efforts in California prompted our investigation of the introduction and range expansion of the red fox in California. Since the late-1800s, nonnative red foxes have been introduced into California by escaping from fur farms and fox hunters, through intentional releases by pet owners and fur-farm owners and translocations of previously introduced foxes. From 1990–1993 we conducted telephone interviews of wildlife professionals to obtain observations of nonnative red foxes outside the historical range of the native Sierra Nevada red fox (V. v. necator). Nonnative red foxes now occur throughout lowland areas of California including the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, San Francisco Bay-Delta area, the southern California Coast Range and Coastal Plain and most major urban areas. Their range expansion over the last 100 y was the result of population growth from numerous points ...
Macrophage-specific expression of class A scavenger receptors in LDL receptor / mice decreases atherosclerosis and changes spleen morphology

Class A scavenger receptors (SR-A) have been implicated in the atherogenic process, although there have been conflicting reports as to their specific effect on the development of lesions. In part, this discord may arise because of the variable contribution of SR-A in the several cell types known to express this protein. To determine the effects of macrophage-specific SR-A expression in the atherogenic process, transgenic mice were created using the chicken lysozyme (lyso) promoter to drive expression of bovine SR-A (bSR-A). To express this gene in an atherosclerosis-susceptible strain, bone marrow cells from transgenic and non-transgenic littermates were used to repopulate lethally-irradiated female LDL receptor (LDLr)−/− mice. Following hematopoietic engraftment, mice were placed on a diet enriched in saturated fat and cholesterol. After 8 weeks, there was a modest, but statistically significant reduction in serum total cholesterol in LDLr−/− mice repopulated with lyso-bSR-A transgenic cells, due to decreased LDL-cholesterol. The extent of atherosclerosis was reduced in both cross-sectional analysis of the aortic root and en face analysis of the intimal surface of the aortic arch. In addition to changes in atherosclerosis, lyso-bSR-A repopulated LDLr−/− mice had a marked increase (3.6×) in spleen weights and a disruption of spleen white pulp formation. Therefore, macrophage-specific overexpression of SR-A resulted in reduced atherosclerosis in two vascular beds, reduced serum cholesterol concentrations, and changed the morphology of the spleen.
Optimization of HVAC Systems Using Genetic Algorithm

Intelligent energy management control system (EMCS) in buildings offers an excellent means of reducing energy consumptions in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning HVAC systems while maintaining or improving indoor environmental conditions. This can be achieved through the use of computational intelligence and optimization. The chapter thus proposes and evaluates a model-based optimization process for HVAC systems using evolutionary algorithm. The process can be integrated into the EMCS to perform several intelligent functions and achieve optimal whole-system performance. The proposed process addresses the requirements of the latest ASHRAE Standard 62.1. A whole building simulation energy software is used to generate the sub-hourly load. The simulations are performed to test the process and determine the potential energy savings achieved. The testing results demonstrate that total energy consumed by the HVAC system can be reduced by about 26 % when compared to the traditional operating strategies applied.
Experimental studies of plasma actuator performance for separation control

on airfoils 1-4 . A plasma actuator is a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) device that can be used to selectively add momentum to fluid flow over a surface to effect flow separation. Our research program is directed at studying the potential application of plasma actuators for improving the performance and efficiency of low-pressure turbines. In this application, plasma actuators can trigger the transition between laminar and turbulent flow, thus reducing drag and leading to an increase in the turbine’s efficiency. The study reported in this paper focuses on the behavior and characteristics of the plasma actuator itself and its operation under different experimental conditions, with the goal of finding ways to improve and control the plasma actuator’s efficiency for low-pressure turbine applications. In this work, DBD plasma actuators are studied in an experimental system that allows precise control of the discharge environment. The plasma actuator is operated in a vacuum chamber and its operation monitored by an array of diagnostic techniques. Measurements of the discharge current and voltage along with time resolved imaging of the discharge utilizing an Intensified Charge-Coupled Device (ICCD) camera provide information about the discharge characteristics. A lever-style balance scale system is used for measurement of the thrust generated by the plasma actuator. A capacitor-based technique allows for power measurements, from which the efficiency (thrust/power) of plasma actuators of varying designs can be compared. A key goal of this study is to arrive at scaling laws for plasma actuator performance as a function of the operating parameters (e.g., permittivity of the dielectric, frequency and amplitude of the applied voltage, and geometry of the plasma actuator). We expect such scaling laws to be of great value in the design of more effective plasma actuators for use in low-pressure turbines.
Efficacy, Nontarget Effects, and Chemical Persistence of S-31183, a Promising Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Control Agent

5-31183, 2-[1-methyl-2-(4-phenoxyphenoxy) ethoxyl pyridine, was highly effective in inhibiting normal development of mosquito larvae into adults in laboratory and field trials. Late fourth instars were the most sensitive stage. Mortality occurred in the pupal stage and, at lower doses, resulted in formation of abnormal adults. In highly polluted water, 5-31183 adsorbed onto organic matter and its biological activity persisted for 2 mo after application of 0.11 kg (AI)/ha (0.1 lb/acre). Its persistence in water in the absence of organic matter declined as temperature and sunlight exposure simultaneously increased. Its persistence in relatively “clean” field waters and soil was of short duration. No long-term bioaccumulation problem was apparent following dynamic or static exposures to fish. Nontarget aquatic organisms that coexist in mosquito breeding habitats were not affected adversely by treatments which were effective against mosquitoes. These results indicate efficacy against mosquito larvae, a high degree of safety to associated nontarget organisms, and chemical persistence properties that appear to be compatible with the environment.
Medical Futility: The Template for Decisionmaking

This chapter studies and advocates the principle of inedical futility as a template for assessing whether a medical condition is curative, rehabilitative, or palliative. Physicians should have clear markers for non-treatment. Yet, not all hospital management policies regarding futility are, however, uniform. And, there is wide disagreement regarding the propriety of use this principle to afford or “license.” In dealing with cases of futility, the primary goal is to achieve—for the patient—a level of “total good.” This response is realized when a balance is struck between effectiveness of the response and the benefit and burden of it, as assessed co-operatively, within an alliance between the treating physician, the patient, or, by his or her surrogate decision-maker.
The Scope of Health Insurance

Chapter 2 described the economic motivation for health insurance and the financial mechanisms for providing health insurance. This chapter explores the scope of health insurance, and the amount of protection that individuals may seek to obtain for their health capital. The first section of the chapter examines the problem of quantifying and measuring the protection provided by health insurance. Many insurance models assume that the cost of insurance varies with the quantity of protection. The quality and the term of protection are less tangible features that also play a role in determining how much insurance costs and how much protection it provides. The multidimensional nature of health insurance and the trade-offs between the degree of protection and the price of insurance has motivated research investigating the optimal quantity of insurance. While full protection eliminates all exposure to health risks, such insurance may be too costly for individuals or unavailable in the market. Economics focuses on the choice of “optimal” health insurance, and generally finds that partial insurance is optimal for the protection of health capital in the presence of budget constraints. Optimal insurance is therefore the benchmark for determining the suitability of available insurance arrangements as well as the ability of health insurance policy to improve health insurance. The various markets for health insurance often result in individuals obtaining a suboptimal amount of insurance—certain populations are overinsured while others are underinsured or uninsured. This chapter concludes with an exploration of market failures that may explain these suboptimal health insurance arrangements, motivating a deeper investigation of health insurance markets in Sect. 3.2.
Adultery, Cultural Views of

Marriage and other committed relationships typically include a stated or implied commitment to sexual and emotional fidelity to one's partner. Adultery refers to a violation of sexual fidelity within marriage. Infidelity is defined more broadly as a betrayal of the commitment to sexual or emotional exclusivity in a relationship without the partner's consent. Infidelity is also known by other terms, such as affair, cheating, unfaithful, extramarital sex, and extradyadic relationship. Infidelity applies to a variety of relationships such as dating, cohabiting, heterosexual, homosexual, and marriage. Contemporary technological advances have created new avenues for cheating, such as the Internet, cell phones, and social media. Although most societies and nearly all major world religions have standards that discourage infidelity, there are cultural variations in terms of attitudes and behaviors. Additionally, there are historical and cultural differences between the attitudes and behaviors of men and women regarding infidelity. Keywords: cultural practices; gender difference; information technology; sex: beliefs and customs; sexual behaviors
Microorganisms Associated with Food

The significance of microorganisms in foods depends upon several conditions: (1) the numbers found; (2) the types of microorganisms; (3) the type of food; (4) the treatments to which the food has been exposed; (5) the processing or storage treatments the food will receive; (6) whether the food is to be eaten as is or heated; and (7) the individuals who might consume the food. In this text, it is necessary to limit the discussion of microorganisms in foods to bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Human Practice and God’s Making-Good in Aquinas’ Virtue Ethics

Aquinas recognised the “acquired virtues” discussed by Aristotle, which human friendship promotes. As a Christian theologian, he identified “infused virtues” – God-given strengths – that fit our complex psyche for the journey into God’s happiness. Their context is Charity, friendship with God. For some scholars, Aquinas does not rate acquired virtues highly; or the infused virtues exclude or absorb them. I argue that Aquinas values both kinds. Infused virtues protect and heal a convert who lacks acquired virtues. If a Christian falls into serious sin, acquired virtues preserve him from total, immediate moral collapse. Ideally, infused and acquired virtues nurture each other as moral integrity grows. Acquired virtues continue to operate in many practical, “Natural-Law” activities that typically remain part of the complex lives of God’s friends.
High-speed operation of a mid-infrared optical system at room temperature

We report on the room-temperature operation of a high-speed mid-infrared optical system (f 3-dB ≈ 0.5 GHz). This system consists of an efficient interband cascade laser and an uncooled high-performance interband cascade infrared photodetector.