cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incisional hernia formation and associated risk factors on a gynecologic oncology service: an exploratory analysis

The aim of this study is to identify the rate of incisional hernias and associated risk factors following a vertical midline laparotomy on a gynecologic oncology service. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients that underwent a laparotomy through a vertical midline abdominal incision between September 1998 and November 2012. Hernias and various factors were identified including demographics, disease comorbidities, intraoperative variables, and suture technique. Assessment of association with hernia formation was performed using Cox regression and log-rank test. Two hundred and fifty-two patients with follow-up of at least 30 days were identified. Mean age was 59 years (range 21–88 years) and mean BMI was 35.9 kg/m2 (range 17.2–84.4 kg/m2). Sixteen (6.3 %) developed incisional hernias with a median follow-up of 1.7 years (range 1 month to 13 years). The estimate of the 5-year probability of being hernia-free is 86 % (95 % CI 76.5–91.9). Average age of patients who developed a hernia was 66.2 years while average age of those without hernia was 58 years (p < 0.05). There was a significant association of hypertension with incisional hernia occurrence (p = 0.0035, log-rank test). Cancer was present in 100 % of patients that developed hernias and 73 % (172/236) of those that were hernia-free (p = 0.0041, log-rank test). By univariate analysis the risk of developing an incisional hernia was higher, if the abdominal fascia was closed with loop sutures (HR 4.6, 95 % CI 1.49–13.94; p = 0.008). By multivariable analysis incisions closed with loop suture had more than a fivefold increased risk of developing a hernia (HR 5.2, 95 % CI 1.65–16.39; p = 0.005). Presence of both hypertension and utilization of loop sutures had the highest risk of incisional hernia development (HR 7.1, 95 % CI 2.28–22.4; p = 0.001). Wound complications including incisional hernias contribute to morbidity in gynecologic oncology patients. Older age, hypertension, utilization of loop sutures, and cancer were found to be associated with hernia formation after laparotomy through a vertical midline abdominal incision. The use of loop sutures to close the abdominal fascia should be investigated further.
Enzymatic synthesis of S-adenosyl-L-methionine from L-methionine and ATP.

S-Adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) has been synthesized on 7-mmol scale froml-methionine and ATP. The ATP was generatedin situ from AMP, and the synthesis of SAM was catalyzed by the enzyme ATP:l-methionineS-adenosyltransferase (EC 2.5.1.6). Although substantial effort was required to obtain even small quantities of enzyme, it has good stability once isolated and immobilized. The SAM produced by this procedure contains 89% of the (−) diasterioisomer and 11% of the (+) diasterioisomer.
Genomic organization and chromosomal localization of the mouse synexin gene.

We have isolated and characterized the gene encoding mouse synexin, which consists of 14 exons and spans approximately 30 kbp of genomic DNA. The protein9s unique N-terminal domain is encoded by six exons, and the C-terminal tetrad repeat, the site of the membrane-fusion and ion-channel domain, is encoded by seven exons. The first exon encodes the 5′-untranslated region. Analysis of synexin-gene expression in different mouse tissues shows that mRNA with exon 6 is only present in brain, heart and skeletal muscle. mRNA lacking exon 6 is expressed in all tissues we have examined. The initiation site for transcription was determined by primer-extension analysis and S1 nuclease mapping. Sequence analysis of the 1.3 kb 5′-flanking region revealed that the promoter has a TATA box located at position -25 and a number of potential promoter and regulatory elements. A CCAAT motif was not observed but CCATT is located in an appropriate position for the CCAAT motif upstream from the transcription-initiation start site. In addition, the 5′-flanking region contains two sets of palindromic sequences. Finally, we have determined that the functional synexin gene (Anx7) is located on mouse chromosome 14 and that a pseudogene (Anx7-ps1) is located on chromosome 10.
Isoprenoid Biosynthesis Inhibitors Targeting Bacterial Cell Growth

We synthesized potential inhibitors of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS), undecaprenyl diphosphate synthase (UPPS), or undecaprenyl diphosphate phosphatase (UPPP), and tested them in bacterial cell growth and enzyme inhibition assays. The most active compounds were found to be bisphosphonates with electron-withdrawing aryl-alkyl side chains which inhibited the growth of Gram-negative bacteria (Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) at ∼1-4 μg mL-1 levels. They were found to be potent inhibitors of FPPS; cell growth was partially "rescued" by the addition of farnesol or overexpression of FPPS, and there was synergistic activity with known isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway inhibitors. Lipophilic hydroxyalkyl phosphonic acids inhibited UPPS and UPPP at micromolar levels; they were active (∼2-6 μg mL-1 ) against Gram-positive but not Gram-negative organisms, and again exhibited synergistic activity with cell wall biosynthesis inhibitors, but only indifferent effects with other inhibitors. The results are of interest because they describe novel inhibitors of FPPS, UPPS, and UPPP with cell growth inhibitory activities as low as ∼1-2 μg mL-1 .
Low Pressure Partial Discharge Investigation with FEM Modeling for a Twisted Pair of Insulated Conductors

Partial discharge (PD) phenomena with a twisted pair configuration of insulated conductors have been investigated in a low pressure environment. The pressure range was from 2 to 760 Torr. PD waveforms were recorded using a 50-Omega viewing resistor. Representative PD waveforms at various pressures are presented. Three-dimensional two-variable histograms of PD amplitude and rise time vs. phase angle of the 60 Hz source voltage were developed. Visual phenomena of PD manifestation at low pressure were observed in the laboratory. Several two-dimensional cross-section modeling of the twisted pair of insulated conductors were constructed to study the electric field distribution of the electrode configuration. Correlations between the PD waveform characteristics and the physical PD mechanisms were investigated with the help of the finite element method (FEM) modeling techniques.
Dealing with Numbers

In this chapter you will learn the basics of working with numbers in R. This includes understanding how to manage the numeric type (integer vs. double), the different ways of generating non-random and random numbers, how to set seed values for reproducible random number generation, and the different ways to compare and round numeric values.
Association between bicuspid aortic valve morphotype and regional dilatation of the aortic root and trunk.

Thoracic aortic disease, including thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), is frequently seen in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). We hypothesized that BAV morphotype would be associated with aortic aneurysm phenotypes but that other patient variables would significantly modify this relationship. 829 patients between 18 and 90 years with BAV and available raw imaging of the aortic valve and the ascending aorta to its mid-portion prior to aortic valve and aortic surgery were examined. The sinuses of Valsalva and proximal ascending aorta were measured from 2-dimensional co-planar echocardiographic images. We observed strong associations between patient habitus and raw and normalized dimensions of the aortic root and ascending aorta. Patients with R–L morphotype presented at an older age with larger aortic root but similar ascending aortic dimensions. After accounting for patient morphometric characteristics and severity of aortic valve disease, patients with R–L valve morphotype were marginally more likely to have an aortic root aneurysm (86% vs. 78%; P = 0.043), defined as aortic root dimension Z score ≥3. We observed only small differences in aortic dimensions between BAV morphotypes, that are eclipsed by variation in patient habitus. We interpret these findings to mean that BAV patients will not likely benefit from therapies based on aortic valve morphotype. Rather, we propose that all BAV patients should undergo longitudinal follow-up, independent of valve morphotype. Guidelines for aortic surgery based upon dimensions alone may be improved by considering patient characteristics such as age, body size and other characteristics.
Non-Inferior Survival of Black Versus White Patients and Superior Outcomes for Black Females Compared to Other Race/Gender Groups Following Allogeneic Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancy: A Single Center Multivariable Analysis of 475 Allografted Patients

Abstract The effect of race on outcomes following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is unclear. Earlier studies suggested no clear difference between black and white patients for conventional allografts (Baker et al JCO 2005, 23:7032) and inferior outcomes for black patients following single unit umbilical cord blood transplants(UCBT) (Ballen et al BBMT 2012, 18:903). The advent of HLA-haploidentical donor transplantation using T-replete grafts and post-transplant cyclophosphamide (HIDT-ptCy) has improved donor availability for black patients. However, the effect of race on allograft outcomes in the era of HIDT-ptCy has not been reported. We compared outcomes by race in 475 consecutive patients (white=383, black=83, Asian =9) undergoing a first allograft for hematologic malignancy at our center between February 2005 and February 2014. Hispanic/latino was classified as an ethnicity separate from race and was not exclusive of race categories. Patients with Download : Download high-res image (71KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 1A . Download : Download high-res image (92KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 1B . Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Development and validation of a stability-indicating RP-HPLC for the simultaneous determination of Atorvastatin Calcium and Simvastatin in pharmaceutical solid dosage forms

A reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was suitable for simultaneous determination of AT, ST and their degradation products in raw materials and pharmaceuticals formulations has been developed. The separation was accomplished on X-Bridge shield RP18 (50mm × 4.6mm, 3.5µm) column under isocratic mode. The mobile phase consisting of 0.02M ammonium acetate buffer with pH 4.0 and organic modifier mixture (acetonitrile-THF, 95:5) in the ratio of 50:50, v/v respectively. The flow rate was monitored at 0.8mL/min, with 5µL injection volume and a PDA detector set at 246nm used for detection. Forced degradation of AT and ST were carried out under thermal, acidic, alkaline, peroxide, sunlight and ultraviolet light conditions. Under stressed conditions AT and ST were degraded and the mass balance was found to be above 95%. The retention times of AT and ST were 2.5min and 10.5min, respectively. The total run time was 15min within which from the drug product and degradation processes. The linearity was established for atorvastatin calcium and simvastatin in the concentration range of 50% to 150% of target concentration and correlation found to be 0.999. A RP-HPLC method has been validated for specificity, precision, linearity, accuracy, ruggedness and robustness. The proposed analytical method demonstrated to be suitable for quantitation of all relevant degradants, as well as respective drug products.
STUDIES ON THE INTERACTION OF CLONIDINE WITH THE HYPERTENSIVE ACTIVITY OF ANGIOTENSIN II

Publisher Summary Angiotensin II produces pressor effects via an action within the central nervous system. Although an increase in the sympathetic vasoconstrictor discharge is responsible for the hypertensive activity of centrally administered angiotensin II, the precise mechanism and the relationship of angiotensin II with sympathetic nervous system within the brain is not well understood. The chapter presents evidence, which suggests that adrenergic mechanisms exist within the central nervous system are involved in regulating cardiovascular function. It demonstrates the presence of alpha adrenergic receptors in various regions within the brain. Investigations carried out to study the effects of various adrenergic receptor agonists and antagonists on these receptors have revealed that alpha adrenergic receptors that are present in the lower brain stem are inhibitory in nature. The infusions of angiotensin II via a vertebral artery produce an increase in blood pressure, and the area postrema of the medulla oblongata is implicated as a site of this hypertensive response. The chapter describes the mechanisms of angiotensin II-induced hypertension following intravertebral administration and the possible interaction of centrally and peripherally administered angiotensin II.
Rapid flow in multilayer microfluidic paper-based analytical devices

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) are a versatile and inexpensive point-of-care (POC) technology, but their widespread adoption has been limited by slow flow rates and the inability to carry out complex in field analytical measurements. In the present work, we investigate multilayer μPADs as a means to generate enhanced flow rates within self-pumping paper devices. Through optical and electrochemical measurements, the fluid dynamics are investigated and compared to established flow theories within μPADs. We demonstrate a ∼145-fold increase in flow rate (velocity = 1.56 cm s−1, volumetric flow rate = 1.65 mL min−1, over 5.5 cm) through precise control of the channel height in a 2 layer paper device, as compared to archetypical 1 layer μPAD designs. These design considerations are then applied to a self-pumping sequential injection device format, known as a three-dimensional paper network (3DPN). These 3DPN devices are characterized through flow injection analysis of a ferrocene complex and anodic stripping detection of cadmium, exhibiting a 5× enhancement in signal compared to stationary measurements.
Preoperative coagulation abnormalities as a risk factor for adverse events after pancreas surgery.

Objective To determine whether elevated INR or PTT values predicted 30-day postoperative adverse events following elective pancreatectomy. Methods The American college of surgeons national surgical quality improvement program (ACS-NSQIP) database was used to identify 14 747 patients undergoing elective pancreatectomy from 2005 to 2013. The association of elevated INR or PTT with 30-day postoperative outcomes of morbidity and mortality was examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results The overall 30-day mortality rate increased from 1.8% to 3.3% from the control to the high INR or PTT group (P = 48 h on a ventilator, cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, return to the OR, and prolonged length of stay. With the exception of superficial SSI, multivariate logistic regression models revealed that these same events remained statistically significant after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion Prolonged bleeding times (high INR/PTT) is associated with increased mortality and adverse outcomes after pancreas surgery. A patient's coagulation profile may serve as a risk stratification tool to identify higher risk patients that require more resources.
Validation study of graded prognostic assessment (GPA) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastasis (BM).

8116 Background: NSCLC is the most common cause of BM and GPA is used as a prognostic index (PI) for BM. We evaluated its validity in a contemporary large cohort treated at a single tertiary care institution. Preliminary data was presented at ASCO 2013. Methods: IRB approved. NSCLC BM treated between 2000 and 2012 was identified from the Cleveland Clinic Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center’s database. OS from the diagnosis of NSCLC BM was the primary end point.Cox proportional hazards models were used for data analysis. Results: 958 (54% male) patients were included for final analysis. Median age at BM diagnosis was 62 years (29-92). Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) was 90-100 in 345 (39%), 70-80 in 415 (47%) and 5 in 136 (14%) patients. Initial therapy included stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in 186 (20%) patients, whole brain radiation (WBRT) in 420 (44%), surgery (S...
Nocardia asteroides as an invasive, intracellular pathogen of the brain and lungs.

This genus is defined morphologically as gram-positive, partially acid-fast, branching filamentous bacteria that divide by fragmentation. They are strictly aerobic, mycolic acid containing actinomycetes phylogenetically related to Mycobacterium, Corynebacterium, Rhodococcus, Gordona, and Tsukamurella (Wilson et al., 1998). Twelve species comprise this genus; however, the type species, Nocardia asteroides, has been most frequently studied (Beaman, B. and L. Beaman, 1994). This species is phenotypically diverse, and many investigators believe that the N. asteroides complex consists of at least 5 to 6 distinct groups. Some of these have now been assigned species status. Thus, the N. asteroides complex currently includes N. asteroides, N. farcinica, and N. nova. It is likely that additional species will be created from further subdivision of this taxon. Since routine laboratory identification does not differentiate these species, most reports of infections due to N. asteroides represent the total complex and underestimate infections due to individual members such as N. farcinica and N. nova (Workman et al., 1998).
Sound field reconstruction using multipole equivalent source model with un-fixed source locations

The equivalent source methods (ESM) that have been developed to this point can generally be classified into two categories: one in which a relatively large number of lower order sources are fixed at various locations, and one in which a series of higher order sources are fixed at one location. The present work started with a model in the latter category, but the individual sources were then allowed to move separately to locations which were determined by using a nonlinear optimization procedure based on the measured sound field data. To test this approach, experiments were conducted using a small loudspeaker cabinet; measurements were made using an array of microphones on all sides of the loudspeaker. It was found that by allowing the source components to move, the sound field representation in both the near and far fields was improved, particularly at high frequencies, compared to the model with fixed source locations. By comparison with results obtained from boundary element calculations based on laser vibrometer measurements of the loudspeaker's diaphragm and tweeter velocities, it was found that the proposed ESM can also be used to accurately predict the sound pressure distribution on the source surface.
An Empirical Study on Class Rarity in Big Data

The problem of class imbalance, especially the classification of rare cases, is an important area in machine learning. These rare cases are typically the ones of interest, thus accurate classification of these instances is required. Class imbalance is a well-studied area with relatively small datasets, but there is limited research focusing on both rarity and class imbalance with Big Data. In this study, we focus on the impact of rare class classification in the area of fraud detection using publicly available real-world Big Data from Medicare data sources. We demonstrate that rarity significantly degrades fraud detection performance over three machine learning models and nine datasets, with varying numbers of positive class instances. From these experiments, we show clear groupings indicating different levels of class imbalance and rarity. Furthermore, our results, showing decreasing performance with increasing rarity, are corroborated using three additional Medicare Big Data sources.
Return of an apex predator to a suburban preserve triggers a rapid trophic cascade

ABSTRACT Absence of apex predators simplifies food chains, leading to trophic degradation of ecosystems and diminution of the services they provide1. However, most predators do not coexist well with humans, which has resulted in a decline of carnivores and functional ecosystems worldwide2. In some instances, cryptic carnivores manage to survive amidst human settlements, finding refuge in small biological islands surrounded by urban landscapes. In such a system, we used two non-invasive data collection methods (camera trapping and fecal sampling) to investigate the multiannual relationship between predators and prey, and between competitors, through analysis of: (1) relative abundance and detection probability of species over time, (2) causal interactions via empirical dynamic modeling, (3) diet, and (4) diel activity patterns. All approaches show concordance in the results: the natural return of an apex predator, the puma (Puma concolor), triggered a trophic cascade, affecting the abundance and behavior of its main prey, subordinate predators and other prey in the studied system. Our study demonstrates that trophic recovery can occur rapidly following the return of a top predator, even in small protected areas in increasingly urbanized landscapes.
Patterns of care and outcomes of intensity modulated radiation therapy versus three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy for anal cancer.

Background: Definitive chemoradiation is the standard of care for anal squamous cell carcinoma. Compared to three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is increasingly becoming the preferred technique in order to reduce treatment related toxicity. The objective of this study is to evaluate practice patterns and total radiation treatment times of two radiation modalities. Methods: A total of 6,966 patients with non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anus who received definitive chemoradiation were queried from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2004–2013. Logistic regression was performed to assess for predictors of IMRT receipt. The Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to assess overall survival (OS). Results: In total, 3,868 (55.5%) received 3DCRT and 3,098 (44.5%) received IMRT. Total radiation treatment time was <7 weeks for 54.3% of patients treated with 3DCRT versus 63.8% of patients treated with IMRT. On multivariable logistic regression, positive clinical nodes (OR =1.20, P=0.001) and treatment at an academic facility (OR =1.23, P<0.001) were associated with increased likelihood of receiving IMRT. The 5-year OS was 73.0% for 3DCRT and 73.9% for IMRT (P=0.315). On multivariable analysis, total radiation treatment time ≥7 weeks (HR =1.33, P<0.001) was associated with worse survival while radiation modality (3DCRT vs . IMRT) did not impact survival (HR =0.98, P=0.763). Conclusions: IMRT has dramatically increased in utilization from 2% to 65% during the study time period. IMRT was less likely than 3DCRT to have prolonged radiation treatment times, which was associated with worse survival.
An Efficient Catalytic Stereoselective Route to a Key Intermediate for the Synthesis of the Long-Lived PGI2 Analog ZK 96480 (CicaprostTM)

Abstract An expeditious and stereoselective synthesis of a key chiral intermediate (2) for the synthesis of the therapeutically useful PGI2 analog CicaprostTM is described. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Transanal Endoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer: Indications, Staging, and Perioperative Considerations

Total mesorectal excision (TME), which removes the rectum and mesorectum, carries with it significant morbidity and mortality. Transanal endoscopic surgery (TES) is a form of rectal sparing surgery utilized for rectal polyps of all sizes and for selected early rectal cancers. Predicting the risk of lymph node metastasis is an imperfect science; however, several well-described histologic markers are available to help guide which early rectal cancers might be at low risk for occult lymph node metastasis and where transanal endoscopic surgery might be a reasonable oncologic choice.
Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Influences on Sexual Satisfaction in Young Male Couples: Analyses of Actor-Partner Interdependence Models.

Very little research has examined sexual satisfaction in young gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men (YMSM). Sexual satisfaction has important implications for individual wellbe...
Universality and scaling in homogeneous compressible turbulence

Universality concepts have played a pivotal role in the development of complex systems. This has not been the case in compressible turbulence as no unifying set of parameters has been found to yield universal scaling laws. An analysis supported with DNS databases and studies across the literature shows how universality can indeed be achieved in homogeneous compressible turbulence from specific limiting behavior, paving the way toward a more unified fundamental understanding of compressible turbulence and development of robust compressible turbulence models.
Circumstances of overdose among suburban women who use opioids: Extending an urban analysis informed by drug, set, and setting.

Abstract Background Opioid overdoses are primarily discussed by the pharmacological properties of the drugs used. Research shows that other factors such as the social/physical environment and the mental/emotional states can have an impact on overdose events. Ataiants and colleagues (2020) used Zinberg's “drug, set, and setting” framework to identify circumstances surrounding overdose experiences of street-involved women in Philadelphia. The aim of this paper is to extend their analysis to a diverse sample of suburban women who experienced overdoses. Methods The mixed-methods design consisted of ethnographic fieldwork, in-depth interviews, and brief surveys with 32 suburban women who use opioids. Inductive theoretical reasoning and constant comparative analysis facilitated themes emerging within the “drug, set, and setting” framework. Results Eighteen out of 32 women identified “drug” as the primary factor involved in their overdose events. Major themes were an inability to identify the synthetic opioid fentanyl, lack of knowledge or control over how much to use, poly-substance use, and an insufficient understanding of risks. Eleven out of 32 women linked “set” to their overdose experiences. Themes included emotional trauma, such as death of a child, child custody issues, and mental health conditions, such as depression. Six out of 32 women associated “setting” with one of their overdose experiences. Themes were related to being with friends or partners that used, and having recently been released from treatment or incarceration. Conclusion Findings show similar themes found among an urban sample, adding insight on the need for effective overdose interventions targeted for suburban populations. The opioid crisis is not confined to the cities, and neither should services aimed at addressing opioid overdose. The knowledge provided here can help policy makers support female-centered harm reduction services not only in urban areas but also in the suburbs.
Conversion Total Knee Arthroplasty.

» Conversion total knee arthroplasty (TKA) represents a heterogeneous group of procedures and most commonly includes TKA performed after ligamentous reconstruction, periarticular open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), high tibial osteotomy (HTO), and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). » Relative to patients undergoing primary TKA, patients undergoing conversion TKA often have longer operative times and higher surgical complexity, which may translate into higher postoperative complication rates. » There is mixed evidence on implant survivorship and patient-reported outcome measures when comparing conversion TKA and primary TKA, with some studies noting no differences between the procedures and others finding decreased survivorship and outcome scores for conversion TKA. » By gaining an improved understanding of the unique challenges facing patients undergoing conversion TKA, clinicians may better set patient expectations, make intraoperative adjustments, and guide postoperative care.
Oxytocin Increases Prosocial Behavior in Groups of African Lions

Oxytocin modulates mammalian social behavior; however, behavioral responses to intranasal oxytocin can vary across species and contexts. The complexity of social interactions increases with group dynamics, and the impacts of oxytocin on both within- and between-group contexts are unknown. African lions are highly social, living in large groups and forming lifelong egalitarian bonds with related as well as unrelated individuals, yet they are also highly territorial, making them a good model for behavioral investigation. We tested the effects of intranasal administration of oxytocin on social and non-social behaviors within in-group and out-group contexts in African lions. We hypothesized that, post-intranasal oxytocin administration, lions would show an increase in within-group affiliative behavior and tolerance, whereas the effects on responses to out-group stimuli could either produce a heightened response (as seen in some human studies) or an attenuated response (as seen in introductions of unfamiliar individuals). Compared to control trials, lions displayed a significant increase in affiliative within-group behaviors and decreased vigilance toward out-group intruders post-oxytocin administration. These results not only have important implications for understanding the evolution of social circuitry but may have practical applications for conservation efforts requiring the formation of social bonds between unfamiliar individuals.
Historical body temperature records as a population-level 'thermometer' of physical activity in the United States.

Summary Over the past two centuries profound technological and social changes have reduced overall levels of physical activity (PA). However, just how much population-level PA levels have declined since the Industrial Revolution is unknown because methods for measuring PA, such as accelerometry and the doubly labeled water technique, were developed only within the last few decades. Here, we show that historical records of resting body temperature (TB) can serve as a ‘thermometer’ of population-level PA, enabling us to use the well-documented secular decline in TB in the US 1 to approximate PA decline in the US since 1820. Using cross-sectional data relating TB to resting metabolic rate (RMR) and RMR to PA, we estimate that RMR has declined by ∼6% and moderate to vigorous PA by ∼27 minutes per day since 1820 in the US.
Multi-layer Tree Matching Using HSTs

Matching two images by mapping image features play a fundamental role in many computer vision task. Due to noisy nature of feature extraction, establishing a one-to-one matching of features may not always be possible. Although many-to-many matching techniques establishes the desired multi map between features, they ignore the spatial structure of the nodes. In this paper, we propose a novel technique that utilizes both the individual node features and the clustering information of nodes for image matching where image features are represented as hierarchically well-separated trees (HSTs). Our method uses the fact that non-leaf nodes of an HST represent a constellation of nodes in the original image and obtains a matching by finding a mapping between non-leaf nodes among the two HSTs. Empirical evaluation of the method on an extensive set of recognition tests shows the robustness and efficiency of the overall approach.
Metabolic Support of Normothermia

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses overall metabolic features associated with cells of the testis and ovary, emphasizing the abrupt transitions that occur in spermatogenesis, epididymal maturation, oogenesis, fertilization, and early development. Fertilization results in fusion of two haploid cells, each with relatively simplified metabolic needs, to form a diploid ovum. It is found that subsequent cell divisions with associated biosynthesis of all necessary organelles and specialized proteins reintroduce complexity in metabolism in the reproductive cycle. ATP synthesis, derived by a host of different transformations of carbon compounds in the cellular environment, is accomplished by coupling oxidation/ reduction reactions to a few key enzyme systems. Substrates to satisfy spermatozoal ATP generation can be derived from either exogenous materials or endogenous materials. A comparison of ATP turnover in cauda epididymal and ejaculated bull sperm is presented. It is found that bull and rabbit sperm used endogenous reserves of unknown materials to satisfy 30%–50% of total ATP need, deriving the balance from the extracellular glucose supplied in the medium. The effect of decreased temperature on the metabolism of bull sperm is also elaborated.
Academic and Post-Graduate Performance of African American Medical Students by Category of Premed Institution: Historically Black vs. Predominantly White Institutions

Purpose. African American (AA) physicians are more likely to practice primary care and care for underserved populations than majority physicians, yet remain underrep- resented in medicine. Because Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a legacy of matriculating students with lower standardized test scores, majority medical schools may be reluctant to form pipelines with HBCUs. We compared academic and post- graduate performance of two groups of AA students at The Ohio State University College of Medicine: HBCU versus Predominantly White Institutions (PWI) graduates. Methods. We identified 212 AA matriculants between 1992 and 2007. Group 1 (N=39) were HBCU graduates, Group 2 (N=173) were PWI graduates. We compared MCAT scores, medical school, and post-graduate performance. Results. Despite lower average MCAT scores, groups did not differ significantly in terms of graduating, matching into residencies, select- ing primary care, or achieving board certification. Conclusions . Majority medical schools should consider forming strong recruitment pipelines with HBCUs.
Glans Necrosis as a Complication of Circumcision

An 8 lb, 7 oz full-term, breech-delivery baby was born after a 36-hour labor. With a technique first described by Kariher and Smith in 1956, circumcision was performed at about 12 hours of age, utilizing a plastic flange-like ring which fitted over the glans and under the excess skin of the prepuce; a ligature was tied tightly over the excess skin which lay on the plastic ring. At age 24 hours, the baby was observed to have a moderately edematous scrotum, one-plus pitting leg edema, and a black, necrotic-appearing glans (Fig.1). The ligature and the plastic ring were removed, without bleeding, following which the glans gradually became quite swollen and slightly moist over the following 12 hours.
Constructive Induction: A Preprocessor

Inductive algorithms rely strongly on their representational biases. Representational inadequacy can be mitigated by constructive induction. This paper introduces the notion of relative gain measure and describes a new constructive induction algorithm (GALA) which generates a small number of new attributes from existing nominal or real-valued attributes. Unlike most previous research on constructive induction, our techniques are designed for use in preprocessing data set for subsequent use by any standard selective learning algorithms. We present results which demonstrate the effectiveness of GALA on both artificial and real domains with respect to C4.5 and CN2.
STING-Mediated DNA Sensing Promotes Antitumor and Autoimmune Responses to Dying Cells

Adaptive immune responses to Ags released by dying cells play a critical role in the development of autoimmunity, allograft rejection, and spontaneous as well as therapy-induced tumor rejection. Although cell death in these situations is considered sterile, various reports have implicated type I IFNs as drivers of the ensuing adaptive immune response to cell-associated Ags. However, the mechanisms that underpin this type I IFN production are poorly defined. In this article, we show that dendritic cells (DCs) can uptake and sense nuclear DNA-associated entities released by dying cells to induce type I IFN. Remarkably, this molecular pathway requires STING, but not TLR or NLR function, and results in the activation of IRF3 in a TBK1-dependent manner. DCs are shown to depend on STING function in vivo to efficiently prime IFN-dependent CD8(+) T cell responses to tumor Ags. Furthermore, loss of STING activity in DCs impairs the generation of follicular Th cells and plasma cells, as well as anti-nuclear Abs, in an inducible model of systemic lupus erythematosus. These findings suggest that the STING pathway could be manipulated to enable the rational design of immunotherapies that enhance or diminish antitumor and autoimmune responses, respectively.
“Chronic” ectopic tubal pregnancy

Abstract “Chronic” tubal pregnancy has accounted for over one half of the ectopic pregnancies seen in our private practice during the past 7 years. The chronic rupture of the oviduct occurred most frequently in the multiparous Negro patient. The length of gestation was not increased, but the duration of illness was twice as long. None of the patients with chronic ectopic pregnancy exhibited evidence of shock on admission. The demonstration of anemia was the only helpful laboratory study. Posterior colpotomy was an invaluable diagnostic acid in differentiating between a “chronic” ectopic pregnancy and salpingo-oophoritis. The pathologic process is usually that of a large infected walled-off hematoma around the products of conception in the outer one half of the Fallopian tube.
Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis in support vector machines: robust optimization and uncertain programming approaches

Noisy or uncertain data are common in machine learning and data mining applications. Noisy data can significantly affect the behavior of data mining and machine learning algorithms. Robust optimization and sensitivity analysis techniques are applied to the support vector machine (SVM) learning problems to develop a noise-immune solution, and suggest new approaches for dealing with noisy data. Perturbations of model parameters are considered as well as perturbation of input data. This approach determines how the levels of noise of data and model parameters influence the SVM solution, both in linear and nonlinear problems. Probability and scenario constrained approaches are also examined as alternatives to the robust optimization approach. Several examples illustrate the proposed methods. An application to real time traffic data for the prediction of the speed of a vehicle is also discussed. Tornado data analysis is illustrated in a probability constrained approach as well.
Ritual sounds, political echoes: Vocal agency and the sensory cultures of secularism in the Dutch Syriac diaspora

Among Syriac Orthodox Christian migrant communities in the Netherlands, liturgical performance is a site of controversy over where and how to draw a boundary between “religious” and “ethnic” identity. Tensions materialize in discordant singing styles and modes of performance, echoing complex historical encounters with Dutch, Syrian, and Turkish secularisms. These encounters, I argue, have refashioned the liturgical tradition's role as a central axis of ethnoreligious social life and kin relations across the diaspora. Secular state practices shape a diasporic sensory culture that is met with a distinct form of vocal agency. Syriac Orthodox liturgical experiments show how the voice can transform the sensorial interface between human subjectivity and social intelligibility, in turn transforming how categories of secular modernity—whether ritual, art, ethnicity, or politics—are distinguished and lived.
An Exploratory Analysis Of Issus In System & Acceptance Testing

This paper uses findings from a qualitative study to explore the issues identified by programmers and the end user community in conducting software testing. Narratives were collected from 103 software testers and project managers selected from 10 different organizations in the Kansas City/Jefferson City area. Semi-structured interviews were used to illuminate the background to, and ways in which people conceptualize and respond to testing issues in their specific organizational setting. The study findings suggest a number of managerial strategies to ensure a more efficient testing process.
Expressed emotion and relapse in first episodes of schizophrenia. A rejoinder to Macmillan et al (1986)

Re-analyses of data presented by Macmillan et al (1986b) challenge their conclusions that high expressed emotion is not prognostically significant for the course of schizophrenia or unrelated to the level of behavioural disturbance prior to admission. Several equally plausible models of causal relationships between EE and duration of untreated illness are presented. We conclude that our re-analyses of the Macmillan data do not warrant premature closure regarding the significance of the EE variable.
Interclinician agreement and bias in school psychologists' diagnostic and treatment recommendations for a learning disabled child

Interclinician agreement was measured among 24 practicing school psychologists who assessed a simulated learning disability case of a fourth-grade girl. The data were analyzed with both an unprompted report written by each subject (recall), and a checklist of descriptive statements about the case (recognition). Interclinician agreement was found to be moderately high for diagnoses, and somewhat less for prescriptions. Interpretation bias due to the child's race (black, white), SES (low, high) and achievement level of the child's school (low, high) was not observed on most diagnostic statements. Only 17 of the 744 possible diagnostic main effects and 2-way interactions were significant at p<.01, while 7 such differences would be expected purely by change. No statements about intelligence, classroom behavior, or social relationships were statistically significant. However, the simulated low SES black child did tend to be classified as “not eligible for special education” much more often than did the white or upper class black on both the written reports and on the checklist, while the upper SES child was labelled learning disabled more frequently than was the low SES child on the recognized checklist. Other main effects and interactions also were noted in some statements about developmental history, arithmetic achievement, perceptual-motor integration, and excessive dependence.
Chemical Generation of Acoustic Waves: A Giant Photoacoustic Effect

An anomalous photoacoustic effect is produced when a suspension of carbon particles in water is irradiated by a high-power, pulsed laser. The photoacoustic effect has an amplitude on the order of 2000 times that produced by a dye solution with an equivalent absorption coefficient and gives a distinctly audible sound above an uncovered cell. Transient grating experiments with carbon suspensions show a doubling of the acoustic frequency corresponding to the optical fringe spacing of the grating. The effect is thought to originate in high-temperature chemical reactions between the surface carbon and the surrounding water.
Evolutionary genomics of inversions in Drosophila pseudoobscura: Evidence for epistasis

Drosophila pseudoobscura harbors a rich polymorphism for paracentric inversions on the third chromosome, and the clines in the inversion frequencies across the southwestern United States indicate that strong natural selection operates on them. Isogenic inversion strains were made from isofemale lines collected from four localities, and eight molecular markers were mapped on the third chromosome. Nucleotide diversity was measured for these loci and formed the basis of an evolutionary genomic analysis. The loci were differentiated among inversions. The inversions did not show significant differences among populations, however, likely the result of extensive gene flow among populations. Some loci had significant reductions in nucleotide diversity within inversions compared with interspecies divergence, suggesting that these loci are near inversion breakpoints or are near targets of directional selection. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) levels tended to decrease with distance between loci, indicating that some genetic exchange occurs among gene arrangements despite the presence of inversions. In some cases, however, adjacent genes had low levels of interlocus LD and loosely linked genes had high levels of interlocus LD, suggesting strong epistatic selection. Our results support the hypothesis that the inversions of D. pseudoobscura have emerged as suppressors of recombination to maintain positive epistatic relationships among loci within gene arrangements that developed as the species adapted to a heterogeneous environment.
Survey of the importance of professional behaviors among medical students, residents, and attending physicians.

Objective The authors compared the importance of items related to professional behavior among medical students rotating through their psychiatry clerkship, psychiatry residents, and attending psychiatrists.
Safeguarding Federalism in Education Policy in Canada and the United States

This article examines government power over elementary and secondary education policy in Canada and the United States. The study distinguishes between federal government policy and national policy that results from subnational governments adopting similar policies voluntarily. The analysis identifies factors that encourage development of national education policy. Federal policy appears to have greater potential for success than national policy due to federal resources and enforcement authority. However, there are constitutional constraints on federal power over education in Canada, and political and technical constraints in both countries. Subnational governments in both countries actively safeguard federalism and protect their autonomy. The study indicates that subnational commitment is essential for the success of both national education policy and federal education policy.
Dynamic Simulation of the Pile-Soil Interaction in the Vibratory Pile Driving Process

In the pile driving process, the soil dynamic performance and the dynamic contact on the interface are very complex. In order to analyze the interactions between the pile and soil, the simulation model of the pile-soil system is created by the finite element software. The numerical solution and the displacement curves of the pile are obtained based on suitable parameters of the pile-soil system and the D-P criterion. Then the amplitude and the frequency of the exciting force as well as the stiffness and the damping of the soil are changed to obtain the displacement curves of the pile. Through the comparisons between the curves, the influences on the pile driving process coming from the exciting force and other parameters are found out.
Moiré fringes as parametric curves

Advantage is taken in this paper of the parametric properties of families of curves to express in a simple manner several fundamental properties of moire fringes. Attention is called, in particular, to the necessary limitations on the angle of rotation of two gratings, and on the magnitude of their difference in pitch, to obtain an easily interpretable moire-fringe pattern.