cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Papanicolaou Smears in Cervical Cancer Patients Treated With Radiochemotherapy Followed by Radical Surgery

Papanicolaou (Pap) smears are part of the follow-up program for patients with cervical cancer treated with radiochemotherapy. After therapy, residual neoplastic cells may be rare, seldom exfoliate, and may demonstrate many alterations, which creates a risk of inaccurate results. We report a study of 65 patients who received radiochemotherapy before radical surgery. For each patient, we compared smear results with results from histologic examination of the whole cervix. The Pap smear was “negative for cancer” in 50 cases, “positive for cancer” in 6 cases, and detected atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance in 9 cases. Histologic examination revealed a complete pathologic response (pR0) in 26 cases and a partial pathologic response (pR1) in 27. In 12 cases, no pathologic response (pR2) was shown. Comparison of these results showed that the Pap test had a sensitivity of 0.16, a specificity of 0.96, a negative predictive value of 0.83, a positive predictive value of 0.42, and an accuracy of 0.46.
Predictor validity as related to criterion relevance, restriction of range, and ethnicity

Abstract Among 139 Western Union operators, a job-oriented spelling test correlated highly (-.53) with spelling errors in messages. Findings were attributed to criterion relevance (the use of actual work samples) and to relatively good criterion reliability (.70). There was no evidence of single-group or differential validity. The spelling test also correlated significantly with the performance of new operators during training. A numerical test correlated significantly with training performance and with errors in messages sent by experienced operators. The trait of cooperativeness was significantly related to customer complaints. Emphasis was given to the importance of correcting for range restriction (and of developing relevant and stable criteria) to ascertain the true value of a predictor.
The design and implementation of software tools to facilitate learning in bioinformatics

Bioinformatics has been evolved into a critical inter-disciplinary field that benefits studies in both molecular biology and computer science. On the one hand, it grants the possibility to comprehend biological information and process in a more effective and efficient way by employing computational technologies to extracting knowledge from dense amounts of intermixed biological data; on the other hand, it provides a new and complex domain for researching advanced algorithms and techniques for data analysis. Nevertheless, bioinformatics also poses a great challenge to grasp for both computer science and biology majors due to its interdisciplinary and advanced natures. The major difficulties for biology students lie in the understanding of computational logic behind those bioinformatics tools; whereas computer science students may have hard time to comprehend related biologic information and processes. As an effort to smooth the learning curve, we launch a project that aims to build a suite of software tools with interactive features to facilitate the learning of different topics in bioinformatics. In this paper, we introduce two software tools we build on gene prediction and sequence alignments as our initial outcomes of the project.
4-hydroxynonenal, a metabolite of lipid peroxidation, activates phospholipase D in vascular endothelial cells

We have examined the activation of phospholipase D (PLD) in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAEC) treated with 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). Treatment of BPAEC labelled with [32P] orthophosphate (5 h for minimal phospholipid labelling) and [3H] myristic acid (24 h) with 4-HNE in the presence of 0.5% ethanol resulted in the formation of [3H] phosphatidylethanol (PEt) and [3H] phosphatidic acid (PA) with very little accumulation of [32P] PEt. The formation of [3H] PEt, as opposed to [32P] PEt, suggests that PEt synthesis was not through de novo pathway but rather through the PLD mechanism. 4-Hydroxynonenal-induced PLD activation was dose and time dependent, and was not associated with cytotoxicity as determined by [3H] deoxyglucose release. The formation of PEt was not affected by chelation of either extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA (5 mM, 30 min) or intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA-AM (25 microM, 30 min). Treatment of BPAEC with either staurosporine (10 microM, 15 min), a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, or down regulation of PKC by chronic 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) treatment (100 nM, 18 h) had no effect on 4-HNE-induced PLD activation. These results indicate that PLD activation by 4-HNE is independent of PKC activity. We also examined the specificity of nonylaldehyde derivatives and hydroxyalkenals on PLD activation. In addition to 4-HNE, 4-hydroxyoctenal and 4-hydroxyhexenal also stimulated [32P] PEt formation. Among the various nonylaldehydes examined, only trans-2-nonenal and trans-2-cis 6-nonadienal exhibited PLD activation, suggesting the requirement of a trans double bond at carbon 2 and a hydroxyl group at carbon 4. However, in contrast to 4-HNE-induced PLD activation of BPAEC monolayers, treatment of 105,000 x g membranes with 4-HNE had no effect on PLD catalyzed hydrolysis of [2-14C] oleoyl phosphatidylcholine. These data provide evidence that 4-HNE, a metabolite of membrane lipid peroxidation, may be involved in endothelial cell signal transduction, through the activation of phospholipase D and the generation of second messengers like phosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol.
Magnetic Susceptibilities of Several Paramagnetic Salts at Liquid He3 Temperatures

A cryostat is described in which magnetic susceptibility measurements may be made by an audio‐frequency mutual induction technique at temperatures down to 0.35°K. Below 2°K the specimens are in direct contact with liquid He3. Results of measurements on several compounds are presented. The powder susceptibility of [Cr3(CH3COO)6(OH)2]Cl·8H2O has been found to obey a Curie—Weiss law. Both powdered Co(CH3COO)2·4H2O and powdered Ni(CH3COO)2·4H2O are observed to be paramagnetic to the lowest temperatures attained; the former salt does not exhibit the anomaly at 0.6°K found in earlier studies employing a magnetic cooling technique. The powder susceptibility of Mn(HCOO)2·2H2O suggests the existence of significant coupling among many of the Mn++ moments, but no evidence was found of a cooperative transition above 0.56°K.
Generalized quadrangles of order 4. II

Recall that if Y is a GQ of order 4 not isomorphic to W(4), then each pair of nonconcurrent lines (or noncollinear points) belongs to a triad with three centers, and each with three centers has exactly three centers. Moreover, if 9 = (L, , L, , &) and AZ = (1M, , M, , MJ are orthogonal triads of lines, the pair (9, A) must be of type a, i.e., no secant passes through two special points. Moreover, each secant must pass through a unique special point. Throughout the remainder of this note we let Y denote a GQ of order 4 that is not isomorphic to W(4), and 9 = (L, , L2, LJ and A? = (MI , Mz, Ma denote an orthogonal pair of triads of lnies. The notation and terminology of [l, Sect. 21 will be used in so far as it is appropriate: xij = Li n iWj ; R = {xij 1 1 < i, j < 3}. Other notation will be recalled as needed.
Optical interference logic in silicon-on-insulator waveguides

A novel means of realizing optical logic with passive silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguide elements is proposed and modeled. Using what we call interference logic (IL), information is encoded and manipulated in the complex domain by properly setting the amplitude and phase of information inputs through specially designed waveguide structures, with the resulting wave interference used to compute the desired function output. We demonstrate that any arbitrary Boolean logic function can be realized in any physical system in which interference occurs. In this work, optical interference logic utilizing constructive and destructive interference of 1.55 micron light waves in multi-mode interference (MMI) couplers fabricated with SOI rib waveguides is described. Defining a vector representation of the complex information, a numerical function minimization algorithm is employed to compute the optimum input vector manipulations needed to realize a given operation's truth table. As such, with the definition of an output amplitude detection threshold separating "0" and "1" results, logic operations can be performed. A digital 2 x 1 multiplexer (MUX) is implemented in a single 4 x 1 MMI coupler where 1 of the 4 inputs serves as a reference input beam. With an input spacing of 40 micron, the 2 x 1 multiplexer has an overall dimension of 160 micron x 2.25 cm. Simple varied-dimension waveguide elements are used to adjust input wave amplitude and phase. To confirm and optimize the designs, device operation is simulated using 2D beam propagation method (BPM).
Vapor deposited samarium zirconate thermal barrier coatings

article i nfo The rare earth zirconates (M2Zr2O7 ,M =La →Gd) have a low intrinsic thermal conductivity and high temperature phase stability making them attractive candidates for thermal barrier coating applications. An electron-beam evaporation, directed-vapor deposition (EB-DVD) technique has been used to investigate the synthesis of Sm2Zr2O7 (SZO) coatings and to explore the relationships between the deposition conditions and the coating composition, structure, texture, pore morphology, and thermal conductivity. The coatings exhibited significant fluctuations in composition because of differences in the vapor pressures of the constituent oxides and had a metastable fluorite structure because kinetic limitations hindered the cation ordering needed to form the equilibrium pyrochlore structure. The growth morphology of the EB-DVD SZO was similar to that of EB-DVD 7YSZ and EB-PVD Gd2Zr2O7. The SZO coatings had as-deposited conductivities of 0.5±0.1 W m −1 K −1 , about one-half of their DVD 7YSZ counterparts. The majority of the conductivity difference appears to be associated with the lower intrinsic conductivity of this zirconate.
Toward a new understanding of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: advances in research and treatment.

Our understanding of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), its underlying nature and its treatment have expanded owing to new strides made in basic and clinical research. This supplement comprises four articles, each focusing on an area that has shown significant developments in recent years: (1) the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges presented by patients who have ADHD and comorbid disorders; (2) efficacy, safety and patient selection issues with currently approved pharmacological treatments; (3) advances in defining ADHD neuropathophysiology; and (4) the clinical utility of noradrenergic a2-receptor agonists for managing ADHD symptoms. ADHD is commonly recognized in early childhood and thus begins a too-often frustrating path toward adequate symptom management for both the patient and their family. For as many as 33–55% of paediatric patients with ADHD, the difficulty may be partially attributed to a psychiatric comorbidity, which includes an oppositional defiant disorder, a major depressive disorder and various anxiety disorders. In many patients, these disorders present before the age of 10 years, but often go undetected. In my discussion of this problem, I highlight the fact that comorbid conditions can alter the clinical presentation of one or both disorders and I describe the differences between paediatric and adult clinical presentations of common psychiatric comorbidities seen with ADHD. I also discuss evidence that has been presented which supports the rationale for treating each appropriately diagnosed condition. Defining an effective treatment regimen is critical, since research shows that these patients are more likely than non-comorbid patients to experience devastating long-term outcomes, including psychoactive substance abuse and antisocial personality disorder. Although ADHD pharmacotherapy is effective and appropriate in many patients, it may not adequately address psychiatric comorbidity. My overview of this topic describes the important direct and indirect role of effective ADHD therapy in managing both primary and secondary disorders, as well as the critical role of appropriate adjunctive therapies aimed at comorbid conditions. Based on overwhelming evidence compiled from well controlled clinical trials, psychostimulants continue to be the mainstay of pharmacotherapy for ADHD, having demonstrated their effectiveness for improving ADHD symptoms. A recent study reported a 56% response rate (at least 40% improvement on the ADHDRating Scale) of a long-acting methylphenidate compared with 24% on placebo. The same study reported a 45% response rate with the noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine, the only nonstimulant approved for the treatment of patients with ADHD. Nevertheless, this leaves a significant minority of patients who do not respond adequately to psychostimulants or to atomoxetine, as well as other patients who cannot tolerate such therapies, or in whom such therapies INTRODUCTION CNS Drugs 2009; 23 Suppl.1: 5-8 1172-7047/09/0001-0005/$49.95/0
The Great Oxidation Event and Mineral Diversification

Before the Great Oxidation Event (GOE), at ∼2.4 Ga, the mineralogical record of the near-surface continental environment indicates a low partial pressure of oxygen during weathering, which restricted many elements to a low oxidation state and limited the number of possible minerals formed from these elements. Calculations show that local pulses in the production of O2 by photosynthesis could mobilize some metals (e.g. Mo and Re, but not U), but this O2 would be completely consumed. After the GOE, many elements could occur in one or more oxidized forms in minerals in the near-surface environment. This development resulted in an explosive growth in the diversification of minerals.
Work dynamics among persons with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective To track changes in the proportion of persons ages 18–64 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who were employed from diagnosis through 2004, to estimate changes in annual work hours during this time, and to describe risk factors for work loss among those employed at diagnosis.
Virome Analysis of Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis, and Ixodes scapularis Ticks Reveals Novel Highly Divergent Vertebrate and Invertebrate Viruses

A wide range of bacterial pathogens have been identified in ticks, yet the diversity of viruses in ticks is largely unexplored. In the United States, Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis, and Ixodes scapularis are among the principal tick species associated with pathogen transmission. We used high-throughput sequencing to characterize the viromes of these tick species and identified the presence of Powassan virus and eight novel viruses. These included the most divergent nairovirus described to date, two new clades of tick-borne phleboviruses, a mononegavirus, and viruses with similarity to plant and insect viruses. Our analysis revealed that ticks are reservoirs for a wide range of viruses and suggests that discovery and characterization of tick-borne viruses will have implications for viral taxonomy and may provide insight into tick-transmitted diseases. IMPORTANCE Ticks are implicated as vectors of a wide array of human and animal pathogens. To better understand the extent of tick-borne diseases, it is crucial to uncover the full range of microbial agents associated with ticks. Our current knowledge of the diversity of tick-associated viruses is limited, in part due to the lack of investigation of tick viromes. In this study, we examined the viromes of three tick species from the United States. We found that ticks are hosts to highly divergent viruses across several taxa, including ones previously associated with human disease. Our data underscore the diversity of tick-associated viruses and provide the foundation for further studies into viral etiology of tick-borne diseases.
Increased Insulin Resistance in Obese, Glucose-Intolerant Southwestern American Indians: Evidence for a Defect Not Explained by Obesity

Increased in vivo resistance to insulin-mediated glucose disposal has been observed in obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance and in nonobese subjects with glucose intolerance. To determine whether the insulin resistance of glucose-intolerant obese subjects can be accounted for by obesity alone, insulin-mediated glucose disposal was measured in 14 glucose-intolerant and 21 nondiabetic. Southwestern American Indians with similar degrees of obesity. A mixture of insulin, glucose, and somatostatin was infused which delivered the same quantity of glucose and achieved similar plasma insulin concentrations in all subjects. Despite similar steady state plasma insulin levels, the mean steady state plasma glucose concentration was higher in the glucose-intolerant subjects than in weight-matched subjects with normal glucose tolerance (226 +/- 10 vs. 136 +/- 13 mg/dl; P < 0.0001). This increased resistance to insulin action was found in the presence of similar insulin binding to mononuclear cells (measured in 8 glucose-intolerant subjects and 9 subjects with normal glucose tolerance). In obese Southwestern American Indians with glucose intolerance, abnormalities beyond the site of insulin binding to its receptor may explain the observed increase in in vivo insulin resistance.
Sequelae of Depression in College Undergraduates

Abstract Two studies, one quantitative and one qualitative, examined the longterm effects of mild and major depression in college undergraduates. The Self-Appraisal Questionnaire (SAQ) was used in the first study to assess diiferences in functioning between students with a history of major depression, students with a history of mild depression or dysphoria, and students with no history of psychiatric disturbance. There were highly significant differences between groups on the SAQ subscales. The second study involved individual interviews with 15 undergraduates who had experienced major depression as determined by a diagnostic interview. Statements elicited in the open-ended section of the interviews were grouped into eight categories. These categories consisted of both positive and negative sequelae of depression. Future research should explore the impact of developmental issues on the experience of depression, and both positive and negative consequences of a depressive episode.
hERG potassium channels and cardiac arrhythmia

hERG potassium channels are essential for normal electrical activity in the heart. Inherited mutations in the HERG gene cause long QT syndrome, a disorder that predisposes individuals to life-threatening arrhythmias. Arrhythmia can also be induced by a blockage of hERG channels by a surprisingly diverse group of drugs. This side effect is a common reason for drug failure in preclinical safety trials. Insights gained from the crystal structures of other potassium channels have helped our understanding of the block of hERG channels and the mechanisms of gating.
Optimal matching of general polygons based on the minimum zone error

This paper presents a parametric approach for the matching of polygonal profiles based on the tolerancing requirements defined by the ANSI standards. The polygonal matching problem is formulated as a minimax optimization model and a procedure for solving this optimization model is developed.
Nationally Based Data: Challenges for Global Governance (and Global Policy)

The current statistical picture of the world is probably the best it has ever been. But it also entails major limitations. In this article we show the limitations by focusing on three key areas: security, economy of development and the environment, and argue that they undermine the performance of global governance, and the possibility of global policy. In particular they do not allow taking the full measure and managing optimally the changes underway at the global level. To overcome this state of affairs, upgrading statistical capabilities is critical. To achieve this objective, the article suggests, among other ideas: adjusting and adapting the conceptualization, collection and implementation of statistical data to a world that is on its way to becoming global; improving the conditions of compilation of statistical data in developing countries; and investing in institution-building and innovation, in developed and developing countries, and in national and international organizations.
Control of carbon dioxide emissions from a power plant (and use in enhanced oil recovery)

Abstract The design of a compact, environmentally acceptable, carbon dioxide-diluted, coal-oxygen-fired power plant is described. The plant releases no combustion products to the atmosphere. The oxygen for combustion is separated in an air liquefaction plant and the effluent nitrogen is available for use in oil well production. Recycled carbon dioxide mixed with oxygen replaces the nitrogen for the combustion of coal in the burners. The carbon dioxide produced is used in enhanced oil recovery operations and injected into spent wells and excavated salt cavities for long-term storage. The recovery of CO2 from a coal-burning power plant by this method appears to have the lowest energy expenditure and the lowest by-product cost compared to alternative removal and recovery processes.
Proteomic profiling of the amniotic fluid to detect inflammation, infection, and neonatal sepsis.

Background Proteomic analysis of amniotic fluid shows the presence of biomarkers characteristic of intrauterine inflammation. We sought to validate prospectively the clinical utility of one such proteomic profile, the Mass Restricted (MR) score. Methods and Findings We enrolled 169 consecutive women with singleton pregnancies admitted with preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes. All women had a clinically indicated amniocentesis to rule out intra-amniotic infection. A proteomic fingerprint (MR score) was generated from fresh samples of amniotic fluid using surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization (SELDI) mass spectrometry. Presence or absence of the biomarkers of the MR score was interpreted in relationship to the amniocentesis-to-delivery interval, placental inflammation, and early-onset neonatal sepsis for all neonates admitted to the Newborn Special Care Unit (n = 104). Women with “severe” amniotic fluid inflammation (MR score of 3 or 4) had shorter amniocentesis-to-delivery intervals than women with “no” (MR score of 0) inflammation or even “minimal” (MR score of 1 or 2) inflammation (median [range] MR 3–4: 0.4 d [0.0–49.6 d] versus MR 1–2: 3.8 d [0.0–151.2 d] versus MR 0: 17.0 d [0.1–94.3 d], p 100 cells/mm3), whereas the combination of Gram stain and MR score was best for rapid prediction of intra-amniotic infection (positive amniotic fluid culture). Conclusions High MR scores are associated with preterm delivery, histological chorioamnionitis, and early-onset neonatal sepsis. In this study, proteomic analysis of amniotic fluid was shown to be the most accurate test for diagnosis of intra-amniotic inflammation, whereas addition of the MR score to the Gram stain provides the best combination of tests to rapidly predict infection.
The Body of War: Media, Ethnicity, and Gender in the Break-up of Yugoslavia

Dubravka Žarkov, Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2007, 286 pp.,, $23.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-0822339663 The goal of the author of this book is to reorient feminist theorizing about war. In so d...
Evaluation of p53 genotype on gene expression in the testis, liver, and heart from male C57BL/6 mice

Our laboratory is conducting experiments designed to characterize the role of p53 in gene expression in the TSG-p53® mouse model. In the study reported here, gene expression levels in tissue derived from the testis, liver, and heart of male, 8–9 week old, p53 wild-type (WT), heterozygous (HET) or knockout (KO) mice were determined utilizing a targeted qPCR 84-gene array. The heart, liver and testis were selected because of the unique function and rate of cell division of each tissue. The genes on the arrays were categorized into three Functional Gene Groups, Apoptosis, Cell-Cycle and DNA Repair. Differences in expression of the functional groups were determined by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and significant (P < 0.05) differences in their expression were found among the heart, liver and testis. Further, the expression of the Functional Gene Groups in each of these tissues was also significantly affected by p53 genotype. These data indicate that gene expression in unperturbed tissue is influenced by the status of p53 genotype, and relates, at least partially, to the function of the tissue.
Computation of steady and unsteady flows with a free surface around the Wigley hull

The previously reported Modified Artificial Compressibility approach to solve unsteady, two dimensional free surface flows using Euler equations has been extended to solve unsteady, three dimensional free surface flows using Navier-Stokes equations. This approach provides a natural way of incorporating the body force term due to gravity in a higher order scheme. The numerical scheme, UNCLE, is a finite volume, implicit, upwind scheme that uses the Roe variables for computing the fluxes at the cell interfaces and the MUSCL approach for obtaining higher order corrections. The flux Jacobians are obtained using numerical (Frechet) differentiation. The free surface is tracked using the moving grid approach which results in an accurate way of applying the boundary conditions preventing leaks through the free surface. Both Euler and Navier-Stokes computations have been performed. Turbulence is accounted using the Baldwin-Lomax model. This scheme is used to study steady and unsteady flows around a Wigley hull. Steady flow is studied by keeping the body stationary in a uniform flow. Unsteady aspect of the flow is induced by heaving the body using a sinusoidal function. The amplitude of heaving was 0.4 times the draft. Comparisons have been made with available experimental results for the case of the steady motion and the agreement is quite good. No data is available to make comparisons with the unsteady motion.
Perturbative analysis of topological entanglement entropy from conditional independence

We use the structure of conditionally independent states to analyze the stability of topological entanglement entropy. For the ground state of the quantum double or Levin-Wen model, we obtain a bound on the first-order perturbation of topological entanglement entropy in terms of its energy gap and subsystem size. The bound decreases superpolynomially with the size of the subsystem, provided the energy gap is nonzero. We also study the finite-temperature stability of stabilizer models, for which we prove a stronger statement than the strong subadditivity of entropy. Using this statement and assuming (i) finite correlation length and (ii) small conditional mutual information of certain configurations, first-order perturbation effect for arbitrary local perturbation can be bounded. We discuss the technical obstacles in generalizing these results.
Preparing for retirement: reflections on mistakes made and lessons learned.

When I started my career 35 years ago, I was asked what I considered a very strange question: “How much money do you want to contribute monthly to your retirement account?” I immediately thought, “Isn't that a little premature—I haven't even started my first job!” However, upon further reflection, I realized the value in preparing for something that, like death and taxes, is inevitable for physicians. It is in this spirit that I write this editorial—not just for those approaching retirement, but for all physicians. I would like to share observations that may help the practicing surgeon, irrespective of the stage of his or her career. Start by asking a simple question: “Where do I find my identity/self-worth?” As a practicing surgeon, the immediate and intuitive answer is “my profession—surgery.” Although this may be true to an extent, further consideration should result in recognition of reality: There is life and value beyond surgery and your present career. Where is that value found? This question takes a certain level of introspection, which I have addressed elsewhere.1 However, if the only response you have to this question is “my career,” you will be very disappointed in retirement, because your career and your sense of self as you now know it will be over. If you have not identified postretirement goals beforehand, you will lose valuable time and effort trying to find purpose after the fact. You may also find yourself wondering how to compensate for the investments you should have made earlier in your career, a task that is much easier said than done. During your professional career as a surgeon, you may need to reevaluate goals and timelines and continue to work with a professional financial planner. You may be fortunate and find one consultant whose talents will follow you … Corresponding Author: Dr David Larson, 13510 Braemar Drive, Elm Grove, WI 53122, USA. E-mail: dlarson{at}acgme.org
A treasurer's guide to security broker swindles

The term securities swindle is commonly associated with fly-by-night charlatans who prey on novice investors or the elderly. Many corporate people believe this kind of unscrupulous behavior is uncommon in legitimate financial institutions. But that's not true. And treasury managers—who routinely use brokerage firms for various purposes—can fall victim to securities swindles more easily than you might think. What are the most common swindles out there now? And how must treasurers protect themselves? © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variability in the hawthorne effect with regard to hand hygiene performance in high- and low-performing inpatient care units.

Objective. To determine the impact of known observers on hand hygiene performance in inpatient care units with differing baseline levels of hand hygiene compliance. Design. Observational study. Setting. Three inpatient care units, selected on the basis of past hand hygiene performance, in a hospital where hand hygiene observation and feedback are routine. Participants. Three infection control practitioners (ICPs) and a student intern observed hospital staff. Methods. Beginning in late 2005, the 3 ICPs, who were well known to the hospital staff, performed frequent, regular observations of hand hygiene in all 3 inpatient care units of the hospital, as part of routine surveillance. During the study period (January–May 2007), a student intern who was unknown to the hospital staff also performed observations of hand hygiene in the 3 inpatient care units. The rates of hand hygiene compliance observed by the 3 ICPs were compared with those observed by the student intern. Results. The 3 ICPs observed 332 opportun...
Actively-induced experimental allergic orchitis (EAO) in Lewis/NCR rats: sequential histo- and immunopathologic analysis.

Active experimental allergic orchitis (EAO) was induced in Lewis/NCr rats by immunization with homologous rat testicular homogenate. Groups of animals were studied sequentially at five day intervals for histopathologic signs of disease. Inflammatory lesions were first observed in the ductus efferentes as early as 5 days following immunization. Immunohistochemical analysis of the testes, rete testis, ductus efferentes and caput, corpus and cauda epididymis of immunized rats on day five revealed that only the ductus efferentes exhibited a significant increase in the number of interstitial cells expressing la antigens (MRC OX-6) as well as CD4 (W3/25) positive helper/inducer T lymphocytes, CD8 (MRC OX-8) positive cytotoxic T lymphocytes and/or natural killer cells and macrophages (MRC OX-42). Increased staining for la antigens was also associated with both the vascular and ductal epithelial cells whereas cells within the lumen of the ducts were consistently negative for la antigen expression. In contrast, th...
Gallium Arsenide Clad Optical Waveguide Modulators

Computer modeling studies on planar dielectric optical waveguides clad with gallium arsenide indicate that the attenuation and mode index behave as exponentially damped sinusoids as the semiconductor thickness in increased. This effect is due to a periodic coupling between the TE0 mode of the dielectric and the lossy modes supported by the high refractive index gallium aresenide. For guided wave propagation near the semiconductor band edge, the complex permittivity of the gallium arsenide may be altered through electron-hole pair generation via second photon excitation. This pair generation process is investigated as a means of controlling guided wave propagation, and amplitude and phase modulators are examined.
Interfacial stability of electrodeposition of cuprous oxide films.

Experiments on deposition of Cu2O films from basic cupper sulfate solution show that copper also deposits. At low, but basic values of pH only copper deposits and at high pH only cuprous oxide deposits. In the intermediate range where both compete the system shows oscillations at “constant current.” Linear stability analysis has been conducted for such an electrochemical cell to show that oscillations can take place in the parameter space identified in the experiments. The results are keeping with most of the experimental observations, which are many, but not with all. The physical mechanisms behind the oscillations are explained in terms of competing reactions.
Metabolism of butadiene by mice, rats, and humans: a comparison of physiologically based toxicokinetic model predictions and experimental data

1,3-Butadiene is a carcinogen in rats and mice, with mice being substantially more sensitive than rats. Our recent research is directed toward obtaining a better understanding of the cancer risk of butadiene in humans by evaluating species-dependent differences in the formation of the toxic metabolites epoxybutene and diepoxybutane. The recent data include in vitro studies on butadiene metabolism using tissues from humans, rats, and mice as well as experimental data and physiological model predictions for butadiene in blood and butadiene epoxides in blood, lung, and liver after exposure of rats and mice to inhaled butadiene. The findings suggest that humans would be more like rats and less like mice regarding the formation of butadiene epoxides. These research findings permit a reassessment of some default options that are used in carcinogen risk assessments. The research approach employed can be a useful strategy for developing mechanistic and toxicokinetic data to supplant default assumptions used in carcinogen risk assessments.
Distribution in brain and retina of four enzymes of acetyl CoA synthesis in relation to choline acetyl transferase and acetylcholine esterase.

Eleven regions of mouse brain and twelve layers of monkey retina were assayed for choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), acetylcholine esterase (AChE), and 4 enzymes that synthesize acetyl CoA. The purpose was to seek evidence concerning the source of acetyl CoA for acetylcholine generation. In brain ATP citrate lyase was strongly correlated with ChAT as well as AChE (r=0.914 in both cases). Weak, but statistically significant correlation, was observed between ChAT and both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial thiolase, whereas there was a significant negative correlation between ChAT and acetyl thiokinase. In retina ChAT was essentially limited to the inner plexiform and ganglion cell layers, whereas substantial AChE activity extended as well into inner nuclear, outer plexiform and fiber layers, but no further. ATP citrate lyase activity was also highest in the inner four retinal layers, but was not strongly correlated with either ChAT or AChE (r=0.724 and 0.761, respectively). Correlation between ChAT and acetyl thiokinase was at least as strong (r=0.757), and in the six inner layers of retina, the correlation between ChAT and acetylthiokinase was very strong (r=0.932).
Blood-brain barrier choline transport in the senescent rat.

Abstract Choline is an important membrane phospholipid constituent and a neurotransmitter precursor that is minimally synthesized in brain. The long-term maintenance of brain choline concentration is dependent on uptake from plasma, which occurs via saturable transporter at the blood–brain barrier. Previous studies have suggested that brain choline uptake declined with age. To reevaluate this, brain choline uptake in 3, 12, 24, and 28-month-old Fischer-344 rats was evaluated using the in situ brain perfusion technique. Minimal differences were found with uptake parameters differing by ∼10% between aged and adult rats for tracer levels while similar trends were observed at higher choline concentrations. Further, estimated V max and K m values differed by
Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment: Stopping History's Clock

As a precursor of violent political upheavals that would recast Russian society, literary activity in the 1860s was marked by conflict between radicals and conservatives. Nikolai Chernyshevsky's 1863 novel What is to be Done? predicted a future of prosperity and social justice. An alarmed Dostoevsky attacked Chernyshevsky in Notes from Underground (1864) and then in Crime and Punishment, from 1865. Contending that speeding into an uncertain future—equated with Western thought—was dangerous, Dostoevsky equated rapid forward motion with violence, stasis with the eternal values of Russian Orthodoxy.
Employee recruiting and the Lake Wobegon effect

Abstract Employers, educational institutions, and other organizations are often faced with the problem of selecting the most qualified candidate to fill an available position. To this end, many employers have adopted a tournament-like procedure consisting of an initial phase in which third-party “referees” are used to eliminate unqualified candidates, followed by an interview phase in which the remaining candidates are ordinally ranked. We show that the unique equilibrium arising under this mechanism entails embellishment by both candidates and referees (a phenomenon known as the “Lake Wobegon effect”), but despite this, always results in the selection of the most qualified candidate.
Importance of Resident Placement within a Skilled Nursing Facility

Specific attention to the placement of nursing-home residents within a skilled nursing facility is often neglected. a study was made of the effects on mental and emotional status, sensory perception, and capability for the needs of daily living when a mentally incompetent resident was placed as a room-mate with a competent resident. By means of a rating scale designed for this study, the mentally competent subjects were assessed before and after this type of placement. A significant change occurred in mental and emotional status (p less than 0.001) but there was no change in either sensory perception or the ability to perform the tasks of daily living. The data suggest that the placement of a mentally incompetent resident with one who is mentally competent may result in an alteration of mental and emotional status for the latter. It is important that placement conditions be considered in the initial processing of all nursing-home residents.
Coordination and finiteness in Malayalam

Jayaseelan (2013) notes that finite clauses in Dravidian languages cannot be coordinated. He proposes that this is because coordination morphology and finiteness morphology in these languages target the same location. This paper proposes an alternative to Jayaseelan’s proposal by developing a subcategorization-based account.
STIMULUS CONTROL IN DISCRIMINATION LEARNING

Following go/no go discrimination training, hypotheses can be made about the stimuli which control responding and the underlying factors upon which such control is dependent. The roles of generalization tests and tests to ascertain the operation of response suppression (inhibition) are assessed for their relevance to these hypotheses.
Investigation of the effects of perpendicular electric field and surface morphology on nanoscale droplet using molecular dynamics simulation

The effects of an externally applied perpendicular electric field and surface roughness on water nanodroplets on silicon (Si) substrates are explored using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The plain surface of Si (111) lattice and Si substrate with pillar-array roughness were employed as the solid models. Given the various directions and strengths of the external electric field, the variation in average number of wall-fluid interfacial hydrogen bonds formed by each water molecule, , and the droplet shape deformation are disclosed using MD simulations. This work explores and compares the droplet shape in the plain surface and substrate with surface nanostructure cases, especially the Cassie and Wenzel states. The qualitative droplet deformation trends under various perpendicular electric fields are summarised.
Selection System for the Stay-Green Drought Tolerance Trait in Sorghum Germplasm

Post-fl owering drought tolerance is an essential trait for increasing the production of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and other cereals in Mediterranean and semiarid tropical climates. Current methodologies for identifying the nonsenescent (stay-green) trait require the right intensity of drought stress at the right developmental stage to visually evaluate lines in the fi eld. Field-based evaluations of drought tolerance are notoriously diffi cult to manage, and oft en require growing lines in multiple locations across several years to acquire a meaningful assessment of the stay-green trait. By means of a 30-min high-temperature challenge to leaf tissue during fl owering of well-watered sorghum and a 30-min room temperature recovery, we show that stay-green lines can be readily identifi ed. Using chlorophyll fl uorescence to monitor tissue injury, we found that tissue with higher intercellular sucrose concentrations exhibited higher chlorophyll fl uorescence yield following the temperature challenge. Stay-green lines evaluated in this study maintained higher dawn leaf sucrose levels than the senescent lines among the fi ve youngest leaf positions. Evaluation of 10 known stay-green and senescent sorghum lines, previously reported in the literature, with this bioassay allowed us to separate the two classes of sorghum from well-watered fl owering plants. Th e stay-green lines can also be separated from senescent lines under well-watered greenhouse conditions from the boot stage onward. Th is technology will greatly reduce the selection time needed to identify drought tolerant sorghum.
Real-time collision avoidance in teleoperated whole-sensitive robot arm manipulators

The problem of generating collision-free motion in an operator-assisted teleoperated robot arm manipulator system is discussed. The concentration is on several system requirements: a real real-time operation, a guarantee of collision-free motion for the entire body of the arm manipulator, and an ability to handle obstacles of arbitrary shapes. The suggested methodology draws on recent work on motion planning with incomplete information for whole-sensitive robots. >
Suicide, Mental Disorders, and the US Military Time to Focus on Mental Health Service Delivery

Suicide in the US military has been the recent focus of controversy and misunderstanding. The disappointing lack of valid and generalizable epidemiologic research from which to confidently ground clinical and policy decisions has only helped to fuel debates about the magnitude and causes of the problem and how best to approach it. Military suicides are sometimes characterized as epidemic in proportion, and many observers appear to assume that the incidence is escalating out of control as a consequence of prolonged combat and associated stress. Although a worrisome increase in the rate of military suicide has occurred since 2005, suicide in the military remains rare, a fact that leads to many challenges when trying to predict, study, and prevent suicide.
Hormesis and ecological risk assessment: Fact or fantasy?

Abstract Hormesis is a widespread phenomenon across occurring many taxa and chemicals, and, at the single species level, issues regarding the application of hormesis to human health and ecological risk assessment are similar. However, interpreting the significance of hormesis for even a single species in an ecological risk assessment can be complicated by competition with other species, predation effects, etc. In addition, ecological risk assessments may involve communities of hundreds or thousands of species as well as a range of ecological processes. Applying hormetic adjustments to threshold effect levels for chemicals derived from sensitivity distributions for a large number of species is impractical. For ecological risks, chemical stressors are frequently of lessor concern than physical stressors (e.g., habitat alteration) or biological stressors (e.g., introduced species), but the relevance of hormesis to non‐chemical stressors is unclear. Although ecological theories such as the intermediate distur...
The use of a mixed Weibull model in occupational injury analysis

Chung, M.K., Wu, S-C.H. and Herrin, G.D. (1986). The use of a mixed Weibull model in occupational injury analysis. Journal of Occupational Accidents, 7: 239–250. This article describes a mixed Weibull model which is proposed as an alternative model of occupational injury analysis. This model assumes that a worker will suffer injuries during employment with a probability γ (0 < γ < 1). The conditional failure time model is defined to be a Weibull distribution. Given the model, the relationship between minor and major injury incidents is examined using the injury data of 1,004 workers in a south-western industrial plant. The efficacy of the model is apparent in that it provides a fraction of long-term survivors as well as injury rate for those ever suffering an injury.
Prevalence and Importance of Contemporary Pagan Practices

Using quantitative methods to analyze a national survey conducted by the author, this study investigates the prevalence and relative importance of categories of religious practice to a large sample (N=3318), of American contemporary Pagans. Results indicate that almost all Pagans identify as following multiple religious paths. A core constellation of ubiquitous religious practices was identified (individual ritual; seasonal rituals; meditation; making offerings; worshiping deity/ies; environmental or green practices as a part of religious practice; performing magick or spells on behalf of the self; healing work; divination; prayer; herbalism; and performing magick or spells on behalf of the greater good). Also identified was a subset of practices that are not as common but have high levels of significance for those who do them, suggesting possible specialization. There was minimal significant variation of prevalence and importance of practices by Pagan tradition, but there was some variation based on group membership and leadership status. The results indicate a high level of importance placed on personal practice, whether or not an individual belongs to a group or is solitary.
A Radial Velocity Search for Extrasolar Planets

We are measuring small changes in the line-of-sight velocities of stars to detect the oscillatory reflex acceleration induced by large planets. Our instrument is an optical spectrometer for which wavelengths are first calibrated by transmission through a tunable Fabry-Perot etalon interferometer. The intrinsic stability of the etalon and an image-scrambling fiber optic light feed provide great sensitivity to line-of-sight accelerations and immunity to systematic errors. The interferometer is being frequently calibrated to ± 6 meters/sec in Doppler shift. The standard deviation of a one-hour exposure on a typical solar-type star of blue magnitude 4.0 is ± 12 m/s. This random error “averages down” through an observing season, giving adequate accuracy for the search for Jovian-mass planets. McMillan et al. (1985, 1986) describe the instrument, principle of operation, test results, calibration, observing methods, and sensitivity to planets as a function of mass and period.