cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prophylactic transdermal scopolamine for the reduction of postoperative length of stay after uterine aspiration at Kaiser Permanente Northern California from 2017-2018.

Abstract Objective To determine if transdermal scopolamine is associated with decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting and shorter length of stay in the postoperative care unit among patients undergoing uterine aspiration for abortion or early pregnancy loss. Study design We conducted a retrospective cohort study at an integrated medical center that initiated a protocol to prescribe transdermal scopolamine to patients undergoing uterine aspiration under moderate sedation. We compared outcomes among patients who underwent uterine aspiration in 2017, before the institution enacted the protocol, with their counterparts in 2018, immediately after the institution instated the protocol. We reviewed patient charts for data on the postoperative length of stay, use of additional antiemetics, and a standardized clinician designated postoperative nausea and vomiting score. We analyzed outcomes by relevant demographic and clinical characteristics using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables and t tests for continuous variables. Results The final sample included 386 patients; 228 who did not receive scopolamine and 158 who did. The cohorts were comparable in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. The cohort that received transdermal scopolamine had a similar mean postoperative length of stay (75.4 ± 54.1 vs 71.1 ± 50.8 minutes; p = 0.43). There were no differences in the proportions of patients who were provided additional antiemetics (26 ± 11.4 vs 17 ± 10.8; p = 0.84) or had transient vomiting and retching (3 ± 1.9 vs 3 ± 1.3; p = 0.69) between the cohorts. Conclusion We found no evidence that prophylactic transdermal scopolamine reduces postoperative nausea, vomiting, or length of stay among patients undergoing uterine aspiration. Implications Among patients who underwent uterine aspiration under moderate sedation, use of prophylactic transdermal scopolamine was not associated with shorter postoperative length of stay or lesser use of antiemetics. Prophylactic transdermal scopolamine is not likely to be useful for patients undergoing uterine aspiration and could be an unnecessary cost.
Complex Fibroadenoma with Pronounced Squamous Metaplasia: A Rare Case Report, Differential Diagnostic Considerations, and Associated Breast Cancer Risk.

Squamous metaplasia of the breast is a rare and unusual finding. A number of benign and malignant differential entities exist when squamous cells are present in a breast lesion. Our patient was fou...
Étre-Dans-Un-Monde-Littéraire

Pour le moment je vais laisser de cote le theme principal de ce discours, afin d’y arriver de facon detournee. Je vais commencer par poser une question qui de nos jours pourrait risquer de paraitre a certains de vous absurde, et a bien d’autres, reactionnaire.
Poetic License in the Qur'an: Ibn al-Ṣāʾigh al-Ḥanafī's Iḥkām al-rāy fī aḥkām al-āy

Poetic license in the Qur'an has received limited attention in Western scholarship, and even the main exception, Friedrun Muller's 1969 monograph Untersuchungen zur Reimprosa im Koran, fails to recognise the substantial treatments of the topic, the general term for which was riʿāyat al-fāṣila, literally ‘taking into consideration the verse-final (rhyme) word’, in traditional Islamic scholarship. This study discusses the most thorough pre-modern treatment of poetic license in the Qur'an, Ibn al-Ṣāʾigh al-Ḥanafī’s treatise Iḥkām al-rāy fī aḥkām al-āy (‘Exercising Sound Judgement, on the Rules Governing Ayas’), which dates to the eighth/fourteenth century. A sophisticated linguistic, grammatical and stylistic analysis of the text of the Qur'an, Iḥkām al-rāy presents 40 types of deviation from ordinary usage that occur in order to facilitate rhyme at the ends of ayas. The study then addresses ‘cognate substitution’, one type of deviation for the sake of rhyme that Muller's Untersuchungen emphasises without na...
A new video watermarking protocol

This paper overviews the problems with temporal synchronization in video watermarking and describes a new approach for efficient synchronization and resynchronization. A complete version of the new method has been presented.
Dynamic neural networks for adaptive control of nonlinear systems

In this paper the design of a dynamic neural network (DNN) for modeling and control of a class of minimum-phase controllable nonlinear systems is considered. The dynamic neural network acts as a generic model of the system, which is then used in the derivation of the control signal. The training of the network is based oil a novel scheme that arranges the outputs of the hidden layer of the DNN into a set of orthogonal basis functions. This allows for the derivation of a stable rule for the training of the DNN's weights and does not require random initialization of the weights.
Abnormal Electroretinogram in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (P2.296)

Objective: To describe a case of abnormal electroretinogram findings in a patient with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Background: Neuromyelitis optica (NMOSD) is a demyelinating disorder that can cause bilateral optic neuritis and transverse myelitis in the setting of antibodies to aquaporin-4. Though some reports of retinal autoantibodies and abnormalities in electroretinogram (ERG) have been reported in multiple sclerosis, these findings have yet to be described in NMO. We report a case of NMO spectrum disorder with ERG abnormalities. Methods: Retrospective review of one patient with a diagnosis of NMO spectrum disorder. Visual acuity, physical examination, visual fields, fluorescein angiography, ICG angiography and serial ERGs were reviewed. Results: A 60 year old female presented with decreased vision in both eyes for over 6 weeks. Visual acuity on presentation was 20/40 OD, counting fingers at 2 feet OS. Ocular exam noted poorly reactive pupils bilaterally but the remainder of the exam including optic nerve exam was unremarkable. Formal visual field examination revealed bilateral superior altitudinal defect most dense in the left eye. Fluorescein angiography and ICG were unremarkable. ERG noted decreased scotopic, photopic, and flicker response in the left eye when compared to the right eye and both eyes had a diminished response overall. MRI of the brain was notable for abnormal T2 signal changes of the prechiasmiatic segments of both optic nerves and the left lateral optic chiasm. Aquaporin-4 antibody testing was positive. MRI of the cervical spine was unremarkable. Patient was diagnosed with NMO spectrum disorder. The patient was treated with high dose steroids and the visual field abnormalities resolved. The ERG also gradually returned to normal with treatment. She continues to be relapse and symptom free for the last 12 months. Conclusion: This case suggests that NMO spectrum disorder can include retinopathy that has not been previously reported. Further investigation is necessary to investigate how the NMO antibody causes an autoimmune retinopathy. Disclosure: Dr. Szewka has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tannan has nothing to disclose.
In vitro and in vivo release of levonorgestrel from poly(ortho esters): I. Linear polymers

Abstract The in vitro and in vivo release of levonorgestrel from linear poly(ortho ester) cylindrical devices containing 30 wt.% drug and 2 wt.% calcium lactate was studied. The in vitro release rate was a relatively constant 20 μg/day for about one year at which time the experiment was discontinued. The in vivo release rate in rabbits was about 33 μg/day. In both studies rate of polymer erosion is about the same and significantly leads rate of drug release. Therefore, factors other than polymer erosion determine rate of drug release. SEM studies of devices explanted from rabbits show the formation of a foamed drug layer surrounding the device. The formation of this layer is caused by polymer erosion around undissolved drug. Rate of drug delivery from the device is controlled by dissolution of levonorgestrel from the outside of the foamed drug layer. The higher in vivo release is attributed to the presence of lipophilic species that facilitate dissolution of levonorgestrel.
Androgens in various fluid compartments of the rat testis and epididymis after hypophysectomy and gonadotropin supplementation

Hypophysectomized male rats were administered LH or LH + FSH for 14 days and subjected to in vivo micropuncture collection of reproductive tract fluids to determine if FSH alters the compartmentalization of testosterone in the rat testis or of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the epididymis. Testosterone and DHT concentrations were determined in cardiac blood serum, testicular venous serum, testicular interstitial fluid, and seminiferous tubule fluid, and in intraluminal fluid and tissue extracts from the caput and cauda epididymidis. Testosterone is the predominant androgen in the testis, and compared with control values, concentrations in venous sera, interstitial fluid, and tubule fluid were returned to values indistinguishable from controls by supplementation with 24 micrograms LH/day. 24 micrograms LH + 24 micrograms FSH/day did not augment the intratubular partition of testosterone. Epididymal DHT values were returned to control levels by LH alone, but additional supplementation with FSH significantly increased DHT from the caput epididymidis even further. It is speculated that FSH does not alter the compartmentalization of androgens in the rat testis, but may play a role in retaining androgens in the epididymis.
Binder Removal from Ceramic-Filled Thermoplastic Blends

Thermogravimetric analysis is used to examine the degradation of a multicomponent polymer binder consisting of a blend of a polyethylene co-ethyl acrylate with a polyisobutymethacrylate polymer. In the polymer blends without ceramic powder, the methacrylate component degrades at a temperature lower than the ethylene copolymer. Minor additives polyethylene glycol, stearic acid, and paraffinic mineral oil are also considered. The thermal degradation of a five-component blend is only approximately as expected from the individual components, with retardation of the methacrylate degradation. Oxide ceramic powder significantly alters polymer degradation, retarding degradation in the early stages but accelerating degradation in the later exothermic stages. Polymer-polymer interactions and oxide-polymer interactions make the degradation behavior of blends difficult to predict from single component behavior.
Human B cell defects in perspective.

While primary immune defects are generally considered to lead to severe and easily recognized disease in infants and children, a number of genetic defects impairing B cell function may not be clinically apparent or diagnosed until adult life. The commonest of these is common variable immune deficiency, the genetic origins of which are beginning to be at least partially understood. CVID affects ≈1/25,000 Caucasians and is characterized by a marked reduction in serum IgG, almost always in serum IgA, and reduced serum IgM in about half of all cases; these defects continue to provide an opportunity to investigate the genes necessary for B cell function in humans. Recently, a small number of genes necessary for normal B cell function have been identified in consanguineous families leading to varying degrees of hypogammaglobulinemia and loss of antibody production. In other studies, whole-exome sequencing and copy number variation, applied to large cohorts, have extended research into understanding both the genetic basis of this syndrome and the clinical phenotypes of CVID.
MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS OF A NONLINEAR INTEGRAL EQUATION

Abstract : The report contains a simplified proof of a recent result of Pimbley, as corrected by Parter, concerning the number of solutions of the Hammerstein integral equation u(x) = lambda the integral from 0 to 1 of K(x,y) H(y,u(y))u(y) dy for a given value of lambda.
Ultrasound-Assisted Surface-Modification of Wood Particulates for Improved Wood/Plastic Composites

The combined effects of alkali and ultrasound treatment of wood flour on the mechanical properties of polypropylene-based wood/plastic composites (WPCs) were examined. FT-IR measurements confirmed that the alkali treatment removed both hemicellulose and lignin from the wood, and there was an increase in the number of hydroxyl groups on the cellulose surface. This process was promoted by ultrasound treatment. Mechanical testing of injection-molded WPC samples revealed that alkali treatment improved both composite strength and modulus when polypropylene grafted with maleic acid was used as a coupling agent. The strength increase is due to improved adhesion between the fiber and matrix, while improved modulus is due to the removal of lignin and hemicellulose that are not as stiff as cellulose. Polarized optical microscopy showed the presence of well-defined polymer crystals on the surface of the modified wood, and this is also responsible for the improved mechanical properties. It is conclusively demonstrate...
Deviations from Rutherford backscattering for Z = 1, 2 projectiles

Abstract In a previous paper, an analytical expression for the center of mass kinetic energy, E nr , for departure from Rutherford backscattering was obtained and applied to both proton and 4 e projectiles. This paper further explores the consequences of deviations from Rutherford backscattering, specifically for the charged particle projectiles, Z = 1, 2. In the original model there was no dependence on the nature of the projectile. In this paper, it is shown through the use of both data and optical model calculations that there are two clearly discernable projectile effects, namely an increase in E nr as the projectile charge increases and a less prounounced increase in E nr for the heaviest of the isotopes in each of the two charge groups. It is then demonstrated how these two effects can be accounted for in terms of the mass and charge of the projectile, without changing either the model parameters or results of the previous paper.
The Preservation and Storage of Historical 78 rpm Recorded Discs

ABSTRACT The shellac 78 record is one of the great musical treasures of twentieth-century music.From its creation in the 1890s as an inexpensive, mass-produced repository of preserved sound until its supersession by the vinyl LP in the 1950s, the 78 rpm recorded disc revolutionized our musical experience and has linked us with our musical heritage in a way unknown to previous centuries.With proper care and storage, this durable resource can last for centuries.
Interleukin 6 induces monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in myeloma cells

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is known to play an important role in the biology of the malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma. In an effort to better understand IL-6 stimulated myeloma cell growth, we have performed gene expression profiling to identify IL-6 early response genes. Using the KAS-6/1 IL-6-dependent human myeloma cell line, IL-6 stimulation dramatically induced expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA. To verify this result, we used reverse transcriptase PCR and RNAse protection assays and demonstrated using both assays that MCP-1 is indeed an IL-6 responsive gene in a variety of IL-6-responsive myeloma cell lines. Moreover, we also demonstrated IL-6 stimulated MCP-1 secretion by the myeloma cell lines as well as by fresh patient tumor cells. Lastly, we present evidence that fresh patient tumor cells express mRNA for the MCP-1 receptor, CCR2, as do myeloma cell lines along with a second MCP-1 receptor, CCR11. Although MM cell chemotaxis in response to MCP-1 was only minimal, we were able to demonstrate that MCP-1 stimulated activation of MAPK. Because of the important role that this chemokine plays in both angiogenesis and bone homeostasis, and the ability of MCP-1 to activate myeloma cells, these results suggest a new mechanism by which IL-6 may contribute to disease pathogenesis.
Electrical self stimulation of the brain and sensory inhibition

The areas which elicit electrical self stimulation of the brain in the rat also produce inhibition of evoked potentials at the level of the trigeminal nucleus. The data support the hypothesis that ESB inhibits sensory input which may be followed by negative aftereffects.
NMR study of polyethylene crystallization kinetics under high pressure

Crystallization of polyethylene under hydrostatic pressures of 1–4.5 kbar is directly observed using pulsed proton NMR. The rate of growth of extended-chain polyethylene crystals is measured over this pressure range and to a maximum temperature of 227°C. The observed crystallization isotherms are superimposable on a log time scale; this implies a consistent mechanism for extended-chain growth over this pressure range. Avrami coefficients for high-pressure extended-chain crystallization are determined to be 1.3–1.7. A decrease of crystal nucleus surface free energies with increasing pressure is indicated. Findings are consistent with Wunderlich's model of initial folded-chain crystallization followed immediately by chain extension. Future applications of this NMR technique are briefly considered.
Lime-stabilized and chemically-fixed sewage sludges as lime amendments

Lime-stabilized (LS) and chemically-fixed (CF) sewage sludges have been inadequately evaluated for utilization as amendments to acid soils. A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effect of these sludges on the growth and chemical composition of corn (Zea mays L.) grown on acid soils. The CaCO3 equivalent of the lime-stabilized and chemically-fixed sludges was 30·9 and 58·1%, respectively. The quantities of sludge needed to raise the soil pH to 6·5 were based on the results of a laboratory incubation study and the quantity of CaCO3 needed was based on the Adams-Evans procedure for lime requirement (LR). Liming materials were applied at 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400% of the LR calculated to raise the soil pH to 6·5 Soils studied were the Ap horizon of a Glenelg silt loam (Typic Hapludult) and the Bt horizon of a Tatum clay loam (Typic Hapludult). Maximum corn growth was produced at the 100% LR rate for both the lime-stabilized and chemically-fixed sewage sludge application rate. There was a decrease in corn growth with an increase in sewage sludge applications above the 100% LR rate. However, with the exception of the lime-stabilized sewage sludge addition to the Tatum soil, the 200% LR application rate reduced yields by < 10%. When CaCO3 was the liming agent, yields decreased at amendment rates exceeding 50% LR on the Glenelg soil and 100% LR on the Tatum soil. A large percentage (37–93%) of the observed variation in yield and Zn and P content in the tissue could be attributed to the level of lime amendment applied to the soil. The diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) indicated that reduced yields at the higher application rates of CaCO3 and sewage sludge resulted primarily from Zn deficiency. The fact that crop yields were not reduced as much where sewage sludge was used as the lime amendment (as compared with CaCO3) was probably due to increased plant-available Zn present in the sludge. Data analyses by DRIS indicated that for the Tatum soil, yield increases with increased rates of lime amendments to the 100% LR rate resulted from the alleviation of a P deficiency. Both the lime-stabilized and chemically-fixed sewage sludges were effective in neutralizing soil acidity, as indicated by increased soil pH and decreased exchangeable Al with increased rates of application.
Spectrophotometric observation of the alkaline hydrolysis of protein disulfide bonds

Abstract In the spectrophotometric titration of the phenolic groups of ovomucoid, a time-dependent increase in ultraviolet absorption is observed at high pH ( Donovan, 1967 ). The present communication shows that the pseudo-first order rate constant for the absorption increase is proportinal to the hydroxide ion concentration. The absorption change resembles the absorption of sulfhydryl ion, which is produced at the same rate as the absorption spectrum changes. The stoichiometry is consistent with S-S splitting of the disulfide bonds.
A Review of the Rationale for Additional Therapeutic Interventions to Attain Lower LDL-C When Statin Therapy Is Not Enough

Statins alone are not always adequate therapy to achieve low-density lipoprotein (LDL) goals in many patients. Many options are available either alone or in combination with statins that makes it possible to reach recommended goals in a safe and tolerable fashion for most patients. Ezetimibe and bile acid sequestrants reduce cholesterol transport to the liver and can be used in combination. Niacin is very effective at lowering LDL, beyond its ability to raise high-density lipoprotein and shift LDL particle size to a less atherogenic type. When statins cannot be tolerated at all, red yeast rice can be used if proper formulations of the product are obtained. Nutrients can also be added to the diet, including plant stanols and sterols, soy protein, almonds, and fiber, either individually or all together as a portfolio diet. A clear understanding of how each of these strategies works is essential for effective results.
Effects of Task Difficulty on Use of Advice

Although prior studies have found that people generally underweight advice from others, such discounting of advice is not universal. Two studies examined the impact of task difficulty on the use of advice. In both studies, the strategy participants used to weigh advice varied with task difficulty even when it should not have. In particular, the results show that people tend to overweight advice on difficult tasks and underweight advice on easy tasks. This pattern held regardless of whether advice was automatically provided or whether people had to seek it out. The paper discusses implications for the circumstances under which people will be open to influence by advisors. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TECHNICAL CORRECTION OF THE PAINT FILTER LIQUIDS TEST

ABSTRACT On April 30, 1985, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule requiring the use of the Paint Filter Liquids Test (PET), Method 9095, to determine the presence of free liquids in either bulk or containerized waste. From the summer of 1993 to January 1994, the validity of the Paint Filter Test was challenged. Through extensive research, it was concluded to contain testing procedures which produced inaccurate evaluations of a sorbent's performance. Although the EPA plans to make modifications, the new proposal is not set for discussion until several years from now to clarify all existing problematic issues.
Vibration characteristics of partially covered double sandwich cantilever beam

The differential equations of motion together with the boundary conditions for a partially covered, double-sandwich cantilever beam are derived. Bending and extension, rotational and longitudinal inertia of damping layers, and shear deformation and rotational and longitudinal inertia of the constraining layers and the primary beam are included in the equations. The theory is applicable for long as well as short, soft, or stiff damping layer, double-sandwich beams. Also, the effects of different parameters on the system loss factor and resonance frequency are discussed. Differences are found to exist with the previous beam model (called the Euler beam model) when the damping layers are stiff, when the thickness of the damping layer is large compared to the primary-beam thickness, and in the case of higher modes of vibration.
Skeletal metabolism and body composition in Cushing's syndrome.

ABSTRACT The techniques of total body neutron activation analysis and whole body counting were utilized to examine the effect of hypercortisolism on skeletal mass and body composition. Eight patients with Cushing's syndrome were studied. In addition, serum concentration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol was measured in 4 of these patients, and in an additional 17 patients who were receiving exogenous glucocorticoids. Prior to therapy, skeletal mass (total body Ca) and lean body mass (40K) were considered to be decreased in 5 out of 7 patients. The osteopenia was generally not corrected in follow-up activations subsequent to treatment of the Cushing's syndrome. The only significant increases in total body calcium occurred in 2 patients who presumably had not completed body growth. Serum levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol were in the normal range in the spontaneous Cushing's, as well as the iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome patients. Thus, if glucocorticoids affect vitamin D metabolism, it must be at a step beyond ...
Modeling and Control of Magnetorheological Dampers for Seismic Response Reduction

Control of civil engineering structures for earthquake hazard mitigation represents a relatively new area of research that is growing rapidly. Control systems for these structures have unique requirements and constraints. For example, during a severe seismic event, the external power to a structure may be severed, rendering control schemes relying on large external power supplies ineffective. Magnetorheological (MR) dampers are a new class of devices that mesh well with the requirements and constraints of seismic applications, including having very low power requirements. This paper proposes a clipped-optimal control strategy based on acceleration feedback for controlling MR dampers to reduce structural responses due to seismic loads. A numerical example, employing a newly developed model that accurately portrays the salient characteristics of the MR dampers, is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Sexual risk behaviors among substance users: relationship to impulsivity.

Recent research has suggested that trait impulsivity may predict sexual risk behavior. Few studies have examined this association directly in substance users at risk for HIV transmission. Participants were 330 primarily heroin and/or cocaine users who underwent a structured interview regarding their drug use, sexual behaviors, and impulsivity. Results from an iteratively reweighted least squares regression analysis indicate that impulsivity remained a statistically significant predictor of sexual risk after adjusting for the effects of demographic variables and substance use frequency (b = .179, p <.01). Frequency of cocaine use (b =.186, p <.01) was also significantly associated with sexual risk. These findings suggest that trait impulsivity may be an independent risk factor for sexual risk behavior among substance users, thus identifying potential targets for future interventions.
Subinertial Frequency Response of Wind-Driven Currents in the Mixed layer Measured by Drifting Buoys in the Midlatitude North Pacific

Abstract Previous analyses of satellite-tracked drifting buoy data (30 m drogue depth) and Fleet Numerical Ocean Center (FNOC) surface wind stress in the midlatitude North Pacific during autumn/winter have shown near-surface current vectors 25° to the right of the surface wind stress vector (i.e., approximately parallel to sea level air pressure isobars). In the present study, the complex coherence between time series of the two vectors, near-surface current and surface wind stress, is examined using the vector cross-spectral analysis technique developed by Mooers, yielding the frequency response of surface current to wind stress from the inertial frequency down to one cycle per 16 days. The analysis shows that during summer the near-surface a few days. In this season, the rotary spectrum of the near-surface current is dominated by anticyclonic motion, with periods of approximately 8 to 32 days, that is not locally wind-forced. In contrast, during autumn/winter, the two vectors are highly coherent over th...
Estrogen receptor-α variants are associated with lipoprotein size distribution and particle levels in women: The Framingham Heart Study

Abstract Plasma lipid profile is affected by endogenous estrogen levels and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). As plasma lipid concentrations have a significant heritable basis and the effects of both endogenous estrogen and use of HRT are mediated by estrogen receptors, we sought to investigate the relationships between polymorphisms in estrogen receptor-α ( ESR1 ) and plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations. We analyzed data from 854 women (mean age 52±10 years) from the Framingham Heart Study. A TA repeat in the promoter region, c.30T > C in exon 1, c.454-397T > C , and c.454-351A > G in intron 1, all in linkage disequilibrium (LD), were significantly associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size and concentration of small LDL particles. Women with the c.454-397C allele had larger LDL particle size (21.09±0.02nm versus 21.01±0.03nm, p =0.021) concurrent with lower small LDL particle concentration (0.47±0.02mmol/L versus 0.58±0.03mmol/L, p =0.008). Moreover, the TA[L] – c.30C – c.454-397C – c.454-351G haplotype (frequency, 32%) was associated with lower small LDL particle concentrations (−0.06±0.03mmol/L change associated with each copy of this haplotype, p =0.011) when compared to the TA[S] – c.30T – c.454-397T – c.454-351A haplotype (frequency, 46%), where L and S are long and short TA repeats. Our results suggest that common ESR1 polymorphisms have a significant effect on lipoprotein metabolism in women.
Estimation of the dielectric constant of H2O from experimental solubilities of quartz, and calculation of the thermodynamic properties of aqueous species to 900°C at 2 kb

Experimental quartz solubilities in H2O (Anderson and Burnham, 1965, 1967) were used together with equations of state for quartz and aqueous species (Helgesonet al., 1978; Walther and Helgeson, 1977) to calculate the dielectric constant of H2O (ϵH2O) at pressures and temperatures greater than those for which experimental measurements (Heger, 1969; Lukashovet al., 1975) are available (0.001 ⩽ P ⩽ 5 kb and 0 ⩽ T ⩽ 600°C). Estimates of ϵH2O computed in this way for 2 kb (which are the most reliable) range from 9.6 at 600°C to 5.6 at 800°C. These values are 0.5 and 0.8 units greater, respectively, than corresponding values estimated by Quist and Marshall (1965), but they differ by <0.3 units from extrapolated values computed from Pitzer's (1983) adaptation of the Kirkwood (1939) equation. The estimates of ϵH2O generated from quartz solubilities at 2 kb were fit with a power function of temperature, which was then used together with equations and data given by Helgeson and Kirkham (1974a,b, 1976) Helgesonet al. (1981), and Helgeson (1982b, 1984) to calculate Born functions, Debye Huckel parameters, and the thermodynamic properties of Na+, K+, Mg++, Ca++, and other aqueous species of geologic interest at temperatures to 900°C.
Excited-State Absorption Cross Sections for the Cr 3 + Ion in MgO and Spinel

We have calculated numerically the magnetic dipole absorption cross sections for the excited-state transitions ${t}_{2}^{3}^{2}E\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{t}_{2}^{3}^{2}T_{2}$ and ${t}_{2}^{3}^{2}T_{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{t}_{2}^{3}^{2}T_{2}$ in centrosymmetric MgO:${\mathrm{Cr}}^{3+}$ and Mg${\mathrm{Al}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$: ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{3+}$. This was done by using a parametrized ligand-field model in which the parameters are determined by the zero-field energies. The dominant contribution to the $^{2}E\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{2}T_{2}$ absorption comes from Coulomb admixture of ${t}_{2}^{2}e$ and ${t}_{2}^{3}$ terms, whereas the spin-orbit interaction contributes substantially to the $^{2}T_{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{2}T_{2}$ cross section. The values obtained provide a reliable guide to the assignment of recent $^{2}E\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{2}T_{2}$ excited-state absorption measurements in MgO:${\mathrm{Cr}}^{3+}$.
Trilateral retinoblastoma with suprasellar involvement

“Trilateral retinoblastoma” (TRB) is the association of a midline intracranial tumor with familial bilateral retinoblastoma. Classically, the intracranial tumor is a pineal region tumor (pineoblastoma) with histology similar to retinoblastoma. We present a 7-month-old child with bilateral orbital retinoblastoma with a third tumor arising in the chiasmatic cistern. The presentation and prognosis of patients with this association differ from those children with “classical” TRB. The presentation, treatment, and outcome are described, with a review of the literature.
Adult outpatient transfusion clinic in a hospital-based blood bank

Eighty-one patients have been followed in our ambulatory transfusion clinic for a total of 176 patient visits. They received phlebotomies, plasmapheresis, and transfusions of erythrocytes and platelets. Minor reactions (febrile reactions, transient hypotension, and urticaria) occurred in only six patients. The advantages of a transfusion service conducted by blood bank professional and technical staff are numerous. The nurse/patient ratio is low enough so that the patient can receive individualized attention including virtually constant vigilance. The laboratory staff and pathologist become familiar with the therapeutic management of patients who may potentially place great stress on the laboratory. The transfusion clinic also provides an opportunity for the pathologist to gain further experience and to train others as transfusion therapists, a role which he is often asked to assume when a transfusion reaction occurs. The gain for the outpatient clinic and emergency room is that they can function more efficiently when more rooms are available for patients who have a faster turnover time.
Influence of high-oryzanol rice bran oil on the oxidative stability of whole milk powder.

The effect of high oryzanol rice bran oil (RBO) on the oxidative stability of low-heat and high-heat whole milk powder (WMP) was investigated. Milk (3.6% fat) was fortified with RBO at 0.1 and 0.2% (wt/wt) and was concentrated and dried. Control WMP was made without RBO addition. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were used to monitor oxidation during storage at 45°C for 40 d. The oxidation of low-heat WMP was significantly reduced by addition of 0.1% RBO, but there was no significant effect on the oxidation of high-heat WMP. An increase of RBO to 0.2% did not significantly improve the oxidative stability when compared with 0.1% RBO. The TBARS in RBO-fortified, low-heat WMP increased with storage time up to 30 d but decreased with further storage to 40 d. The TBARS in all high-heat WMP and low-heat control WMP increased up to 20 d storage and then decreased with further storage. The most likely reason for this increase was due to the reaction of TBARS with milk proteins. Addition of RBO reduced the L (lightness) value and increased the b (yellowness) value but had no effect on the a (redness) value. When compared with the control milk powder, consumers could not detect any effect on the flavor of the reconstituted 0.1% RBO WMP but could detect a flavor difference in the 0.2% RBO WMP.
Prebreakdown events in dielectric fluids

Abstract For many years, researchers have studied the events leading to failure of electrical insulating liquids. These investigations related electrical breakdown to the development of streamers, tree-like structures, that lead eventually to the establishment of a conducting channel across the insulating liquid. Independent of these studies, other investigators concerned themselves with the electrical pulses emanating from insulation systems subjected to alternating electrical stresses. These pulses are commonly referred to as partial discharges (PD). The streamer development and that of PD were treated as unrelated events. In the present paper experimental evidence will be presented to show that these two events are really manifestations of the same phenomenon: local discharges occur within low density, vapor phase-like regions formed near the metal/liquid interface.
Day 2 transfer improves pregnancy outcome in in vitro fertilization cycles with few available embryos

Objective Delaying ET to day 3 to optimize embryo selection is well accepted. However, in cases where there are not enough embryos to perform selection, it is not clear whether there is a difference in clinical outcomes with the day of ET. Design Cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Two hundred forty-two fresh IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles from 2002–2004, where all generated embryos were transferred irrespective of quality because of an extremely low number of available embryos. Intervention(s) In time period 1, ET was on day 3. In time period 2, ET was on day 2. Main Outcome Measure(s) Patient response to stimulation was analyzed along with pregnancy outcome and implantation rate. Result(s) Miscarriage rates were decreased, and ongoing pregnancy rates were increased with a day 2 ET in patients Conclusion(s) In women
MMP-1 Polymorphic Expression in Aortic Endothelial Cells: Possible Role in Lesion Development in Smokers and Nonsmokers

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) is involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components and is thought to play a key role in atherogenesis. The objective of the present study was to determine: (1) whether MMP-1 differential gene expression observed in primary cultures of human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) exposed to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) was associated with a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in its promoter region and (2) if the SNP altered atherosclerotic lesion development in smokers and nonsmokers. Genotype analysis of six HAEC lines revealed that those homozygous for the 1G-variant exhibited low levels of gene expression. Cells homozygous for the 2G-variant or heterozygous (1G/2G) had elevated levels of both mRNA and protein. These relative levels were also seen after CSC exposure. MMP-1 genotypes of 104 Caucasian males acquired from the Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth study were compared with the extent of atherosclerotic lesion development in the aorta. The results indicate that, although the MMP-1 SNP influences MMP-1 gene expression in cultured HAEC exposed to CSC, differences in lesion development were not observed based on this polymorphism in young Caucasian males.
SU‐FF‐I‐06: A Motion Phantom System For Image Quality Assessment of a 64‐Slice Volume CT Scanner

Purpose: As the utilization of cardiac CT grows, the development of the testing tools to assess the image quality parameters that are associated with cardiac CT protocols is lagging behind. This paper presents a motion system that was designed to provide the moving imaging targets by rotating the CT phantom in order to simulate the heart beat; thus evaluate the performance of a cardiac CT system. Methods and Materials: To assess the image quality of a ultra‐fast/thin slice VCT (GE LightSpeed), we designed a motion device that was capable of rotating CT phantoms at a controlled rotation speed ranging from 0 to 30 rpm. The apparatus consisted of radiation translucent support plates, gear motor, speed controller, rpm sensor, gears and shafts. This motion phantom system was designed to assess the additional image quality parameters associated with cardiac CT protocols such as the motion artifact occurrence, the loss of spatial resolution due to motion, temporal resolution and isotropic resolution during gated and non‐gated protocols. Results: The motion phantom system was designed and made in‐house. The flexibility of the system allowed its usage with multiple existing CT phantoms including the ACR CT phantom, CATPHAN, CIRS Helical CT phantom and AAPM CT performance phantom. By scanning the phantom in stationary and in various rotation speeds, we were able to examine the performance parameters of the VCT scanner and optimize the clinical protocols with regards to slice thickness selections, detector row combinations, pitch and other technique settings. Conclusions: The motion phantom system is an essential tool to evaluate the image quality and verify the manufacturer specifications on temporal resolution and isotropic resolution which should reveal the true capability of a volume CT scanner. This motion system is also useful in optimizing the clinical protocols.
THE TREATMENT OF FEMALE MENOPAUSE WITH MALE SEX HORMONE

THE TREATMENT of menopause in the female was a difficult problem until Tthe discovery of female sex hormone and its value. Male sex hormone has only recently been available in sufficient amount to permit its use thera-peutically. Butenandt (i), Koch (2), and others have reported that some of the un-saturated androgens, notably androstenedione and dehydroandrosterone, will induce estrus in the normal infantile rat. Browman (3) reported the cessation of estrous cycles in adult normal rats injected with androsterone and testosterone. Nelson and Gallagher (4) found that androstanediol and androstenedione failed to produce vaginal cornification, but did induce uter-ine and mammary hypertrophy and prevented castration changes in the hypophysis. Testosterone and androstanedione induced definite mammary proliferation and enlargement of the uterus while androsterone and deny droandrosterone failed to produce such changes. Transandrostenediol failed t o influence the cycles or to significantly affect the ovaries, m...
Insecurity, Outlawry and Social Order: Banditry in China's Heilongjiang Frontier Region, 1900-1931

By using copious primary sources, this article probes the banditry in China's northeasternmost province of Heilongjiang during the period from 1900 to 1931. While the region was a developing frontier, bandits posed a major social problem. Factors such as ecological surroundings, loose political control, regional militant traditions, rapid social changes, and sex ratio imbalance each played a role in producing outlaws. Bandits organized themselves into bands, ranging from small groups consisting of several dozen men to large units of a few thousand brigands. They sustained themselves well, established many domains, and maintained ties with locals. Indeed, banditry became a subculture. However, the bandits were nevertheless the most hated by locals. Battles against them became an unending campaign, with civilians taking measures for self-protection, and officials adopting policies for military suppression. Regardless, bandits were never entirely rooted out; instead they continued to be an undesirable yet inseparable part of the life of this frontier society.
DRAMATIC EVOLUTION OF THE DISK-SHAPED SECONDARY IN THE ORION TRAPEZIUM STAR θ1 Ori B1 (BM Ori): MOST SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS

The eclipsing binary {theta}{sup 1} Orionis B{sub 1}, variable star designation BM Ori, is the faintest of the four well-known Trapezium stars at the heart of the Orion Nebula. The primary is a B3 star ({approx}6 M{sub Sun }) but the nature of the secondary ({approx}2 M{sub Sun }) has long been mysterious, since the duration and shape of primary eclipse are inappropriate for any sort of ordinary star. Here we report nearly continuous photometric observations obtained with the MOST satellite over {approx}4 cycles of the 6.47 d binary period. The light curve is of unprecedented quality, revealing a deep, symmetric primary eclipse as well as a clear reflection effect and secondary eclipse. In addition, there are other small disturbances, some of which repeat at the same phase over the four cycles monitored. The shape of the primary light curve has clearly evolved significantly over the past 40 years. While its overall duration and depth have remained roughly constant, the slopes of the descent and ascent phases are significantly shallower now than in the past and its distinctive flat-bottomed ''pseudo-totality'' is much less obvious or even absent in the most recent data. We further demonstrate that the primary eclipse wasmore » detected at X-ray wavelengths during the Chandra Orion Ultradeep Project (COUP) study. The light curve continues to be well modeled by a self-luminous and reflective disk-shaped object seen nearly edge-on orbiting the B3 primary. The dramatic change in shape over four decades is modeled as an opacity variation in a tenuous outer envelope or disk of the secondary object. We presume that the secondary is an extremely young protostar at an earlier evolutionary phase than can be commonly observed elsewhere in the Galaxy and that the opacity variations observed are related to its digestion of some accreted matter over the last 50-100 years. Indeed, this object deserves continued observational and theoretical attention as the youngest known eclipsing binary system.« less
Rapid Mixed Layer Deepening by the Combination of Langmuir and Shear Instabilities: A Case Study

Langmuir circulation (LC) is a turbulent upper-ocean process driven by wind and surface waves that contributes significantly to the transport of momentum, heat, and mass in the oceanic surface layer. The authors have previously performed a direct comparison of large-eddy simulationsandobservationsof the upper-ocean response to a wind event with rapid mixed layer deepening. The evolution of simulated crosswind velocity varianceandspatialscales,aswellasmixedlayerdeepening,wasonlyconsistentwithobservationsifLCeffects are included in the model. Based on an analysis of these validated simulations, in this study the fundamental differences in mixing between purely shear-driven turbulence and turbulence with LC are identified. In the former case, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) production due to shear instabilities is largest near the surface, gradually decreasing to zero near the base of the mixed layer. This stands in contrast to the LC case in which at middepth range TKE production can be dominated by Stokes drift shear. Furthermore, the Eulerian mean vertical shear peaks near the base of the mixed layer so that TKE production by mean shear flow is elevated there. LC transports horizontal momentum efficiently downward leading to an along-wind velocity jet below LC downwelling regions at the base of the mixed layer. Locally enhanced vertical shear instabilities as a result of this jet efficiently erode the thermocline. In turn, enhanced breaking internal waves inject cold deep water into the mixed layer, where LC currents transport temperature perturbation advectively. Thus, LC and locally generated shear instabilities work intimately together to facilitate strongly the mixed layer deepening process.
Studies on the solubilization of the water-insoluble fraction from human lens and cataract.

Abstract Studies were carried out comparing the ability of urea extraction and sonication to solubilize the water-insoluble (WI) protein fraction from human lens tissue. Sonication and urea extraction were able to solubilize greater than 80% of the insoluble protein whether whole lenses or lens nuclei were used. This was true for normal lens and + 1 cataracts; however, only 60% solubilization was obtained with the WI fraction from more advanced cataracts. Equal aliquots of a WI fraction from both pooled normal and pooled cataract lens nuclei were solubilized with and without reducing agents. The addition of dithiothreitol (DTT) had no significant effect on solubilization of the normal lens WI fraction. DTT did increase the protein solubilized from the cataract WI fraction by 30% with urea extraction; however, no increase was seen with sonication. When sodium borohydride was used as the reducing agent, essentially the same results were obtained. The solubilized protein populations were identical by SDS-PAGE and amino acid analysis. The addition of reducing agents had no effect on the amino acid content of the solubilized proteins with the single exception of lysine. This amino acid was markedly decreased in the proteins extracted in the presence of 40 m m sodium borohydride, but not with DTT. These data suggest that the borohydride not only increased the amount of protein solubilized, but likely also stabilized glycated lysine residues during the acid hydrolysis. Therefore, sonication readily provides a soluble preparation of the WI proteins from normal and cataract lens nuclei without the need for denaturing agent, however, disulfide-linked and lysine modified crystallins were best solubilized with urea.