cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rheumatoid arthritis: 2011 remission criteria are a new benchmark for RA therapy

Advances in therapy mean a state of remission is increasingly an achievable goal in rheumatoid arthritis. However, using remission as a target of treatment begs the question of how this state should be defined. The fruits of a transcontinental collaboration have brought a uniform definition a step closer.
The Adjustment of Radar Estimates of Storm Mean Rainfall with Rain Gage Data

Abstract Data from two dense rain gage networks in Illinois and Oklahoma were used to evaluate the feasibility of improving radar estimates of storm mean rainfall through the use of surface rain gage data to modify the radar-rainfall equation for specific storm conditions. Data were used from 19 storms and the evaluation restricted to warm-season, unstable precipitation and to the use of 10-cm radar. Evaluations were made of 1) the optimum accuracy which could be expected from radar measurements of rainfall on an ungaged area when rain gage data on adjacent gaged areas are used for adjustment of the radar estimates, and 2) the accuracy obtainable from adjustments of radar estimates with rain gage data from within the area of interest, based upon various rain gage densities in the sampling area. It was concluded that the normal climatic network is inadequate for modification of the radar-rainfall equation in warm-season storms in the Midwest if a relatively accurate estimate of storm mean rainfall is neede...
ENHANCING VISUAL THINKING IN A TOY DESIGN COURSE USING FREEHAND SKETCHING

ABSTRACT Engineering graduates in advancing economies are not onlyexpected to have engineering knowledge, but also use them increative and innovative ways. The importance of visual thinkinghas been critical for creativity and innovation in design. How-ever, today’s engineering students are proﬁcient in detailed de-sign tools but lacking in conceptual design and ideation, and en-gineering curricula needs to develop a more effective frameworkfor teaching visual thinking. In this paper, we report our effortsto embed principles of design thinking and visual thinking prac-tices, like McKim’s “seeing, imagining and drawing” cycle [1].We use a toy design course in mechanical engineering for ourpilot study as a scaffold for introducing these principles in anengaging, creative, and fun environment. We introduced free-hand sketching as a tool for visual thinking during the design andcommunication of concepts. We also report the impact of thesechanges through information gleaned from student feedback sur-veys and analysis of design notebooks. We use our ﬁndings topropose ways to provide the students with a set of balanced tech-niques that help them in visual thinking, communication, and de-sign. An improved implementation of this experience is discussedand future work is proposed to overcome barriers to thinking andcommunication.
Xanthogranulomatous salpingitis associated with fallopian tube mucosal endometriosis: a clue to the pathogenesis

Xanthogranulomatous salpingitis is an unusual inflammatory lesion of the fallopian tube, characterized by accumulation of foamy macrophages in the wall of the fallopian tube along with other chronic inflammatory cells. Only a few cases of xanthogranulomatous salpingitis have been reported in the English medical literature, some under different nomenclature. An association, most commonly with pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis, has been suggested. A 41-year-old woman with prior history of breast carcinoma underwent bilateral salpingoophorectomy because of hematosalpinx. The histology revealed xanthogranulomatous salpingitis in the setting of extensive fallopian tube mucosal endometriosis, endometritis, and presence of an intrauterine contraceptive device. Multiple etiologies have been linked to the xanthogranulomatous process at this location in previously reported cases. A whole spectrum of changes may exist in this lesion and probably represent a specialized form of tissue reaction secondary to multiple etiologies. Although it has been associated with pelvic endometriosis, it has never been demonstrated through progressive changes, beginning with mucosal endometriosis to the full-blown xanthogranulomatous inflammation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case that demonstrates different stages in the pathogenesis of this lesion and provides an insight into the histiogenesis of this entity.
Using Lotteries to Improve Students' Number Sense and Understanding of Probability

This article examines ways in which a discussion of lotteries can be integrated into a classroom lesson on combinatorics and probability and be used to enhance the teaching and learning of number sense and probability of winning various lottery games, and facts and myths about lotteries. Instructional tips for incorporating discussions of lotteries into lesson plans are also given.
Exploring the dislocation/twin interactions in zirconium

Abstract This paper explores the ‘barrier’ effect that tensile and compressive twins exert upon propagation of dislocations and other twins in zirconium (Zr). We do so by pre-deforming textured Zr at liquid nitrogen to selectively induce either tensile or compressive twins; next we anneal the dislocations while preserving the twinning structure; finally we reload the material at room temperature, where only prism slip, pyramidal slip and tensile twins are active. An analysis of the yield stress upon reload, and of the subsequent hardening response allows us to conclude that the twins play a dominant role in determining the hardening, while dislocations only have a second order effect.
Logan's oration: A case study in ethnographic authentication

As scholars examine the oratory of the American Indian, they must face the twofold task of textual verification and ethnographic authentication. Such an ethnographic scrutiny of the well‐known “Logan's Oration” reaffirms this piece of rhetoric as a useful sample of native American oratory and a culturally authentic artifact.
714-1 Interaction Between Strong Electrical Stimulation and Reentrant Wavefronts in Canine Ventricular Fibrillation

To test the hypothesis that the effects of a strong electrical stimulus on reentrant wavefronts (RW) in ventricular fibrillation (VF) is dependent upon the timing of the stimulus, we studied 6 open-chest dogs with computerized mapping techniques. A plaque electrode array with up to 509 bipolar electrodes was placed on the RV epicardium. The interelectrode distance was 1.6 mm and the interpolar distance was 0.5 mm. Following 8 baseline stimuli (S 1 ) at 300 ms cycle length, a strong premature stimulus (S 2 ) was given to the center of mapped tissue to induce VF. In subsequent episodes, a second premature stimulus (S 3 ) of the same strength as S 2 was given to the same site at progressively longer S 2 –S 3 intervals with 20 ms increments. Results At baseline, S 2 consistently induced figure 8 reentry and VF. The VF cycle length immediately after S 2 averaged 108 ± 17 ms. The S 3 resulted in one of the following responses: (I) termination of RW and VF, (II) induction of different RW, or a focal pattern of repetitive activation, and (III) persistence of the same figure 8 RW. The intervals between S 3 and the immediate preceding activation at the site near S 3 were 41 ± 18 ms, 60 ± 18 ms and 99 ± 14 ms (p l 0.001), for response patterns I, II and III, respectively. We conclude that the effects of strong electrical stimulation on the RW in VF is dependent upon the recovery interval since the previous local activation. A protective zone occurred first, during which a strong electrical stimulation can terminate RW and abort VF. This zone was followed by a vulnerable period during which new wavefronts could be induced. If the S 3 was given after the end of the vulnerable period, there was no change of the RW.
THE EFFECT OF INCUBATION IN PHOSPHATE BUFFER OF DIFFERENT PH ON THE TRANSPLANTABILITY OF THE MOUSE ASCITES TUMOR OF EHRLICH.

Nachweis, dass Ehrlich-Ascites-Tumorzellen, die in Phosphat-Puffer bei einer Temperatur von 37°C inkubiert werden, in saurem pH des Milieus viel langer leben als beim neutralen.
Sensor Nodes for Doppler Radar Measurements of Life Signs

Human life signs can be detected at a distance using mono-static Doppler radars operating in the CW mode. Phase stability of the measurement system plays an important role in successful life signs detection. In this paper it will be shown that small unwanted mechanical motions of the transmit antenna, result in unrecoverable phase errors in the received signal. To overcome this issue, we propose to use a bi-static radar with a sensor node receiver placed in the vicinity of the human subject. Theoretical and experimental results confirm the benefits of using sensor nodes.
Two new coumarins in Boenninghausenia albiflora

Abstract Two new isomeric coumarins were isolated from leaves of Boenninghausenia albiflora Reichb. Their structures were elucidated as (E)-7-hydroxy-6-(3-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-butenyl)-2(H)-1-benzpyran-2-one and (Z)-7-hydorxy-6-(3-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-butenyl)-2(H)-1-benzopyran-2-one.
On Defining Conversational Coordination and Rapport

(1990). On Defining Conversational Coordination and Rapport. Psychological Inquiry: Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 303-305.
Neuropsychological Significance of IQ Summary Scores

A canonical correlation between summary intelligence scores and neuropsychological tests for 423 learning-disabled children was performed. Results showed a significant relationship between WISC-R global intelligence scores and tests of the Halstead-Reitan's Neuropsychological Battery for Older Children (HRNB-C), Rc =. 53, p <.001. While measures were found to share commonality, both were found to provide unique information. The clinical implications of these findings were discussed.
Quenched divergences in the deconfined phase of SU(2) gauge theory

The spectrum of the overlap Dirac operator in the deconfined phase of quenched gauge theory is known to have three parts: exact zeros arising from topology, small nonzero eigenvalues that result in a nonzero chiral condensate, and the dense bulk of the spectrum, which is separated from the small eigenvalues by a gap. In this paper, we focus on the small nonzero eigenvalues in an SU(2) gauge field background at $\ensuremath{\beta}=2.4$ and ${N}_{T}=4.$ This low-lying spectrum is computed on four different spatial lattices ${(12}^{3},$ ${14}^{3},$ ${16}^{3},$ and ${18}^{3}).$ As the volume increases, the small eigenvalues become increasingly concentrated near zero in such a way as to strongly suggest that the infinite volume condensate diverges.
The effect of sub-pixel slope variations on photoclinometry

Sub-pixel slope variations can have significant effects on the intensity of light scattered from a planetary surface. As a result, determination of the surface slope from the apparent brightness of a given pixel can be confounded by uncertainly in such variations. Under a wide range of conditions, the average slope across the pixel may be different from what is inferred by photoclinometry. Because topography is derived from photoclinometry by integrating the slope across an image composed of many pixels, topographic elevation could in principle be distorted considerably by this effect. As actually applied, photoclinometry generally includes strategies designed to mitigate these effects substantially. Nevertheless, the potential always exists for unknown variations in the character of sub-pixel topography (among other uncertainties such as albedo variations) to introduce errors. The results shown here show the importance of the mitigating strategies and of considering the magnitude of uncertainties in determination of topography.
The effects of stress cracking on the fracture toughness of polycarbonate

The growth of crazes from a sharp crack in extruded polycarbonate sheets immersed in ethanol was measured. Below a critical level of the stress intensity factor craze growth was controlled by solvent diffusion through the end of the notch and fracture was prevented by craze arrest. Above a critical level, growth was controlled by either end diffusion or a combination of end diffusion and diffusion through the faces of the extruded sheet, and in both cases the final result was brittle fracture. The effects of annealing and quenching was studied at various sheet thicknesses. In thin specimens annealing and/or quenching had a significant effect on crack growth rate, which was predictable in terms of the state of stress. As the specimen thickness increased, causing a transition from plane stress to plane strain conditions, the previous thermal history had a diminishing effect on craze growth rate. The effects of thermal history and thickness on the fracture toughness of polycarbonate was also investigated. It was found that thickness was the more important variable and that at a ½ in. thickness the effects of thermal history were statistically insignificant. The effect of ethanol exposure on fracture toughness was studied. It was found that exposure to solvent initially caused an increase in kIC with time to a maximum value, followed by a substantial decrease with time which eventually led to brittle fracture. This behavior was explained as a competition between plasticization of the crack tip and coalescence of crazes to form microcracks.
GIS-a user's perspective

The National Grid Company plc (NGC) has more than 20 years experience of building and operating transmission voltage GIS (gas insulated switchgear) substations. NGC now has 20 major GIS substations in service or under construction on the 400 kV and 275 kV networks, together with many smaller installations operating at 132 kV, 275 kV and 400 kV. As a GIS user, NGC is looking for many features including a high level of reliability and availability, low life-cycle costs and compact substation layouts. While these requirements are clearly understood, utilities must also consider other factors that are sometimes overlooked. In this paper the author highlights three areas of potential difficulty in long-term operation of GIS which merit further consideration by both manufacturers and utilities. The three areas are: outage requirements for fault repair, pressure withstand capability of cast resin barriers, and strategic spare parts.
Molecular evolution of the opioid/orphanin gene family.

Abstract Gene duplication is a recurring theme in the evolution of vertebrate polypeptide hormones and neuropeptides. These duplication events can lead to the formation of gene families in which divergence of function is the usual outcome. In the case of the opioid/orphanin family of genes, duplication events have proceeded along two paths: (a) an apparent duplication of function as seen in the analgesic activity of Proenkephalin and Prodynorphin end-products; and (b) divergence of function as seen in the nociceptic activity of Proorphanin end-products or the melanocortin (color change and chronic stress regulation) activity of Proopiomelanocortin end-products. Although genes coding for Proopiomelanocortin, Proenkephalin, Prodynorphin, and Proorphanin have been extensively studied in mammals, the distribution and radiation of these genes in nonmammalian vertebrates is less well understood. This review will present the hypothesis that the radiation of the opioid/orphanin gene family is the result of the duplication and divergence of the Proenkephalin gene during the radiation of the chordates. To evaluate the Proenkephalin gene duplication hypothesis, a 3′RACE procedure was used to screen for the presence of Prodynorphin-related, Proenkephalin-related, and Proorphanin-related cDNAs expressed in the brains of nonmammalian vertebrates.
Under Toad days: surviving the uncertainty of cancer recurrence.

The Under Toad in John Irving's novel The World According to Garp is a grim symbol of the uncertainty of recurrence that patients with cancer face.
Pathway selection by chick lumbosacral motoneurons during normal development

Pathways taken by motoneuron axons from the lumbosacral lateral motor column to individual hindlimb muscles have been characterized throughout the normal period of outgrowth and the establishment of specific functional connections in the chick embryo. Axon pathways from individual cord segments were identified after injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) directly into the cord. Labelled motoneuron axons were then traced through the plexus and major nerve trunks to termination sites within the limb. At stages 23-24 labelled axons within spinal nerves have just reached the base of the limb and have begun to converge and form the crural and the ischiadic plexus. Even at this early stage, before periods of muscle cleavage, motoneuron cell death and muscle nerve formation, axons show no evidence of widespread random distribution within the limb. Rather, they generally maintain their anterior-posterior position as far as the base of the limb. At stages 27-30, although axons to individual muscles were found to course in discrete tracts within the plexus and nerve trunks they also changed their topographical position with respect to other axons. Axon pathways to single muscles were characterized by tracing retrogradely labelled axons back to the cord after injections of HRP into specific muscle nerves. Axons destined for a single muscle are intermingled with other axons in the spinal nerves and proximal plexus but by the distal plexus have converged to form a discrete tract which then diverges as an individual muscle nerve at more distal levels. These observations exclude models for the establishment of specific connections in which there is widespread testing of the environment with removal of projection errors by cell death and/or axon retraction. They also exclude models that require axons to maintain their topographical position with respect to each other throughout their course.
Peer Support for Alzheimer’s Caregivers Is it Enough to Make a Difference?

This study tested a social support enhancement intervention for caregivers to relatives with Alzheimer’s disease. Theory and empirical research on life-course transitions and social support suggest that support from an experientially similar peer (i.e., a person who has undergone the same stressful transition) will lead to positive outcomes among caregivers. The intervention differed from previous programs for caregivers by isolating social support enhancement as the intervention mechanism, without simultaneously providing education, counseling, or direct services. Using a randomized, control-group design, no main effects were found. At the level of interactions, a modest buffering effect was found for persons in more stressful caregiving situations. However, the overall pattern of the results suggests that social support alone is not a sufficient intervention to improve the experience of caregivers. Implications for future research and planning of interventions are discussed.
The effects of parasites on fish populations--theoretical aspects.

Abstract This brief review has indicated how essential aspects of relevant epidemiological considerations may be included into models of fisheries. The main conclusions to emerge from the crude models outlined above are that the ability of a pathogen to establish itself is dependent upon the relative magnitudes of the threshold host density for parasite establishment, H t , and the level of the host population density at its current level of exploitation H(E). If H t is less than H(E), the parasite will always be able to establish itself. Disease prevalence would also seem to be roughly independent of the level of exploitation of the fishery, providing exploited population density is significantly higher than the threshold density for disease establishment. The complications introduced by the presence of disease will in general further increase the levels of uncertainty that fisheries managers have to contend with (Beddington, 1984). In cases where pathogens are having a serious impact on the fishery it would seem sensible to develop methods to quantify the impact of the parasite on the host (Lester, 1984). The simple models discussed here can, moreover, readily be extended to include other factors which can be important in determining management strategies for fisheries where parasites and disease are an important consideration. Three particularly important such considerations are: inclusion of age-structure and more realistic density-dependent recruitment functions in the host population (May, 1980); consideration of the immune response of the host to the parasite (Anderson & May, 1979); and inclusion of environmental stockasticity (May, Beddington, Horwood & Shepherd 1978; Ludwig & Walters, 1981).
Topological complexity and motion planning in certain real grassmannians

Abstract Let TC(X) be the topological complexity of a path-connected topological space X. We first give a lower bound on TC(Gk( R m)), the Grassmannian of real k-planes in R m. We then compute TC(Gk( R m)) for (k, m) = (2, 4) and relate it to the motion planning problem of topological robotics.
Murihexocins A and B, two novel mono-THF acetogenins with six hydroxyls, from Annona muricata (Annonaceae)

Abstract Two novel bioactive acetogenins, murihexocins A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the leaves of the sour sop tree, Annona muricata (Annonaceae). 1 and 2 are C-35 mono-tetrahydrofuran (THF) acetogenins having six hydroxyls, and their structures have been elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and derivations. No Annonaceous acetogenins having six hydroxyls or with two vicinal diol groups have been reported previously. 1 and 2 showed significant inhibitory effects among six human tumor cell lines with interesting selectivities to the prostate (PC-3) and pancreatic (PACA-2) cell lines.
Annual CO 2 emission from forest floors predicted by simulation models including climate change

From May 20 to November 5, 1980 hourly temperature and daily moisture measurements were made in the L, F, H, and A1 horizons of a birch forest in Alaska. Laboratory measurements of respiration were made on the same forest floor horizons under varying conditions of temperature and moisture. From the respiration's responses to temperature and moisture variation we simulated mathematically how a natural forest floor emits CO2 and how these emissions change with varying climate. The simulation accounted for 79 -90% of the sum of the squared differences of the mean for each moisture-temperature bin and the overall mean of such bin means. When the response model was applied to the field data of moisture and temperature to estimate a seasonal respiration of CO2, the estimates were in excellent agreement with independent field measurements of the season's CO2 respiration. The climate of the F, H, and A1 horizons was also simulated mathematically as determined by the climate of the L horizon. The two models were tandemed to provide a new estimate of the season's total CO2 emission. Again, there was excellent agreement with the observed respiration.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Subcellular localization and mechanisms of nucleocytoplasmic distribution of p202, an interferon-inducible candidate for lupus susceptibility

Increased expression of p202 (52 kDa), an interferon (IFN)-inducible murine protein, in splenic cells (B- and T-cells) derived from female mice of the lupus-prone strains is correlated with increased susceptibility to develop systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Our previous studies have indicated that, in IFN-treated fibroblasts, p202 is detected both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. Moreover, in the cytoplasm, a fraction of p202 associates with a membranous organelle. Here we report that, in the cytoplasm, a fraction of p202 associated with mitochondria. Additionally, we found that the constitutive p202 is primarily detected in the cytoplasm. Remarkably, the IFN treatment of cells potentiated nuclear accumulation of p202. Our observations are consistent with the possibility that IFN signaling regulates p202 levels as well as its nucleocytoplasmic distribution. These observations will serve as a basis to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which p202 contributes to lupus susceptibility.
THE SECRET LIFE OF KELPS: PLANKTONIC PROCESSES AND POPULATION DYNAMICS

Understanding spatio-temporal variability in recruitment is vital to studies of kelp population dynamics. Research on settlement and post-settlement processes has suggested that arrival of kelp zoospores to suitable substrate is important in limiting kelp recruitment, yet the role of planktonic processes in kelp population dynamics has not been studied due to difficulties in sampling and identifying zoospores. I developed a method to estimate kelp zoospore abundance from in situ plankton samples and used it to study various processes regulating the availability of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) zoospores for settlement. My studies focused on (1) identifying temporal scales over which zoospore abundance is most variable, (2) describing physical and biological processes that regulate this variability, and (3) determining the relationship between zoospore abundance and settlement. I found that short-term variability in zoospore abundance (<24 hrs) was not due to changes in supply but rather dispersion, caused by oscillating hydrodynamic forces (e.g. waves). Long-term variability in zoospore abundance, however, was best explained by the size and density of reproductive adult plants, with zoospore abundance being most variable at the scale of days to months. Changes in adult reproductive condition caused rapid changes in zoospore abundance suggesting that the supply of kelp zoospores is sensitive to environmental regulation of adult physiology. Thus, unlike with marine animals, these results indicate that variability in kelp propagule supply, over scales most likely to affect subsequent settlement and recruitment, is more tightly coupled to demographic and reproductive mechanisms than to physical transport processes.
Determinants of reproductive success of the White-browed Sparrow Weaver, Plocepasser mahali

Variation in reproductive success among 26 communal groups in a sampled population of Plocepasser mahali (White-browed Sparrow Weaver) was studied over a 3-year period in Zambia, Africa. Potential determinants of reproductive success, namely resource variables and group size, were examined and statistically analyzed for their significance in explaining annual variance in reproductive success among these groups. Resource variables included abundance of grass seeds (dry season food) and grasshoppers (wet season food), nest tree quality, and percentage availability of preferred feeding cover. Only the latter two proved appropriate for this analysis. Patterns of utilization did not correlate positively with food abundance, and grasshopper abundance fluctuated too much among the groups in a given year to be treated as a stable variable. From an analysis of multiple correlation coefficients in a stepwise multiple regression model, both group size and ground cover explained independently of each other 20%–30% of the variance in annual production of young surviving 6 months. Explained variance by these two variables also revealed that their relative importance varied considerably between years. Hypotheses are offered to explain the possible causal mechanisms these variables may have in influencing intergroup reproductive success and the possible reasons why vagaries in explained variance were observed. It is suggested that effects of group size and habitat quality may be more important than age-specific effects in modeling population growth and regulation for species like P. mahali.
Navigating the Rapids: Leading in Fast Moving Times. A Report of the Technical Services Managers in Academic Libraries Interest Group, American Library Association Annual Meeting, New Orleans, June 2011

The Technical Services Managers in Academic Libraries Interest Group (Medium Heads) met in New Orleans at the American Library Association Annual Meeting 2011 to discuss “Navigating the Rapids: Lea...
Influence of 5-Fluorouracil on Colonic Healing and Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1

Abstract Background. Administration of chemotherapeutic agents in the immediate postoperative period may have beneficial effects by decreasing local cancer recurrence rates, but this must be weighed against possible impairment of wound healing. Since local expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β 1 ) is normally upreglated following creation of experimental colonic anastomoses, this study examines the effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on colonic healing and on the local expression of TGF-β 1 . Materials and methods. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent transection of the descending colon with primary anastomosis and were then randomly assigned to receive either intraperitoneal 5-FU (20 mg/kg/day) or saline (SAL). On Postoperative Days (PODs) 3, 5, and 7, bursting pressure (BP, mm Hg) and bursting energy (BE, mm Hg ×s) were determined in situ. Anastomotic and nonoperated segments of colon were harvested and analyzed using the semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to determine the relative expression of TGF-β 1 normalized to that of a constitutive gene. Results. Progressive increases in BP and BE were observed in both the 5-FU and the SAL groups, across the time course examined. Overall, these measures were decreased in the 5-FU groups compared to SAL, significantly so on PODs 5 and 7; BP, 127.8 ± 7.6 vs 161.1 ± 7.2 and 139.9 ± 10.9 vs 186.0 ± 8.6; BE, 1093.6 ± 190.0 vs 2207.9 ± 308.2, and 1518.5 ± 326.5 vs 3279.3 ± 225.7, respectively. Anastomotic TGF-β 1 expression also increased progressively in both groups over the postoperative time course. Expression in the 5-FU group, however, was significantly decreased compared to that in the SAL group on POD 3; 0.42 ± 0.05 vs 0.84 ± 0.04. Interestingly, this preceded the reduction in BP and BE in the 5-FU group on PODs 5 and 7. TGF-β 1 expression in nonoperated colonic segments did not change during the time points studied or in response to 5-FU administration. Conclusions. Wound healing following a colonic anastomosis is associated with local increases in TGF-β 1 expression, which in turn is diminished by the administration of 5-FU. If this deleterious effect on wound healing could be counteracted, then chemotherapy administration in the immediate postoperative period may become safer.
Automated postdischarge surveillance for postpartum and neonatal nosocomial infections.

Abstract We developed a computerized record linkage system to determine whether it is feasible to use self-administered questionnaires to conduct large-scale, routine postdischarge surveillance for nosocomial infections among mothers and infants. We mailed questionnaires to 19,650 mothers of infants delivered at our institution who were discharged between January 1, 1988, and December 31, 1989. The questionnaire asked whether either mother or baby experienced infections, received an antibiotic, or was rehospitalized for an infection. Thirty-six percent of mothers returned the questionnaire. Seven hundred eleven (10%) of 7,033 replies reported 763 infections in mothers and 844 (12%) of 7.147 replies reported 968 infections in infants. These infections represented 4% of all women who delivered and 4% of all infants discharged. Since a minority of questionnaires were returned, these are likely to be conservative estimates of the occurrence of perceived infections. The most common maternal infections were mastitis (406 cases), urinary tract infections (185 cases), and endometritis (58 cases). The most common infections of infants were conjunctivitis (622 cases), diaper rash requiring antibiotics (169 cases), and umbilical infection (84 cases). Eighty-two percent of maternal infections reported after discharge were treated with antibiotics, as were 74% of infant infections. Infections reported during a 4-month period were checked by a telephone call to the mother, who confirmed 17 (74%) of 23 reported maternal infections and 40 (70%) of 57 reported infant infections. Infections reported during a separate 3-month period were checked by contacting the patients' physicians, who confirmed 23 (48%) of 48 reported maternal infections and 19 (25%) of 76 reported infant infections. It is unclear how much of the low proportion of reported cases confirmed by physicians reflects overreporting by mothers and how much represents incomplete knowledge by physicians. In addition, some reported infections may have been acquired after discharge. Postdischarge surveillance via self-administered questionnaire identified twice as many apparent maternal infections and 12 times as many newborn infections as did concurrent prospective in-hospital surveillance. However, a number of important methodologic issues must be resolved.
Retrotrapezoid nucleus lesions decrease phrenic activity and CO2 sensitivity in rats

In chloralose-urethane anesthetized, paralyzed, and ventilated rats, we measured the effects of unilateral lesions in the region ventral and ventromedial to the facial nucleus, the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), on eucapnic phrenic activity and the response to increased end-tidal CO2. Chemical (kainic acid injections; 4.7 mM; 10-100 nl) and electrolytic (5-15 mA; 5-15 sec) lesions, anatomically demonstrated to be in the RTN, resulted in a progressive decrease in the amplitude of the integrated phrenic nerve activity from baseline levels of 49-59% of maximum to values of 21-32% of maximum over 30 to 120 min. There were no consistent effects on frequency or on blood pressure. The initial slope of the response to hypercapnia was decreased by 86-92%. Bilateral carotid body ablation did not alter the general pattern of the responses. As in the cat, unilateral RTN lesions decrease baseline phrenic amplitude and virtually abolish the response to hypercapnia. We hypothesize that the RTN region provides; (1) a source of tonic activity which maintains eucapnic ventilatory output, and (2) allows expression of the response to hypercapnia.
Effect of Exercise upon the Measurable Supporting Strength of Cloth and Tape Ankle Wraps

Abstract Observations were made on the supporting strength of three types of ankle wraps before and after exercise. The ankle wraps under investigation included the tape-on-skin, tape-over-stockinette, and the Louisiana wrap. A cable tensiometer and a mounted range of motion indicator were used to obtain simultaneous force and range of motion data as the foot was manually moved in plantar flexion-inversion. Ten college men were tested with each type of ankle wrap and with the ankle unwrapped under both pre-exercise and post-exercise conditions. The results showed that although the measurable support varied with type of wrapping and with individuals, the supporting strength of all wraps declined substantially following exercise. The tape-on-skin wrap proved to be superior in supporting strength both before and after exercise.
Oestrogens and their promiscuous receptors: confronting reality.

The binding sites of the oestrogen receptors α and β have a structural requirement for ligands with two oxygen atoms (one of which is phenolic) spaced 11–12 A apart. They are open to many non-steroidal compounds, such as those from plants and the chemical industry. The importance of this interaction is the subject of current food safety research. This article examines the methods of assessment of oestrogenicity and their relationship to physiological events.
Unsplit complex frequency-shifted PML implementation using auxiliary differential equations for seismic wave modeling

The complex-frequency-shifted perfectly matched layer (CFS-PML) technique can efficiently absorb near-grazing incident waves. In seismic wave modeling, CFS-PML has been implemented by the first-order-accuracy convolutional PML technique or second-order-accuracy recursive convolution PML technique. Both use different algorithms than the numerical scheme for the interior domain to update auxiliary memory variables in the PML and thus cannot be used directly with higher-order time-marching schemes. We work with an unsplit-field CFS-PML implementation using auxiliary differential equations (ADEs) to update the auxiliary memory variables. This ADE CFS-PML results in complete first-order differential equations. Thus, the numerical scheme for the interior domain can be used to solve ADE CFS-PML equations. We have implemented ADE CFS-PML in the finite-difference time-domain method and in anonstaggered-grid finite-difference method with the fourth-order Runge-Kutta scheme, demonstrating its straightforward impleme...
Development of Multisensory Convergence in the Xenopus Optic Tectum

The adult Xenopus optic tectum receives and integrates visual and nonvisual sensory information. Nonvisual inputs include mechanosensory inputs from the lateral line, auditory, somatosensory, and vestibular systems. While much is known about the development of visual inputs in this species, almost nothing is known about the development of mechanosensory inputs to the tectum. In this study, we investigated mechanosensory inputs to the tectum during critical developmental stages (stages 42–49) in which the retinotectal map is being established. Tract-tracing studies using lipophilic dyes revealed a large projection between the hindbrain and the tectum as early as stage 42; this projection carries information from the Vth, VIIth, and VIIIth nerves. By directly stimulating hindbrain and visual inputs using an isolated whole-brain preparation, we found that all tectal cells studied received both visual and hindbrain input during these early developmental stages. Pharmacological data indicated that the hindbrain-tectal projection is glutamatergic and that there are no direct inhibitory hindbrain-tectal ascending projections. We found that unlike visual inputs, hindbrain inputs do not show a decrease in paired-pulse facilitation over this developmental period. Interestingly, over this developmental period, hindbrain inputs show a transient increase followed by a significant decrease in the α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA)/N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) ratio and show no change in quantal size, both in contrast to visual inputs. Our data support a model by which fibers are added to the hindbrain-tectal projection across development. Nascent fibers form new synapses with tectal neurons and primarily activate NMDA receptors. At a time when retinal ganglion cells and their tectal synapses mature, hindbrain-tectal synapses are still undergoing a period of rapid synaptogenesis. This study supports the idea that immature tectal cells receive converging visual and mechanosensory information and indicates that the Xenopus tectum might be an ideal preparation to study the early development of potential multisensory interactions at the cellular level.
Constraints to agricultural production in Africa: A survey of female farmers in the Ruhengeri prefecture of Rwanda

Traditional thinking in development has emphasized the ability of the peasant farm system to adapt or ”restructure” itself during periods of intense population pressure. Adaptation typically takes the form of intensifying the exploitation of existing land and/or expansion of the resource base. This paper takes issue with that assertion and suggests that in the context of rapid social and institutional change, environmental degradation, and rampant increases in population, adaptation cannot be relied on to maintain equilibrium. The basis for the recommendations made here is a survey of 192 women farmers in Ruhengeri prefecture of Rwanda in east central Africa. Findings suggest that (1) Rwanda is experiencing serious demographic and environmental problems; (2) the traditional mechanisms of adaptation can no longer be relied upon to bring about equilibrium; and (3) the women of Rwanda are the conduits of change since they contribute the largest percentage of agricultural labor and have the most responsibility for operation of farms and production of agricultural output. In light of these findings, it is clear that special attention must be focussed on policy initiatives geared toward reducing population growth, facilitating innovation/information diffusion, restructuring the extension service, and reducing gender biases.
Mechanism of action of deferoxaminum on iron absorption.

In confirmation of previous work oral administration of an iron-chelating substance, deferoxaminum (DFO), was found to reduce absorption of inorganic but not haemoglobin iron. Retention of ionic iron was impaired whether the iron and DFO were mixed initially in a flask, in the stomach or in the small intestine. Oral DFO principally prevented the transfer of iron from gut lumen to plasma. Nevertheless, a small amount of iron was transferred to the plasma even in the face of a great excess of DFO. A portion of this absorbed iron was excreted in the urine together with DFO. Whether DFO combined with this absorbed iron before or after transfer to the plasma could not be determined. Intravenous DFO, however, was shown to chelate ionic iron in the presence of transferrin. Once iron was bound to transferrin, DFO could not remove it in vivo.
Physicians, the Affordable Care Act, and primary care: disruptive change or business as usual?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act1 (ACA) presages disruptive change in primary care delivery. With expanded access to primary care for millions of new patients, physicians and policymakers face increased pressure to solve the perennial shortage of primary care practitioners. Despite the controversy surrounding its enactment, the ACA should motivate organized medicine to take the lead in shaping new strategies for meeting the nation’s primary care needs. In this commentary, we argue that physicians should take the lead in developing policies to address the primary care shortage. First, physicians and medical professional organizations should abandon their long-standing opposition to non-physician practitioners (NPPs) as primary care providers. Second, physicians should re-imagine how primary care is delivered, including shifting routine care to NPPs while retaining responsibility for complex patients and oversight of the new primary care arrangements. Third, the ACA’s focus on wellness and prevention creates opportunities for physicians to integrate population health into primary care practice.
CONTINUITIES AND CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF CERAMIC DESIGN: A RECORD OF MIGRATION AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN THE RIO GRANDE PUEBLOS

AbstractThis paper traces migration and social adaptation in the northern Ancestral Pueblo Southwest during the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries from the perspective of continuities and changes in the structure of ceramic design. During the Coalition period cultural continuities are recorded in the patterns and structures between McElmo B/W and Santa Fe B/W and between Mesa Verde B/W and Galisteo B/W. Migrants from the Four Corners initially continued making their homeland decorative styles in their new homes on the Rio Grande. The designs, constructed by one-dimensional bifold rotation, are structural metaphors for the multiple reciprocities that organized kin relationships in the unit pueblo communities of their Four Corners homeland. Subsequently, during the Classic period coincident with the construction of large plaza-oriented towns there is a structural shift to finite design organization that, like designs in the earlier pithouse horizon, signals the adaptive role of the household as the self-suff...
Operation of U.S. Geological Survey unmanned digital magnetic observatories

Abstract The precision and continuity of data recorded by unmanned digital magnetic observatories depend on the type of data acquisition equipment used and operating procedures employed. Three generations of observatory systems used by the U.S. Geological Survey are described. A table listing the frequency of component failures in the current observatory system has been compiled for a 54-month period of operation. The cause of component failure was generally mechanical or due to lightning. The average percentage data loss per month for 13 observatories operating a combined total of 637 months was 9%. Frequency distributions of data loss intervals show the highest frequency of occurrence to be intervals of less than 1 h. Installation of the third generation system will begin in 1988. The configuration of the third generation observatory system will eliminate most of the mechanical problems, and its components should be less susceptible to lightning. A quasi-absolute coil-proton system will be added to obtain baseline control for component variation data twice daily. Observatory data, diagnostics, and magnetic activity indices will be collected at 12-min intervals via satellite at Golden, Colorado. An improvement in the quality and continuity of data obtained with the new system is expected.
THREE-ALPHA-PARTICLE RESONANCES VIA THE FADEEV EQUATION

Abstract We use the Fadeev equation with a separable two-particle scattering amplitude to search for stationary states of the three-alpha-particle system. With a two-particle scattering amplitude consisting of an S-wave resonance, we find a single low-energy resonance which can be driven to negative energy only by using unreasonable off-energy shell dependence of the two-particle scattering amplitude.
Retinal Photodamage by Endogenous and Xenobiotic Agents

The human eye is constantly exposed to sunlight and artificial lighting. Light transmission through the eye is fundamental to its unique biological functions of directing vision and circadian rhythm and therefore light absorbed by the eye must be benign. However, exposure to the very intense ambient radiation can pose a hazard particularly if the recipient is over 40 years of age. There are age-related changes in the endogenous (natural) chromophores (lipofuscin, A2E and all-trans-retinal derivatives) in the human retina that makes it more susceptible to visible light damage. Intense visible light sources that do not filter short blue visible light (400-440 nm) used for phototherapy of circadian imbalance (i.e. seasonal affective disorder) increase the risk for age-related light damage to the retina. Moreover, many drugs, dietary supplements, nanoparticles and diagnostic dyes (xenobiotics) absorb ocular light and have the potential to induce photodamage to the retina, leading to transient or permanent blinding disorders. This article will review the underlying reasons why visible light in general and short blue visible light in particular dramatically raises the risk of photodamage to the human retina.
Data-driven techniques to estimate parameters in the homogenized energy model for shape memory alloys

The homogenized energy model is a unified framework for modeling hysteresis in ferroelectric, ferromagnetic, and ferroelastic materials. The homogenized energy model framework combines energy analysis at the lattice level with stochastic homogenization techniques, based on the assumption that quantities such as interaction and coercive fields are manifestations of underlying densities, to construct macroscopic material models. In this article, we focus on the homogenized energy model for shape memory alloys. Specifically, we develop techniques for estimating model parameters based on attributes of measured data. Both the local (mesoscopic) and macroscopic models are described, and the model parameters’ relationship to the material’s response is discussed. Using these relationships, techniques for estimating model parameters are presented. The techniques are applied to constant-temperature stress–strain and resistance–strain data. These estimates are used in two manners. In one method, the estimates are co...