cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospective evaluation of new and old criteria to discriminate between supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia in implantable defibrillators

This study was designed to evaluate the ability to distinguish between supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) and ventricular tachycardias (VTs) based on onset, stability, and width criteria in an implantable defibrillator. Inappropriate detection of atrial fibrillation and sinus tachycardia is a common problem in patients with implantable defibrillators. The onset, stability, and width criteria were studied in 17 patients who underwent implantation of a Medtronic 7218C implantable defibrillator by inducing sinus tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. Additional data on the width criteria was obtained by pacing at separate sites in both the left and right ventricle. Patients were studied at different times for up to 6 months to determine any changes in the criteria. The onset and stability criteria caused inappropriate detections in 36% and 12% of the episodes, respectively. The addition of the width criteria decreased the inappropriate detection using the onset and stability criteria to 5% and 2%, respectively. Pacing from the RV apex, RV outflow tract, and LV apex was appropriately detected as wide in 76%, 41%, and 94%, respectively. The width criteria changed over time in individual patients, but was stable by 6 months in all but one patient. No single criterion is satisfactory for distinguishing between SVT and VT in this patient population, but the combination of criteria seems to provide better discrimination. The width criteria can change dramatically over time and needs to be monitored carefully. Newer algorithms will need to be developed to allow better detection of supraventricular tachycardias.
Studies on Spermatogenesis and Steroidogenesis in Culture

This paper summarizes the major pertinent findings of previously published work and includes new experimental data. Culture conditions have been defined for long-term maintenance of basic testicular structure, primitive type A spermatogonia, and Sertoli cells. The primitive type A spermatogonia grown for 8 weeks in organ culture were capable of restoring complete spermatogenesis after the cultures were transplanted into the testes of sexually mature homologous hosts. Since the primitive type A spermatogonia were the only germinal elements present in the organ cultures at the time of transplantation, they probably represent the spermatogenic stem cells. Differentiation of gonocytes or spermatogonia to spermatocytes in late pachytene stage required presence of vitamins A, C, and E or 4 mm concentration of glutamine in the medium but was not affected by hormones. The replication of Sertoli cells in vivo and in organ culture was shown to be age related and hormone independent. The Sertoli cells possess specific FSH binding receptors and respond to FSH with increased synthesis of c-AMP and androgen-binding protein. The biologic function of FSH in the Sertoli cells remains to be clarified. Other cellular components of the testis, the germinal, or peritubular cells do not bind FSH. In organ cultures of testicular tissue or Leydig-cell cultures all enzymes in the steroid biosynthetic pathway, leading from progesterone to testosterone, remain active for several days. In older cultures, the conversion of progesterone to testosterone becomes impaired primarily due to loss of two specific enzymes: 17α hydroxylase and 17-20 lyase. Addition of HCG to monolayer cultures of Leydig cells stimulated both the synthesis and release of testosterone.
Estimating the joint distribution of repeated binary responses: some small sample results

Abstract The joint distribution of repeated binary observations is multinomial, and can be specified using a representation first suggested by Bahadur (in: H. Solomon (Ed.) Studies in item analysis and prediction (Stanford University Press, Stanford, 1961)), and later by Cox (Appl. Statist., 21 (1972) 113–120). Using the Bahadur representation, the marginal probabilities of success can be related to a set of covariates using the logistic link function, or any other suitable link function. If only the marginal parameters are of interest, the these can be estimated using the generalized estimating equations approach proposed by Liang and Zeger (Biometrica (1986)). However, often the joint probabilities are of scientific interest. For example, we may have interest in the probability of success on any of the repeated measures. This “union” probability can be specified in terms of the joint probabilities between the repeated measures, which can be expressed as functions of the marginal probabilities and the 2nd and higher-order correlations. We present the results of a simulation study designed to evaluate the small sample properties of several methods of estimating the parameters of the Bahadur model.
Comparison of Conjugase Treatment Procedures in the Microbiological Assay for Food Folacin

Variations in the conjugase treatment step of the microbiological assay for food folacin were investigated. The source of the conjugase–fresh hog kidney, fresh chicken pancreas or commercial dried chicken pancreas–did not significantly affect the measurable folacin activity of spinach. However, the buffer, pH, incubation time, sequence of steps in extraction and conjugase treatment, and method of sample filtration (filter paper vs centrifuge) used prior to conjugase treatment were all found to significantly affect the folacin activity of spinach.
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY IN MANY-VALLEY SEMICONDUCTORS AND IN SEMIMETALS

It is shown that the attractive electron-electron interaction arising from the exchange of intravalley and intervalley phonons can be larger than the repulsive Coulomb interaction in many-valley semiconductors and semimetals and can cause these materials to exhibit superconducting properties. The importance of observing a superconducting transition in these materials and the properties required of a semiconductor or semimetal to maximize its superconducting transition temperature are discussed.
Medium Effects on Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of Nylon-3 Polymers against E. coli

Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against E. coli were measured for three nylon-3 polymers using Luria-Bertani broth (LB), brain-heart infusion broth (BHI), and a chemically defined complete medium (EZRDM). The polymers differ in the ratio of hydrophobic to cationic subunits. The cationic homopolymer is inert against E. coli in BHI and LB, but becomes highly potent in EZRDM. A mixed hydrophobic/cationic polymer with a hydrophobic t-butylbenzoyl group at its N-terminus is effective in BHI, but becomes more effective in EZRDM. Supplementation of EZRDM with the tryptic digest of casein (often found in LB) recapitulates the LB and BHI behavior. Additional evidence suggests that polyanionic peptides present in LB and BHI may form electrostatic complexes with cationic polymers, decreasing activity by diminishing binding to the anionic lipopolysaccharide layer of E. coli. In contrast, two natural antimicrobial peptides show no medium effects. Thus, the use of a chemically defined medium helps to reveal factors that influence antimicrobial potency of cationic polymers and functional differences between these polymers and evolved antimicrobial peptides.
Literary Engagements With Terrorism: An Intervention

In the current political climate, counterterrorism is largely driven by an attempt at disassociating terrorism from all political substance and, instead, entirely casting it in a moral light. Deeply problematic as the strategies of terror may be, the fight against terrorism is futile unless its political nature and substance are recognized. This article argues that literary discourse can play a crucial role in furthering our appreciation of the politics of terrorism. It offers brief readings of some South Asian literary texts to show how their nuanced engagement with terrorism informs our ethical and political queries regarding terrorism. First, the article discusses two texts with sharply varying perspectives, but both based on the politics of terrorism in the Indian independence movement: Rabindranath Tagores's Four Chapters and Saratchandra Chatterjee's The Right of Way. Next, a novel by Mahasweta Devi and a short story by K. S. Duggal are explored for their insights on the Naxalite movement and the se...
Calcium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese bioavailability from infant formulas and weaning diets assessed in rat pups

Abstract A suckling rat pup model was used to evaluate the absorption of calcium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese from various types of infant formulas and weaning foods. Radioisotopes were used to extrinsically label the diets and absorption was measured 6 h after introduction of the diets by gastric needle into fasted pups. Mineral and trace element absorption from regular cow milk formulas, hydrolysate formulas and premature formulas was high (Ca: 72–86%; Fe: 89–96%; Zn: 78–99%; Cu: 75–86%; Mn: 75–85%) and similar to that from human milk. Bioavailability of calcium and trace elements from soy formula and weaning formulas containing cereals or rice was significantly lower, most likely due to the presence of phytate in these products. Knowledge of various factors in infant formulas that affect mineral and trace element absorption negatively may help when making dietary choices and also when designing weaning diets for infants. In addition, such data give suggestions for possible changes in the composition of infant formulas that can lead to improved mineral and trace element bioavailability.
Applying the Boundary-Layer Independence Principle to Turbulent Flows

Velocities measured in turbulent boundary layers over yawed flat plates confirmed that the mean velocity profiles normal to the leading edge are proportional to the velocity profiles parallel to it, with a proportionality constant depending on the yaw angle. This turned out to be the necessary and sufficient condition to make the wall stress components normal and parallel to the leading edge also proportional in the same manner, thus reaffirming the boundary-layer independence principle for turbulent and laminar flows alike. Reinterpretation of old experiments thus changed the mantra stating, “the independence principle does not apply to turbulent flow”, thus providing a new insight into three-dimensional boundary-layer flows on yawed, high-aspect-ratio wings. It explains the prevalence of attached spanwise flow near the trailing edges of such wings, and it provides a rationale for turbulence modeling on them. Furthermore, it indicates the direction along which active separation control should take place.
Movement as a musical response among preschool children

The purpose of this study was to investigate preschool children's movement responses to music in a free-choice participation setting. The study's framework was built on theories derived from qualitative data. The investigator observed 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds in a researcher-designed music center where videotapes of sessions were used to analyze data through the constant comparative method. Three theoretical core categories emerged from data analysis: conditions, interactions, and outcomes. The properties of the first core category, which involves preexisting behavioral qualities that influence movement responses, are dispositions, developmental stage, and mode of representation. The properties of the second core category are modeling, describing, and suggesting, which are the overt behaviors of children and teacher that influence movement responses. The properties related to the third core category are music-related movement responses and nonmusic-related movement responses. The primary result of the stud...
Countering the Concerns: How to Reinforce Dental Practice Safety

Dentists must become more aggressive in anticipating patient concerns and initiating programs to answer current infection control concerns. Specific suggestions to meet these concerns are offered.
Determination of Hydrocortisone and Hydrocortisone Acetate in Antibiotic Mastitis Preparation

A modified column partition chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of hydrocortisone and hydrocortisone acetate in antibiotic mastitis preparations. A sodium bicarbonate trap under a methyl alcohol-water stationary phase in Celite is used with two mobile phases. First, the interfering oil is eluted with methylene chloride-isooctane, then the steroid to be assayed by the blue tetrazolium method is eluted with methylene chloride. This procedure shows a marked improvement over the U.S.P. XVII hydrocortisone ointment method in the removal of interferences and results in satisfactory assays for the two steroids in mastitis formulations. Recoveries of the steroids added to blank mastitis preparations ranged from 90.3 to 100.9 per cent. The average percentage of recovery for hydrocortisone and hydrocortisone acetate was 96.9 and 98.2, respectively.
Solution of non-linear differential equations by discrete least squares

A general-purpose technique has been developed for solving non-linear partial differential equations. A set of approximating functions with undetermined parameters is used to evaluate the differential equation and boundary conditions at discrete points, forming a set of residuals to be minimized. The parameters which minimize the sum of squared residuals are determined by a non-linear least-squares minimization technique. Initial value problems are solved by integrating the equations with respect to time at the fitting points by a predictor-corrector algorithm. The resulting formulation is independent of the form of the problem and the approximating functions, so that a broad class of problems may be solved with a single computer program. The technique is applied to several boundary and initial value problems in one and two spatial dimensions. The tecnique is applied to several boundary and initial value problems in one and two spatial dimensions.
Scaffold attachment factor B1 regulates the androgen receptor in concert with the growth inhibitory kinase MST1 and the methyltransferase EZH2

The androgen receptor (AR) is a transcription factor that employs many diverse interactions with coregulatory proteins in normal physiology and in prostate cancer (PCa). The AR mediates cellular responses in association with chromatin complexes and kinase cascades. Here we report that the nuclear matrix protein, scaffold attachment factor B1 (SAFB1), regulates AR activity and AR levels in a manner that suggests its involvement in PCa. SAFB1 mRNA expression was lower in PCa in comparison with normal prostate tissue in a majority of publicly available RNA expression data sets. SAFB1 protein levels were also reduced with disease progression in a cohort of human PCa that included metastatic tumors. SAFB1 bound to AR and was phosphorylated by the MST1 (Hippo homolog) serine-threonine kinase, previously shown to be an AR repressor, and MST1 localization to AR-dependent promoters was inhibited by SAFB1 depletion. Knockdown of SAFB1 in androgen-dependent LNCaP PCa cells increased AR and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, stimulated growth of cultured cells and subcutaneous xenografts and promoted a more aggressive phenotype, consistent with a repressive AR regulatory function. SAFB1 formed a complex with the histone methyltransferase EZH2 at AR-interacting chromatin sites in association with other polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) proteins. We conclude that SAFB1 acts as a novel AR co-regulator at gene loci where signals from the MST1/Hippo and EZH2 pathways converge.
THE ASSAY OF 1α, 25‐DIHYDROXYVITAMIN D3: PHYSIOLOGIC AND PATHOLOGIC MODULATION OF CIRCULATING HORMONE LEVELS

A sensitive radioreceptor assay for 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25-(OH)2D3) is utilized to quantitate the circulating concentration of this sterol in experimental animals and humans. When weanling rats are grown for 2 weeks on low calcium or low phosphate diets, limited availability of either ion elicits a five-fold increase in the plasma level of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3. The enhancement of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 in calcium deficiency is dependent upon the presence of the parathyroid and/or thyroid glands, which is consistent with parathyroid hormone (PTH) mediation of this effect. In contrast, the response to phosphate deficiency is independent of these glands and may result from a direct action of low phosphate on the renal synthesis of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3. Studies in humans indicate that the normal level of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D is 2.1--4.5 ng/100 ml plasma. Patients with chronic renal failure have markedly lower circulating 1alpha,25-(OH)2D and this kidney hormone is undetectable in anephric subjects, but returns to normal within 1 day after successful renal transplantation. Hypoparathyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism are associated with reduced plasma 1alpha,25-(OH)2D while patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have significantly elevated sterol hormone levels. Thus, from measurements in rats and humans, it appears that circulating 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 is regulated by PTH and/or phosphate and that abnormal plasma 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 is a part of the pathophysiology of renal osteodystrophy and parathyroid disorders.
Characteristics of fibers in the extensor muscle of a crab

Abstract 1. 1. The membrane and contractile characteristics of fibres in the extensor muscle of the crab Cancer magister Daba were investigated by intracellular electrode techniques. 2. 2. Two extreme types of fibre were found: small-diameter “tonic” fibres which contracted slowly and had sarcomeres about 10 μ long; and large-diameter “phasic’ fibres which contracted rapidly and had sarcomeres about 5 μ long. 3. 3. A few of the tonic fibres gave graded spikes when depolarized, but all-or-nothing spikes were encountered only in certain phasic fibres.
Sediment community structure around a whale skeleton in the deep Northeast Pacific: Macrofaunal, microbial and bioturbation effects

Chemoautotrophic communities on lipid-rich whale skeletons are known from a total of 16 modern and fossil sites in the deep Pacific Ocean. While the attached fauna of modern whale bones has been studied, the impact of whale falls on surrounding sediment assemblages remains largely unevaluated. Using the research submersible Alvin, we sampled the sediment community at distances of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and ∼100 m from the lipid-rich skeleton of a 21 m balaenopterid on the 1240 m seafloor in Santa Catalina Basin. When sampled in 1988 and 1991, the skeleton had been on the seafloor for >4 yr and supported a large attached chemoautotrophic assemblage. Sedimentary organic content, microbial biomass and bacterial abundance were not significantly different near the skeleton than in background sediments, and pore-water sulfide concentrations were only modestly elevated (to ⩽20 μM) adjacent to the bones. The species composition of infaunal macrobenthos near the skeleton was similar to that in background sediments, providing little evidence of a specialized enrichment and/or sulfophilic assemblage. Nonetheless, macrofaunal abundance within 0.5 m of the skeleton was reduced by >40%, due to a decline in the paraonid polychaete Levinsenia oculata. The reduction in L. oculata (the community dominant) caused a sharp increase in rarefaction diversity near the skeleton. Bioturbation intensities, evaluated from 234Th profiles, were also dramatically reduced in sediments near the skeleton, as were rates of extracellular lipase activity. We postulate that reduced infaunal abundance and bioturbation near the skeleton resulted from the interference effects of vesicomyid clam-shell debris, and that the low bioturbation rates in turn limited extracellular lipase activity. We conclude that whale skeletons, and the remains of their associated chemoautotrophic assemblages, may physically impact nearby sediment communities for years after the organic and sulfide enrichment effects of whale falls have dissipated, yielding changes in infaunal diversity and bioturbation.
Bibliographic Services of the Future

An explanation of work experience encountered in the authors' five libraries, incorporating a review of professional literature, describes the effect of automating technical services upon cataloging personnel and operations. The librarian-of-the-future concept suggests that a new paradigm is needed for bibliographic services. Rather than describe an individual library, this article focuses on ideas and concepts basic to the design of future systems. Trends identified are managerial issues, coordination of work flow, increased expectations, the new bibliographic specialist, scholarship and information production plus performance output measures, gateway functions for library technology, service to library user groups, status concerns, and less-hierarchical organizational structures.
Superiority of endothelin-1 over norepinephrine in exercise-induced alterations of the conduit artery tone of the non-exercised arm in patients with chronic heart failure☆

Abstract This study is aimed at examining the relative importance of norepinephrine and endothelin-1 in treadmill exercise-induced changes in brachial arterial tone of the non-exercised arm in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Brachial artery diameter and blood flow were measured before and after exercise in eight healthy volunteers and 18 patients with stable chronic heart failure by high-resolution ultrasound. Maximal exercise resulted in brachial artery dilatation in controls (4.42±0.39 vs. 4.77±0.39 mm; P P =0.07). Both groups demonstrated a significant increase in blood flow after exercise. The pre-exercise (2.83±0.76 vs. 1.69±0.15 pmol/l; P =0.0004), post-exercise (4.15±1.5 vs. 2.02±0.34 pmol/l; P =0.0004) and the percent increase (47.15±32.5 vs. 19.0±10.5%; P =0.02) in endothelin-1 levels were significantly greater in patients than in controls. In contrast to endothelin-1, the exercise-induced percent increase in norepinephrine was greater in controls than patients (100.7±51.8 vs. 49.8±43.4%; P =0.01). The percent change in the diameter of the brachial artery in response to maximal exercise was significantly correlated to pre- ( r =0.634; P =0.003) and post-exercise ( r =0.467; P =0.05) endothelin-1 levels in patients but not in controls [pre-exercise ( r =0.07; P =0.86), post-exercise ( r =0.310; P =0.47)]. The change in the diameter of the brachial artery did not correlate with pre- or post-exercise plasma norepinephrine levels in either group. These findings suggest that endothelin-1 is potentially more important than norepinephrine in contributing exercise-induced brachial artery constriction in patients with chronic heart failure.
Rearranging similar objects with a manipulator using pebble graphs

This work proposes a method for efficiently computing manipulation paths to rearrange similar objects in a cluttered space. Rearrangement is a challenging problem as it involves combinatorially large, continuous configuration spaces due to the presence of multiple bodies and kinematically complex manipulators. This work leverages ideas from multi-robot motion planning and manipulation planning to propose appropriate graphical representations for this challenge. These representations allow to quickly reason whether manipulation paths allow the transition between entire sets of object arrangements without having to explicitly store these arrangements. The proposed method also takes advantage of precomputation given a manipulation roadmap for transferring a single object in the space. The approach is evaluated in simulation for a realistic model of a Baxter robot and executed on the real system, showing that the method solves complex instances and is promising in terms of scalability and success ratio.
Effect of brain growth stages on T‐maze acquisition in mice

Recently, it has been shown that brain growth is characterized by periods of especially large increases in growth, with "plateaus" in growth between these "spurt" periods. In humans, these spurts in brain growth are correlated with spurts in mind growth, collectively termed phrenoblysis. Brain growth spurts in rodents occur at 0-6, 8-12, and 17-23 days of age with plateaus in-between. We examined two questions. First, are there differences in learning ability associated with spurts and plateaus in brain growth? Second, can learning during these stages be altered through genetic and environmental manipulations? We employed the high and low lines of the Fuller brain weight selection mice, which are known to have different developmental patterns, and early handling procedures, known to alter growth rates. The results showed that animals tested during a proposed brain growth spurt were superior to animals tested during a brain growth plateau in learning a shock-escape T-maze.
Distinguishing psychogenic and essential tremor

In contrast to essential tremor (ET), psychogenic tremor (PT) is often manifested by shaking with variable amplitude and frequency, distractibility, suggestibility, and entrainment. The sensitivity and specificity of these findings in differentiating PT and ET have not been systematically examined. In order to determine clinical features that reliably distinguish PT from ET, we collected patient information regarding tremor onset, spontaneous remissions, family history, and employment history. A "blinded" rater evaluated video segments of subjects using a standardized protocol with special attention to distractibility, suggestibility, or entrainment. A total of 45 subjects with ET or PT were enrolled in this study: 33 met clinical criteria for ET with a mean age of 56.8+/-17.0 years and 12 met clinical criteria for PT with a mean age of 42.5+/-11.0 years. PT subjects were significantly more likely to relay a history of sudden onset (p=0.03), spontaneous remissions (p=0.03), and shorter duration of tremor (p=0.001). Family history of tremor was significantly more common in the ET group (p=0.001). A moderate-to-marked degree of distraction with alternate finger tapping (p=0.01) and mental concentration on serial 7 s (p=0.01) was more common in PT. Furthermore, suggestibility with a tuning fork (p=0.04) and exacerbation with hyperventilation (p=0.06) seemed predictive of PT. Entrainment was not different in the two groups. In conclusion, a history of tremor with sudden onset and spontaneous remissions along with distractibility and suggestibility on examination are good predictors of PT and help differentiate it from ET.
Calculation of fluid-mineral equilibria using the simplex algorithm

Abstract A new method for computing fluid-rock equilibria and associated geochemical mass transfer has been developed which utilizes the SIMPLEX algorithm to solve the set of coupled mass balance and mass action equations. The technique does not require differentiation of the governing equations, nor does it require the use of matrices. It is essentially a batch-type calculation which speciates the fluid and computes the masses of minerals that must precipitate or dissolve in order to maintain chemical equilibrium. The classic problem of titrating K-feldspar into water and computing the mineral paragenesis and fluid composition has been used as a test of the algorithm. The algorithm, coded in Microsoft QuickBASIC, can generate a complete paragenesis from unsaturated solution to saturation with K-feldspar in less than 5 min on a 80386 desktop running at 25 MHz with a math coprocessor.
Synthesis of tiled patterns using factor graphs

Patterns with pleasing structure are common in art, video games, and virtual worlds. We describe a method for synthesizing new patterns of tiles on a regular grid that are similar in appearance to a set of example patterns. Exemplars are used both to specify valid tile arrangements and to emphasize multi-tile structures. We model a pattern as a probabilistic graphical model called a factor graph. Factors represent the hard logical constraints between tiles, the soft statistical relationships that determine style, and the local dependencies between tiles at neighboring sites. We describe a simple method for learning factor functions from a small exemplar. We then synthesize new patterns through a stochastic search method that is inspired by MC-SAT. Efficient synthesis is challenging because of the combination of hard and soft constraints. Our synthesis algorithm, called BlockSS, scales linearly with the number of tiles and the hardness of the problem. We use our technique to model building facades, cities, and decorative patterns.
Stereochemical Specificity of Organophosphorus Acid Anhydrolase toward p-Nitrophenyl Analogs of Soman and Sarin

Organophosphorus acid anhydrolase (OPAA) catalyzes the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl analogs of the organophosphonate nerve agents, sarin and soman. The enzyme is stereoselective toward the chiral phosphorus center by displaying a preference for the R(P)-configuration of these analogs. OPAA also exhibits an additional preference for the stereochemical configuration at the chiral carbon center of the soman analog. The preferred configuration of the chiral carbon center is dependent upon the configuration at the phosphorus center. The enzyme displays a two- to four-fold preference for the R(P)-enantiomer of the sarin analog. The k(cat)/K(m) of the R(P)-enantiomer is 250 M(-1) s(-1), while that of the S(P)-enantiomer is 110 M(-1) s(-1). The order of preference for the stereoisomers of the soman analog is R(P)S(C) > R(P)R(C) > S(P)R(C) > S(P)S(C). The k(cat)/K(m) values are 36,300 M(-1)s(-1), 1250 M(-1) s(-1), 80 M(-1) s(-1) and 5 M(-1) s(-1), respectively. The R(P)S(C)-isomer of the soman analog is therefore preferred by a factor of 7000 over the S(P)S(C)-isomer.
High Levels of CA-125 in a Case of a Parasitic Leiomyoma Presenting as an Abdominal Mass

A 32-year-old woman presented with increasing abdominal girth and discomfort secondary to a 18-week-size mass and a CA-125 level of 1539. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy and resection of a parasitic fibroid following which the CA-125 levels decreased and normalized within a month. A review of English literature indicates that association of raised CA-125 levels with fibroids is inconsistent and very modest and such high levels have not been previously reported.
A generalized model for neutron coincidence counting

Abstract A generalized model for neutron coincidence counting is developed, based on the use of a dual probability generating function, introduced here. The model, which takes explicit account of neutron absorption and leakage, and gives a clear picture of the underlying processes involved, is an extension of the formalism of Bohnel [Nucl. Sci. Eng. 90 (1985) 75] and Hage and Cifarelli [Nucl. Instr. and Meth. A236 (1985) 165]. Applications include active and passive neutron coincidence counting in standard configurations and in forked counters. Extensions to more complex situations are also suggested.
Catholic social teaching and the changing world economic order

Notes that the 1991 Papal Encyclical, Centesimus Annus, emphasizes the role of justice in the economic and social order of the global economy and that it calls for effective international agencies which would oversee and direct the economy to the common good in relation to the whole human family. Focuses on challenging questions posed by the call relating, for example, to the significance of having a just world economy and the role of existing institutions in its promotion. Initiates a discussion relating to such issues. Reviews the views expressed in some of the Papal Encyclicals on relevant economic issues. Discusses some problems relating to international development, and presents a discussion on some aspects of economic justice together with some welfare implications of economic theory. Describes attributes of an international monetary regime, followed by a presentation of a selective set of empirical observations. Briefly discusses international dependence theory, and exploitation in the international context. Finally, offers some concluding observations.
Low-overhead Fmax calibration at multiple operating points using delay-sensitivity-based path selection

Maximum operating frequency (Fmax) of a system often needs to be determined at multiple operating points, defined by voltage and temperatures. Such calibration is important for the speed binning process, where the voltage-frequency (V-Fmax) relation needs to be accurately determined to sort chips into different bins that can be used for different applications. Moreover, adaptive systems typically require Fmax calibration at multiple operating points in order to dynamically change operating condition such as supply voltage or body bias for power, temperature, or throughput management. For example, a Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) system requires accurate delay calibration at multiple operating voltages in order to apply the correct operating frequency corresponding to a scaled supply. In this article, we propose a low-overhead design technique that allows efficient characterization of Fmax at different operating voltages and temperatures. The proposed method selects a set of representative timing paths in a circuit based on their temperature and voltage sensitivities and dynamically configures them into a ring oscillator to compute the critical path delay. Compared to existing Fmax calibration approaches, the proposed approach provides the following two main advantages: (1) it introduces a delay sensitivity metric to isolate few representative timing paths; (2) it considers actual timing paths instead of critical path replicas, thereby accounting for local within-die delay variations. The all-digital calibration method is robust under process variations and achieves high delay estimation accuracy (> 4p error) at the cost of negligible design overhead (1.7p in delay, 0.3p in power, and 3.5p in die-area).
ADAPTIVE AND MALADAPTIVE ASPECTS OF DEPENDENCY: An Integrative Review

Although dependence in adults has typically been viewed as a flaw or deficit in functioning, a review of the literature reveals that high levels of dependency are associated with both positive and negative qualities on the part of the dependent person. Studies confirming this association are discussed, along with the theoretical and practical implications of their findings.
REJOINER TO JAMES WALKER'S "ON ORGANIZATION PLANNING"

A letter to the editor by Dr. William Glueck is presented as a rejoinder to James Walker's comments on his article “Applied Organization Analysis,” from the September 1967 issue.
Deaf animal models for studies of a multichannel cochlear prosthesis.

Pathological alterations of the cochlea were studied in three different deaf animal (cat) populations. The ototoxic drug neomycin sulfate, was administered in one experimental series by direct infusion into the cochlear perilymph; a second group was given a series of intramuscular injections of the drug; and in a third experiment a mechanical lesion was made in the basilar membrane of the basal turn and the animals subsequently deafened by systemic neomycin. Hearing losses were tracked by monitoring thresholds of auditory brainstem responses to click stimulation. These deaf cat preparations fairly efficiently model pathologies recorded in man and are highly predictable over an acceptable time frame. Such preparations are of practical value for experiments involving intracochlear electrical stimulation (e.g., with model cochlear prosthesis electrodes).
Thermoregulatory Vasoconstriction Decreases Cutaneous Heat Loss

To determine the extent to which thermoregulatory vasoconstriction decreases heat loss to the environment, we measured regional heat flux, average skin temperature, and tympanic membrane temperature before and after thermoregulatory vasoconstriction in five minimally clothed volunteers maintained in
On convergence of the solutions of a functional differential equation

Abstract A sufficient condition is given for the solutions of a functionally perturbed linear system of ordinary differential equations to have limits at ± ∞.
In vivo dissociation of factor vii (ahf) activity and factor viii‐related antigen in von willebrand's disease

Using monospecific rabbit antihuman factor VIII antiserum, we have examined the amounts of factor VIII-related antigen and compared these to the levels of factor VIII procoagulant activity in normal subjects and patients with von Willebrand's disease. We have observed that even without transfusion all nine probands with von Willebrand's disease and 20 of their 34 relatives possessed a significantly elevated factor VIII activity/factor VIII-related antigen ratio when compared to that of 55 normal subjects. It is suggested that an elevated factor VIII activity/factor VIII-related antigen ratio may be used for detection of the carriers of von Willebrand's disease.
Utilizing temporal correlation in multiuser MIMO feedback

In modern downlink wireless communication systems, multiple antennas are being increasingly used at the transmitter to support multiple users. To increase the sum-rate, it has been shown that downlink channel state information (CSI) must be utilized at the transmitter. Especially in frequency division duplexing (FDD) systems, feedback of this CSI is necessary from each of the users to provide the transmitter with this knowledge. The amount of feedback should be as small as possible to reduce the uplink burden. Most work on the design of this feedback has assumed a channel that fades independently from block to block. However, in practice, the channel is correlated in time. In this paper, we propose a limited feedback approach utilizing the temporal channel correlation information in multiuser downlink MIMO systems. We analyze the impact of the feedback amount on sum-rate performance when a zero-forcing beamformer is used at a base station. Simulations show that the proposed feedback method utilizing the temporal channel correlation information outperforms previous schemes not utilizing the temporal channel correlation information.
Anatomical mapping of tetrahydropapaveroline-reactive sites in brain mediating suppression of alcohol drinking in the rat

In a previous study, anatomically circumscribed sites were identified within limbic-midbrain and limbic-forebrain structures of the rat in which injections of tetrahydropapaveroline (THP) evoked the drinking of alcohol even at aversive concentrations. The purpose of the second part of this study was to identify specific sites in the same limbic structures which also were reactive to THP but which mediated the suppression of alcohol consumption. Cannulae for repeated microinjection of THP were implanted stereotaxically in male Sprague-Dawley rats at sites extending from the ventral tegmental-substantia nigra complex rostrally to the region of the olfactory tubercle. Postoperatively, the rats were tested for their self-selection of water versus alcohol offered in solutions increased over 10 consecutive days in 10 concentrations from 3 to 30%. THP was dissolved in a CSF vehicle containing Na2S2O5 or ascorbate and microinjected in a dose of 25, 50 or 250 ng contained in a volume of 1.5-2.0 microliters. Following a sequence of 5 microinjections of THP, given over 3 days, the same 10-day alcohol drinking test was repeated. Ordinarily, sites at three depths 1.0-1.5 mm beneath the tip of the guide tube were tested for their reactivity to the amine-aldehyde adduct. When injected at 21 sites within coronal planes 1.0-10.5, THP attenuated the intake of alcohol significantly. Structures sensitive to the inhibitory action of the aldehyde adduct included the substantia nigra, reticular formation, medial lemniscus, preoptic area, nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle, cingulate gyrus and rostral hippocampus. Within 65 loci contained within the same AP planes, little or no effect of alcohol intake was exerted by THP independent of the dose microinjected. Nonreactive loci were identified within fiber pathways including the corpus callosum and optic tract, motor systems of the caudate nucleus, and both sensory and motor relay nuclei of the thalamus. An analysis of the critical part played by the dose of THP revealed that 81% of reactive sites given the 25 ng dose mediated enhanced drinking of alcohol, as demonstrated in the first study. Conversely, the 50 and 250 ng doses injected at THP-sensitive loci reduced alcohol consumption three to seven times more often than they augmented drinking. Anatomical sites mediating an attenuation of alcohol consumption in response to the higher doses of THP overlapped with both enkephalinergic and dopaminergic systems which project from the ventral tegmentum and substantia nigra to the rostral limbic-forebrain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Phylogeography of the Scaled Quail in the American Southwest

We used sequences from the mitochondrial control region to examine the phylogeography and historical demography of the Scaled Quail and to determine whether the geographic distributions of mtDNA genealogy were concordant with the distribution of the subspecies. Overall, the Scaled Quail exhibited lower haplotype and nucleotide diversity than other quail species. The highest levels of haplotype diversity were found in 3 Texas counties: Dimmit, La Salle, and Hudspeth. The Scaled Quail exhibited no phylogeographic structure among its 16 haplotypes, and the patterns of genetic variation were not congruent with potential geographic barriers or current subspecies taxonomy. The geographic distribution of haplotypes and partitioning of molecular variation suggested slight genetic differentiation between the chestnut-bellied subspecies of Scaled Quail and the 3 western subspecies. The low levels of genetic diversity and the evidence of demographic expansion suggest that the Scaled Quail has undergone population and range expansion from a Pleistocene refugium. The greater genetic diversity within the Chestnut-bellied Quail may indicate the geographic location of the refugium.
LQG balancing and reduced LQG compensation of symmetric passive systems

In this paper, a technique for balancing a system in a closed-loop fashion is developed. This technique is referred to as ‘LQG balancing’, for it assumes that the system to be balanced is closed up with a standard LQG feedback loop. This paper focuses on LQG balancing of symmetric passive systems; such systems are used to model large vibrating structures with collocated rate sensors and actuators. A balancing characterization of reciprocity, passivity and losslessness is provided. A new method for reducing both the plant and the LQG compensator is developed. It is shown, using a hyperstability argument, that the loop made up with the full plant and any reduced LQG compensator is stable and has acceptable feedback properties.
A practical implementation of distributed system control over an asynchronous Ethernet network using time stamped data

With the increasing use of Ethernet for real-time control of distributed dynamic systems, and inexpensive processing power at the sensor and actuator nodes, there is a growing interest in the process control community to move towards “model based” distributed control. Prior work shows that the lack of precise time synchronization is a critical hindrance to reliable model generation or estimation in networked distributed systems. This paper explores the use of IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) to improve the fidelity of model estimates and the reliability of control messaging. The implemented controller is tested on a control system testbed augmented with PTP based time stamping and shows substantially improved tracking performance when compared to a similar controller without precise time knowledge. This improvement was achieved by building a propagated estimation of the master system to provide a reference tracking signal for the slave system, a technique that would not be feasible without time synchronization.
Plasmon Coupling in Two-Dimensional Arrays of Silver Nanoparticles: I. Effect of the Dielectric Medium

The effect of the dielectric medium between the particles on plasmon coupling was studied experimentally and theoretically. Two-dimensional arrays of silver nanoparticles adsorbed on glass slides were immobilized using poly(methylmethacrylate). The method provides an efficient way for stabilization of particles on surfaces. It was concluded that increasing the dielectric function of the surrounding medium promotes plasmon coupling between silver nanoparticles. On the basis of the quasi-crystalline approximation, the optimum refractive index was calculated that yielded the strongest and highest Q extinction band due to coherent plasmon coupling.
The American Venous Forum: Inclusive, innovative, involved.

It was my extreme pleasure and honor to represent the American Venous Forum (AVF) as its president this last year. I, as many of you, have had the privilege of participating in its rapid growth into something far beyond its rather humble beginnings. In 1989, the American Venous Forum began as a society that would provide a voice to the often forgotten work being accomplished in the venous and lymphatic fields, and it has matured into a dynamic force pushing the field forward on many fronts. This has been a journey based on principles that allowed the society to thrive and was driven by active volunteerism. These many devoted Forum volunteers have taken the trickle that was the venous field into a flood of activity. Even as president, I felt my role was simply to facilitate the work that was ever moving forward. This metaphoric flood has been constructive, driving the wheels of change. It was my good fortune to have been invited to ride along. Reflection is tolerated during certain stages of one’s life, and the end of a presidential term seems to be one such time. Please indulge me as I complete my term as president of this outstanding organization. The comments that follow provide my perspective on the maturation of the AVF, its innovative outlook, and on the involvement of so many current members in shaping its future.
The Re-Queering of HIV Testing Practices and the Reinforcement of Stigma

Present-day practices and protocols on the standards for HIV testing in regard to matters such as informed consent, opt-out clauses, and counseling services owe their existence to 1990s policies on...
A fast three-step phase-shifting algorithm

We propose a new three-step phase-shifting algorithm, which is much faster than the traditional three-step algorithm. We achieve the speed advantage by using a simple intensity ratio function to replace the arctangent function in the traditional algorithm. The phase error caused by this new algorithm is compensated for by use of a look-up-table (LUT). Our experimental results show that both the new algorithm and the traditional algorithm generate similar results, but the new algorithm is 3.4 times faster. By implementing this new algorithm in a high-resolution, real-time 3D shape measurement system, we were able to achieve a measurement speed of 40 frames per second (fps) at a resolution of 532 × 500 pixels, all with an ordinary personal computer.