cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Sexual Dichromatism. 1. Convergent Losses of Elaborate Female Coloration in New World Orioles (Icterus spp.)

Abstract Studies of sexual dimorphism often focus on the evolution of elaborate male traits, whereas the evolution of elaborate females has been largely ignored. Yet a phylogenetic perspective suggests that changes in either male or female traits may lead to the evolution of sexual dimorphism. Furthermore, changes in the degree of sexual dichromatism can be caused by gains or losses of elaboration. One common form of elaboration found throughout the animal kingdom is the use of highly saturated and contrasting colors. To investigate further the evolution of female elaboration and sexual dichromatism, we took quantitative measurements of color from New World orioles (Icterus spp.) and then used ancestral-state reconstruction to infer evolutionary changes in male and female elaboration. Our findings suggest that male elaboration is ancestral and strongly conserved but that female elaboration has changed repeatedly, especially through the loss of saturation and contrast. Thus, changes in female—rather than m...
Chemotherapy for the conversion of unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases to resection

Resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) is the ultimate aim of treatment strategies in most patients with liver-confined metastatic colorectal cancer. Long-term survival is possible in selected patients with initially resectable or unresectable CLM. As a majority of patients have unresectable liver disease at the outset, there is a clear role for chemotherapy to downstage liver disease making resection possible. Studies of systemic chemotherapy with or without biologic therapy in patients with unresectable CLM have resulted in increased response rates, liver resection rates and survival. A sound physiologic rationale exists for the use of hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) therapy. Studies have shown that HAI with floxuridine combined with systemic chemotherapy increases response rates and liver resection rates in those patients with initially unresectable CLM. Toxicity from preoperative chemotherapy, biologic therapy and HAI therapy may adversely affect hepatic resection but can be kept minimal with appropriate monitoring. All conversion strategies should be decided by a multidisciplinary team.
Electromagnetic field focusing for short-range wireless power transmission

Wireless power transmission enables remotely-powered implantable devices to reduce the risk of wire snapping, and replacement and corrosion of embedded batteries. However, current autonomous implants remain large in scale due to the operation at very low frequency and the use of unwieldy size of antennas. This paper will first review that the optimal frequency is about 2 orders of magnitude higher than the conventional wisdom; and thereby the power receiving coils can be reduced by more than 100 fold without sacrificing either power efficiency or range. To further maximize the received power, using an array of magnetic current sources increases the power transfer efficiency by an additional 10 dB. The optimal current source distribution is analytically solved and the theoretical upper-bound on the efficiency is investigated. The optimal solution reveals that a finite dimensional source is sufficient to approach the theoretical upper-bound. The efficiency at the low GHz-range is 16-dB higher than that at the low MHz-range for typical depth of the implant.
Fractal geometry modeling with applications in surface characterisation and wear prediction

Manufactured surfaces such as those produced by electrical discharge machining, waterjet cutting and ion-nitriding coating can be characterized by fractal geometry. A modified Gaussian random fractal model coupled with structure functions is used to relate surface topography with fractal geometry via fractal geometry via fractal dimension (D) and topothesy (L). This fractal characterization of surface topography complements and improves conventional statistical and random process methods of surface characterization, Our fractal model for surface topography is shown to predict a primary relationship between D and the bearing area curve, while L affects this curve to a smaller degree. A fractal geometry model for wear prediction is proposed, which predicts the wear rate in terms of these two fractal parameters. Using this model we show that the wear rate Vr and the true contact area Ar have the relationship Vrα (Ar)m(D), where m(D) is a function of D and has a value between 0.5 and 1. We next study the optimum (ie the lowest wear rate) fractal diemsnsion in a wear process. It is found that the optimum fractal dimension is affected by the contact area, material properties, and scale amplitude. Experimental results of bearing area curves and wear testing show good agreement with the two models.
Gradient expansion of the atomic kinetic energy functional

Abstract It is demonstrated that the ground-state atomic kinetic energy functional T[ϱ], where ϱ is the electron density, can be computed to surprising accuracy from the truncated gradient expansion: T[ϱ] = + T2[ϱ] + T4[ϱ], with To[ϱ] = 3 10 (3π2) 2 3 ∫ ϱ 5 3 dτ, T2 [ϱ] = 1 72 ∫ (▿ϱ)2ϱ−1 dτ, and T4 [ϱ] given by the formula of Hodges. Calculations of T0, T2 and T4 are reported for He with ϱ both the Hartree—Fock and a very accurate density, and for Ne, Ar and Kr with ϱ the Hartree—Fock density. For Kr, T0 + T2 + T4 is within 0.3% of the exact Hartree—Fock T, with T2/T0 = 0.05, T4/T2 = 0.17.
Electro-creasing instability in deformed polymers: experiment and theory

Subjected to an electric field, a substrate-bonded polymer film develops a biaxial compressive stress parallel to the film. Once the electric field reaches a critical value, the initially flat surface of the polymer locally folds against itself to form a pattern of creases. We show that mechanical deformation of the polymer significantly affects the electro-creasing instability. Biaxially pre-stretching the polymer film before bonding to the substrate greatly increases the critical field for the instability, because the pre-stretch gives a biaxial tensile stress that counteracts the electric-field-induced compressive stress. We develop a theoretical model to predict the critical field by comparing the potential energy of the film at flat and creased states. The theoretical prediction matches consistently with the experimental results. The theory also explains why biaxially pre-stretching a dielectric-elastomer film greatly enhances the measured breakdown field of the film.
Protein metabolism in goldfish brain.

— Protein metabolism of goldfish brain was studied in vivo by means of intraperitoneal or intracranial injections of [3H]leucine and compared with concomitant studies in the mouse. Heterogeneity of turnover values was observed. Long turnover times were seen relative to other organs examined. The free amino acid pools of goldfish brain were determined, and the fate of tritium from labelled leucine was followed at various times after injection. Following ‘chasing’ with large amounts of unlabelled leucine or protein inhibitors shortly after isotope injection, further incorporation was arrested, but examination of the labelled protein over a period of 2 weeks indicated a slow decay, similar to that seen without ‘chasing’. Possible use of ‘pulse-chase’ experiments in vivo in animals is discussed in relation to behavioural studies.
Induction of IL-6 expression by mechanical stress in the trabecular meshwork.

The trabecular meshwork (TM)/Schlemm’s canal (SC) outflow pathway is the tissue responsible for maintaining normal levels of intraocular pressure. In the present study, we investigate the effects of mechanical stress on the expression of IL-6 in the TM meshwork, as well as the effects of this cytokine on outflow pathway function. Application of cyclic mechanical stress to human TM primary cultures resulted in a statistically significant increase in both secretion and transcription of IL-6, compared to nonstressed controls. Addition of TGF-β1, which has been reported to be upregulated in TM cells under mechanical stress, also induced a significant activation of both the transcription and secretion of IL-6. Moreover, anti-TGF-b1 antibodies partially blocked the stretch-induced IL-6 production. Injection of IL-6 into perfused porcine anterior segments resulted in a 30% increase in outflow facility, as well as increased permeability through SC cell monolayers. These results suggest a role for IL-6 in the homeostatic modulation of aqueous humor outflow resistance.
Ultrafast photonic crystal nanocavity lasers and optical switches

We have recently demonstrated an ultrafast photonic crystal laser and cavity coupled laser array with modulation rates of 1THz at room temperature, a 20 GHz optical modulator with activation energies of 60 fJ and a quantum dot photonic crystal laser with large signal modulation rates of 30GHz. These devices are enabled by the enhanced light-matter interaction in photonic crystals, and serve as the building blocks of on-optical information processing circuits.
Arginine methylation of Piwi proteins catalysed by dPRMT5 is required for Ago3 and Aub stability.

Piwi proteins interact with specific small RNAs (piRNAs) and control germline development. Piwis are shown to undergo arginine methylation in mouse, Drosophila and Xenopus. In Drosophila, dPRMT5 methylates the Piwi proteins Ago3 and Aub and thereby controls their stability as well as piRNA levels.
Social and Political Change in Revolutionary China: The Taihang Base Area in the War of Resistance to Japan, 1937–1945

Chapter 1 Introduction: The Revolutionary Process Part 2 Part I: Political Order Chapter 3 Base Area and Border Region Chapter 4 Liaoxian: The Administrative Center Chapter 5 Wuxiang: Military Affairs and Mobilization Chapter 6 Licheng: Food and Factories Part 7 Part II: Social Reform Chapter 8 The Revolutionary Imperative Chapter 9 Liaoxian: Land and Social Reform Chapter 10 Wuxiang: Radical Politics and Revolutionary Conflict Chapter 11 Licheng: Resistance and Rebellion Chapter 12 Conclusion: Revolution in Southeast Shanxi
Understanding resource discovery design requirements for a statewide virtual library: Application of a technology adoption indicator

The Texas Center for Digital Knowledge investigated academic and public libraries in Texas to determine technology characteristics in accord with the rate of a library's technology adoption. The study investigated technology differences between early, middle, and late technology adopters. A technology adoption indicator (TAI) was developed and used to classify libraries into one of the three adoption categories. Significant differences based on technology adoption were found for the four technology variables measured. The design implications of the differential characteristics for a statewide virtual library resource discovery service were identified.
Long-term evaluation of pylorus preservation during pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Although pyloric preservation can be performed during pancreaticoduodenectomy without increased morbidity or mortality or decreased survival, the long-term benefit of this technique remains unproven. In this study, the functional status of patients recovered from pyloric-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was evaluated by comparing 6 long-term survivors of the standard Whipple procedure (1–7 years postoperative; mean, 4.7 yr) to a similar group of 6 patients recovered from pylorus preservation pancreaticoduodenectomy (1–7 years postoperative; mean, 3.0 yr). All patients completed a questionnaire evaluating postgastrectomy symptoms. Fasting blood specimens were obtained for hematologic and biochemical analysis. Ten of the 12 patients then underwent endoscopy; perianastomotic and midgastric biopsies were graded for inflammation. Gastric emptying of both liquid and solid phases was measured with an isotopically-labeled meal. Gastric emptying data were compared between groups and also to a group of 7 normal controls studied previously using the same methodology. Analysis of questionnaire results and mean laboratory values revealed no significant differences between the 2 surgical groups. Serum carotene levels were low in most patients. Several patients demonstrated abnormal indices of iron homeostasis. No significant abnormalities were noted on endoscopic examinations and biopsy results did not differ between the 2 surgical groups. Liquid gastric emptying was significantly prolonged in patients following standard pancreaticoduodenectomy (t1/2=98.3±26.2 min) as compared to pylorus preservation patients (t1/2=37.5±10.9 min) or normal controls (t1/2=33.1±2.8 min). We conclude that, in the long-term, pylorus preservation appears to be at least functionally equivalent to the standard pancreaticoduodenectomy. As such, we believe that pyloric preservation, obviating vagotomy and gastric resection, deserves consideration during pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Body image disturbance, memory bias, and body dysphoria: Effects of negative mood induction.

This study examined the effects of negative mood induction on body image and recall bias for fatness stimuli in women of normal weight with high body dysphoria. The experimental design contrasted subjects scoring high and low on a measure of body dysphoria. One half of the subjects in each group were administered a negative mood induction procedure. Dependent variables were a) body size estimation measures, b) body dysphoria, and c) recall for fatness, thinness, and depressive words. The negative mood induction resulted in increased current body size estimation and body dysphoria. A free recall bias for fatness stimuli was found in subjects high in body dysphoria. Thus, current body size estimation and body dysphoria were found to be reactive to negative mood states, whereas, ideal body size and recall for fatness stimuli were not affected by the negative mood state.
Prescribing proton pump inhibitor and clopidogrel together: Current state of recommendations

Purpose of reviewConflicting evidence has contributed to confusion regarding the safety of co-prescribing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and clopidogrel. This review will quantify the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with common cardioprophylactic regimens, review the evidence regarding a
Overview and status of ATLAS Pixel Detector

Abstract Pixel Detector is the innermost part of the tracking system of ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). It covers about 1.7 m 2 with over 80 million pixel cells arranged in 1744 modules. These modules are then arranged in three layers in the barrel part and three disks at each of the two forward regions to get three space-points per track for nearly all tracks within pseudorapidity | η |
Human L1 Retrotransposon Encodes a Conserved Endonuclease Required for Retrotransposition

Human L1 elements are highly abundant poly(A) (non-LTR) retrotransposons whose second open reading frame (ORF2) encodes a reverse transcriptase (RT). We have identified an endonuclease (EN) domain at the L1 ORF2 N-terminus that is highly conserved among poly(A) retrotransposons and resembles the apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonucleases. Purified L1 EN protein (L1 ENp) makes 5'-PO4, 3'-OH nicks in supercoiled plasmids, shows no preference for AP sites, and preferentially cleaves sequences resembling L1 in vivo target sequences. Mutations in conserved amino acid residues of L1 EN abolish its nicking activity and eliminate L1 retrotransposition. We propose that L1 EN cleaves the target site for L1 insertion and primes reverse transcription.
Molecular analysis of irradiation-induced and spontaneous deletion mutants at a disease resistance locus in Lactuca sativa.

The major cluster of disease resistance genes in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) contains at least nine downy mildew resistance genes (Dm) spanning a genetic distance of 20 cM and a physical distance of at least 6 Mb. Nine molecular markers that were genetically tightly linked toDm3 were used to analyze nine independent deletion mutants and construct a map of the region surroundingDm3. This analysis identified a linear order of deletion breakpoints and markers along the chromosome. There was no evidence for chromosomal rearrangements associated with the deletions. The region is not highly recombinagenic and the deletion breakpoints provided greater genetic resolution than meiotic recombinants. The region contains a mixture of high- and low-copy-number sequences; no single-copy sequences were detected. Three markers hybridized to low-copy-number families of sequences that are duplicated predominantly close toDm3. This was not true for sequences related to the triose-phosphate isomerase gene; these had been shown previously to be linked toDm3, as well as to two independent clusters ofDm genes, and elsewhere in the genome. Two spontaneous mutants ofDm3 were identified; several markers flankingDm3 are absent in one of these two mutants. The stability of theDm3 region was also studied by analyzing the genotypes of diverse related cultivars. The 1.5 Mb region surroundingDm3 has remained stable through many generations of breeding with and without selection forDm3 activity.
Wear of copper and copper alloys under repetitive impact sliding

Abstract In this paper we present morphological and compositional findings for surface and sub-surface zones produced in repetitive impact sliding between Cu-0.58at.%Cr and Fe-17Cr-4Ni-4Cu precipitation-hardened steel. The compositional aspect was further studied by using a simplified material pair consisting of pure copper and pure nickel. Scanning electron microscopy suggests the formation of a lamellar surface morphology and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis confirms material transport between the surfaces. Cross sections of CuCr specimens clearly show extensive plastic deformation, yet subsurface voids or cracks are not evident. X-ray analysis of the CuNi worn surfaces provides evidence of mechanochemical mixing in the near-surface zone and indicates that diffusion is most probably a minor contributing mechanism in the formation of compositionally distinct subsurface zones under the test conditions explored.
Tolerating exceptions in workflows: a unified framework for data and processes

Practical workflow systems need to be able to tolerate deviations from the initial process model because of un-anticipated situations. They should also be able to accommodate deviations in the format of the forms and data being manipulated. We offer a framework for treating both kinds of deviations uniformly, by applying ideas from programming languages (with workflow agents as potential on-line exception handlers) to workflows that have been reified as objects in classes with special attributes. As a result, only a small number of new constructs, which can be applied orthogonally, need to be introduced. Special run-time checks are used to deal with the consequences of permitting deviations from the norm to persist as violations of constraints.
Conditions favoring retroactive interference between antecedent events (cue competition) and between subsequent events (outcome competition)

Retrieval of a target association (A-B) is often impaired if training of a similar association is interpolated between target training and testing; this is known asretroactive interference. Two experiments, in which rats were used as subjects in a sensory preconditioning preparation, studied the associative nature of retroactive interference between antecedent events (i.e., A and C in the A-B, C-B paradigm) and between subsequent events (i.e., B and C in the A-B, A-C paradigm). With the present preparation, retroactive interference was equally strong between antecedent events and between subsequent events. Moreover, interference occurred only if (1) an association was trained in the interpolated phase and (2) the target and interpolated associations had a common element in a common temporal location.
Diet‐induced nonmelanized cuticle in workers of the imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta buren

Nonmelanized cuticle development was induced in workers of Solenopsis invicta by feeding them an insect-free diet. The nonmelanized workers weighed less and had smaller mean headwidths than workers from normal colonies. Although nonmelanized ant colonies appeared to function normally in the laboratory, their attempts at stinging were felt only as “pin pricks.” Chemical analysis of venom alkaloids and cuticular hydrocarbons indicated no qualitative differences between nonmelanized and normal workers. Tyrosine, an essential amino acid tanning precursor, was found in adequate quantities in the free amino acid pool of nonmelanized ants. The specific cause of the nonmelanized condition is not known.
Evaluation of Efficiency in Compressible Flow Ejectors

A steady-flow ejectors are fluid dynamic flow induction devices that directly transfer energy and momentum from a high energy primary fluid to a low energy secondary fluid through the work provided by entrainment and turbulent mixing. A variety of applications from refrigeration systems that are thermally energized and capable of using environmentally friendly refrigerants such as water and air, to desalination of water are currently being explored with this technology. The potential benefit of using environmentally friendly refrigerants makes it extensively useful for commercial air conditioning and refrigeration, particularly in applications where a source of waste heat is readily available. While steady-flow ejectors operate on entrainment and turbulent mixing between the primary (driving) flow, and the secondary (driven) flow, eliminating mechanically moving parts, the turbulent entrainment mechanism itself, is inherently dissipative of energy and little can be done to improve it. The process of mixing, which is irreversible is not accounted for explicitly in the existing definitions of ejector efficiency. Moreover, efficiency of ejectors is based on the concepts of a indirect flow induction viz., turbine-compressor analogy and compressor efficiency, and entrainment ratio. An experimental steady flow ejector with compressed air as the motive fluid and ambient air as suction fluid was fabricated and tested in this study. Comparisons of efficiency are made with the assumption of adiabatic and complete mixing of primary and secondary fluids before fluid discharge from the ejector. An important goal in our research is the definition of a proper measure of ejector efficiency which is appropriate for non-dissipative, non-steady ejectors. Such a definition would enable a more systematic methodology for evaluating ejector performance. There are three proposed methods that will be presented and compared.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Children’s health benefits of reducing environmental tobacco smoke exposure: evidence from parents who smoke

This paper uses data from the 1991 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey to estimate propositions derived from a model of intrahousehold allocation, wherein parents engage in a consumption activity (smoking) that produces own utility, while generating environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) that harms their children’s health. We find a statistically significant negative association between sample mothers‘ assessed health of their children and the children’s daily exposures to ETS. Mothers’ average annual willingness-to-pay (WTP) for a 1-hour-per-day reduction in child ETS exposure (about a 17% decrease in daily exposure) is about $150. WTP estimates for respondent mother and child health status further suggest that smoking mothers on average value their child’s health roughly 55% higher than their own health.
Classical decay rates for molecules in the presence of a spherical surface: A complete treatment

Abstract A comprehensive treatment of the classical decay rates for a molecule in the vicinity of a spherical surface is presented through the application of the work of van der Pol and Bremmer and that of Fock. This theory takes full advantage of the Hertz vector formalism, which is mathematically simpler than the widely-adapted Lorenz-Mie approach which uses the complicated vector harmonic expansions. Results are obtained for both radiative and nonradiative transfer when the molecule is located outside or inside the surface. Numerical results are given for the cases of a surface, cavity and “aerosol”, and comparison with other works is made.
Untangling the benefits of multiple study opportunities and repeated testing for cued recall

Spacing multiple study opportunities apart from one another is known by psychologists to be a highly effective study method (see Dempster, 1996). This study examines whether including tests during study would produce practical benefits for learning beyond that provided by distributed study alone. In addition, spacing of both study and test (massed, uniform distributed, and expanding distributed) is investigated. To-be-remembered information was repeated with a single learning session (Experiment 1), reviewed immediately after initial learning (Experiment 2), or reviewed days after initial learning (Experiments 3 and 4). As expected, large distributed practice effects were shown across experiments. In addition to these effects, testing produced significant benefits for learning in all four experiments, which were of moderate or large size (Cohen's d of 0.52 to 1.30) for three experiments. Expanding test spacing, however, did not independently benefit learning in any of the learning situations studied. Educators should take advantage of the large benefits that distributed study and testing have on learning by spacing multiple tests of information within learning sessions and by distributing tests across multiple review sessions. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental Spinal Cord Injury: Treatment with Naloxone

We studied the effect of the opiate antagonist naloxone on the recovery of cats injured with a 400-g-cm impact injury to T-9. The animals were evaluated by recording somatosensory evoked potentials and performing weekly neurological examinations. Several dose schedules were followed. Six of eight cats that received an intravenous or intraperitoneal bolus of naloxone (10 mg/kg) 45 minutes after injury regained the ability to walk. Recovery occurred in only one of five animals that were treated with an infusion of naloxone, 10 mg/kg/hour, and in none of five animals given 1 mg/kg as a bolus. Because these results are not related to any observed change in blood pressure, we believe that naloxone may be achieving its effect through the preservation of spinal cord blood flow, as well as other mechanisms that have yet to be defined.
Math Anxiety, Mother's Education, and the Mathematics Performance of Adolescent Boys and Girls: Evidence from the United States and Thailand

ABSTRACT In this study, I investigated the relationship of mathematics performance to math anxiety, mother's education, and gender. A secondary analysis was conducted using nationally representative samples of 13-year-old children in the United States (N = 4,091) and Thailand (N = 3,613) collected as a part of the Second International Mathematics Study (Garden, 1987). Separate ANOVAs (Math Anxiety × Mother's Education × Gender) were run within each country using a 40-item math performance test as the dependent variable. Math anxiety has an inverse relationship with mathematics performance in the United States (r = −.24) and in Thailand (r −. 14). The relationship between math anxiety and mathematics performance is significant in both countries after controlling for previous achievement, mother's education, and gender, although the data suggest that there is a three-way interaction between math anxiety, mother's education, and gender in Thailand.
Inactive proteinases in silkmoth moulting gel

Abstract The moulting gel of silkmoths lacks proteolytic activity but contains an inactive form of the proteinases which are later found in the moulting fluid. These inactive enzymes are activatable in vitro by dilution, activation proceeding most rapidly at low ionic strength. Activation proceeds as a first-order process and is not autocatalytic. Approximately the full amount of proteinases ultimately found in moulting fluid are already present in the gel. Moulting gel does not inhibit the active proteinases of moulting fluid; moreover, the proteolytic activity elicited by dilution of the moulting gel does not disappear upon reconcentration. These observations suggest that the proteinases in moulting gel are not inhibited by a stable, dissociable inhibitor; they may be present either as compartmentalized active enzymes or as proenzymes. Several possible mechanisms for the in vivo activation at the time of gel to fluid transformation are discussed.
Spoken language interfaces: the OM system

The intrinsic properties of speech communication (e.g., the presence-of malformed utterances) and the characteristics of current recognition technology (inaccurate recognition) pose special problems for the design of a speech interface. We are interested in understanding these problems and in identifying an interface structure that allows speech to be a useful form of computer input. Ultimately, our goal is to understand how to turn speech into a conventional input modality, well integrated into a multimodal interface that includes keyboard and mouse. To fully exploit the advantages of spoken communication, a spoken language system must afford the user the following forms of flexibility: natural production, natural language, and a natural flow of interaction. The Carnegie Mellon Spoken Language Shell (CMSLS) attempts to provide such flexibility through the use of speaker-independent continuous-speech recognition, natural language processing, as well as rudiment ary “conversational skill” heuristics.
Primary Health Care Initiatives in Colonial Kenya

Abstract Most contemporary development practitioners have only passing familiarity with development strategies employed by their predecessors, especially for programs that occurred during colonial periods. An examination of the colonial medical system of Kenya reveals that many of the strategies now employed in Primary Health Care programs were preceded by comparable programs administered by the colonial medical authorities. The colonial system did not include universal or egalitarian access to health care, nor were the programs ever adequate to remedy many of the major threats to health, but the lessons derived from a careful review of this period validate the appropriateness of many Primary Health Care approaches now promoted. In particular, the emphasis on decentralized, preventive medical services, the use of comprehensive immunization programs, concerted efforts at improvements in sanitation, and promotion of health education were important components of the colonial medical services, that effected positive changes in the health of indigenous populations. Examination of specific colonial programs should inform contemporary Primary Health Care policies.
Robotic surgery in gynecologic oncology: program initiation and outcomes after the first year with comparison with laparotomy for endometrial cancer staging

Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate outcomes during the first year of a robotic surgery program in gynecologic oncology. Study Design We studied the initiation of a robotic surgery program with prospective data collection, including intraoperative times, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS), lymph node yields, and complications. Patients were compared with historical and contemporary open staging surgery for endometrial cancer. Results One hundred eighteen patients underwent robotic surgery (mean age 52.5 years, body mass index of 26.3 kg/m 2 , hospital stay of 32.4 hours), with 8 major and 13 minor complications. Compared with open endometrial staging (n = 131), the robotic procedure (n = 25) was longer (283 vs 139 minutes, P P P P = .1109). Conclusion Robotic surgery is feasible in gynecologic oncology and facilitated a dramatic expansion in our minimally invasive surgical practice. Despite longer operative times, EBL and LOS are reduced and lymph node yields are comparable.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Water and Ion Structures Near Charged Surfaces

Extensive research has been devoted to nanofluidics in the past decade because of its potential applications in single molecule sensing and manipulations. Fundamental studies have attracted significant attention in this research field since the success of nanofluidic devices depends on a thorough understanding of the fluidic, ionic, and molecular behavior in highly confined nano-environments. In this paper, we report on molecular dynamics simulations of the effect of surface charge densities on the ion distribution and the water density profile close to a charged surface. We demonstrate that surface charges not only interact with mobile ions in the electrolyte, but also interact with water molecules due to their polarizability, and hence influence the orientation of water molecules in the near wall region. For the first time, we show that as the surface charge density increases, the water molecules within ∼ 5 A of the {100} silicon surface will evolve from one layer into two layers. Meanwhile, the orientation of the water molecules is more aligned instead of randomly distributed. This layering effect may have important implications on electroosmotic flow through nanochannels and heat transfer across the solid-liquid interface.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in children and adolescents on atypical antipsychotic medication: a review.

Abstract Objective: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a severe iatrogenic complication of treatment with antipsychotic medication. The purpose of this report is to examine the published cases of NMS in children and adolescents receiving atypical antipsychotic medication and review early warning symptoms, risk factors, and treatment in this population. Method: An extensive review of the literature from 1990 to 2008 was conducted via computerized searches (PubMed and Ovid) to identify case reports. Descriptive statistics were employed to describe our findings. Results: There were 23 episodes in 20 subjects, with ages ranging from 11 to 18 years. Increased creatine phosphokinase (CPK) was the most common finding (100%), followed by fever (78%), tachycardia (74%), rigidity (70%), and altered mental status (61%). The number of NMS symptoms ranged from 1 to 11 (mean 4.7 ± 2.4) and positive laboratory findings ranged from 1 to 4 (2.2 ± 1). The duration of NMS (mean 6.1 ± 6.4 days) was one third of the dura...
Heegaard splittings and pseudo-Anosov maps

Given two 3-dimensional handlebodies whose boundaries are identified with a surface S of genus g > 1 and with different orientations, we consider the sequence of manifolds M n obtained by gluing the handlebodies via the iteration f n of a “generic” pseudo-Anosov homeomorphism f of S. Using the deformation theory of hyperbolic structures on open hyperbolic 3-manifolds and for n sufficiently large, we construct a negatively curved metric on M n where the sectional curvatures are pinched in a given small interval centered at –1. The construction is concrete enough to allow us describe the geometric limits of these manifolds as n tends to infinity and the metrics get closer to being hyperbolic. Such a description allows us to prove various topological and group theoretical properties of M n , for n sufficiently large, which would not be available knowing the mere existence of a negatively curved or even hyperbolic metric on M n .
Success in academia: Tips for balancing clinical and faculty roles

Despite the recent transition from a candidate-driven market to an employer-driven market in light of the economy and increasing numbers of graduating pharmacists, significant growth is expected in pharmacy education. Data obtained from an American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) survey conservatively estimate the number of FTE faculty members to increase by 13% between 2010 and 2015, which indicates that there may be additional opportunities for pharmacy clinicians with academic appointments. While positions such as these offer many advantages and opportunities, they can also be associated with significant workload and high turnover rates.
Learning from positive examples when the negative class is undetermined--microRNA gene identification.

The application of machine learning to classification problems that depend only on positive examples is gaining attention in the computational biology community. We and others have described the use of two-class machine learning to identify novel miRNAs. These methods require the generation of an artificial negative class. However, designation of the negative class can be problematic and if it is not properly done can affect the performance of the classifier dramatically and/or yield a biased estimate of performance. We present a study using one-class machine learning for microRNA (miRNA) discovery and compare one-class to two-class approaches using naive Bayes and Support Vector Machines. These results are compared to published two-class miRNA prediction approaches. We also examine the ability of the one-class and two-class techniques to identify miRNAs in newly sequenced species. Of all methods tested, we found that 2-class naive Bayes and Support Vector Machines gave the best accuracy using our selected features and optimally chosen negative examples. One class methods showed average accuracies of 70–80% versus 90% for the two 2-class methods on the same feature sets. However, some one-class methods outperform some recently published two-class approaches with different selected features. Using the EBV genome as and external validation of the method we found one-class machine learning to work as well as or better than a two-class approach in identifying true miRNAs as well as predicting new miRNAs. One and two class methods can both give useful classification accuracies when the negative class is well characterized. The advantage of one class methods is that it eliminates guessing at the optimal features for the negative class when they are not well defined. In these cases one-class methods can be superior to two-class methods when the features which are chosen as representative of that positive class are well defined. The OneClassmiRNA program is available at: [1]
Propagating edge-flame response to multiple stoichiometry gradients

A five-slot contoured nozzle burner was used to create multiple lifted partially premixed flames in close proximity. The burner permits the stoichiometry gradient below each edge flame and the separation distance between stabilization points of the flames to be separately controlled. In previous work, we showed that edge-flame interactions lead to a bifurcation in the flame stabilization, where the liftoff height of neighboring edge flames differs even in symmetric flow fields. As the composition gradient below each flame is decreased, the edge flames broaden. Flow around the edge flames leads to an aerodynamic interaction, where upstream conditions below one flame are modified by the neighboring flame. These interactions cause a liftoff height difference between the two flames. Further reduction of stoichiometry gradient causes the neighboring flames to merge and approach the structure of a single premixed flame. In this work, the equivalence ratio gradient and separation distance between stoichiometric points were varied by controlling the burner slot equivalence ratios, so that these interactions could be studied in greater detail. Rayleigh scattering was used to measure flame curvature and calculate local stoichiometry gradients below each flame stabilization point. Planar laser-induced fluorescence signals of hydroxyl and formaldehyde were measured to provide qualitative comparisons of relative reaction rates between flames. Neighboring edge flames were found to behave based solely on local conditions below each flame. Only aerodynamic interactions were observed and no chemical or thermal interactions, caused by heat or radical transport between flames, were observed. The bifurcated flame response can be described simply from the effects that flow around the flame structure has on local velocities and scalar dissipation rates.
A tutorial on project management from a theory of constraints perspective

Managing projects is a difficult undertaking–a large number of projects fail to be completed on time, on budget, or to specifications. In traditional project management literature, researchers criticise project manager skills and leadership, user involvement, top management commitment, organisation, etc. More recently, research has identified underlying problems with project concepts. We briefly describe the types of failures (late delivery, over budget, less than full specs) of projects. Second, we examine some causes of project lateness. Third, we illustrate the calculations for project completion using traditional and critical chain project methodologies. We then conduct three small simulations of the network using uniform, triangular, and exponential distributions to determine the impact of using the critical chain methodology on project completion dates. Last, we provide some references discussing critical chain project management.
Endorphins are located in the intermediate and anterior lobes of the pituitary gland, not in the neurohypophysis

Abstract Immunocytofluorescence techniques with well characterized anti-sera to α-endorphin and β-endorphin show presence of these two peptides in all cellular elements of the pars intermedia of the rat hypophysis, and in discrete cells of the pars distalis (adenohypophysis) at the complete exclusion of the neurohypophysis (pars nervosa, posterior lobe).
Some experiments on equilibrium turbulent boundary layers in favourable pressure gradients

Abstract : A boundary layer wind tunnel in which an arbitrary negative pressure gradient could be developed was designed and built. The effects of selected pressure gradients on boundary layers grown on one of the walls of the tunnel were studied. It was possible to obtain equilibrium boundary layers of the type first suggested by Clauser, that is layers whose non-dimensional velocity defect distribution is invariant along the direction of flow. The velocity defect distributions for two such boundary layers were established, corresponding to values of B of -0.35 and -0.53, where B is Clauser's non-dimensional pressure gradient parameter. These velocity profiles are compared with the profiles predicted by the Mellor-Gibson theory. The agreement between the two is very good. (Author)
Am I Too Fat? Bulimia as an Epidemic

Abstract For at least the past 10 yr , eating disorders have had a major impact on the physical and mental health of women, particularly young women. Anorexia and bulimia nervosa are closely linked eating disorders. Anorexia often precedes bulimia. However, there are about 2 million women in college that have been exclusively bulimic. In this article, we focus on the role of college-peer pressure on the dynamics of anorexia-free bulimia. The model looks at bulimia as a progressive disease and explores the impact of intervention (treatment) at two stages of disease progression. The impact of relapse (a common occurrence among bulimics) is taken into account. Analysis indicates that the disorder cannot be wiped out in this population without a shift in cultural pressures; control strategies should include early detection and treatment, as well as preventative education campaigns.
On the Mechanism and Scope of a Novel Nitroolefin Rearrangement

Abstract D-Labelling permits differentiation between three plausible mechanistic pathways in the novel transformation of vinylaziridine 1 with β-nitrostyrene 4 to nitro enamino olefin 5 . The results are consistent with a retro-ene reaction proceeding under mild conditions (80°). Choice of proper substituents can guide the reaction toward formation of azepines or substituted enamines.
The impact of NAFTA on California exports

This study conducts an examination of the North American Free Trade Agreement's (NAFTA) impact on California's export levels to Mexico and Canada while holding constant other variables that explain a state's exports to other nations, such as exchange rates and relative income growth. Transformed weighted least squares equations over a sample period between 1988 and 1997 are used to show that California's exports to Canada were not significantly affected by NAFTA, while exports to Mexico increased, on average, a statistically significant 16.11 percent between 1994 and 1997. The model also suggests that NAFTA's impact on California's exports to Mexico has increased over time from a 10.0 percent increase in 1994 to a 21.8 percent increase by 1997.
Current techniques of computed tomography: Helical CT, multidetector CT, and 3D Reconstruction

The many recent advances in CT technology have secured its position as the modality of choice in routine liver imaging and have improved its performance in several problem-solving applications. In addition, improvements in postprocessing software (e.g., in speed, efficiency, and automated algorithms) have increased their use in clinical practice. Multiplanar reformations, 3D renderings, and high-quality CT angiographic displays have become extremely valuable both in image interpretation and in communicating information to surgeons and referring physicians.
Type 1 shifts on C(X)

Abstract We provide some “structure” theorems for analyzing type 1 isometric shifts by characterizing the functions in the range of T n . One immediate consequence is that a space which admits such a shift must be ccc. We then construct several new examples of type 1 shifts.
A simple model of axisymmetric turbulent boundary layers along long thin circular cylinders

Useful empirical and semi-empirical models of the turbulent boundary layer (TBL) and skin friction evolution along planar geometries are not applicable for axisymmetric thin cylinder flows. Their dissimilarity is readily detectable once the TBL thickness exceeds the cylinder radius (a). Although several recent empirically based axisymmetric models recognize this fact, their acceptable fidelity is either restrictive or deficient for general applicability. Herein, we correct this deficit by building a simple model for the specific canonical class of axisymmetric turbulent flows along long thin cylinders with a zero streamwise pressure gradient. Streamwise growth of the TBL thickness (δ/a), integral scales [displacement (δ*/a) and momentum thicknesses (θ/a)] and skin friction coefficient (Cf) can be estimated along the cylinder length via the respective axial mean velocity profile in wall units. This profile is given by Spalding's formula with algebraic expressions for the two input parameters (κ, κβ) that cover all turbulent Reynolds numbers. The necessary database for empirically tuning Spalding's parameters entails both experimental measurements and new numerical computations. Our present-day understanding of the axisymmetric TBL is replicated by the simple model where δ/a, δ*/a, and θ/a grow slower than the planar-type flow with Cf comparatively elevating once δ/a > O(1). These differences manifest themselves in the radial impact imposed by the thin cylinder transverse curvature. Interestingly, the axial-based Reynolds numbers Rea ≈ 7500 and a+ ≈ 350 at δ/a ≈ 21 mark earliest signs of a homogeneous streamwise state (constant Cf) near the cylinder wall. Owning a simple model of axisymmetric turbulent flows along thin cylinders eliminates expensive and timely experiments and/or computations. Its practicality targets both the Naval and oceanographic communities.
Oscar Wilde's DE Profundis: A Narrative of Sexual Sin and Forgiveness

(2008). Oscar Wilde's DE Profundis: A Narrative of Sexual Sin and Forgiveness. The Explicator: Vol. 67, No. 1, pp. 58-61.