cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Miscarriage risk from amniocentesis performed for abnormal maternal serum screening

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate miscarriage after mid-trimester amniocentesis for abnormal maternal serum screening. Study Design An analysis of summary data from the California State maternal serum screening program on 32,050 women with an abnormal serum screen, a singleton fetus, and normal ultrasound was performed. Miscarriage before 24 weeks, days until miscarriage, gestational age at miscarriage, and maternal factors were compared. The power of this study could detect a 50% increase in miscarriage. Results The miscarriage rate with amniocentesis, 0.46% (69/15,005), was no different than without, 0.53% (90/17,045), P = .38. There was no difference in maternal age, serum biochemical factors, gestational age at miscarriage (21.1 weeks for both groups), or days until miscarriage (23 after amniocentesis and 20.4 without). Log-rank test revealed no difference for gestational age at miscarriage ( P = .61) or number of days until miscarriage ( P = .40). Conclusion The rate and timing of miscarriage was similar with or without amniocentesis in California women with abnormal maternal serum screening.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: steps to maximize success and minimize effect for assisted reproductive outcome.

Objective To investigate the strategies used to decrease the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and their impact on pregnancy and live birth rates. Design Retrospective cohort analysis. Setting University hospital. Patient(s) One hundred eighty-eight patients undergoing fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles between 2000 and 2004, with peak serum estradiol levels >2500 pg/mL and presumed to be at risk for OHSS. Intervention(s) Coasting and elective embryo cryopreservation were evaluated for their effect on OHSS and live birth rates. Main Outcome Measure(s) Pregnancy, live birth rates, and OHSS incidence. Result(s) Out of 188 patients at risk for OHSS, 21 patients had their cycles coasted (group 1), and elective embryo cryopreservation was performed in 32 patients (group 2). In 135 patients with no other risk factors, ovulation was triggered with human chorionic gonadotropin and embryo transfer was performed (group 3). The incidence in our IVF population was 38 out of 1002 (3.8%). The overall incidence of OHSS for those who had an estradiol level >2500 pg/mL was 20.2% (38 out of 188), and none of the patients in group 1 developed OHSS; 13 out of 32 patients in group 2 (40.6%) and 25 out of 135 (18.5%) patients in group 3 developed OHSS. The live birth rate was 38%, 40%, and 45% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and the cumulative live birth rate was 52%, 75%, and 59%, respectively. Conclusion(s) Elective cryopreservation of embryos with subsequent frozen embryo transfer and coasting are effective ways of maximizing pregnancy and limiting severe OHSS.
The IGF family and folliculogenesis.

Abstract The process of ovarian follicular development is a long and arduous one, marked by dramatic proliferation and differentiation of both the somatic and germ cell elements. To a large extent, this explosive agenda is under the control of conventional endocrine principles, involving hormones such as pituitary gonadotropins and ovarian steroids. Importantly, it has become increasingly apparent that several phenomena central to ovarian physiology are not fully accounted for by conventional endocrine principles. As an example, consideration must be given to the process of follicular selection whereby a predetermined number of follicle(s) is recruited, selected, allowed to assert dominance, and ultimately ovulate despite the fact that all follicles are afforded comparable gonadotropic stimulation. These observations have given rise to the suggestion that the regulation of ovarian function may be under the control of yet another group of modulatory principles known under the general term ‘putative intra-ovarian regulators’. It is generally envisioned that the exquisitely-timed and highly-regionalized expression of these locally-derived, often peptidergic, principles may finally account for those aspects of the ovarian life cycle which at this time defy conventional explanation. It has been hypothesized that the role of IGF-1 in the context of ovarian physiology is to serve as an amplifier of gonadotropin hormonal action. At this time, significant support for this hypothesis can be documented. More speculative is the notion that IGF-1 may partake in intrafollicular intercompartmental coordination, a concept presupposing enhanced more coordinated follicular development, due to granulosa-theca-interstitial cell cross-talk and improved coupling. Entirely in the speculative realm is the proposition that IGF-1 may in fact partake in the process of follicular selection, a notion for which relatively limited support can be derived at this time.
Discretization errors associated with reproducing kernel methods: one-dimensional domains ☆

Abstract The reproducing kernel particle method (RKPM) is a discretization technique for partial differential equations that uses the method of weighted residuals, classical reproducing kernel theory and modified kernels to produce either “mesh-free” or “mesh-full” methods. Although RKPM has many appealing attributes, the method is new, and its numerical performance is just beginning to be quantified. In order to address the numerical performance of RKPM, von Neumann analysis is performed for semi-discretizations of three model one-dimensional PDEs. The von Neumann analyses results are used to examine the global and asymptotic behavior of the semi-discretizations. The model PDEs considered for this analysis include the parabolic and hyperbolic (first- and second-order wave) equations. Numerical diffusivity for the former and phase speed for the latter are presented over the range of discrete wavenumbers and in an asymptotic sense as the particle spacing tends to zero. Group speed is also presented for the hyperbolic problems. Excellent diffusive and dispersive characteristics are observed when a consistent mass matrix formulation is used with the proper choice of refinement parameter. In contrast, the row-sum lumped mass matrix formulation severely degraded performance. The asymptotic analysis indicates that very good rates of convergence (O( x 6 )–O( x 8 )) are possible when the consistent mass matrix formulation is used with an appropriate choice of refinement parameter and quadrature rule.
Mathematical technique for analyzing drop-freezing data

Abstract The fraction of soil particles active as ice-forming nuclei through freezing was determined for two soil samples and one rain sample as a function of particle size and temperature. Two known techniques, sedimentation and drop-freezing, were used. A mathematical method was devised to analyze the experimental data; it contains a likelihood ratio analysis of drop-freezing data that explicitly accounts for overlapping hydrosol particle size ranges in various sedimentation samples. Larger hydrosol particles generally nucleated ice at warmer temperatures. Smaller hydrosol particles (0.1–3 μm in diameter) were generally inactive over a broad temperature range. Concentration peaks of different sized ice-forming nuclei active at different temperatures may be due to the differences in the mineralogical composition of the soil particles.
Biological Atomic Force Microscopy for Imaging Gold-Labeled Liposomes on Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells

Although atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used extensively to characterize cell membrane structure and cellular processes such as endocytosis and exocytosis, the corrugated surface of the cell membrane hinders the visualization of extracellular entities, such as liposomes, that may interact with the cell. To overcome this barrier, we used 90 nm nanogold particles to label FITC liposomes and monitor their endocytosis on human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) in vitro. We were able to study the internalization process of gold-coupled liposomes on endothelial cells, by using AFM. We found that the gold-liposomes attached to the HCAEC cell membrane during the first 15–30 min of incubation, liposome cell internalization occurred from 30 to 60 min, and most of the gold-labeled liposomes had invaginated after 2 hr of incubation. Liposomal uptake took place most commonly at the periphery of the nuclear zone. Dynasore monohydrate, an inhibitor of endocytosis, obstructed the internalization of the gold-liposomes. This study showed the versatility of the AFM technique, combined with fluorescent microscopy, for investigating liposome uptake by endothelial cells. The 90 nm colloidal gold nanoparticles proved to be a noninvasive contrast agent that efficiently improves AFM imaging during the investigation of biological nanoprocesses.
Marxism-Leninism and its Strategic Implications for the United States

My central concern in this paper is with the implications of Marxist-Leninist ideology for Western defense policy and for United States strategic policy in particular. However, this is an extremely complex issue, and consideration of it will lead me to examine the ways in which ideas are related to interests, interests to strategy, and strategy to actions. I I begin with an important observation: Americans in general, and for various reasons, have not taken Marxism-Leninism seriously for a long time. This is true even of many experts who consider the Soviet challenge to be very serious, affecting our very survival as a free society. At the risk of oversimplification, I would claim that many quite well-informed Americans, hardened to the realities of the Soviet “empire” and its activities, have come around to the view that Marxist-Leninist ideology has simply degenerated into a rigid system of enforced belief administered by authorities who have no particular commitment to it other than to employ it in order to remain in power. In this regard, “Marxism” (like “God” in America in the 1960s) is deemed “dead,” surviving only in the publicity offices of formal establishments as a means of maintaining their authority. Marxism-Leninism is thought to be no different from the moribund “divine right of kings,” which undergirded the monarchical establishments of 17th Century Europe. Oddly enough, the “socialism-is-dead” theme is today found in the writings of such prominent American neo-conservatives as Irving Kristol, George Gilder, and many others. It is also echoed in Europe in the writings of such eminent philosophers as Leszek Kolakowski of Poland and Paul Johnson of England.
Smoking and Middle Ear Disease: Are they Related? A Review Article

The relationship between passive smoking and middle ear disease was reviewed. The hypothesis that acute otitis media, serous otitis media, and related diseases in children are caused by inhalation of second-hand smoke has been accepted by many. We reviewed the literature on this topic. There are many studies that do not support the hypothesis. There is no indication that the smokers themselves have a higher incidence of middle ear disease. Considering the difficulty of publishing negative studies, the need for academics to publish significant findings, and the poor foundation for some authors' conclusions in the literature, we find that the literature does not offer sufficient support for the hypothesis that second-hand smoke causes middle ear disease to accept the hypothesis.
Expansion and shrinkage of central nervous system tumor coinciding with human growth hormone therapy: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE : The influence of human growth hormone (hGH) therapy on the recurrence rates of childhood central nervous system tumors is controversial. Because growth hormone has the ability to increase cell proliferation, it is recommended that hGH therapy wait until central nervous system lesions are inactive and antitumor therapy complete, usually 1 to 2 years. CLINICAL PRESENTATION : We report the enlargement and decrease in size of a hypothalamic pilocytic astrocytoma in a 12-year-old boy after two trials of hGH. Partial resection and radiation of the tumor were performed at 3 years of age, with no change noted over the next 9 years. His height was less than the 5th centile with midparental height at the 90th to 95th centiles. Growth velocity was 3.3 cm/yr. Bone age was normal and there were no signs of puberty. There was no GH response to clonidine and L-dopa testing. INTERVENTION : Volume measurements were performed on gadolinium enhanced tumor images. Growth rate increased to 11.7 cm and the tumor volume increased 230% over the 12 months of hGH therapy. Significant tumor shrinkage (42%) and growth deceleration occurred within the 3 month interval of stopping hGH. Tumor volume again increased (134%) and decreased (22%) after restarting and then stopping hGH. No evidence of tumor necrosis or alteration in ventricular size was found. The patient was asymptomatic. CONCLUSION : These observations indicate that tumor size change is associated with the metabolic response to hGH therapy. It is unclear whether the volume increase represents altered blood-brain or selective blood-tumor barrier permeability, growth factor receptors, and/or tumor cell growth.
Production and purification of bovine monocyte-derived interleukin 1

Abstract Few studies have addressed the biological and molecular nature of bovine interleukin 1 (IL-1). In an effort to increase our understanding of the role of bovine IL-1 in bovine immunology, we investigated various parameters of its production by LPS-stimulated monocytes in vitro. Bovine monocytes isolated by our methods constitutively released IL-1 activity, as measured by the murine thymocyte IL-1 assay. Monocyte release of IL-1 activity was further augmented when the cells were incubated with 0.005–10 μg per ml of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The presence of 1, 5, or 10 percent heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS) enhanced LPS-stimulated bovine monocyte release of IL-1 activity as compared with monocytes cultured under serum-free conditions. We used a combination of size-exclusion and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to purify bovine IL-1 from serum-free monocyte culture supernatants. Size-exclusion HPLC resulted in a single peak of biological activity with an approximate molecular weight of 18 000 daltons. Further purification by reverse-phase HPLC demonstrated at least three major molecular species with IL-1 activity. Besides providing information about production of IL-1 by bovine monocytes in vitro, this study also describes a protocol to purify bovine IL-1 for future studies addressing its biological functions.
Percent Positive Biopsy Cores and the Risk of Death from Prostate Cancer in Men Treated with Radiation and Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Purpose/Objective(s): Randomized trials that showed superiority of adding androgen deprivation (ADT) to radiation (RT) in terms of survival did not include pre-randomization stratification by percent positive biopsy cores (PPB), a known prostate cancer prognostic factor. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the impact of adding 6 months of ADT to RTon the risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) stratified by low or high PPB using data from a prospective randomized controlled trial for men in good health with intermediate or high-risk PC. Materials/Methods: From December 1, 1995 to April 15, 2001, 206 men with localized but intermediate or high-risk PC were randomized to receive either RT alone or in combination with 6 months of ADT. A subgroup of the 149 men with no or minimal comorbidity, determined using the ACE27 comorbidity metric, comprised the study cohort. A Fine and Gray competing risks univariable and multivariable regression was used to ascertain whether increasing PPB was associated with an increased risk of PCSM adjusting for age, PSA at randomization, biopsy Gleason score, clinical T-category and treatment received. Cumulative incidence estimates of PCSM describing the impact of treatment with RT alone or RT + ADT
The Law of Peoples: The Old and the New

John Rawls produced two versions of the law of peoples: an article, published in 1993, and a book, published in 1999. Both versions defend basic human rights as a minimum requirement of a just law of peoples. However, in an apparent effort to strengthen his defense of this requirement, the argument changed. This paper examines the apparent difficulties that forced the changes and maintains that they still do not succeed in justifying basic human rights. The source of the difficulty, I argue, is Rawls’s reluctance to impose liberal values on nonliberal societies, and the imposition of such values, I suggest, is unavoidable if basic human rights are to be justified. Hence, if our best attempts to justify basic human rights ultimately show that appeals to liberal values are unavoidable, then we should regard such appeals as no more of an imposition than the expectation that all societies must protect basic human rights. Even more significantly, if such appeals justify liberal freedoms that go beyond basic human rights, then arguments in support of basic human rights would also justify international efforts to advance further liberal reforms within nonliberal societies.
Derivable maps and derivational points

Abstract For an algebra A and an A -bimodule M , let L ( A , M ) be the set of all linear maps from A to M . A map δ ∈ L ( A , M ) is called derivable at C ∈ A if δ ( A ) B + A δ ( B ) = δ ( C ) , for all A , B ∈ A with AB = C . We call an element C ∈ A a derivational point of L ( A , M ) if ∀ δ ∈ L ( A , M ) the condition δ is derivable at C implies δ is a derivation. We characterize derivable maps by means of Peirce decompositions and determine derivational points for some general bimodules. As a special case, we see that for a nest algebra A on a Hilbert space H , every 0 ≠ C ∈ A is a derivational point of L ( A , B ( H ) ) .
In-home walking speeds and variability trajectories associated with mild cognitive impairment

Objective: To determine whether unobtrusive long-term in-home assessment of walking speed and its variability can distinguish those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from those with intact cognition. Methods: Walking speed was assessed using passive infrared sensors fixed in series on the ceiling of the homes of elderly individuals participating in the Intelligent Systems for Assessing Aging Change (ISAAC) cohort study. Latent trajectory models were used to analyze weekly mean speed and walking speed variability (coefficient of variation [COV]). Results: ISAAC participants living alone included 54 participants with intact cognition, 31 participants with nonamnestic MCI (naMCI), and 8 participants with amnestic MCI at baseline, with a mean follow-up of 2.6 ± 1.0 years. Trajectory models identified 3 distinct trajectories (fast, moderate, and slow) of mean weekly walking speed. Participants with naMCI were more likely to be in the slow speed group than in the fast ( p = 0.01) or moderate ( p = 0.04) speed groups. For COV, 4 distinct trajectories were identified: group 1, the highest baseline and increasing COV followed by a sharply declining COV; groups 2 and 3, relatively stable COV; and group 4, the lowest baseline and decreasing COV. Participants with naMCI were more likely to be members of either highest or lowest baseline COV groups (groups 1 or 4), possibly representing the trajectory of walking speed variability for early- and late-stage MCI, respectively. Conclusion: Walking speed and its daily variability may be an early marker of the development of MCI. These and other real-time measures of function may offer novel ways of detecting transition phases leading to dementia.
Lifting and Sorting of Charged Au Nanoparticles by Electrostatic Forces in Atomic Force Microscopy

Manipulation of nanoparticles and biomolecules is an upcoming fi eld with potential applications in electronic and optical devices [ 1,2 ] and a variety of biosensors. [ 3,4 ] Ever since the fi rst particle manipulation experiment done by Eigler and Schweizer using scanning tunnel microscope, [ 5 ] there has been tremendous effort around the world to slide, lift or deposit nanoparticles with a high degree of specifi city and positioning them on desired substrates. [ 6–9 ] The atomic force microscope (AFM) is by far the most promising tool to manipulate single nanoparticles or nanoparticle conjugates. Depending on the path of the moving nanoparticle, manipulation can be categorized as horizontal or vertical. In the case of horizontal nanomanipulation, fewer factors affect the manipulation process (e.g., gravitational force, particle-substrate detachment force, and particle-probe attachment force could be ignored). The sliding nature of horizontal movement makes the particle-substrate interactions and particle-probe interactions less demanding. In recent works, nanostructures of various materials, sizes [ 10–13 ] and shapes [ 14 ] have been horizontally manipulated at ambient atmospheric conditions or even in fl uid environments. [ 15 ] Both contact and non-contact modes [ 16 ] of AFM have been successfully used for such particle manipulations. Vertical manipulation on the other hand is strongly dependent on both the probe-particle interaction and the particle-substrate interaction forces. The vertical deposition and patterning of small organic molecules on inorganic substrates has been widely reported using direct-writing techniques like dip pen nanolithography (DPN). [ 17,18 ] Removal or patterning of larger molecules like proteins and DNA require additional factors like mechanical forces as in AFM based nanografting [ 19,20 ] or electric forces as in electrochemical DPN, [ 21 ] nanopipetting [ 22,23 ] and dielectrophoretic deposition of DNA. [ 24 ] Thus far vertical lifting or deposition
On-Chip Sparse Learning Acceleration With CMOS and Resistive Synaptic Devices

Many recent advances in sparse coding led its wide adoption in signal processing, pattern classification, and object recognition applications. Even with improved performance in state-of-the-art algorithms and the hardware platform of CPUs/GPUs, solving a sparse coding problem still requires expensive computations, making real-time large-scale learning a very challenging problem. In this paper, we cooptimize algorithm, architecture, circuit, and device for real-time energy-efficient on-chip hardware acceleration of sparse coding. The principle of hardware acceleration is to recognize the properties of learning algorithms, which involve many parallel operations of data fetch and matrix/vector multiplication/addition. Today's von Neumann architecture, however, is not suitable for such parallelization, due to the separation of memory and the computing unit that makes sequential operations inevitable. Such principle drives both the selection of algorithms and the design evolution from CPU to CMOS application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) to parallel architecture with resistive crosspoint array (PARCA) that we propose. The CMOS ASIC scheme implements sparse coding with SRAM dictionaries and all-digital circuits, and PARCA employs resistive-RAM dictionaries with special read and write circuits. We show that 65 nm implementation of the CMOS ASIC and PARCA scheme accelerates sparse coding computation by $394$ and $2140\times$ , respectively, compared to software running on a eight-core CPU. Simulated power for both hardware schemes lie in the milli-Watt range, making it viable for portable single-chip learning applications.
n‐CdS/p‐AgInSe2 solar cells by electrodeposition

Thin polycrystalline AgInSe2 films are prepared by electrodeposition from aqueous solutions of AgNO3, In(NO3)3:3 H2O and SeO2. As-deposited films mainly consist of AgInSe2 and excess free selenium. Single phase chalcopyrite films are obtained by annealing the as-deposited films in nitrogen atmosphere in the temperature range of ≈ 500 to 600 °C. The effect of annealing on the structural, electrical, and optical properties of the films are studied. Thin film n-CdS–p-AgInSe3 solar cells with an efficiency ≈ 2.0% are fabricated using annealed electrodeposited AgInSe2 and evaporated CdS films. Dunne polykristalline AgInSe2-Schichten werden durch Elektrcabscheidung aus wasrigen Losungen von AgNO3, In(NO3)3:3 H2O und SeO2 hergestellt. Ursprunglich abgeschiedene Schichten bestehen hauptsachlich aus AgInSe2 und uberschussigem freiem Selen. Einphasige Chalkopyritschichten werden durch Temperung der ursprunglich abgeschiedenen Schichten in Stickstoffatmosphare im Temperaturbereich von 500 bis 600 °C erhalten. Der Einflus der Temperung auf die Struktur und die elektrischen und optischen Eigenschaften dieser Schichten wird untersucht. Dunnschicht-n-CdS–p-AgInSe2-Solarzellen mit einem Wirkungsgrad von ≈ 2,0% werden aus ungetemperten elektroabgeschiedenen AgInSe2- und aufgedampften CdS-Schichten hergestellt.
Hereditary ectodermal dysplasia of the anhydrotic type

Summary A report is made of two children who have hereditary ectodermaldysplasia of the anhydrotic type and of a third child who shows only anodontia and alopecia of this syndrome. The three children are closely related. The two children with the complete syndrome are first cousins; the child with the partial syndrome is a sister of one of the two children with the complete syndrome. Siblings of the two mothers are affected; however, the two mothers are normal. It is probable that the disease was transmitted through a maternal carrier state.
Containment of Low-Level Radioactive Waste at the DOE Saltstone Disposal Facility

As facilities look for permanent storage of toxic materials, they are forced to address the long-term impacts to the environment as well as any individuals living in affected area. As these materials are stored underground, modeling of the contaminant transport through the ground is an essential part of the evaluation. The contaminant transport model must address the long-term degradation of the containment system as well as any movement of the contaminant through the soil and into the groundwater. In order for disposal facilities to meet their performance objectives, engineered and natural barriers are relied upon. Engineered barriers include things like the design of the disposal unit, while natural barriers include things like the depth of soil between the disposal unit and the water table. The Saltstone Disposal Facility (SDF) at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina is an example of a waste disposal unit that must be evaluated over a timeframe of thousands of years. The engineered and natural barriers for the SDF allow it to meet its performance objective over the long time frame. Some waste disposal facilities are required to meet certain standards to ensure public safety. These type of facilities require an engineered containment system to ensure that these requirements are met. The Saltstone Disposal Facility (SDF) at the Savannah River Site (SRS) is an example of this type of facility. The facility is evaluated based on a groundwater pathway analysis which considers long-term changes to material properties due to physical and chemical degradation processes. The facility is able to meet these performance objectives due to the multiple engineered and natural barriers to contaminant migration.
Cytoplasmic-nuclear gene interaction for plant vigor in Helianthus species

Genetic diversity provided by of wild sunflower (Helianthus spp.) has not been exploited. This field and greenhouse study determined the inheritance and characterized a unique type of cytoplasmic-nuclear interaction involving major genes affecting plant vigor. Reduced-vigor (RV) plants with pale-green leaves and stunted growth were obtained when backcrossing inbred line HA 89 into cytoplasms of five perennial Helianthus species: H. mollis Lam., H. maximiliani Schrader, H. grosseserratus Martens, H. divaricatus L., and H. angustifolius L(.)
Immunology and immunotherapy of human breast cancer

The question of whether host immune factors play a protective role in breast cancer has been long debated. Early evidence based predominantly on histopathologic changes seen in ipsolateral axillary lymph nodes was suggestive. More recently, the availability of quantitative in vivo and in vitro tests of cellular and humoral immunity in breast cancer has given further support to this concept. A number of attempts have utilized both active and passive techniques of immunotherapy, with or without cytoreductive chemotherapy, to combat the disease. This review summarizes the literature pertaining to immunology and immunotherapy of breast cancer with the hope that such knowledge may lead to further improvements in our skill in the treatment of human breast cancer.
Delivering Happiness: Translating Positive Psychology Intervention Research for Treating Major and Minor Depressive Disorders

Despite the availability of many treatment options, depressive disorders remain a global public health problem. Even in affluent nations, 70% of reported cases either do not receive the recommended level of treatment or do not get treated at all, and this percentage does not reflect cases of depression that go unreported due to lack of access to health care, stigma, or other reasons. In developing countries, the World Health Organization estimates that <10% receive proper depression care due to poverty, stigma, and lack of governmental mental health resources and providers. Current treatments do not work for everyone, and even people who achieve remission face a high risk of recurrence and residual disability. The development of low-cost effective interventions that can serve either as initial therapy for mild symptoms or as adjunctive therapy for partial responders to medication is an immense unmet need. Positive activity interventions (PAIs) teach individuals ways to increase their positive thinking, positive affect, and positive behaviors. The majority of such interventions, which have obtained medium-size effect sizes, have been conducted with nondepressed individuals, but two randomized controlled studies in patients with mild clinical depression have reported promising initial findings. In this article, the authors review the relevant literature on the effectiveness of various types of PAIs, draw on social psychology, affective neuroscience and psychophamacology research to propose neural models for how PAIs might relieve depression, and discuss the steps needed to translate the potential promise of PAIs as clinical treatments for individuals with major and minor depressive disorders.
Physical inactivity and percent breast density among Hispanic women.

Results of epidemiologic studies suggest an inverse association between breast cancer risk and physical activity; this is one of the few modifiable breast cancer risk factors identified to date. However, only 2 previous studies assessed the association between physical activity and the extent of mammographically-detected fibroglandular breast density, a marker of breast cancer risk. Moreover, there has been no study of physical inactivity and percent breast density, nor a study of this relationship in Hispanic women, who are less physically active than non-Hispanic whites. In the Chicago Breast Health Project, we collected information on sociodemographic, reproductive, medical and lifestyle factors and percent breast density, assessed quantitatively using full-field digital mammography, from 294 Hispanic women. In our study, we examined the independent associations of hours per day of physical inactivity with percent breast density using multivariate linear regression analysis adjusting for age, education, body mass index, parity, menopausal status, use of hormone replacement therapy and smoking status. Overall, the mean percent breast density was low (i.e., 17.7%) and ranged from 1.9% to 54.6%. There was no difference in percent breast density for women who reported 1.5-3.0 hr of physical inactivity per day compared to women who reported 0-1 hr per day (beta = -0.08, p = 0.95), but percent density was marginally significantly higher for women who were reported at least 3.5 hr per day of physical inactivity (beta = 3.18, p = 0.056). Results were similar, albeit less statistically significant, in analyses of pre/perimenopausal and postmenopausal women separately. These results support the need for further research investigating the effect of physical activity on breast cancer risk.
Treatment and diagnostic accuracy of neurosyphilis at Boston City Hospital's Neurological Unit, 1930–1979

Abstract The twentieth century was marked with frequent advances in the treatment and diagnosis of neurosyphilis. Once considered one of the most serious human diseases, neurosyphilis was paramount to a death sentence often preceded by agonizing pain and/or diminishing mental capacities. Since the introduction of penicillin in 1943, however, the prevalence of neurosyphilis has declined dramatically and the prognosis of the few still affected has been greatly improved. We examined patient records from Boston City Hospital's (BCH) Neurologic Unit from 1930 to 1979 to obtain primary data on treatment modalities for neurosyphilis during this period, with particular attention to the use of malarial therapy. We also evaluated these same records to determine whether the “great imitator” moniker that was applied to neurosyphilis may have in part been due to systematic errors in diagnostic criteria and false positive tests. The BCH neurologists used all available treatment compounds, including arsenicals, bismuth, iodides, malaria, and typhoid. The data also suggest that the wide diversity of symptoms attributed to neurosyphilis was probably accurate.
Comparing Telephone and Face-to-Face Qualitative Interviewing: a Research Note

This research note reports the results of a comparison of face-to-face interviewing with telephone interviewing in a qualitative study. The study was designed to learn visitors’ and correctional officers’ perceptions of visiting county jail inmates. The original study design called for all face-to-face interviews, but the contingencies of fieldwork required an adaptation and half of the interviews were conducted by phone. Prior literature suggested that the interview modes might yield different results. However, comparison of the interview transcripts revealed no significant differences in the interviews. With some qualifications, we conclude that telephone interviews can be used productively in qualitative research.
Contrasting nifD and ribosomal gene relationships among Mesorhizobium from Lotus oroboides in northern Mexico.

Summary PCR screens for length variation in a 5′ portion of 23S ribosomal RNA and in the 3′ end of the 16S rRNA23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicated that nodule bacteria from a Mexican population of Lotus oroboides were diverse on a local scale. Three 23S rRNA length variants and five ITS length variants were detected among the 22 isolates. Sequencing of nearly full-length 16S rRNA genes in three isolates indicated that they fell into the genus Mesorhizobium, but comprised two distinct groups. Two isolates were closely related to M. loti LMG 6125T, while the other isolate clustered with an assemblage of Mesorhizobium taxa that included M. amorphae, M. plurifarium and M. huakuii. However, a phylogenetic tree based on 715 bp of the nitrogenase a-subunit (nifD) gene was significantly discordant with the relationships inferred from rRNA sequences. Two isolates that were nearly identical for 16S rRNA had nifD genes that varied at 2% of sites, and one of these nifD sequences was identical to that of another isolate with a strongly divergent 16S rRNA gene. A plasmid screen followed by Southern hybridization indicated that only one of these strains harbored a plasmid-borne nifD gene. These results imply that gene transfer events have altered the distribution of nifD sequences among lineages within this natural population of Mesorhizobium strains.
Indoor airborne fungi and wheeze in the first year of life among a cohort of infants at risk for asthma

In studies worldwide, respiratory outcomes such as cough, wheeze and asthma have been consistently linked to mold exposure. Young children spend most of their time indoors and may be particularly vulnerable. We evaluated the associations between exposure to airborne fungal levels and episodes of wheezing in a cohort of 103 infants at risk for asthma (due to maternal history of asthma), living primarily in low-income urban settings. Using a new protocol that facilitates identification of rare and slow-growing fungi, we measured the type and concentration of cultured fungi in home air samples taken early in the infant's first year of life. We also inspected the homes for visible mold, water damage and other housing and environmental conditions. All homes had measurable indoor airborne fungi and 73%, had some sign of mold, water damage, dampness or a musty odor. One or more episodes of wheeze during the first year of life were observed in 38% of infants. Multiple logistic regression showed high indoor levels of Penicillium were a significant risk factor for wheeze (OR 6.18; 95% CI: 1.34-28.46) in the first year of life after controlling for season of sampling, smoking, endotoxin levels, day care attendance and confounders. Acrodontium, a rarely reported fungal genus, was detected in 18% of study homes, and was associated with wheeze in unadjusted models (OR 2.75; 95% CI 0.99-7.61), but not after adjustment for confounders. Total fungal levels, visually observed mold, dampness, water damage or musty odors were not significantly associated with wheeze.
Energy transfer in crystalline layers of pyrene

Abstract Energy transfer is observed if the S 1 guest level lies below the excimer level of pyrene. Sensitized fluorescence of coronene vanishes at 77 °K. The excimer state migrates in pyrene if the temperature is so high that the energy barriers may be overcome.
A therapeutic challenge in AIDS-associated viral retinitis.

Sir, Progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) is a herpetic retinitis characterized by multifocal deep retinal lesions progressing to confluent necrosis and a high likelihood of retinal detachment. The visual prognosis in patients with PORN is extremely poor, with final visual acuity of no light perception reported in up to 67% in some series.1, 2 We report a therapeutic challenge of AIDS-associated viral retinitis in which the ganciclovir implant contributed to the eradication of PORN recalcitrant to systemic and intravitreal antivirals.
Unpredicted food produces a mode of behavior that affects rats' subsequent reactions to a conditioned stimulus: A behavior-system approach to "context blocking"

The present experiments explored the relation between a mode of behavior produced by unpredicted presentations of an unconditioned stimulus (US) and subsequent interference with responding to a conditioned stimulus (CS) (the context-blocking effect). The US was food, the CS was a moving ball bearing, and the subjects were rats. The typical response to a moving bearing that predicts food is predatory interaction, and the behaviors that developed under unpredicted US presentations involved focused search and waiting oriented to the food tray. Experiment 1 manipulated the number of unpredicted food presentations and showed that the reduction in subsequent bearing contacts was more clearly related to the occurrence of initial food-tray behavior than to the number of prior food presentations. Experiments 2 and 3 manipulated the conditioning of food-tray behavior while holding constant the number of prior food presentations, and again showed a strong inverse relationship between initial food-tray behavior and ball-bearing contact. The latter experiments also indicated that the locus of interference with bearing-directed behavior was neither primarily central (associative or attentional) nor peripheral (motor interference), but resulted from the incompatibility of two modes of food-getting behavior, a more general predatory search mode versus a mode of focal search and waiting. A behavior-system account of these results does not preclude an associative basis for context-blocking effects, but it argues that such effects may occur at several levels and must function within appetitive structures underlying the animal’s food-getting behavior.
Nucleolus-like bodies in micronuclei of cultured Xenopus cells

Two of the 36 chromosomes in Xenopus laevis are known to carry nucleolar organizer loci. Partitioning of the chromosomes of cultured, early-passage Xenopus cells among variable numbers of micronuclei could be induced by extended colcemid treatment. A large, obvious nucleolus occurred in a maximum of 4 micronuclei per colcemid-induced tetraploid cell. The large, deeply-stained nucleoli incorporated [3H]uridine and appeared by electron microscopy to have typical nucleolar morphology with fibrillar and granular areas disposed in nucleolonema. In situ hybridization to radioactive ribosomal RNA (rRNA) resulted in heavy labelling of nucleoli in no more than 4 micronuclei per cell. The other micronuclei generally contained small bodies (blobs) which stained for RNA and protein as well as with ammoniacal silver. In the electron microscope, these appeared as round, dense bodies resembling nucleoli segregated by actinomycin D treatment. Nucleoplasmic RNA synthesis occurred in all micronuclei regardless of whether they contained definitive nucleoli. These observations suggest that micronuclei which formed large, typical, RNA-synthesizing nucleoli contained nucleolar organizer chromosomes, while the other micronuclei, which contained nucleolus-like “blobs” probably lacked nucleolar organizer loci. It is possible that the nucleolus-like bodies may have been aggregates of previously synthesized nucleolar RNA and protein trapped in micronuclei after mitosis.
Comparative evaluation of three rapid marine toxicity tests: Sea urchin early embryo growth test, sea urchin sperm cell toxicity test and microtox

Three rapid marine toxicity tests were evaluated to determine their potential usefulness in a toxicity testing program: early embryo growth test and sperm cell toxicity test, both using the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata, and Microtox. Toxicity values (EC50s) were derived for eight organic chemicals and five metals using each system. Results were compared with LC50 values for the same chemicals from standard aquatic tests with Pimephales romelas and Daphnia magna and for the metals with Menidia menidia and Mysidopsis bahia. The EC50 values for the sea urchin early embryo growth test for organics and the LC50 values for fish and crustaceans for organics and metals with which the rapid tests were compared were from the literature. For organic chemicals, EC50s from rapid tests closely approximated LC50s and toxicity rankings, except that the sperm cell test was particularly sensitive to 2,4-pentanedione and 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol. EC50s for metals were generally comparable with each other and with other tests using embryo and sperm of other sea urchins and oysters but not with LC50s for Mysidopsis and Menidia. These results indicate the potential value of rapid tests to screen and rank substances for toxicity. Additional information on the usefulness of these tests will be gained through continuing comparisons using a broad spectrum of single substances and complex mixtures with varying modes of action.
Where do Brownian particles spend their time

Abstract We study statistical properties of the fraction of time spent by a Brownian particle in different regions of space. Also treated in our analysis are the effects of one or more constraints on the trajectory at different times. We show that the effects of imposing n constraints can be analyzed in terms of the probability density of the residence time for a single constraint. An analogy to the description of the spatial density of a polymer chain is proposed and applied to evaluate the monomeric density in some specific examples.
Impact of Operator-Selected Image Noise Index and Reconstruction Slice Thickness on Patient Radiation Dose in 64-MDCT

OBJECTIVE. Our objective was to develop a better understanding of the complex interrelationship between image noise, reconstruction slice thickness, and patient radiation dose on a 64-MDCT scanner that uses automated tube current modulation.MATERIALS AND METHODS. We reviewed physics theory and performed phantom dose measurements on a 64-MDCT scanner while altering operator-selectable image noise and reconstruction slice thickness.RESULTS. Using phantom dose measurements to adjust theoretic predictions, we constructed both a spreadsheet and a graph that visually display the interrelationships between operator-selected image noise and reconstruction slice thickness and the resulting patient dose.CONCLUSION. This table and graph may help operators understand the trade-offs when prospectively trying to minimize dose and optimize image noise for selected reconstruction slice thicknesses on this type of 64-MDCT scanner.
Mind-body meets metaethics: a moral concept strategy

The aim of this paper is to assess the relationship between anti-physicalist arguments in the philosophy of mind and anti-naturalist arguments in metaethics, and to show how the literature on the mind-body problem can inform metaethics. Among the questions we will consider are: (1) whether a moral parallel of the knowledge argument can be constructed to create trouble for naturalists, (2) the relationship between such a “Moral Knowledge Argument” and the familiar Open Question Argument, and (3) how naturalists can respond to the Moral Twin Earth argument. We will give particular attention to recent arguments in the philosophy of mind that aim to show that anti-physicalist arguments can be defused by acknowledging a distinctive kind of conceptual dualism between the phenomenal and the physical. This tactic for evading anti-physicalist arguments has come to be known as the Phenomenal Concept Strategy. We will propose a metaethical version of this strategy, which we shall call the ‘Moral Concept Strategy’. We suggest that the Moral Concept Strategy offers the most promising way out of these anti-naturalist arguments, though significant challenges remain.
Estimation of scrapie nucleic acid MW from standard curves for virus sensitivity to ionizing radiation.

Estimation of scrapie nucleic acid MW from standard curves for virus sensitivity to ionizing radiation
A preliminary evaluation of the effects of electrical pulp testers on dogs with artificial pacemakers

Four pulp testers were used to evaluate their interference with a pacemaker implanted in a dog and the effect of electrical current leaks on the pacemaker. The use of artificial pacemakers in patients with heart disease has created a special type of patient management problem for dentists. The application of electrical currents to such patients by the use of pulp testers, desensitizing equipment, electrosurgical instruments and so forth, as well as current leaks from other electrical equipment, can interfere with pacemaker function and may constitute a serious health hazard. Dentists should be aware of the effects of the application of electrical current to their patients.