cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Case-control study of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery comparing scleral tunnel and clear corneal wounds

Abstract Purpose To study the possible association between clear corneal incision with or without placement of a suture during cataract extraction and postoperative endophthalmitis. Design Retrospective, comparative, case-controlled study. Methods Thirty-eight patients treated for culture-positive, acute postcataract surgery endophthalmitis, and 371 randomly selected control patients who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery in the referring community were studied. Incision type and use of suture during cataract surgery of endophthalmitis patients were compared with the controls. The data were analyzed using logistic regression methods. Results Of the 38 patients with endophthalmitis, 17 patients (45%) had clear corneal incisions and 21 patients (55%) had a scleral tunnel incision. In 371 controls, 76 patients (20%) had clear corneal incisions and 295 patients (80%) had scleral tunnel incisions. Clear corneal incision was associated with a threefold greater risk of endophthalmitis than was scleral tunnel incision (Odds Ratio, 3.36, 95% Confidence Interval=1.67 to 6.78). The type of incision was significant (χ 2 = 11.53, P = .0007); a clear corneal incision was more frequently associated with endophthalmitis. A subgroup analysis revealed that the presence or absence of a suture was not significant (χ 2 = 1.31, P = .2524). Conclusions In this retrospective, case-controlled study, clear corneal incisions were found to be a statistically significant risk factor for acute postcataract surgery endophthalmitis when compared with scleral tunnel incisions.
On a result of C. Mueller and E. Perkins

The equation du=(au”+bu′+cu) dt+νu γ W(dx,dt) is considered for γ∈(0,1). It is proved that u(t,·) has compact support for all t≥0 if u(0,·) does. This result extends a result of C. Mueller and E. Perkins who considered the case a=1,b=c=0. The proof does not use the nonstandard analysis unlike the one by C. Mueller and E. Perkins.
An overview of ultra-wideband microwave imaging via space-time beamforming for early-stage breast-cancer detection

Ultra-wideband (UWB) microwave imaging has recently been proposed for detecting small malignant breast tumors. In this article, we review the current research status of this approach. First, we introduce the concept of microwave imaging via space-time (MIST) beamforming and related signal-processing algorithms. The objective of these signal-processing techniques is to form a spatial image of scattered microwave energy, and to identify the presence and location of malignant lesions from their scattering signatures. Next, we present numerical studies based on finite-difference time-domain simulations to demonstrate the efficacy of MIST beamforming for detecting small malignant breast lesions in both prone and supine configurations. Finally, the experimental feasibility of UWB microwave imaging is demonstrated using an initial imaging prototype and multilayered breast phantoms.
Anesthesia monitoring by registered nurses during cataract surgery: assessment of need for intraoperative anesthesia consultation.

Purpose To assess the frequency and risk factors for intraoperative anesthesia consultation when performing cataract surgery monitored by registered nurses. Setting Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA Methods This retrospective review was of 270 cataract surgeries performed under local anesthesia from April 1, 2002, to April 1, 2003. Results The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of each patient was determined: 1 patient was classified as ASA 1. One hundred fifty patients were classified as ASA 2. One hundred nineteen patients were classified as ASA 3. The anesthesiology department was consulted 24 times. Nineteen consultations involved patients who were ASA 3, and 5 consultations involved patients who were ASA 2 (P Conclusions In this study, monitoring of routine cataract surgery by registered nurses was associated with a low rate of intraoperative anesthesia consultation. Most consultations resulted in little intervention. The ASA classification appears predictive of the need for intraoperative anesthesia consultation.
Splanchnic Removal of Bacteria from Blood Stream of Pyrogen-Tolerant Rabbits.∗:

Discussion and ConclusionsBeeson(2) has shown that in animals made tolerant to the pyrogenic effect of typhoid vaccine, there is an increased disappearance of the pyrogenic material from the blood stream. The increase in disappearance rate is blocked by the administration of thorotrast. He interpreted this as an indication that the reticuloendothelial system removes the pyrogenic material from the blood stream and that it does so with increased efficiency on repeated contact with the pyrogen, thus leaving less and less pyrogen in the blood stream to damage other susceptible tissues. More recent studies by Bennett and Cluff(l) have shown that rabbits made tolerant to pyrogens become non-reactive also to the Shwartzman phenomenon. Both of these effects are blocked by the injection of thorotrast(2,3); as is the removal of bacteria from the blood stream(4). However, although there seem to be some similarities between the characteristics of resistance to the Shwartzman phenomenon and resistance to pyrogen effe...
Statistical assessment of violations of water quality standards under Section 303(d) of the clean water act.

Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act requires states to assess the condition of their waters and to implement plans to improve the quality of waters identified as impaired. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines require a stream segment to be listed as impaired when greater than 10% of the measurements of water quality conditions exceed numeric criteria. This can be termed a "raw score" assessment approach. Water quality measurements are samples taken from a population of water quality conditions. Concentrations of pollutants vary naturally, measurement errors may be made, and occasional violations of a standard may be tolerable. Therefore, it is reasonable to view the assessment process as a statistical decision problem. Assessment of water quality conditions must be cognizant of the possibility of type I (a false declaration of standards violation) and type II (a false declaration of no violation) errors. The raw score approach is shown to have a high type I error rate. Alternatives to the raw score approach are the Binomial test and the Bayesian Binomial approach. These methods use the same information to make decisions but allow for control of the error rates. The two statistical methods differ based on consideration of prior information about violation. Falsely concluding that a water segment is impaired results in unnecessary planning and pollution control implementation costs. On the other hand, falsely concluding that a segment is not impaired may pose a risk to human health or to the services of the aquatic environment. An approach that recognizes type I and type II error in the water quality assessment process is suggested.
Quitting smoking does not increase the risk of major depressive episodes among users of Internet smoking cessation interventions.

Background. Limited evidence has suggested that quitting smoking increases the incidence of major depressive episodes (MDEs), particularly for smokers with a history of depression. Further evidence for this increase would have important implications for guiding smoking cessation. Method. Spanish- and English-speaking smokers without a current MDE (n=3056) from an international, online smoking cessation trial were assessed for abstinence 1 month after their initial quit date and followed for a total of 12 months. Incidence of screened MDE was examined as a function of abstinence and depression history. Results. Continued smoking, not abstinence, predicted MDE screened at 1 month [smoking 11.5% v. abstinence 7.8%, odds ratio (OR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.78, p=0.02] but not afterwards (smoking 11.1% v. abstinence 9.8%, OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.77-1.45, p=0.74). Depression history predicted MDE screened at 1 month (history 17.1 % v. no history 8.6%, OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.29-2.27, p <0.001) and afterwards (history 21.7% v. no history 8.3%, OR 3.87, 95 % CI 2.25-6.65, p<0.001), although the interaction between history and abstinence did not. Conclusions. Quitting smoking was not associated with increased MDE, even for smokers with a history of depression, although a history of depression was. Instead, not quitting was associated with increased MDE shortly following a quit attempt. Results from this online, large, international sample of smokers converge with similar findings from smaller, clinic-based samples, suggesting that in general, quitting smoking does not increase the incidence of MDEs.
Placental Pathology in Fetal Bartter Syndrome

Bartter syndrome, which presents clinically with polyuria, urinary potassium loss, hypokalemia, hypercalciuria, and alkalosis, is an autosomal recessive disorder with mutations in genes encoding the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter, the chloride channel CLC-NKB, and the potassium channel ROMK. Prenatal diagnosis of Bartter syndrome is now possible; however, there are no reports of the placental pathology associated with fetal Bartter syndrome. We present the placental pathologic findings in two siblings with fetal Bartter syndrome. Both pregnancies were complicated by polyhydramnios and preterm delivery. The first pregnancy delivered at 30 weeks, and Bartter syndrome was diagnosed in the perinatal period. The subsequent pregnancy required periodic therapeutic amniocentesis secondary to massive polyhydramnios and delivered at 32 weeks gestation. The suspicion of fetal Bartter syndrome was very high in this second pregnancy, and the infant was confirmed to have Bartter syndrome subsequently. Both placentas were large for gestational age, weighing greater than the 95th percentile. Microscopic examination showed extensive subtrophoblastic basement membrane mineralization (special stains positive for iron and calcium) in the chorionic villi. This striking finding was present in both placentas. Subtrophoblastic mineralization has been described in the literature in placentas of fetuses with abnormalities including anencephaly, trisomy 21, and other congenital abnormalities; however, it has also been described in normal pregnancies. Mechanisms of calcification in the placenta are not well understood, but these striking cases suggest that defects in fetal renal excretion of ions can lead to dystrophic calcification within the placenta, particularly in a subtrophoblastic pattern.
Integrated millimeter-wave antennas/receivers and novel high-efficiency micromachined antenna structures

Summary form only given, as follows. The article covers a variety of planar antenna designs suitable for low-cost receiver systems at millimeter-wave frequencies, namely the coplanar waveguide-fed double-slot antenna family. We have built low noise planar receivers at 77 GHz and 94 GHz using this technology for automotive systems and imaging arrays applications. Also a compact integrated radiometer at 22 GHz consisting of a planar antenna and a 6-stage MMIC amplifier chain is presented. A new monopulse tracking array at 94 GHz is also presented using a CPW-fed slot-ring antenna structure. It also discusses our recent work on micromachined microwaves. In this technology, the waveguide is replaced by a cavity which is etched in Si or GaAs using KoH or EDP and is then metalized using evaporation and/or plating techniques. This results in a new type of transmission lines, passive components and antennas with reduced weight, volume and highly improved electrical characteristics. Several new antenna designs suitable for high-efficiency millimeter-wave operation using micromachining techniques in silicon and GaAs are presented. >
A Ratiometric Sensor Using Single Chirality Near-Infrared Fluorescent Carbon Nanotubes: Application to In Vivo Monitoring

Advances in the separation and functionalization of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) by their electronic type have enabled the development of ratiometric fluorescent SWCNT sensors for the first time. Herein, single chirality SWCNT are independently functionalized to recognize either nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), or no analyte (remaining invariant) to create optical sensor responses from the ratio of distinct emission peaks. This ratiometric approach provides a measure of analyte concentration, invariant to the absolute intensity emitted from the sensors and hence, more stable to external noise and detection geometry. Two distinct ratiometric sensors are demonstrated: one version for H(2)O(2), the other for NO, each using 7,6 emission, and each containing an invariant 6,5 emission wavelength. To functionalize these sensors from SWCNT isolated from the gel separation technique, a method for rapid and efficient coating exchange of single chirality sodium dodecyl sulfate-SWCNT is introduced. As a proof of concept, spatial and temporal patterns of the ratio sensor response to H(2)O(2) and, separately, NO, are monitored in leaves of living plants in real time. This ratiometric optical sensing platform can enable the detection of trace analytes in complex environments such as strongly scattering media and biological tissues.
Health Promoting Behaviors of Older Americans versus Young and Middle Aged Adults.

Health promoting behaviors have become increasingly important as Americans attempt to retain their youth and health. This study collected self-reported data from 559 participants in the Southwest United States using the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II to compare the health promoting behaviors of older adults (60–92 years), middle-aged adults (40–59 years), and younger adults (18–39 years). Results indicate that older adults engage in more nutrition and health responsibility behaviors and score highest in the broad range of health promoting behaviors assessed. Results suggest that gerontologists may benefit programmatically from identifying factors associated with those older adults who more frequently engage in health behaviors.
Reading is Seeing: Using Visual Response to Improve the Literary Reading of Reluctant Readers

This study compared the responses of two highly reluctant learning-disabled readers before and after they were helped to visualize story situations and events through visual art. These visual art procedures included the reading of illustrated books, the use of visual protocols, and the creation of symbolic story representations, illustrated books, collages, and picture maps regarding their reading. Data gathered from the students were subjected to ethnographic analysis, including preliminary and systematic domain searches, to reveal codes and themes. Data revealed that the use of visual art helped these two readers to begin enjoying reading, and to begin evoking and manipulating story worlds in their minds. The treatments encouraged the students not only to “see” what they were reading, but also to make other response moves involving emotional affect, connecting their own life to the literary experience, and the consideration of significance. Most importantly, perhaps, these students began to participate ...
Menopausal status and estrogen receptor genotypes influenced the severity of hot flashes after tamoxifen treatment

Background/Aims Hot flashes are the most common side effect of tamoxifen treatment. We conducted a prospective observational trial to evaluate factors that influenced hot flash severity after tamoxifen treatment. Methods Hot flashes frequency and severity were recorded in 7-day hot flashes diaries before, and 1, 4, 8, 12 months after tamoxifen treatment in 122 subjects. Hot flashes composit scores were calculated. Demographic information was collected at baseline, and estrogen receptor (ESR1 & 2) genotyping was also performed. Results Pre-menopausal women showed the biggest increase in hot flashes severity, from 5.2±10.5 at baseline to 28.5±51.6 at 4 month (P<0.0001), whereas there was no significant change in peri- or postmenopausal women. Twenty-two of the 122 women did not develop hot flashes. G allele carriers of the ESR2-02 SNP were 4.2 times more likely to develop hot flashes than homozygotes with AA genotype (P=0.008). Conclusion Pre-menopausal women were most likely to develop hot flashes after tamoxifen treatment. ESR2-02 genotype may also influence the risk of developing hot flashes after tamoxifen treatment. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P4–P4; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.11.017
Twitter as a tool for conservation education and outreach: what scientific conferences can do to promote live-tweeting

If more conservation-minded citizens were aware of certain environmental threats and how to resolve them, these issues could be resolved more effectively. Scientific conferences focusing on conservation bring together countless experts on environmental problems and solutions, but are not an effective means of reaching the interested public on a large scale. This paper discusses the use of twitter to share important conservation information from scientific conferences with the interested public. The basic usage of twitter is explained, and strategies to promote live-tweeting of scientific conferences are introduced. A case study (the 2011 International Congress for Conservation Biology) is discussed. If used properly, twitter and other social media technology can be a powerful tool for conservation education and outreach from scientific conferences.
The correlation structure of matheron's classical variogram estimator under elliptically contoured distributions

The classical variogram estimator proposed by Matheron can be written as a quadratic form of the observations. When data have an elliptically contoured distribution with constant mean, the correlation between the classical variogram estimator at two different lags is a function of the spatial design matrix, the covariance matrix, and the kurtosis. Several specific cases are studied closely. A subclass of elliptically contoured distributions with a particular family of covariance matrices is shown to possess exactly the same correlation structure for the classical variogram estimator as the multivariate independent Gaussian distribution. The consequences on variogram fitting by generalized least squares are discussed.
Impaired endothelial cell nitric oxide signaling in an ovine model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

METHODS: To study the association between NEC and bacterial populations, newborn rats were allowed to suckle or were subjected to our NEC-inducing regimen of formula feeding and hypoxia. On day of life four the rats were euthanized and a segment of the terminal ileum was resected for analysis. Homogenized intestinal tissue was serially diluted and plated on blood agar. Emerging bacterial colonies were classified according to their appearance and enumerated. Bacterial species were identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Alternatively, in a culture-free approach, DNA was extracted directly from intestinal tissues, 16S fragments were PCR-amplified and cloned. Ninety-six clones were sequenced for each sample. NEC was diagnosed and graded histologically by a blinded pathologist.
Embedded sensing of structures: a reality check

With the advent of miniaturized sensing technology, it has become possible to envision smart structures containing millions of sensors embedded in concrete for autonomously detecting and locating incipient damage. Where are we today in our march towards this vision of autonomous structural health monitoring (SHM) using networked embedded sensing? In this paper, we summarize some of the systems we have developed towards this vision. Wisden is a wireless sensor network that allows continuous monitoring of structures and NetSHM is a programmable system that allows civil engineers to implement and deploy SHM techniques without having to understand the intricacies of wireless sensor networking. We highlight our experiences in developing these systems, and discuss the implications of our experiences on the achievability of the overall vision.
Cancer of the supraglottic larynx treated by radiotherapy exclusively

Abstract Seventy-six cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx treated by radiotherapy exclusively and followed for at least 3 years are reported. High doses, close to the maximum tolerable, were used with the shrinking field technique with no attempt at prophylactic whole neck irradiation. T1 and T2 cases represented 40% of the whole group and 40% of the patients presented clinically positive neck disease. This latter group had a significantly lower cure rate (42.8%) than the NO patients (88.3%). Disease control depended also on the T stage: all 30 T1 and T2 lesions, 18 22 (81.8%) of the T3, and 6 17 (35.3%) of the T4 lesions were controlled. Cord fixation and early cartilage destruction were not a major obstacle for tumor control. Base of tongue involvement and especially the T4 and N3 association were indications of poor prognosis. Adenopathies smaller than 3 cm were controlled in 14 16 cases while nodes ≥3 cm were controlled in 5 11 cases. Failures in neck nodes outside the treatment field were encountered in 7% of the cases but as the sole element of failure they represented 5.6%. Absolute survival at 3 years was 69.7% for the whole series while loco-regional control was 74.6%. No patient was salvaged by surgery. Three loco-regional recurrences occurred 3 years after the treatment. Although no lethal complications were encountered severe late reactions were noted in about 20% of the patients with controlled primary lesion, requiring tracheostomy in 4 cases (7%). Treatment guidelines are suggested: T1, T2, & T3 lesions associated with adenopathy smaller than 3 cm should be treated by radiotherapy. Limited extra laryngeal extension especially to cartilage can still be controlled by irradiation. More advanced cases, especially the subcategory of T4 N3 patients, should have a multidisciplinary approach. After high doses of irradiation only limited surgery is permissible.
Structure of the Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channel GLIC Bound with Anesthetic Ketamine.

Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) are targets of general anesthetics, but a structural understanding of anesthetic action on pLGICs remains elusive. GLIC, a prokaryotic pLGIC, can be inhibited by anesthetics, including ketamine. The ketamine concentration leading to half-maximal inhibition of GLIC (58 μM) is comparable to that on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. A 2.99 A resolution X-ray structure of GLIC bound with ketamine revealed ketamine binding to an intersubunit cavity that partially overlaps with the homologous antagonist-binding site in pLGICs. The functional relevance of the identified ketamine site was highlighted by profound changes in GLIC activation upon cysteine substitution of the cavity-lining residue N152. The relevance is also evidenced by changes in ketamine inhibition upon the subsequent chemical labeling of N152C. The results provide structural insight into the molecular recognition of ketamine and are valuable for understanding the actions of anesthetics and other allosteric modulators on pLGICs.
Feminism, femininity, and the television series: A content analysis

The following 40 pages offer a debate on the question of whether women are fairly represented and depicted in prime time television dramatic programs. Taking up the opening position is Ms. McNeil, a master's candidate in radio and television at the University of Illinois. This article is based on research undertaken for her thesis, and the author wishes to acknowledge the help of her advisor. Dr. Edward Douglass. Ms. McNeil has been a lecturer in communications at California State University, Fullerton.
Rafting with cholera toxin: endocytosis and trafficking from plasma membrane to ER

Cholera toxin (CT), and members of the AB5 family of toxins enter host cells and hijack the cell's endogenous pathways to induce toxicity. CT binds to a lipid receptor on the plasma membrane (PM), ganglioside GM1, which has the ability to associate with lipid rafts. The toxin can then enter the cell by various modes of receptor-mediated endocytosis and traffic in a retrograde manner from the PM to the Golgi and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Once in the ER, a portion of the toxin is unfolded and retro-translocated to the cytosol so as to induce disease. GM1 is the vehicle that carries CT from PM to ER. Thus, the toxin pathway from PM to ER is a lipid-based sorting pathway, which is potentially meditated by the determinants of the GM1 ganglioside structure itself.
Diet and Murine Atherosclerosis

Lipid-enriched diets are often used to induce or accelerate the rate of atherosclerotic lesion development in murine models of atherosclerosis. It appears that the induction of persistent hypercholesterolemia to levels > or approximately to 300 mg/dL is required for the development of experimental atherosclerosis in the mouse. A variety of different diets have been used that vary in the level of cholesterol, the level and type of fatty acid, and the absence or presence of cholate. Each of these components as well as the protein source has been shown to influence lipoprotein level and/or atherosclerosis, with dietary cholesterol being the major proatherogenic component. In some instances the effects of these components on the expression of hepatic genes relevant to lipid homeostasis has been observed. An appreciation of the effect of the differences in diet composition on these processes is important to compare results from different atherosclerosis studies, so the composition of the diets used should always be reported or referenced. Cholate should not be used unless its effects are being specifically investigated.
Transarterial embolization of renal tumors improves surgical outcomes: A case series.

Introduction Operative treatment of renal tumors can be associated with a high rate of perioperative morbidity related to hemorrhage and injury to adjacent anatomical structures. This morbidity of solid organ surgery is especially prevalent when the lesion involves chronic inflammation or a desmoplastic reaction from a rapidly growing tumor. No consensus on the use of transarterial embolization has been fashioned as the number of prospective studies is small. This study proposes to examine the beneficial effects of selective transarterial embolization of the kidney prior to surgical resection.
Nuclear myosin I is necessary for the formation of the first phosphodiester bond during transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II

The nuclear isoform of myosin, Nuclear Myosin I (NMI) is involved in transcription by RNA polymerase I. Previous experiments showing that antibodies to NMI inhibit transcription by RNA polymerase II using HeLa cell nuclear extract (NE) suggested that NMI might be a general transcription factor for RNA polymerases. In this study we used a minimal in vitro transcription system to investigate the involvement of NMI in transcription by RNA polymerase II in detail. We demonstrate that NMI co-purifies with RNA polymerase II and that NMI is necessary for basal transcription by RNA polymerase II because antibodies to NMI inhibit transcription while adding NMI stimulates transcription. Further investigation revealed that NMI is specifically involved in transcription initiation. Finally, by employing an abortive transcription initiation assay, we demonstrate that NMI is crucial for the formation of the first phosphodiester bond during transcription initiation.
Scalable graphics enhancements for PA-RISC workstations

The addition of graphics-specific features to the series 700 system architecture has improved graphics performance by 33% to 100% across various graphics workloads relative to the base system architecture. The model 730, which incorporates a 76 SPECmark PA-RISC (reduced instruction set computer) CPU, is capable of rendering over 1,000,000 3D vectors/s and 19400 independently shaded, z-buffered quadrilaterals/s using a simple entry level frame buffer. Further improvements in performance may be obtained by partitioning the graphics pipeline between the CPU and dedicated rasterization and geometry accelerators. Enhancements to the CPU include polygon rasterization with virtual memory z-buffer support, graphics-specific floating-point, and graphics-specific data path features. >
Checkpoint-dependent regulation of origin firing and replication fork movement in response to DNA damage in fission yeast.

To elucidate the checkpoint mechanism responsible for slowing passage through S phase when fission yeast cells are treated with the DNA-damaging agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), we carried out two-dimensional gel analyses of replication intermediates in cells synchronized by cdc10 block (in G1) followed by release into synchronous S phase. The results indicated that under these conditions early-firing centromeric origins were partially delayed but late-firing telomeric origins were not delayed. Replication intermediates persisted in MMS-treated cells, suggesting that replication fork movement was inhibited. These effects were dependent on the Cds1 checkpoint kinase and were abolished in cells overexpressing the Cdc25 phosphatase, suggesting a role for the Cdc2 cyclin-dependent kinase. We conclude that both partial inhibition of the firing of a subset of origins and inhibition of replication fork movement contribute to the slowing of S phase in MMS-treated fission yeast cells.
Desiccation Tolerance in Encysted Embryos of the Animal Extremophile, Artemia

Encysted embryos (cysts) of the primitive crustacean, Artemia franciscana, are among the most resistant of all animal life history stages to extremes of environmental stress. These embryos, extremophiles of the animal kingdom, are the main focus of this paper. Previous work has revealed the importance of biochemical and biophysical adaptations that provide a significant part of the basis of their resistance, and I consider some of these here. In the present paper the critical role played by the outer layer of the shell in desiccation tolerance will be one focus. Another involves studies on the response of dried cysts to high temperatures that, among other things, implicate one or more volatile factors released from the cysts that determines the extent of thermotolerance under a given heating regime. A hypothetical scheme is given to account for these peculiar results. Based on western immunoblotting analysis, and data from the literature, the scheme also implicates the heat-induced translocation of the stress protein p26 to nuclei as a potential cause of the reduction in hatching level.
Continuous Intravenous Infusion in Fischer 344 Rats for Six Months: A Feasibility Study

The feasibility of continuous intravenous infusion as a method for compound administration in studies up to 6 months in duration was assessed in adult male and female Fischer 344 rats (20 per sex). A polyethylene/silastic can-nula was inserted into the jugular vein and exteriorized in the subscapular region of anesthetized rats. Following a 2-week postsurgery recovery period, each animal was fitted with a flexible Velcro saddle/jacket assembly and attached to a tethering system. Infusion pumps were used for infusing sterile saline at a rate of approximately 0.8 ml/hour continuously for 6 months. Animal health was evaluated by monitoring body weight, food consumption, clinical chemistry, hematology, uri-nalysis, and histopathology. At monthly intervals, Brevital sodium (5 mg/kg) was injected into the cannulae for assessing patency, and two animals per sex were submitted for necropsy. Within 4 days postsurgery, mean body weights of male and female rats decreased by approximately 3–5%, compared to presurgery...
Geometry of Curves and Surfaces

This chapter consists of a variety of topics in geometry. The approach to geometry that is taken in this chapter and throughout this book is one in which the objects of interest are described as being embedded1 in Euclidean space. There are two natural ways to describe such embedded objects: (1) parametrically and (2) implicitly. The vector-valued functions x = x(t) and x = x(u, v) are respectively parametric descriptions of curves and surfaces when \(X \varepsilon\mathbb{R}^3\). For example, \(x(\Psi ) = [\cos \Psi , \sin \Psi , 0]^T\) for ψ ∈ [0, 2π) is a parametric description of a unit circle in \(\mathbb{R}^3\), and \(x(\phi ,\theta ) = [\cos \phi \sin {\rm \theta },\sin \phi \sin \theta {\rm ,}\cos {\rm \theta }]^T\) for φ ∈ [0, 2π) and θ ∈ [0, π] is a parametric description of a unit sphere in \(\mathbb{R}^3\). Parametric descriptions are not unique. For example, \(x(t) = [{\rm 2t/(1 + t}^{\rm 2} {\rm ), (1 } - {\rm t}^{\rm 2} {\rm )/(1 + t}^{\rm 2} {\rm ), 0]}^{\rm T}\) for \(t \varepsilon\mathbb{R}\) describes the same unit circle as the one mentioned above.2
All-digital MEMS gyro-sensor using TAD-digital-synchronous-detection (TAD-DSD) By TAD-ADPLL

As sensor digitization for IoT-applications, this paper presents an all-digital MEMS gyro-sensor circuit method, using TAD (Time-A/D converter)-based digital synchronous detection (TAD-DSD) by applying entirely all-digital time-domain processing, which uses no conventional methods such as analogmixers, -filters and -ADCs. The proposed method involves twostep processing: 1) voltage-signal levels of the first-half and lasthalf of one-cycle carrier-waveform are averaged and digitized simultaneously with 0.18μm TAD's moving-average effect using a sampling clock frequency fs twice higher than carrier-wave frequency fcar, then 2) the difference between the first-half and last-half of the digitized carrier-wave voltage levels is calculated to obtain the information of actual carrier-wave amplitude, which indicates angular-rate information from a vibrating MEMS element. In this method, a TAD-sampling clock is generated with a TAD-based all-digital PLL (TAD-ADPLL) to drive the MEMS element. By using a conventional piezoelectric MEMS tuning-fork element, we experimentally confirmed its sensitivity of 0.14(°/s)/LSB and peak noises of ±0.18°/s at BW = 10Hz, achieving a digital-type gyro-sensor for CMOS scaling.
Simultaneous input and state estimation with a delay

In this paper, we present recursive algorithms for linear discrete-time stochastic systems that simultaneously estimate the states and unknown inputs in an unbiased minimum-variance sense with a delay. By allowing potential delays in state estimation, the stricter assumptions in a previous work [1] can be relaxed. Moreover, we show that a system property known as strong detectability plays a key role in the existence and stability of the asymptotic estimator with a delay we propose.
Characterization of C60 Fullerene in Carbon Disulfide Solvent Using Intermediate Angle Neutron Scattering

In recent characterization of fullerenes by small angle neutron scattering use was made of the Guinier scattering regime to determine the radius of gyration of the fullerene molecules. In the present work the HB-1A spectrometer at the High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory was used to measure the scattering from C 60 in CS 2 solvent. The scattering covers a range which includes scattering intensity oscillations associated with the C 60 shell structure. These oscillations are used to measure the C 60 molecule size. Assumption of a carbon shell radius of 3.57A fits the scattering minima. This radius and the assumption of a solvent cavity radius of 5.93 A gives a good fit to the whole scattering range. However, modeling to remove a remaining scattering intensity discrepancy at low angles requires the addition of a small solvent density excess near the C 60 molecule.
Determination of Carbamate Pesticides in Vegetable by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

[Objective]To study the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for determination of various carbamates pesticide in vegetable.[Methods]The sample pre-treatment method was optimized by oscillators and sample concentration instrument,and the carbamates pesticide in vegetable were tested by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.[Results]The relative standard deviations was 2.73%～5.09%,the recoveries was 81.8%～95.6%,and the linear correlation coefficient was higher than 0.9957.[Conclusion]The method is accurate and reliable,which can be applied for the determination of carbamates pesticide in vegetable.
Clinical measures in rheumatoid arthritis: which are most useful in assessing patients?

Objective To determine the relative accuracy and sensitivity to change of 14 measures commonly used to assess arthritis activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Twenty-four patients with RA were prospectively examined every 2 weeks for up to 60 weeks. At each examination, arthritis activity was assessed using 5 physician determined measures (global assessment, swollen joint count, weighted swollen joint count, tender count, weighted tender joint count), 3 patient determined measures (global assessment, pain score, duration of morning stiffness), 3 functional measures (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, grip strength, 50' walk time), and 3 laboratory measures [Westergren erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin, platelet count]. Accuracy was determined by the degree to which changes in each measure over time were related to changes in other measures (i.e., correlational validity). Sensitivity to change was measured using standardized response means. Results Over the course of the study, each patient had at least 6 measures change more than 50% from their baseline values. The most highly intercorrelated measures were the physician global assessment (range of partial correlations r = 0.4-0.7), patient global assessment and pain scores (r = 0.2-0.7), the Disability Index (r = 0.3-0.7), and ESR (r = 0.2-0.4). Physician and patient global assessments, pain scores, and the Disability Index were more sensitive to change than other measures, while laboratory measures were generally less sensitive to change. Conclusion Based on the relative accuracy and sensitivity to change of these 14 clinical measures, the physician global assessment, a functional status questionnaire, and the patient global assessment or pain score should be the principal measures used to assess arthritis activity in patients with RA. Recognizing its limitations, the ESR could be included if a laboratory measure is needed.
Endorsement and Timing of Sexual Orientation Developmental Milestones Among Sexual Minority Young Adults in the Growing Up Today Study.

This research examined endorsement and timing of sexual orientation developmental milestones. Participants were 1,235 females and 398 males from the Growing Up Today Study, ages 22 to 29 years, who endorsed a sexual minority orientation (lesbian/gay, bisexual, mostly heterosexual) or reported same-gender sexual behavior (heterosexual with same-gender sexual experience). An online survey measured current sexual orientation and endorsement and timing (age first experienced) of five sexual orientation developmental milestones: same-gender attractions, other-gender attractions, same-gender sexual experience, other-gender sexual experience, and sexual minority identification. Descriptive analyses and analyses to test for gender and sexual orientation group differences were conducted. Results indicated that women were more likely than men to endorse same-gender attraction, other-gender attraction, and other-gender sexual experience, with the most gender differences in endorsement among mostly heterosexuals and ...
The Sex Role and Female Personality

Women have never lacked detractors and enemies. From medieval times to the present, a long line of misogynists has cautioned men against the whims, weaknesses, and wiles of women. To medieval priests and theologians woman was ‘a domestic peril, a deadly fascination, a painted ill’;1 to Renaissance poets and playwrights woman was an insidious threat to male hegemony and peace of mind; to some modern legislators and moralists, woman is an unstable life-force whose potentially disruptive energies must be controlled and safely chanelled into domestic work at home. Without this control, her detractors maintain, woman’s weak and emotional nature, her proclivity towards deception and manipulation, would threaten personal happiness and endanger the social order.
On mechanisms that determine synoptic time scale convection over East Africa

This study explores potential mechanisms to explain the marked synoptic scale variability in convection seen over East Africa during the July–September season. Regression composites based on analysis of 22 years of brightness temperature and reanalysis datasets highlights a complicated evolution for this synoptic convection. Active convection in the region is typically preceded by a coherent eastward moving convective signal that is followed by a period with a prominent westward moving convective signal away from the region. Results suggest that this sequence is associated with eastward propagation of convectively coupled Kelvin waves (CCKWs) that subsequently trigger westward-moving African easterly waves (EWs). Results also indicate that synoptic convection in the East African region is impacted by westward moving upper tropospheric EWs originating on the tropical easterly jet in the South Asian region. These upper EWs propagate through East Africa with about a 4-day period, consistent with the synoptic convection variability observed over East Africa. Consistent with local forecaster experience, analysis of the regional spatial patterns of convection and associated moisture flux convergence show that a coherent signal propagates northeastwards from the equatorial Congo region to East Africa on synoptic timescales. The evolution resembles the CCKW-associated signal suggesting that CCKWs contribute to this synoptic variability.
Robophysical study of excavation in confined environments

Soil-dwelling social insects build complex nests. Nest excavation is performed by multiple animals simultaneously and is governed by local interactions of the workers with other nest-mates and their surroundings. To investigate collective confined excavation challenges, we built groups of robotic excavators capable of performing hours of autonomous tunnel excavation in a model cohesive granular medium. Excavator behavior was governed by a simple set of rules triggered by interactions with the surrounding environment and other robots. The rate of tunnel growth and energetic costs of excavation were measured for groups of different numbers operating in wide and narrow tunnels. To extend the results to systems with large numbers of robots, we developed a cellular automata model. Experiments and simulations showed that in sufficiently wide tunnels an increase in the size of the excavating group increased the excavation rates without a significant increase in the energy consumption per robot. A decrease in the tunnel width resulted in a decrease in the excavation rates and increase in the energetic costs of excavation. We attribute this effect to the emergence of multiple time-consuming interactions (clogs) among excavating robots in the confined spaces. Although in all situations clogs were resolvable, clog resolution took longer in the systems with larger number of robots and narrower tunnels. We expect that our robotic system can be used to investigate the behavior of social insects in confined spaces as well as inspire more sophisticated search-and-rescue robotics.
Prognostic implications of human papillomavirus status for patients with non-oropharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

We examined overall survival in a large cohort of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative non-oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (non-OPSCC). Patients diagnosed with non-OPSCC and known HPV status were identified in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Multivariate logistic regression was applied to examine factors associated with HPV status. Multivariate analysis was utilized to determine factors correlated with overall survival. Propensity score-weighted Kaplan–Meier estimation was used to adjust for confounders in survival analyses. Multiple imputation method was used for sensitivity analysis. We identified 19,993 non-OPSCC patients with 5070 being positive for HPV in the NCDB. Median follow-up was 23.5 months. HPV-positive patients were more commonly male, white, with a lower comorbidity index score, presenting with T-stage <2, and N-stage ≥1. Unadjusted 3-year overall survival was 62% and 80% for HPV-negative and HPV-positive patients, respectively (p < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, mortality was reduced for HPV-positive patients with early stage (HR = 0.68) and locally advanced disease (HR = 0.46). Adjusted 3-year overall survival was 65% for HPV-negative and 76% for HPV-positive patients (p < 0.0001). The survival advantage of HPV was maintained in all subsites and robust on sensitivity analysis. Patients with HPV-positive non-OPSCC exhibit similar characteristics as HPV-positive OPSCC. Overall survival was significantly higher for patients with HPV-positive versus HPV-negative non-OPSCC. These data reveal that HPV-positive non-OPSCC represent a favorable cohort that warrants recognition in the design of future clinical trial investigation.
A 2017 Update: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Contributions and Investments in Breastfeeding

Given that breastfeeding is important to the health of infants and their mothers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) goal is to ensure that new mothers understand the benefits of breastfeeding and, when they choose to breastfeed, have the supports they need to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding until they reach their goals. This report summarizes CDC's current contributions and investments in breastfeeding.
External Auditory Canal Foreign Body Extraction Outcomes.

Objectives:To compare pediatric external auditory canal (EAC) foreign body extraction outcomes by clinical setting and identify factors predictive of successful removal.Methods:Retrospective review...