cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A randomized study to assess the efficacy of the amniotic fluid index as a fetal admission test.

Objective To determine whether there is a difference in the incidence of abdominal delivery for presumed fetal distress in women who have an intrapartum fluid index assessment and those who do not. Methods Over a 7-month period, parturients at 26–42 weeks' gestation and in early labor were randomized to the study (measured amniotic fluid index [AFI] on admission) or a control group (no sonographic assessment of amniotic fluid [AF] volume). The labor and delivery staff were aware of the AFI results of the study subjects. All patients had continuous electronic fetal monitoring, and none had an abnormal tracing on admission. Student t test or x 2 was used for statistical analysis. P Results The study ( N = 447) and control groups ( N = 436) had similar maternal demographics as well as medical and obstetric complications. In the study group, the incidence of abdominal delivery for fetal distress (29 of 447) was significantly higher than among controls (14 of 436) ( P = .02; relative risk 1.3, 95% confidence interval 1.1–1.7). Among parturients who had abdominal delivery for fetal distress, the decision-to-incision times (mean ± standard deviation) were similar for parturients who had undergone assessment of AFI and those who had not (38.5 ± 14.7 versus 32.5 ± 14.7 minutes, respectively; P = .47). Mean birth weight, incidence of low birth weight, macrosomia, Apgar scores less than 7, and the number of admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit were not significantly different in the two groups. Conclusion Patients having an intrapartum assessment of AFI as a fetal admission test are significantly more likely to have abdominal delivery for presumed fetal distress. However, the decision-to-incision time is not decreased and the perinatal outcome is not improved if the status of AF volume is known for patients in early labor.
Time-Dependent Tensile Strength of Solids

DURING the course of studying the strain-rate effects of a number of irradiated and non-irradiated polymeric solids as well as some metallic solids (refs. 1 and 2 and unpublished results) a common relationship between stress and strain-rate has been observed. For any given value of strain the stress obtained at different rates of straining is linearly related with the logarithm of the strain-rate. Mathematically, if ɛ is the total given strain at any given temperature T, then the stress σ is related with the strain-rate e in the following manner : where e0 and σ0 are constants independent of the strain ɛ, and m, which is also independent of the strain, is the slope of the straight line when the log of strain-rate is plotted against the stress. Or in another form, when the rate of straining is constant : Depending upon the value of ɛ, which is a measure of molecular configuration of the solid in terms of deformation3, the time-dependent strength can be evaluated.
Isolation of catenated forms of R factor DNA from minicells.

STUDIES1–6 of the molecular nature of antibiotic resistance (R) factors in Escherichia coli have shown that several of them consist of covalently closed molecules of circular DNA. Use was made of this property in the separation of the R factor from chromosomal DNA of E. coli, which has a similar nucleotide-base composition. In selecting for covalently circular R factor DNA molecules, however, the procedures used in these earlier experiments-caesium chloride-ethidium bromide centrifuga-tion7 and bulk nitrocellulose adsorption2—necessarily selected against isolation of other (non-circular) forms of R factor DNA that might have been present.
Successful self-replantation of avulsed tooth with 42-year follow-up.

This report presents a case of a 55-year-old woman who was hit in the mouth 42 years ago. The maxillary right central incisor was avulsed. The patient's mother replanted the tooth within 10–20 minutes and “splinted” it with aluminium foil from a cigarette package and a piece of cardboard. Clinical and radiographic examination after 42 years revealed a slightly discolored asymptomatic right central incisor. The root canal space was obliterated and no signs of root resorption or periapical radiolucency were observed.
The clinical picture and management of Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome

Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome is a rare disorder, usually of childhood onset, characterized by multiple muscular tics and vocalizations frequently in the form of coprolalia; other abnormal motor manifestations are frequently seen. Of the seven cases reported, six are completely characteristic of the syndrome. Five patients showed improvement of symptoms on haloperidol, while two patients (both with severe cases and evidence of organic changes in the central nervous system) showed no improvement, even at doses up to 20 milligrams per day. In two of the responding patients, tolerance to haloperidol developed. Early treatment is felt to be important. The natural course of this disorder could be better understood if, as suggested, an international registry could be launched.
Twenty-nail dystrophy and vitiligo: A rare association

The term twenty-nail dystrophy (TND) of childhood has evolved since its initial description in 1977. TND has also been reported in adults, and many clinical as well as histopathologic associations have been described. We describe the third case of a rare association of TND with vitiligo in a 10-year-old girl.
Image Ads and Issue Ads in U.S. Presidential Advertising: Using Videostyle to Explore Stylistic Differences in Televised Political Ads From 1952 to 2000

This study explores the differences in techniques, strategies, narratives, and symbols used in televised issue ads and image ads from U.S. presidential campaigns. A content analysis was done of 1,213 ads from the past 13 U.S. presidential elections coded as either issue ads or image ads. Findings indicate that there are key differences in the style of image ads and issue ads. In issue ads, the candidate tends to speak for himself, appear on camera speaking to the viewer, and use emotional language in making the appeal. In image ads, an anonymous announcer is the dominant speaker, and source credibility appeals are the most popular appeals. Although the majority of both types of ads were positive, negative appeals dominated a higher percentage of issue ads as compared with image ads.
Distribution of histone messenger rna among free and membrane- associated polyribosomes of a mouse myeloma cell line.

Abstract The distribution of histone messenger RNA among free polyribosomes and two classes of membrane-associated polyribosomes was studied in an immunoglobulin-secreting mouse myeloma cell line. The two classes of membrane polyribosomes were distinguished on the basis of their sensitivity to dissociation from membranes upon exposure to high concentrations of salt or during repeated centrifugation through sucrose. Histone messenger RNA is specifically excluded from that class of polyribosomes most tightly associated with cellular membranes.
Quenching of Iodine Fluorescence by Iodine and Argon

In iodine below pressures of 0.8 mm fluorescence was excited monochromatically by the mercury green and yellow lines and measured by photographic photometry with a spectrograph. Absorption measurements were made under similar conditions with two compensating photo-electric cells: Beer's law holds here; and argon does not alter the absorption of iodine. The ratio of probability of an excited molecule losing all energy in an iodine collision to probability of radiation is evaluated per unit time. The ratio exceeds unity for pressures above 0.05 mm. The yellow excited series is quenched more than the green by both iodine and argon. The complex nature of argon quenching is discussed.
The Kinetics of Ligand Binding by an Adenine-Sensing Riboswitch

A riboswitch within the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the Bacillus subtilis pbuE mRNA binds adenine and related analogues in the absence of protein factors; excess adenine added to bacterial growth media triggers activation of a reporter gene that carries this riboswitch. To assess whether the riboswitch reaches thermodynamic equilibrium, or is operated by the kinetics of ligand binding and RNA transcription, we examined the detailed equilibrium and kinetic parameters for the complex formation between the aptamer domain of this riboswitch and the ligands adenine, 2-aminopurine (2AP), and 2,6-diaminopurine (DAP). Using a fluorescence-based assay, we have confirmed that adenine and 2AP have nearly equal binding affinity, with KD values for 2AP ranging from 250 nM to 3 microM at temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees C, while DAP binds with much higher affinity. The association rate constant, however, favors adenine over DAP and 2AP by 3- and 10-fold, respectively, at 25 degrees C. Furthermore, the rate constants for adenine association and dissociation with the aptamer suggest that the pbuE riboswitch could be either kinetically or thermodynamically controlled depending upon the time scale of transcription and external variables such as temperature. We cite data that suggest kinetic control under certain conditions and illustrate with a model calculation how the system can switch between kinetic and equilibrium control. These findings further support the hypothesis that many riboswitches rely on the kinetics of ligand binding and the speed of RNA transcription, rather than simple ligand affinity, to establish the concentration of metabolite needed to trigger riboswitch function.
Not Mussolini but Volterra

Sir Alison Abbott credits Benito Mussolini (Nature 381, 720; 1996) with establishing Italy's National Research Council (CNR) after the First World War. Mussolini was prime minister at the time, but the driving force was the distinguished Italian statesman of science and mathematician Vito Volterra.
R-nilpotency in homotopy equivalences

We study the monoid of self homotopy equivalences of anR-nilpotent space, with the goal of understanding the actions of a cyclic group of orderp on a simply-connected homologically finite space with uniquelyp-divisible homotopy groups.
Parallel Factor Analysis of gait waveform data: A multimode extension of Principal Component Analysis.

Abstract Gait data are typically collected in multivariate form, so some multivariate analysis is often used to understand interrelationships between observed data. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), a data reduction technique for correlated multivariate data, has been widely applied by gait analysts to investigate patterns of association in gait waveform data (e.g., interrelationships between joint angle waveforms from different subjects and/or joints). Despite its widespread use in gait analysis, PCA is for two-mode data, whereas gait data are often collected in higher-mode form. In this paper, we present the benefits of analyzing gait data via Parallel Factor Analysis (Parafac), which is a component analysis model designed for three- or higher-mode data. Using three-mode joint angle waveform data ( subjects × time × joints ), we demonstrate Parafac’s ability to (a) determine interpretable components revealing the primary interrelationships between lower-limb joints in healthy gait and (b) identify interpretable components revealing the fundamental differences between normal and perturbed subjects’ gait patterns across multiple joints. Our results offer evidence of the complex interconnections that exist between lower-limb joints and limb segments in both normal and abnormal gaits, confirming the need for the simultaneous analysis of multi-joint gait waveform data (especially when studying perturbed gait patterns).
Should researchers disclose results to descendants

One of the possible benefits of new genetic research is that genetic information discovered about a research subject may have important implications for the health of a research subject's family me...
Perinatal stroke causes abnormal trajectory and laterality in reaching during early infancy

The developmental progression of reaching and early signs of upper extremity neglect is common concern for infants at risk for hemiparesis and cerebral palsy. We investigated the emergence of reaching and laterality in infants at risk for hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Eight infants with perinatal stroke (PS) and thirteen infants with typical development (TD) were assessed bimonthly from 2 to 7 months of age for 10 visits per infant. Reaching number and hand-toy contact duration were measured. Infants with PS demonstrated a linear trajectory of reaching behaviors with asymmetrical upper extremity performance. Infants with TD demonstrated a linear and quadratic trajectory of reaching behaviors and symmetrical upper extremity performance over the same age range. These results suggest that infants with PS have delay reaching and early signs of neglect not currently accounted for in clinical practice.
A broadcast approach to random access

This paper considers a communication system where m synchronized transmitters access a shared medium independently of each other with probability p, and upon access each user transmits a signal subject to an average power constraint P. A common receiver observes the sum of the signals transmitted by the active users corrupted by additive Gaussian noise. Let the throughput denote the sum of the achievable rates of the active users. Assuming that the set of active user is known to the receiver only, we find an approximate characterization of the maximum expected throughput as a function of m, p, and P. Our result is within one bit from a corresponding information theoretic upper bound, for any value of the underlying system parameters.
Role of the Preoptic-Anterior Hypothalamus in Thermoregulation and Fever

Lesion and thermal stimulation studies suggest that temperature regulation is controlled by a hierarchy of neural structures. Effector areas for specific thermoregulatory responses are located throughout the brain stem and spinal cord. The preoptic region, in and near the rostral hypothalamus, acts as a coordinating center and strongly influences each of the lower effector areas. The preoptic area contains neurons that are sensitive to subtle changes in hypothalamic or core temperature. Preoptic thermosensitive neurons also receive a wealth of somatosensory input from skin and spinal thermoreceptors. In this way, preoptic neurons compare and integrate central and peripheral thermal information. As a result of this sensory integration and its control over lower effector areas, the preoptic region elicits the thermoregulatory responses that are the most appropriate for both internal and environmental thermal conditions. Thermosensitive preoptic neurons are also affected by endogenous substances, such as pyrogens. By reducing the activity of warm-sensitive neurons and increasing the activity of cold-sensitive neurons, pyrogens cause fever, a state in which all thermoregulatory responses have elevated set-point temperatures.
Characterization of amino acid adlayers on InAs surfaces using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract Removal of surface oxide layers and the prevention of their reformation is an essential step in the use of III-V semiconductor technologies. Highlighted here are data exploring the use of amino acid (AA) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to block the pre-growth of oxides on indium arsenide surfaces. Three different AAs were used: lysine, aspartic acid, and cysteine. The adlayers were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman, and angle resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS). AFM data suggest that the AA functional groups affect the packing and orientation of the molecules on the surfaces, reinforced by contact angle data. Raman data provide proof that the type of functional group alters the intensity of the unscreened LO phonon, resulting in an electrostatic stabilization, in the case of lysine, which lends to the case of electrostatic interactions blocking oxide formation. ARXPS demonstrated that the degree of oxide blocking is dependent upon the type of functional group and further verifies inferences made from the Raman spectra. The degree of monolayer formation is also determined from this data. It is concluded that AA's can be useful means for blocking oxide growth on InAs (1 0 0) surfaces, which also provides insights into how protein and peptide side chains might interact with such surfaces.
Differential Effects of Constitutively Active Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase on Glucose Transport, Glycogen Synthase Activity, and DNA Synthesis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activation is necessary for many insulin-induced metabolic and mitogenic responses. However, it is unclear whether PI3K activation is sufficient for any of these effects. To address this question we increased PI3K activity in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes by adenovirus-mediated expression of both the inter-SH2 region of the regulatory p85 subunit of PI3K (iSH2) and the catalytic p110 alpha subunit (p110). Coexpression resulted in PI3K activity that exceeded insulin-stimulated activity by two- to fivefold in cytosol, total membranes, and the low density microsome (LDM) fraction, the site of greatest insulin stimulation. While insulin increased glucose transport 15-fold, coexpression of iSH2-p110 increased transport (5.2-) +/- 0.7-fold with a parallel increase in GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane. Constitutive activation of PI3K had no effect on maximally insulin-stimulated glucose transport. Neither basal nor insulin-stimulated activity of glycogen synthase or mitogen-activated protein kinase was altered by iSH2-p110 coexpression. DNA synthesis was increased twofold by insulin in control 3T3-L1 adipocytes transduced with beta-galactosidase-encoding recombinant adenovirus, while iSH2-p110 coexpression increased DNA synthesis fivefold. These data indicate that (i) increased PI3K activity is sufficient to activate some but not all metabolic responses to insulin, (ii) activation of PI3K to levels exceeding the effect of insulin in adipocyte LDM results in only a partial stimulation of glucose transport, and (iii) increased PI3K activity in the absence of growth factor or oncoprotein stimulation is a potent stimulus of DNA synthesis.
Organizational Culture and Student Persistence: Prospects and Puzzles:

This article examines five shibboleths about the relationship between campus culture and student persistence. A six-step approach is described for using the peer group and classroom as key elements in cultivating a success-oriented institutional culture.
Effect of 2,6-diaminopurine on Virus of Russian Spring Summer Encephalitis in Tissue Culture.∗

Summary and Conclusions(1) The multiplication of the virus of Russian Spring Summer Encephalitis in tissue culture is inhibited by 2,6-diaminopurine. (2) The action can be blocked as well as reversed by the addition of equimolar concentration of adenine. Guanine is not effective.
Propagation of viral-size particles in lymph and blood after subcutaneous inoculation.

Objective:We investigated the propagation of viral-size particles by lymph and blood after subcutaneous injection. Methods:In the canine model, transport of [99mTc] sulfur colloid particles of different sizes was studied in different settings in venous blood and lymph for 45 minutes after inoculation. Results:The mean arrival time of particles in the blood was 2.10 ± 0.46 minutes and 8.87 ± 1.72 minutes in the lymph. Lymph flow in the canine leg was 28.79 ± 2.09 µl/min and was increased by leg massage. The particle concentration was 1000 times higher in the lymph fluid than in blood. Particle flux values were comparable in blood and lymph. The accumulation of particles in blood initially rose faster than in lymph. Accumulation in lymph rises slower but continues longer and reaches higher values. Ninety percent of the inoculum remains at the injection site for at least 45 minutes. Particle size matters more in blood distribution. Leg massage enhances particle transport by lymph. Conclusions:After subcutane...
Access Without Equity Longitudinal Analyses of Institutional Stratification by Race and Ethnicity, 1972–2004

The competitive dynamics that sustain stratification among postsecondary institutions have reinforced racial inequality in selective college enrollment between 1972 and 2004. Using a data set constructed from four nationally representative surveys (National Longitudinal Survey 1972, High School & Beyond 1980, National Educational Longitudinal Survey 1988, and Educational Longitudinal Survey 2002), the authors model how escalating admissions standards—including academic preparation and the growing importance of SAT scores and extracurricular leadership—effectively maintain racial inequality in selective college enrollment over time. Black and Latino students have made strides in their pre-collegiate academic preparation. Nevertheless, although access to postsecondary education has expanded since 1972 for all ethnic groups, Black and Latino students’ odds of selective college enrollment have declined relative to White and Asian American students.
Comparison of the Formation of Calcium and Barium Phosphates by the Conversion of Borate Glass in Dilute Phosphate Solution at near Room Temperature

The formation of phosphates of calcium or barium at near room temperature by the direct conversion of borate glass in dilute phosphate solution was investigated. Borate glass particles (150-300 μm), with the composition 20Na 2 Ο.20AO.60B 2 O 3 (mol%), where A is the alkali-earth metal Ca or Ba, were prepared by conventional processing, and immersed in 0.25M K 2 HPO 4 solution at 37°C and with a starting pH value of 9.0 or 12.0. The effects of the borate glass composition and the solution pH on the rate of formation, the chemical composition, and the structure of the phosphate products formed in the conversion reaction were investigated using weight loss and pH measurements, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area. At both pH values, the calcium borate glass particles were completely converted to hydroxyapatite, Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 , with a high surface area (160-170 m 2 /g). At pH = 9.0, the barium borate glass particles converted completely to a barium phosphate product that was isostructural with BaHPO 4 , whereas at pH = 12.0, the barium phosphate product was isostructural with Ba 3 (PO 4 ) 2 , with both products having much lower surface areas (4-8 m /g). The formation of the phosphate products was pseudomorphic, retaining the external shape of the original glass particles.
MONETARY INDEPENDENCE UNDER FLOATING EXCHANGE RATES

THE PERIOD SINCE February 1973 provides the first opportunity since the 1920's to evaluate substantial experiences with floating exchange rate system. With the exception of Canada in the 1950's, the prior experience with floating rates has been limited to the brief interludes, largely interim floating toward new parities. Since the period is transitional from a pegged system to a floating system, the evidence may not be typical for a longer period. The movements in the exchange rates of several countries within the last twenty months have been sharp. Several currencies have appreciated by as much as 20 or 30 per cent within a few weeks; several have depreciated by as much as 10 and 15 per cent within a week. Onesource of stress had been the October 1973 oil embargo and its anticipated impacts on trade balances of various countries. However, much of the sharp movement in the exchange rates occurred before the embargo. The contrast in the behavior of the spot rates for five major currencies relative to the dollar is evident in Table 1, both in terms of the percentage changes in the closing spot rate from one week to the next, and the spreads in percentage terms, between the maximum high and the minimum low rates for each week. The frequency of large changes is substantially higher in the mark and the Swiss franc than in the yen and the Canadian dollar. The appreciation of the mark until July, 1973 and its subsequent depreciation reflected variations in German monetary policy. Because the major advantage attributed to a floating rate system is the increased scope for national monetary independence, the impact of changes in monetary policy on the exchange rate and on prices and employment is a critical issue in the appraisal of the advantages attributed to a floating rate system.1 Central bank intervention under the floating rate system complicates the evaluation of the system's alleged advantages. Numerous European countries participated in the joint float. The variations in the foreign exchange value of the mark appeared to induce similar variations in other European currencies, so that a de facto mark currency area developed. The movements in the Swiss franc, which was not in the snake-in-thetunnel arrangement, parallel those of the mark.
Improved path following of USU ODIS by learning feedforward controller using dilated B-spline network

A learning feedforward controller (LFFC) using a dilated B-splines network (BSN) is proposed in this paper. The LFFC acts as an add-on element to the existing feedback controller (FBC) for control performance enhancement. The LFFC signal is updated iteratively based on the FBC signal of previous iteration as the task repeats. In the LFFC approach, there are two parameters to tune: the B-spline support width and the learning gain. A frequency domain design approach is presented with detailed design formulae for dilation 2. Simulation results are presented for the path following control of the USU ODIS robot (omnidirectional inspection systems), a new family member of the Utah State University (USU) ODVs (Omni Directional Vehicles).
An incidental discovery or an impending disaster in a patient with coronary artery disease

A52-year-old Native American man with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and tobacco abuse presented ith C6-7 myelopathy for cervical fusion. A review of systems evealed a history of chest tightness with exertion for which he nderwent a preoperative cardiac evaluation. A nuclear stress est revealed a subtle reversible defect in the basal anterior wall f the left ventricle (LV) and a moderate-sized fixed defect in he basal and midinferior walls of the LV, with a possible ocalized pericardial or pleural effusion. A cardiac cathetrization showed a 60% to 70% proximal circumflex artery cclusion, 60% to 70% obtuse marginal 1 lesion, and a
Transcriptional regulation of atonal during development of the Drosophila peripheral nervous system

atonal is a proneural gene for the development of Drosophila chordotonal organs and photoreceptor cells. We show here that atonal expression is controlled by modular enhancer elements located 5′ or 3′ to the atonal-coding sequences. During chordotonal organ development, the 3′ enhancer directs expression in proneural clusters; whereas successive modular enhancers located in the 5′ region drive tissue-specific expression in chordotonal organ precursors in the embryo and larval leg, wing and antennal imaginal discs. Similarly, in the eye disc, the 3 ′ enhancer directs initial expression in a stripe anterior to the morphogenetic furrow. These atonal-expressing cells are then patterned through a Notch-dependent process into initial clusters, representing the earliest patterning event yet identified during eye morphogenesis. A distinct 5′ enhancer drives expression in intermediate groups and R8 cells within and posterior to the morphogenetic furrow. Both enhancers are required for normal atonal function in the eye. The 5′ enhancer, but not the 3′ enhancer, depends on endogenous atonal function, suggesting a switch from regulation directed by other upstream genes to atonal autoregulation during the process of lateral inhibition. The regulatory regions identified in this study can thus account for atonal expression in every tissue and essentially in every stage of its expression during chordotonal organ and photoreceptor development. SUMMARY
Effects of a Medical Intensivist on Patient Care in a Community Teaching Hospital

Objective To determine the effect of adding a trained intensivist on patient care and educational outcomes in a community teaching hospital. Material and Methods We retrospectively reviewed outcomes for patients admitted to the medical intensive-care unit (MICU) of a 270-bed community teaching hospital between July 1992 and June 1994. Mortalityratesand durationsofstayweredetermined for the year before (BD, 1992 through 1993) and the first year after (AD, 1993 through 1994) introduction of a full-time director of critical care. Performance of resident trainees on a standardized critical-care examination was measured for the same periods. Results Overall, 459 patients in the BD period were compared with 471 patients in the AD period. The mix of cases and severity of illness (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation or APACHE II scores) on admission were similar for the BD and AD periods. MICU mortality decreased from 20.9% during the BD to 14.9% during the AD period ( P = 0.02), and in-hospital mortality decreased from 34.0% to 24.6% ( P = 0.002). Disease-specific mortalities were lower during the AD period for most categories of illness. Detailed analysis of a subgroup of patients (those with pneumonia) demonstrated no differences in distribution of patients by gender, race, or acuity of illness (APACHE II scores). The mortality rate due to pneumonia decreased from 46% during the BD period to 31% during the AD period. This decrease was consistent across categories of APACHE II scores. From BD to AD periods, mean durations of total hospital stay decreased from 22.6 ± 1.4 days to 17.7 ± 1.0 days, and mean MICU stay decreased from 5.0 ± 0.3 days to 3.9 ± 0.3 days ( P P Conclusion Addition of a medical intensivist was temporally associated with improved clinical and educational outcomes in our community teaching hospital.
Fever in the Returning Traveler, Part One: A Methodological Approach to Initial Evaluation ☆

The advent of modern commercial air travel ensures that a returning traveler could present to any emergency department or private physician's office in the United States bearing any infection from the farthest corner of the earth. Exotic illnesses in the returned traveler are of concern to the physician because they often strike an otherwise young and healthy segment of the population and may carry significant morbidity and mortality if not recognized early. The infrequency with which these diseases are encountered demands a systematic approach to history, a physical exam, and the construction of a differential diagnosis. Information about the geographic distribution, routes of transmission, and incubation periods of the pathogens allows a clinician to reduce the differential to a manageable number of the likeliest etiologies. This article, to be presented in 2 parts to run over 2 issues of Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, proposes an algorithm for use by the physician faced with a febrile returned traveler. The clinical features of specific diseases and their incubation periods are presented to support the assumptions on which an algorithm-centered approach is based.
Exploring the seasonality of birth defects in the New York State Congenital Malformations Registry.

BACKGROUND: Examining seasonal patterns of birth defects may help to identify environmental risk factors. Because the teratogenic window for most birth defects is during gestational weeks 3 to 8, investigating exposures closer to the timing of conception is important. However, studies are usually based on month of birth, which is not the biologically relevant exposure period and does not account for differences in gestational length. We aimed to determine whether the occurrence of birth defects varied by month of conception using the population-based New York State Congenital Malformations Registry (CMR). METHODS: We merged live birth certificates (n 5 2,044,091) with CMR records for mothers residing in New York State, excluding New York City, for the years 1992 through 2006. We categorized birth defects according to the National Birth Defects Prevention Network guidelines and performed Cochran-Armitage trend, Hewitt-Rogerson, and Walter-Elwood tests on month of conception and chi-square tests on season of conception. We graphed seasonal distributions and seasonality test results. We performed stratified analyses by maternal and infant characteristics. RESULTS: Of 42 groups examined in the 15-year period, 24 (57%) had at least one statistically significant test result, suggesting a trend or seasonal variation: Cochran-Armitage (18), HewittRogerson (17), Walter-Elwood (4), and chi-square (5). Ventricular septal defect showed the most consistent results: Cochran-Armitage (p 5 0.0006), Hewitt-Rogerson (December to May; p 5 0.0130), Walter-Elwood (March 14; p 5 0.0027), and chi-square (winter; p 5 0.0046). Congenital cataract, pulmonary valve atresia/ stenosis, coarctation of aorta, biliary atresia, and renal agenesis or hypoplasia had at least three significant tests. DISCUSSION: These results may help to generate hypotheses about environmental factors that vary by season for further studies. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 00:000–000, 2012. 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Testing the Viability of Corporate Social Advocacy as a Predictor of Purchase Intention

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study is to explore the emergent concept of corporate social advocacy (CSA) as a predictor of consumer purchase intention. CSA has been conceptualized as a public relations function, and as such, the goal of this study is to determine whether it serves as a measurable and viable indicator of bottom-line financial outcomes for organizations’ public relations efforts. Using an experimental survey design, this study finds that CSA does have a significant impact on consumer purchase intention for the social-political issue of same-sex marriage. Results indicate that future research should continue to explore this area of corporate communication.
Role of Mycobacterium tuberculosis pknD in the Pathogenesis of central nervous system tuberculosis

Central nervous system disease is the most serious form of tuberculosis, and is associated with high mortality and severe neurological sequelae. Though recent clinical reports suggest an association of distinct Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains with central nervous system disease, the microbial virulence factors required have not been described previously. We screened 398 unique M. tuberculosis mutants in guinea pigs to identify genes required for central nervous system tuberculosis. We found M. tuberculosis pknD (Rv0931c) to be required for central nervous system disease. These findings were central nervous system tissue-specific and were not observed in lung tissues. We demonstrated that pknD is required for invasion of brain endothelia (primary components of the blood-brain barrier protecting the central nervous system), but not macrophages, lung epithelia, or other endothelia. M. tuberculosis pknD encodes a "eukaryotic-like" serine-threonine protein kinase, with a predicted intracellular kinase and an extracellular (sensor) domain. Using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry we demonstrated that the M. tuberculosis PknD sensor is sufficient to trigger invasion of brain endothelia, a process which was neutralized by specific antiserum. Our findings demonstrate a novel in vivo role for M. tuberculosis pknD and represent an important mechanism for bacterial invasion and virulence in central nervous system tuberculosis, a devastating and understudied disease primarily affecting young children.
Deflating trees: improving Bayesian branch-length estimates using informed priors.

Prior distributions can have a strong effect on the results of Bayesian analyses. However, no general consensus exists for how priors should be set in all circumstances. Branch-length priors are of particular interest for phylogenetics, because they affect many parameters and biologically relevant inferences have been shown to be sensitive to the chosen prior distribution. Here, we explore the use of outside information to set informed branch-length priors and compare inferences from these informed analyses to those using default settings. For both the commonly used exponential and the newly proposed compound Dirichlet prior distributions, the incorporation of relevant outside information improves inferences for data sets that have produced problematic branch- and tree-length estimates under default settings. We suggest that informed priors are worthy of further exploration for phylogenetics. (Bayesian phylogenetics; branch lengths; prior choice.)
Three-dimensional photography and its application to facial plastic surgery.

Photography is integral to the practice of facial plastic surgery. We describe a new 3-D photographysystem,the3dMDfaceSystem(3dMD,Atlanta,Ga),whichprovidesahighresolution 3-D image that can be viewed from any angle; has the ability to accurately measure surface distance, area, and volume; and performs profile adjustments that can be viewed in 3 dimensions. We describe specific applications of this system to facial plastic surgery, namely, to that of the aging face.
Isokinetic Knee Flexion and Extension Torque in the Upright Sitting and Semireclined Sitting Positions

We undertook this study to determine whether the isokinetic knee extension and flexion torque generated by 14 young healthy women was greater in the upright sitting test position or in the semireclined sitting test position. Testing was performed at 60 degrees/sec. Knee extension torque did not differ significantly between the two test positions. The subjects, however, did produce significantly greater knee flexion torque when upright compared with when semireclined (p less than .001). Therapists should recognize that the results of testing isokinetic knee extension in the two positions may be similar, but that the results of testing isokinetic knee flexion may be significantly different.
German Expressionism and the Human Passions

The years 1910 and 1925 mark the approximate beginning and end of a period in the history of the Fine Arts and literature in Germany which was named “Expressionism”, a word first used in 1911 with reference to a new style of painting (involving the French group of “Les Fauves”), a style that negated and challenged the aesthetic theories and practices of impressionism. In retrospect, the birth of modern postimpressionist art as well as the emergence of a new style and new ideas in the field of literature show enough inner consistency, they share enough ideals and structural similarities to be perceived as a coherent movement in spite of certain discrepancies and diverse trends in the works of the artists and writers who are counted among the expressionists.
The relationship of infantile astigmatism to the development of myopia

The prevalence of astigmatism in infants and young children is substantially higher than in the adult population, but the functional significance of this early astigmatism remains obscure.
Media Coverage of Violent Deaths in Iraq: An Opportunistic Capture-Recapture Assessment

INTRODUCTION: Western media coverage of the violence associated with the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq has contrasted in magnitude and nature with population-based survey reports. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which first-hand reports of violent deaths were captured in the English language media by conducting in-depth interviews with Iraqi citizens. METHODS: The England-based Iraq Body Count (IBC) has methodically monitored media reports and recorded each violent death in Iraq that could be confirmed by two English language media sources. Using the capture-recapture method, 25 Masters' Degree students were assigned to interview residents in Iraq and asked them to describe 10 violent deaths that occurred closest to their home since the 2003 invasion. Students then matched these reports with those documented in IBC. These reports were matched both individually and crosschecked in groups to obtain a percentage of those deaths captured in the English language media. RESULTS: Eighteen out of 25 students successfully interviewed someone in Iraq. Six contacted individuals by telephone, while the others conducted interviews via e-mail. One out of seven (14%) phone contacts refused to participate. Seventeen out of 18 primary interviewees resided in Baghdad, however, some interviewees reported deaths of neighbors that occurred while the neighbors were elsewhere. The Baghdad residents reported 161 deaths in total, 39 of which (24%) were believed to be reported in the press as summarized by IBC. An additional 13 deaths (8%) might have been in the database, and 61 (38%) were absolutely not in the database. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of violent deaths (estimated from the results of this study as being between 68-76%) are not reported by the press. Efforts to monitor events by press coverage or reports of tallies similar to those reported in the press, should be evaluated with the suspicion applied to any passive surveillance network: that it may be incomplete. Even in the most heavily reported conflicts, the media may miss the majority of violent events. Language: en
Influence of surgical plugging on horizontal semicircular canal mechanics and afferent response dynamics.

Mechanical occlusion of one or more of the semicircular canals is a surgical procedure performed clinically to treat certain vestibular disorders and used experimentally to assess individual contri...
Advances in contemporary mental health nursing: a continuous process.

The strive for excellence in mental health nursing practice is a continuously evolving process - what was excellent yesterday, has often been improved with new knowledge of today. The rapid scientific and technological developments provide many answers to previous problems. However, they too bring about new challenges requiring us to ceaselessly re-examine our practice, develop new theories, and find innovative ways to improve. As captured by Albert Einstein - 'The significant problems we face today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.' It is therefore essential that we enthusiastically welcome opportunities to promote knowledge development and its appropriate translation and integration into practice to enhance innovative advances in contemporary mental health nursing. (author abstract)
Vector-Based Dead-Time Compensation for Three-Level T-Type Converters

This paper proposes a new vector-based dead-time compensation method for three-level T-type converters. The origins and effects of the dead-time voltage errors are analyzed in detail for different switching commutations and load conditions. In order to eliminate the dead-time distortion in each phase, a dead-time error voltage vector is introduced to adjust the reference voltage vector depending on load current polarity. The proposed vector-based dead-time compensation scheme has several advantages. First, it can be applied to multilevel converters with any number of voltage levels using any modulation schemes. Second, the pulse loss issue which is common in conventional pulse-based compensation strategies can be eliminated. In addition, the pulse saturation can be mitigated by operating the converters in overmodulation regions. All of these advantages and effectiveness of the proposed vector-based dead-time compensation method are verified through both simulation and experimental studies.
Online Adolescent HIV/AIDS Prevention: The Impact of Race on Program Outcomes

This study provides a culture-focused perspective of program impact of a South African HIV/AIDS prevention intervention which uses online videos of local pop culture celebrities and voluntary counseling and testing. Results of this exploratory study indicated that program outcomes were not equal for different racial groups (N = 3,271). Black participants had the highest scores for knowledge gain, program satisfaction, positive perceptions of celebrities, intent to be tested, and helpfulness of the program, followed by Coloureds (mixed race), and then Whites. The priority impact ranking among Black respondents correlates with the high percentage of the video (67%) dedicated to Black celebrity speakers.
White Paper on Pharmacy Student Professionalism: What we as pharmacists believe our profession to be determines what it is.

This white paper is the culmination of a 5-year commitment by the Task Force on Professionalism to study and promote pharmacy student professionalism. The Task Force is a collaborative effort involving the American Pharmaceutical Association Academy of Students of Pharmacy (APhA-ASP) and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Council of Deans (AACP-COD). The two primary goals of the Task Force are to raise awareness and to lead action on the issue of pharmacy student professionalism. The intended audience for this white paper is the entire pharmacy profession, as each member plays an important role in the development of professionalism, whether he or she is a pharmacy educator, student, practitioner, association executive, or state board member. The discussion and recommendations presented herein are intended to assist these parties as they participate in the development of professional attitudes and behaviors among future pharmacists.
Collaborative Design Principles From Minecraft With Applications to Multi-User Computer-Aided Design

Background: Multi-user computer-aided design (CAD) is currently a major area of research and industry interest due to its potential to reduce design lead times and improve design quality through enhanced collaboration. Minecraft, a popular multi-player online game in which players use blocks to design structures, is of academic interest as a natural experiment in collaborative 3D design of very complex structures. Virtual teams of up to forty simultaneous designers have created city-scale models with total design times in the thousands of hours. Method of approach: A survey of more than 150 Minecraft players was administered and analyzed for the purpose of understanding the benefits and challenges of future multi-user CAD tools and the changes this would introduce to the design process. Results: Many principles were discovered about the potential effects of multi-user CAD on team organization, planning, design concurrency, communication, and mentoring. Conclusions: The results suggest that multi-user CAD will be useful and practical in an engineering setting with several simultaneous contributors. The potential effects of multi-user CAD on team organization, planning, design concurrency, communication, and mentoring are discussed. Keywords: multi-user, CAD, game, design, synchronous, collaboration
School Gardens: Situating Students within a Global Context.

School-based gardens are increasingly common. The benefits to students who grow food on their school ground reflect principles of global education by modeling sustainability through responsible eco...
Proceedings: Infectious diseases: a perspective.

It has been a privilege to serve as President of the Infectious Diseases Society of America this year, and the attendance of many of our colleagues from abroad at this annual meeting gives me great pleasure. I presume this honor was given to me because of my contribution to the study of infectious diseases, and with the assumption that I have perspectives useful in furthering the interests of our Society. I am grateful to you for this recognition and opportunity. My predecessors have discussed scientific subjects in which they have had deep interest. I was tempted to do the same and avoid the labor and effort needed to discuss other topics. Evaluation of my past and present activities, however, revealed that the emphasis of my involvement was in the development of young persons, and in councils, committees, and commissions that fostered work in infectious diseases. For this reason, I decided to share with you my concepts and perspectives about the mission, and the forces, constraints, and pressures influencing the present and future study of infectious diseases. The responses we should make individually and collectively to serve our objectives can then be appropriately determined.