cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Swallowing‐related outcomes associated with late lower cranial neuropathy in long‐term oropharyngeal cancer survivors: cross‐sectional survey analysis

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to quantify the association of late lower cranial neuropathy (late LCNP) with swallowing-related quality of life (QOL) and functional status among long-term oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) survivors. METHODS Eight hundred eighty-nine OPC survivors (median survival time: 7 years) who received primary treatment at a single institution between January 2000 and December 2013 completed a cross-sectional survey (56% response rate) that included the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and self-report of functional status. Late LCNP events ≥3 months after cancer therapy were abstracted from medical records. Multivariate models regressed MDADI scores on late LCNP status adjusting for clinical covariates. RESULTS Overall, 4.0% (n = 36) of respondents developed late LCNP with median time to onset of 5.25 years post-treatment. LCNP cases reported significantly worse mean composite MDADI (LCNP: 68.0 vs no LCNP: 80.2; P < .001). Late LCNP independently associated with worse mean composite MDADI (β = -6.7, P = .02; 95% confidence interval [CI], -12.0 to -1.3) as well as all MDADI domains after multivariate adjustment. LCNP cases were more likely to have a feeding tube at time of survey (odds ratio [OR] = 20.5; 95% CI, 8.6-48.9), history of aspiration pneumonia (OR = 23.5; 95% CI, 9.6-57.6), and tracheostomy (OR = 26.9; 95% CI, 6.0-121.7). CONCLUSIONS In this large survey study, OPC survivors with late LCNP reported significantly poorer swallowing-related QOL and had significantly higher likelihood of poor functional status. Further efforts are necessary to optimize swallowing outcomes to improve QOL in this subgroup of survivors.
What Do We Mean by Theory in Information Retrieval

Theory comes in many forms. In some fields, mathematical statements are used to communicate theory, while in others, verbal statements are used. Some fields rely heavily on models, such as physical, mechanical or stochastic, while other fields rely on simulation. As an area of study, information retrieval (IR) addresses topics and problems that can be informed by a wide-variety of theories and models, including those used to describe the actions of machines, as well as those used to explain the behaviors of humans and systems. While theoretical research is often presented as being at odds with empirical research, in reality, they cannot be separated. In this talk, I will review several theories and models that have guided select IR research, and discuss the ways researchers have exercised, explored and tested theories. I will also discuss the role of theories in IR research, and present criteria that can be used to reason about whether an IR theory is useful. I will argue that we should demand more theory from IR research. In particular, while the absence of theory does not prevent us from doing research, it does restrict our findings to a narrow slice of time.
Hyperbolic Flowers

Crochet models of a hyperbolic plane is a popular educational tool as they help to visualize complicated objets in hyperbolic geometry. We present another way how to make crochet models when we view them as a part of a triangulated hyperbolic plane. We also provide a model of a cylinder in a hyperbolic space. This approach helps to understand various properties of hyperbolic geometry that are demonstrated in the paper: a sum of angles and a relation between edges and angles in a hyperbolic triangle, tiling of a hyperbolic plane, ratio of the circumference to the radius of a hyperbolic disc and even Nash-Kuiper embedding theorem. Oriented on students learning basics of Riemannian geometry.
TORSIONAL EFFECT IN SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTION

A simplified method to evaluate the dynamic response of a building, including the wave propagation effects of ground motion is described. This method is based on a computer code that can calculate the dynamic response of buildings subject to multisupport excitation given impedance data calculated by other methods. Only linear systems and symmetrical structure are considered. The soil-structure interaction effect is accounted for by including in the dynamic model, the compliance functions of the soil medium. The computer capability required is widely available within the nuclear industry. The study concluded that within the assumptions made and analytical models considered, the practical solution scheme adopted in this study by applying earthquake input motion sequentially at nodal points on the foundations seems to be simple to use in the investigation of translational and torsional structure responses subjected to the traveling wave effect of seismic ground motion. Also, the soil-structure interaction effect may be important in calculating translational and torsional responses due to the traveling wave effect of earthquake excitation.
Rapid Detection and One-Step Differentiation of Cross-Reactivity Between Zika and Dengue Virus Using Functional Magnetic Nanosensors

Infection with the Zika virus (ZIKV) is an ongoing problem especially as accurate, cost-effective testing remains unresolved. In addition, coinfection occurs with both the Dengue virus (DENV) and Z...
Why is the Remaining Useful Life Prediction Uncertain

This paper discusses the significance and interpretation of uncertainty in the remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of components used in several types of engineering applications, and answers certain fundamental questions such as “Why is the RUL prediction uncertain?”, “How to interpret the uncertainty in the RUL prediction?”, and “How to compute the un- certainty in the RUL prediction?”. Prognostics and RUL pre- diction are affected by various sources of uncertainty. In or- der to make meaningful prognostics-based decision-making, it is important to analyze how these sources of uncertainty affect the remaining useful life prediction, and thereby, compute the overall uncertainty in the remaining useful life pre- diction. The classical (frequentist) and Bayesian (subjective) interpretations of uncertainty and their implications on prognostics are explained, and it is argued that the Bayesian interpretation of uncertainty is more suitable for remaining useful life prediction in the context of condition-based monitoring. Finally, it is demonstrated that the calculation of uncertainty in remaining useful life can be posed as an uncertainty propagation problem, and the practical challenges involved in computing the uncertainty in the remaining useful life prediction are discussed.
Contrast Between 1992 and 1997 High Latitude Spring Haloe Observations of Lower Stratospheric Hcl

HCl measurements from HALOE in the northern hemisphere during mid-May 1997 revealed vortex fragments in which the chlorine reservoir partitioning was strongly pushed toward HCl (approx. 90% HCl, approx. 10% ClONO2), similar to partitioning previously observed in the Antarctic vortex region. In contrast, observations of ClONO2 and HCl in the northern polar spring, 1992, and in other years, show these species established the balance typical for gas phase photochemical reactions in this region (approx. 60% HCl, approx. 40% ClONO2). Annually, chlorine reservoirs in the winter lower stratosphere polar vortex are converted to chlorine radicals via heterogeneous reactions on particle surfaces at very cold temperatures (less than about 200 K). As temperatures warm in spring, the heterogeneous processes become insignificant compared with gas phase reactions, and the chlorine reservoirs are reformed. Measurements through the northern winter/spring in 1992 show rapid formation of ClONO2, followed by steady loss of ClONO2 and increasing HCl. Although ClONO2 measurements are not available for 1997, the HCl increase in 1997 is observed to be much more rapid and the eventual HCl mixing ratio is about 50% greater than that of 1992. The observations are examined through comparison with the Goddard three-dimensional chemistry and transport model. This model utilizes winds and temperatures from the Goddard Earth Observing System Data Assimilation System and a complete integration scheme for stratospheric photochemistry. Analysis of the evolution of HCl and ClONO2 shows that the observed difference in the overall rate of HCl formation is explained by the sensitivity of the gas-phase chemistry to the ozone mixing ratio and the temperature. The results show that the model accurately simulates HCl and ClONO2 evolution during these two winters. Model validity is further supported by comparisons with O3 and reactive nitrogen species NO and NO2. This analysis provides a sensitive test of the lower stratospheric chlorine photochemistry, particularly because the analysis considers constituent evolution at a time when the HCl and ClONO2 are far from a photochemical stationary state.
Statistical estimation of T1 relaxation times using conventional magnetic resonance imaging

Quantitative T1 maps estimate T1 relaxation times and can be used to assess diffuse tissue abnormalities within normal-appearing tissue. T1 maps are popular for studying the progression and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, their inclusion in standard imaging protocols remains limited due to the additional scanning time and expert calibration required and susceptibility to bias and noise. Here, we propose a new method of estimating T1 maps using four conventional MR images, which are intensity-normalized using cerebellar gray matter as a reference tissue and related to T1 using a smooth regression model. Using cross-validation, we generate statistical T1 maps for 61 subjects with MS. The statistical maps are less noisy than the acquired maps and show similar reproducibility. Tests of group differences in normal-appearing white matter across MS subtypes give similar results using both methods.
Support Personalization in Distributed E-Learning Systems through Learner Modeling

The Growing popularity of E-Learning has created a need for personalization. Based on individual difference of learners' abilities and preferred learning styles in hypermedia environment, the learning outcomes vary essentially. Meanwhile, with the development of E-Learning technologies, learners can be provided more effective learning environment to optimize their learning. Adaptive E-Learning systems are built to personalize and adapt e-learning content, pedagogical models, and interactions between participants in the environment to meet the individual needs and preferences of users if and when they arise. The learner model is an essential component in adaptive E-Learning Systems since it is used to modify the interaction between system and learners to suit the needs of individual learners. While learner model plays an important role in the personalization of E-Learning systems, it is seen as a part of the e-learning system in many applications. In our paper, we first explain the reason of why this issue prevents the E-Learning systems to provide better personalized support to meet the individual learning requirements. Then we propose a novel centralized learner model technique for Learning systems to overcome those problems. To E-achieve the goal to design a Learner Model for distributed systems meeting the requirements, the paper introduce five work steps: Analyze E-Learning standards, Articulate Modeling Requirements, Develop the Representation of Learning Styles, Generate Learner Activity Ontology and Design the Learner Model. Finally, we illustrate the architectural design of modeling system.
U.N. Packing the States Reputation? A Response to Professor Brewster's 'Unpacking the States Reputation'

Deepens some of the cursory comments presented by Professor Brewster in her recent article "Unpacking the State's Reputation" regarding jus gentium and juridical methodology.
Plasma progesterone secretion by the corpus luteum of term pregnancy

Abstract Plasma progesterone concentration was determined in the maternal peripheral vein, umbilical vein, uterine vein, and both ovarian veins at elective cesarean section in term pregnancy. In 10 cases plasma from both ovarian veins was analyzed. In all but one the ovarian vein draining blood from the corpus luteum contained greater concentrations of progesterone than did the blood from the side without the corpus luteum. It has been suggested for some time that the corpus luteum of pregnancy continues to function throughout pregnancy. Our data appear to support this concept.
Growth and maintenance of an embryogenic cell culture of daylily (Hemerocallis) on hormone-free medium

Callus cultures of the diploid daylily (Hemerocallis) clone Autumn Blaze' were initiated and maintained in hormone-containing nutrient medium. At various times (from 6 weeks to 1 year) after being initiated, hormone-derived cultures were evaluated for their ability to be maintained and to multiply on hormone-free medium at low pH (between pH 4 and 4.5). Cultures had to be exposed to hormone-containing medium for at least 12 weeks before they could be maintained on hormone-free medium at low pH. The transition to maintainability on low pH hormone-free medium included the production of many aberrant embryonal forms ( neomorphs'). However, all hormone-derived cultures tested consisted entirely of preglobular stage proembryos (PGSPs) after 12-24 weeks on low pH hormone-free medium. PGSP cultures have been maintained and multiplied as such for over 1 year on low pH hormone-free medium. PGSPs continue their development into various somatic embryo stages when cultured on hormone-free medium buffered at pH 5.8. The production of well-formed somatic embryos was greatly enhanced when PGSPs were plated on activated charcoal impregnated filter papers that were placed on top of the agar surface. The gross morphology and histology of the PGSPs and stages of somatic embryo development are presented. The work shows that the ability of hormone-free medium at low pH to permit PGSP multiplication without development into later stages of embryo development is not restricted to carrot.
Aberrant lymphatic drainage and risk for melanoma recurrence after negative sentinel node biopsy in middle-aged and older men.

Background Aberrant lymphatic drainage is believed to contribute to the high recurrence rate of head and neck melanomas. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical significance of unexpected lymphatic drainage patterns. Methods A single institution retrospective analysis was performed of middle-aged and older men (mean age, 66.2 years; range, 41–87 years) who underwent successful lymphoscintigraphy with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) from 1997 through 2012. Node status, distribution, and recurrence were assessed comparing patients with expected and unexpected drainage patterns. Results Sixty-six patients were identified with 55.8 months median follow-up (range, 5.6–206.1 months). Unexpected sentinel lymph node drainage was associated with multiple basin drainage (p < .01) and greater recurrence after negative SLNB (p = .03). Both groups had similar anatomic distribution, sentinel lymph node sampling, histopathologic characteristics, follow-up, and survival. Conclusion Lymphatic drainage differing from expected patterns is associated with greater recurrence after negative SLNB in middle-aged and older men. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2015
Human Machine Systems

The sections in this article are 1 Problems of Human-Machine Systems 2 Human Control: Emerging New Roles 3 Examples of Salient Human Machine Systems That are Undergoing Active Change 4 Methods of Human-Machine Systems Engineering 5 Workload and Error 6 Social Implications of Modern Human-Machine Interaction
Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cataract in women

Background: Prospective data on cataract in relation to total fruit and vegetable intake are limited. Objective: We aimed to examine whether higher fruit and vegetable intake reduces the risk of cataract and cataract extraction in a large, prospective cohort of women. Design: Fruit and vegetable intake was assessed at baseline in 1993 among 39 876 female health professionals with the use of a validated, semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. A total of 35 724 of these women were free of a diagnosis of cataract at baseline and were followed for incident cataract and cataract extraction. Cataract was defined as an incident, age-related lens opacity responsible for a reduction in best-corrected visual acuity to 20/30 or worse, based on self-report confirmed by medical record review. Individuals, rather than eyes, were the unit of analysis. Results: During an average of 10 y of follow-up, 2067 cataracts and 1315 cataract extractions were confirmed. Compared with women in the lowest quintile of fruit and vegetable intake, women with higher intakes had modest 10-15% reduced risks of cataract (P for trend < 0.05). For cataract extraction, no significant inverse trend was observed (P for trend = 0.12). Conclusion: These prospective data suggest that high intake of fruit and vegetables may have a modest protective effect on cataract.
Passive mode locking of monolithic semiconductor ring lasers

In conclusion, we have demonstrated the first passively mode-locked GaAs-AlGaAs monolithic semiconductor ring lasers. These devices with a 150-/spl mu/m-radius ring cavity emit a continuous train of transform-limited 1.3 ps lasing pulses at a frequency of 86 GHz. The output power of these devices is up to 10 mW/pulse at the laser output facet. In the future, we expect that this power level can be increased to 1100 mW/pulse by the addition of a waveguide amplifier. >
Blind adaptive phase offset correction

This paper introduces a blind adaptive carrier phase offset recovery scheme based on the constant modulus (CM) algorithm and analyzes its behavior. The proposed CM-derotator (CMD) minimizes the dispersion of the real projection of the derotated signal to remove the phase offset of the signal. By analyzing the cost function, the performance of the CMD is investigated in various situations including its tracking ability, its behavior in the presence-of intersymbol interference, and when there are statistical dependencies between the in-phase and quadrature components.
Non-Coagulating Intrapleural Hemorrhage Following Damage to Intercostal Vessels

This patient was admitted to the Sanatorium on July 28, 1937 with a diagnosis of minimal pulmonary tuberculosis and with a favorable prognosis. Sputum was positive for tubercle bacilli: Gaffky iii. The pulmonary infection gradually increased in spite of strict bed rest and repeated phrenlc nerve operations. In December 1939 pneumothomax was instituted on the left side. The lung was free. There was still disease at the apex on the right side. The diaphragm was permanently paralyzed on that side. Because the sputum was still positive and the disease on the right appeared still active, pneumothorax was attempted on that side. No free pleural space was found. Thoracoplasty was advised and three stages were performed, the last being 6/11/40. The sputum was consistently negative following that. The patient continued to carry the pneumothorax on the left with approximately 40 per cent collapse. Refills were of about 300 cc. at weekly intervals. A routine refill was given on 3/27/41, consisting of 200 cc. of air. The pressures were with-
Chemical weathering, mass loss, and dust inputs across a climate by time matrix in the Hawaiian Islands

We determined the total mass loss and rate of chemical weathering from three minimally eroded, Hawaiian lava flows that are ∼10, 170, and 350 ka old. Using a backhoe, we sampled the entire weathering zone at 28 sites and measured the depletion or enrichment of each major element in each soil horizon relative to parent material. We were able to assess the influence of both climate and substrate age on chemical weathering because each flow crosses a precipitation gradient from ∼600 to ∼2500 mm yr −1 . Mass loss rates were highest for the 0–10 ka interval under the wettest climatic conditions (54 t km −2 yr −1 ), and decreased to near zero in the wet sites during the 10–170 and 170–350 ka intervals. Not surprisingly, weathering rates were lower in drier sites; ∼24 t km −2 yr −1 from 0–10 ka to b 2tk m −2 yr −1 thereafter. However the effects of precipitation were non-linear. There was a precipitation threshold below which mass loss was relatively small, and above which mass loss was substantial but insensitive to increased rainfall. Chemical weathering rates depend on tectonic uplift, erosion, climate, rock type or some combination thereof. By working on stable, uneroded surfaces of a single rock type across a well-constrained precipitation gradient, we were able to identify another potential driver: the rate of dust deposition. Although Hawaiʻi is one of the least dusty places in the northern hemisphere, dust inputs reached 82% of the total mass loss from the weathering zone at some sites, and averaged 30% on the 170 ka flow. This highlights the potential importance of dust as a component of observed weathering fluxes from catchments worldwide.
Recycled Franciscan Material in Franciscan Mélange West of Paso Robles, California

Recycled Franciscan detritus has been confirmed in the Franciscan Complex west of the Salinian block in the California Coast Ranges. A mass of Late Cretaceous sandstone and conglomerate-breccia, the Las Tablas unit, locally contains blocky clasts of Franciscan greenstone, chert, ultramafic rocks, glaucophane-lawsonite schist, and graywacke, together with larger amounts of non-Franciscan material. The Las Tablas unit is enveloped in a Franciscan tectonic melange, and it contains metamorphic pumpellyite, suggesting the probable onset of blueschist-facies metamorphism. The Franciscan clasts in the Las Tablas unit represent former components of an early melange related to subduction. The heterogeneous melange accumulated as an elongate pile of “scrapings” along the inner wall of a trench. During Late Cretaceous time, submarine debris flows of Franciscan melange material were shed from the pile into the trench, arc-trench gap, or smaller intervening basins to form the Las Tablas conglomerate-breccia. Eventually the Las Tablas unit was “cannibalized” by continued subduction. The unit was technically engulfed in a Late Cretaceous or early Tertiary neo-Franciscan melange and was carried to a depth sufficient to induce the development of pumpellyite.
Magnetic fringe-field neutron-beam depolarization

Depolarization of a polarized neutron beam as a result of spin-flip (Majorana) transitions is calculated for a neutron beam that traverses the fringe field of a typical laboratory electromagnet. The general quantum mechanical equations of motion previously given for this system are used to write the solution as a set of simultaneous equtions in which the dependent variables are polarization probability amplitudes and the independent variable is distance traveled by the neutrons. Asymptotic solutions to these equations are obtained analytically for (1) very fast neutrons (v→∞) and (2) very slow neutrons (v→0). Numerical calculations demonstrate that these asymptotic solutions are joined smoothly in the intermediate region. The results show that, for any given set of initial conditions, the depolarization is fairly sharply peaked, with a maximum value of ≈4.5%, which is independent of initial magnetic field or neutron distance from the midplane of the magnetic field.
Polarization in elastic proton-nucleus scattering

Abstract The polarizations which result from the elastic scattering of protons by spin-zero nuclei are discussed by means of the multiple-diffraction approximation. They are found to depend largely on the elementary proton-nucleon central-force and spin-orbit scattering amplitudes and, at least for heavy nuclei, to depend very little upon the remaining proton-nucleon amplitudes which are proportional to the spins of the target nucleons. In particular, the values of the polarization measured at small angles can be used to determine the imaginary part of the forward proton-nucleon spin-orbit scattering amplitude. The real part of that amplitude, on the other hand, is much less sensitively determined by the polarization distributions. Its evaluation will probably require more detailed measurements on the proton spin distribution. We show that the effects of the Coulomb field on the polarization distributions are significant at all scattering angles. Included among these electromagnetic effects is the relativistic interaction of the proton magnetic moment with the Coulomb field.
Electrical and other properties of mutual radiation‐induced methacrylic acid grafted polyethylene films

The radiation-induced grafting of methacrylic acid on to polyethylene films was applied to the synthesis of ion-exchange membranes. The grafting yield increased at first then decreased with the increase in the irradiation dose. The surface area, thickness, volume, and the water uptake of the grafted film increased linearly with the increase in grafting yield. The distribution pattern of carboxyl groups of graft chains in the direction of film thickness followed by EPMA line profiles of potassium which combined with carboxyl groups showed that a homogeneous distribution was not obtained until the grafting yield was more than 10%. When DC current was supplied to the membrane in NaOH solution, the reciprocal of the electric resistance increased with the increase in NaOH concentration. The specific electric resistance decreased exponentially with the increase in the content of ionic functional groups in the membrane. The steady state concentration of Na+ in catholyte and the current efficiency were ca. 15 and 20%, respectively.
The use of native thick filaments in in vitro motility assays.

Summary Native thick filaments from the clam, Mercinaria mercinaria translocate actin filaments both toward and away from the center of the thick filament in an in vitro motility assay. The thick filaments from the adductor muscle are about 10 μm long whereas those from the catch muscle are 30–50 μm long. These thick filaments should prove useful in understanding the mechanism of myosin-dependent movement of actin filaments.
Modest weight loss improves insulin action in obese African Americans.

Objective We have previously shown that short-term energy restriction followed by modest lifestyle changes improves glucose tolerance for up to 1 year in obese individuals. The purpose of the present study was to determine the mechanism by which improvements in glucose tolerance occur in obese African Americans with insulin resistance and abnormal glucose tolerance.
An oxide-semiconductance model of nodular corrosion and its application to Zirconium alloy development

Abstract The mechanisms of nodule initiation and growth on susceptible zirconium alloys both in- and ex-reactor remain unclear. Hypotheses citing locally inadequate concentrations of alloying elements generally can explain more experimental observations than, for example, those relying solely on electrochemical activity at second phase particles, or residual stress, or texture. Since the alloying additions that protect zirconium from rapid oxidation in high-temperature, high-pressure steam all have normal oxidation states other than IV, it seems likely that the incorporation of aliovalent oxides into the monoclinic zirconia lattice plays an important role in providing that protection. Corrosion experiments indicated that effective elements are those forming aliovalent cations that can substitute for Zr(IV) and alter the defect structure without disrupting the oxide matrix. Laboratory alloy optimization for a combination of immunity to nodular corrosion in steam and minimum uniform corrosion in water requires in-reactor confirmation.
Primary Health Care for the Poor in the United States and Canada

The outflow from the field of primary medical practice has been coupled with the failure of the voluntary insurance system in the United States to pay for the costs of most primary care services. These are facts that are even more applicable to the poor who number between 40 and 50 million persons from the point of view of inability to pay for the skyrocketing costs of health services. In the United States, much primary care for the poor is provided in emergency rooms, charity outpatient clinics, and public health department clinics, and is fragmented between various categorical assistance programs. In contrast, in Canada, primary health care is now a right, whereas it is not in the United States, and so the poor in Canada increasingly obtain their health care within the so–called mainstream system. In the United States a series of new categorical assistance programs have revived the development of the concept of comprehensive, neighborhood–based health centers, but at most 1,500,000 persons obtained care...
Clinical and cytological aspects of sex chromosome activity

The first known example of a human female with more than one euchromatic X chromosome in somatic cells is presented, viz. a child with 2 normal X chromosomes and the long arm of a third X translocated onto one of the No. 22 chromosomes. In cultured lymphocytes there occurred, in addition to the ordinary Lyon pattern of X chromosome inactivation, 2 other patterns in which (1) 2 normal X chromosomes, and (2) one X and the t(X;22) were euchromatic. As the inactivation within the translocation chromosome did not spread onto chromosome 22, the clinical symptoms of the child had to be attributed to the excess of active X material, not to monosomy 22. Contrary to this, absence of heterochromaty of the Y chromosome does not influence the phenotype, as shown by the case of mixed gonadal dysgenesis with non-fluorescing Y presented. Possible reasons for this difference include: (1) The differences between facultative X and constitutive Y heterochromatin; (2) Different cytologic criteria for heterochromatin may not mean the same kind of inactivity; (3) Differences in phenotypic expression may be due to different chromosomal behaviour among tissues; (4) Late replication and decondensation may not equate genetic inactivity in terms of transcriptional inactivity.
Techniques And Applications Of Elliptical Polarimetry In Astronomy And Atmospheric Sciences

An astronomical polarimeter is described that uses a photoelastic modulator and digital synchronous detection to measure simultaneously three of the four Stokes' parameters of the incident light. Light polarization by the telescope optics is the only important source of systematic offset error. In a stand-alone portable version a minicomputer is employed for data handling, control, and quick-look Fourier trans-formation of time-series data. A second version being developed for the new Anglo-French telescope interfaces to the telescope's data-handling computer via CAMAC. Results of recent observational programs on the x-ray binary star AM Herculis and atmospheric aerosol are shown to illustrate the instrument's capabilities.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Structural factors influencing menstruating school girls' health and well-being in Tanzania

The importance of girls' education for population health outcomes in low-income countries is well documented. Despite this critical relationship, the global public health community has tended to overlook aspects of the school environment that may hinder girls' pubertal transitions in schools across low-income countries. Minimal empirical attention has been given to structural and environmental factors, both physical and social, within the school experience that may impact on pubescent and newly menstruating girls' school attendance and participation and, ultimately, their health and well-being. This article describes an in-depth study conducted in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania that explored post-pubescent girls' experiences of managing their menstrual flow in school environments. The study identified eight fundamental structural and environmental factors impacting on girls' school-going experiences, such as insufficient water and sanitation and the disciplinary nature of the academic atmosphere. The public health...
Resistive transition and magnetic field response of a Penrose-tile array of weakly coupled superconductor islands

We have studied the effects of geometry- and magnetic-field-induced frustration on the transport properties of a Penrose-tile array of proximity-coupled superconductor islands. The arrays exhibit a broad transition to a zero-resistance state at a field-dependent critical temperature. Above this temperature, the resistance of the array modulates quasiperiodically with applied field. Measurements at different excitation levels distinguish structure arising from the irrational tile area ratio in the Penrose pattern from fine structure generated by the long-range quasiperiodic order.
Accuracy of Self Reported Diagnosis of Hip Replacement

Objective To examine the accuracy and validity of self-report of hip replacement for osteoarthritis (OA). Methods We compared self-reported hip replacement and the reason for surgery in elderly, white women age ≥65 years from the Study for Osteoporotic Fractures cohort with medical records and pelvis radiographs. Women, followed for an average of 8 years at the fifth clinic visit, were asked about any hip replacements since baseline. Results Among 7,421 women attending the fifth clinic visit, 347 reported 387 hip replacements. Radiographs and/or medical records were available for 316 self-reported hip replacements. Participants accurately reported that hip replacements were for arthritis or fracture, with 94.5% and 97.2% of these self-reported diagnoses, respectively, confirmed from medical records. However, 1 in 8 self-reported hip replacements were not attributed by participants to either arthritis or a fracture; of these, medical records indicated that 88% were for OA. Overall, 302 self-reported hip replacements (95.6%) were confirmed as hip replacements (for agreement with self-report, κ = 0.95 [95% confidence interval 0.92–0.96]). Under-reporting of hip replacements compared with hip replacements seen on radiographs was minimal (0.28%). Conclusion Elderly women accurately reported hip replacements and whether the surgery was for arthritis or a hip fracture, although a small number of hip replacements for arthritis were not attributed to this diagnosis by the women. Because hip OA and hip fracture have very different determinants, epidemiologic studies that use self-reported hip replacement as an indicator for the presence of hip OA or as an outcome of hip OA should verify the underlying cause by asking about the reason for surgery.
Glycoprotein IIb-IIIa receptor inhibition with eptifibatide in percutaneous intervention for symptomatic peripheral vascular disease: the circulate pilot trial.

The benefits of glycoprotein (GP) IIb-IIIa inhibitors in percutaneous coronary intervention are well established, but the experience with these agents in the setting of peripheral interventions is limited. In this single-center pilot trial, the safety and feasibility of adjunctive treatment with the GP IIb-IIIa inhibitor eptifibatide (INTEGRILIN, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Schering-Plough Corporation, Kenilworth, New Jersey) was evaluated in 85 patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty or stenting for severe claudication or critical limb ischemia. Eptifibatide treatment was safe, with low rates of major bleeding (3.5%) and thrombocytopenia (1.2%); one patient developed a post-procedure compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy. The procedure was technically successful (defined as 50% increase in vessel diameter) in 84 of 85 (98.8%) patients. None of the patients required target vessel revascularization (TVR) during hospitalization, and only 1 patient (1.2%) required TVR within 30 days. These results demonstrate that adjunctive use of eptifibatide during percutaneous peripheral intervention is safe and supports further studies to establish the potential efficacy of GP IIb-IIIa inhibitors in this setting.
Emulsion polymerization of chloroprene. II. Molecular weights

The molecular weights of emulsion polychloroprenes, prepared at four different temperatures in the presence and absence of a suitable mercaptan chain-transfer agents, have been studied. The particular mercaptan used, a tertiary dodecyl type, was found to disappear at the relatively slow rate, which was first-order up to high conversions. This permitted the preparation of polymer having a relatively uniform intrinsic viscosity up to high conversions. However, under certain conditions, the crosslinking reaction was found to give rise to the usual peaks in the viscosity–conversion curves. These curves differed from those of other dienes studied, in that the heights of the maxima depended not only on polymerization temperature but also on the mercaptan charge. This anomaly could be accounted for by the possibility of more than one mechanism of crosslinking. The above behavior made it impossible to obtain a quantitative measures of the crosslinking rate. However, observations of the postpolymerization changes experienced by this polymer lead to the conclusion that it has a high crosslinking rate.
Night eating syndrome: effects of brief relaxation training on stress, mood, hunger, and eating patterns

BACKGROUND: Night eating syndrome (NES) is characterized by a lack of appetite in the morning, consumption of 50% or more of daily food intake after 6:00 p.m., and difficulty falling and/or staying asleep. It has been associated with stress and with poor results at attempts to lose weight. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a relaxation intervention (Abbreviated Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy, APRT) that has been shown to significantly reduce stress levels in normal, healthy adults would also benefit an NES sample. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A total of 20 adults with NES were randomly assigned to either a relaxation training (APRT) or a Control (quietly sitting for the same amount of time) group, and all subjects attended two laboratory sessions 1 week apart. Pre- and postsession indices of stress, anxiety, relaxation, and salivary cortisol were obtained, as well as Day 1 and Day 8 indices of mood. Food diaries and hunger ratings were also obtained. RESULTS: The results indicated that 20 min of a muscle relaxation exercise significantly reduced stress, anxiety, and salivary cortisol immediately postsession. After practicing these exercises daily for a week, subjects exhibited lowered stress, anxiety, fatigue, anger, and depression on Day 8. APRT was also associated with significantly higher a.m. and lower p.m. ratings of hunger, and a trend of both more breakfast and less night-time eating. DISCUSSION: These data support the role of stress and anxiety in NES and suggest that practicing relaxation may be an important component of treatment for this condition.
Correlation between Net Water Flux and Absorptive Clearance Determined from In Situ Intestinal Perfusion Studies Does Not Necessarily Indicate a Solvent Drag Effect

Estimation of absorptive clearance (PeA) of drugs from in situ perfusion studies, based on the disappearance of drugs from the intestinal lumen, involves correcting outflow perfusate drug concentration with net water flux (Jw). However, as demonstrated through both theoretical derivations and simulations, the PeA estimated from a nonlinear equation approximates a linear relationship with Jw for a low permeability drug, regardless of whether or not Jw has a real effect on PeA. As such, a correlation between Jw and PeA is less meaningful as an indicator of a solvent drag effect. Moreover, from the linear relationship, the slope of the Jw-PeA correlation plot (defined as the sieving coefficient) equals the ratio of outflow versus inflow perfusate drug concentrations and can be greater than unity when more water than drug is absorbed during perfusion studies. The intercept of the correlation plot can be below zero if this occurs.
Enumeration by kernel positions

We introduce a class of two-player games on posets with a rank function, in which each move of the winning strategy is unique. This allows one to enumerate the kernel positions by rank. The main example is a simple game on words in which the number of kernel positions of rank n is a signed factorial multiple of the nth Bernoulli number of the second kind. Generalizations to the degenerate Bernoulli numbers and to negative integer substitutions into the Bernoulli polynomials are developed. Using an appropriate scoring system for each function with an appropriate Newton expansion we construct a game in which the expected gain of a player equals the definite integral of the function on the interval [0,1].
n-3 PUFA and membrane microdomains: a new frontier in bioactive lipid research.

In recent years, our understanding of the plasma membrane has changed considerably as our knowledge of lipid microdomains has expanded. Lipid microdomains include structures known as lipid rafts and caveolae, which are readily identified by their unique lipid constituents. Cholesterol, sphingolipids and phospholipids with saturated fatty acyl chain moieties are highly enriched in these lipid microdomains. Lipid rafts and caveolae have been shown to play an important role in the compartmentalization, modulation and integration of cell signaling. Therefore, these microdomains may have an influential role in human disease. Dietary n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ameliorate a number of human diseases including coronary heart disease, autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, diabetes, obesity and cancer, which has been generally linked to its membrane remodeling properties. Recent in vitro evidence suggests that perturbations in membrane composition alter the function of resident proteins and, consequently, cellular responses. This review examines the role of n−3 PUFA in modulating the lipid composition and functionality of lipid microdomains and its potential significance to human health.
USE OF THE TRANSURETHRAL PROSTATECTOMY CLINICAL PATH TO MONITOR HEALTH OUTCOMES

ABSTRACTPurpose: We evaluated the effect on cost and medical care quality of use of the transurethral prostatectomy clinical path.Materials and Methods: Results in 100 patients treated when the transurethral prostatectomy clinical path was used were compared to those of 100 treated by the same physicians before implementation of this path.Results: After implementation of the transurethral prostatectomy clinical path the length of hospital stay was significantly decreased from 5.9 to 5.0 days (p <0.01) and Foley catheterization time was significantly decreased from 3.13 to 2.84 days (p <0.01). Antibiotics were routinely used from the day before surgery to the day of hospital discharge as required by patient conditions. Therefore, a shorter hospital stay will significantly decrease the use of antibiotics. After implementation of the clinical path the average admission charges were decreased significantly by 17% (p <0.01). Although some results from use of this path will not significantly affect costs, they ...
Stiffness issues in the design of ISA displacement amplification devices: case study of a hydraulic displacement amplifier

General stiffness concepts for effective use of induced strain principles as they apply to quasi- static actuation of structures and devices are presented. The conventional induced strain actuator is first reviewed. The effect of structural elasticity is then added. Basic principles of displacement amplification are presented next. The influence of structural and amplification elasticity are then added. An example of effective induced strain actuator design with displacement amplification is provided.
The Case for Primary Care — A Medical Student's Perspective

Ishani Ganguli writes that primary care requires a unique skill set — an ability to link complex information, patience, a sophisticated knowledge of the health care system, and an appreciation of social context.
Human retinoblastoma cells express αB-crystallin in vivo and in vitro

αB-crystallin is a major lens protein that is a member of the heat-shock family of proteins. Using immunohisto-chemical and northern blot techniques, we now demonstrate its presence in freshly-fixed retinoblastoma tissue. The protein is also abundantly expressed in cultured human retinoblastoma cells (Y-79 NEI, WERI Rb-1) as well as two subcultured Y-79 lines (ATCC and GM01232C). High expression of αB-crystallin may be involved in tumor growth and/or be a marker for general oncogenic “stress” in the tumor tissue.
Cox regression analysis in clinical research.

The Cox survivorship model1has been used widely in medical research and recently in the ophthalmic literature to analyze prognosis following alternative treatments of uveal melanoma.2-5The purpose of this short communication is to explain what Cox regression analysis is, so that investigators will understand its role in clinical research. The Cox model is a particular type of survivorship model. More generally, survivorship models are used to describe and interpret the rate at which deaths occur over time in some population. The clinical investigator may use these models to interpret the rate at which morbid events occur as well, such as loss of vision, progression of retinopathy, and marked increase in intraocular pressure. When investigators are interested in determining how a variety of factors affect the rate at which events occur (eg, treatment, characteristics of the disease, or of the patient), they may wish to use the Cox
Effect of gastric distension and duodenal fat infusion on biliary sphincter of Oddi motility in healthy volunteers.

Although sphincter of Oddi (SO) dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of postcholecystectomy syndrome and pancreatitis, little is known about normal physiologic stimuli, such as intraduodenal fat on human SO motility. Furthermore, gastric distension that frequently accompanies endoscopic manometry has been shown in animal studies to affect SO motility. We evaluated the effects of intraduodenal fat and gastric distension on SO basal pressure. Asymptomatic volunteers had SO manometry performed while sequentially performing gastric distension and intraduodenal fat perfusion. Five subjects (ages 29.8±4.8 years, range 22–35 years) had a mean basal sphincter of Oddi pressure of 23.4±5 mm Hg (range 17–31 mm Hg). Injection of air into the stomach caused no appreciable change in either intragastric pressure or SO pressure. Intraduodenal fat infusion resulted in a decrease in mean SO basal pressure from 23.4±5.0 to 4.4±4.4 mm Hg (P=0.004). These results demonstrate that gastric distension does not affect SO basal pressure and that intraduodenal fat infusion reduces SO basal pressure.