cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Inhaled Marijuana on cEEG Spike Count in a 33-Year-Old Man with Idiopathic Epilepsy: A Case Report (P4.256)

OBJECTIVE: Though increasing clinical evidence supports marijuana derivatives as promising anti-epileptic agents, objective biomarkers are lacking. BACKGROUND: We report a patient with intractable epilepsy, treated with levetiracetam and vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), whose spike count on continuous EEG monitoring (cEEG) correlated with inhaled marijuana use. DESIGN/METHODS: A 33-year-old man with generalized tonic-clonic seizures for 17 years reported experiencing fewer seizures with inhaled recreational marijuana. He sought surgical workup after failing numerous anticonvulsants. Continuous EEG (cEEG) was performed for a total of 11 days. RESULTS: Initial ambulatory cEEG (levetiracetam, VNS on, and recreational marijuana use) revealed intermittent left temporal slowing with rare sharp forms but no spike-wave discharges over 3 days. Inpatient admission occurred two months later; the patient was instructed to stop marijuana use at least one week prior to admission. With therapy unaltered otherwise, cEEG demonstrated recurrent generalized and left frontal spike-wave discharges, averaging 29 spikes/10 min epoch (range: 0-179), with similar range through levetiracetam taper and VNS shut-off days 2-4. Seizure occurred on day 4. Ambulatory cEEG continued after discharge; the patient was instructed to avoid marijuana use until day 6. Between days 7 and 8, spikes diminished, and 0 spikes occurred in the last 12 hours of cEEG. MRI was normal, and FDG-PET demonstrated left hemisphere reduced uptake. CONCLUSIONS: We report a patient with refractory, idiopathic epilepsy with subjective seizure improvement on marijuana, corroborated by a lack of spike-wave discharges on cEEG while using the substance,dramatic appearance of spike-waves after marijuana cessation for one week, and spike suppression again noted following resumed home marijuana use. While spike count is not a surrogate marker for seizure control, it nonetheless represents an objective biomarker of abnormal neural activity, and may provide a window into mechanism of action. Study Supported by: Rhode Island Hospital Disclosure: Dr. Park has nothing to disclose. Dr. Roth has nothing to disclose.
Interphase mass transfer in variable aperture fractures: Controlling parameters and proposed constitutive relationships

[1] Interphase mass transfer in variable aperture fractures occurs in many problems where two immiscible fluids are present, such as dissolution of dense nonaqueous phase liquids into groundwater, dissolution of CO2 in deep saline aquifers, and evaporation of trapped water by flowing gas during natural gas production. Typically, one fluid is entrapped by capillary forces and resides in immobilized regions whose distribution and geometry are controlled by the relative influence of capillary, gravitational, and viscous forces within the fracture. For the case of fractures bounded by a low porosity/permeability matrix, interphase mass transfer occurs predominantly owing to diffusive/advective transport from the entrapped phase interface into the phase flowing through the fracture. We explore the relative influence of the initial entrapped phase geometry and mean flowing phase velocities on the dissolution of the entrapped phase. Our systematic simulations use a percolation-based model of phase invasion and depth-averaged models of flow, transport, and mass transfer. The invasion model provides a physically based distribution of entrapped phase within the fracture and the mass transfer model implicitly calculates interphase mass transfer from discrete regions of entrapped phase without the need for empirical mass transfer relationships. Results demonstrate behavior across a wide range of initial entrapped phase distributions, with entrapped phase saturations ranging from zero to near the percolation threshold. Interfacial area evolves with a near-linear dependence on entrapped phase saturation during dissolution in each simulation, and fracture-scale intrinsic mass transfer rate coefficients exhibit a nonlinear dependence on Peclet number and a negligible dependence on entrapped phase saturation. These observations provide a basis for the development of constitutive relationships that quantify interphase mass transfer in variable aperture fractures as a function of entrapped phase saturation and flow rate; coarse-grid dissolution simulations using these constitutive relationships demonstrate good agreement with results from the high-resolution mechanistic simulations.
Guiding Agent Learning in Design

In this paper we discuss the need for learning in multi-agent design systems, and the variety of forms it might take. We propose a particular method of guiding learning in these systems, describe an architecture for its implementation, and discuss how the learning should be evaluated.
ANOVA Using Continuous Cumulative Distribution Functions

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is a statistical method used to determine whether a sample originated from a larger population distribution. We provide an alternate method of determination using the continuous cumulative distribution functions derived from degree one lower partial moment ratios. The resulting analysis is performed with no restrictive assumptions on the underlying distribution or the associated error terms.
Rapid detection and characterization of large earthquakes using quasi‐finite‐source Green's functions in continuous moment tensor inversion

[1] Large earthquakes along subduction zones have the potential to generate tsunamis along local coasts, as well as traveling far across oceans. By continuously inverting for moment tensors we show that it is possible with a single procedure to automatically detect, locate and determine source parameters of any earthquake, from magnitude 3.5 to larger than 8 located in both the near- and far-field. We find that the detection and characterization of large earthquakes is improved when quasi-finite-source Green's functions are used in a point-source moment tensor approach as they represent to some extent the rupture's finiteness and directivity. Solutions can be obtained within several minutes after the origin time of the earthquake, and could therefore be used as part of a near-source tsunami early warning system, capable of providing tens of minutes of possible warning depending on the distance of the earthquake rupture from the coast.
Neurological Outcomes After Presumed Childhood Encephalitis.

Abstract Objective To evaluate factors during acute presumed childhood encephalitis that are associated with development of long-term neurological sequelae. Methods A total of 217 patients from Rady Children's Hospital San Diego with suspected encephalitis who met criteria for the California Encephalitis Project were identified. A cohort of 99 patients (40 females, 59 males, age 2 months-17 years) without preexisting neurological conditions, including prior seizures or abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging scans was studied. Mean duration of follow-up was 29 months. Factors that had a relationship with the development of neurological sequelae (defined as developmental delay, learning difficulties, behavioral problems, or focal neurological findings) after acute encephalitis were identified. Results Neurological sequelae at follow-up was associated with younger age (6.56 versus 9.22 years) at presentation ( P = 0.04) as well as an initial presenting sign of seizure ( P = 0.03). Duration of hospital stay (median of 7 versus 15.5 days; P = 0.02) was associated with neurological sequelae. Of the patients with neurological sequelae, a longer hospital stay was associated with patients of an older age ( P = 0.04). Abnormalities on neuroimaging ( P = 1.00) or spinal fluid analysis ( P = 1.00) were not uniquely associated with neurological sequelae. Children who were readmitted after their acute illness ( P = 0.04) were more likely to develop neurological sequelae. There was a strong relationship between the patients who later developed epilepsy and those who developed neurological sequelae ( P = 0.02). Significance Limited data are available on the long-term neurological outcomes of childhood encephalitis. Almost half of our patients were found to have neurological sequelae at follow-up, indicating the importance of earlier therapies to improve neurological outcome.
Explaining dubious assertions

David Sosa argues that the knowledge account of assertion is unsatisfactory, because it cannot explain the oddness of what he calls dubious assertions. One such dubious assertion is of the form ‘P but I do not know whether I know that p.’ Matthew Benton has attempted to show how proponents of the knowledge account can explain what’s wrong this assertion. I show that Benton’s explanation is inadequate, and propose my own explanation of the oddness of this dubious assertion. I also explain what’s wrong with other dubious assertions mentioned by Sosa.
Effect of nisoldipine on hemodynamic responses to defibrillation.

Abstract Sequences of ventricular fibrillation-defibrillation cause transient hypertension; we hypothesized that this "adrenergic overshoot" might be blunted by the functional antiadrenergic effect of the calcium channel blocking drug nisoldipine, with a potentially beneficial reduction in myocardial oxygen requirements. However, other calcium channel blocking drugs have been shown to reduce shock success for defibrillation, a deleterious effect. Thus the purposes of this study were to assess the effect of nisoldipine on the hemodynamic responses to sequences of ventricular fibrillation-defibrillation, and its effect on the energy requirements for defibrillation. In 16 dogs we administered intravenous nisoldipine (1 μg/kg bolus followed by an infusion of 0.075 to 0.50 μg/kg/min) to lower mean blood pressure 10% and 20% below baseline. Ventricular fibrillation was induced electrically, and shocks of varying energy levels (30, 50, and 100 joules) were administered to determine defibrillation energy requirements. Heart rates and blood pressures were recorded up to 3 minutes after each shock to determine hemodynamic responses. Measurements were made before nisoldipine administration and again at the two levels of drug-induced blood pressure decline. We found that the usual systolic blood pressure "overshoot" after defibrillation (typically maximum at 15 to 30 seconds after shocks) was significantly blunted after nisoldipine administration ( p
Solid-state structures and superstructures of two charged donor-acceptor rotaxanes

Two [2]rotaxanes and a [2]pseudorotaxane containing 1,5-dioxynaphthalene recognition sites located in the middle of their dumbbell and thread components, respectively, and encircled by single cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) rings have been synthesized under template control and their solid-state (super)structures have been solved. The investigations revealed that the stoppers on the dumbbell components, the solvents, and the counterions can affect the conformations adopted by the [2]rotaxanes and [2]pseudorotaxane in the solid state.
Social deficits in autism: an operational approach using the vineland adaptive behavior scales

Abstract Although social factors are commonly viewed as an important defining characteristics of the autistic syndrome, earlier research studies have not systematically evaluated social dysfunction in autistic individuals. In this study, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales were used to assess adaptive behavior in a group of autistic and a group of nonautistic, developmentally disabled, individuals. As compared to nonautistic subjects, the autistic group exhibited significantly greater deficits in adaptive social behaviors. The result suggests the utility of a well-standardized, normative assessment instrument for documenting autistic social dysfunction.
Synthesis and metal ion extraction of calix[4]arene mono- and diacids with 2-methoxyethoxy pendant groups

A mono-ionizable calix[4]arene-based ligand with three 2-methoxyethoxy pendant groups is synthesized. A di-ionizable analogue with two 2-methoxyethoxy pendant groups is also prepared. Competitive solvent extractions of alkali metal cations and of alkaline earth metal cations by these ligands are performed, as are single species extractions of Hg2+ and of Pb2+. The number of proton-ionizable groups in the ligand is found to influence the metal ion binding behavior.
Multi-matrix model and 2D Toda multi-component hierarchy

Abstract We study the integrability of the hermitian matrix-chain model at finite N . The integrable system, constructed from the matrix integrals using orthogonal polynomials is identified with the two-dimensional Toda system with multi-component hierarchy. We derive the Lax equations, the zero curvature conditions and an infinite number of conserved quantities for this 2D Toda hierarchy. The partition function of the matrix model is proved to be the “tau-function” of this Toda system. Also, using our formalism, we derive the Virasoro constraints on the partition function of the multi-matrix model for the first time.
Differential expression of p63 isotypes (ΔN and TA) in salivary gland neoplasms: biological and diagnostic implications

To determine the association between the expression of p63 gene isoforms (TA and DeltaN) and salivary gland tumorigenesis, we performed reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of these markers in 71 benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasms. The results were correlated with the expression of Notch ligand JAG1 gene and the clinicopathologic features and the full-length p63 protein expression by immunohistochemistry. Both p63 isoforms were either negative or weakly expressed in normal salivary gland tissues. TAp63 was highly expressed in most benign tumors and was either negative or weakly positive in most carcinomas. Conversely, DeltaNp63 was negative or faintly positive in most benign neoplasms and was highly expressed in adenoid cystic, mucoepidermoid, and myoepithelial carcinomas. Immunohistochemical analysis using anti-full-length p63 protein showed ubiquitous nuclear staining in basal and myoepithelial cells in both benign and malignant neoplasms. JAG1 was expressed in most benign and malignant tumors and did not correlate with p63 isoforms expression. We conclude that (1) p63 isoforms are differentially expressed in most benign and malignant tumors and may play distinct biological roles in certain salivary gland neoplasms; (2) p63 immunostaining do not correlate with the isoforms expression; and (3) isoform-specific antibodies are required for better cellular localization and biological correlations.
Two-dimensional Fractional Brownian Motion in the analysis of medical images

This paper presents the preliminary results of the application of a two-dimensional Fractional Brownian Motion (FBM) model of image distribution. This model has proven successful in the interpretation of linear data as well as the segmentation of images. The approach taken by the authors difers from previous work in that rather than extractmg hnear data from the image and using a linear FBM model, the actual two-dimensional distribution is employed. It IS found that the resulting segmentation can be much more accurate than previous methods. However, due to the computational intensity of the problem, the algorithm as presently encoded results in a binary segmentation, rather than a 1:1 mapping from fractal dimension to grey level. Regardless of t tation produced, the sensitivity of the segmentation in the test cases exhibits great promise for this approach.
Structure and mechanism of formation of the two forms of 18-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone.

Abstract 18-Hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone (18-OH-DOC) has been observed to exist in two interconvertible forms of markedly different chromatographic mobility. The structure of these forms has now been established. The more polar form is the cyclic hemiketal and the less polar is a mixed ketal at C-20 derived by reaction with an alcoholic solvent. This unusually facile ketalization is catalyzed by traces of acidic impurities present in most commercial sources of reagent grade methanol or ethanol, but can be abolished by removal or neutralization of these impurities.
Natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus infection: What we knew in 1981 and what we know in 2005

Remarkable progress has been made in our understanding of the natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the past 25 years. Availability of sensitive HBV DNA assays and application of sophisticated immunological techniques led to the recognition that HBV replication persists throughout the course of chronic HBV infection, and host immune response plays a pivotal role in HBV-related liver disease. Knowledge of the HBV genome organization and replication cycle led to the unraveling of HBV genotypes and molecular variants, which contribute to the heterogeneity in outcome of chronic HBV infection. The natural course of chronic HBV infection is now perceived as consisting of 4 phases: immune tolerance, immune clearance [hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis], inactive carrier state, and reactivation (HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B). Understanding the dynamic nature of chronic HBV infection is crucial in the management of HBV carriers and underscores the need for long-term monitoring. Accumulating evidence indicates that antiviral therapy can prevent progression of HBV-related liver disease, particularly among patients with sustained response. Newer antiviral therapies with improved efficacy and decreased risk of resistance may lead to a complete revision of the chapter on the natural history of chronic HBV infection on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Hepatology.
Effects of performance feedback on teachers' self-evaluations

This study investigated the effects of performance feedback on self-evaluations with a similar task. 212 first-year female teachers from a large Southeastern school district completed two brief classroom-management tasks and rated their own performance on these tasks. Each task included five questions pertaining to specific problems of classroom management. Subjects rated themselves as solving the tasks either “well” or “poorly.” Feedback for the first task was manipulated so that half of those who rated themselves as performing well were given either positive or negative feedback. Similarly, half of those who rated themselves as performing poorly were given either negative or positive feedback. As hypothesized, type of feedback for the first task significantly affected the teachers' self-evaluations on the second task. Implications of these results are discussed.
Successful transplantation of a kidney with early membranous nephropathy

This report describes a patient with end-stage renal disease secondary to long-standing type II diabetes mellitus who received a cadaveric renal transplant from a 37-year-old woman who died of massive cerebral infarction. An autopsy performed on the donor following organ procurement revealed no obvious contraindications to transplantation. A renal biopsy of the donor kidney performed at the time of transplantation, however, subsequently showed early membranous nephropathy by electron microscopy. There was immediate graft function and the recipient continues to have good renal function 3 years post-transplantation.
Transient and distant infections alter later intraperitoneal abscess formation.

• Transient nosocomial infections, such as line sepsis and pneumonia, are common in today's critical care patient population. Although generally well treated, the effect of these transient antigen exposures on the immune system is unclear. We have previously shown that prior intraperitoneal inoculation with live bacteria leads to increased numbers of intraperitoneal abscesses. Data presented here demonstrate in a murine model that two immunizations with live Escherichia coli , Bacteroides fragilis , or both, administered systemically via intracardiac injection or at a focal distant site in subcutaneous tissue, significantly increased the number of mixed E coli/B fragilis intraperitoneal abscesses when induced 1 week later. Further, immunization with E coli , either alone or in combination with B fragilis , increased the total number of anaerobes recovered per mouse. Transient or focal sublethal infections can significantly alter an animal's immune response to later infectious insults, particularly the formation of intraperitoneal abscesses. ( Arch Surg . 1991;126:164-168)
Comparison of the serial dilution indicator and intragastric titration methods for measurement of meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion in man.

Twoin vivo methods that permit quantitation of gastric acid secretion immediately after the meal are currently in use: intragastric titration and the serial dilution indicator method. During intragastric titration, intragastric pH is artifically maintained at 5.5 to 7 by the continuous addition of alkali to the gastric contents, while during serial dilution the intragastric pH is permitted to seek its natural pH. This study compared gastric acid secretion and serum gastrin in response to a liquid protein meal measured by both techniques in 10 subjects. Mean (±se) 3-hr acid outputs were almost identical (53.6±6.0 mmol/3 hr with intragastric titration and 52.0±8.5 mmol/3 hr with serial dilution indicator). Furthermore, 30 min secretory responses in individual subjects were highly correlated (r=0.98±0.01, P<0.001). Also, in spite of intragastric pH being less than 1.5 by 90 min after the meal during the serial dilution method, total integrated serum gastrin concentrations after the meal were similar (intragastric titration=20.6±7.3 ng min/ml versus serial dilution indicator=23.5±9.8 ng min/ml) and individual 30-min gastrins during the two separate tests were highly correlated (r=0.80±0.06, P<0.01). It is concluded that both meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion and serum gastrin concentrations as measured by intragastric titration and by the serial dilution indicator method produced similar results.
Carnivore repatriation and holarctic prey: narrowing the deficit in ecological effectiveness.

The continuing global decline of large carnivores has catalyzed great interest in reintroduction to restore populations and to reestablish ecologically functional relationships. I used variation in the distribution of four Holarctic prey species and their behavior as proxies to investigate the pace and intensity by which responses are lost or reinvigorated by carnivore repatriation. By simulating the presence of wolves (Canis lupus), tigers (Panthera tigris), and brown bears (Ursus arctos) at 19 transcontinental sites, I assayed three metrics of prey performance in areas with no large terrestrial carnivores (the polar islands of Greenland and Svalbard), extant native carnivores (Eastern Siberian Shield, boreal Canada, and Alaska); and repatriated carnivores (the Yellowstone region and Rocky Mountains). The loss and reestablishment of large carnivores changed the ecological effectiveness of systems by (1) dampening immediate group benefits, diminishing awareness, and diminishing flight reaction in caribou (Rangifer tarandus) where predation was eliminated and (2) reinstituting sensitivity to carnivores by elk (Cervus elaphus) and moose (Alces alces) in the Yellowstone region to levels observed in Asian elk when sympatric with Siberian tigers and wolves or in Alaskan moose sympatric with wolves. Behavioral compensation to reintroduced carnivores occurred within a single generation, but only the vigilance reaction of bison (Bison bison) in Yellowstone exceeded that of their wolf-exposed conspecifics from boreal Canada. Beyond these overt responses by prey, snow depth and distance to suitably vegetated habitat was related to heightened vigilance in moose and elk, respectively, but only at sites with carnivores. These findings are insufficient to determine whether similar patterns might apply to other species or in areas with alien predators, and they suggest that the presumed excessive vulnerability of naive prey to repatriated carnivores may be ill-founded. Although behavior offers a proxy to evaluate ecological effectiveness, a continuing challenge will be to understand how naive prey respond to novel or introduced predators.
Water resource conflicts in the Middle East.

Abstract Water resource issues are critical in the Middle East. Not only is the region located in the arid zone, but it is experiencing increasing pressures on its scarce water resources, pressures that could erupt into serious conflict. This article analyzes the causes of these increasing pressures and the conditions and major sources of conflict in the three major international river basins of the Middle East—the Tigris-Euphrates, the Nile, and the Jordan-Yarmuk, and investigates possible solutions.
Mild Hypothermia Suppresses Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CaSR) Induction Following Forebrain Ischemia While Increasing GABA-B Receptor 1 (GABA-B-R1) Expression

Hypothermia improves neurological outcome from cardiac arrest. The mechanisms of protection are multifold, but identifying some may be useful in exploring potential therapeutic targets. The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) was originally found in parathyroid cells in which the receptor senses minute changes in extracellular [Ca2+] and promotes Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release. The CaSR is broadly expressed in the CNS and colocalized with the inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid-B receptor 1 (GABA-B-R1). In hippocampal neurons, GABA-B-R1 heterodimerizes with CaSR and suppresses CaSR expression. To study the interplay between these two receptors in the development of ischemic cell death and neuroprotection by hypothermia, we subjected C57/BL6 mice to global cerebral ischemia by performing bilateral carotid artery occlusion (10 min) followed by reperfusion for 1–3 days with or without therapeutic hypothermia (33°C for 3 h at the onset of reperfusion). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining and immunohistochemistry showed that forebrain ischemia increased CaSR expression, decreased GABA-B-R1 expression, and promoted cell death. These changes were particularly evident in hippocampal neurons and could be reversed by mild hypothermia. The induction of CaSR, along with reciprocal decreases in GABA-B-R1 expression, may together potentiate ischemic neuronal death, suggesting a new therapeutic target for treatment of ischemic brain injury.
Fernald's dilemma: Recycle the radioactively contaminated scrap metal, or bury it?☆

Abstract During the past 5 years, a number of US Department of Energy (DOE) funded efforts have demonstrated the technical efficacy of converting various forms of radioactive scrap metal (RSM) into useable products. From the development of accelerator shielding blocks, to the construction of low level waste containers, technology has been applied to this fabrication process in a safe and stakeholder supported manner. The potential health and safety risks to both workers and the public have been addressed. The question remains: do the benefits of fabricating products from RSM outweigh the costs? This paper presents a decision methodology for use within DOE to evaluate the costs and benefits of recycling and reusing some RSM, rather than disposing of this RSM in an approved burial site. The methodology is being applied to a decision on whether the DOE Fernald site should recycle its radioactively contaminated metals.
The impacts of environmental regulation on coal procurement strategies: Design coal and multi-attributed quality

This paper examines an electric generating plant's cost-minimizing mix of contract (design) and spot market coal. This mix depends on the multiple attributes of design coal quality and on subjective expectations of spot coal price and quality. We consider the effects of changes in emission controls on coal procurement strategies, which depend on the quality of the design coal, the cost of using spot coal of uncertain, multiple attributes, and the uncertain price of spot coal. We demonstrate that mandatory sulfur scrubbing of both design and spot coal may not cause the massive coal switching predicted by studies which focus on a single quality attribute. Unambiguous broad predictions of the effect of new clean air regulations on coal-producing regions are not forthcoming, since compliance strategies will vary across plants, depending on the multi-attributed quality requirements of design coal.
Premenarchal vaginal discharge: findings of procedures to rule out foreign bodies.

Abstract Study Objective: Vaginal discharge in children is a common gynecologic complaint and may be resistant to symptomatic and/or antibiotic treatment. In recurrent or unresponsive patients, an evaluation to rule out a foreign body is traditionally recommended. The objective of this study is to review cases of vaginal discharge referred to our institution and assess outcome and diagnosis in those who required irrigation or vaginoscopy to rule out a foreign body. Design A retrospective chart review was performed on all premenarchal girls identified through the University of Michigan Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic database who were seen for evaluation of vaginal discharge between June 1996 and December 2001. The records were reviewed for age, length of time of discharge, aspects of discharge, procedures done to rule out foreign bodies, and findings of such procedures. Setting: The study was performed in a tertiary care university hospital. Participants: Forty-one premenarchal girls were evaluated for vaginal discharge. The average age was 6.0 yr (range 3 months–11 yr). Results: The average duration of vaginal discharge prior to presentation was 13.7 months (range 1–42 months). Of the 41 girls, 18 girls underwent 1 procedure each, 2 girls underwent 2 procedures each, and 1 girl underwent 5 procedures. Ten vaginal irrigations in clinic were performed in 7 girls, 3 by the referring physician and 7 by us. These irrigations removed a foreign body (tissue paper) in 4 of 10 (40%) cases, 3 at our institution and 1 at an outside institution. In the three irrigation cases with foreign bodies performed at our institution, the foreign body was visible on genital examination prior to the irrigation. Seventeen vaginoscopies under anesthesia were performed in 16 girls, 5 by the referring physician and 12 by us. In the girls who underwent a vaginoscopy under anesthesia a foreign body was found in 3 of 17 (17.6%). The other findings of the vaginoscopies included: biopsy-proven severe dermatitis with no infection in 1 patient, lymphatic duct chylous drainage in 1 patient, nonspecific vulvovaginitis in 11 patients, and normal exam with eventual diagnosis of malingering in 1 patient. In all cases where a foreign body was identified, the patient presented with bloody or brown discharge. Conclusions: Foreign bodies as a cause of persistent vaginal discharge in a tertiary care referral clinic were identified in 4 of 41 girls (9.8%) and 7 of 27 procedures (25.9%). One child had recurrent foreign bodies removed during 4 of 5 procedures for discharge. In children with persistent vaginal discharge, vaginal irrigation was feasible in older children (average age 7.7 yr). However, no foreign bodies were removed by irrigation that had not already been visually identified prior to the procedure. Exam under anesthesia and vaginoscopy allowed the identification of foreign bodies, and it facilitated the diagnosis of other unusual conditions.
Spectral moments of fullerene cages

Based on the symmetric method, analytical expression or recursive relations for the spectral moments of the C20, C 24, C26, C28, C30, C32, C36, C38, C40, C42, C44, C50 and C60 fullerene cage clusters are obtained by factoring the original graphs and the corresponding characteristic polynomials into their smaller subgraphs and subpolynomials. We also give numerical results for the spectral moments. It is demonstrated that the symmetric method is feasible in enumerating the moments as well as factoring the characteristic polynomials for fullerene cages.
58 Calcium sulfite oxidation in a slurry reactor

Abstract A study has been carried out on the oxidation of calcium sulfite in an aqueous slurry through which oxygen is being bubbled. The overall process consists of a liquid phase chemical reaction, mass transfer of calcium sulfite from the solid particles to the liquid, and transfer of oxygen into the liquid. The liquid phase chemical reaction and the solid to liquid mass transfer have been studied separately and the results used to formulate a mathematical model for the overall process. The predictions of the model were then compared to experimental results obtained in the three phase system.
Population genetics approach to selection for production of milk and milk constituents.

Population genetics is the application of genetics to a group or population in contrast to individuals. Within this context, we accept the fact that milk yield and its percentage composition are influenced by a large number of genes, which find expression through the environmental opportunity provided by the cow and the herdsman. These traits vary from cow to cow, since the genes different cows possess will not be identical, and because any two cows do not experience the same environmental conditions. This variation from cow to cow can be meaningfully measured and expressed as "variance," a term we will utilize in this discussion. Variance as a measure of variation has the valuable property of being capable of subdivision, i.e. into variance due to genetic and environmental causes. We cannot explain why cows produce 30,000 pounds of milk, but we can examine the variation for milk yield in comparison to the herd, breed, or population average. Then the relative importance of genetic and environmental variation about the average can be assessed as components of variance. Genetic variance can be partitioned or subdivided. Its subdivision is based on a mathematical representation of gene effects fundamental to the population genetics approach. Each gene, from the many potentially influencing a quantitative trait, is visualized as having an influence of its own expressed on the background of the individual's complete genetic nmkeup. Each of these genes is visualized as being responsible for adding or subtracting an increment from the measured value for a trait. These plus and minus additive genetic effects summed for all loci influencing the trait equal the additive or average breed-
Plug-and-play, infrared, laser-mediated PCR in a microfluidic chip

Microfluidic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) systems have set milestones for small volume (100 nL–5 μL), amplification speed (100–400 s), and on-chip integration of upstream and downstream sample handling including purification and electrophoretic separation functionality. In practice, the microfluidic chips in these systems require either insertion of thermocouples or calibration prior to every amplification. These factors can offset the speed advantages of microfluidic PCR and have likely hindered commercialization. We present an infrared, laser-mediated, PCR system that features a single calibration, accurate and repeatable precision alignment, and systematic thermal modeling and management for reproducible, open-loop control of PCR in 1 μL chambers of a polymer microfluidic chip. Total cycle time is less than 12 min: 1 min to fill and seal, 10 min to amplify, and 1 min to recover the sample. We describe the design, basis for its operation, and the precision engineering in the system and microfluidic chip. From a single calibration, we demonstrate PCR amplification of a 500 bp amplicon from λ-phage DNA in multiple consecutive trials on the same instrument as well as multiple identical instruments. This simple, relatively low-cost plug-and-play design is thus accessible to persons who may not be skilled in assembly and engineering.
CORRELATION OF PRETHERAPY PROSTATE CANCER CHARACTERISTICS WITH SEMINAL VESICLE INVASION IN RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY SPECIMENS

Abstract Purpose: This study was conducted to identify pretherapy factors associated with seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) in patients with localized carcinoma of the prostate (CaP), and to develop a model that would allow estimation of the likelihood for SVI at the time of initial diagnosis. Methods and Materials: Between January 1988 and December 1993, 2959 patients underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy, with or without pelvic lymph node dissection, as initial therapy for clinical Stage T1a-3bN0-XM0 CaP. Preoperative patient and tumor-related characteristics were evaluated for an association with SVI in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A model was developed and probability plots were constructed to display the estimated likelihood for SVI in the patient with a new diagnosis of localized CaP. Results: Within clinical tumor stage, three groups (T1a-2a, T2b-c, and T3a-b) were observed to have a distinctly different rate of SVI. Gleason primary grades were combined (1–2, 3, and 4–5) because of a similar observation. Univariate analysis identified clinical tumor stage ( p p p p = 0.0001) of each of these factors. Patient age ( p = 0.16) and history of prior transurethral resection of the prostate ( p = 0.82) were not associated with this end point. Probability plots were constructed to display the likelihood of SVI as a function of pretherapy clinical tumor stage, Gleason primary grade, and serum prostate-specific antigen value. Conclusion: In the patient with a new diagnosis of localized CaP, clinical tumor stage as determined by digital rectal examination, diagnostic biopsy tumor (Gleason primary) grade, and pretherapy serum prostate-specific antigen value were significant factors for development of a model that estimated the likelihood of SVI. Estimates from this type of model may be of value in the pretherapy diagnostic evaluation of such patients, and may aid in the administration of radiation therapy.
Control of intrinsic instability of superelastic deformation

Abstract The superelastic deformation of shape memory alloys has intrinsic instability as a result of incompatibility between martensite and austenite phases at stress-induced transformation. This instability leads to the thermodynamic stress–strain hysteresis of the superelastic deformation. It has been shown that the combination of a shape memory active material with a non-transforming passive material can decrease and suppress the instability of superelastic deformation. The stability analysis of superelastic deformation allows one to formulate design principles of adaptive composites with controlled stress–strain hysteresis and potentially large reversible deformation.
Effect of Low‐Level Radiation on the Proteolytic Activity of Bacteria in Oysters

SUMMARY— Ten species of bacteria which survived low-dose gamma radiation were isolated from fresh Gulf oysters and identified. The effects of radiation on the proteolytic activity of these bacteria were studied. Irradiation at 0.2–0.3 Mrad reduced proteolytic activity of the bacteria considerably. Reduction of proteolysis was significantly correlated with a decrease in bacterial numbers produced by irradiation.
Generating and maintaining cooperation in international relations: A model of repeated interaction among groups in complex and uncertain situations

One important change in the Post Cold War international landscape is the emergence of a number of reconstituted nation‐states. Because of significant and continuing domestic political change, economic volatility, “newness” of bureaucratic institutions, factional divisions, and unstable leadership, the behavior of reconstituted nation‐states is volatile, uncertain, and difficult to predict. This creates a more complex and difficult decision environment for both established and reconstituted nation‐states and makes the task of generating and maintaining cooperative security regimes more problematic. Can established nation‐states develop stable cooperative relationships with reconstituted nation‐states? Can they maintain established cooperative security regimes? To address these questions, the relations between established and reconstituted nation‐states are modeled as a repeated coordination problem (a mutual fate control game) where nation‐states are represented as groups that employ adaptive decision rule...
On the stability of tunnels under gravity loading, with post-peak softening of the ground

Abstract The stability of a circular tunnel in an elasto-plastic (brittle) material subjected to gravitational loading is studied by considering the occurrence of a minimum in the ground reaction curve (i.e. the characteristic load-deformation curve for the opening). The relations between the gravitational load and the post-peak load strength of the material are expressed in the form of limit-depth charts, i.e. dimensionless graphical representations that allow a direct assessment of the stability conditions. The analysis is extended to the face of the tunnel where the 3-D problem is treated analytically under certain restrictive assumptions. Practical examples illustrating the use of the charts for shallow tunnels in weak material and for deep tunnels in hard rock are presented.
Influence of Mo on the Epitaxial Crystallization of Silicon

The influence of Mo atoms on the solid phase epitaxial crystallization of amorphous silicon layers on (100) and (111) Si substrates has been studied by RBS/channeling and cross-sectional TEM. For this purpose, Mo doped amorphous surface layers were produced by low temperature 180 keV Mo{sup +} ion implantation with different doses. Mo is observed to cause enhanced crystallization rates for both (100) and (111) substrates, compared to literature data on pure amorphous silicon. Similar to pure Si, recrystallization in directions is much faster than in directions, where two different velocities are found. For (111) substrates, the formation of thick, uniformly twinned layers is observed. Annealing for several hours at 550 C does not lead to detectable changes of the Mo depth distribution, but for high doses the formation of hexagonal MoSi{sub 2} precipitates is observed.
High Resolution Krylov Space 3-D Wavenumber-Frequency Analysis

Driven by the need for identifying the presence of flow noise components in a towed volumetric acoustic array, methodologies are developed for high resolution 3-dimensional (3-D) wavenumber-frequency (k-f) analysis based on Krylov space techniques. These methods are applied to actual noise data from a sea trial. The experimental results indicate that the Krylov-based method outperforms conventional approaches and provides efficient and effective solutions to k-f analysis.
Tunable microwave coupler buried in low-temperature co-fired ceramic

This paper outlines a method of tuning a microwave broadside coupler buried in low-temperature co-fired ceramic. Etching a slot in the exposed ground plane tunes the characteristic impedance Z/sub 0/ of a stripline coupler. An iterative method computes the correct dimensions of the slot. Applying the method salvages microwave circuits detuned due to manufacturing tolerances.
Scleroderma and pulmonary hypertension

Patients with scleroderma are at increased risk for the development of pulmonary hypertension, and the development of unexplained dyspnea or an isolated decrease in diffusing capacity should prompt evaluation. Echocardiography is often helpful in this situation, with further testing being performed as indicated. Because the prognosis of untreated pulmonary hypertension occurring in the setting of scleroderma is generally quite poor, vigilance is required on the part of physicians following this "at risk" group of patients. The past decade has seen important advances in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, including intravenous epoprostenol, oral bosentan and subcutaneously infused treprostinil. As new therapies are developed for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is essential that patients with scleroderma-related disease are included in clinical trials.
Estimation of Linear and Nonlinear Errors-in-Variables Models Using Validation Data

Abstract Consistent estimators for linear and nonlinear regression models with measurement errors in variables in the presence of validation data are proposed. The estimation procedures are based on least squares methods with regression functions replaced by wide-sense conditional expectation functions. The methods do not depend on distributional assumptions and are robust against the misspecification of a measurement error model. They are computationally and analytically simpler than semiparametric methods based on nonparametric regression or density functions.
A rotationally resolved phosphorescence excitation spectrum of the lowest triplet state of pyrazine

Abstract Resolved rotational structure has been observed in the T 1 ←S 0 phosphorescence excitation spectrum of pyrazine, recorded in the collision-free environment of a supersonic jet, and analyzed based on well-defined selection rules derived from the known radiative properties of the lowest triplet state in the condensed phase.
The construction of woman in three popular texts of empire: Towards a critique of materialist feminism

(1989). The construction of woman in three popular texts of empire: Towards a critique of materialist feminism. Textual Practice: Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 323-359.
PERSISTENCE OF ABNORMAL CHLORIDE ION PERMEABILITY IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS NASAL EPITHELIAL CELLS IN HETEROLOGOUS CULTURE

Epithelial cells from normal human nasal turbinate and cystic fibrosis (CF) nasal polyps were isolated and inoculated in denuded, heterologous tracheal grafts that were implanted in immunocompromised mice. After three weeks, 22% of grafts were repopulated by the cell inoculum and exhibited bioelectric manifestations of ion transport. Compared with normal cells, grafts repopulated with CF cells retained bioelectric responses that reflect reduced cellular permeability to chloride ions (Cl-): (1) greater inhibition of short circuit current (Isc) when exposed to amiloride, (2) reduced Cl- diffusion potential difference, and (3) failure of isoprenaline (isoproterenol) to increase Isc. These observations suggest that the Cl- permeability defect of CF respiratory epithelial cells is preserved in heterologous culture, and is intrinsic to cells rather than secondary to local or circulating mediators.
The Spectrum of Statin Therapy in Cancer Patients: Is There a Need for Further Investigation?

Although our understanding of the relationship between cancer and statin use continues to improve, it remains a complex association requiring further research focusing on both biologic and clinical end points in a wide range of patient populations. To date, most of the published results are from observational studies detailing the risk of incident cancers or from randomized controlled trials with cardiovascular primary end points and cancer only as a secondary end point. Although there is certainly great value in the information obtained from observational studies, they cannot prove a causal link between statins and cancer, and it would then seem appropriate to design and implement clinical trials. Such studies should consider three main end products of the mevalonate pathway (cholesterol, geranyl pyrophosphate, and farnesyl pyrophosphate) from a mechanistic perspective, as well as the potential for cancer cell mediation with statin use, in addition to pertinent clinical end points including cancer incidence and mortality.