cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Severity of Drug Interactions Before and After Switching Antiretroviral Therapy to Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide in Treatment-Experienced Patients.

Background Switching antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people with HIV (PWH) can influence their risk for drug-drug interactions (DDIs). The purpose of this study was to assess changes in the incidence and severity of DDIs among PWH who switched their ART to bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF). Methods This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of PWH on ART and at least 1 concomitant medication (CM) who switched to BIC/FTC/TAF between 3/2018 and 6/2019. Using the University of Liverpool's HIV Drug Interaction Database, 2 DDI analyses were performed for each patient. The first assessed patients' preswitch ART regimens with their CM list. The second assessed the same CM list with BIC/FTC/TAF. Each ART-CM combination was given a score of 0 (no or potential weak interaction), 1 (potential interaction), or 2 (contraindicated interaction). A paired t test analyzed changes in total DDI scores following ART switches, and linear regression examined factors contributing to DDI score reductions. Results Among 411 patients, 236 (57%) had at least 1 DDI present at baseline. On average, baseline DDI scores (SD) were 1.4 (1.8) and decreased by 1 point (95% CI, -1.1 to -0.8) after patients switched to BIC/FTC/TAF (P < .0001). After adjusting for demographics, baseline ART, and CM categories, switching to BIC/FTC/TAF led to significant DDI score reductions in patients receiving CMs for cardiovascular disease, neurologic/psychiatric disorders, chronic pain, inflammation, gastrointestinal/urologic conditions, and conditions requiring hormonal therapy. Conclusions Treatment-experienced PWH eligible to switch their ART may experience significant declines in number and severity of DDIs if switched to BIC/FTC/TAF.
Two Patients with Niemann Pick Disease Type C Diagnosed in the Seventh Decade of Life

Author(s): Wu, Melanie; Ceponiene, Rita; Bayram, Ece; Litvan, Irene | Abstract: BackgroundNiemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare, autosomal recessive lysosomal lipid storage disorder. It may present with cerebellar ataxia, vertical supranuclear gaze palsy, and cognitive impairment, and the age of symptom onset in adult-onset NPC is usually earlier than the fourth decade.CasesWe present 2 patients with adult-onset NPC diagnosed in the seventh decade of life. The slow motor progression and subtle findings of supranuclear vertical gaze palsy and ataxia can lead to a delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis with parkinsonian disorders, particularly progressive supranuclear palsy.ConclusionThis report highlights and differentiates key clinical characteristics between NPC and parkinsonian disorders. It is important to consider NPC in the differential diagnosis when patients present with slowed vertical saccades, vertical supranuclear gaze palsy, ataxia, and cognitive impairment present at any age. This will allow appropriate and prompt treatment with miglustat and novel experimental therapies.
Managing Significant Loss of Skin and Nipple Compromise in Breast Reductions

Close to 8.7% of patients undergoing a breast reduction surgery will experience a complication. Skin necrosis, nipple-areolar complex necrosis, and fat necrosis are uncommon complications after reduction mammaplasty but can significantly impact morbidity as well as outcomes, thus negatively affecting patient satisfaction.
Ratcheting in structural adhesives

Abstract When adhesively bonded joints are subjected to a cyclic load, they will primarily behave viscoelastically. Under certain loading conditions, they can also experience permanent deformation, or ratcheting. This research considered loading conditions that result in ratcheting for a toughened and standard adhesive in scarf joint coupons. Adhesive strain was measured using edge mounted resistance strain gages that was verified with digital image correlation. At low stress levels both adhesives exhibited a purely viscoelastic response. At high stress levels, the standard adhesive exhibited a viscoelastic response in tension-tension and a ratcheting response under reversed loading. At high stress levels the toughened adhesive exhibited ratcheting during tension-tension and reversed loading with higher ratcheting strain in tests that involved reversed loading. Enhanced ratcheting during reversed loading is consistent with a kinematic hardening response, which these adhesives have been shown to follow.
Associations of Novel Lifestyle- and Whole Foods-Based Inflammation Scores with Incident Colorectal Cancer Among Women.

BACKGROUND Chronic inflammation, associated with lifestyle and dietary factors, may contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis. To address this, we investigated associations of previously validated, inflammation biomarker panel-weighted, novel, 4-component lifestyle (LIS) and 19-component predominately whole foods-based dietary (DIS) inflammation scores with incident colorectal cancer (CRC) in the prospective Iowa Women's Health Study (IWHS; 1986-2012; n = 34,254, of whom 1,632 developed CRC). METHODS We applied the published scores' components' weights, summed the weighted components to constitute the scores (higher scores reflect a higher balance of pro-inflammatory exposures), and investigated LIS- and DIS-CRC associations using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS The multivariable-adjusted hazards ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CRC among participants in the highest relative to the lowest LIS and DIS quintiles were 1.47 (1.26, 1.72; Ptrend < 0.01) and 1.07 (0.91, 1.25; Ptrend = 0.22), respectively. The corresponding findings for distal colon cancers were HR 1.78 (1.29, 2.47) and HR 1.34 (0.98, 1.84), respectively. Among those in the highest relative to the lowest joint LIS/DIS quintile, the HR for CRC was 1.60 (95% CI 1.30, 1.98). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that a more pro-inflammatory lifestyle, alone and jointly with a more pro-inflammatory diet, may be associated with higher CRC risk.
Context-Dependent Effect of Dietary Phytochemicals on Honey Bees Exposed to a Pesticide, Thiamethoxam

Honey bees continue to face challenges relating to the degradation of natural flowering habitats that limit their access to diverse floral resources. While it is known that nectar and pollen provide macronutrients, flowers also contain secondary metabolites (phytochemicals) that impart benefits including increased longevity, improved gut microbiome abundance, and pathogen tolerance. Our study aims to understand the role of phytochemicals in pesticide tolerance when worker bees were fed with sublethal doses (1 ppb and 10 ppb) of thiamethoxam (TMX), a neonicotinoid, in 20% (w/v) sugar solution supplemented with 25 ppm of phytochemicals-caffeine, kaempferol, gallic acid, or p-coumaric acid, previously shown to have beneficial impacts on bee health. The effect of phytochemical supplementation during pesticide exposure was context-dependent. With 1 ppb TMX, phytochemical supplementation increased longevity but at 10 ppb TMX, longevity was reduced suggesting a negative synergistic effect. Phytochemicals mixed with 1 ppb TMX increased mortality in bees of the forager-age group but with 10 ppb TMX, mortality of the inhive-age group increased, implying the possibility of accumulation effect in lower sublethal doses. Given that the phytochemical composition of pollen and nectar varies between plant species, we suggest that the negative impacts of agrochemicals on honey bees could vary based on the phytochemicals in pollen and nectar of that crop, and hence the effects may vary across crops. Analyzing the phytochemical composition for individual crops may be a necessary first step prior to determining the appropriate dosage of agrochemicals so that harm to bees Apis mellifera L. is minimized while crop pests are effectively controlled.
Recent developments in asthma research, diagnosis, and treatment

Asthma is a clinical syndrome that typically consists of increased airway hyperresponsiveness and recurrent episodes of airway obstruction and inflammation with subsequent remodeling. As one of the most common conditions seen in the primary care setting, asthma is of great interest to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC recently revealed that the prevalence of asthma between 2001 and 2009 increased in the US population from 7.3% (20.3 million individuals) to 8.2% (24.6 million individuals), representing a 12.3% increase.1 In addition, the CDC reported that individuals with low economic means are most commonly affected by asthma. The CDC further found that only 34.2% of persons with asthma reported that they had been given a written action plan by their health–care providers, and 68.1% of persons with asthma said they had been educated on the proper steps to take during an asthma attack.1
Generation of Synthetic FRP Microstructures Based on Experimentally Observed Microstructures

One of the key defects in composite materials is the large variability in mechanical properties. To capture the variability of strength in FRPs, random microstructures have to be analyzed. Developing a realistic model for generation of random microstructures required first imaging a carbon reinforced epoxy and then quantifying prominent microstructural features. Microstructures were synthetically generated including experimentally observed microstructural features such as elliptical fibers, alignment fibers, voids, and resin seams. Material periodicity of microstructures was considered to facilitate the application of displacement periodic boundary condition for later finite element analysis.
A Journey from Science through Systems Science in Pursuit of Change

This article traces my attempts to come to grips with the problem of change. Systems science deals with general principles, but, as with science in general, is wedded to mechanistic models. Natural systems are not machines, are generative, and can change unpredictably. An example is given showing that explicit dynamical models are subverted by the present moment, which is non-existent in them. This moment can be modeled by a compositional hierarchy, but no change happens therein. Subsumptive hierarchies can serve as metaperspectives on change, modeling stages of development. The Second Law of thermodynamics provides the motivation for development, which can be modeled generally using thermodynamic and information theoretic (infodynamic) concepts. Development is progressive change, constitutive of different systems, and goes from vagueness toward increasingly more definite embodiment, ending up in senescence, which derives from information overload. While becoming increasingly burdened with information, th...
Inactivation of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Apple Juice and Apple Cider, Using Pulsed Light Treatment

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed light (PL) treatment for the inactivation of Escherichia coli in liquids with different levels of clarity. Nonpathogenic E. coli ATCC 25922 and pathogenic E. coli O157: H7 were used as challenge organisms. Butterfield's phosphate buffer (BPB), tryptic soy broth (TSB), apple juice, and apple cider were used as substrates. The inoculated liquids were placed in a thin layer (1.3 mm) into glass chambers (23 by 53 by 11 mm) and exposed to PL doses of up to 13.1 J/cm2. PL treatments were performed in a Xenon RS-3000C PL unit, both in static mode and under turbulence. Survivors were determined by standard plate counting or the most-probable-number technique. For static treatments, reduction levels exceeding 8.5 log were obtained in BPB for all strains and reduction levels of about 3.5 log were obtained in TSB. For apple juice, inactivation levels of 2.66 +/- 0.10 log were obtained for E. coli ATCC 25922 and 2.52 +/- 0.19 log for E. coli O157:H7. In cider, inactivation levels of 2.32 +/- 0.16 log and 3.22 +/- 0.29 log were obtained for the nonpathogenic and pathogenic strains, respectively. Inactivation kinetics was characterized using the Weibull model. Turbulent treatments resulted in 5.76 +/- 0.06 log reduction in cider and 7.15 +/- 0.22 log reduction in juice, which satisfies the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirement of 5-log reduction of E. coli. These results show promise for the use of PL for the effective reduction of E. coli in apple juice and cider.
Heart rate variability in conscious neonatal swine: spectral features and responses to short-term intermittent hypoxia.

Spectral analysis of the cardiac time series has been used as a tool for assessing levels of parasympathetic and sympathetic modulation of the sinoatrial node. In the present investigation we evaluated daily changes in heart rate variability spectra in conscious neonatal piglets that were either neurally intact (n = 5) or had undergone right stellate ganglionectomy (n = 5). The partial stellectomized animals and their intact litter mates were exposed to four days of intermittent hypoxia, each day comprising nine episodes of hypoxia alternating with nine episodes of normoxia. A time control group (n = 7) comprised animals from different litters that were not exposed to intermittent hypoxia. We hypothesized that exposure to intermittent hypoxia would increase sympathetic efferent neuronal modulation of heart rate variability spectra in neurally intact animals and in those with right stellate ganglionectomy, and that his effect would be observed in heart rate variability spectra computed from baseline recordings. Overall, heart rate variability spectra during baseline conditions were dominated by high frequency activity, a reflection of parasympathetic efferent neuronal innervation and linkage to the ventilatory cycle manifested as respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Exposure to intermittent hypoxia did not alter daily baseline spectral features that would indicate an increase of sympathetic cardiac activity: low frequency (0.05 – 0.15 Hz) activity was unaffected and the ratio of low- to -high frequency activity remained less than unity indicating a predominance of high frequency activity. The resultant spectra were remarkably similar despite differences in cardiac sympathetic efferent neuronal innervation and experimental treatment. When spectra were computed from cardiac time series during representative hypoxic episodes, significant increases in activity across the low frequency region (0.05 – 0.15 Hz) of heart rate variability spectra were noted and were comparable in neurally intact animals and in those with right stellate ganglionectomy. The findings of this investigation provided important information regarding sympathetic efferent neuronal innervation of the heart during the neonatal period. Both neurally intact animals and those with right stellate ganglionectomy had equivalent increases of activity in the low frequency region of heart rate variability spectra during hypoxic stimulation. Such a finding demonstrated the capability of residual cardiac sympathetic neuronal innervation to affect functionally appropriate changes in cardiac chronotropy.
3‐Cyano‐6‐Methyl‐2(1)‐Pyridone

3-Cyano-6-methyl-2(1)-pyridone product: 3-cyano-6-methyl-2(1)-pyridone Keywords: annulation, heterocyclic-[6]; condensation, ester-ketone condensations; cyclization, condensation; acetone; sodium methoxide, powdered; capillary, sealed
Impact of rheumatoid arthritis on receiving a diagnosis of hypertension among patients with regular primary care.

Objective Despite numerous studies reporting increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the impact of RA on managing modifiable CVD risk factors remains understudied. We tested the hypothesis that RA is a risk factor for not receiving a hypertension diagnosis. Methods Using a cohort design, we studied adult patients with and without RA/inflammatory arthritis from a large academic multispecialty practice. All were seen regularly in primary care and met clinical guideline hypertension criteria, but lacked prior hypertension diagnosis/treatment. The primary outcome was time to International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code for hypertension or elevated blood pressure, or antihypertensive medication prescription. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to examine the impact of RA on diagnosis of hypertension. Results Among 14,974 patients with undiagnosed hypertension, 201 patients had RA codes. RA patients had equivalent primary care visits and more total visits compared to patients without RA. At the end of the study, the likelihood of hypertension diagnosis was 36% in RA patients compared to 51% in patients without RA. In adjusted Cox models, RA patients had a 29% lower hypertension diagnosis hazard (hazard ratio 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.55–0.93), reflecting more undiagnosed hypertension than with other comorbidities. Conclusion Among patients meeting guideline-based hypertension criteria, RA patients were less likely to be diagnosed despite more visits than those without RA. Given heightened CVD risks in RA and the importance of hypertension diagnosis as a first step toward controlling risk, rheumatologists should collaborate to improve rates of diagnosis for this modifiable CVD risk factor.
c-Jun Amino-terminal Kinase Is Regulated by Gα12/Gα13 and Obligate for Differentiation of P19 Embryonal Carcinoma Cells by Retinoic Acid

Retinoic acid induces P19 mouse embryonal carcinoma cells to differentiate to endoderm and increases expression of the heterotrimeric G-protein subunits Gα12 and Gα13. Retinoic acid was found to induce differentiation and sustained activation of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase, but not of ERK1,2 or of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases. Much like retinoic acid, expression of constitutively active forms of Gα12and Gα13 induced differentiation and constitutive activation of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase. Expression of the dominant negative form of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase 1 blocked both the activation of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase and the induction of endodermal differentiation in the presence of retinoic acid. These data implicate c-Jun amino-terminal kinase as a downstream element of activation of Gα12 or Gα13 obligate for retinoic acid-induced differentiation.
Short, strong hydrogen bonds at the active site of human acetylcholinesterase: proton NMR studies.

Cholinesterases use a Glu−His−Ser catalytic triad to enhance the nucleophilicity of the catalytic serine. We have previously shown by proton NMR that horse serum butyryl cholinesterase, like serine proteases, forms a short, strong hydrogen bond (SSHB) between the Glu−His pair upon binding mechanism-based inhibitors, which form tetrahedral adducts, analogous to the tetrahedral intermediates in catalysis [Viragh, C., et al. (2000) Biochemistry 39, 16200−16205]. We now extend these studies to human acetylcholinesterase, a 136 kDa homodimer. The free enzyme at pH 7.5 shows a proton resonance at 14.4 ppm assigned to an imidazole NH of the active-site histidine, but no deshielded proton resonances between 15 and 21 ppm. Addition of a 3-fold excess of the mechanism-based inhibitor m-(N,N,N-trimethylammonio)trifluoroacetophenone (TMTFA) induced the complete loss of the 14.4 ppm signal and the appearance of a broad, deshielded resonance of equal intensity with a chemical shift δ of 17.8 ppm and a D/H fractionation...
Resin transfer molding process optimization using numerical simulation and design of experiments approach

The art of resin transfer molding (RTM) process optimization requires a clear understanding of how the process performance is affected by variations in some important process parameters. In this paper, maximum pressure and mold filling time of the RTM process are considered as characteristics of the process performance to evaluate the process design. The five process parameters taken into consideration are flow rate, fiber volume fraction, number of gates, gate location, and number of vents. An integrated methodology was proposed to investigate the effects of process parameters on maximum pressure and mold filling time and to find the optimum processing conditions. The method combines numerical simulation and design of experiments (DOE) approach and is applied to process design for a cylindrical composite part. Using RTM simulation, a series of numerical experiments were conducted to predict maximum pressure and mold filling time of the RTM process. A half-fractional factorial design was conducted to identify the significant factors in the RTM process. Furthermore, the empirical models and sensitivity coefficients for maximum pressure and mold filling time were developed. Comparatively close agreements were found among the empirical approximations, numerical simulations, and actual experiments. These results were further utilized to find the optimal processing conditions for the example part.
The role of rehearsal and generation in false memory creation.

The current research investigated one possible mechanism underlying false memories in the Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) paradigm. In the DRM paradigm, participants who study lists of related words (e.g., “table, sitting, bench …”) frequently report detailed memories for the centrally related but non-presented critical lure (e.g., “chair”). One possibility is that participants covertly call to mind the critical non-presented lure during the study phase, and later misattribute memory for this internally generated event to its external presentation. To investigate this, the DRM paradigm was modified to allow collection of on-line thoughts during the study phase. False recognition increased following generation during study. False recognition also increased following study of longer lists; this effect was partially explained by the fact that longer lists were more likely to elicit generations of the critical lure during study. Generation of the lure during study contributes to later false recognition, althou...
Probing an Extrasolar Planet

With about 3000 known and candidate planets, and the pace of discovery increasing, the era of exoplanets is well into its golden age. Discoveries by the Kepler mission and numerous ground-based surveys have spawned statistical surveys of bulk planet occurrence rates, masses, and sizes, and provide insight into planet formation processes. However, the gold standard for exoplanet characterization—spectra of light that has interacted with a planet's atmosphere—remains elusive. Reliable spectra have been obtained for only a handful of planets, either at low spectral resolution or over narrow wavelength ranges. More numerous broadband photometric observations seldom uniquely identify specific atmospheric constituents, and such data are usually open to multiple interpretations. On page 1398 of this issue, Konopacky et al. ( 1 ) report the highest-quality spectrum yet obtained for any extrasolar planet, providing firm constraints on the atmospheric composition of the directly imaged young gas giant planet HR 8799c.
A three-factor model of trait anger: dimensions of affect, behavior, and cognition.

The structure of trait anger was tested in a study of 24 self-report scales. Exploratory factor analyses in an undergraduate sample (N= 457) yielded a two-factor model (comprising cynicism and aggression) and a three-factor model (representing angry emotions, aggressive behaviors, and cynicism). Subsequent evaluations, including confirmatory factor analyses, indicated that the three-factor model provided the best characterization of the trait anger domain. The three-factor solution was consistent with an ‘ABC’ conceptualization of trait anger, consisting of the dimensions of affect, behavior, and cognition. The three factors showed strikingly different associations with the Big Five personality traits. Angry Affect was most strongly related to Neuroticism, whereas Behavioral Aggression was associated with low Agreeableness. Cynical Cognition represented a blend of neurotic and disagreeable characteristics. Modest mean-level differences were observed between the genders for each factor.
Decreased septal-forebrain and lateral hypothalamic reward after alpha methyl-p-tyrosine

Abstract Twelve rats were trained to respond for rewarding electrical brain stimulation to either the lateral hypothalamus (LH) or septal-forebrain (SF) using a rate-free measure. Administration of DL-α-methyl-p-tyrosine produced a dose-dependent decrease in responding for stimulation at both sites. The magnitude of this decrease was additionally found to be dependent upon both electrode placement and the current intensity of stimulation. DL-p-chlorophenylalanine did not produce any significant changes in performance. These results are consistent with a hypothesis of noradrenergic basis of reward despite the reported behavioral and other differences accompanying self-stimulation of LH and SF in bar-pressing situations.
How to Explore Timing of Intervention for Students at Risk of Departure.

Many existing studies have failed to address issues related to the timing of student departure from college. This chapter proposes event history modeling to assess when students depart.
Sexual Violence, Disidentification, and Long-Term Trauma Recovery: A Process-Oriented Case Study Analysis

Psychotherapy for survivors of sexual assault often focuses on recovery from acute posttraumatic stress symptoms. Little research has investigated treatments conducted when an asymptomatic patient seeks treatment for a traumatic event that occurred many years prior to starting therapy. This study draws on current literatures about rape recovery to frame the case history of Michelle, a 30-year-old woman who was raped at age 17. Using Herman's trauma theory, Kohut's self-psychology, and feminist social science research about gendered violence, this case study illustrates the complicated dimensions of “trauma bonds,” whereby rape survivors harbor positive feelings toward their rapists. Using detailed transcripts from the 50-week treatment, this study illustrates clinical strategies for helping a rape survivor move from intellectualizing and distancing to emotional connection, acceptance, and recovery. Particular attention is paid to Michelle's identification with her perpetrator and the clinical implications...
Endothelin-1 during and after cardiopulmonary bypass: association to graft sensitivity and postoperative recovery.

Abstract Objective: Our objectives are 2-fold: (1) to serially measure the release of endothelin and graft-conduit endothelin sensitivity during and after coronary artery bypass grafting and (2) to define potential relationships of changes in endothelin levels to perioperative parameters. Methods : Endothelin plasma content was measured in patients (n = 105) undergoing bypass grafting from select vascular compartments before operations and at specific intervals up to 24 hours postoperatively. Endothelin sensitivity was determined in isolated internal thoracic artery segments. Results: Systemic arterial and pulmonary arterial endothelin levels were increased by approximately 50% immediately after bypass grafting and increased by another 85% during the first 24 hours postoperatively. Endothelin levels were highest in patients with prolonged ventilatory requirements and extended stays in the intensive care unit (10.2 ± 0.8 vs 13.2 ± 1.1 fmol/mL, P =.02, and 9.8 ± 0.7 vs 13.9 ± 1.2 fmol/mL, P =.01, respectively. Endothelin sensitivity of the internal thoracic artery was increased in patients requiring prolonged vasodilator support with nitroglycerin. Conclusions : Systemic and pulmonary arterial endothelin levels remained increased for at least 24 hours postoperatively. Prolonged pharmacologic management and increased intensive care unit stay were associated with increased systemic endothelin release and heightened graft-conduit sensitivity to endothelin. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001;122:358-64
A protocol for validating models of the cyclic undulation of thermally grown oxides

Abstract The thermally grown oxide (TGO) that forms on certain alloys elongates and distorts in the vicinity of surface imperfections. Codes that simulate these effects exist. To conduct calculations, many input parameters are required, complicating validation. A suitable protocol is devised and demonstrated in this study by using a system with a Ni(Pt)–aluminide bond coat. It involves measurements of shape changes that occur upon thermal cycling, starting from well-defined initial imperfections. It also incorporates independent measurements and calibrations of such parameters as phase transformation temperatures and strains and bond coat swelling rates. The assessment is conducted for three different types of imperfection (artificial grooves, grain boundary grooves and intra-grain undulations) to demonstrate that the shape changes can be predicted in a consistent manner. While the validation has re-affirmed that all parameters interact in a highly non-linear manner, nevertheless, it is found that the parameter having the single-most effect on undulation is the martensite transformation occurring in the bond coat.
The normed-linear-space-causality approach to stability

The normed-linear-space-causality approach to feedback system stability is contrasted with the extended-normed-linear-space approach. It is argued that the definition developed here is intuitive and natural. Simple, familiar examples support this contention. The authors favor this approach for two fundamental reasons: (1) the mathematical framework for stability questions is consistent with that for other system questions and (2) the mathematical formulation is simpler.
Glassmelting in 2004

Abstract Throughout its long history, glassmaking has been a healthy field of human activity and there is no reason to doubt that this will also be true in 2004. It can be expected that glassmelting will approach the stage of sophisticated simplicity and full controllability. A high degree of integration of experimental research and industrial practice will be accomplished by progress in theoretical analysis and mathematical modeling. Hopefully, this development will be backed at universities by a high level of education in glass engineering.
Woozles: Their role in custody law reform, parenting plans, and family court.

In the international debates on custody law reform and in individual custody decisions in families and in courts worldwide, social science research is often misused and abused. In this article I describe the process by which data can become distorted in ways that steer policymakers, family court personnel, and parents off course in regard to child custody decisions. I illustrate this process with a recent study that has garnered international attention and influence. One of the most complex and controversial issues confronting the family court system, divorcing parents, and legislative bodies is: When parents separate, what is best for children in terms of how much time they should live with each parent? When do children benefit most from living primarily with one parent or from living with two parents more equally? Under what circumstances is spending frequent overnight time in their father's care not bene- ficial for children, especially for infants and preschoolers? Given the wide range of circumstances that can affect family dynamics and children's well-being, how can it be determined which over- night parenting plans are best for children? At the legislative level the question becomes: How should custody laws be revised to better meet the needs of children in contemporary families? The debates over questions such as these become especially controver- sial and heated when the children involved are infants or children under the age of 5 years. Decisions on these policy issues can benefit from social science research, if the research is methodologically sound and properly applied. The purpose of this article is not to advocate for any particular parenting plan or to present the research on shared parenting custody controversies. Rather it is to describe the way in which social science data can be used to steer policymakers, family court personnel, and parents off course in regard to parenting plans and custody law reform—and to illustrate this process with a recent study that has garnered international attention in regard to parenting plans for infants and other children 4-years-old and younger. The aim is to answer two questions: How can social science data be used to "woozle" us into believing things that are not true or that are only partially true? Is there any study that illustrates the process and the impact of woozling with regard to parenting plans or custody law reform for infants and preschool- ers?
Enantiospecific synthesis of (−)-d-noviose from (−)-pantolactone

Abstract Noviose, the rare sugar moiety present in novobiocin, is an important antimicrobial and antitumor agent that has been shown to inhibit DNA gyrase and HSP90. An enantiospecific synthesis of d -(−)-noviose starting from commercially available (−)-pantolactone is reported.
Retinal Microvascular Abnormalities Predict Progression of Brain Microvascular Disease An Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Background and Purpose—Brain microvascular disease leads to leukoaraiosis and lacunar infarcts and contributes to risk of stroke and cognitive decline. Given a shared pathophysiology, retinal microvascular signs are expected to predict brain microvascular disease progression. We investigated if either leukoaraiosis volume progression measured continuously or combined with incident lacunar infarcts would better demonstrate expected associations with retinal disease than has previously been shown. Methods—Eight hundred thirty participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study aged ≥55 years and without previous stroke received an initial brain magnetic resonance imaging, retinal photography, and, 10 years later, a follow up magnetic resonance imaging. We evaluated retinal vascular sign phenotypes as predictors of (1) leukoaraiosis volume increase, and (2) a new score combining leukoaraiosis volume change and incident lacunar infarcts. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were evaluated as co...
Direct drawing of gel fibers enabled by twist‐gel spinning process

A new twist-gel spinning process for ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers is demonstrated which significantly increases the extraction rate of nonvolatile spin solvent while simultaneously reducing the consumption of extraction solvent by more than 75%. Applying twist to the gel fiber enables it to be directly hot-drawn, allowing conventional solvent extraction to proceed significantly faster. While solvent extraction effectiveness is largely enhanced, the new process does not show reduced fiber properties. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, surface morphology, and geometry are relatively unaffected when compared to fibers produced using the conventional gel-spinning process. The new twist-gel spinning process is expected to improve the processing efficiency of gel-spun high-strength fibers, promoting broad expansion of these high performance fibers into applications that were previously prohibitive due to extremely slow production. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1389–1395, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Isoimmune Neonatal Neutropenia Due to a New Neutrophile-specific Antibody

Maternal isoimmunization to fetal leukocytes has been implicated in instances of neonatal neutropenia. However, leukoagglutinins often exist in pregnant women and are not associated with clinical symptomatology in the newborn. It has therefore been suggested that when neutropenia, sepsis, and maternal leukoagglutinins coexist, the latter are coincidental and the neutropenia is the result, and not the cause, of sepsis. A newborn infant, in whom sepsis was suspected, had almost complete absence of circulating polymorphonuclear neutrophiles, persisting for 5 weeks. An antibody was detected in the serum of both mother and infant which agglutinated the neutrophiles of the infant and father. It did not react with eosinophiles, lymphocytes, platelets, or with the mother's neutophiles. Two neutrophile-specific antigens have been described previously in association with neonatal neutropenia. Neutrophile typing of the family and unrelated donors demonstrates that this antibody is distinct and thus constitutes a third neutrophile-specific antigen. The more common leukoaglutinius which react with many types of cells may be benign, but antibodies specifically directed against neutrophiles may produce profound neutropenia and may thus predisposc the neonate to severe infection.
Effect of acetylcholine on changes in contractility, heart rate and phosphorylase activity produced by isoprenaline, salbutamol and amino-phylline in the perfused guinea-pig heart.

Abstract 1. Isolated perfused hearts of guinea-pigs were given graded doses of isoprenaline, salbutamol and aminophylline, both before and during acetylcholine infusion. 2. The three agonists produced increases in contractile force, heart rate and ventricular glycogen phosphorylase activity. 3. Acetylcholine, in the concentration used, had no effect on any of the measured variables but did antagonize the effects of the three agonists on contractility and phosphorylase activity. The positive chronotropic responses were unaltered by acetylcholine infusion. 4. The ratio of the dose required for a standard heart rate response to the dose producing a standard contractile force response was different for each agonist. 5. The selective antagonism of the contractile response to isoprenaline, salbutamol and aminophylline suggest that different mechanisms are involved in the initiation of positive inotropic and chronotropic responses.
Relaxin in the male.

Relaxin, a hormone usually associated with pregnancy, has been found in the semen plasma of many species. The prostate gland appears to be a source of relaxin. Relaxin stimulates sperm motility from suboptimal samples and increases sperm penetration into oocytes. Thus, relaxin may be an effective therapeutic agent in male infertility.
Interplay of Failure Rate, Performance, and Test Cost in TCAM under Process Variations

As process variations grow with technology scaling, failure rates increase and are predicted to be so high as to render devices unusable for computing domain. In order to continue to benefit from scaling, three dimensions can be explored: increasing operational margins, testing, and the resilience of applications. The solutions in each dimension bring out different trade-offs in yield, failure rate, test cost, and performance. We use a ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM) as a case study to better understand these trade-offs. We develop two new delay tests for TCAMs, and a new method to estimate yield, failure rate, test cost, and performance of TCAM under process variations when various tests are used. Our results show that with little test overhead and negligible yield loss, our new tests can significantly decrease the failure rates of TCAMs shipped to customers.
Apparent double alternation in the rat: A failure to replicate

Two groups of rats, run under odor-maximizing and odor-minimizing trial sequences, served as Ss in a three-phase study investigating the role of olfactory cues in the acquisition, extinction, and reacquisition of double-alternation patterning in the runway. The 104 acquisition trials and 8 extinction trials were run in an apparatus having hardware-cloth tops. The tops of the apparatus were covered by a transparent plastic sheet during the 32 reacquisition trials. During acquisition, double-alternation patterning failed to develop. However, significant extinction differences developed in the goal measure. During reacquisition, significant double-alternation patterning was shown by the odor-maximizing Ss. The results strongly suggest that the effective olfactory cues are airborne, and dissipate appreciably, but not completely, in the runway utilizing wire-mesh tops.
The Effect of Fear of Crime and Crime Victimization on Subjective Well-Being in Africa

A relatively limited number of studies have examined the effect of fear of crime and crime victimization on subjective well-being. This paper examines how fear of crime and crime victimization affect the well-being of people in Africa using data from the Round 4 of the Afrobarometer Surveys conducted in 20 countries. Consistent with the findings of previous studies, results from ordered probit and OLS regressions indicate that, each of fear of crime, theft victimization, and physical assault negatively influences well-being. In addition, the paper compares men and women on the basis of these effects, and finds that while fear of crime and theft victimization are significantly correlated with the well-being of women, neither has an effect on the well-being of men. However, physical assault significantly diminishes well-being for both men and women. The paper recommends that African governments pursue public policies that would improve labor market conditions, as lower unemployment could reduce crime, and increase well-being.
Factor analysis of the Appraisal of Self-care Agency Scale in American adults with diabetes mellitus.

Purpose The purpose of this methodological secondary data analysis study is to examine the reliability, construct validity, and dimensionality of the Appraisal of Self-care Agency Scale (ASAS) in an American sample of adults with diabetes mellitus. Methods The sample consisted of 141 insulin-requiring adults with diabetes mellitus recruited from a Diabetes Care Center in the southern United States. The ASAS, along with Hurley's Insulin Management Diabetes Self-efficacy and Insulin Management Diabetes Self-care Scales, was used in the study to determine convergent validity, thus contributing to the construct validity of the ASAS. Other data analysis consisted of internal consistency estimates of reliability, Pearson correlations, and factor analysis. Results The findings suggest that the ASAS consists of a single substantive dimension and has adequate construct validity and reliability. Conclusion Revision of certain items and conducting further analysis of the scale, prior to its adoption in clinical practice, should be considered.
Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate and guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate: concentrations in Morris hepatomas of different growth rates.

Abstract Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels were examined in Morris hepatoma explants in vivo . All eight tumor lines examined had significantly elevated cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP levels when compared to normal liver from tumor-bearing rats. No apparent correlation was observed between the rates of tumor growth and cyclic nucleotide levels; however, two tumor lines (3924A and 7288ctc) had very high levels of cyclic GMP.
Evidence for the Existence of the β-Endorphin-Sensitive “ε-Opioid Receptor” in the Brain: The Mechanisms of ε-Mediated Antinociception

Recently, mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors have been cloned and relatively well-characterized. In addition to three major opioid receptor types, more extensive studies have suggested the possible existence of other opioid receptor types that can be classified as non-mu, non-delta and non-kappa. Based upon anatomical and binding studies in the brain, the sensitive site for an endogenous opioid peptide, beta-endorphin, has been postulated to account for the unique characteristics of the opioid receptor defined as a putative epsilon-opioid receptor. Many epsilon-opioid receptors are functionally coupled to G-proteins. The functional epsilon-opioid receptors in the brain are stimulated by bremazocine and etorphine as well as beta-endorphin, but not by selective mu-, delta- or kappa-opioid receptor agonists. Epsilon-opioid receptor agonists injected into the brain produce profound antinociception. The brain sites most sensitive to epsilon-agonist-induced antinociception are located in the caudal medial medulla such as the nucleus raphe obscures, nucleus raphe pallidus and the adjacent midline reticular formation. The stimulation of epsilon-opioid receptors in the brain facilitates the descending enkephalinergic pathway, which probably originates from the brainstem terminating at the spinal cord. The endogenous opioid Met-enkephalin, released in the spinal cord by activation of supraspinal epsilon-opioid receptors, stimulates spinal delta2-opioid receptors for the production of antinociception. It is noteworthy that the epsilon-opioid receptor-mediated pain control system is different from that of other opioid systems. Although there appears to be no epsilon-selective ligand currently available, these findings provide strong evidence for the existence of the putative epsilon-opioid receptor and its unique function in the brain.
Optical absorption from polarons in a model of polyacetylene

We present a theoretical calculation, within a continuum electron-phonon-coupled model, of the optical absorption due to polarons in polyacetylene [${(\mathrm{CH})}_{x}$]. Our results can be applied to both trans- and cis-${(\mathrm{CH})}_{x}$, as well as potentially to other polymers (polypyroles, polyparaphenylenes) in which polarons are present. We establish that the essential signature of polaron absorption is the existence of three separate absorption peaks in the gap with qualitatively different features. For trans-${(\mathrm{CH})}_{x}$, we compare and contrast this structure with that from the kink solitons, which are expected to dominate the optical absorption at all but the lowest doping levels. For cis-${(\mathrm{CH})}_{x}$ and related polymers, we discuss polaron (and multipolaron) absorption and the relation of polarons to possible excitons in these materials. Finally, we evaluate briefly the existing experimental situation regarding optical absorption in polyacetylene and indicate possible future experiments that could confirm the existence of polarons in ${(\mathrm{CH})}_{x}$ and similar polymers.
Race and perceived pubertal transition effects on girls' depressive symptoms and delinquent behaviors.

Most past research on the effects of early pubertal timing on girls’ depressive symptoms and delinquent behavior has focused on either age of menarche or has combined multiple indicators of development into a single index of puberty. Past research has rarely examined both the onset of puberty such as age of menarche, as well more psychologically mediated impressions of puberty (i.e., perceived pubertal timing) within the same study. This study extends past research on racial differences and pubertal related effects on girls’ depressive symptoms and delinquent behavior by examining the independent influence of different indicators of puberty (age of menarche, development of breasts, and perceived pubertal timing). Two waves of data (100 % females) were used from African Americans (N = 481) and European Americans (N = 1259) who were enrolled in seventh- and eighth-grade during the first wave of data collection in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Early age of menarche was associated with high levels of depressive symptoms at Wave 1. Additionally, both early and late perceived pubertal timing were associated with high levels of depressive symptoms and high delinquent behaviors at Wave 1. The structural relationships among these variables were similar for African Americans and European Americans. Age of menarche and perceived pubertal timing influenced depressive symptoms and delinquent behavior at Wave 2 through depressive symptoms and delinquent behavior reported at Wave 1. The implications of these findings are discussed with an emphasis on how the specific indicator used to assess puberty is important in efforts to understand pubertal timing effects.