cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural Network Classifier for Automatic Detection of Invasive Versus Noninvasive Airway Management Technique Based on Respiratory Monitoring Parameters in a Pediatric Anesthesia

Children undergoing general anesthesia require airway monitoring by an anesthesia provider. The airway may be supported with noninvasive devices such as face mask or invasive devices such as a laryngeal mask airway or an endotracheal tube. The physiologic data stored provides an opportunity to apply machine learning algorithms distinguish between these modes based on pattern recognition. We retrieved three data sets from patients receiving general anesthesia in 2015 with either mask, laryngeal mask airway or endotracheal tube. Patients underwent myringotomy, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy or inguinal hernia repair procedures. We retrieved measurements for end-tidal carbon dioxide, tidal volume, and peak inspiratory pressure and calculated statistical features for each data element per patient. We applied machine learning algorithms (decision tree, support vector machine, and neural network) to classify patients into noninvasive or invasive airway device support. We identified 300 patients per group (mask, laryngeal mask airway, and endotracheal tube) for a total of 900 patients. The neural network classifier performed better than the boosted trees and support vector machine classifiers based on the test data sets. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for neural network classification are 97.5%, 96.3%, and 95.8%. In contrast, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of support vector machine are 89.1%, 92.3%, and 88.3% and with the boosted tree classifier they are 93.8%, 92.1%, and 91.4%. We describe a method to automatically distinguish between noninvasive and invasive airway device support in a pediatric surgical setting based on respiratory monitoring parameters. The results show that the neural network classifier algorithm can accurately classify noninvasive and invasive airway device support.
Dissection and Immunofluorescent Staining of Mushroom Body and Photoreceptor Neurons in Adult Drosophila melanogaster Brains

Nervous system development involves a sequential series of events that are coordinated by several signaling pathways and regulatory networks. Many of the proteins involved in these pathways are evolutionarily conserved between mammals and other eukaryotes, such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, suggesting that similar organizing principles exist during the development of these organisms. Importantly, Drosophila has been used extensively to identify cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating processes that are required in mammals including neurogenesis, differentiation, axonal guidance, and synaptogenesis. Flies have also been used successfully to model a variety of human neurodevelopmental diseases. Here we describe a protocol for the step-by-step microdissection, fixation, and immunofluorescent localization of proteins within the adult Drosophila brain. This protocol focuses on two example neuronal populations, mushroom body neurons and retinal photoreceptors, and includes optional steps to trace individual mushroom body neurons using Mosaic Analysis with a Repressible Cell Marker (MARCM) technique. Example data from both wild-type and mutant brains are shown along with a brief description of a scoring criteria for axonal guidance defects. While this protocol highlights two well-established antibodies for investigating the morphology of mushroom body and photoreceptor neurons, other Drosophila brain regions and the localization of proteins within other brain regions can also be investigated using this protocol.
Leveller Followers in London, the Army, and the Counties

Analysis of one hundred and forty London Leveller followers demonstrates the importance of peripheral urban neighbourhoods as the primary Leveller milieu. Many civilian Levellers were sectarians, especially General Baptists. Although a few urban Levellers were substantial men, many more were tradesmen or craftsmen of lesser means and without political status in the Corporation of London. Prosopographic analysis of New Model Army soldiers and officers who followed the Levellers also points to sectarianism as a critical element of their identities. The political experiences of army Levellers after 1649 reveal a continuing commitment to the principles of the Agreement of the People. The strongest non-metropolitan Leveller followings were in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Kent; and sectarianism was again a significant factor in producing local Leveller support.
Modeling Correlation Risk

Publisher Summary Interests in the design, trading, and risk management of correlation risk reflect a potential shortcoming of the traditional asset pricing models that assume that the amount of risk in the distribution of return of an asset is constant. The objective of this chapter is to present a convenient framework that a risk manager can utilize to estimate correlation risk and examine if such risk is priced in the market price of a secondary asset. If correlation risk does not matter, risk managers have one less risk. On the other hand, evidence of a significant impact of correlation risk on an asset requires that risk managers are able to estimate such risk parameters with precision and subsequently hedge this risk. Interests on correlation-dependent products reflect increasing appetite among investors and traders to design and trade next-generation derivative products whose payoffs are contingent upon the correlation between the underlying assets. Correlation risk refers to the change in the payoff from an asset when the correlation between the underlying assets is stochastic or uncertain. There are several potential mechanisms for the correlation risk to be transmitted from the underlying interest rates to the swap spreads.
Trends in American family size diversity

How diverse is American society and are Americans becoming more or less diverse? Contemporary discussions claim high and increasing diversity, but analyze few actual trends. This paper examines completed family size diversity from 1940 to 2000 by race and across US states. For all groups, regions and the USA as a whole, family size diversity decreased significantly, produced by a combination of fewer small and large families and a general decline in regionally-based differences. Both within and across states the diversity declined in two stages, but regional clusters of states followed different paths. A cluster of Southern Mountain states showed the greatest contrast. Between the 1940s and the early 1970s, a slight baby boom rise in diversity among homogeneous states, was counterbalanced by declining diversity in more diverse states. Black women in all states and white women in Mainstream and Other states showed similar trends during the baby boom years, while white women in the Southern Mountain states failed to show a baby boom increase in large families. For childbearing completed since 1975, regional patterns disappeared and both the range and level of diversity declined further. A national and essentially homogeneous culture of childbearing, initiated during the baby boom years and now facilitated by birth control and abortion, has settled in at below-replacement levels. While the possibility always exists that childbearing pattern might change, there is no current evidence to suggest movement away from this low and homogeneous fertility.
Finite Element Analysis of Cylindrical Shells under Concentrated Loading

The objective of the study was to determine the most appropriate support conditions for a reinforced concrete shell panel test specimen which will adequately reproduce internal forces and moments in a prototype cylindrical shell. The goal in the experiment is to investigate a punching shear failure in the vicinity of a concentrated load. For the analysis, four computer programs were employed, SHORE-III, two versions of RONALD, and ANSYS. The SHORE-III and RONALD (rotational) analyses considered a complete cantilevered cylinder, while the ANSYS (general) model treated a cylindrical panel free along the curved edges and constrained in various ways along the longitudinal edges. Comprehensive comparative results are provided for the linear elastic loading case, which indicate the magnitude and attenuation of concentrated loading effects on cylindrical shells and panels. Also, some selected results for the panel obtained from a high performance graphic package PATRAN/ANSYS are given.
Naturally occurring heterotopic pregnancy in a multiparous patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND Heterotopic pregnancy, or simultaneous intrauterine and extrauterine pregnancy, occurs rarely. Consequently, clinicians might not always consider a diagnosis of heterotopic pregnancy. Transvaginal ultrasound or other imaging modalities cannot be completely relied upon to exclude heterotopic pregnancy from the differential diagnosis of pregnant patients with abdominal pain. CASE A 32-year-old woman, G5 P3105, presented to the emergency room with acute onset of diffuse abdominal pain. Ultrasound demonstrated an approximately 8-week intrauterine pregnancy. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy for suspected torsion of a right ovarian cyst. Repeat exploratory laparotomy was required due to symptomatic anemia. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and right salpingo-oophorectomy. Pathology results demonstrated a right tubal ectopic pregnancy. CONCLUSION Surgical and medical options exist for heterotopic pregnancy management. Despite negative heterotopic pregnancy results for transvaginal ultrasound, the possibility of heterotopic pregnancy should remain within the differential diagnosis of any pregnant patient with either natural or assisted reproduction technology intrauterine pregnancy who presents with abdominal pain and/or clinical signs of ectopic pregnancy.
The Practical Calculation of the Aerodynamic Characteristics of Slender Finned Vehicles

The basic objective of this thesis is to provide a practical method of computing the aerodynamic characteristics of slender finned vehicles such as sounding rockets, high speed bombs, and guided missiles. The aerodynamic characteristics considered are the normal force coefficient derivative, c(sub N(sub alpha)); center of pressure, bar-X; roll forcing moment coefficient derivative, c(sub l(sub delta)); roll damping moment coefficient derivative, c(sub l(sub p)); pitch damping moment coefficient derivative, c(sub mq); and the drag coefficient, c (sub D). Equations are determined for both subsonic and supersonic flow. No attempts is made to analyze the transonic region. The general configuration to which the relations are applicable is a slender axisymmetric body having three or four fins.
Concentration-dependent effects of CSF1R inhibitors on oligodendrocyte progenitor cells ex vivo and in vivo.

Abstract Microglia are the principal resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and play important roles in CNS development, maintenance and repair. The survival and development of microglia depends on colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), a member of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) family of tyrosine kinases. Recently pharmacological CSF1R inhibition has been used to investigate the effects of microglial depletion in numerous animal models of CNS disease. However, the effects of CSF1R inhibitors on other cell types in the CNS remains incompletely characterized. In this report, we compared the effect of two commonly used CSF1R inhibitors, PLX5622 and PLX3397, on microglia and oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) numbers. In ex vivo cerebellar slices and adult mouse brain, both PLX compounds caused robust microglia loss; the kinetics of microglial depletion was more rapid with PLX5622. While high-doses of PLX5622 and PLX3397 reduced OPC number in primary cultures in vitro and ex vivo, low-doses of PLX5622 did not affect the number of OPCs or mature oligodendroglia in culture or in vivo. In adult mice, treatment with PLX5622 had no effect on OPC numbers for 7 days; however, a mild reduction was observed after 21 days in some CNS regions. In contrast, PLX3397 caused significant OPC loss after 7 days of treatment, despite only modest microglia depletion. Neither PLX compound had a remarkable effect on mature oligodendrocytes or myelin protein expression following long-term oral administration. Our results show that CSF1R inhibition with PLX5622 can selectively deplete microglia ex vivo and in vivo without affecting OPC number, demonstrating that microglia are not essential for OPC viability in ex vivo slice cultures or adult CNS tissues.
Spatial ecology of urban striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) in the Northern Great Plains: a framework for future oral rabies vaccination programs

Few studies have investigated the ecology of urban striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) despite their role as a primary rabies vector species paired with an ability to thrive in these landscapes. Information on home range, nightly movements, and habitat selection, is important for rabies management planning regarding the placement of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) baits and for management of skunk populations more generally. Our aim was to obtain baseline ecological information with an emphasis on spatial ecology of urban striped skunks in the Northern Great Plains region that is lacking in the literature. We used radio telemetry to track 22 (4 M, 18 F) skunks during September 2016 to November 2016 and March 2017 to November 2017. Size of home range using kernel density estimation with smoothing by least squares cross validation identified that male skunks ( $$ \overline{x} $$ = 4.36 km2, SE ± 0.79) had larger home ranges than females ( $$ \overline{x} $$ = 1.79 km2, SE ± 0.24). Female skunk home ranges varied by season with the largest home ranges detected during summer 2017. We found no evidence that use-availability was associated with habitat type or season among female skunks. Female skunks were more likely to be found closer to water; however, we found no association of use with road characteristics and geographic location within the study area. Targeting ORV efforts in areas near water may be warranted, but considering differences in habitat selection for skunk studies in urban areas, we caution that ORV baiting programs may not be one-size-fits-all, and a framework for effective bait placement would benefit from studies specific to the management area of interest.
Enhanced detection of tumour-secreted vesicles

Early-stage ovarian cancer can be detected in few-microlitre plasma samples via a microfluidic chip, patterned with nanoporous herringbone structures so as to enhance the capture of extracellular vesicles from the samples.
Analyzing Public Outlook towards Vaccination using Twitter

Educational programs about vaccination tend to target vaccine acceptance and reduction of hesitancy. Social media provides a promising platform for studying public perception regarding vaccination. In this study, we harvested tweets over a year related to vaccines from February 2018 to January 2019. We present a two-stage classifier to: (1) classify the tweets as relevant or non-relevant and (2) categorize them in terms of pro-vaccination, anti-vaccination, or neutral outlooks. We found that the classifier was able to distinguish clearly between antivaccination and pro-vaccination tweets, but also misclassified many of these as neutral. Using Latent Dirichlet Allocation, we found that two topics were sufficient to describe the corpus of tweets. These dealt with: (1) consequences of vaccination/non- vaccination, and (2) promotion of vaccination/non-vaccination. Finally, using the NRC emotion lexicon, we found practically significant differences in emotions expressed about vaccination between vaccine outlooks, but no practically significant temporal differences by month across a year.
Processing of dense high-entropy boride ceramics

Abstract Dense (Hf0.2,Zr0.2,Ti0.2,Ta0.2,Nb0.2)B2 high-entropy ceramics with high phase purity were produced by two-step spark plasma sintering of precursor powders synthesized by boro/carbothermal reduction of oxides. The reacted powders had low oxygen (0.404 wt%) and carbon (0.034 wt%) contents and a sub-micron average particle size (∼0.3 μm). Powders were synthesized by optimizing the excess B4C content of the reaction mixture and densified by a two-step spark plasma sintering process. The relative density increased from 98.9% to 99.9% as the final sintering temperature increased from 2000 °C to 2200 °C. The resulting ceramics were nominally single-phase (Hf,Zr,Ti,Ta,Nb)B2 with oxygen contents as low as 0.004 wt% and carbon as low as 0.018 wt%. The average grain size increased from 2.3 ± 1.2 μm after densification at 2000 °C to 4.7 ± 1.8 μm after densification at 2100 °C, while significant grain growth occurred during sintering at 2200 °C. The high relative densities, low oxygen and carbon contents, and fine grain sizes achieved in the present study were attributed to the use of synthesized precursor powders with high purity and fine particle size, and the two-step synthesis-densification process. These are the first reported results for dense high-entropy boride ceramics with high purity and fine grain size.
Application of a Hybrid Fusion Classification Process for Identification of Microplastics Based on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Microplastic research is an emerging field. Consistent accurate identification of microplastic polymer composition is vital for understanding the effect of microplastic pollution in the environment. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is becoming commonplace for identifying microplastics. Conventional spectral identification is based on library searching, a process that utilizes a search algorithm against digital databases containing single spectra of pristine reference plastics. Several conditions on environmental microplastic particles such as weathering, additives, and residues cause spectral alterations relative to pristine reference library spectra. Thus, library searching is vulnerable to misidentification of microplastic samples. While a classification process (classifier) based on a collection of spectra can alleviate misidentification problems, optimization of each classifier (tuning parameter) is required. Additionally, erratic results relative to the particular optimized tuning parameter can occur when microplastic samples originate from new environmental or biological conditions than those defining the class. Presented in this study is a process that utilizes spectroscopic measurements in a hybrid fusion algorithm that depending on the user preference, simultaneously combines high-level fusion with low- and mid-level fusion based on an ensemble of non-optimized classifiers to assign microplastic samples into specific plastic categories (classes). The approach is demonstrated with 17 classifiers using FT-IR for binary classification of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) microplastic samples from environmental sources. Other microplastic types are evaluated for non-class PET and HDPE membership. Results show that high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity are obtained thereby reducing the risk of misidentifying microplastics.
The Effects of Carbohydrate-Restricted Dietary Patterns and Physical Activity on Body Weight and Glycemic Control

Carbohydrate (CHO)-restricted dietary patterns (very-low-CHO < 25–50 g CHO/day; low CHO 50–130 g CHO/day) and physical activity are used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention and management. This review discusses evidence for effects of these lifestyle therapies on body weight and glycemic control. Evidence supports the view that CHO-restricted interventions may be more effective than high-CHO, low-fat (HCLF) interventions in the short term for weight loss and glycemic control, but both produced similar levels of weight loss and glycemic control by 12 months. CHO-restricted dietary patterns resulted in a decreased use of diabetes medications. Benefits of CHO restriction were achieved at intakes that did not induce ketosis. Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity and reduces pancreatic beta-cell load, enhancing the effect of weight loss to delay or prevent T2D. A CHO-restricted dietary pattern may be a reasonable option for weight loss and T2D management for some individuals. Physical activity enhances weight management and cardiometabolic health.
Brief Report: Exploring Rural and Urban Caregiver Descriptions of Autism Symptoms and Aetiology

Children living in rural areas are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder later than their non-rural counterparts. In rural areas, caregivers have limited access to ASD information and services. C...
Relationship Between Antibiotic Susceptibility of Mastitis Pathogens and Treatment Outcomes

The efficacy of mastitis therapy depends on inherent characteristics of the pathogen, the duration of therapy, host factors and the concentration of antibiotic that can be maintained at the site of infection. Susceptibility tests of mastitis pathogens are often used to guide treatment decisions, but the clinical relevancy of susceptibility testing has been challenged. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of mastitis pathogens and outcomes of clinical mastitis.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Pediatrics: An Emerging Problem

Cannabis use has been evolving in both recreational drug use and medicinal uses, in part due to the recent introduction of various strains and components. With increasing use, we have seen emergence of a hyperemesis syndrome called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome characterized as intractable vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain in the context of prolonged cannabinoid use. Although the antiemetic properties of cannabis have been known for years, the paradoxical effect of hyperemesis has yet to be elucidated. Herein we discuss the current research, epidemiology, and diagnosis and treatment of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, patients may experience significant physical and emotional distress, as well as place unnecessary financial burden on the medical system.
Transposon-taming piRNAs in the germline: Where do they come from?

Mutations in the piRNA pathway protein components lead to transposon activation and fertility defects. In contrast, Gebert et al., (2021) saw no defects in transposon silencing or fertility when they deleted three large germline piRNA clusters in D. melanogaster.
RNAi screening of RING/U-box domain ubiquitin ligases identifies critical regulators of stem cells and tissue regeneration in planarians

Regenerative processes depend on the interpretation of signals to coordinate cell behaviors. The role of ubiquitin-mediated signaling in regeneration is not well understood. To investigate how ubiquitylation might specifically impact tissue regeneration, we are studying planarians that are capable of regenerating from nearly any injury using a population of stem cells. Here we used RNAi to screen RING/U-box E3 ubiquitin ligases that are highly expressed in planarian stem cells and stem cell progeny. RNAi screening identified nine genes with functions in regeneration, including the spliceosomal factor prpf19 and epigenetic regulator rnf2; based on roles in developmental processes, we further explored these two genes. We found that prpf19 was required for survival but not for stem cell maintenance, suggesting a role in promoting cell differentiation. Because RNF2 is the catalytic subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1), we also examined other cofactors of rnf2 and observed a striking phenotype of regional tissue misspecification in cbx and phc RNAi planarians. To identify genes regulated by PRC1, we performed RNA-seq after knocking down rnf2 or phc and found that the set of genes differentially expressed were largely non-overlapping despite being predicted to function in the same complex. Using in situ hybridization, we showed that rnf2 regulates gene expression levels within a tissue type, whereas phc is necessary for the spatial restriction of gene expression. This work uncovered roles for RING/U-box E3 ligases in stem cell regulation and regeneration and identified differential gene targets for PRC1 factors required for maintaining cell-type-specific gene expression in planarians.
A Profile of ASCE Membership

The 1967 National Engineers' Register survey data for ASCE members are presented in tabular form with an analysis. Basic characteristics are tabulated for members' citizenship, age, geographical location, college curriculum, and highest level of degree. Employment characteristics are presented for years of experience, employment area and function, type of employer, employment status, employment of professional identification, registration, and membership in other professional societies. Individual correlations are presented between the highest level of degree and five areas: age, geographical location, employment area, type of employer, and professional registration. This composite view of the ASCE membership is being presented for the first time and is intended for use of the general membership as well as particular ASCE Committees.
Use of infertility services in the United States

OBJECTIVE: To examine the characteristics of women in the 1988 National Survey of Family Growth who reported having obtained medical services for impaired fecundity. METHODS: From a national sample of 8450 women between the ages of 15-44, drawn from the civilian, noninstitutionalized population of the entire United States in 1988, we estimated the use of infertility services in the United States. Multivariate statistical modeling was used to identify the characteristics associated with use of infertility services among the 770 women who reported impaired fecundity in this survey. RESULTS: Of all women with impaired fecundity, 43% had obtained some form of infertility service and 24% had obtained specialized infertility treatment--ovulation drugs, treatment of fallopian tubes, artificial insemination, or in vitro fertilization. Older, white, married women of higher socioeconomic status were most likely to have obtained specialized services, and a history of endometriosis was also strongly associated with having received such services. CONCLUSION: Most women with impaired fecundity had not obtained infertility services. Use of specialized services was strongly associated with certain sociodemographic variables or a history of endometriosis.
Agricultural Biotechnology, Ethics, Family Farms, and Industrialization

Introduction Industrialization of Agriculture Industrialization of Agriculture: A Brief Overview Current Structure of Agriculture Ethics and Industrialization Ethics and the Family Farm Why Focus on the Family Farm? Agrarian Populism and Farmers' Rights Agrarian Traditionalism and the Moral Value of Farms Family Farms and the Future Biotechnology, Industrial Agriculture, and the Family Farm Emergence of Agricultural Biotechnology Reach of Agricultural Biotechnology Biotechnology, Corporations, and the Family Farm Keywords: agricultural biotechnology
The Continuing Conundrum of International Internet Jurisdiction

International law has long been concerned with resolving issues of international jurisdiction; however, the unique circumstances involved in Internet cases have thrown a wrench in the traditional machinery of international jurisdiction law. Domestic courts continue to struggle with the issue, and the international community has dragged its feet on developing a uniform standard for determining international Internet jurisdiction. Further complicating matters, states often have divergent substantive Internet regulations and policies. This Note discusses and analyzes the leading cases and theories on international Internet jurisdiction and concludes that none of the current proposed solutions alone provide a satisfactory solution. Nevertheless, an international resolution on internet jurisdiction that borrows elements from each of these proposals could be successfully established.
Particle size, shape and distribution

The size of a spherical homogeneous particle is uniquely defined by its diameter. For a cube the length along one edge is characteristic, and for other regular shapes there are equally appropriate dimensions. With some regular particles, it may be necessary to specify more than one dimension. For example: cone, diameter and height; cuboid, length, width and height.
Adolescents' pregnancy intentions: relations to life situations and caretaking behaviors prenatally and 2 years postpartum.

Abstract Purpose: This study explores if and how adolescents' pregnancy intentions relate to life situations and health-related behaviors prenatally and up to 2 years postpartum. Methods: Adolescent girls who reported that they had "wanted a baby" ( n = 75) as their reason for pregnancy were compared with those who reported that the pregnancy "just happened" ( n = 79) at four separate time periods: prenatally, at 6 and 24 months postpartum, and at 18 months postpartum for teens who became pregnant again subsequent to the study pregnancy. Results: Those who stated that they wanted a baby were more likely to be Hispanic, married, and out of school before becoming pregnant. They were less likely to receive welfare as their primary means of support and to have run away from home in the past than teens who stated that their pregnancy just happened. Self-reported reason for pregnancy was unrelated to repeat pregnancy by 18 months postpartum, but those who had wanted the study baby were less likely to undergo elective termination of a subsequent pregnancy and less likely to become pregnant by a different partner. The groups diverged at 24 months postpartum when those who wanted a baby were more likely to be married to the father of the baby, be financially supported by him, receive child care assistance from him, and have attempted or succeeded at breastfeeding the study child. Conclusion: Self-reported reason for pregnancy reveals many important characteristics of pregnant adolescents both at the time of presentation and up to 2 years postpartum. Young women in this study who reported intentional pregnancy seem to fare better with regard to their financial status and their relationship with the father of the baby.
Voice handicap in essential tremor: a comparison with normal controls and Parkinson's disease.

Background: Although voice tremor is one of the most commonly-noted clinical features of essential tremor (ET), there are nearly no published data on the handicap associated with it. Methods: The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) was self-administered by participants enrolled in a research study at Columbia-University Medical Center. The VHI quantifies patients' perceptions of handicap due to voice difficulties. Data from 98 ET cases were compared to data from 100 controls and 85 patients with another movement disorder (Parkinson’s disease, PD). Results: Voice tremor was present on examination in 25 (25.5%) ET cases; 12 had mild voice tremor (ET Mild VT ) and 13 had marked voice tremor (ET Marked VT ). VHI scores were higher in ET cases than controls (p=0.02). VHI scores among ET Marked VT were similar to those of PD cases; both were significantly higher than controls (p<0.001). The three VHI subscale scores (physical, functional, emotional) were highest in ET Marked VT , with values that were similar to those observed in PD. Conclusions: The voice handicap associated with ET had multiple (i.e., physical, functional, and emotional) dimensions. Moreover, ET cases with marked voice tremor on examination had a level of self-reported voice handicap that was similar to that observed in patients with PD.
Effects of overweight and obesity on motor and mental development in infants and toddlers.

SummaryBackground A consequence of childhood obesity may be poor developmental outcomes. Objectives This study aimed to examine the relationship between weight and developmental delays in young children. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Birth Cohort data. Logistic regression models quantified the association between different weight statuses (normal weight <85th, overweight ≥90th, obese ≥95th percentile for weight) and delays in motor and mental development. Results Children classified as overweight in both waves had higher percentages of delays in wave 2 (motor [7.5 vs. 6.2–6.4%], mental [8.6 vs. 5.9–6.7%]), as well as wave 1 and/or wave 2 (motor [14.8 vs. 10.9–13.0%], mental [11.9 vs. 9.0–10.1%]), compared with other children. This association was also found in children who were obese at both time points in wave 2 (motor delay [8.9 vs. 4.9–7.3%], mental delay [10.3 vs. 6.0–7.2%]), as well as wave 1 and/or wave 2 (motor delay [14.5 vs. 10.9–12.9%], mental delay [14.1 vs. 9.4–10.1%]). In the adjusted models, children classified as always obese were more likely to have a mental delay in wave 2 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–2.95) as well as wave 1 and/or wave 2 (aOR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.08–2.26). These children were also more likely to have motor delay (aOR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02–2.13) in wave 1 and/or wave 2. Conclusion Overweight children are more likely than their normal-weight peers to have motor and mental developmental delays. Preventing obesity during infancy may facilitate reducing developmental delays in young children.
Catecholamine Binding Protein: Binding of Tritium to a Specific Protein Fraction of Human Plasma following in vitro Incubation with Tritiated Noradrenaline

MANY investigators have shown that catecholamines are unusually stable in whole blood1,2. The persistence of catecholamines in blood has variously been attributed to non-specific absorption by erythrocytes3, platelets4, phospholipids5 and albumin (Cohen-Fraction V)6. Bovine adrenal glands perfused with acetylcholine containing Locke's solution have been shown to release catecholamines and a specific protein into the perfusate7, and recent work utilizing tritiated noradrenaline has demonstrated that intravenously administered catecholamines are removed from the circulation in at least two stages: an initial rapid phase causing disappearance of 60–70 per cent of a given dose within 2 min and a slow phase lasting several hours8. These data suggest that under physiological conditions circulating catecholamines may bind to formed blood elements and thereby become temporarily unavailable for biotransformation. The present investigation was undertaken to determine whether circulating catecholamines were bound to a specific protein component of plasma (catecholamine binding protein) in a manner analogous to corticosteroid binding globulin9 or thyroxine binding globulin10.
Leading Change in Organizations by Incentivizing Teachers to Stimulate Motivation

In this article, a conceptual model for the study of motivational dynamics behind leading change in educational organizations is proposed. In support of the present model, this article includes (a) a delineation and critical analysis of the theoretical frameworks in relation to the understanding of the development of motivation concept, and (b) a conceptualization of motivational dynamics by relating the organizationâ€™s aims to the external educational context, and, moreover to the external market requirements. Based on the above considerations, a leaderâ€™s integrative conceptual model of promoting motivation is presented, anchored within a dynamic capabilities paradigm, emhasizing the importance of motivation toward strategic organizational change.
Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Hydrostatic Thrust Bearings

This paper presents theoretical and experimental analysis of two types of circular hydrostatic thrust bearings, using incompressible lubricants. Design equations for load-carrying capacity, stiffness, and flow, are given for three different types of flow restriction—orifice, capillary, and constant flow. Experimental verification of the equations is shown. It is seen that each method of restriction imparts its own characteristics on the bearing performance. Constant flow, for instance, results in the stiffest bearing under certain conditions, and capillary restriction is unaffected by temperature changes.
Influence of rumen fluid source and fermentation time on in vitro true dry matter digestibility.

Abstract The effect on true dry matter digestibility of Philippine feedstuffs was studied with different sources of rumen fluid inocula and varying fermentation time in an in vitro sysytem. In one experiment differences in true dry matter digestion in vitro were nil among three sources of rumen fluid inocula (buffalo, cattle-Philippines, cattle-Cornell University).For commonly fed tropical feedstuffs in the other experiment rumen fluid from the cattle at Cornell gave lower digestibilities. True dry matter digestibility in vitro increased for each 24 h increase in fermentation periods of 48, 72, and 96 h. Differences in digestibility between cattle and buffalo in metabolism studies (in vivo) cannot be explained by differences in rumen fluid.
IMMUNIZATION AGAINST PLAGUE BY A SPECIFIC FRACTION OF PASTEURELLA PSEUDOTUBERCULOSIS.

Abstract : An antigen, designated PP, common to Pasteurella pestis and Pasteurella pseudotuberculosis, has been isolated free of antigens detectable by gel diffusion. It will protect guinea pigs against plague one day after vaccination. PP apparently is a protein lipopolyssccharide complex and is analogous to endotoxin in incroasing resistance to infection, but is nontoxic in mice and guinea pigs. PP is different from and does not contain any of the antigens that have been shown previously to protact against plague.
Current Practices Regarding Codeine Administration Among Pediatricians and Pediatric Subspecialists

Pharmacogenomic studies have revealed a wide variation in the metabolism of codeine to its active metabolite, morphine. A particular subset of patients, known as ultrarapid metabolizers, possesses multiple copies of the CYP2D6 gene responsible for codeine metabolism. This has been linked to serious morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients leading to considerable debate regarding the use of codeine for analgesia in the pediatric population. The current study surveyed the current practice of codeine prescription in pediatric health care providers from a single tertiary care pediatric hospital. Of the 298 responders, 43.3% (129 of 298) continue to prescribe codeine for pain management in children. The vast majority of codeine prescribers were primary health care providers (89.1%). Most of the primary care practitioners were in office-based (42.6%) or hospital-based (45.7%) group practices. There was no significant difference in codeine use based on years of experience. Given the risks associated with this practice, increased education targeting this group appears warranted.
Effect of post-hypoxic MgSO4 administration in utero on Ca2+-influx and Ca2+/calmodulin kinase IV activity in cortical neuronal nuclei

Previously we have demonstrated that in utero hypoxia results in increased nuclear Ca(2+)-influx and increased CaM kinase IV activity in neuronal nuclei of the guinea pig fetus. The present study tests the hypothesis that maternal treatment with magnesium sulfate (MgSO(4)) following in utero hypoxia will attenuate the hypoxia-induced increase in Ca(2+)-influx and CaM kinase IV activity in neuronal nuclei of the fetal guinea pig brain during recovery. Pregnant guinea pigs at 60 days of gestation were divided into four groups: normoxic (Nx=5), hypoxic (Hx, n=4), untreated post-hypoxic 24h recovery (Rec, n=8) and Mg(2+)-treated post-hypoxic 24h recovery (Mg(2+)-Rec, n=8). Maternal hypoxia was induced by decreasing FiO(2) to 8% for 1h. Recovery groups received either saline or 300 mg/kg MgSO(4) (i.p.) followed by 100mg/kg/h i.p. for 4h. Fetal cerebral tissue hypoxia was documented by ATP and phosphcreatine (PCr) levels. Neuronal nuclei were isolated and nuclear Ca(2+)-influx as well as CaM kinase activity was determined. Nuclear Ca(2+) influx (pmol/mg protein) was 4.84+/-0.83 in Nx, 12.50+/-2.97 (p<0.05) in Hx, 7.83+/-1.78 in Rec group (p<0.05 versus Nx and Hx) and 5.02+/-1.77 in Mg(2+)-Rec group (p<0.05 versus Rec group, p<0.05 versus Hx, p=NS versus Nx). CaM kinase IV activity (pmol/mg protein/min) was 1197+/-62 in Nx, 2524+/-132 (p<0.05 versus Nx) in Hx, 1830+/-141 (p<0.05 versus Nx and Hx) in Rec and 1938+/-118 in Mg(2+)-Rec group (p<0.05 versus Hx and Nx, p=n.s. versus Rec). The data show that MgSO(4) administration following in utero hypoxia prevents hypoxia-induced increase in neuronal nuclear Ca(2+)-influx but has no effect on CaM kinase activity in the guinea pig fetus during recovery. We conclude that post-hypoxic administration of Mg(2+) prevents hypoxia-induced modification of neuronal nuclear membrane function.
Starch hydrolysis modeling: application to fuel ethanol production

Efficiency of the starch hydrolysis in the dry grind corn process is a determining factor for overall conversion of starch to ethanol. A model, based on a molecular approach, was developed to simulate structure and hydrolysis of starch. Starch structure was modeled based on a cluster model of amylopectin. Enzymatic hydrolysis of amylose and amylopectin was modeled using a Monte Carlo simulation method. The model included the effects of process variables such as temperature, pH, enzyme activity and enzyme dose. Pure starches from wet milled waxy and high-amylose corn hybrids and ground yellow dent corn were hydrolyzed to validate the model. Standard deviations in the model predictions for glucose concentration and DE values after saccharification were less than ±0.15% (w/v) and ±0.35%, respectively. Correlation coefficients for model predictions and experimental values were 0.60 and 0.91 for liquefaction and 0.84 and 0.71 for saccharification of amylose and amylopectin, respectively. Model predictions for glucose (R 2 = 0.69–0.79) and DP4+ (R 2 = 0.8–0.68) were more accurate than the maltotriose and maltose for hydrolysis of high-amylose and waxy corn starch. For yellow dent corn, simulation predictions for glucose were accurate (R 2 > 0.73) indicating that the model can be used to predict the glucose concentrations during starch hydrolysis.
Effect of a once weekly oral contraceptive upon gonadotrophin and gonadal steroid levels

Abstract The gonadotrophins and gonadal steroid patterns were determined in a group of patients receiving an oral progestogen, R-2323, administered once weekly. Two dosage schedules of 2.5 mg and 5 mg weekly were administered to 5 subjects each. In 20 treatment cycles, ovulatory gonadotrophin levels were observed in 9 and ovulatory progesterone levels were noted in 14. As the majority of treatment cycles with this moderately effective method of contraception were ovulatory, its major mechanism of action is other than ovulation inhibition.
Building bones by knocking down genes.

New strategies for selectively stimulating bone formation without promoting bone resorption are required, as all currently approved agents for osteoporosis act on both of these aspects of the bone remodeling process. A recent study describes an approach that specifically delivers therapeutic siRNAs to bone-forming surfaces without affecting bone resorption (pages 307–314).
Expression of the protective proteins hemopexin and haptoglobin by cells of the neural retina

The blood-retinal barrier, consisting of retinal pigment epithelial cells and retinal endothelial cells, prevents hemopexin and haptoglobin, anti-oxidant protective plasma proteins normally synthesized by the liver, from entering the neural retina. If present, these proteins must, therefore, be made locally. The cell types within the retina in which hemopexin and haptoglobin mRNAs are made have been investigated. RNA was extracted from both the neural retina and pigment epithelium obtained by dissection of human donor eyes as well as from cultured pigment epithelial and photoreceptor cells. The mRNAs for both haptoglobin and hemopexin were detected, using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, in the neural retina and cultured photoreceptors but not in pigment epithelial cells. The cellular location of these mRNAs was determined using in situ hybridization of sections of human retina which revealed that haptoglobin mRNA was located principally in the photoreceptor cells, cells of the inner nuclear layer and some cells of the ganglion cell layer. Hemopexin mRNA, previously shown to be made in the human neural retina (Hunt et al., 1996. Journal of Cellular Physiology 168: 71-80), is expressed by most of the cells of neural retina including the photoreceptors and, notably, the ganglion cells.
Asymptotic techniques and complex dynamics in weakly non-linear forced mechanical systems

Abstract The applicability of asymptotic techniques and their ability to predict complex dynamical motions in weakly non-linear forced mechanical systems is investigated. The basic theorems in the method of averaging and integral manifolds are reviewed. A two degrees-of-freedom system, representing one mode truncation of general non-planar equations of a harmonically excited string, is used as the example. It is shown that the averaged equations, for small enough damping, possess non-planar constant solutions which become unstable and give rise to limit cycles, period-doublings, and isolated periodic solutions, as well as chaotic attractors. The truncated string equations are also directly integrated for small forcing amplitudes. There are non-planar periodic responses that bifurcate into amplitude-modulated motions on a two-torus. Changes in damping and frequency detuning result in torus-doubling, coexisting torus branches, and merging as well as destruction of the torus, leading to chaotic amplitude modulations. The bifurcation values of parameters are found to exhibit a scaling behavior and the results of averaged equations are found to be in qualitative agreement with the actual response.
Quantum interference study of electron lifetimes in magnesium

The results of an experiment at 4.2 K using the magnetoresistance oscillations caused by the interferometer trajectories in magnesium are reported. The magnesium crystal used in this experiment is believed to have an impurity concentration of ∼1 ppm. The quantum state lifetime of electron states traversing the interferometer was determined to be .01±.002 nsec. In addition, the values of the three magnetic breakdown parameters needed to describe the size of the spin orbit energy gaps occurring near the AHL zone plane in magnesium were found to be:H1=2.90±.1KG,H2=12.5±.5KG,H3=4.25±.25KG. The presence of higher harmonics was also observed in the magnetoresistance oscillations and the higher harmonics were used to allow an experimentally meaningful value ofH3 to be determined. It is presently believed that the sensitivity of the interferometer to quantum state lifetimes can be extended by using the higher harmonics and hence information about electron-phonon and possibly electron-electron interactions will be obtained.
p -version of mixed finite element methods for Stokes-like problems

Abstract We investigate various sample extremum (saddle point and minimization) problems from the point of view of stability of increasing order mixed finite element methods. Problems discussed include the Stokes, Poisson and linear elasticity problems.