cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of computer decision support interventions to improve medication prescribing in older adults: A systematic review

Abstract Background: Older adults take multiple medications and are at high risk for adverse drug effects. Objective: This systematic review was conducted to describe the impact of computer decision support (CDS) interventions designed to improve the quality of medication prescribing in older adults. Methods: PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched from January 1980 through July 2007 (English-language only); studies were eligible if they described a CDS intervention intended to improve medication prescribing in adults aged ≥60 years. Studies were retained if they were observational or experimental in design and reported ≥1 process or clinical outcome measurement related to medication prescribing. In the main analysis, study characteristics and major outcome results were extracted. A combination of searches was performed using relevant medical subject headings: aged; drug therapy, computer-assisted; medication errors; medication errors/prevention and control; decision making, computer-assisted; decision support systems, clinical; and clinical pharmacy information systems. Results: After review of study abstracts, 10 articles met the eligibility criteria. Of those 10 studies testing CDS interventions, 8 showed at least modest improvements (median number needed to treat, 33) in prescribing, as measured by minimizing drugs to avoid, optimizing drug dosage, or more generally improving prescribing choices in older adults (according to each study's intervention protocols). Findings for the impact of CDS interventions on clinical outcomes were mixed and were reported for only 2 studies. Conclusions: Various types of CDS interventions may be effective in improving medication prescribing in older adults, but few studies reported clinical outcomes related to changes in medication prescribing. Data from this study should help to guide refinement and testing of future CDS interventions that specifically target older adult populations that are taking multiple medications.
Effects of Serotonergic Agents on the Transport Response in Rats

In two experiments, researchers investigated the effects of manipulating serotonin systems on the transport response and dorsal immobility response in developing rats. In Experiment 1, administration of ketanserin and cinanserin, but not metergoline, suppressed the transport response in 23-day-old rats. These agents were without effect on dorsal immobility durations. In Experiment 2, administration of quipazine to 30-, 40-, and 50-day-old rats resulted in significant increases in transport response intensities and dorsal immobility durations. Results are discussed with respect to the nature of the transport response.
Nematode reactions to coal-tar dyes.

The visual reactions of 28 genera of soil and plant nematodes to 38 coal-tar dyes fell into 3 classes: I-saturation reaction (primarily of order Enoplida), II-basophilic reaction (primarily of order Tylenchida), II resistant reaction (most genera of orders Tylenchida and Rhabditida). Classes differed with respect to color, locus of staining and concentration thresholds. In general, both living and dead nematodes gave similar reactions to dyes.
Occupational risk factors for developing tuberculosis

We sought to assess whether there is an increased risk of tuberculosis among individuals who work in certain industries or occupations. A case-referent study of 149 male tuberculosis (TB) patients reported to the New Jersey Health Department from 1985 to 1987 and 290 referents was performed. Standardized interviews were conducted via the telephone or in person. Increased risk of TB was highest in heavy drinkers (OR = 3.33, 95% CL 1.99-5.59) and those who had a history of living with someone who had a history of TB (OR = 10.92, 95% CL 4.92-24.22). Occupations and industries associated with elevated risk for TB included: four silica-using industries—quarrying (OR = 3.96, 95% CL 0.36-44.02), pottery and related products (OR = 1.99, 95% CL 0.49-8.06), nonmetallic mineral and stone products (OR = 4.00, 95% CL 0.72-22.10), and ship and boat building and repair (OR = 1.84, 95% CL 0.76-4.43); hospitals (OR = 2.10, 95% CL 1.08-4.10); light truck drivers (OR = 2.49, 95% CL 1.30-4.77); agriculture (OR = 2.31, 95% CL 0.82-6.50); eating and drinking establishments (OR = 2.83, 95% CL 1.11-7.20); and janitors/cleaners (OR = 2.00, 95% CL 0.63-6.31). Except for janitors/cleaners, these elevated odds ratios remained for the above occupations/industries after controlling for alcohol or a history of having lived with someone with tuberculosis. Limitations of the study include a poor response rate (38%) and the exclusion of women from the study. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
How Does Separability Affect The Desirability Of Referendum Election Outcomes

Recent research has shown that in referendum elections, the presence of interdependence within voter preferences can lead to election outcomes that are undesirable and even paradoxical. However, most of the examples leading to these undesirable outcomes involve contrived voting situations that would be unlikely to occur in actual elections. In this paper, we use computer simulations to investigate the desirability of referendum election outcomes. We show that highly undesirable election outcomes occur not only in contrived examples, but also in randomly generated elections. Our data suggest that the presence of interdependent preferences significantly increases the likelihood of such undesirable outcomes, and that certain alternative voting methods, such as sequential voting and setwise aggregation, hold the potential to produce outcomes that more accurately reflect the will of the electorate.
All-Optical Modulation of Localized Surface Plasmon Coupling in a Hybrid System Composed of Photoswitchable Gratings and Au Nanodisk Arrays

We conduct a real-time study of all-optical modulation of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) coupling in a hybrid system that integrates a photoswitchable optical grating with a gold nanodisk array. This hybrid system enables us to investigate two important interactions: (1) LSPR-enhanced grating diffraction and (2) diffraction-mediated LSPR in the Au nanodisk array. The physical mechanism underlying these interactions was analyzed and experimentally confirmed. With its advantages in cost-effective fabrication, easy integration, and all-optical control, the hybrid system described in this work could be valuable in many nanophotonic applications.
Coccidioidomycosis in pregnancy during an epidemic in California.

Abstract Objective: To determine presentation, clinical course, and outcome of a cohort of pregnant women with coccidioidomycosis and compare findings with common observations reported in the literature. Methods: Thirty-two women who delivered live infants or aborted fetuses in 1993 and had confirmed diagnoses of coccidioidomycosis were included in the study. Medical records were evaluated retrospectively for clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and disease course. Results: Dissemination occurred in three of 32 cases. The most common management was supportive and symptomatic care. At 1 year, 26 of 32 had recovered. There were no maternal deaths. Conclusion: The common depiction of coccidioidomycosis in pregnancy has overstated morbidity and mortality likely because of reporting bias. Many women will have favorable outcomes without drug treatment, and the practice of abortions or early delivery in subjects with active infection should be rare.
Molecular Characterization of a Novel Botulinum Neurotoxin Type H Gene

We sequenced the 2 botulinum toxin gene clusters of Clostridium botulinum strain IBCA10-7060 type Bh. The sequence of bont/H differed substantially from the sequences of the 7 known bont genes for toxin types A-G. The 5' one-third terminus of bont/H that codes for the botulinum toxin light chain differed markedly from the light chain coding sequences of toxin types A-G. The 3' two-thirds terminus of bont/H that codes for the botulinum toxin heavy chain contained a novel Hn translocation domain coding sequence and a nonneutralizing type A-like Hc binding domain coding sequence. bont/H was part of an orfX toxin gene cluster that was located at a unique chromosomal site distant from those used by other botulinum toxin gene clusters. The bont/B sequence was similar to that of subtype bont/B2 and was located within its ha toxin gene cluster at the oppA/brnQ site. Our findings further establish that C. botulinum IBCA10-7060 produces novel BoNT/H.
Ice-crystal absorption: a comparison between theory and implications for remote sensing

The problem of the disagreement between cirrus crystal sizes determined remotely and by in situ measurements is shown to be due to inappropriate application of Mie theory. We retrieved the absorption optical depth at 8.3 and 11.1 μm from 11 tropical anvil cirrus clouds, using data from the High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS). We related the absorption optical depth ratio between the two wavelengths to crystal size (the size was defined in terms of the crystal median mass dimension) by assuming Mie theory applied to ice spheres and anomalous diffraction theory (ADT) applied to hexagonal columns, hexagonal plates, bullet rosettes, and aggregates (polycrystals). The application of Mie theory to retrievals yielded crystal sizes approximately one third those obtained with ADT. The retrievals of crystal size by use of HIRS data are compared with measurements of habit and crystal size obtained from in situ measurements of tropical anvil cirrus particles. The results of the comparison show that ADT provides the more realistic retrieval. Moreover, we demonstrate that at infrared wavelengths retrieval of crystal size depends on assumed habit. The reason why Mie theory predicts smaller sizes than ADT is shown to result from particle geometry and enhanced absorption owing to the capture of photons from above the edge of the particle (tunneling). The contribution of particle geometry to absorption is three times greater than from tunneling, but this process enhances absorption by a further 35%. The complex angular momentum and T-matrix methods are used to show that the contribution to absorption by tunneling is diminished as the asphericity of spheroidal particles is increased. At an aspect ratio of 6 the contribution to the absorption that is due to tunneling is substantially reduced for oblate particles, whereas for prolate particles the tunneling contribution is reduced by 50% relative to the sphere.
Parents' Relationships and Involvement: Effects on Students' School Engagement and Performance.

This study focused on parents’ relationships and involvement in their children’s lives and the effects on the students’ school engagement and school performance. The study used the Wave I data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). The data on seventh and eighth grade students’ school and family experiences were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The study examined the effect of parents’ relationships and involvement on students’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement in school and subsequently on school performance. The results confirmed the importance and significance of parents’ involvement in middle school students’ school engagement and performance. The study has implications for practice and provides empirical support for creating school structures that would foster parents’ continued interest and engagement in their children’s education.
Do Methyl Eugenol-Fed Males of the Oriental Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Induce Female Re-Mating?

Abstract Polyandry has been reported for various species of tephritid fruit flies, and efforts to explain this phenomenon have focused primarily on the respective roles of sperm stores and male accessory gland fluids. However, recent research on the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), demonstrated that female re-mating propensity was influenced by the “suitability” of available mates; preferred males were more likely to induce female re-mating than were less attractive males. The goal of this study was to determine whether male attractiveness similarly influenced female re-mating in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). Females of this species are known to mate preferentially with males that previously ingested methyl eugenol (ME), a plant-borne compound whose metabolites are used in the synthesis of the male sex pheromone. Females were mated initially (with males denied ME), held isolated from males with access to oviposition substrate, and then offered ME-fed or non-...
An Infrared Study of NO Decomposition over Cu-ZSM-5

The interactions of NO with Cu-ZSM-5 have been investigated by means of infrared spectroscopy. Following reduction by CO, most of the copper is present as Cu{sup +} cations. Room-temperature exposure of the reduced catalyst to NO results in the immediate appearance of Cu{sup +}(NO) and Cu{sup +}(NO){sub 2}. With time, these species disappear and are replaced by Cu{sup 2+}(NO) and Cu{sup 2+}(O{sup -})(NO). Evidence of the formation of Cu{sup 2+}(NO{sub 2}) and Cu{sup 2+}(NO{sub 3-}) and of adsorbed N{sub 2}O and N{sub 2}O{sub 3} is also observed. Similar species are observed upon room-temperature exposure of autoreduced and preoxidized Cu-ZSM-5. Above 573 K, the catalyst is active for NO decomposition to N{sub 2} and N{sub 2}O. The selectivity to N{sub 2} increases rapidly with increasing temperature and is essentially 100% at 773 K, the temperature at which the catalyst exhibits maximum activity. Infrared spectra taken under reaction conditions show weak peaks for Cu{sup +}(NO), Cu{sup 2+}(O{sup -})(NO{sub 3}{sup -}), and Cu(NO{sub 3}{sup -}). With increasing temperature, the intensities of the peaks for Cu{sup +}(NO) and Cu{sup 2+}(O)(NO) decrease but the proportion of the former species increases relative to the latter. Based on this evidence and rate data reported in the literature,more » a mechanism is proposed for the decomposition of NO. The first step in this mechanism is the formation of N{sub 2}O via the decomposition of Cu{sup +}(NO){sub 2}. N{sub 2} is then formed via the reaction of N{sub 2}O with Cu{sup +} sites. O{sub 2} formation is envisioned to proceed via the release of O atoms from Cu{sup 2+}O{sup -} and the subsequent reaction of O atoms with additional Cu{sup 2}O{sup -} to produce Cu{sup 2+}O{sub 2}{sup -}. The variation in the fraction of Cu{sup +} with temperature, deduced from the proposed mechanism, is in qualitative agreement with recent XANES observations. 37 refs., 10 figs.« less
Drosophila Oocytes as a Model for Understanding Meiosis: An Educational Primer to Accompany “Corolla Is a Novel Protein That Contributes to the Architecture of the Synaptonemal Complex of Drosophila”

Achieving a thorough understanding of the events and ramifications of meiosis is a common learning objective for undergraduate introductory biology, genetics, and cell biology courses. Meiosis is also one of the most challenging cellular processes for students to conceptualize. Connecting textbook descriptions of meiosis to current research in the field of genetics in a problem-based learning format may aid students' understanding of this important biological concept. This primer seeks to assist students and instructors by providing an introductory framework upon which to integrate discussions of current meiosis research into traditional genetics or cell biology curriculum.
Virtual I/Q Multiplexing in Optical Code Division for Secure Local Area OFDM Transport

We proposed a novel I/Q multiplexing technique for high-speed optical OFDM using complementary spectral coding. By providing code orthogonality close to coherent OCDMA, we simulated the transmission of 16-QAM OFDM at ~30 Gb/s for PON applications.
Differential excision patterns of the En-transposable element at the A2 locus in maize relate to the insertion site.

Defined mutant alleles with resident transposons display characteristic patterns of germinal and somatic reversion, and heritable changes in the timing and frequency of reversions, which have been termed “change of state” by McClintock, constantly arise. Several mechanisms were proposed to account for these changes. They may be ascribed to the structure and composition of the elements themselves (composition hypothesis) or to their location (position hypothesis). In the current study, insertion positions were determined for three autonomous En-controlled mutable alleles of the A2 locus in maize that show different somatic reversion patterns. A relationship was observed between En insertion positions in the single coding region of the intronless A2 gene and anthocyanin variegation patterns in the aleurone. An insertion in the 5′ region of the coding sequence produced a very late somatic variegation pattern, whereas two early variegation patterns were caused by En insertions in the 3′ region of the coding sequence.
A multi-expert system for the automatic detection of protein domains from sequence information

We describe a novel method for detecting the domain structure of a protein from sequence information alone. The method is based on analyzing multiple sequence alignments that are derived from a database search. Multiple measures are defined to quantify the domain information content of each position along the sequence, and are combined into a single predictor using a neural network. The output is further smoothed and post-processed using a probabilistic model to predict the most likely transition or boundary positions between domains. The method was assessed using the domain definitions in SCOP for proteins of known structures and was compared to several other existing methods. Our method improves significantly over the best method available, the semi-manual PFam domain database, while being fully automatic. Our method can also be used to verify domain partitions based on structural data. Few examples of predicted domain definitions and alternative partitions, as suggested by our method, are also discussed.
On the generative power of transformational grammars

Abstract Mathematical modeling of phrase structure grammars has yielded many results of benefit to linguists in their investigation of these grammars, such as Chomsky's characterization in terms of self-embedding of those context-free languages which are not regular. The recent shift of focus in linguistic theory to transformational grammars has not been accompanied by a similar application of mathematical techniques to transformations. Our present purpose is to foster such studies by providing general definitions which model grammatical transformations as mappings on trees (equivalently, labeled bracketings) and investigating questions of current linguistic interest, such as the recursiveness of languages generated by transformational grammars. The first result of our research is that, despite the linguistically motivated, complex restrictions placed on transformational grammars, every recursively enumerable set of strings is a transformational language (Theorem 5.1). We demonstrate that this power of transformational grammars to generate non-recursive languages results from their ability to cycle their rules, applying transformations an unbounded number of times (Corollary 6.6). Analysis of decision procedures for grammars with bounded cycling reveals a connection between the amount of cycling permitted by a grammar and the complexity of the recursive set it generates; if cycling is bounded by any elementary recursive function (primitive recursive function, function in ∄ n for n > 3), then the language generated has characteristic function in the same class (Corollary 6.7). One application of these results provides empirical support for the notion that natural languages are recursively, in fact elementarily, decidable. Our results also isolate one feature which must be further restricted in a linguistically motivated way if transformational theory is to achieve its goal of delimiting precisely the natural languages.
Distinct Traces for Appetitive versus Aversive Olfactory Memories in DPM Neurons of Drosophila

The global logic used by the brain for differentially encoding positive and negative experiences remains unknown along with how such experiences are represented by collections of memory traces at the cellular level. Here we contrast the cellular memory traces that form in the dorsal paired medial (DPM) neurons of Drosophila after conditioning flies with odors associated with aversive or appetitive unconditioned stimuli (US). Our results show that the appetitive DPM neuron trace is distinguished from the aversive in three fundamental ways: (1) The DPM neurons do not respond to an appetitive US of sucrose by itself, in contrast to their robust response to an aversive US. (2) The appetitive trace persists for twice as long as the aversive trace. (3) The appetitive trace is expressed in both neurite branches of the neuron, rather than being confined to a single branch like the aversive trace. In addition, we demonstrate that training flies with nonnutritive sugars that elicit a behavioral memory that decays within 24 hr generates, like aversive conditioning, a short-lived and branch-restricted memory trace. These results indicate that the persistence and breadth of the DPM neuron memory trace influences the duration of behavioral memory.
Word sense disambiguation by selecting the best semantic type based on Journal Descriptor Indexing: Preliminary experiment

An experiment was performed at the National Library of Medicine® (NLM®) in word sense disambiguation (WSD) using the Journal Descriptor Indexing (JDI) methodology. The motivation is the need to solve the ambiguity problem confronting NLM's MetaMap system, which maps free text to terms corresponding to concepts in NLM's Unified Medical Language System® (UMLS®) Metathesaurus®. If the text maps to more than one Metathesaurus concept at the same high confidence score, MetaMap has no way of knowing which concept is the correct mapping. We describe the JDI methodology, which is ultimately based on statistical associations between words in a training set of MEDLINE® citations and a small set of journal descriptors (assigned by humans to journals per se) assumed to be inherited by the citations. JDI is the basis for selecting the best meaning that is correlated to UMLS semantic types (STs) assigned to ambiguous concepts in the Metathesaurus. For example, the ambiguity transport has two meanings: “Biological Transport” assigned the ST Cell Function and “Patient transport” assigned the ST Health Care Activity. A JDI-based methodology can analyze text containing transport and determine which ST receives a higher score for that text, which then returns the associated meaning, presumed to apply to the ambiguity itself. We then present an experiment in which a baseline disambiguation method was compared to four versions of JDI in disambiguating 45 ambiguous strings from NLM's WSD Test Collection. Overall average precision for the highest-scoring JDI version was 0.7873 compared to 0.2492 for the baseline method, and average precision for individual ambiguities was greater than 0.90 for 23 of them (51p), greater than 0.85 for 24 (53p), and greater than 0.65 for 35 (79p). On the basis of these results, we hope to improve performance of JDI and test its use in applications. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential effects of p27 in regulation of β-cell mass during development, neonatal period, and adult life

β-Cell cycle progression and proliferation are critical to maintain β-cell mass in adult mice. Of the cell cycle inhibitors, p27Kip1 is thought to be the primary modulator of the proliferative status in most cell types. p27 plays a role in β-cell adaptation in genetic models of insulin resistance. To study the role of p27 in β-cells during physiological conditions and at different stages of β-cell differentiation, we studied mice deficient of or overexpressing p27. Experiments in p27-deficient mice showed improved glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemia. These changes were associated with increased islet mass and proliferation. The experiments overexpressing p27 in β-cells were performed using a doxycycline-inducible model. Interestingly, overexpression of p27 for 16 weeks in β-cells from adult mice had no effect on glucose tolerance, β-cell mass, or proliferation. In contrast, induction of p27 expression during β-cell development or early neonatal period resulted in severe glucose intolerance and reduced β-cell mass by decreased proliferation. These changes were reversible upon discontinuation of doxycycline. These experiments suggest that p27 is a critical molecule for β-cell proliferation during β-cell development and early postnatal life but not for maintenance of adult mass.
Access to food outlets and children's nutritional intake in urban China: a difference-in-difference analysis

Background: In recent years supermarkets and fast food restaurants have been replacing those “wet markets” of independent vendors as the major food sources in urban China. Yet how these food outlets relate to children’s nutritional intake remains largely unexplored. Method: Using a longitudinal survey of households and communities in China, this study examines the effect of the urban built food environment (density of wet markets, density of supermarkets, and density of fast food restaurants) on children’s nutritional intake (daily caloric intake, daily carbohydrate intake, daily protein intake, and daily fat intake). Children aged 6–18 (n=185) living in cities were followed from 2004 to 2006, and difference-in-difference models are used to address the potential issue of omitted variable bias. Results: Results suggest that the density of wet markets, rather than that of supermarkets, positively predicts children’s four dimensions of nutritional intake. In the caloric intake model and the fat intake model, the positive effect of neighborhood wet market density on children’s nutritional intake is stronger with children from households of lower income. Conclusion: With their cheaper prices and/or fresher food supply, wet markets are likely to contribute a substantial amount of nutritional intake for children living nearby, especially those in households with lower socioeconomic status. For health officials and urban planners, this study signals a sign of warning as wet markets are disappearing from urban China’s food environment.
Current Concepts of Shoulder Arthroplasty for Radiologists: Part 1???Epidemiology, History, Preoperative Imaging, and Hemiarthroplasty

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of indications for shoulder arthroplasty, describe preoperative imaging assessment, present new and modified designs of shoulder arthroplasty, illustrate normal and abnormal postoperative imaging findings, and review key radiographic measurements. CONCLUSION. Knowledge of the physiologic purpose, orthopedic trends, imaging findings, and complications is important in assessing shoulder prostheses.
The Lanchester Attrition-Rate Coefficient: Some Comments on Seth Bonder's Paper and a Suggested Alternate Method

This note presents some comments on Bonder's paper on the Lanchester attrition-rate coefficient, which indicate that a valid prediction of average attrition is obtained by using the harmonic mean of the variable attrition rates rather than the arithmetic mean. This change results in a constant Lanchester attrition-rate coefficient being defined as the reciprocal of the expected time to kill a target. An alternate and more general method for obtaining the constant coefficient is presented and some comparative results are displayed. An appendix indicates the conditions for which it is appropriate to use the harmonic and arithmetic means of rates in general.
Tc-99m Radiolabeled Peptide p5 + 14 is an Effective Probe for SPECT Imaging of Systemic Amyloidosis

Systemic peripheral amyloidosis is a rare disease in which misfolded proteins deposit in various organs. We have previously developed I-124 labeled peptide p5 + 14 as a tracer for positron emission tomography imaging of amyloid in patients. In this report, we now document the labeling efficiency, bioactivity, and stability of Tc-99m labeled p5 + 14 for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of amyloidosis, validated in a mouse model of systemic amyloidosis. Radiochemical yield, purity, and biological activity of [99mTc]p5 + 14 were documented by instant thin-layer chromatography (ITLC), SDS-PAGE and a quantitative amyloid fibril pulldown assay. The efficacy and stability were documented in serum amyloid protein A (AA) amyloid-bearing or wild-type (WT) control mice imaged with SPECT/X-ray computed tomography (CT) at two time points. The uptake and retention of [99mTc]p5 + 14 in hepatosplenic amyloid was evaluated using region of interest (ROI) and tissue counting measurements. Tc-99m p5 + 14 was produced with a radiochemical yield of 75 % with greater than 90 % purity and biological activity comparable to that of radioiodinated peptide. AA amyloid was visualized by SPECT/CT imaging with specific uptake seen in amyloid-laden organs at levels ∼5 folds higher than in healthy mice. ROI analyses of decay-corrected SPECT/CT images showed <20 % loss of radiolabel from the 1 to 4 h imaging time points. Biodistribution data confirmed the specificity of the probe accumulation by amyloid-laden organs as compared to non-diseased tissues. [99mTc]p5 + 14 is a specific and stable radiotracer for systemic amyloid in mice and may provide a convenient and inexpensive alternative to imaging of peripheral amyloidosis in patients.
Synthesis and Characterization of Unusual Dichloro(amido)-Bridged Zirconium Complexes. X-ray Crystal Structures of (Me2N)3Zr(μ-Cl)2(μ-NMe2)Zr(NMe2)2(THF) and Cl(Me2N)2Zr(μ-Cl)2(μ-NMe2)Zr(NMe2)2(THF)

Reactions of 3 and 2 equiv of lithium dimethylamide with ZrCl4 in THF afford dinuclear complexes (Me2N)3Zr(μ-Cl)2(μ-NMe2)Zr(NMe2)2(THF) (1) and Cl(Me2N)2Zr(μ-Cl)2(μ-NMe2)Zr(NMe2)2(THF) (2), respectively. These complexes were found to have unusual structures containing dichloro(amido) bridges between Zr atoms. Both complexes 1 and 2 crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c (a = 8.735(3) A, b = 21.498(7) A, c = 13.997(5) A, β = 92.56(3)°, Z = 4 for 1; a = 8.550(3) A, b = 20.673(7) A, c = 14.229(6) A, β = 95.11(3)°, Z = 4 for 2). Each Zr atom in 1 and 2 has a trigonal antiprismatic coordination geometry. Reaction of 1 equiv of lithium dimethylamide with ZrCl4 in THF gave the monosubstituted complex as the LiCl adduct (Me2N)(THF)ZrCl2(μ-Cl)2Li(THF)2 (4), which crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 (a = 10.078(6) A, b = 11.003(7) A, c = 11.039(6) A, α = 84.75(5)°, β = 78.38(5)°, γ = 66.65(5)°, Z = 2). In 4, the Zr atom has a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. These new amido complexes a...
Effect of feeding insecticides. Inhibition of carboxyesterase and cholinesterase activities in rats.

The hydrolysis of acetylcholine (cholinesterase activity) and malathion, diethyl succinate, or triacetin (carboxyesterase activity) by tissues of rats given single Injections or fed diets containing organophosphorus insecticides was measured. Dietary concentrations of dioxathion (Delnav), ronnel, and malathion, which were less than those required to inhibit red blood cell or brain cholinesterase activities, inhibited liver and plasma carboxyesterases. Red blood cell cholinesterase was equally as sensitive as liver and plasma carboxyesterase to Inhibition by low dietary concentrations of parathion, however. Rats that were fed concentrations of dioxathion or ronnel, which produced about 50% inhibition of liver carboxyesterase but not Inhibition of brain cholinesterase, were more susceptible to brain cholinesterase Inhibition following a single dose of 200 mg/kg of malathion. No potentiation of brain cholinesterase Inhibition was detected in ronnel-fed rats that were challenged with 15 mg/kg of 0-ethyl 0-p-n...
Demand Behavior: A New Interpretation of Courtship Feeding

-This review examines the various interpretations of courtship feeding (away from the nest, and not necessarily associated with copulation). Courtship feeding undoubtedly functions to maintain the pair-bond in many species, and also increases a female's fitness by providing her with extra food. This behavior is also claimed to express a male's dominance over a female, the female's so-called "begging" display being termed submissive. I present evidence that courtship feeding is, in fact, strongly correlated with female dominance over the male. Since begging fledglings can commonly supplant their parents, it may be more appropriate to call begging displays "demand behavior." Various elements of demand behavior in other contexts can serve both in appeasement and in threat displays. The common factor in each is that the displaying birds' strong tendency to attack is inhibited by other drives such as hunger, sex or fear. Besides pair-bond maintenance, energy provision, and possibly expression of female dominance, courtship feeding can also serve to increase a male's fitness by being his most direct way of contributing to the quality of his own
A taste for brown sugar: black women in pornography

It is an exciting time for pornography scholarship. The field stalled for some years in the late 1990s and early 2000s, seemingly unsure of which direction to take. The limited discourse available ...
Statin Use and Hospital Length of Stay Among Adults Hospitalized With Community-acquired Pneumonia

Background Prior retrospective studies suggest that statins may benefit patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) due to antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. However, prospective studies of the impact of statins on CAP outcomes are needed. We determined whether statin use was associated with improved outcomes in adults hospitalized with CAP. Methods Adults aged ≥18 years hospitalized with CAP were prospectively enrolled at 3 hospitals in Chicago, Illinois, and 2 hospitals in Nashville, Tennessee, from January 2010-June 2012. Adults receiving statins before and throughout hospitalization (statin users) were compared with those who did not receive statins (nonusers). Proportional subdistribution hazards models were used to examine the association between statin use and hospital length of stay (LOS). In-hospital mortality was a secondary outcome. We also compared groups matched on propensity score. Results Of 2016 adults enrolled, 483 (24%) were statin users; 1533 (76%) were nonusers. Statin users were significantly older, had more comorbidities, had more years of education, and were more likely to have health insurance than nonusers. Multivariable regression demonstrated that statin users and nonusers had similar LOS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], .88-1.12), as did those in the propensity-matched groups (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, .88-1.21). No significant associations were found between statin use and LOS or in-hospital mortality, even when stratified by pneumonia severity. Conclusions In a large prospective study of adults hospitalized with CAP, we found no evidence to suggest that statin use before and during hospitalization improved LOS or in-hospital mortality.
A multicenter evaluation of assays for detection of SV40 DNA and results in masked mesothelioma specimens.

This nine-laboratory multicenter investigation was designed to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of previously described assays for detection of SV40 DNA with three goals, i.e., (a) to compare methods for testing human tissues, (b) to examine the ability of these methods to detect SV40 in human mesotheliomas, and (c) to uncover assay differences that could explain conflicting findings in some past investigations. Each laboratory received, in a masked fashion, paired replicate DNA samples extracted from 25 fresh frozen mesotheliomas (50 samples) and one from each of 25 normal human lungs. Interspersed were masked positive (titrations of the SV40 genome) and negative control samples. Preliminary studies confirmed the adequacy of the samples for testing high molecular weight double-stranded linear DNA targets. All 15 PCR-based assays detected 5,000 copies or less of the SV40 genome spiked into 2 microg of WI-38 DNA. A high level of specificity and reproducibility was found among the PCR assays performed in most laboratories. However, none of the selected normal human lung tissue or the 25 mesothelioma tumor specimens obtained from archival samples at a single center was reproducibly positive for the presence of SV40 DNA. Further studies are needed to reconcile these results with previous reports of detection of SV40 DNA in tumor specimens.
Condyloma acuminatum of male urethra: Successful management with 5-fluorouracil

Abstract A case of extensive condyloma acuminatum of the entire male urethra was successfully managed with 5-fluorouracil intraurethral instillations. Review of the literature disclosed 9 previously reported cases in which the entire male urethra was involved. The common presentations and different modalities of treatment are reviewed.
Cardiac Hypertrophy and the Renin-Angiotensin System

In hearts with myocardial damage secondary to myocardial infarction, chronic ischemia, inflammation, or pressure or volume overload, there is a complex sequence of compensatory events that ultimately result in an adversely remodeled myocardium and a dilated, thin-walled, spherical ventricle. For a period of time, a preclinical heart failure state may exist in which there is ventricular dysfunction caused by myocardial damage but no clinical evidence of cardiac insufficiency, circulatory congestion, or edema. However, in an attempt to maintain this state, there are ongoing myocardial adaptations resulting in a continual state of remodeling with progressive ventricular dilatation mediated by changes in myocyte morphology, intracellular calcium regulation, and extracellular matrix production. Although a number of growth-promoting factors have been implicated in cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling, angiotensin II (ANG II) is assumed to play a major role in this process because it is a potent growth factor for myocytes and fibroblasts in the heart [1,2]. It has been postulated that the cardiac renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is activated during compensated heart failure and that the continued presence of ANG II could have important local pathological functions in the transition to heart failure (Fig. 1). Alternatively, the heart is a target organ for ANG II, which produces a positive inotropic and chrono tropic effect on myocytes [4–6], stimulates the release of norepinephrine from cardiac sympathetic nerves [7,8], and acts as a growth factor for myocytes [1,2]. Thus, the failing heart may be dependent on local ANG II production to provide inotropic support and to promote myocyte hypertrophy to minimize wall stress. However, the identification of alternative ANG II-forming mechanisms in the heart and the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) on bradykinin degradation have raised questions regarding the mechanism of ANG II production in the heart and the role of ANG II per se in cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling. This chapter reviews these issues and the results of animal models investigating the cardiac renin-angiotensin system in cardiac hypertrophy caused by pressure and volume overload.
Impact of Abiotic Factors on Onion Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Aerial Dispersal in an Onion Ecosystem.

Onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, is a significant pest of onion crops worldwide, but little is known about its patterns of aerial dispersal in the context of abiotic environmental factors. Thrips tabaci adults were passively collected from the air column above onion fields in western New York using clear sticky cards over a series of sampling periods in 2012, 2013, and 2014 while on-site weather conditions were recorded. Results indicated that T. tabaci adult densities on aerial traps during daylight averaged 279 times greater per hour than densities on similar traps at night. Adult dispersal also tended to spike during presunset, indicating that thrips initiated flight diurnally and within 1 h before sunset. Densities of T. tabaci on aerial traps increased significantly as temperature increased above 17 °C and 90% of the thrips were captured between 20.8 and 27.7 °C; no thrips were captured above 30.6 °C. Densities of T. tabaci on aerial traps decreased significantly as wind speed increased, with no thrips captured at winds exceeding 3.8 m/s (13.7 kph). In 2013 and 2014, T. tabaci densities on aerial traps prior to the passage of a cold front (relatively high atmospheric pressure and temperature with low wind speed) were significantly greater than densities after passage of the front, suggesting that T. tabaci disperses on synoptic weather systems.
Arterial Switch in TGA-IVS: Coronary Transfer

The arterial switch operation has become the standard operation for transposition of the great arteries. This chapter focuses on coronary transfer and proposes a uniform and simplified technique of coronary transfer applicable to both simple and complex coronary patterns. The Marie Lannelongue coronary classification based on the course of coronary arteries, is convenient because the coronary transfer depends upon the various courses. A single ostium group is identified in this chapter. The uniform surgical technique of coronary transfer is to control the kinking of the posterior looping vessel and the stretching of the anterior looping vessel. In complex forms, the coronary trunks need to be well dissected. Intramural coronary, single ostium as well as malaligned commissure remain challenging, and demand a second learning curve. Late complications requires long term follow up to detect: pulmonary branches stenosis, coronary anomalies, and occurrence of aortic regurgitation or aortic root dilation. The arterial switch operation stands as a remarkable success of pediatric cardiac surgery of the last decades.
Convergence of sequences of polygons

In 1878, Darboux studied the problem of midpoint iteration of polygons. Simply put, he constructed a sequence of polygons Π(0),Π(1),Π(2),… in which the vertices of a descendant polygon Π(k) are the midpoints of its parent polygon Π(k−1) and are connected by edges in the same order as those of Π(k−1). He showed that such a sequence of polygons converges to their common centroid. In proving this result, Darboux utilized the powerful mathematical tool we know today as the finite Fourier transform. For a long time period, however, neither Darboux’s result nor his method was widely known. The same problem was proposed in 1932 by Rosenman as Monthly Problem # 3547 and had been studied by several authors, including I. J. Schoenberg (1950), who also employed the finite Fourier transform technique. In this paper, we study generalizations of this problem. Our scheme for the construction of a polygon sequence not only gives freedom in selecting the vertices of a descendant polygon but also allows the polygon generating procedure itself to vary from one step to another. We show under some mild restrictions that a sequence of polygons thus constructed converges to a single point. Our main mathematical tools are ergodicity coefficients and the Perron–Frobenius theory on nonnegative matrices.
Moderne amerikanische Literaturtheorien. Ed. by Joseph Strelka and Walter Hinderer: Frankfurt: S. Fischer Verlag, 1970. Pp. 562.

(1972). Moderne amerikanische Literaturtheorien. Ed. by Joseph Strelka and Walter Hinderer. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 47, No. 2, pp. 147-150.
Nutrition and other lifestyle influences on arterial aging

As our world’s population ages, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) will become an increasingly urgent public health problem. A key antecedent to clinical CVD and many other chronic disorders of aging is age-related arterial dysfunction, characterized by increased arterial stiffness and impaired arterial endothelial function. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that diet and nutrition may favorably modulate these arterial functions with aging, but many important questions remain. In this review, we will summarize the available information on dietary patterns and nutritional factors that have been studied for their potential to reduce arterial stiffness and improve endothelial function with age, with an emphasis on: 1) underlying physiological mechanisms, and 2) emerging areas of research on nutrition and arterial aging that may hold promise for preventing age-related CVD.
The Physical Anthropology of the American Negro

(1944). The Physical Anthropology of the American Negro. Psychiatry: Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 31-44.
Scalable value approximation for multiple target tail-chase with collision avoidance

We study a tail-chase problem for a pursuer with multiple targets. This problem is more complex analytically than classic pursuit-evasion games due to the addition of collision avoidance requirements as well as turning rate constraints. For the single target problem, we combine the time-to-capture metric with the collision-hazard costs to numerically solve for the optimal (balanced) total cost, and then extract the hazard cost from the total cost as a function of the state. For the multi-target problem where numerical computation of the exact solution is intractable, we use the hazard costs to construct an auxiliary Markov decision problem (MDP) which characterizes the intrinsic cost of occupying a state. The limited look-ahead solution of the auxiliary MDP can be efficiently calculated online and is effective against a large number of targets.
Some More Ethological Concepts

Chapter 2 dealt with specializations in the sender of signals, but there are also genetically programmed specializations in the receiver of signals coming from the environment or from social companions. So there can be a genetic basis for receiving as well as sending signals with adaptive significance. This is important because of the many hundreds of bits of sensory information with which animals are bombarded every moment of the day and night. Specialization in the receiver requires information reduction brought about by selective filtering, which helps to separate relevant from irrelevant information. This filtering can be considered on two separate levels: perception and attention.
Adolescent tobacco and alcohol use: The influence of body image.

The association between body image and adolescent substance use is underexplored despite the established relationship between body image and risky behaviors. The current study utilized data from th...
The Boys have the Muscles and the Girls have the Sexy Legs: Adult - Child Speech and the Use of Generic Person Labels

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses conversational sequences produced by adults in dyadic interaction with young children. Six children participated in the study presented in the chapter. The children were all female and attending a daycare center on a fulltime basis. Each child was brought by a caretaker well known to and very much liked by that child to a playroom in the daycare center. The speech material from these sessions was transcribed along with a running word commentary of concurrent nonverbal contextual information. The next step of the analysis was to examine the elaborated sequences in an attempt to classify these sequences into types according to the way the additional information was provided in the sequence. The young child is ignorant of many aspects of the social categories that are deemed important by the adult social community in which she/he lives and the activities commonly associated with these social categories.