cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract WP295: Prediction of Discharge Destination for Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: The ability to predict discharge destination early in the hospital course for patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke can improve efficiency of discharge planning, identify outliers for evaluation, and estimate future resource use. Methods: A prediction model for discharge destination was developed using multinomial logistic regression with the response variable categories: Home, Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF), and either Skilled Nursing Facility or Long-Term Acute Care (SNF/LTAC). Data used to build the model was electronically extracted from the electronic health records of 1,364 patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke to a tertiary care hospital from Dec 6, 2008 to Sept 4, 2012. There were 34 candidate predictors identified based on the literature and clinical expertise. Only data available in the first 2 days of admission were used in the analyses. Multiple imputation was used to handle missing data. Variables retained in the model were selected using the nested bootstrap procedure, which resulted in 2,000 datasets that each underwent backward stepwise selection. Calibration of the final model was assessed graphically. The polytomous discrimination index (PDI) was computed to assess discriminative validity. Results: The final model contained 7 predictors: living with family, requiring help prior to admission (both obtained from nursing flowsheets), history of heart failure, first systolic blood pressure, admission NIHSS, and antibiotic use. PDI was 0.71. Pairwise c-statistics were: Home vs IRF 0.83, Home vs SNF/LTAC 0.91, IRF vs. SNF/LTAC 0.79. (See also Figure) Conclusion: Discharge destination of patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke can be predicted with good discrimination using 7 variables available within the electronic health record. Once validated in an external population, this prediction model can be used to help improve the efficiency of hospital stays.
Impact of UAV swarm density and heterogeneity on synthetic aperture DoA convergence

This paper reports on the impact of UAV swarm density and heterogeneity on synthetic aperture DoA convergence. The synthetic aperture is derived from the displacement of distributed UAVs (agents) operating in a sparse volumetric swarm. Heterogeneity arises from the changing orientation of an agent's antenna and receiving pattern function as it swarms in the distributed cluster of agents. This alters the agents' antenna pattern function(s) over time and alters the convergence and overall performance properties of vector-space direction of arrival techniques. The goal of this work is to evaluate the impact of the swarm density and orientation in this framework and study the convergence and error using this technique under different SNR conditions using the MUSIC algorithm. Simulation and measurements for up to sixteen elements on a thirty-two-location test platform are provided and comparisons are made to benchmark their performance with theoretical expectations.
Mechanical and Biodegradable Behavior of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Immersed in Simulated Body Fluid

AZ31 magnesium alloy was immersed in simulated body fluid at body temperature for various durations to study its degradation/corrosion behavior and the immersed/corroded samples were tested under compression to study the effect of immersion processing on mechanical properties of the material. The immersed/corroded sample surfaces were observed using scanning electron microscope. The results show that the degradation started with uniform corrosion over the whole surface and proceeded to localized pitting corrosion; the corrosion rate decreased during the initial stage of immersion testing and then reached a plateau with the proceeding of immersion testing; and the studied AZ31 magnesium alloy did not experience significant deterioration of mechanical properties (i.e., yield strength and ultimate compression strength) after it was immersed in simulated body fluid for up to 14 days.
Dynamic Geospatial Modeling of the Building Stock To Project Urban Energy Demand

In the United States, buildings account for more than 40% of total energy consumption and the evolution of the urban form will impact the effectiveness of strategies to reduce energy use and mitigate emissions. This paper presents a broadly applicable approach for modeling future commercial, residential, and industrial floorspace, thermal consumption (heating and cooling), and associated GHG emissions at the tax assessor land parcel level. The approach accounts for changing building standards and retrofitting, climate change, and trends in housing and industry. We demonstrate the automated workflow for California and project building stock, thermal energy consumption, and associated GHG emissions out to 2050. Our results suggest that if buildings in California have long lifespans, and minimal energy efficiency improvements compared to building codes reflective of 2008, then the state will face a 20% or higher increase in thermal energy consumption by 2050. Baseline annual GHG emissions associated with the...
Members of the Family Zingiberaceae Promote Tropoelastin and Procollagen Type 1 Synthesis in Cultured Human Fibroblasts

Recent interest into the mechanisms of dermal healing following injury by photo damage or chronologic aging denotes the need of fast reliable benchmark-assays of skin repair to screen the many nove...
Ain’t no love in the heart of the city: Compensatory quasi-adaptive coping among African American males

The social and developmental challenges associated with the normative transition from adolescence to young adulthood for young African American males is quite difficult. These challenges ar...
Immediate effect of photobiomodulation therapy on Achilles tendon morphology and mechanical properties: an exploratory study.

Objectives Evaluate the immediate (within 4 hours) effects of laser-induced photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on Achilles tendon morphology and mechanical properties in healthy and pathologic tendons. Materials and methods Twenty people with healthy Achilles tendons and twelve people with Achilles tendinopathy participated. One Achilles tendon received PBM treatment following an established protocol and the contralateral side received a placebo treatment. Achilles tendon morphology and mechanical properties were evaluated bilaterally with ultrasound imaging and continuous shear wave elastography immediately before treatment, immediately after treatment, then 2- and 4-hours after treatment. Results There were no immediate effects of PBM on tendon morphology or mechanical properties when comparing the PBM-treated side and placebo-treated side within each cohort. Additionally, the effects of PBM did not differ between healthy and pathologic Achilles tendons. Conclusion When treated with a laser-induced PBM treatment, healthy and pathologic Achilles tendons do not have immediate (within 4 hours) changes in tendon morphology or mechanical properties. These findings suggest that PBM therapy can be administered before other clinical treatments or high-load activities.
Revolution Song: A Story of American Freedom. By Russell Shorto. (New York, NY: W.W. Norton and Co., 2018. Pp. xii, 622. $28.95.)

Russell Shorto's new book tells the story of the American Revolution through rich portraits of the lives of six characters. In addition to the iconic George Washington, Shorto's narrative focuses o...
Are the Inguinal Lymph Nodes Responsible for Infections of Angioplastic Procedures in the Groin

Infection of an angioplastic procedure might result not only in severe complications but might also threaten the patient’s life (1, 4, 6, 7). The more common site of development of infection is the groin (5).
Learning to Predict Material Structure from Neutron Scattering Data

Understanding structural properties of materials and how they relate to its atomic structure, while extremely challenging, is a key scientific quest that has dominated the landscape of materials research for decades. Neutron and X-ray scattering is a state-of-the-art method to investigate material structure on the atomic scale. Traditional methods of processing neutron scattering data to decipher the structure of target materials have relied on computing scattering patterns using physics-based forward models and comparing them with experimentally gathered scattering profiles within a computationally expensive optimization loop. Here, we report an initial design of a data-driven machine learning pipeline for material structure prediction that is computationally faster (once trained) and potentially more accurate. We describe the architecture of the ML pipeline and a preliminary benchmarking study of shallow machine learning models in terms of their prediction accuracy and limitations. We show that material structure prediction from neutron scattering data using shallow learning models is feasible to within 90% prediction accuracy for certain classes of materials but deeper models are required for more general material structure predictions.
Character Analysis of Batman and the Joker

Trauma is an event that affect each individual differently even though it can be the same trauma. PTSD is the aftermath of trauma and that victim develops into a total different person from that one before the incident happened. Some people develop self-injurious behavior as well as devastating mental illness and narcissistic tendencies. A once well-mannered person will develop a dark personality to cope with that trauma and shield themselves against future trauma. Learning coping skills early will prevent a total breakdown of self who will eventually disappear in the aftermath. This paper explores that theory.
Patient perspective of tardive dyskinesia: results from a social media listening study

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a persistent and potentially disabling movement disorder associated with prolonged exposure to dopamine receptor blocking agents such as antipsychotics. With the expanding use of antipsychotics, research is needed to better understand patient perspectives of TD, which clinical assessments may fail to capture. Social media listening (SML), which is recognized by the US FDA as a method that can advance ongoing efforts for more patient-focused drug development, has been used to understand patient experiences in other disease states. This is the first study to use SML analysis of unsolicited patient and caregiver insights to help clinicians understand how patients describe their symptoms, the emotional distress associated with TD, and the impact on caregivers. In this pilot study, a comprehensive search was performed for publicly available, English-language, online content posted between March 2017 and November 2019 on social media platforms, blogs, and forums. An analytics platform (NetBase™) identified posts containing patient or caregiver experiences of assumed TD using predefined search terms. All posts were manually curated and reviewed to ensure quality and validity of the post and to further classify key symptoms, sentiments, and themes. A total of 261 posts from patients/caregivers (“patient insights”) were identified using predefined search terms; 107 posts were used for these analyses. Posts were primarily from forums (47%) and Twitter (33%). Analysis of the most common sentiment-related terms (e.g. “feel” [n = 31], “worse” [n = 17], “symptom” [n = 14], “better” [n = 12]) indicated that 64% were negative, 33% were neutral, and 3% were positive. Theme analysis revealed that patients often felt angry about having TD from a medication used to treat a different condition. In addition, patients felt insecure, including feeling unaccepted by society and fear of being judged by others. Although this study was limited by inherent methodological constraints (e.g., small sample size, reliance on patient self-report), the perspectives generated from analyzing social media may help convey the unmet needs of patients with TD. This analysis indicated that movement-related symptoms are the most common patient concern, resulting in strong feelings of anger and insecurity.
Single-chain polymerization dynamics and conformational mechanics of conjugated polymers

Summary Conjugated polymers possess unique optoelectrical properties. Characterizing their synthesis and mechanical processability is crucial for tailored applications. Their poor solubility presents a universal challenge, however. Here, we report a single-molecule study, which circumvents the solubility challenge, of the polymerization kinetics and conformational mechanics of polyacetylene, a prototypical conjugated polymer. We monitor the growth of individual long-chain polyacetylenes during ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cyclooctatetraene. We discover that polyacetylene forms nonequilibrium conformational entanglements, whose kinetic instability and structural looseness appear to render its polymerization more facile than that of polycyclooctene, a nonconjugated analog. This relative kinetics is contrary to monomer reactivity predictions. Moreover, even under identical solvent conditions, individual polyacetylenes show diverse extension-versus-force scaling behaviors; many span multiple scaling regimes predicted previously but never observed. The extracted persistence and Kuhn length of polyacetylene are also significantly shorter than its wavefunction delocalization length, indicating that polyacetylene can maintain backbone conjugation while staying flexible.
A Tunable Josephson Junction Far Infrared Source

We have studied radiation emitted by Nb-Nb point contact Josephson junctions at frequencies up to 30 cm−1. Spectroscopic measurements on solids have been made using this source.
Bringing an Intersectional Lens to “Open” Science: An Analysis of Representation in the Reproducibility Project:

Feminist psychologists have called for researchers to consider the social and historical context and the multidimensionality of participants in research studies. The Reproducibility Project documen...
Characterizing the Surface Charge Distribution and its Impact on the DC Surface Flashover Voltage of Insulators

Medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) distribution systems are proposed for future all-electric ships. For widespread adoption, it is critical to develop creepage distance standards that are applicable for MVDC shipboard power systems. Surface flashover voltage is an important factor affecting the required creepage distance. While the importance of this topic has been recognized for terrestrial HVDC transmission applications, its investigation for MVDC shipboard power systems is in its infancy. This paper studies the characteristics of surface charge distribution along insulators under MVDC stress as well as its impact on the flashover voltage. It is shown that surface charge distribution varies under different voltages. The surface charge accumulated in the middle of the spacer will increase the surface flashover voltage, and with similar profile, the surface flashover voltage will decrease with higher average charge density. Besides average surface charge density, more features of surface charge profile have been found influencing surface flashover voltage.
Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Krabbe Disease.

Krabbe disease is an autosomal recessive leukodystrophy caused by pathogenic variants in the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) gene. GALC activity is needed for the lysosomal hydrolysis of galactosylceramide, an important component of myelin. While most patients are infants, older patients are also diagnosed. Starting in 1970, a diagnosis could be made by measuring GALC activity in leukocytes and cultured cells. After the purification of GALC in 1993, the cDNA and genes were cloned. Over 260 disease-causing variants as well as activity lowering benign variants have been identified. While some pathogenic variants can be considered “severe,” others can be considered “mild.” The combination of alleles determines the type of Krabbe disease a person will have. To identify patients earlier, newborn screening (NBS) has been implemented in several states. Low GALC activity in this screening test may indicate a diagnosis of Krabbe disease. Second tier testing as well as neuro-diagnostic studies may be required to identify those individuals needing immediate treatment. Treatment of pre-symptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients at this time is limited to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Treatment studies using the mouse and dog models have shown that combining bone marrow transplantation with intra-venous gene therapy provides the best outcomes in terms of survival, behavior, and preservation of normal myelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems. With earlier diagnosis of patients through newborn screening and advances in treatment, it is hoped that more patients will have a much better quality of life.
Analyzing Lakes Surface Temperature Variability at the Global Scale

Lake Surface Water Temperature (LSWT) is recognized as a critical climate change indicator. The changes in surface water temperature and the temperature of the surrounding land may have a climate change signature if there is consistency between changes in both temperatures. This proj ect focuses on the application of remote sensing to investigate the changes in lake surface water temperatures and their relationship with the surrounding land cover type to identify the main driving factors of these changes. In this study, 507 major global lakes have been investigated. An analysis of temperature variation over these lakes has been conducted using daily observations of Aqua MODIS from 2002 to 2018. Preliminary results show that 43.15% of the studied lakes are warming and about 51.00% of lakes are cooling. Furthermore, 62.53% of the lakes are shrinking, while 28.35% of them are expanding.
Splanchnic Circulation: Liver and Spleen

In this chapter, the organization of the splanchnic circulation is described. The chapter begins with a discussion on the relevant anatomy and physiology of the liver and the spleen. Special considerations of the hepatic and splenic circulations are described, including blood flow characteristics, some special features of the microcirculation and the storage/release of blood from these organs. The activity of these circulations is also discussed in relation to pressure changes and other physiological demands (e.g., innervation) on the systemic circulation. Finally, some salient disease conditions, which are relevant to the liver and the spleen, are described.
High Speed Digital-Analog Converters — The Dynamic Linearity Challenge

In this paper we examine the need for high dynamic linearity in high speed digital-analog converters for communications applications, and the challenges facing DAC designers attempting to maximize it. A brief discussion of a DAC designed for high dynamic linearity is then presented, followed by some predictions of future trends.
Transfer of Allergic Contact-Type Delayed Sensitivity in Man1

In guinea pigs it has been possible to transfer allergic contact sensitivity regularly, using peritoneal exudates (1), minced spleen (2), lymph nodes (2) and other leukocyte sources (3, 4). Mononuclear cells, most likely lymphocytes, are thought to be the cells containing the transfer factor (5). In man, on the other hand, instances of successful transfer have been so few that most workers are not persuaded that this phenomenon has been conclusively demonstrated (6, 7, 8, 9, 10). The explanation which Baer et al (6, 7) and Haxthausen (8) prefer for their occasional successes with peripheral leukocytes in man is that the recipients probably became actively sensitized by the challenge patch test or by prior patch tests. Furthermore, Baer et al felt that the duration of sensitivity in the recipients (8 months or more) also spoke for an active rather than a passive process. Similarly, erratic successes using blister fluid (the Koenigstein-Urbach technic (11, 12)), have been seriously questioned (13). Nonetheless, the issue remains sub judice because in man Lawrence (14, 15) and others (16, 17), using peripheral leukocytes, have had little difficulty transferring delayed tuberculin and streptococcal sensitivities which are akin to, if not immunologically identical with, allergic contact sensitivity. Recently, Lawrence (18) has reviewed brilliantly the entire subject of delayed sensitivity.
Dietary and Ruminally Derived trans-18:1 Fatty Acids Alter Bovine Milk Lipids

The objectives of this study were to determine whether dietary fish oil enhances production of trans-18:1 isomers in the bovine rumen and whether flow of ruminally derived and/or dietary trans-18:1 to the small intestine is correlated with milk fat production. Four lactating Holstein cows with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were fed diets with 0% supplemental fat (control diet), 3% hydrogenated tallow fatty acids (HTFA diet), 1.5% menhaden oil plus 1.5% stearic acid (MO+SA diet), or 1.5% soybean oil plus 1.5% partially hydrogenated soybean oil (SBO+HSBO diet) in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Intakes of trans-18:1 were 0, 12, 0 and 69 g/d when cows were fed the control, HTFA, MO+SA and SBO+HSBO diets, respectively. However, the extent of 18:1 + 18:2(n-6) + 18: 3(n-3) biohydrogenation in the rumen was reduced by consumption of the MO+SA and SBO+HSBO diets. As a result, flow of trans-18:1 to the duodenum was 163 g/d for MO+SA-fed cows and 152 g/d for SBO+HSBO-fed cows compared with 38 g/d for cows fed the HTFA and control diets. Incomplete biohydrogenation accounted for all of the trans-18:1 flow when the MO+SA diet was fed. Compared with results when the HTFA and control diets were fed, milk fat percentage was lower and concentration of trans-18:1 in milk fat was higher when the MO+SA and SBO+HSBO diets were fed. Across all treatments, milk fat percentage decreased linearly with the amount of trans-18:1 flowing to the duodenum and the concentration of trans-18:1 in milk fat. Results indicate that bovine milk fat percentage is depressed by trans-18:1, whether derived from the diet or from incomplete biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids.
Investigations concerning the prevalence of nutritional defiencies and intestinal malabsorption among rural populations of the West Indies. I. Methodology

A description and evaluation of the methods used in a clinical investigation of the relationship between nutritional status and intestinal malabsorption in a sample of asymptomatic rural residents in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic is presented. These countries were choosen for their contrasting nutritional status. The diet of the rural population in Puerto Rico is relatively good while the diet of Dominican Republics rural residents is marginal. Household surveys were conducted in one small rural community in Puerto Rico and in another such community in the Dominican Republic. A sample of 96 patients from the former and 42 patients from the latter were hospitalized for 6 days. Their diet was controlled and a series of tests were performed in order to assess intestinal absorption. The usefulness of the various clinical determinations was then evaluated. Folic acid absorption studies and fat and nitrogen studies were found to be too time-consuming. Determination of fecal excretion of nitrogen and B12 serum concentrations yielded sufficient information and were judged useful. As many tests as possible had to be performed in assessing jejunum and ileum function as the intestional abnormalities were not limited to one site. Some were in the jejunum only others were in the ileum only and others were scattered throughout the small intestine. Tables show 1) age-sex distributions and monthly family income for the studied communities; 2) nitrogen balance study results; and 3) daily intake of protein for Puerto Rican and Dominican Republican subjects.
The Mythical Benefits of Shareholder Control

In 'The Myth of the Shareholder Franchise', Professor Lucian Bebchuk argues that the notion that shareholders in public corporations can remove directors is a myth. The same argument was made by Berle and Means in 1932. Not only is shareholder power to remove directors largely a myth in U.S. public companies, it has been widely recognized as a myth for three-quarters of a century. What should we conclude from this? Professor Bebchuk concludes the time has come to make shareholder power a reality. But there are many myths - vampires, alligators in the sewers - we would not want to make real. Part I of this Response to Professor Bebchuk's article argues that we should not want to make shareholder power to oust directors more real because, while board control worsens agency costs, it offers important economic benefits to shareholders as well. In particular, board control promotes efficient and informed decisionmaking; discourages intershareholder opportunism; and encourages valuable specific investment in corporate team production. Because board control has costs and benefits, theory cannot tell us whether we should make it easier for shareholders to oust directors. We must look to the evidence. Part II concludes the evidence does not support Bebchuk's proposal. To the contrary, it suggests shareholders in public firms reap net benefits from board control. Why then do so many observers believe shareholders need more power over boards? Part III argues that calls for shareholder democracy appeal to the media and many observers not because they are based on evidence, but because of emotion. The emotional appeal of shareholder power can be traced to three sources; the common but misleading metaphor that shareholders own corporations; the opportunistic calls of activists seeking leverage over boards for self-interested reasons; and a strong but unfocused sense that something (anything!) should be done in the wake of recent corporate scandals. The result has been widespread propagation of a second myth - the myth that shareholder control of public companies benefits shareholders. The Response concludes by reminding readers of the dangers of policymaking based on myth rather than evidence, using the cautionary case of stock options.
Low Digit Ratio Predicts Early Age at Menarche in Colombian Schoolgirls

Background: The ratio between the lengths of the second and fourth fingers (digit ratio: 2D : 4D), a purported negative correlate of prenatal androgen exposure, has been inversely related to age at menarche. However, a recent study found high digit ratios in carriers of a single variant in the LIN28B gene, which has been linked to delayed menarche. Methods: We investigated the association of digit ratio and age at menarche in 299 pre-menarcheal girls aged 5‐12 years who participated in a longitudinal cohort study in Bogota, Colombia. Finger lengths were measured at baseline and the occurrence of menarche was periodically ascertained over a median 32 months of follow-up. We used time-to-event analysis to estimate median ages at menarche as well as hazard ratios for menarche according to tertiles of the digit ratio for each hand. Results: Estimated median age at menarche was lower for girls in the lowest digit ratio tertile of the right hand compared with those in the highest (12.0 vs. 12.3 years; P-value = 0.04). After adjustment for baseline age, heightand body mass index-for-age z-scores, the hazard of menarche was 86% higher in girls of the lowest digit ratio tertile (hazard ratio 1.9 [95% confidence interval 1.2, 2.9]) compared with those in the highest digit ratio tertile of the right hand. No significant associations were found with the left hand. Conclusions: Digit ratio was positively associated with age at menarche in this longitudinal investigation, consistent with results from a recent gene-linkage study.
Ecological paradigms to understand the dynamics of metastasis

The process by which prostate cancer cells non-randomly disseminate to the bone to form lethal metastases remains unknown. Metastasis is the ultimate consequence of the long-range dispersal of a cancer cell from the primary tumor to a distant secondary site. In order to metastasize, the actively emigrating cell must move. Movement ecology describes an individual's migration between habitats without the requirement of conscious decision-making. Specifically, this paradigm describes four interacting components that influence the dynamic process of metastasis: (1) the microenvironmental pressures exerted on the cancer cell, (2) how the individual cell reacts to these external pressures, (3) the phenotypic switch of a cell to gain the physical traits required for movement, and (4) the ability of the cancer cell to navigate to a specific site. A deeper understanding of each of these components will lead to the development of novel therapeutics targeted to interrupt previously unidentified steps of metastasis.
Citation analysis of research performer quality

Background: Citation analysis for evaluative purposes typically requires normalization against some control group of similar papers. Selection of this control group is an open question. Objectives: Gain a better understanding of control group requirements for credible normalization. Approach: Performed citation analysis on prior publications of two proposing research units, to help estimate team research quality. Compared citations of each unit"s publications to citations received by thematically and temporally similar papers. Results: Identification of thematically similar papers was very complex and labor intensive, even with relatively few control papers selected. Conclusions: A credible citation analysis for determining performer or team quality should have the following components: – Multiple technical experts to average out individual bias and subjectivity; – A process for comparing performer or team output papers with a normalization base of similar papers; – A process for retrieving a substantial fraction of candidate normalization base papers; Manual evaluation of many candidate normalization base papers to obtain high thematic similarity and statistical representation.
Protein kinase C-β inhibition for diabetic kidney disease

Abstract Amid the rapidly rising number of people with diabetes worldwide, the prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is expected to increase considerably despite available treatments. Consequently, novel therapeutic agents are urgently needed. Ruboxistaurin mesylate is a bisindolylmaleimide that specifically inhibits the β isoform of protein kinase C (PKC). In experimental models of DKD, ruboxistaurin normalized glomerular hyperfiltration, decreased urinary albumin excretion, preserved kidney function, and reduced mesangial expansion, glomerulosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. These beneficial effects of ruboxistaurin, both alone and combined with renin–angiotensin system inhibition, have been observed in a variety of experimental models of DKD. A phase 2 study of PKC-β inhibition in persons with type 2 diabetes and DKD already treated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition and/or angiotensin receptor blockade has been conducted. Addition of ruboxistaurin for 1 year reduced urinary albumin, prevented an increase in urinary transforming growth factor-β, and stabilized estimated glomerular filtration rate. Based on secondary analyses of clinical trials in patients with diabetic retinopathy or neuropathy, ruboxistaurin appears safe and may also prevent onset of DKD. PKC-β inhibition holds promise as a new strategy to improve kidney disease outcomes in diabetes. Large-scale clinical trials will be required to confirm safety and to validate prospective benefits of ruboxistaurin on relevant clinical endpoints in DKD.
Low sodium intake--cardiovascular health benefit or risk?

Hypertension is the most common modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death. Worldwide, it is estimated that more than 1 billion adults have hypertension, that this figure is projected to climb to 1.5 billion by the year 2025, and that hypertension accounts for more than 9 million deaths annually.1,2 Because of its high prevalence and related morbidity and mortality, population-wide approaches to reducing blood pressure, and therefore the burden of cardiovascular disease, have been recommended. Among these strategies, reducing dietary sodium and, to a lesser extent, increasing dietary potassium have been included in many guidelines for the treatment . . .
Metrics for availability analysis using a discrete event simulation method

Abstract The system performance metric “availability” is a central concept with respect to the concerns of a plant’s operators and owners, yet it can be abstract enough to resist explanation at system levels. Hence, there is a need for a system-level metric more closely aligned with a plant’s (or, more generally, a system’s) raison d’etre. Historically, availability of repairable systems – intrinsic, operational, or otherwise – has been defined as a ratio of times. This paper introduces a new concept of availability, called endogenous availability, defined in terms of a ratio of quantities of product yield. Endogenous availability can be evaluated using a discrete event simulation analysis methodology. A simulation example shows that endogenous availability reduces to conventional availability in a simple series system with different processing rates and without intermediate storage capacity, but diverges from conventional availability when storage capacity is progressively increased. It is shown that conventional availability tends to be conservative when a design includes features, such as in – process storage, that partially decouple the components of a larger system.
Product networks:a family of symmetric interconnection networks from a group model

Alters and Krishnamurthy developed a formal group-theoretic modelCayley graph model, for designing and analyzing proccssor/communication interconnection networks. Using this model they have developed two classes of interconnection networks, the star graph and the pancake graph. Analysis has shown that star graphs are markedly superior to the widely used n-cube. In this paper, applying the concept of internal direct product of groups, we study a family of interconnection networks–product networks. Both the n-cube and the star graph are member of this family of networks. We study such properties of product networks as degree, diameter, connectivity, and fault-tolerance. We show that product networks are hierarchical in structure. Using this hierarchical property we have developed an optimal one-to-all broadcasting algorithm for the product graph.
On the controllability of discrete dynamic oligopolies under adaptive expectations

Abstract The complete controllability of single-product dynamic oligopolies is examined under discrete time scales with adaptive expectations. We prove that, in the case of a duopoly, the system is completely controllable unless the two firms are symmetric. For N ⩾ 3, a sufficient and necessary controllability condition is derived. In the special case of unit speeds of adjustments, this paper generalizes our earlier results on Cournot expectations.
Realization and the metaphysics of mind1

According to a familiar view in philosophy of mind, mental states or properties are realized by physical states or properties but are not identical to them. This view is often called realization physicalism. But what is realization? I argue that recent approaches to realization, represented by Carl Gillett's ‘dimensioned’ view, fail to acknowledge some textbook cases of realization. I also argue Gillett's account in particular admits realization relations that should not count if realization physicalism is to be distinguished from its competitors in the usual ways. I offer my own account of realization, and argue that it is superior not only in passing the above tests but also in its utility for answering questions about multiple realizability.
Some carbonyl flavor compounds of oxidized soybean and linseed oils

Evidence is presented that 2,3-pentanedione, as well as diacetyl, contributes to the buttery flavor found in the early stages of oxidation of soybean oil. Components with a fishy and potatoey flavor were found in distillates from soybean oil that had a fishy or paint-like flavor. Linseed oil proved a reliable source of these flavor compounds. The fishy compound was identified ascis-4-heptenal and the potatoey compound is probably 2,4-pentadienal. Mechanisms for the production of these compounds are suggested.
The 2000 Cohort of New Assistant Professors of Counselor Education: Reflecting at the Culmination of Six Years

This article features the final phase of a 6-year inquiry focused on counselor educators who assumed their first full-time faculty position in the fall 2000 academic term. Through in-depth interviews and questionnaires, the participants described their experiences addressing (a) work environment, (b) sources of satisfaction and pleasure, (c) the interplay between professional and personal domains, and (d) change and transformation. References to tenure and promotion became frequent and prominent across all themes. Recommendations for counselor-educators-in-training, candidates, new counselor educators, and veteran counselor educators are provided.
Self-help groups viewed by mental health professionals: a survey and comments.

This paper presents a summary of a national survey of the utilization and evaluation of self-help groups by outpatient mental health facilities making and receiving referrals from self-help groups. Evaluations of self-help groups' effectiveness tended to be favorable, and respondents generally believed that they could play an important role in a mental health delivery system. Only 30. 7%, however, believed that the probability was high that their agencies would be interested in exploring how their activities might be integrated with those of self-help groups. Although self-help groups are becoming increasingly recognized as a potentially important resource in dealing with the mental health needs of society (Caplan & Killilea, 1976; Dumont, 1974; Gartner & Riessman, 1974; Levy, 1976), the attitudes of mental health professionals toward the efficacy of these groups will significantly influence their utilization as a community resource. This paper presents the results of a national survey of the attitudes of professionals toward self-help groups. Self-help groups are so diverse in their organization, structure, and mode of functioning, that it is difficult to capture their essence in a simple definition. For the purposes of this study, however, a self-help group has been defined as one which meets the following five conditions:
EFFICIENCY OF PEABODY PICTURE VOCABULARY IN ESTIMATING WISC SCORES FOR DELINQUENTS

Sum7nmy.-1Qs on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test for 106 males 13 to 16 yr. and of lower class status were related to WISC IQs (assessed by student examiners) in three different ranges (80-89, 70-79, Below 7 0 ) as a function of race. Both group and individual results were consistent with previous data showing the Peabody scale generally overestimates the IQs of retarded subjects. The present results, however, also indicate that the Peabody tended to underestimate the IQs of 34 "Dull Normal" subjects. Thus, there appears to be an interaction between the Peabody, the WISC, and IQ level. Individual analysis corroborated the group analysis in that 77% of the 26 black subjects and 93% of the 15 white subjects in the range below 70 IQ obtained Peabody scores which overestimated Full Scale WISC IQs. In the "Dull Normal" IQ range the Peabody underestimated WISC performance for 89% of the 18 black subjects and 81% of the 16 white subjects. When the Wechsler mean IQ for both blacks and whites was between GO and 83 the Peabody tended to produce a mean IQ score between 70 and 78. Thus, irrespective of the Wechsler IQ, the mean Peabody IQ showed little variability. The utility of the Peabody in estimating the Wechsler IQ of juvenile offenders is of doubtful value.
Effect of organosilane/polymer ratio on adsorption properties of periodic mesoporous ethane-silica

Abstract Remarkable achievements in the area of pure siliceous mesoporous molecular sieves such as MCM-41, SBA-15, SBA-16 and FDU-1 paved the way for the discovery of periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs). This work reports the effect of organosilane/polymer ratio on the synthesis of PMO with ethane bridging groups inside the SBA-15-type framework. This ethane-silica was obtained by self-assembly of 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTESE) precursor and poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer Pluronic P123 (EO20PO70EO20) as structure directing agent under low acidic conditions. The amount of triblock copolymer P123 was increased progressively from 0.5 and 3 g, while the mass of BTESE in the synthesis gel mixture was kept constant. The polymeric template was removed via extraction with acidified ethanolic solution. The resulting PMO materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry and nitrogen adsorption at −196 °C. The latter was used to evaluate the specific surface area, mesopore width, total pore volume and the volume of complementary pores. The polymer/BTESE weight ratios of 0.73 and 1.46 favoured the formation of additional amorphous silica inside channel-like mesopores, which resulted in plugged hexagonal templated silicas (PHTS) with low mesopore volume, small mesopore size, wide pore size distribution (PSD), thick pore walls and low mesostructural ordering. A further increase in the polymer/BTESE ratio (2.2) led to a material with large pore diameter, narrow PSD, uniform pore openings and high structural ordering. On the other hand, high polymer/BTESE ratios (from 2.93 to 4.39) afforded PMOs with very broad PSD and high non-uniformity of pore entrances as well as low ordering. Furthermore, a complete removal of ethane bridging groups at elevated temperatures in air did not lead to the disappearance of mesostructural ordering in the OMS studied.
Child Prodigies: A Distinctive Form of Giftedness1:

The basic premise of this article is that the child prodigy is a distinct form of giftedness which must be understood on its own terms. In contrast with the child of great general ability, the prodigy tends to have a more focused, specialized, and domain-specific form of giftedness. Studies of prodigies have contributed to changing theories about the nature of giftedness (e.g., from single to multiple) and will likely continue to do so. Along with the related phenomenon of savant syndrome, the prodigy points to a set of complex relationships between psychometric intelligence in the traditional sense and expression of talent within specific domains like music or mathematics. Based in part on findings from studies of prodigies, it is likely that there are important roles for both general and specific abilities in most forms of giftedness and that they represent two distinct evolutionary trends to maximize the likelihood of human survival.
Exploring differences in online professional development seminars with the community of inquiry framework

Four sessions of two professional development seminars were offered to members of an organization. The seminars were voluntary, free of charge, and participants did not receive credit for their attendance. Participation rates and exit survey ratings for the four sessions varied. After the seminars, an analysis using the community of inquiry framework was conducted to better understand what occurred in the dialogue of the seminars to understand whether patterns of facilitator actions related to the amount of participation and exit survey ratings. The design of the seminars, the activities in the seminars, and the importance of the facilitator to plan and then help foster interaction in voluntary professional development seminars are discussed relative to the community of inquiry model.
The Cost-Performance of an On-Line, Free-Text Bibliographic Retrieval System.

Abstract The cost-performance evaluation of the SUPARS system is reported. SUPARS was an on-line, free-text bibliographic retrieval system; cost-effectivness data of such systems are not readily available. In our evaluation, two measures of cost were employed : a computer processing charge expressed in dollars, and the number of documents retrieved (a measure of work that must be expended to review the retrieved items). The measure of performance was an estimate of the recall ratio. To obtain the requisite measures an experimental plan was developed in which experts searched the data base of Psychological Abstracts forming their queries from written statements of information needs. These statements (along with a list of documents relevant to them) were produced by people with information problems. Tallies were kept of the number of documents retrieved before each of the designated relevant items were found. The major findings are noted below. (1) Queries to the system employing simple Boolean operators (AND, OR) have better cost-performance characteristics than queries using more elegant searching operators. (2) On-demand access to the index or dictionary contributes sizeably to improving the cost-performance of the system. (3) The argument is raised that human factors, such as the differences among users of a system, probably should be a major factor in the design, operation and evaluation of retrieval systems. It appears that consideration of these factors will improve system cost-performance.
Rural–Urban Differences in Injury Hospitalizations in the U.S., 2004

rate ratios and 95% CIs. Results: An estimated 1.9 million (95% CI1,800,250 –1,997,801) injury-related hospitalizations were identified. Overall, injury-hospitalization rates generally increased with increasing rurality; rates were 27% higher in large rural counties (95% CI10%, 44%) and 35% higher in small rural counties (95% CI16%, 55%). While hospitalization rates for assaults were highest in large urban counties, the rates for unintentional injuries from motor vehicle traffic, falls, and poisonings were higher in rural populations. Rates for self-inflicted injuries from poisonings, cuttings, and firearms were higher in rural counties. The total estimated hospital charges for injuries were more than $50 billion. On a per-capita basis, hospital charges were highest for rural populations. Conclusions: These findings highlight the substantial burden imposed by injury on the U.S. population and the significantly increased risk for those residing in rural locations. Prevention and intervention efforts in rural areas should be expanded and should focus on risk factors unique to these populations.
Change in opioid dose and change in depression in a longitudinal primary care patient cohort

Depression is associated with receipt of higher doses of prescription opioids. It is not known whether the reverse association exists in that an increased opioid dose is associated with increased depression. Questionnaires were administered to 355 patients with chronic low back pain at baseline and 1-year and 2-year follow-up. Depression, pain, anxiety, health-related quality of life, and social support or stress were obtained by survey. Opioid type and dose and comorbid conditions were derived from chart abstraction. Random intercept, generalized linear mixed models were computed to estimate the association between change in opioid morphine equivalent dose (MED) thresholds (0, 1-50, >50 mg) and probability of depression over time. Second, we computed the association between change in depression and odds of an increasing MED over time. After adjusting for covariates, an increase to >50 mg MED from nonuse increased a participant's probability of depression over time (odds ratio [OR] = 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-5.98). An increase to 1 to 50 mg MED did not increase an individual's probability of depression over time (OR = 1.08; 95% CI, 0.65-1.79). In unadjusted analysis, developing depression was associated with a 2.13 (95% CI, 1.36-3.36) increased odds of a higher MED. This association decreased after adjusting for all covariates (OR = 1.65; 95% CI, 0.97-2.81). Post hoc analysis revealed that depression was significantly associated with a 10.1-mg MED increase in fully adjusted models. Change to a higher MED leads to an increased risk of depression, and developing depression increases the likelihood of a higher MED. We speculate that treating depression or lowering MED may mitigate a bidirectional association and ultimately improve pain management.