cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
N1 and P2 to words and wordlike stimuli in late elementary school children and adults

In an investigation of the development of fine-tuning for word processing across the late elementary school years as indexed by the posterior N1 and P2 components of the ERP waveform, third, fourth, and fifth graders and a comparison group of adults viewed words, pseudowords, nonpronounceable letter strings, and false font strings in a semantic categorization task. In adults, N1 was larger to and P2 was later to words as compared to pseudowords, a finely tuned effect of lexicality reflecting specialization for word processing. In contrast, in each group of children, N1 was larger to letter strings than false font strings and P2 was larger to false font strings than letter strings, reflecting coarse encoding for orthography. In regression analyses, scores on standardized behavioral test measures of orthographic knowledge, decoding skill, and fluency predicted N1 amplitude; these effects were not significant with age included as a separate predictor. None of the behavioral scores, in models including or not including age, predicted P2 amplitude. In direct comparisons between groups, there were multiple differences between the child and adult groups for both N1 and P2 amplitude effects, and only a single significant difference between two child groups. Overall, the findings suggest a lengthy developmental time course for the fine-tuning of early word processing as indexed by N1 and P2.
Students With Severe Speech and Physical Impairments Reflection of Models of Social Construct in Educational Decisions for Literacy Instruction

This qualitative study examined barriers to literacy for individuals with severe speech and physical impairments. The study gave voice to parents, teachers, university faculty, and administrators involved in the literacy education of these students. Following a constant comparison to model parameters set by disability rights authors, 4 dominant models emerged from the dialogue: (a) medical, (b) materialist, (c) administrative, and (d) social barriers. The medical and materialist models reflected the dominance of a functional/life-skill curriculum and the lowering of academic expectations for traditional literacy achievement. The administrative model intertwined with financial allocations in areas of teacher training, assistive technology, and classroom materials. The social barriers model influenced marginalization in scheduling for literacy instruction and inclusion in scope and sequence curricula.
Community caring : An ethnographic study within an organizational culture

American society is demanding that health care organizations design a health care system that is more responsive to the needs of their communities. In their efforts to respond, organizations are challenged to better understand organizational dynamics, community needs, and community relationships. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the meaning of caring for the community from the perspective of care providers in a hospital-based ambulatory program. Using a focused ethnographic design, the study was conducted in a community hospital close to a large metropolitan city. Research methods included open-ended interviews, participant observations, and examination of documents. Analysis of data revealed five major themes related to the experience of caring for the community. Themes reflected different perspectives of communities, reciprocal relationships and teams, education and prevention, shared values, and understanding community needs. At the same time, an overarching theme related to wellness, growth, and empowerment emerged. Results provided knowledge that may help increase understanding of organizational culture that impacts the development of healthy communities. Findings may also help facilitate organizational change toward the development of new models of care that are integrated with the community.
Room-temperature luminescence of a variety of compounds on 1 α-cyclodextrin/NaCl mixture

With the use of model compounds of widely different functionality, it was found that a 1% α-cyclodextrin/NaCl mixture could be used in place of an 80% α-cyclodextrin/NaCl mixture to obtain solid surface room-temperature fluorescence (RTF) and phosphorescence (RTP) data. Analytical figures of merit are reported for four compounds. The use of a smaller percentage of α-cyclodextrin results in lower cost; no loss of analytical integrity, compared with that for an 80% α-cyclodextrin/NaCl mixture; and easier handling of the α-cyclodextrin/NaCl mixtures
Brain dead patients are still whole organisms.

Bernat's (2014) tenacious but unsatisfying defense of the view that brain-dead patients—even if stabilized and maintained in intensive care units (ICUs)—are dead concludes with his affirmation of t...
Chicken apolipoprotein A-I: cDNA sequence, tissue expression and evolution.

Abstract Using an antibody against chicken apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, we identified multiple cDNA clones for the protein in two intestinal cDNA libraries in λgtll. The complete nucleotide sequence of chicken apoA-I cDNA was determined. The sequence predicts a mature protein of 240 amino acids, a 6-amino acid propeptide and an 18-amino acid signal peptide. Using a 32P-cDNA probe, we detected the presence of apoA-I mRNA in 21 day old chicken intestine, liver, kidney, spleen, breast muscle and brain. The primary sequence of apoA-I contains numerous tandem repeats of 11 and 22 residues in a manner similar to the mammalian proteins. Our analysis of apoA-I sequences from human, rabbit, dog, rat, and chicken indicates that the rate of amino acid substitution is considerably faster in the rat lineage than in other mammalian lineages.
Carbon-13 CP-MAS NMR spectra of paramagnetic solids

La rotation a l'angle magique permet d'affiner le spectre de RMN de 13 C de l'acetate de pariodyme trihydrate
Detection of beryllium by laser-induced-breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract Using the new technique of laser-induced-breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) a limit of detection was measured for beryllium in air of 0.5 ng g ( w w ), which is one-third of the OSHA limit for the 8-h average exposure to beryllium. Approximately linear working curves were obtained over the concentration range 0.5 to 2 × 104 ng g−1. The potential application of this technique to a beryllium monitoring instrument is discussed.
Stress in African American pregnancies: testing the roles of various stress concepts in prediction of birth outcomes.

Background: The persistently higher rates of adverse birth outcomes among African American women are a major public health concern.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relations among psychosocial stress, socioeconomic status, and birth outcomes in African American women.Methods: A prospective survey research design was used to measure stress exposure, subjective responses to stressors, including intrusive effects of life events, and medical and sociodemographic variables in a sample of 178 pregnant African American women. Birth outcomes were obtained from medical charts.Results: Life event exposure was high, but levels of perceived stress and negative emotional responses were low to moderate. Lower income African American women reported significantly greater pregnancy undesirability than higher income African American women. Educational attainment was not related to any of the stress variables, and neither income nor educational attainment was significantly related to birth outcomes. Number of stressful life events significantly predicted 3% additional variance in gestational age after controlling for potential confounders. Psychosocial stress variables altogether accounted for 7% additional variance in gestational age-adjusted birth weight, with event distress and intrusive thoughts concerning severe life events emerging as the significant independent stress predictors.Conclusions: These results contribute to our understanding of the complex etiological processes involved in African American birth outcomes and set the stage for further research into their reproductive health status.
Error-resilient systems via statistical signal processing

This paper provides an overview of error-resilient techniques to design robust and energy-efficient nanoscale DSP systems while focusing on statistical error compensation techniques. We demonstrate that logic-level error resiliency devises techniques independent of the application context. This results in significant complexity overhead especially with the highly unreliable circuits fabric. On the other hand, system-level error resiliency, such as statistical error compensation, employs techniques from statistical signal processing in order to exploit the hardware error behavior at application level and engineer the error compensation mechanism to match the application requirements. The benefits of such a design philosophy are tremendous gains in robustness (> 1000x) and energy efficiency (3×-to-6×) In addition, the paper paves the way to the deployment of novel statistical error compensation techniques based on principles from pattern recognition and iterative/turbo detection.
STREAK CAMERA MEASUREMENT OF TRYPTOPHAN AND RHODAMINE MOTIONS WITH PICOSECOND TIME RESOLUTION

— We have used a signal averaging laser (30 ps pulse)-streak camera system to measure fluorescence anisotropy decays of dyes in solution and protein tryptophan chromophores with picosecond time resolution. Emission polarization as a function of time can be measured directly and simultaneously for both polarization directions and stored in an optical multichannel analyzer. The corrected anisotropy is computed after background subtraction. Rotations of free dyes in solution (Sulforhodamine 101, tryptophan) and the temperature-dependent internal motions of human serum albumin (tryptophan emission) are displayed.
Aortic valve sclerosis is an echocardiographic indicator of significant coronary disease in patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography

Summary Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) is considered to be a manifestation of generalised atherosclerosis that involves the aortic valve. It has been associated with higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a population-based study. This investigation used transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to evaluate the prevalence and significance of AVS in 357 Chinese patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). This work reveals that AVS is an independent echocardiographic predictor of significant CAD in such clinical setting (O.R. = 3.18; 95% confidence interval 1.52–6.7; p = 0.002). Other independent predictors include male gender, diabetes mellitus and hypertriglyceridemia. The predictive value of AVS for the presence of CAD is more prominent in females and in subjects aged <65 years. The recognition of AVS on TTE should alert the physicians to the possibility of underlying significant CAD, and further evaluation with aggressive management is indicated, even though no angiographic documentation is available.
LACK OF B7 EXPRESSION, NOT HUMAN LEUKOCYTE ANTIGEN EXPRESSION, FACILITATES IMMUNE EVASION BY HUMAN MALIGNANT GLIOMAS

OBJECTIVE: Lack of human leukocyte antigens and costimulatory molecules have been suggested as mechanisms by which human malignant gliomas avoid immune recognition and elimination. METHODS: Using quantitative multiparameter flow cytometric analysis, tumor cells from patients with glioblastoma multiforme (n = 18) were examined ex vivo for the expression of human leukocyte antigen Class I and II molecules and the costimulatory molecules B7-1 and B7-2. They were compared with reactive astrocytes from peritumoral brain metastases (n = 7), and astrocytes removed during nontumor surgery (n = 5). RESULTS: In contrast to the vast majority of solid peripheral human tumors, these results demonstrate that glioblastoma multiforme frequently express both human leukocyte antigen Class I and II molecules. Like most solid peripheral tumors, glioblastoma multiforme tumor cells express few or no B7 costimulatory molecules. Functional assays using heterogeneous ex vivo tumor preparations or pure populations of ex vivo tumor cells and microglia obtained using fluorescence-activated cell sorting indicate that CD4 + T-cells are activated by tumor cells only in the presence of exogenous B7 costimulation (provided by addition of soluble agonist anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody). CONCLUSION: Thus, in contrast to many solid peripheral tumors, failure to present tumor antigens is not a likely impediment to immunotherapeutic strategies against malignant gliomas. Rather, immunotherapeutic strategies need to overcome low levels of B7 costimulation.
All stationary axisymmetric rotating dust metrics

The Einstein equations for stationary axisymmetric space–times with a rotating dust source are systematically reduced to quadratures. The general solution depends upon an arbitrary axisymmetric solution of the flat three‐dimensional Laplace equation and upon an arbitrary function of one variable.
Use of operon fusions in Mannheimia haemolytica to identify environmental and cis-acting regulators of leukotoxin transcription.

The leukotoxin of Mannheimia haemolytica is an important virulence factor that contributes to much of the pathology observed in the lungs of animals with bovine shipping fever pneumonia. We believe that identification of factors that regulate leukotoxin expression may provide insight into M. haemolytica pathogenicity. The DNA sequence upstream of the leukotoxin operon is divergently shared by PlapT, which transcribes an arginine permease gene. The intergenic region contains several elements that are potential sites for transcriptional modulation of the promoters. We have developed plasmid-borne chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (cat) operon fusions, as well as lktC::cat chromosomal fusions, to study transcription initiation in M. haemolytica. Using these genetic tools, we have identified cis-acting sequences and environmental conditions that modulate transcription of the leukotoxin and lapT promoters. By deletion analysis, promoters were shown to rely on sequences upstream of their −10 and −35 regions for full activity. Direct repeats of the sequence TGT-N(11)-ACA and a static bend region caused by phased adenine tracts were necessary for full activation of Plkt. A computer-generated model of the promoter's structure shows how DNA bending brings the repeat sequences within close proximity to the Plkt RNA polymerase, and we hypothesize that these repeats are a binding site for an activator of leukotoxin transcription. The lktC::cat operon fusion was also used to demonstrate that, like that of other RTX toxins, leukotoxin transcription is environmentally regulated. Roles for iron deprivation and temperature change were identified.
Unemployment insurance eligibility before and after welfare reform

ABSTRACT Welfare and unemployment insurance (UI) were designed to serve distinct populations, mothers and workers. As more women moved into the paid labor force, these previously separate groups have melded into a single group–working mothers. In this research, we analyze the likelihood of former welfare recipients being eligible for UI using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation. Our analysis compares UI eligibility in the early 1990s (before welfare reform), with the late 1990s (after welfare reform). In general, we find that despite a strong labor market in the late 1990s relative to the early 1990s, former welfare recipients were less likely to meet the earnings requirements for UI eligibility, owing largely to an increase in the share of welfare leavers with little or no earnings.
Do efficiency wages explain dismissals

This study modifies Rebitzer's (1987) model of efficiency wages to predict dismissal from employment. Using a sample selection method and data from Australian workplaces, the analysis supports the predictions that both very high and very low levels of required effort, loose labour markets and high dismissals costs are associated with fewer dismissals. Among other results, we find extensive internal labour markets and active unions reduce dismissals. The evidence suggests that large employers rely more heavily on dismissals to motivate employees, although such employers screen more effectively and so exhibit lower dismissal rates(JEL J24,J41,J42).
An ultra-high vacuum system using an oil-diffusion pump with a non-refrigerated isolation trap

Ultrahochvakuum mit Basisdruck von weniger als 5 × 10−10 mm Hg wird routinemassig erzeugt und fur mehrere Monate mittels einer Oldiffusionspumpe aufrechterhalten. Eine mit aktivierter Alumina beschickte Isolationsfalle von grossem Querschnitt ist zwischen Pumpe und Glassystem eingesetzt; so wird ohne irgendwelche Kuhlung das Zuruckstromen von Oldampfen in die Experimentierapparatur vollkommen verhindert.
Distribution of relaxation times in ( KBr ) 0.5 ( KCN ) 0.5

Measurements of the dielectric response of ${(\mathrm{KBr})}_{0.5}$${(\mathrm{KCN})}_{0.5}$ covering nine decades of frequency are reported. We have shown how the relaxation times proliferate as the temperature is lowered. The anomalously wide distribution of relaxation times can be generated from a Gaussian distribution of energy barriers. As temperature is decreased not only does the spread of relaxation times increase, but more importantly the width of the distribution of activation energies itself increases.
Loss reduction in single mode photonic crystal vertical cavity surface emitting lasers

The reduction of optical loss in single mode photonic crystal vertical cavity surface emitting lasers is demonstrated. Optical loss and threshold current decrease with increasing etch depth while mode discrimination is maintained.
Beating a Dead Dodo Bird: Looking at Signal vs. Noise in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

The present qualitative and quantitative review examines the efficacy of CBT versus non-CBT treatments for anxiety disorders and suggests that a prior failure (Baardseth et al., 2013, p. 395) to detect differences in outcome can easily be attributed to excessive error variance in the analysis, essentially burying the “signal” under “noise.” Several sources of error variance are identified, including type of comparison therapy, diagnosis, what outcome is being measured, and study quality. It is suggested that the “signal” of CBT versus other psychotherapies can easily be seen or not seen, depending on what one chooses to analyze. Recommendations are made for further study about the relative efficacy of different psychological treatments.
Anomalous mobility behavior in CdS and CdTe: Electrical evidence for impurity pairs

An anomalous mobility behavior in certain $n$-type CdS and CdTe samples has been observed. This behavior is characterized by low-temperature-Hall-mobility maximums which are much higher than can be understood on the basis of simple impurity-charge scattering. The anomaly correlates with the level depth of the hydrogenic-donor defects controlling the conductivity, the degree of compensation, and with the thermal annealing history of the sample. It is suggested that the effect is due to defect pairing.
The electrolytic respirometer—I factors affecting oxygen uptake measurements

Abstract The electrolytic respirometer provides a more accurate and more complete measurement of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of wastewaters samples than normally is obtained by the standard dilution BOD method. Laboratory and field studies have shown that the electrolytic respirometer is a dependable instrument for making BOD measurements, is simple to operate, and provides a continuous readout of the oxygen uptake reaction. The major factors affecting oxygen uptake measurements with the electrolytic respirometer are the mixing rate and the concentration of oxygen demanding material in the sample. These system limitations can be overcome by using simple procedures such as increased mixing rate or enrichment of the oxygen in the air in contact with the sample. The precision of BOD measurement with the electrolytic respirometer was considerably greater than with the dilution method.
Effects of total hemoglobin and hemoglobin S concentration on cerebral blood flow during transfusion therapy to prevent stroke in sickle cell disease.

The standard treatment of stroke in sickle cell disease is chronic transfusion to maintain the fraction of abnormal hemoglobin (hemoglobin S [HbS]) below 20%. Risks associated with such transfusion can be reduced by allowing higher HbS levels, but the physiological consequences of this modification are unknown. Cerebral blood flow is elevated in sickle cell disease proportionate to the degree of anemia and is reduced by transfusion. We tested the effects of various HbS levels on cerebral blood flow during the course of transfusion therapy.We monitored cerebral blood flow (by the 133Xe inhalation method) in three patients whose chronic transfusion program was changed from a traditional regimen (HbS < 20%) to a moderate one, allowing HbS to rise to 45% to 50% between treatments. As expected, cerebral blood flow was higher with lower hemoglobin and higher HbS concentration. However, the HbS fraction appeared to exert a separate influence on the hyperemia, independent of total hemoglobin concentration. Furthe...
Effects of Radiation on Commercial Power Devices

The effects of radiation on various commercial power devices are presented. The devices have proved to be very fragile to single event effects, with some of the devices actually succumbing to catastrophic SEE with protons
Science and technology of piezoelectric/diamond heterostructures for monolithically integrated high performance MEMS/NEMS/CMOS devices

This paper describes the fundamental and applied science performed to integrate piezoelectric PbZrxTi1?xO3 and AlN films with a novel mechanically robust ultrananocrystalline diamond layer to enable a new generation of low voltage / high-performance piezoactuated hybrid piezoelectric/diamond MEMS/NEMS devices.
Frequency of major complications after EUS-guided FNA of solid pancreatic masses: a prospective evaluation

Background EUS-guided FNA is effective for establishing tissue diagnosis in suspected pancreatic cancer. However, data on the frequency of major complications following EUS-FNA are limited. Objective To evaluate the frequency of major complications after EUS-FNA of solid pancreatic masses. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary University based referral center for pancreatico-biliary disorder. Patients Consecutive patients who underwent EUS-FNA of a solid pancreatic over a 42-month period. All immediate complications were recorded by the endosonographer. Late complications were assessed at 72 hours and at 30-days after the procedure. Main Outcomes Measurements Major complications were defined as acute pancreatitis, bleeding, infection, perforation, use of reversal medication, hospitalization or death. Results A total of 355 consecutive patients with a solid pancreatic mass underwent EUS FNA. Major complications were encountered in 9 patients (2.54%, 95% CI 1.17-4.76). Acute pancreatitis occurred in 3 of 355 (0.85 %, 95% CI 0.17-2.45); 2 patients were hospitalized, and 1 patient recovered with outpatient analgesics. Three patients were admitted for severe pain after the procedure; all were treated with analgesics and subsequently discharged with no sequela. Two patients (0.56%, 95% CI 0.07-2.02) developed fever and were admitted for intravenous antibiotics; 1 patient recovered with intravenous antibiotics and the other required surgical debridement for necrosis. One patient required the use of reversal medication. Overall, 1.97% (95% CI 0.80-4.02) of the patients were hospitalized for complications (range 1-16 days). None of the patients experienced clinically significant hemorrhage, perforation, or death. No clear predisposing risk factors were identified. Limitations Lack of surgical gold standard and referral to a tertiary center. Conclusions EUS-FNA of solid pancreatic masses infrequently leads to major complications. Our results can be used by endosonographers to counsel patients before EUS-FNA of solid pancreatic masses.
Modulation of Second Messengers in the Nervous System of Larval Manduca sexta by Muscarinic Receptors

: Measurements were made of the effects of muscarinic agents on endogenous levels of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, and the turnover of radiolabeled inositol phosphates in the abdominal nervous system of larval Manduca sexta. Cyclic AMP levels were increased by treatment with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine or tetrodotoxin, but the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine-M and the muscarinic antagonist scopolamine had no consistent effects. In contrast, cyclic GMP levels were significantly increased by oxotremorine-M and by oxotremorine-M in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and tetrodotoxin but not in the presence of scopolamine. Using lithium to inhibit the recycling of inositol phospholipid metabolites in isolated nerve cords, we detected a small but consistent increase in inositol phosphate production by oxotremorine-M. The primary inositol metabolite generated during a 5-min exposure to oxotremorine-M co-eluted from ion-exchange columns with inositol-1-monophosphate, although other more polar metabolites were also detected. This agonist-evoked increase in inositol phosphate production was unaffected by tetrodotoxin but inhibited by scopolamine, suggesting that it is directly mediated by muscarinic receptors. Further evidence for coupling between muscarinic receptors and inositol metabolism was obtained using a cell-free preparation of nerve cord membranes labeled with [3H]inositol. Incubation with oxotremorine-M evoked a significant increase in labeled inositol bisphosphate, consistent with muscarinic receptors coupling to phosphatidylinositol metabolism. The accumulation of inositol bisphosphate in cell-free preparations suggests that the normal breakdown to inositol monophosphate requires cytosolic components. Together, these results indicate that muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in Manduca couple predominantly to the inositol phospholipid signaling system, although some receptors may modulate cyclic GMP.
Current status of tamoxifen use : An update for the surgical oncologist

The surgical oncologist is frequently responsible for the screening and diagnosis of women with breast cancer. In this pivotal role, they are often the first to discuss treatment options, including nonsurgical interventions, with breast cancer patients. Recent long-term clinical trial data provide support for the use of tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer in women at high risk of the disease. A breast cancer risk assessment can help identify women at higher than average risk for the disease, who may be appropriate candidates for chemoprevention. It is important for the surgical oncologist to understand the current indications and evidence regarding the use of tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention and treatment as they counsel their patients on available options.
Binding and transport of rare earth elements by organic and iron-rich nanocolloids in Alaskan rivers, as revealed by field-flow fractionation and ICP-MS

Abstract Water samples were collected from six small rivers in the Yukon River basin in central Alaska to examine the role of nanocolloids (0.5–40 nm) in the dynamics and transport of rare earth elements (REEs) in northern high latitude watersheds influenced by permafrost. Total dissolved ( 40 nm colloids. In a river sampled at higher altitude, the
Multiply-bonded dimetal fluoroalkoxides—II. The disordered structure of Mo2(OC(CF3)3)4(NMe2)2 and its implications as to rearrangement by an internal flip

Abstract The existence of the title compound, which was tentatively reported in 1977, has been confirmed and its structure studied crystallographically. It crystallizes in space group P21/n with a = 10.571(3), b = 14.927(3), c = 12.099(3) A, β = 103.21(3)°, V = 1859(2) A3, Z = 2. The centrosymmetric molecules have an anti, staggered rotational conformation, with the C2NMoMoNC2 group of atoms being essentially planar. There is a disorder such that 69% of the Mo2 units lie in one direction and 31% in a nearly perpendicular direction. This is presumed to indicate that there are entire molecules that adopt these two different orientations. Although no more than one of each ligand atom could be discerned, all of them, especially those in the (CF3)3C groups refined with unusually high thermal displacement parameters. The two MoMo distances, 2.216(2) A (69%) and 2.201(3) A (31%), while different in a statistical sense (0.015(4) A) are nearly equal and of the appropriate magnitude for a triple bond between the molybdenum atoms. The observed disorder leads to the concept that the Mo2 unit might undergo internal flips from one orientation to the other within a ligand cage that need relax only slightly from one orientation to the other. This would provide a simple unimolecular mechanism for interchanging proximal and distal R groups on NR2 ligands in this and related molecules.
Demo: A paper keyboard for mobile devices

A well-known bottleneck of contemporary mobile devices is the inefficient and error-prone touchscreen keyboard. We have developed UbiK, an alternative portable text-entry method that allows user to type on a piece of paper, placed on solid surfaces like wood desktop. UbiK leverages the microphones on a mobile device to accurately localize the keystrokes through fine-grained acoustic fingerprinting. We have implemented UbiK as an Android application. Our experiments demonstrate that UbiK is able to achieve above 95% of localization accuracy. In this demonstration, we will show how Ubik works with an external paper keyboard (Figure 1) for a smartphone and a 7-inch tablet. User participation will be welcome in this live demo.
From Fracture Risk Prediction to Evaluating Fracture Patterns: Recent Advances in the Epidemiology of Osteoporosis

Understanding the factors associated with fracture is one of the main research objective of the osteoporosis epidemiology field. Tools such as FRAX have overall improved the ability of clinicians and researchers to identify individuals at high risk of fragility fractures. However, the performance of these tools in specific subpopulations needs further examination. We highlight recent studies that have shown under- or overestimation of fractures using FRAX in subpopulations, as well as recently proposed modifications to this important algorithm. We also discuss recent evaluations of secular trends in fracture incidence.
Predictive discomfort of non-neutral head–neck postures in fore–aft whole-body vibration

It seems obvious that human head–neck posture in whole-body vibration (WBV) contributes to discomfort and injury risk. While current mechanical measures such as transmissibility have shown good correlation with the subjective-reported discomfort, they showed difficulties in predicting discomfort for non-neutral postures. A new biomechanically based methodology is introduced in this work to predict discomfort due to non-neutral head–neck postures. Altogether, 10 seated subjects with four head–neck postures—neutral, head-up, head-down and head-to-side—were subjected to WBV in the fore–aft direction using discrete sinusoidal frequencies of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 Hz and their subjective responses were recorded using the Borg CR-10 scale. All vibrations were run at constant acceleration of 0.8 m/s2 and 1.15 m/s2. The results have shown that the subjective-reported discomfort increases with head-down and decreases with head-up and head-to-side postures. The proposed predictive discomfort has closely followed th...
Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises: Aerodynamic and Electroglottographic Measurements in Singers

Summary Objective The purpose of this study was to describe changes in aerodynamic and electroglottographic (EGG) measures immediately after completing three semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises. Study Design Prospective case series. Methods Aerodynamic and EGG measurements were obtained before and immediately after performing three SOVTs (straw phonation, lip trill, and tongue trill) in four singers for prepost comparisons to evaluate laryngeal changes persisting beyond the execution of SOVTs. Results Mean air flow, sound pressure level, and EGG closed quotient tended to increase after completing SOVTs. The magnitude of change and consistency of change in measures across the SOVTs varied from subject-to-subject. Conclusions Aerodynamic and EGG changes did occur during and immediately after completing SOVTs. However, there was marked variability within and across participants. Further investigation is needed to better understand which SOVTs are likely to benefit a particular individual.
Fused floating-point magnitude unit

A new fused floating-point magnitude unit to compute the square-root of the sum of two squares is proposed. Conventionally, the magnitude computation is executed by discrete serial or parallel floating-point units with conventional floating-point multiplication, squares, addition, and square-root units. The proposed fused floating-point magnitude design has an enhanced exponent unit because the exponent processes of the sum-of-squares and square-root can be merged. Moreover, normalization to make the exponent an even number is not necessary for the fused magnitude unit. Normalization and rounding processing between the squares, addition and square-root computations are eliminated. This paper compares the fused magnitude unit with the conventional discrete floating-point magnitude units. Compared with the discrete parallel magnitude unit with conventional floating-point squarers, an adder, and a square-root unit, the fused floating-point magnitude unit has 24% less area, 24% less latency, and 27% less power consumption (26% less in the pipeline model).
Massive organized intrapericardial hematoma mimicking constrictive pericarditis

Blunt and penetrating chest trauma as a cause of hemopericardium with subsequent cardiac tamponade and/or constrictive pericarditis due either to the presence of intrapericardial clotted blood or chronic inflammation has been well described.1-3 We describe here an unusual patient who presented with massive organized intrapericardial hematoma with the hemodynamic characteristics of chronic constrictive pericarditis 4 years after suffering blunt chest trauma. The diagnostic studies, including two-dimensional echocardography and cardiac CT scan which aided in establishing the preoperative diagnosis of the etiology of the constriction, are demonstrated. A 25-year-old man with a ?-month history of ankle swelling and a 2-month history of abdominal swelling was admitted for evaluation. Four years prior to admission, the patient was involved in a motor vehicle accident in which he suffered chest trauma from the steering wheel. No chest x-ray examination was obtained at that time. He described hemoptysis associated with that incident. During the 3Y2 year interim he denied any subsequent chest trauma. His major symptom at the time of admission was dyspnea on exertion. On physical examination he appeared chronically ill. There was marked jugular venous distention with prominent x and y descent. An early diastolic sound was present on cardiac examination, and the point of maximal intensity was only faintly palpable in the sixth intercostal space at the anterior axillary line. There was marked tense ascites, the liver was palpable 13 cm below the right costal margin and was not pulsatile, and trace pretibial edema was present. An ECG demonstrated sinus tachycardia and low voltage. Chest x-ray examination revealed bilateral costophrenic angle blunting and cardiomegaly. The left heart border was markedly irregular and “tented” (Fig. 1). Cardiac catheterization revealed elevated end-diastolic pressures with equalization of diastolic pressures between the right atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle. The intracardiac pressures were (mm Hg): right atrium (mean 15), right ventricle (30/15) with characteristic diastolic dip and plateau, pulmonary artery (30/19), and pulmonary artery wedge (mean 19). No significant (greater than 10 mm Hg) respiratory variation in pressures was noted. Cineangiography by contrast injection into the low right
Characteristics of Silver Iodide Ice Nuclei Originating from Anhydrous Ammonia-Silver Iodide Complexes: Part I

Abstract Two methods of generating silver iodide ice nuclei have been investigated, neither employing thermal processing. A 3000-liter isothermal cloud chamber controllable over the range of 0 to −20 ± 0.1C was designed and fabricated to study nucleation processes along with other support equipment. Anhydrous ammonia as the AgI carrier was employed since solution preparation is simple and direct, high concentrations (60 per cent of AgI by mass) can be used, and corrosion and deposition problems are virtually nonexistent. In a simple system in which the complex is sprayed into ambient air via a commercial nozzle, the results are negative with 1012 nuclei gm−1 at −20C. Another system, using Dautrebande's principle of obligatory filtration, shows promise. Performance at −13C is 3 × 1014 nuclei gm−1. The threshold temperature of both non-thermal systems is about 5C lower than for other dispersion methods. Ultra pure silver iodide is a poorer nucleant than the commercial materials. The electron microscope was ...
Laser Spectroscopy of Dysprosium Monofluoride: Ligand Field Assignments of States Belonging to the 4f96s2, 4f106s, and 4f96s6pSuperconfigurations

Abstract The techniques of selectively detected fluorescence excitation and dispersed fluorescence spectroscopy have been used to characterize two [19.3]8.5 and [20.3]8.5 electronic states of DyF in the region of ∼2.5 eV and five electronic states with T 0 −1 . Superconfigurational assignments of the observed low-lying states have been made on the basis of vibrational frequencies. The X (1)7.5 ground state, with Δ G 1/2 ≈ 605 cm −1 , is assigned to the Dy + 4 f 9 6 s 2 superconfiguration, whereas four states, (1)8.5, (2)7.5, (3)7.5, and (4)7.5, with Δ G 1/2 ≈ 508–544 cm −1 are assigned to the Dy + 4 f 10 6 s superconfiguration. The lowest 4 f 10 6 s (Ω = 8.5) state is found to lie 2431 cm −1 above the 4 f 9 6 s 2 X (1)7.5 ground state, thus establishing the linkage between the 4 f 9 6 s 2 and 4 f 10 6 s superconfigurations. The upper states in the region of ∼2.5 eV ([19.3]8.5 and [20.3]8.5) are assigned to the Dy + 4 f 9 6 s 6 p superconfiguration on the basis of computed ligand field monopole B 0 0 ( nl , nl ) orbital destabilization energies. The observed electronic states are discussed in relation to predictions of the ligand field theoretical model.
The length of anterior vaginal wall exposed to external pressure on maximal straining MRI: relationship to urogenital hiatus diameter, and apical and bladder location.

Introduction and hypothesis In cystoceles, the distal anterior vaginal wall (AVW) bulges out through the introitus and is no longer in contact with the posterior vaginal wall or perineal body, exposing the pressure differential between intra-abdominal pressure and atmospheric pressure. The goal of this study is to quantify the length of the exposed vaginal wall length and to investigate its relationship with other factors associated with the AVW support, such as most dependent bladder location, apical location, and hiatus diameter, demonstrating its key role in cystocele formation.
Pathological traits observed in a historic Great Basin Native American Indian Skeleton

During the excavation of an irrigation ditch in Churchill County, Nevada, a burial was encountered, with associated artifacts indicative of historical provenience. The pattern of occlusal attrition, the lack of dental work, and the skeletal morphology indicate the individual was a Great Basin Native American Indian. Sex determination was female and age at death estimated as 40±.
Analysis of risk factors for the development of GVHD after T cell-depleted allogeneic BMT: effect of HLA disparity, ABO incompatibility, and method of T-cell depletion.

Abstract Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the independent factors affecting the risk of acute GVHD (aGVHD) grades II to IV and extensive chronic GVHD (cGVHD) and the rate of survival in 481 recipients of T cell-depleted (TCD) marrow allografts who received transplants at a single center between 1991 and 2000. All patients received grafts partially depleted of CD3+ T cells by complement-mediated lysis using 2 narrow-specificity monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), T10B9.1A-31 (n = 400) or Muromonab-Orthoclone OKT3 (n = 81). Factors considered in the analysis included patient/donor sex, age, cytomegalovirus (CMV) status, and ABO blood group along with T-cell dose, disease, and disease status, donor relationship, HLA antigen (Ag)mismatch (MM), growth-factor use, anti-thymocyte globulin use, year of transplantation, and the MoAb used for TCD. The results showed an association of HLA with an increased relative risk (RR) of aGVHD for recipients of grafts from relateddonors that were > or=2 Ag MM (n = 73, RR=2.09, P=.005), matched unrelated (UR) donors (n = 130, RR=1.98, P=.004), and > or=2 Ag MM UR donors (n = 34, RR=2.68, P=.003) compared with the baseline matched-sibling group (n = 121). No increased risk of aGVHD was seen for 0 to 1 Ag MM family donors (n = 24) or 1 Ag MM UR donors (n = 99). aGVHD risk was increased with minor, but not major or major-minor, ABO disparity (RR = 2.0, P=.003) compared with that of ABO-identical pairs. We found less effective TCD and resultant higher T-cell dose for recipients of grafts that were T cell depleted using OKT3. However, the use of OKT3 and not the T-cell dose was associated with increased aGVH-D risk (RR of 1.84, P=.001). Increased risk of extensive cGVHD was associated with patient age of >20 years (RR = 2.2, P 20 years), a > or=2 Ag MM related donor, a 1 or > or=2 Ag MM UR donor, risk group, and a CMV-positive patient/-negative donor pair. There was no difference in survival for 0 to 1 Ag MM related or matched UR donors compared with the baseline group. These data indicate that there are quantitative as well as potential qualitative differences in outcome depending on the TCD method. Expected and unexpected risk factors for GVHD and survival were associated with partial TCD. Our data support the consideration of ABO match in donor selection, the preferential selection of CMV-positive donors for CMV-positive recipients, and the acceptance of 1 but not > or=2 Ag HLA MM donors. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2001;7(11):620-30.
Path-integral treatment of the Hulthén potential

An exact path-integral treatment of the s states for the Hulth\'en potential is presented. A procedure of the nontrivial change of variable accompanied by the local time rescaling is given in detail. The dimensional extension trick is applied to convert the radial path integral into a path integral in the SU(2) manifold. The exact energy spectrum and the normalized s-state eigenfunctions are obtained from the poles of the Green function and their residues, respectively. The Yukawa and the Coulomb limits are also discussed.
POPULAR INTERPRETATIONS OF 'CORRUPTION' AND THEIR PARTISAN CONSEQUENCES

Using a large six-city exit poll from 2000, we examine popular judgments of what constitutes “political corruption” in the United States. We find two distinct evaluative dimensions: corruption understood as lawbreaking, and corruption as favoritism. These judgments are heavily conditioned by the voter’s socioeconomic background and are politically consequential. Subjective understandings of “corruption” shape perceptions of how much corruption actually exists in government. Furthermore, and more importantly, these normative assessments play a significant part in voting decisions. Individuals who judged illegal activities such as bribe-taking to be “corrupt” were more inclined to back one of the major party candidates in 2000; those who believed that favoritism in politics was “corrupt” (e.g., an official recommending an unemployed friend for a government job) were more likely to vote for Al Gore or Ralph Nader.
Effectiveness of monetary contracts with two repayment schedules on weight reduction in men and women from self-referred and population samples

Sixty women and 55 men recruited from two sources participated in a weight reduction program with financial contracts. Experimental conditions were: (a) monetary commitment control, (b) contracts with constant refunds for weight loss, and (c) contracts with increasing refunds for weight loss. During 1 year of followup participants received one of two maintenance procedures or none. Increasing refunds produced greater initial weight losses than constant refunds, which were superior to monetary commitment—only. Gender and recruitment source were not significant short-term, but women were more successful than men in maintaining weight losses. Neither maintenance strategy effectively prevented weight gain during follow-up. Program attendance was highlighted as a mediating behavior predictive of outcome.
Reviewing the evaporation coefficient

Abstract The surge of interest in water desalting by distillation warrants a new look at the coefficients of evaporation and condensation. Broadly, the coefficients are the ratios of molecules actually crossing the liquid-vapor interface to the maximum number that could cross, calculated by the kinetic theory of gases. These ideal, perhaps unobservable, coefficients are often confused with the ratio of what can be distilled or condensed by practical means, to the calculated maximum. Practically encountered ratios have been so low for water that the surface was thought to possess naturally obstructive properties. In the last two decades, the real bar to mass transfer has been identified with resistance to flow of heat. Quantitative treatments have been devised by engineers building flash stills (Silver, Weir Company), chemical engineers (Bromley et al., Univ. of Calif.) and those concerned with basic standards (Jamieson, Nat. Eng. Lab., Glasgow). The conclusion that energy, not chemistry, is in default is unanimous; it is in outlook and semantics that the accounts differ. In what follows, a “vacuum distiller” presents his brief for Heat vs. Chemistry and further evidence that the true coefficient for water is greater than one half.
The journey of developing hematopoietic stem cells

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) develop during embryogenesis in a complex process that involves multiple anatomical sites. Once HSC precursors have been specified from mesoderm, they have to mature into functional HSCs and undergo self-renewing divisions to generate a pool of HSCs. During this process, developing HSCs migrate through various embryonic niches, which provide signals for their establishment and the conservation of their self-renewal ability. These processes have to be recapitulated to generate HSCs from embryonic stem cells. Elucidating the interactions between developing HSCs and their niches should facilitate the generation and expansion of HSCs in vitro to exploit their clinical potential.
Modelling the chemorheology of an epoxy resin system exhibiting complex curing behaviour

Abstract Modified Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) equations were developed to calculate the chemoviscosity of an epoxy resin system exhibiting a complex curing reaction. The complex curing reaction of this resin was first resolved into three independent nth order reactions. The modified WLF equation can then be used to describe the chemoviscosity as a function of temperature and structural changes by allowing its parameters to vary with the changing structure of the curing resin. The structural dependence of the chemoviscosity is incorporated in the parameters of the modified WLF equation.