cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of varnishes for hermetic use

The history of the hermetic motor industry is one of conservatism. Due to the high reliability required of the hermetic system and the tremendous replacement costs of an inadequate system, manufacturers tend to stick with an established system rather than initiate change. When a change is finally initiated, it is only after thorough study and testing have shown that said change will not be detrimental to the hermetic system. General Electric Hermetic Motor Product Department, although a leader in initiating improvements in the hermetic motor industry, is no exception to this rule and the tests we use to evaluate a varnish for hermetic use are described in this paper. The paper will not attempt an industry wide survey of varnish evaluation techniques, but will deal only with those tests used by the General Electric Hermetic Motor Products Department.
Antipsychotic agents: a review.

Antipsychotic agents are useful in the treatment of psychosis due to both functional disorders (i.e., idiopathic disorders that are usually treated by psychiatrists) and organic mental disorders. These drugs are classified as low- and high-potency agents. Low-potency agents such as chlorpromazine block muscarinic and alpha 1-adrenergic receptors. Consequently, they produce anticholinergic side effects and orthostatic hypotension. High-potency antipsychotic agents have a higher affinity for dopamine receptors and a relatively negligible affinity for muscarinic and alpha 1 receptors. The high-potency agents frequently cause extrapyramidal side effects, such as dystonia and parkinsonism. Serious reactions to antipsychotic drugs include tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) refer to a panel of tests including spirometry, measurement of lung volumes, and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). We first review the basic types of pulmonary disorders (obstructive versus restrictive), and then discuss the main types of PFTs. An algorithm for the use of PFTs is given at the end of this chapter.
Prevalence of Cross Reactive Epitopes to Bovine Factor Va Light Chain Fragments in Normal and Patients Plasma.

Several reports have described the presence of antibodies to bovine coagulation factors, such as factor V, prothrombin and factor X in plasma samples obtained from patients exposed to topical bovine thrombin. Other reports have also demonstrated the presence of anti-bovine coagulation factors in patients who have not been exposed to bovine thrombins, suggesting that anti-bovine protein antibodies can be generated in normal individuals. It has been suggested that surgical patients treated with topical bovine thrombin develop specific antibodies to bovine factor V which may be responsible for the bleeding and thrombotic complications. However, there is no definitive clinical study demonstrating a relationship between the apparent hemostatic defects and the presence of bovine factor Va antibodies. It was hypothesized that bovine factor Va antibodies are usually present in patients plasma because of the exposure to dietary bovine products. To test this hypothesis plasma samples from patients with end state renal disease (ESRD)(n=80), acute coronary syndrome (ACS)(n=160), burns (n=40) and healthy normal volunteers (n=140) were profiled for the presence of human factor V antigen (HFVA), bovine FVa antigen as measured by using a modified Elisa method and western blotting methods where bovine factor Va light chain fragment is used as a probe. In contrast to the normals (89±12%), the factor V antigen levels were found to be increased in the ESRD (148±30%), ACS (164±41%) and burn (145±27%) patients. Thus, there appears to be an up regulation of factor V antigen in these patients. All of the groups tested for the presence of immunoreactive material to the bovine factor Va light chain exhibited 2–3 ug/ml levels which were not significantly different. However, in the western blotting studies all groups exhibited cross reactivity with the factor Va light epitopes. There were bands present in the molecular weight range of 22, 36, 45 and 97 Kda in both the ESRD and burn patients. In the ACS patients there was an additional band observed at 166 Kda. These observations underscore the notion that bovine antifactor Va antibodies are non-specific and highly prevalent in both the surgical/interventional patients and normal population. A possible explanation for the presence of these antibodies is that most normal individual and patients problem are exposed to bovine proteins. Moreover, the higher prevalence of these antibodies in the ESRD and ACS patients may be due to additional exposure to heparin and aprotonin.
Importance of Individual Account Retirement Plans and Home Equity in Family Total Wealth

This paper examines the level of assets held by families with a working family head ages 25-64 in individual account (IA) retirement plans (employment-based defined contribution (DC) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs)) relative to all of their financial assets. This study also shows the importance of home equity held by families. Data from the 2013 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), the Federal Reserve Board’s triennial survey of wealth, are used to show the level of these types of assets held by American families. Among families with a working family head ages 25 to 64, 18.2 percent have less than $1,000 in financial assets, 31.2 percent have less than $5,000, and 38.9 percent have less than $10,000. Furthermore, of these families without an IA plan, 79.6 percent have financial assets less than $10,000, compared with only 13.1 percent of the families with an IA plan. The percentage of families with a working head ages 25-64 that have one of these types of plans range from 50.4 percent for families with a head ages 25-34 to 71.4 percent for those families with a head ages 55-64. The median percentage of home equity plus IA assets relative to home equity plus financial assets is 78.2 percent for all families with a working head ages 25-64. This percentage increases significantly with age from 55.0 percent for those families with heads ages 25-34 to 87.4 percent for those families with heads ages 55-64. When focusing only on those families that actually have IA assets, the median percentages of financial assets that these IA plans represent substantially increases. For families that have any IA assets, the median percentage of financial assets plus home equity that are represented by IA assets plus home equity is 86.0 percent. For all families with a working head ages 25-64, the median debt-to-asset ratio is 33.4 percent. However, for families with working heads ages 55-64, the median debt-to-asset ratio is 13.4 percent for families with IA assets compared with 34.2 percent for families without IA assets. Overall, those with IA assets have significantly more assets, and the IA assets make up a large share of financial assets. Home equity tends to represent the largest share of financial assets plus home equity. Consequently, when measuring families’ financial asset holdings at retirement, it is overwhelmingly the case that just IA assets plus home equity represent almost all of what families have for retirement outside of Social Security and defined benefit pension plans.
Characterization of Interactions Among CYP1A2, CYP2B4, and NADPH-cytochrome P450 Reductase: Identification of Specific Protein Complexes

Cytochromes P450s (P450s) catalyze oxygenation reactions via interactions with their redox partners. However, other proteins, particularly other P450s, also have been shown to form complexes that modulate P450 function. Previous studies showed that CYP1A2 and CYP2B4 form a complex when reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles; however, details of the interactions among the P450s and NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (POR) have not been fully characterized. The goal of this study was to examine P450 complex formation in living cells, using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). Various pairs of P450 and POR constructs were tagged with either green fluorescent protein or Renilla luciferase, and transfected into human embryonic kidney 293T cells. Complexes were demonstrated by measuring energy transfer between the tags, and disruption of the complex was verified by cotransfection with unlabeled P450-system proteins. CYP1A2 and CYP2B4 formed a stable complex that could not be disrupted by cotransfection of untagged POR. Interactions of both P450s with POR were detected, with untagged CYP1A2 disrupting the POR-CYP2B4 interaction. In contrast, untagged CYP2B4 did not affect the POR-CYP1A2 interaction. These data are consistent with POR preferentially binding to the CYP1A2 moiety of CYP1A2-CYP2B4. BRET-detectable homomeric CYP1A2-CYP1A2 also was detected, and was disrupted by cotransfection of either POR or CYP2B4. Both CYP1A2 and CYP2B4 activities were affected by their coexpression in a manner consistent with formation of the high-affinity POR-CYP1A2-CYP2B4 complex. These findings demonstrate that CYP1A2 and CYP2B4 form a heteromeric POR-CYP1A2-CYP2B4 complex in living cells that has altered catalytic activities relative to the homomeric enzymes.
A sequential elimination approach to value-at-risk and conditional value-at-risk selection

Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR) is a widely used metric of risk in portfolio analysis, interpreted as the expected loss when the loss is larger than a threshold defined by a quantile. This work is motivated by situations where the CVaR is given, and the objective is to find the portfolio with the largest or smallest quantile that meets the CVaR constraint. We define our problem within the classic stochastic multi-armed bandit (MAB) framework, and present two algorithms. One that can be used to find the portfolio with largest or smallest loss threshold that satisfies the CVaR constraint with high probability, and another that determines the portfolio with largest or smallest probability of exceeding a loss threshold implied by a CVaR constraint, also at some desired probability level.
Expanding the conceptual and empirical boundaries of family communication patterns: The development and validation of an Expanded Conformity Orientation Scale

ABSTRACTFamily communication patterns theory (FCPT) explores how family members communicate to create a shared social reality via conversation and conformity orientations. Recently, scholars have noted that the current conceptualization and operationalization of conformity orientation is unnecessarily narrow in scope by representing conformity as controlling and repressive, rather than as cultivating homogenous attitudes, beliefs, and values among family members. To address these concerns, we tested the factor structure of the most common measure in FCPT research, the Revised Family Communication Patterns scale (Study One). Based on theoretical and methodological concerns that emerged from Study One, we then created and validated a new scale in Study Two – the Expanded Conformity Orientation Scale (ECOS). Findings from Study Two demonstrated concurrent and discriminant validity. Implications for the use of the ECOS in future studies are discussed.
Laryngeal stenosis among hospitalized children: Results from a nationwide cross‐sectional survey

Objectives We aimed to study laryngeal stenosis among hospitalized children in the United States from 2003-2012. We hypothesized that the prevalence of laryngeal stenosis differs by race even when controlling for age, gender, and commonly associated disease conditions. Methods We report the results of a cross-sectional survey of hospitalized patients with laryngeal stenosis. We utilized the Kids Inpatient Database (KID) to estimate the odds of laryngeal stenosis as a function of race using regression analysis. The effects of age, gender, and commonly associated conditions were controlled. Results There were 13,910 estimated discharges of patients with laryngeal stenosis (95% CI 13,715-14,105) within the study period. This accounts for 55 cases of laryngeal stenosis per 100,000 discharges (overall prevalence = 0.22%). After controlling for age and gender, Black children had the highest likelihood of laryngeal stenosis with OR of 1.9 (95% CI 1.8-2.0, P < .001) along with children classified as Other (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.3, P = .03). White (OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.83-0.89, P < .001), Hispanic (OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.80- 0.92, P < .001), and Asian (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.43-0.64, P < .001) children were less likely to be diagnosed with laryngeal stenosis while Native Americans (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.63-1.45, P = .51) were equally likely. Conclusions Laryngeal stenosis is more common among hospitalized Black children, while other racial groups appear to have lower risk. This elevated risk remained when controlling for age, gender, and commonly associated conditions with laryngeal stenosis. Level of Evidence 4.
Aftershock fragility assessment of steel moment frames with self-centering dampers

Abstract This study explores the aftershock collapse performance of steel buildings designed with superelastic viscous dampers (SVDs) under seismic sequences. The SVD strategically combines shape memory alloy (SMA) cables and a viscoelastic compound to provide good self-centering and damping capabilities. A nine-story steel special moment resisting frame (SMRF) is first designed with or without SVDs to satisfy modern seismic design requirements. A mainshock incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) is conducted for the SMRF and SVD frames using a total of ten as-recorded seismic sequences. The specific levels of post-mainshock interstory drift ratios are then induced in both frames and an aftershock IDA analysis is conducted for the mainshock-damaged buildings. The maximum interstory drift and residual drift IDA curves are developed and compared for both frames at different mainshock damage levels. The results are analyzed in terms of aftershock collapse capacity, collapse fragility, and collapse capacity at demolition. The effect of aftershock ground motion polarity on the performance of both frames is also explored. The study reveals that the SMRF has increased vulnerability to aftershocks when higher damages are induced during mainshock, while the aftershock collapse performance of the SVD frame is not affected from the intensity of mainshock event. It is also shown that the SVD frame significantly improves the aftershock capacity associated to a residual story drift that leads to major alignment or demolition.
Physical Principles and Visual-OMP Software for Optimal PCR Design

The physical principles of DNA hybridization and folding are described within the context of how they are important for designing optimal PCRs. The multi-state equilibrium model for computing the concentrations of competing unimolecular and bimolecular species is described. Seven PCR design "myths" are stated explicitly, and alternative proper physical models for PCR design are described. This chapter provides both a theoretical framework for understanding PCR design and practical guidelines for users. The Visual-OMP (oligonucleotide modeling platform) package from DNA Software, Inc. is also described.
Association of Oral Health Literacy and Dental Visitation in an Inner-City Emergency Department Population

To examine the association between oral health literacy (OHL) with sociodemographic variables and dental visitation in adults presenting to an urban emergency department (ED). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 556 adults aged 18–90. Interview data from the study were used to collect self-reported sociodemographic characteristics and dental visitation history. The OHL of the study participants was measured using the Health Literacy in Dentistry scale (HeLD-14), and the score was dichotomized into low and high OHL. Bivariate associations between sociodemographic variables and OHL were conducted using chi-square tests, and logistic regression was used to examine the association between OHL and dental visitation within the past year. Results: Sixty percent of participants reported having visited a dentist within the past year. Over two-thirds of the sample was classified as having low OHL. Low OHL was more common in non-White races, less-educated, single, unemployed, and lower-income individuals, and those without a primary care physician or dental insurance (p < 0.05). Patients with low oral health literacy were 39% less likely to have visited the dentist in the past year (OR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.38, 0.96). Conclusions: This study highlights significant disparities in OHL. Interventions targeted toward the unique needs of underserved populations should be developed to improve health outcomes.
Why You Cannot Neglect Electronic Procurement

The integration of information technology in supply management processes is not an option any more, but it has become essential for supply management professionals to position themselves at the forefront of the discipline. This chapter highlights the wealth of opportunities associated with electronic procurement, coupled with some compelling statistics and illustrations of its impact. Numerous benefits of electronic procurement will be highlighted, enhancing visibility, communication, efficiency, automation, standardization, and process structures. Common challenges, to which however remedies are suggested, will also be discussed. These include system capabilities, implementation costs, reduced human interaction, internal resistance, supplier limitations, and security. Lastly, the software development life cycle will be reviewed in order to help decision makers with the implementation of electronic procurement.
Dancing Latinidad : Spinning a World of Salsa Scholarship

This essay reviews the following works: Salsa Crossings: Dancing Latinidad in Los Angeles. By Cindy Garcia. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2013. Pp. xxv + 181. $23.95 paperback. ISBN: 9780822354970. Salsa World: A Global Dance in Local Contexts. Edited by Sydney Hutchinson. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2014. Pp. viii + 229. $30.95 paperback. ISBN: 9781439910078. Spinning Mambo into Salsa: Caribbean Dance in Global Commerce. By Juliet McMains. New York: Oxford University Press, 2015. Pp. xii + 409. $35.00 paperback. ISBN: 9780199324644.
Structural Characterization of Methylenedianiline Regioisomers by Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry and Tandem Mass Spectrometry. 4. 3-Ring and 4-Ring Isomers

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is used to characterize methylenedianiline (MDA) 3-ring and 4-ring species. Building on our previous MALDI-MS 2-ring MDA isomer study, here we compare 3-ring and 4-ring electrospray ionization (ESI) and MALDI results. In ESI, 3-ring and 4-ring MDAs each form a single [M + H]+ parent ion. However, in MALDI, each MDA multimer forms three unique precursor ions: [M + H]+, [M•]+, and [M – H]+. In this study, 3-ring and 4-ring MDA precursors are characterized to identify the unique fragment ions formed and their respective fragmentation pathways. In addition to the three possible precursors, the 3-ring and 4-ring species are higher-order oligomer precursors in polyurethane (PUR) production and thus provide additional insight into the polymeric behavior of these PUR hard block precursors. The combination of ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM – MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) allow the structural characterization of these larger MDA...
Design and Acoustic Efficacy of a Broadband Liner for the Inlet of the DGEN Aero-Propulsion Research Turbofan

Advanced fan designs (including higher bypass ratios) and shorter engine nacelles have highlighted a need for increased fan noise reduction over a broader frequency range. With these observations in mind, an acoustic liner optimization process has been developed to achieve improved broadband liner designs. A series of advanced liner design studies at increasing technology readiness levels have been conducted as the overall optimization methodology has been enhanced. As part of the analysis, the overall design and evaluation capability was extended such that external observer locations may be included in the optimization process. This enhancement will provide a much wider design space in designing advanced broadband liners. In this work, further validation was pursued through the fabrication and testing of two liner designs for the NASA Glenn DGEN Aero-propulsion Research Turbofan (DART). The DART was used to document the efficacy of acoustic liners installed in the inlet of the DGEN380. An advanced Multi-Degree of Freedom Liner was designed, fabricated, and tested, along with a traditional Single-Degree-of-Freedom Liner, and those results compared to a hardwall baseline inlet. Farfield acoustic data were acquired from and external array, evaluated and reported herein terms of overall, broadband, and tonal components of the insertion loss. The predicted attenuation results generally matched expected trends of the measured data for the conditions considered.
A comparison between fixed and random sampling of a low density spotted bass population in a large river

AbstractCharacterizing the structure of riverine fish populations that are patchily distributed and at low densities is often difficult. Due to the wide distribution but low abundance of Spotted Ba...
Documenting a Software Architecture

Architecture documentation is often a thorny issue in IT projects. It’s common for there to be little or no documentation covering the architecture in many projects. Sometimes, if there is some, it’s out-of-date, inappropriate and basically not very useful.
Epidemiology and Trends of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia in the United States.

BackgroundTo our knowledge, no national studies have investigated the epidemiology of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) in the United States since the incorporation of the International S...
Effects of Compliance With Procedure-Specific Postoperative Rehabilitation Protocols on Initial Outcomes After Osteochondral and Meniscal Allograft Transplantation in the Knee:

Background:Osteochondral and meniscal allograft transplantation have been performed in the knee for more than 40 years, with the number of patients treated each year growing as allograft quantity a...
Ex-Vivo Normothermic Limb Perfusion With a Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carrier Perfusate.

Introduction Ex-vivo normothermic limb perfusion (EVNLP) has been proven to preserve limb viability better than standard cold storage. Perfusates containing packed red blood cells (pRBC) improve outcomes when compared to acellular perfusates. Limitations of pRBC-based perfusion include limited availability, need for cross match, mechanical hemolysis, and activation of pro-inflammatory proteins. Hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC)-201 (Hemopure) is a solution of polymerized bovine hemoglobin, characterized by low immunogenicity, no risk of hemolytic reaction, and enhanced convective and diffusive oxygen delivery. This is a preliminary study on the feasibility of EVNLP using HBOC-201 as an oxygen carrier. Materials and methods Three porcine forelimb perfusions were performed using an established EVNLP model and an HBOC-201-based perfusate. The perfusion circuit included a roller pump, oxygenator, heat exchanger, and reservoir. Electrolytes, limb temperature, weight, compartment pressure, nerve conduction, and perfusion indicated by indocyanine green angiography and infra-red thermography were monitored. Histological evaluation was performed with hematoxylin and eosin and electron microscopy. Results Three limbs were perfused for 21.3 ± 2.1 hours. Muscle contractility was preserved for 10.6 ± 2.4 hours. Better preservation of the mitochondrial ultrastructure was evident at 12 hours in contrast to crystallization and destruction features in the cold-storage controls. Conclusions An HBOC-201-EVNLP produced outcomes similar to RBC-EVNLP with preservation of muscle contractility and mitochondrial structure.
Dlp-mediated Hh and Wnt signaling interdependence is critical in the niche for germline stem cell progeny differentiation

Although multiple signaling pathways work synergistically in various niches to control stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, it remains poorly understood how they cooperate with one another molecularly. In the Drosophila ovary, Hh and Wnt pathways function in the niche to promote germline stem cell (GSC) progeny differentiation. Here, we show that glypican Dlp-mediated Hh and Wnt signaling interdependence operates in the niche to promote GSC progeny differentiation by preventing BMP signaling. Hh/Wnt-mediated dlp repression is essential for their signaling interdependence in niche cells and for GSC progeny differentiation by preventing BMP signaling. Mechanistically, Hh and Wnt downstream transcription factors directly bind to the same dlp regulatory region and recruit corepressors composed of transcription factor Croc and Egg/H3K9 trimethylase to repress Dlp expression. Therefore, our study reveals a novel mechanism for Hh/Wnt signaling-mediated direct dlp repression and a novel regulatory mechanism for Dlp-mediated Hh/Wnt signaling interdependence in the GSC differentiation niche.
Optical Vortex Interactions Depend on Core Structure

We elucidate the impact of optical vortex structure on pair coupling and two-body dynamics. Vortices with hyperbolic tangent cross-sections are found to have reduced coupling strength as evidenced by slowed annihilation between oppositely charged pairs.
Variation of the human mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene predicts vulnerability to frustration

Understanding the emotional reaction to loss, or frustration, is a critical problem for the field of mental health. Animal models of loss have pointed to the opioid system as a nexus of frustration, physical pain, and substance abuse. However, few attempts have been made to connect the results of animal models of loss to human behavior. Allelic differences in the human mu opioid receptor gene, notably the A118G single nucleotide polymorphism, have been linked to individual differences in pain sensitivity, depressive symptoms, and reward processing. The present study explored the relationship between A118G and behavior in two frustrating tasks in humans. Results showed that carriers of the mutant G-allele were slower to recover behavior following a reward downshift and abandoned a frustrating task earlier than those without the mutation. Additionally, G-carriers were more sensitive to physical pain. These results highlight the overlap between frustration and pain, and suggest that genetic variation in opioid tone may contribute to individual differences in vulnerability and resilience following emotional disturbances.
Secondary Capital Markets, Long-Run Growth, and the Term Structure of Asset Yields

An endogenous growth model is presented in which production uses a vector of capital inputs. Technologies for creating capital of different types vary by gestation period and productivity. Ownership of gestating capital must be "rolled over" in secondary capital markets in which transactions are costly. We study how reductions in transactions costs affect the equilibrium growth rate, the rate of return on saving, the volume of activity in secondary capital markets, and the term structure of asset yields. We give conditions under which reductions in transactions costs result in higher or lower growth rates.
Diet Quality and Eating Practices among Hispanic/Latino Men and Women: NHANES 2011-2016.

Dietary quality of Hispanic/Latino adults residing in homes with children may differ by gender, that in turn, may impact youth through role modeling and food availability. Using a nationally representative sample (n = 1039) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2016), adjusted regression analyses were used to examine food-related practices, food group intake, and dietary quality among Hispanic/Latino men and women in homes with children (6–17 years). Compared to women, men had lower total 2015 Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores and component HEI scores for healthy food groups. Men also ate more meals that were not home prepared/week and purchased more foods from non-grocery stores than women. Negative food-related practices and working more hours/week may explain in part the lower dietary quality observed among Hispanic/Latino men than women. Interventions may be improved by targeting gender-specific food-related behaviors that could positively impact dietary quality of youth residing with them.
New roads and challenges for fuel cells in heavy-duty transportation

The recent release of hydrogen economy roadmaps for several major countries emphasizes the need for accelerated worldwide investment in research and development activities for hydrogen production, storage, infrastructure and utilization in transportation, industry and the electrical grid. Due to the high gravimetric energy density of hydrogen, the focus of technologies that utilize this fuel has recently shifted from light-duty automotive to heavy-duty vehicle applications. Decades of development of cost-effective and durable polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells must now be leveraged to meet the increased efficiency and durability requirements of the heavy-duty vehicle market. This Review summarizes the latest market outlooks and targets for truck, bus, locomotive and marine applications. Required changes to the fuel-cell system and operating conditions for meeting Class 8 long-haul truck targets are presented. The necessary improvements in fuel-cell materials and integration are also discussed against the benchmark of current passenger fuel-cell electric vehicles. Fuel cells are increasingly being considered for powertrains of heavy-duty transportation. Cullen et al. survey the technical challenges of fuel cells at both the system and materials level for transportation application and outline the roadmap for future development.
Biologics in Otolaryngology: Past, Present, and Future

Biologics have been widely adopted in multiple subspecialties of otolaryngology. This article provides an overview of past, present, and future uses of biologics in otolaryngology with emphasis on allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, salivary and skull base tumors, hearing loss, and other otologic disorders.
“It’s a Racist plot”: An Experimental test of the Racial Defense:

Black municipal leaders are routinely accused of using race and racism to sidestep allegations that they have run afoul the ethics of public office. That is, they use racial defenses to respond to ...
Immediate and Long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on physical activity in patients with implanted cardiac devices.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is an important determinant of cardiovascular health that may be affected the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we examined the immediate and long-term effects of the pandemic and lockdown on PA in patients with established cardiovascular risk. METHODS: Objectively-measured daily PA data was obtained from cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) from 3,453 U.S patients (mean [SD] age, 72.65 [13.24] years; 42% women). Adjusted mixed-effects models stratified by device type were used to compare daily PA from periods in 2020: pre-lockdown (March 1 to 14), lockdown (March 15 to May 8), and the re-opening phase of the pandemic (May 9 to December 31) versus 2019. Patient characteristics and events associated with inactivity during lockdown and the proportion of patients who returned to their 2019 PA-level by the end of re-opening phase (December 31, 2020) were examined. RESULTS: Daily PA was significantly lower during the lockdown compared to the same period in 2019 (-15%; p<0.0001), especially for pacemaker patients, adults aged <65, and patients more active prior to lockdown. Non-COVID hospitalization and ICD shock were similarly associated with low PA during lockdown (p = 0.0001). In the re-opening phase of the pandemic, PA remained 14.4% lower in the overall sample and only 23% of patients returned to their 2019 PA level by the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of patients with CIEDs, PA was markedly lower during the lockdown and remained lower for months after restrictions were lifted. Strategies to maintain PA during a national emergency are urgently needed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Program Content Regulation Revisited

The subordinate First Amendment status of over-the-air broadcasting is long-standing and well-known. Red Lion Broadcasting v. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 1 authorized the Commission to require broadcasters to air material (free of charge) that the broadcaster did not wish to air. FCC v. Pacifica Foundation 2 authorized the Commission to impose sanctions on stations airing programming that the Commission deemed indecent.
Impact of neonatal intensive care on neonatal mortality in Chile.

Up to the year 1975, neonatal care in our unit consisted of: pediatricians and nurses without specialization in neonatology; equipment basically limited to incubators; and treatment of premature infants and neonates with respiratory problems reduced to: (1) temperature control, (2) prevention of infection, (3) careful feeding and fluid administration, (4) oxygen therapy based on clinical appearance of cyanosis, and (5) correction of acidosis with NaHCO3. See table in the PDF file In 1976, a plan for introducing intensive care was begun.
Possible tests for the mechanisms of ligand exchange in solids: The deaquation-anation of [Cr(NH3)5(H2O)]X3 salts

Abstract The possibility of using correlations of Δ H + and Δ H , and of Δ H + and Δ S + to gain insight into the mechanisms of ligand-exchange reactions in solids are discussed. These correlations are tested using literature values for the deaquation-anation reactions of [Cr(NH 3 ) 5 (H 2 O)]X 3 , where X − = Cl − , Br − , I − or NO − 3 . The poor agreement in the activation parameters reported in the literature precluded a meaningful test of the Δ H −Δ H * correlation. This poor agreement suggests that these activation parameters are strongly influenced by experimental factors that have not been controlled in studies to date. nevertheless, there is a linear correlation of Δ H † and Δ S † which gives an isokinetic temperature of 367 ± 11 K. This isokinetic behavior suggests that the same mechanism is operative throughout the series.
Median Household Income: Association with Mortality in Children on Chronic Ventilation at Home Secondary to Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if living in a lower income neighborhood is associated with mortality of patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) on home ventilation. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups by their ZIP code–based annual household income (Z-AHI), their year of birth, and the median state household income. Survival, liberation from ventilation, and decannulation rates were analyzed between the groups. Results: Over 27 years, 94 patients met our inclusion criteria: 58 (61.7%) were in the group with lower Z-AHI, and 36 (38.3%) were in the group with the Z-AHI above the median state household. Of the patients who died, 14/15 were in the lower Z-AHI group (p=0.003). Survival probability at 60 months of age showed no significant difference between the two groups: 81% [95% CI 70.9, 91.1] for the group with the Z-AHI below the median state household, and 100% [95% CI 100.0, 90.3] for the group with higher Z-AHI (p=0.31). Conclusions: The results of this study are de...
The Influence of Cultural Identity and Perceived Barriers on College-Going Beliefs and Aspirations of Latino Youth in Emerging Immigrant Communities:

Emerging immigrant communities differ from established communities in terms of needs and available resources. Students in these emerging communities may still be acculturating to new contexts and establishing their ethnic identities, which may impact their ability to engage in planning for the future. The current study examines what impact these cultural identity variables, in addition to perceptions of barriers to college entrance, would have on educational aspirations and college-going self-efficacy beliefs of Latino adolescents. Findings from 171 middle- and high school Latino students from immigrant families indicated that public ethnic regard and resilience to barriers were positively associated with college-going self-efficacy, and Anglo orientation had a trend-level effect, while perceived barriers were negatively related to that outcome. Private ethnic regard and person-based barriers were negatively associated with educational aspirations. Generation status, gender, mother’s education, and age were control variables. Implications for research and practice are provided, focusing on perceived barriers and self-efficacy beliefs.
The Meaning of Kinship Terms1

nologists by a simple and direct procedure: each term is matched with a primitive English term (e.g., "mother"), with a relative product of two or more primitive English terms (e.g., "mother's brother"), or with a group of such primitive and/or relative product terms. Each primitive English term and each English relative product denotes an English "kin-type." Thus the meaning of the term is given by a list of nonredundant English kin-types, each of which includes one or more individuals in the group of persons to which the foreign term refers, and none of which includes any individual outside the group of persons to which the term refers. The validity of the matching derives, in general, from the prior use of a genealogical method of inquiry and from a general knowledge of the language and culture of the society. Murdock's Social Structure (1949) illustrates a convenient notation for such an analysis of meanings, and there is also a variety of other devices available, ranging from plotting terms on genealogical charts (each of whose points is defined by an English primitive or a relative product) to listing descriptive statements in tabular form. In Murdock's notation, the first two letters of eight primitive terms (father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, husband, wife) are used as the primitive symbols (Fa, Mo, Br, Si, So, Da, Hu, Wi); other kinship categories are conceived as relative products of these categories (e.g., FaBr for father's brother, SoWi for son's wife). Additional primitives (e.g., younger and older) are added as required. Similar notations are commonly used by other ethnologists and we shall call this traditional kind of
Radiographic assessment of venous catheter position in children: value of the lateral view.

Frontal chest radiographs can be misleading in the evaluation of central venous catheter placement. Lateral chest radiographs were obtained, in addition to the standard frontal radiographs, in 25 young children. In five (20%) of the children, the catheters were found to be malpositioned, and the frontal radiograph showed evidence of the abnormality in all five. The lateral radiographs also showed evidence of the abnormality in all five children; however, in three of the five, the lateral radiographs provided additional, more specific, diagnostic information. The lateral chest radiographs also demonstrated satisfactory catheter positioning in three other children in whom the frontal radiographs suggested abnormal positioning. Accurate assessment of catheter position was possible in all patients using both frontal and lateral chest radiographs. Injection of contrast material was not necessary to locate malpositioned cathethers. Lateral radiographs are recommended whenever an abnormal catheter position is suspected clinically or from findings on the routine frontal radiograph.
Is Business Mistreating America's Model Minority?

Business institutions are expected to treat customers of diverse backgrounds without bias. This study explores the relative satisfaction of Asians following service episodes at fast food establishments in the United States as compared to non-Asians. The study findings indicate Asians are less satisfied with both the personal service and the service settings in which fast food is provided them. The causes for the differences identified remain unclear. The results may bring to light a need to place greater emphasis on enabling businesses to become more culturally competent in terms of this growing minority group within the United States.
Aggrecan Domains Expected to Traffic through the Exocytic Pathway Are Misdirected to the Nucleus

In this article, we report the misdirected targeting of expressed aggrecan domains. Aggrecan, the chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycan of cartilage, normally progresses through the exocytic pathway. Proteins expressed from constructs containing the putative aggrecan signal sequence (i.e., the first 23 N-terminal amino acids), specified globular (G) domains G1 and/or G3, and a segment of the CS domain were detected in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi complex. Although proteins expressed from constructs containing the putative signal and G3, but lacking G1, were detected to a limited extent in the secretory pathway, they primarily accumulated in nuclei. Discrete nuclear inclusions were seen when G3 was expressed. Immunoelectron microscopic characterization of the inclusions suggested the association of nuclear G3 with other proteins. When signal-free G3 constructs and those with G3 immediately following the N-terminal signal were expressed, abundant dispersed accumulations filled the nucleoplasm. The data suggest first, that signal-free and signal-containing G3 proteins enter the nucleus from the cytosol, and second, that the entry of signal-containing G3 proteins into the ER lumen is inefficient. Hsp25, Hsp70, and ubiquitin were colocalized with nuclear G3, indicating the involvement of chaperones and the degradative machinery in the formation and/or attempted disposal of the abnormal nuclear inclusions. Overall, the results focus attention on (1) intracellular protein trafficking at the ER membrane and the nuclear envelope and (2) chaperone interactions and mechanisms leading to abnormal protein deposition in the nucleus.
Thermal Expansion Behavior of ZnSe and ZnS0.03Se0.97 Epilayers on GaAs at Temperatures in the Range, 25°C - 250°C

The thermal expansion behavior of ZnSe and ZnS0.03Se0.97 epilayers grown on GaAs has been investigated using high resolution X-ray diffraction at temperatures between room temperature and the growth temperature. The lattice parameters perpendicular and parallel to the surface were measured with the Bond's method. The lattice mismatch for a partially relaxed ZnSe layer was Δa(⊥)/a =2300 ppm and Δa(‖)/a = 2600 ppm at room temperature(R.T.) and Δa (⊥)/a =3600 ppm and Δa(‖)/a =2400 ppm at 250°C. For ZnS0.03Se0.97 which is almost lattice matched at R.T. to GaAs, Δa(⊥)/a =200 ppm, Δa(⊥)/a =20ppmatR.T. and Δa(⊥)/a =1400ppm, Δa(⊥)/a =50ppm at 250°C. The relaxed lattice constants were evaluated and the thermal expansion coefficients of relaxed ZnSe layers were found to vary from 7.8*10−6/°C at room temperature to 12.2*10−6/°C at 250°C and for ZnS0.03Se0.97 layers the variation was from 7.5*10−6/°C at R.T. to 11.7*10−6/°C at 250°C.
ADVANCED HYPERSPECTRAL ALGORITHMS FOR TACTICAL TARGET DETECTION AND DISCRIMINATION

Region-of-interest cueing by hyperspectral imaging systems for tactical reconnaissance has emphasized wide area coverage, low false alarm rates, and the search for manmade objects. Because they often appear embedded in complex environments and can exhibit large intrinsic spectral variability, these targets usually cannot be characterized by consistent signatures that might facilitate the detection process. Template matching techniques that focus on distinctive and persistent absorption features, such as those characterizing gases or liquids, prove ineffectual for most hard-body targets. High-performance autonomous detection requires instead the integration of limited and uncertain signature knowledge with a statistical approach. Effective techniques devised in this way using Gaussian models have transitioned to fielded systems. These first-generation algorithms are described here, along with heuristic modifications that have proven beneficial. Higher-performance Gaussian-based algorithms are also described, but sensitivity to parameter selection can prove problematical. Finally, a next-generation parameter-free non-Gaussian method is outlined whose performance compares favorably with the best Gaussian methods.
Cramer-Rao lower bounds for estimation of phase in LBI based localization systems

This paper derives the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) on estimates of phase in long baseline interferometry (LBI) based localization systems. LBI localization is a classical method for finding the location of a non-cooperative emitter by estimating the phase difference between received signals by two sensors spatially separated on a single platform. In this paper, we derive the CRLB for phase difference in LBI-based systems by modelling the received signal as a deterministic unknown; that is, its samples are considered as nuisance parameters to be estimated. Consequently, the CRLB computations become much more complicated in this case. Finally, we provide the discussion for our results.
Granular Flows in an Annular Shear Cell With Varying Roughness: Experiments and Modeling

Flows of granular particles in sliding contacts have been proposed as a “dry” lubrication mechanism. Granular flows are complex flows that exhibit fluid and solid behavior. A transparent granular shear cell (GSC) with an annular geometry was constructed to study their behavior. The GSC operates at variable speeds and its wheel roughness was fabricated to physically match the well-known theoretical boundary conditions of Jenkins and Richman. Effects of the physical variables on the local granular flow parameters are presented. A continuum modeling approach, known as granular kinetic lubrication (GKL), was employed to predict the experimental data. Good qualitative and modest quantitative agreements between the experiments and model were obtained.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Correlation of CT and ultrasound in the evaluation of renal lymphoma

In a series of 225 patients with lymphoma studied by computed tomography, involvement of the kidney(s) was found in 11 (4.9%). These cases were then also studied by ultrasound. Because of the characteristic findings of computed tomography and sonography in renal lymphoma, a reliable diagnosis was possible along with an accurate assessment of the incidence and types of renal involvement. Illustration of this material along with a discussion of the clinical implications of these findings is presented.
Who Supports Terrorism? Evidence from Fourteen Muslim Countries

This research note explores aspects of the demand for terrorism using data from the Pew Research Center. With these data from 7,849 adult respondents persons within 14 Muslim countries, this article explores who supports terrorism. It is shown that females, younger persons, and those who believe Islam is under threat are more likely to support terrorism. Very poor respondents and those who believe that religious leaders should play a larger role in politics are less likely to support terrorism than others. Because these affects vary throughout the countries studies, it is argued that interventions must be highly tailored, using detailed demographic and psychographic data.
Friendship and Internalizing Symptoms Among Children and Adolescents with ASD

Anxiety and depression are common among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), highlighting a need to identify factors that protect against these symptoms. Among typically developing children, friendships are protective, and lead to better emotional outcomes. The current study examined a large, well-characterized sample of children and adolescents with ASD to examine the relations among friendship, ASD symptom severity, and anxiety/depression. Rates of anxiety/depression were high in this sample. Greater ASD severity was associated with fewer symptoms of anxiety/depression, lower IQ, and poorer number and/or quality of reciprocal friendships. Surprisingly, children with no or very poor dyadic relationships experienced less anxiety than those with existing, but limited, friendships. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.