cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of calving season and stocking rate on birth weight and weaning weight of Simmental-sired calves from Brahman-Hereford F1 dams.

Braham-Hereford F1 dams have been used to evaluate the influence of grazing pressure on forage attributes and animal performance at the Texas A&M University Agricultural Research Center at Overton. Data for this study were compiled from 1,909 records of Simmental-sired calves born to Braham-Hereford F1 cows from 1975 to 1990. Birth weight and weaning weight were analyzed independently to estimate the influence of year, season of birth, dam age, weaning age, and sex of calf. The effect of stocking rate as represented by levels of forage availability on weaning weights and subsequent birth weights was measured. Within the fall and winter calving seasons, lactating dams grazing at a high stocking rate produced calves with the lowest subsequent birth weights. Lactating dams assigned to creep-fed treatments had calves with the heaviest subsequent birth weights. Although dams that were less than 3.5 yr of age had calves with the lightest birth weights, there was no apparent decline in birth weight of calves from dams 12 to 17 yr old. Year, sex of calf, age of dam, stocking rate, season of birth, age at weaning, and birth weight were significant factors affecting weaning weight (P less than .01). Fall-born calves grazing cool-season annual pastures were heavier at weaning (267.6 kg) than either winter- (252.0 kg) or spring-born calves (240.9 kg). A stocking rate x season-of-birth interaction was observed for birth weight and weaning weight (P less than .05). Differences in weaning weight from low- vs high-stocked pastures were greater for fall-born calves (61.6 kg) than for winter-born calves (48.7).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Validation of electronic administration of knee surveys among ACL-injured patients

Knee-specific patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are important tools in evaluating the effectiveness of sports medicine interventions. The PROMs were originally developed for paper administration, but electronic data capture technologies offer potential benefits such as increased efficiency and accuracy. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of touch screen versus paper administration using several common knee-specific and general health surveys. Agreement between scores was compared for knee-specific PROMs administered on paper versus computer; paper versus tablet; computer versus tablet in 60 patients per group undergoing ACL reconstruction. Surveys were given at pre-operative assessment and between 1 and 7 days later. Weighted kappa statistic (κ) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to test agreement between the two modalities in: IKDC Subjective Knee Form, Marx Activity Scale, Tegner Activity Level Scale, and Lysholm Knee Scale. SF-12 Physical and Mental Component Summary scores were also assessed. Response rate was over 90 %. Mean age was 29.6 ± 10.9 years, with patients in the paper–computer cohort being 4 years older than in the other groups. Agreement was substantial or better for all PROMs collected: IKDC Subjective (ICC: 0.79); Marx (ICC: 0.70); Lysholm (ICC: 0.65); and Tegner (κ = 0.67). Agreement for the SF-12 PCS (ICC: 0.77) and MCS (ICC: 0.73) was also found to have substantial agreement. In conclusion, touch screen-based PROMs are a valid capture method, providing reliable results relative to traditional paper survey administration. Digital methods of direct data capture may also foster multi-centre collaborations and allow for more accurate comparisons of outcomes between patient groups in clinical practice and orthopaedic research. II.
The Problem of the Malingering Defendant

The title of this chapter may be somewhat misleading, for the malingering defendant really poses numerous problems. Such problems include, but are not limited to, the following: the identification of the malingerer; the proper handling of him in a correctional or detentional institution; the appropriate psychiatric treatment; an understanding of why certain people malinger and why those who do choose certain specific symptoms; and, last but not least, the problem of proving in a court of law that a defendant is, in fact, malingering. A discussion of all these problems would fill a good-sized book. Moreover, we would still not have an adequate understanding of the psychodynamics and ego psychology of the malingerer. In this chapter, then, I shall try briefly to present a picture of the malingerer, raise some legal problems, and suggest some practical solutions.
The Context of Beating the Fool

This chapter demonstrates that all sin is foolishness and all people are in desperate need of God’s wisdom. This experiential need for wisdom is considered in relation to Adam, Israel, and all people after the fall in the Garden of Eden. Theologically, the cross is about God and his glory in dealing justly with sin—and sin is intimately related to foolishness. Sin is contrary to God who is himself wisdom. If the death of Christ righteously delivers sinners from God’s righteous wrath and judgment against sin, it must provide its beneficiaries with God’s perfect wisdom.
Conservation Education in Schools: Aligning Teachers' Perceptions with Students' Attitudes.

ABSTRACTAs global environmental problems intensify, the importance of providing effective conservation education to young people is increasingly apparent. To accomplish this, teachers' perceptions ...
Log-Sum Distance Measures and Its Application to Human-Activity Monitoring and Recognition Using Data From Motion Sensors

For the detection of human activities using motion data many techniques employ feature extraction and machine learning. But detection rates and incorrect classification rates require further increase and decrease, respectively. We address both the problems. We propose a novel distance measure, called log-sum distance, for evaluating difference between two sequences of positive numbers. We use the proposed log-sum distance measure to develop algorithms for recognition of human activities from the motion data. The sequences of $m$ positive numbers are residual sum of squares errors produced from modeling $m$ motion time-series with the multiple linear regression method . To reduce incorrect classification, we define a threshold test and use it in our proposed novel algorithm. We have defined an optimization function and used it for computing optimal threshold values. Extensive evaluation of our activity detection algorithm with two different sets of data sets show increased activity recognition rates and decreased incorrect classification rates compared with other existing methods. In one data set, the proposed algorithm detects all activities with 100% accuracy and in the another data set, it detects all activities with 99% or higher accuracy. The proposed use of threshold values for classification of activities decreased incorrect classification rates.
One Session of Autogenic Training Increases Acute Subjective Sexual Arousal in Premenopausal Women Reporting Sexual Arousal Problems

Abstract Background Below average heart rate variability (HRV) has been associated with sexual arousal dysfunction and overall sexual dysfunction in women. Autogenic training, a psychophysiologic relaxation technique, has been shown to increase HRV. In a recent study, sexually healthy women experienced acute increases in physiologic (ie, genital) and subjective sexual arousal after 1 brief session of autogenic training. Aim To build on these findings by testing the effects of a single session of autogenic training on sexual arousal in a sample of women who reported decreased or absent sexual arousal for at least 6 months. Methods Genital sexual arousal, subjective sexual arousal, and perceived genital sensations were assessed in 25 women 20 to 44 years old before and after listening to a 22-minute autogenic training recording. HRV was assessed with electrocardiography. Outcomes Change in genital sexual arousal, subjective sexual arousal, and perceived genital sensations from the pre-manipulation erotic film to the post-manipulation erotic film. Results Marginally significant increases in discrete subjective sexual arousal (P = .051) and significant increases in perceived genital sensations (P = .018) were observed. In addition, degree of change in HRV significantly moderated increases in subjective arousal measured continuously over time (P Clinical Implications The results of this study suggest that autogenic training, and other interventions that aim to increase HRV, could be a useful addition to treatment protocols for women who are reporting a lack of subjective arousal or decreased genital sensations. Strengths and Limitations There are few treatment options for women with arousal problems. We report on a new psychosocial intervention that could improve arousal. Limitations include a relatively small sample and the lack of a control group. Conclusion Our findings indicate that autogenic training significantly improves acute subjective arousal and increases perceived genital sensations in premenopausal women with self-reported arousal concerns. Stanton AM, Hixon JG, Nichols LM, Meston CM. One Session of Autogenic Training Increases Acute Subjective Sexual Arousal in Premenopausal Women Reporting Sexual Arousal Problems. J Sex Med 2018;15:64–76.
How the ACA Addressed Health Equity and What Repeal Would Mean

This commentary reviews the many different ways the Affordable Care Act (ACA) explicitly and implicitly attempted to improve health equity, and then assesses how the Republican proposal to repeal and replace the ACA (the proposed American Health Care Act) would impact efforts to improve health equity. Although the American health care system still had a long way to go to achieve health equity, it may be argued that the ACA was a major step forward in creating new programs and regulations that had the potential to improve health equity. In stark contrast, Trumpcare makes no mention of health equity as a goal and-if passed-would result in an increase in health inequity. It would shamefully represent the first time in modern US history that a major federal health reform bill would actually move us further away from creating more equal access to health care coverage and toward reduced health equity.
Breath, Breathe, Breathing: Communication in/as Acts of Social Justice (A Metaphorical Performative Assemblage):

This performative essay is a redrafting and extension of a critical dialogue following a public presentation on the nature and importance of communication studies. The dialogue is framed by using t...
Impact of Penicillin Allergy on Time to First Dose of Antimicrobial Therapy and Clinical Outcomes.

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a listed penicillin allergy on the time to first dose of antibiotic in a Veterans Affairs hospital. Additional clinical outcomes of patients with penicillin allergies were compared with those of patients without a penicillin allergy. Methods A retrospective chart review of veterans admitted through the emergency department with a diagnosis of pneumonia, urinary tract infection, bacteremia, and sepsis from January 2006 to December 2015 was conducted. The primary outcome was time to first dose of antibiotic treatment, defined as the time from when the patient presented to the emergency department to the medication administration time. Secondary outcomes included total antibiotic therapy duration and treatment outcomes, including mortality, length of stay, and 30-day readmission rate. Findings A total of 403 patients were included in the final analysis; 57 patients (14.1%) had a listed penicillin allergy. The average age of the population was 75 years and 99% of the population was male. The mean time to first dose of antibiotic treatment for patients with a penicillin allergy was prolonged compared with those without a penicillin allergy (236.1 vs 186.6 minutes; P = 0.03), resulting in an approximately 50-minute delay. Penicillin-allergic patients were more likely to receive a carbapenem or fluoroquinolone antibiotic ( P Implications Patients with a penicillin allergy had a prolonged time to first dose of antibiotic therapy. No significant differences were found in total antibiotic duration, length of stay, or 30-day readmission rate. The small sample size, older population, and single-center nature of this study may limit the generalizability of the present findings to other populations.
Programmable Radio Environments for Smart Spaces

Smart spaces, such as smart homes and smart offices, are common Internet of Things (IoT) scenarios for building automation with networked sensors. In this paper, we suggest a different notion of smart spaces, where the radio environment is programmable to achieve desirable link quality within the space. We envision deploying low-cost devices embedded in the walls of a building to passively reflect or actively transmit radio signals. This is a significant departure from typical approaches to optimizing endpoint radios and individual links to improve performance. In contrast to previous work combating or leveraging per-link multipath fading, we actively reconfigure the multipath propagation. We sketch design and implementation directions for such a programmable radio environment, highlighting the computational and operational challenges our architecture faces. Preliminary experiments demonstrate the efficacy of using passive elements to change the wireless channel, shifting frequency "nulls" by nine Wi-Fi subcarriers, changing the 2 x 2 MIMO channel condition number by 1.5 dB, and attenuating or enhancing signal strength by up to 26 dB.
Selective Small Molecule Recognition of RNA Base Pairs.

Many types of RNAs exist in the human transcriptome, yet only the bacterial ribosome has been exploited as a small molecule drug target. Aside from rRNA, other cellular RNAs such as noncoding RNAs have primarily secondary structure and limited tertiary structure. Within these secondary structures of noncanonically paired and unpaired regions, more than 50% are base paired, with most efforts to target these structures focused on looped regions. A void exists in the availability of small molecules capable of targeting RNA base pairs. Using chemoinformatics, an RNA-focused library enriched for nitrogen-containing heterocycles was developed and tested for binding RNA base pairs, leading to the identification of six selective and previously unknown binders. While all binders were derivatives of benzimidazoles, those with expanded aromatic polycycles bound selectively to AU pairs, while those with flexible urea side chains bound selectively to GC pairs. Two of the three selective GC pair binders can distinguish...
New record of Trissolcus solocis (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) parasitising Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in the United States of America

Background A parasitoid wasp, Trissolcus solocis Johnson, was recorded parasitising eggs of the invasive stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stal), in the United States. This is the first record of this species parasitising eggs of H. halys. New information First record of Trissolcus solocis parasitising Halyomorpha halys eggs in the United States and first record of T. solocis in Alabama.
Making the transition from traditional to robotic-arm assisted TKA: What to expect? A single-surgeon comparative-analysis of the first-40 consecutive cases.

Abstract Objective/methods We compared short-term outcomes following 40 traditional, cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to the first 40 cemented robotic-arm assisted TKA (raTKA) and analyzed the learning curve for raTKA. Results LOS was longer for traditional TKA compared to raTKA (1.92 vs. 1.27days, p Conclusion Despite comparable outcomes, the learning curve for raTKA appeared to progress rapidly.
Mail-In Absentee Ballot Anomalies in North Carolina's 9th Congressional District

Abstract The aftermath of the 2018 midterm election in North Carolina was marred by allegations of absentee ballot fraud in the state's 9th Congressional District, most notably in Bladen County, on...
Masson tumor (intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia) arising in a superficial temporal artery aneurysm.

Abstract Masson tumor (intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia) is a rare proliferation of endothelial cells within the wall of a vessel, often thought to represent an aberrant resolution of a thrombosis. We describe the unique case of a 75-year-old man who presented to the clinic with a tender, spontaneous aneurysmal dilation of his left superficial temporal artery (STA). Only 8% of all STA aneurysms are believed to be spontaneous true aneurysms, with the majority being post-traumatic pseudoaneurysms. After successful surgical resection, pathologic examination demonstrated a Masson tumor within an STA aneurysm. This paper describes a case in which both rare entities were discovered and briefly outlines the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities available.
Association between quality of life and physical activity among people aged 50 years and over

Objective: To explore the relationship between physical activity level and quality of life among people aged 50 years and over. Methods: From October 2009 to June 2010, 8 872 middle-aged and elderly people aged 50 years and over, were selected from five districts of Shanghai, by multi-stage random cluster sampling method. Both Global Physical Activity Questionnaireand World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQoL-8) were used to assess the physical activity, level and quality of life. A two-level (individual level and community level) linear model was used to analyze the relationship between physical activity level and quality of life in different age groups. Results: A total of 8 454 individuals aged (63.16±9.74) years were included in this study. 59.95% of the people in this study were with low physical activity level, while 28.00% and 12.05% of them were with medium or high levels of physical activities. The WHOQoL-8 score appeared as 43.91±0.69. The higher the level of physical activity, the lower the WHOQoL-8 score was, referring to a better quality of life (P=0.00). After controlling the confounding factors of socio-economic factors, health status and social participation, the increase of physical activity level showed significant effect in improving the quality of life for the middle-aged and under 80 elderly (P<0.05). However, compared with the low-level, middle and high-level physical activities did not improve the quality of life among the people aged 80 years and over. The P values were 0.06 and 0.47, respectively. Conclusion: Higher level of physical activity appeared its relations to a better quality of life among people aged between 50 and 80, in Shanghai.
LARGE DVT BURDEN? CONSIDER IVC ATRESIA

Agenesis and atresia of the inferior vena cava (IVCA) is a rare vascular anomaly, estimated to occur in 0.07%-8.7% of the general population. Diagnosis is often incidental as disease can be asymptomatic given extensive collateral vein development. However, extensive deep venous thrombosis (DVT) can
Tracing the formation and degradation of fatty-acid-rich mitochondria using label-free chemical imaging (Conference Presentation)

Using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy, we discovered heterogeneity of mitochondrial chemical compositions in cancer cells after hypothermia. Individual mitochondria associated with higher signals in CARS images are likely the result of fatty acid accumulation, which is caused by a reduced rate of fatty acid β-oxidation. Tracing individual mitochondria after reheating the cells to 37°C reveals degradation of these organelles through the mitophagy process. Further study will continue to unveil how stressed mitochondria would form in various conditions, and the fate of these organelles upon changes of their environment. Our results shed new light on mitochondrial function and cell metabolism.
Combined Thoracic-Kidney Transplantation Practices May Exacerbate Existing Geographic Disparities in Access to Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation

Purpose The rate of combined thoracic-kidney transplantation (CTKT) continues to increase. Our allocation system affords these candidates priority over those listed for kidney alone, yet, there are no standard listing criteria for CTKT and practices may vary by center. It is not understood how CTKT impacts access to deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT). Here we examine state-level CTKT practices in relation to end stage renal disease (ESRD) burden. Methods This retrospective study identified all patients that received DDKT and the subset of CTKT (heart or lung and DDKT) in 2014-2019 using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. Recipients were categorized by permanent state of residence at transplant and were excluded if residence was unknown or outside the U.S. Using the U.S. Renal Data System, ESRD burden was defined as 2014 period prevalence of ESRD among adult, transplant-eligible patients per million population (PMP) by state. Eligibility was determined using our institution's standard criteria. Spearman's correlation was used to evaluate state CTKT and DDKT counts. CTKT proportion was compared to ESRD Burden. Results 70372 DDKT were included, of which 810 were CTKT. CTKT and DDKT counts by state (Figure 1A-B) were highly correlated (r=0.89, p Conclusion These data demonstrate wide variability in proportion of CTKT by state despite correlation of CTKT and DDKT counts. States with high CTKT proportion and low ESRD burden may reflect more liberal listing practices. Our results suggest CTKT practices may exacerbate existing geographic disparities in access to DDKT.
Numerical simulation of optical propagation through atmospheric turbulence

Simulations of waves through three-dimensional turbulence with inner scale have been performed. Simulations of point source and plane wave initial conditions show substantial differences, which are amplified if an inner scale is introduced into the turbulent spectrum. The results are in reasonable agreement with the results of laser propagation over kilometer-length paths in the atmosphere. The intensity patterns of the waves emerging from a turbulent medium with large inner scale show striking networks of caustics. If the small-scale tail of the turbulence spectrum is present, the large-scale caustic networks are diffused and less clear, but they are still present. The long tail of the probability density function at high intensity is precisely determined in the simulations, up to fifty times the mean intensity. Physical explanations for this long tail will be discussed. The behavior of the probability density function at very small intensity (fades) is also well determined, and this behavior puts important constraints on theoretical treatments. It is suggested that simulating impulse response (pulse propagation) rather than single-frequency propagation will elucidate some fundamental characteristics of waves through turbulence.
Critical evaluation of factors contributing to time to mastectomy within a single health care system.

Increased time to mastectomy (TTM) has significant implications for mortality, well-being, and satisfaction. However, certain populations are subject to disparities that increase TTM. This study examines vulnerable populations and the patient-, disease-, provider-, and system-level factors related to treatment delays. Patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer from 2014 to 2018 across 8 hospitals in a single health care system were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, disease characteristics, and provider- and system-level information were collected. Time from biopsy-proven diagnosis to mastectomy was calculated. Univariate analysis identified variables for inclusion in the multivariable model. One thousand, three hundred thirty patients met inclusion. Median TTM was 55.0 days. Factors from all levels-patient, disease, provider, and systemic-were significantly related to disparities. African-American patients had 11.6% longer TTM compared to white patients (69.0 vs 56.0 days, P < .0001). TTM was 15.5% longer for low-income patients when compared to high-income patients (65.0 vs 49.0 days, P = .0014). Preoperative plastic surgery visits led to 19.3% longer TTM (P = .0012); oncologic appointments for neo-adjuvant chemotherapy led to a 231.0% increase (P < .0001). Average time from last neo-adjuvant treatment to mastectomy was 44.4 days (SD 26.5); average TTM from diagnosis for patients not receiving neo-adjuvant chemotherapy was 58.5 days (SD 13.3). Patients with Medicaid waited 14.5% longer compared to patients with commercial insurance (94.0 vs 62.0 days, P = .0005). In our review of care across a large health care system, we identified multiple levels contributing to disparities in TTM. Identification of these disparities offers valuable insight into process improvement and intervention.
Evidence that more than a third of Paleozoic articulate brachiopod genera (Strophomenata) lived infaunally

The Strophomenata, which includes two large orders, the Strophomenida and Productida, is the largest group of Paleozoic brachiopods. Nearly all uncemented strophomenatans possessed an unusual concave brachial valve. Most of these have been considered to have lived epifaunally, but had they rested on the seafloor, not only would they have faced intense predation, but their physical instability would have been fatal. I conclude that nearly all strophomenatans, like similar concavo-convex pectinid bivalves, lived infaunally by ejecting water to create a pit into which they descended, to be protected by sediment covering the concave valve. Strophomenatans have been discovered with this sediment preserved in place. If exhumed and turned upside down, a strophomenatan could have righted itself by squirting water. Many productides had anchoring spines, and some had hinge areas with stabilizing flanges. Small spines on the brachial valves of some productides served to trap disguising sediment. Evolutionary loss of hinge teeth within both the Strophomenida and Productida reduced the friction of valve clapping. Partly because of their slender shape, strophomenides were typically more vulnerable to exhumation than productides. Strophomenides also ejected water less effectively than productides and would have been less adept at righting themselves. The virtual disappearance of the strophomenides during the Devonian can be attributed to their vulnerability to intensifying benthic bulldozing and predation. The success of the productides during the late Paleozoic can be attributed to their relatively deep sequestration in the sediment and ability to right themselves and reburrow effectively when exhumed and overturned.
Scaling Up Community-Driven Development: Theoretical Underpinnings and Program Design Implications

Community-driven development boasts many islands of success, but these have not scaled up to cover entire countries. Binswanger and Aiyar examine the possible obstacles to scaling up, and possible solutions. They consider the theoretical case for community-driven development and case studies of success in both sectoral and multisectoral programs. Obstacles to scaling up include high economic and fiscal costs, adverse institutional barriers, problems associated with the co-production of outputs by different actors on the basis of subsidiarity, lack of adaptation to the local context using field-tested manuals, and lack of scaling-up logistics. The authors consider ways of reducing economic and fiscal costs, overcoming hostile institutional barriers, overcoming problems of co-production, adapting to the local context with field testing, and providing scaling-up logistics. Detailed annexes and checklists provide a guide to program design, diagnostics, and tools. This paper - a product of the Office of the Vice President, Africa Regional Office - is part of a larger effort in the region to improve understanding of community-driven development.
Ly6chi Infiltrating Macrophages Promote Cyst Progression in Injured Conditional Ift88 Mice.

Key Points Ly6chi infiltrating macrophage numbers are increased in injured, conditional Ift88 mice, compared with controls. Loss of Ly6chi infiltrating macrophages slows injury-accelerated cystic disease. Ly6chi infiltrating macrophages drive cystic disease in non-Pkd1–deficient cystic models.
Retroperitoneal fibrosis as a postoperative complication following renal transplantation in cats.

ObjectivesThe aim of this report was to describe the clinical signs, diagnostic imaging findings, surgical management, histopathological findings, outcome and possible risk factors for cats that de...
Investigated the Cause of Snow Albedo Reduction in the Himalayan Mountains by Using Remotely Sensed Products

The snow albedo reduction in the Himalayan mountains was observed by satellite remote sensing for almost two decades. Some studies indicated that absorbing aerosols, such as dust and black carbon, have a strong effect on snow albedo reduction in this area. In this paper, a neural network (NN) was developed to build a relationship between snow albedo and aerosol optical depth, land surface temperature, and precipitation from satellite remote sensing products and climate model outputs on the pure snow cover pixel between 2001 to 2019 in March and April. The coefficient of determination and RMSE based on testing samples of this regression are 0.83 and 0.12, respectively. In this regression, aerosol optical depth contributed the most, which demonstrates that the increase of aerosol optical depth can lead to a decrease in snow albedo.
The metabolic, circulatory, and bronchomotor responses of asthmatic children to epinephrine infusion. Pharmacologic effects.

Abstract In our study, 7 chronically ill asthmatic children received epinephrine at a metered rate of 4 to 8 μg per minute for 60 minutes by intravenous infusion. Blood specimens were obtained at 15 minute intervals for one hour before, at 10 minute interval during, and at 15 minute intervals for one hour after the infusion and analyzed for glucose, free fatty acids, and ketones. Blood pressure and pulse rates were monitored during the total period of observation. Pulmonary function tests (maximal and maximal mid-expiratory flow rates) were made prior to, during, and after epinephrine infusion. The data were compared with those of 4 control subjects of comparable age and weight for fasting levels, rate of rise to maximum point achieved during the infusion, the rate of return to normal, and a comparison of initial level with those at the end of the recovery period. A discriminant analysis by computer failed to demonstrate a significant difference in metabolic response between the asthmatic and control patients. Four of 7 children with asthma revealed a better than 20 per cent improvement in the maximal mid-expiratory flow rate after infusion. The asthmatic subjects tended to show a greater mean pulse rate rise when the preinfusion to peak response period was compared with that of the control.
Issues in reducing the cogging torque of mass-produced permanent magnet brushless DC motor

A variety of techniques are available to reduce cogging torque in permanent magnet brushless DC motors. Theoretically, all the techniques are quite effective for minimizing the cogging torque. This research presents the efficacy of these methods in mass production subject to manufacturing tolerances/variations. The cogging torque minimization becomes a challenging task when the requirement is very stringent in applications such as electric power steering and robotics. Some of the known techniques for reducing the cogging torque are the magnet pole arc design, skewing, step skewing, and dummy slots in the stator lamination. They are discussed in this paper considering manufacturing tolerances/variations when used in mass production. Finite element analysis is carried out to determine the worst-case scenarios. The research demonstrates that the cogging torque-amplitude and -frequency are highly sensitive to magnet shapes, dimensions, locations and magnetization pattern as well as slot/pole combination. In reality, the cogging torque may not be eliminated completely but minimized to a satisfactory level depending on the application requirements.
Nuclear-pumped lasing of /He-3/-Xe at 2.63 microns

Direct nuclear pumping of an (He-3)-Xe laser, lasing at 2.63 microns, has been achieved. Scaling of the laser output with xenon concentration, total pressure, and thermal neutron flux has been investigated. A peak power in excess of 200 W was obtained at a total pressure of 3 atm, a gas mixture consisting of 5% xenon and 95% He-3, and a peak thermal flux of 6 x 10 to the 16th n/sq cm s.
Inelastic neutron scattering studies of 132,134Xe: Elucidating structure in a transitional region and possible interferences for 0vββ searches

Highly enriched (> 99.9%) 132 Xe and 134 Xe gases were converted to solid 132 XeF2 and 134 XeF2 and were used as scattering samples for inelastic neutron scattering measurements at the University of Kentucky Accelerator Laboratory (UKAL). Lifetimes of levels up to 3.5 MeV in excitation energy in these xenon isotopes were measured using the Doppler-shift attenuation method, allowing the determination of reduced transition probabilities. Gamma rays corresponding to new transitions and levels have been observed. In particular, tentative new excited 0 + states and associated decays have been examined in an effort to elucidate the structure of these nuclei in a transitional region, and comparisons have been drawn with models which seek to describe such nuclei, e.g., the E(5) critical-point symmetry of the IBM. Newly identified potential interferences for neutrinoless double-beta decay searches involving 136 Xe are also discussed.
Intensity Of Energy Use In The U.S.A.: 1949 - 2003

The particular role that energy plays in the economy of a country, and the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth are of interest to researchers, analysts, and policymakers. Energy consumption can be seen as either a cause of, or a symptom of economic growth. Therefore, understanding the nature of the interactions between energy consumption and gross domestic product (GDP) can help guide energy policies. This paper examines the energy-GDP relationship in the U.S.A. One common method used in analyzing the energy-GDP relationship is energy intensity (also called the intensity of energy use (IEU)), which is the amount of energy required to produce a unit of income (GDP). The paper begins with a substantial literature review of energy intensity studies from around the world. A summary of the findings is discussed, including the factors that were found to directly influence the intensity of energy use. The Kuznets environmental curve is then presented and used in developing a model for the IEU. The model is then tested with data for the U.S.A. from 1949 – to 2003. The results show that energy consumption is very sensitive to energy prices, which in turn impacts the GDP, and that the IEU has declined in the U.S.A. for the period tested, fitting the downward slopping segment of the Kuznets curve. These results imply that energy conservation policies are desirable.
EQUIVALENT OPTION PRICE WITH SUPPLY UNCERTAINTY

This paper compares two ex ante measures of the benefits of a project with supply uncertainty: compensating option price, the willingness to pay for a project, and equivalent option price, the willingness to accept to forego a project. The paper shows that compensating option price does not generally rank three or more projects correctly, even when the projects only impose a change in a single good. Equivalent option price, like equivalent variation with certain outcomes, always ranks three or more projects correctly. This paper also presents a method to empirically estimate equivalent option price using estimates of the benefits of certain changes. This approach is practically important so that the same study results can be used to estimate equivalent option price even as new projects are developed or as changes occur in the scientific information regarding the probabilities of various project outcomes. An application of the empirical method estimates the benefits of a policy to improve air and water quality when there is uncertainty about the effectiveness of the policy.
Pubertal changes in calcium kinetics in girls assessed using 42Ca

ABSTRAn. The rate of calcium deposition in bone (Yo+) and the size of the exchangeable calcium pool in bone (EP) were measured in 50 girls aged 4.9 to 16.7 y using i.v. administered 42Ca. Both Yo+ and EP reached a maximum during early puberty and decreased in late puberty and more than 2 y postmenarche. In contrast, the initial mass of calcium distribution did not decrease in late puberty. The ratio of calcium deposition in bone to the exchangeable pool size, i.e. k.+ = Vo+/EP, was more closely correlated with length of time since menarche (r = 0.83, p < 0.001) than with age (r = 0.65, p < 0.001), weight (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), or body mass index (r = 0.28, p = 0.05). The lower ko+ in late puberty indicates that as bone matures the fraction of the calcium pool that enters bone decreases. (Pediatr Res 34: 455-459, 1993) Abbreviations
A Transmission Electron Microscopy Diffraction and Simulation Method for Early‐Stage Studies of the Evolution of Gel‐Derived Zirconia Precursors

A technique, utilizing transmission electron microscopy, is described that enables the modeling and diffraction simulation of structural development during the processing of gelderived products. This technique relies on the determination of the position and relative intensity of diffuse electron diffraction rings from small domains. X-ray diffraction cannot provide a basis for this analysis. A qualitative microcrystal modeling of the structural changes accompanying the in situ transformation of a zirconia-precursor gel to crystalline ZrO2 is described. A quantitative analysis is possible only after correction for the inelastic diffraction effect and a calibration of the nonlinear response of the photographic film.
Exploring collaborative navigation: the effect of perspectives on group performance

In this paper, we describe a collaborative navigation task in CVE. As a work in process, we present a process model of the task and design an experiment to test hypotheses generated by this process model. Using this experimental approach, we investigated the effect of the dimension of egocentric-exocentric perspectives on collaborative navigation performance. Results favor an egocentric perspective display. We also discuss the implications of this work for the design of interaction techniques to support collaborative navigation and awareness in CVE.
piggyBac Transposon plus Insulators Overcome Epigenetic Silencing to Provide for Stable Signaling Pathway Reporter Cell Lines

Genetically modified hematopoietic progenitors represent an important testing platform for a variety of cell-based therapies, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and other applications. Stable expression of a transfected gene of interest in the cells is often obstructed by its silencing. DNA transposons offer an attractive non-viral alternative of transgene integration into the host genome, but their broad applicability to leukocytes and other “transgene unfriendly” cells has not been fully demonstrated. Here we assess stability of piggyBac transposon-based reporter expression in murine prostate adenocarcinoma TRAMP-C2, human monocyte THP-1 and erythroleukemia K562 cell lines, along with macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) that have differentiated from the THP-1 transfects. The most efficient and stable reporter activity was observed for combinations of the transposon inverted terminal repeats and one 5’- or two cHS4 core insulators flanking a green fluorescent protein reporter construct, with no detectable silencing over 10 months of continuous cell culture in absence of any selective pressure. In monocytic THP-1 cells, the functional activity of luciferase reporters for NF-κB, Nrf2, or HIF-1α has not decreased over time and was retained following differentiation into macrophages and DCs, as well. These results imply pB as a versatile tool for gene integration in monocytic cells in general, and as a convenient access route to DC-based signaling pathway reporters suitable for high-throughput assays, in particular.
Host-Plant Effects on the Efficacy of Two Predators Attacking Russian Wheat Aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae)

We compared the effectiveness of generalist predators in reducing populations of the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), on range grasses that differ in leaf architecture. Crested wheatgrass, Agropyron desertorum , produces relatively broad leaves and, like wheat, provides aphids with rolled leaves as potential refuges from natural enemies; Indian ricegrass, Oryzopsis hymenoides , bears linear, involute leaves that are usually too narrow to permit aphid aggregations within leaf rolls. We established aphid populations on each host and then introduced either neonate larvae of the lacewing Chrysoperla plorabunda (Fitch) or adults of the ladybird beetle Propylea quatuordecimpunctata L. On seedlings, there was an interaction between the effects of predator species and host-plant species; beetles were less effective on crested wheatgrass than on Indian ricegrass, but lacewings eliminated or nearly eliminated aphid populations on both hosts. On whole plants in the field, both predators tended to be more effective on Indian ricegrass than on crested wheatgrass. In all experiments, lacewing larvae were superior to beetles in causing extinction of aphid populations. These results are consistent with behavioral observations of foraging predators, and suggest that the host-plant effects on the 3rd trophic level can depend on predator species as well as plant stage.
Viscous flow around a propeller-shaft configuration with infinite-pitch rectangular blades

A viscous-solution method is set forth for calculating incompressible propeller flowfields. An overview of the computational method is given, and some example results for both laminar and turbulent flow are presented and discussed with regard to the flow physics for the idealized geometry of a propeller-shaft configuration with infinite-pitch rectangular blades. It is shown that the flow exhibits many of the distinctive features of interest, including the development and evolution of the shaft and blade boundary layers and wakes and tip, passage, and hub vortices. Comparisons are made with results from a lifting-surface, propeller-per formance program to aid in evaluating the present method, which show that the method accurately predicts the blade loading, including viscous effects, and clearly displays the ability to resolve the viscous regions in distinction from the inviscid-flow approach.
Segmenting by Risk Perceptions: Predicting Young Adults’ Genetic-Belief Profiles with Health and Opinion-Leader Covariates

With a growing interest in using genetic information to motivate young adults’ health behaviors, audience segmentation is needed for effective campaign design. Using latent class analysis, this study identifies segments based on young adults’ (N = 327) beliefs about genetic threats to their health and personal efficacy over genetic influences on their health. A four-class model was identified. The model indicators fit the risk perception attitude framework (Rimal & Real, 2003), but the covariates (e.g., current health behaviors) did not. In addition, opinion leader qualities covaried with one profile: Those in this profile engaged in fewer preventative behaviors and more dangerous treatment options, and also liked to persuade others, making them a particularly salient group for campaign efforts. The implications for adult-onset disorders, like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, are discussed.
Prospective evaluation of viable myocardium by quantitative dipyridamole-thallium-201 scintigraphy and radionuclide ventriculography

Improvement of myocardial function is a major goal of coronary revascularization. Considerable interest remains in the preoperative identification of viable myocardium. We examined 26 consecutive patients with left ventricular dysfunction undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Serial dipyridamole-thallium imaging and radionuclide ventriculography was performed preoperatively and postoperatively. The relationship between preoperative and postoperative thallium perfusion and segmental wall motion was analyzed. The mean preoperative ejection fraction was 32±9 (21 to 51%) and increased to 41±12 (17 to 67%) postoperatively (p>0.01). Seventy-seven percent of patients improved their global ejection fraction postoperatively by >5%. Thallium perfusion improved postoperatively in 84% of reversible defects vs 63% of partially reversible defects and 35% of fixed defects. Segments with either reversible or partially reversible thallium defects showed an improved postoperative wall motion in 71% and 68%, respectively. Postoperative wall motion improved in 43% of fixed defects. Overall, 67% of hypokinetic segments showed improved postoperative wall motion while only 29% of akinetic or dyskinetic segments improved postoperatively. Preoperative thallium redistribution coupled with preserved wall motion was predictive of improvement in wall motion postoperatively and indirectly indicates myocardial viability. However, 43% of fixed defects also showed improved postoperative wall motion. A significant improvement in global ejection fraction was found and could be predicted by a linear regression analysis utilizing clinical and thallium parameters.
Accuracy of School Screenings in the Identification of Minimal Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Purpose The goal of this study was to investigate how the use of a 25 dB HL referral criterion in school screenings affects the identification of hearing loss categorized as minimal sensorineural hearing loss (MSHL). Method A retrospective study applied screening levels of 20 and 25 dB HL at 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz in each ear to previously obtained pure-tone thresholds for 1,475 school-age children. In a separate prospective study, 1,704 children were screened at school under typical conditions, and a subsample had complete audiological evaluations. Referral rates, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for each screening level. Results Referral rates varied by grade and criterion level, with comparable results between the two data sets. In both studies, when the screening level increased, the sensitivity to MSHL declined markedly, whereas specificity increased in the prospective study. Conclusions Screening at 25 dB yields poor sensitivity to MSHL. Converging evidence from these diverse population...
Test of fidelity of phase conjugation

The fidelity of the phase-conjugate signal produced by degenerate four-wave mixing was evaluated by conjugating and recombining the multiple-beam output from a phase grating. A single output beam resulted. If one or more of the beams emerging from the grating were blocked, additional beams appeared whose relative amplitudes agreed with theory for a perfect phase conjugator.
Alterations in Neurotransmitter Receptor Binding in Discrete Areas of the Copper‐Deficient Rat Brain

Neonatal copper deficiency produced alterations in central neurotransmitter receptors that were selective with respect both to brain region and to neurotransmitter receptor type. Both high- and low-affinity dopamine receptor densities in the corpus striatum were significantly lowered, 55% and 29%, respectively, when expressed on a wet weight basis. There was a significant decrease in the level of muscarinic receptors in the striatum whether expressed on the basis of wet weight (50%) or protein (27%). A smaller reduction in muscarinic receptor density was observed in the cortex, whereas there was no effect of copper deficiency in the cerebellum. The treatment did not change beta-adrenergic receptor binding in either the cortex or cerebellum. The affinities of the receptors for the ligands was not affected by the low-copper diet. It was previously reported that copper deficiency produces regionally specific decreases in the concentrations of dopamine and norepinephrine. The greatest reduction occurred in the concentration of dopamine in the corpus striatum. The results from both studies suggest that copper deficiency in post-weanling rats may induce a selective morphological lesion.