cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3356: Half the Stroke Survivors in the United States have Poorly Controlled Hypertension

Background: National guidelines recommend antihypertensive treatment to lower the risk of secondary strokes in both hypertensive and normotensive patients. The degree to which blood pressure (BP) is treated and controlled among stroke survivors in the US has not been systematically investigated. In this analysis of a nationwide database, we assessed recent patterns, predictors, and prognoses of antihypertensive drug use among survivors of a stroke. Methods: We reviewed prevalence and control of hypertension among adults with a history of stroke (based on self report) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2004 with mortality follow-up through December 31, 2006. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of poorly-controlled BP (>140/90) and non-treatment. Cox models were used to examine the association between antihypertensive use vs. all-cause mortality, adjusting for confounders. Results: Among 9,145 participants aged ≥40 years, 490 reported previous stroke, corresponding to 4,755,372 (4%) of US adults. Of those with previous stroke, 72% had known hypertension, 47% had poorly controlled hypertension, and 8% had undiagnosed hypertension. Compared to those not taking antihypertensive medications, those on treatment were more likely to be significantly older, male, black non-Hispanic, diabetic, with elevated levels of BP, total cholesterol, and body mass index. In multivariable analyses, age (OR per year 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.09), female sex (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.14-1.79), Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.24-2.49) and diabetes (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.50-2.99) were associated with poorly controlled BP, while subjects who had a previous myocardial infarction (OR 0.66, 95%CI 0.45-0.97), drank alcohol (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.42-0.90) or were overweight (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.49-0.78) were less likely to have poorly controlled BP. Among those with poorly controlled BP, hypercholesterolemia (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.07-1.57) and male sex (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.06-1.63) were predictors of non-treatment, whereas current smoking (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.32-1.92) or overweight (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.32-2.78) were linked to treatment. Those on antihypertensive medications had lower rates of all-cause mortality but this result did not reach significance (adjusted HR 0.87; 95% CI 0.33-2.32), and was not influenced by baseline BP or number of antihypertensive agents. Conclusion: Rates of antihypertensive therapy and BP control among stroke survivors in the United States are poor. One in two stroke survivors has poorly controlled hypertension. Several medical and lifestyle modification factors could be potential targets of intervention to bridge this evidence-practice gap.
ONTOGENETIC VARIATION IN PATTERNS OF PHENOTYPIC INTEGRATION IN THE LABORATORY RAT

I used confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the ability of causal developmental models to predict observed phenotypic integration in limb and skull measures at five stages of postnatal ontogeny in the laboratory rat. To analyze the dynamics of phenotypic integration, I fit successive age-classes simultaneously to a common model. Growth was the principal developmental explanation of observed phenotypic covariation in the limb and skull. No complex morphogenetic model more adequately reconstructed observed covariance structure. Models that could not be interpreted in embryological terms, coupled with a growth component, provide the best models for observed phenotypic integration. During postnatal growth, some aspects of integration vary in both the skull and limb. The covariance between factors and the proportion of variance unique to each character differ between some sequential age-classes. The factor-pattern is invariant in the limb; however, repatterning in the skull occurs in the interval between eye-opening and weaning. The temporal variation in the structure of covariation suggests that functional interactions among characters may create observed patterns of phenotypic integration. The developmental constraints responsible for evolutionary modification of phenotypes might be equally dynamic and responsive to embryonic functional interactions.
Changes in Social Networks and HIV Risk Behaviors Among Homeless Adults Transitioning Into Permanent Supportive Housing A Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Permanent supportive housing (PSH) has been recognized by the U.S. federal government as the “clear solution” to chronic homelessness. Whether and how access to PSH affects HIV risk is unclear. Thi...
Journal of Medical Insights

Targeting medical students, residents, and attending physicians, the Journal of Medical Insights (JOMI) is designed to systematically produce and make available high-quality, peer-reviewed surgical videos.
Hypercholesterolemia: the cost of treatment in perspective.

ABSTRACTWould the money spent on treating hypercholesterolemia save more lives if spent elsewhere? How many dollars must be spent on a treatment to make one person live 1 year longer? This cost-effectiveness analysis uses the cost per year of life gained to compare a wide variety of health care inte
Rapid assembly of multilayer microfluidic structures via 3D-printed transfer molding and bonding

A critical feature of state-of-the-art microfluidic technologies is the ability to fabricate multilayer structures without relying on the expensive equipment and facilities required by soft lithography-defined processes. Here, three-dimensional (3D) printed polymer molds are used to construct multilayer poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) devices by employing unique molding, bonding, alignment, and rapid assembly processes. Specifically, a novel single-layer, two-sided molding method is developed to realize two channel levels, non-planar membranes/valves, vertical interconnects (vias) between channel levels, and integrated inlet/outlet ports for fast linkages to external fluidic systems. As a demonstration, a single-layer membrane microvalve is constructed and tested by applying various gate pressures under parametric variation of source pressure, illustrating a high degree of flow rate control. In addition, multilayer structures are fabricated through an intralayer bonding procedure that uses custom 3D-printed stamps to selectively apply uncured liquid PDMS adhesive only to bonding interfaces without clogging fluidic channels. Using integrated alignment marks to accurately position both stamps and individual layers, this technique is demonstrated by rapidly assembling a six-layer microfluidic device. By combining the versatility of 3D printing while retaining the favorable mechanical and biological properties of PDMS, this work can potentially open up a new class of manufacturing techniques for multilayer microfluidic systems. A 3D printing technique for fabricating multilayered microfluidic devices promises to overcome the limitations of conventional fabrication. Advances in microfluidic technology are proving invaluable for disease diagnosis, DNA analysis, and drug discovery, but lithography-based device construction is time-consuming, reliant on costly infrastructure, and restricted to rectangular features. To address these limitations, Casey Glick at the University of California, Berkeley, United States, and his colleagues developed a versatile 3D printed transfer molding technique enabling them to mold flexible polymers into arbitrary configurations, such as thin membranes and controllable microvalves. They also rapidly assembled multiple layers into a single device; by using custom alignment marks and 3D printed stamps, they selectively applied adhesives without clogging the hair-width microfluidic channels. The team's work paves the way for the cheap and speedy manufacture of sophisticated multilayer microfluidic systems.
A J dependence in the (3He, α) reaction conforming new spectroscopic assignments in 14N and 13C

A J dependence has been observed in the (3He,α) reaction which confirmed the (p32,p12)−11+, T=1 state in 14N at 13.72 ± 0.04 MeV and the lowest T=32 state in 13C at 15.108 ± 0.014 MeV.
Myth 13: The Bailouts’ Purpose Was to Save the Free Market Economy

Myth: The government could not allow liquidity to dry up, credit markets to stop functioning and giant banks to fail. Government had to act. The bailouts were a justifiable response to market failure and systemic risk. They were successful because the economy did not collapse and the financial sector remained viable without the dreaded government takeover. Bailouts were necessary to save the free market economy.
Validation of the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold treadmill test

The purposes of the present study were twofold: 1) to determine the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT) during an incremental treadmill test, and 2) to examine the validity of this fatigue threshold through constant-velocity runs to exhaustion at 90, 100, and 110% of the estimated PWCFT. Twelve aerobically-trained males (mean age±SD=24.6±5.4 years, running volume=69.9±46.0 km·wk-1, n=9) and females (22.3±2.3 years, 45.6±4.6 km·wk-1, n=3) volunteered to perform a treadmill test to exhaustion with electromyographic (EMG) signals recorded from the m. vastus lateralis on four separate visits. The First visit required each subject to complete an incremental treadmill test to exhaustion for determination of their PWCFT. During the second, third, and fourth visit, the subjects completed a treadmill run to exhaustion at a constant velocity that corresponded to 90, 100, or 110% of their PWCFT in random order. The linear regression analyses indicated there were no significant (p>.05) changes in muscle activation (i.e. EMG amplitude) across time to exhaustion during the constant velocity runs at 90% (60.00±0.00 min) and 100% (48.86±14.59 min) PWCFT, but significant (p<.05) increases occurred at 110% PWCFT (19.44±10.26 min). Thus, the findings of the present study indicated that the PWCFT treadmill test was able to accurately estimate the fastest running velocity that could be maintained for an extended period of time without evidence of neuromuscular fatigue. Key words: muscle activation, EMG amplitude, running, PWCFT
Hypnosis for Surgical Pain.

Hypnosis provides small to moderate improvements in surgical pain and burn debridement pain in adults.
Abstract 12717: Changing Frequencies, Outcomes and Costs for Ischemic Strokes (ISs), Subarachnoid Hemorrhages (SAHs) and Other Hemorrhagic Strokes (OHSs), 2006-2013

Background: While ISs, SAHs and OHSs differ in many key aspects, their results are combined in some reported statistics. Methods: For ICD-9-CM principal discharge (D/C) diagnosis codes of 430 (SAH)...
Nasal Obstruction in Children With Cleft Lip and Palate: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study Utilizing the NOSE Scale.

Objective:To characterize the epidemiology and risk factors for nasal obstruction among subjects with cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) utilizing the well-validated Nasal Obstruction Symptom Eva...
Fellowship Training in Simulation

As the field of medical simulation grows, there is increasing demand for experts and leaders in the field. Simulation fellowships are one venue for intensive training and faculty development for a focused academic career. We describe here a model for such training, typically offered as a 1–2-year program of professional development. These formalized programs are designed to extend focused training beyond individual faculty development courses and continuing medical education programs, offering an advanced career pathway in the field. As more simulation fellowships and associated training opportunities are offered in the USA and abroad, a well-trained community of simulation leaders will increasingly be available to help guide and sustain the field.
African-American Entrepreneurship: Ownership Characteristics and Enterprise Value

The purpose of this paper is to examine specific characteristics (including problems and assumptions) concerning African-American entrepreneurs. (Dean, 1992, p. 376-378, and Hisrich and Brush, 1986 p. 6). The objective of the examination is to determine whether those characteristics and their presumed significance have held through time, and what influence such characteristics may have on the success or lack thereof of African-American entrepreneurs.
The Inverse Function Approach to Sensor-Driven Kinematic Control of Redundant Manipulators

The inverse function approach to kinematic control of redundant manipulators is useful when the end-effector trajectory is determined on-line according to sensor feedback or human teleoperator commands. An inverse kinematic function for a redundant manipulator is a generalization of the most common form of sensor-driven control for nonredundant manipulators. However, the nonuniqueness of the functions in the redundant case can be used to reduce joint speeds, avoid obstacles, and improve the usable workspace. This paper reviews the inverse function approach and discusses the practical considerations that recommend its use. Methods of representing the inverse functions are discussed and compared to the related extended Jacobian technique. Recent results on workspace limits are summarized, and the paper concludes with an indication of possible avenues for future research in the area.
Constructing Dynamic Policies for Paging Mode Selection

Virtualization technology is a key component for data center management which allows for multiple users and applications to share a single, physical machine. Modern virtual machine monitors utilize both software and hardware-assisted paging for memory virtualization, however neither paging mode is always preferable. Previous studies have shown that dynamic selection, which at runtime selects paging modes according to relevant performance metrics, can be effective in tailoring memory virtualization to program workload. However, these approaches require low-level manual analysis, or depend on prior knowledge of workload characteristics and phasing. We map the problem of dynamic paging mode selection to the contextual bandit, a model for sequential decision making in environments with limited feedback. Utilizing random profiling, which executes a workload while regularly selecting paging modes at random, we construct a paging mode selection policy that dynamically optimizes workload performance given page fault and translation lookaside buffer miss counts. Our approach yields an effective policy, DSP-OFFSET, for the dynamic paging mode selection problem. When trained and evaluated on subsets of the SPEC CPU2006 benchmark suite, DSP-OFFSET achieves speedups up to 44% compared to static paging mode selections, which is equivalent to the performance of the state-of-the-art ASP-SVM model. In addition, DSP-OFFSET requires at most a tenth of the profiling time of ASP-SVM (2.5 hours compared to over 24 hours) to achieve equivalent performance.
Multiple weak intercalation as a strategy for the inhibition of polymerases.

Abstract In this work we have developed specific inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase by targeting the RNA/DNA duplex that is a principal substrate of the enzyme. To accomplish this, we have developed what we are calling the “weak intercalator” approach, wherein we attempt to simultaneously bind multiple weak intercalators to critical polymerase nucleic acids. We define weak intercalators as planar sp2 hybridized molecules with only two cycles, that have poor binding affinity individually and can only bind with high affinity if two or more weak intercalation events can take place. Using this approach, we have identified linear and cyclic molecules that present two weak intercalators that can inhibit HIV-1-RT 50 to 100 times more effectively than single weak intercalators. Specifically, a cyclic peptide motif that presents two quinoxaline rings inhibits HIV-1-RT at low µM concentration, shows no inhibition of DNA polymerase and in addition maintains a majority of its inhibitory power in the presence of 90,000 fold excess duplex DNA. These results suggest that the weak intercalator approach may prove effective as a way of targeting increasingly complex nucleic acid structures in a highly specific manner.
Against Financial Derivatives: Towards an Ethics of Representation:

Financial derivatives dominate the twenty-first century economy. Such instruments are performative signs, in the sense that they do not refer to any substantial use-value but rather carry their val...
Assessment of the energy potential of agricultural biomass residues in Turkey

Abstract Agricultural biomass residue based energy generation is one of the major focus areas of renewable energy in different countries around the world. A large quantity of biomass residue is generated from agricultural crop production. However, the biomass residues are the distributed resources with variation in spatio-temporal availability and its characteristics which their energy potential depends on. Biomass residues are emerged after harvesting of main crops as stalks, straw, stems and leaves, husks, cobs and etc. In this study, agricultural biomass residues energy potential was explored for Turkey using conducted studies of agricultural biomass residues characteristics in several countries located at different geographic regions. Data on characteristics of agricultural biomass residues were used from 16 European Union countries, as well as in India, Cameroon, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Uganda and Turkey. Some residue characteristics such as residue product ratios, moisture levels, and lower heating calorific values of dry matter were taken into account. Furthermore, a mathematical model was defined for the calculation of the energy potential of Turkey's agricultural biomass residues. Theoretical biomass amount and theoretical energy potential, as well as available energy potential values of agricultural biomass residues were determined. The total amounts of biomass residues obtained from arable field crops and horticultural crops in Turkey were estimated as 59,432 kilotonne and 15,652 kilotonne respectively. The theoretical energy potential of these all agricultural biomass residues were calculated as 908,119 TJ and 90,354 TJ, respectively. The available energy potentials from agricultural biomass residues were calculated as 298,955 TJ for arable agricultural field crops and 65,491 TJ for horticultural crops.
Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization for the Management of Chronic Plantar Heel Pain: A Pilot Study

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine feasibility of further investigation of treatment with instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM), using the Graston technique, comp...
Understanding Relative Network Delay inMicro-Energy Harvesting Wireless Networks.

Micro-energy harvesting wireless network (MEHWN) enables a perpetual network deployment that cannot be achieved in traditional battery-operated counterparts. Despite its sustainability, end-to-end delay in an MEHWN could be very large, due to the large waiting delay on each hop in the network. In this work, we consider an MEHWN where every node constantly switches between on and off states, due to the limited amount of harvested energy. The network delay of an MEHWN is not well understood because of the energy uncertainty, asynchronized working schedules, and complex network topology in an MEHWN. To close this research gap, we define the relative network delay as the ratio between end-to-end delay and distance. Compared to previous works, we are able to identify a closed-form expression of the lower bound and a tighter upper bound of the relative network delay. The theoretical findings are verified in simulations. Our theoretical analysis deepens the understanding about the interplay of network delay, energy harvesting rate, and node density in an MEHWN.
Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Injuries among Airport Customer Service Employees

Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort are common among baggage handlers and airport customer service agents, yet little has been done to understand and address their frequent exposure to ergonomic ri...
Feedback design for Harpy: a test bed to inspect thruster-assisted legged locomotion

In this paper, we report our preliminary simulation-based efforts in designing feedback for the thruster-assisted walking of a bipedal robot, called Harpy, currently being developed at Northeastern University. The biped is equipped with a total of eight actuators, and two pairs of coaxial thrusters fixed to its torso. Each leg is equipped with three actuated joints, the actuators located at the hip allow the legs to move sideways and actuation in the lower portion of the legs is realized through a parallelogram mechanism. Two extra actuators rotate the thrusters with respect to the torso, therefore, they provide more flexibility in control.
Prostate Cancer Screening for Gay Men in the United States.

ABSTRACT Objective To elucidate trends of prostate-cancer (PCa) screening in gay and bisexual men and assess the association of sexual orientation with PCa screening in the United States of America. Methods Data for men ≥40 years-old with no history of PCa were collected from the National Health Interview Survey for the years 2013, 2015, and 2018. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to determine the associations between sexual orientation and PCa screening and the discussion of advantages and disadvantages prior to PCa screening. Results Gay men screened for prostate cancer were younger than their straight counterparts with a median age (IQR) of 58 years (52-66) vs 64 years (56-71). Gay men were more likely to have undergone a screening PSA test (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.20-2.02) and discuss the advantages of PSA testing with the physician prior to the test (OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.22-2.21) when compared to straight men. In yearly analysis, gay men were more likely to have undergone screening in 2013 (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.01-2.68) and 2015 (OR 1.95, 95 CI% 1.30-2.91), however, there was no difference when compared to straight men in 2018 (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.85-2.04). Conclusion Gay men were screened for PCa at a younger age comparted to straight men. They were also more likely to have undergone PCa cancer screening than straight men between 2013 and 2018. Further study is needed to better understand the role of sexual orientation in PCa screening and management.
Elliptically Framed Tip-Tilt Mirror Optimized for Stellar Tracking

We compare a design innovation of an elliptically framed tip-tilt optical tracker with an existing circularly framed tracker for the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer. The tracker stabilizes a 12.5 cm stellar beam on a target hundreds of meters away and requires an increase in operational frequency. We reduced mass and size by integrating an elliptical mirror as one of the rotating components, which eliminated a rotating frame. We used the same materials as the existing tracker; however, light-weighted both the aluminum frame and Zerodur® mirror. We generated a computer-aided design model, converted it into a finite element model and performed modal analysis on two load cases. In load case 1, we tied down three points on the bottom surface of the tracker corresponding to the tie-down points of the comparison tracker. This reveals a first mode (lowest) frequency of 140 Hz, a factor of two over the baseline tracker’s first mode frequency of 67 Hz. In load case 2, we constrained four additional points inboard of the corners of the tracker base, for a total of seven tie-downs, simulating a firmly bolted and secured mount. The first mode of vibration for this case is 211 Hz, an increase over load case 1 by a factor of 1.5 and more than three times the fundamental frequency of the existing tracker. We conclude that these geometrical changes with the additional tie-down bolts are a viable solution path forward to improve steering speed and recommend a continuation with this effort.
Chemopreventive effects of clotrimazole on B[a]P-induced carcinogenesis in the hamster cheek pouch model

2465 The present study was carried out to examine the putative chemopreventive effects of clotrimazole on the hamster cheek pouch carcinogenesis model. This model of oral carcinogenesis has been widely used in chemoprevention studies (Shklar, G., et al, Prog Exp Tumor Res, 24, 269-282, 1979; Gimenez-Conti, I.B., et al, Mol Carcinog, 5, 259-263, 1992). Clotrimazole is a widely used synthetic antimycotic. Recently it became clear that clotrimazole has antiproliferative effects. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a ubiquitously distributed environmental carcinogen. Using B[a]P and a complete carcinogenesis protocol we have been able to produce pre-cancerous (leukoplakia-like) lesions at 16 weeks of treatment and squamous cell carcinomas at 20 weeks of treatment. These lesions are primarily endophytic and resemble those that develop in human oral mucosa. In the present study we are examining the long-term chemopreventive effects of clotrimazole on the hamster cheek pouch carcinogenesis model. The right cheek pouch of each male Syrian Hamster was treated topically 3 times per week with 50mM clotrimazole followed 30 minutes later by 2% B[a]P. The animals were sacrificed at 32-weeks and the right cheek pouches were harvested for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation. Upon histological evaluation the lesions were classified as pre-cancerous lesions, carcinomas in situ, or squamous cell carcinomas. A very significant decrease (∼80%) in tumor incidence was observed in clotrimazole-treated animals, when compared to the B[a]P-treated positive control group. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in pre-cancerous lesions (30%) and carcinomas in situ (55%) when compared with the control. Initial immunohistochemistry was performed to assess proliferation (anti-BrdU), p53 protein accumulation (anti-p53), and apoptosis (Tunel). Clotrimazole-treated animals demonstrated a significant decrease in proliferation (40%), p53 expression (58%), and apoptosis (58%), compared to the positive control group. These results indicate significant chemopreventive activity of clotrimazole in the B[a]P-induced carcinogenesis in the hamster cheek pouch model. Based on this exciting data, it is reasonable to test this hypothesis in human trials of patients afflicted with leukoplakia and/or patients at risk for aerodigestive tract malignancies.
Formal assessment of the AN/EX structural engineering teaching laboratory

A newly developed portable, computer-assisted, structural engineering teaching laboratory, called AN/EX, has been incorporated into the civil engineering curriculum at the University of Missouri-Rolla UMR. A formal assessment of AN/EX was conducted to identify its effect on the abilities and attitudes of UMR civil engineering students. The assessment methodology is described. Opinion surveys indicated that AN/EX had a positive influence on student attitudes. Statistical analyses of test scores indicated that AN/EX did not undermine traditional problem solving skills, but it did have a positive influence on student abilities to solve synthesis-oriented structural engineering problems.
Secondary Lymphoid Tissue Chemokine Mediates T Cell-Dependent Antitumor Responses In Vivo

Secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC, also referred to as Exodus 2 or 6Ckine) is a recently identified high endothelial-derived CC chemokine. The ability of SLC to chemoattract both Th1 lymphocytes and dendritic cells formed the rationale to evaluate this chemokine in cancer immunotherapy. Intratumoral injection of recombinant SLC evidenced potent antitumor responses and led to complete tumor eradication in 40% of treated mice. SLC-mediated antitumor responses were lymphocyte dependent as evidenced by the fact that this therapy did not alter tumor growth in SCID mice. Studies performed in CD4 and CD8 knockout mice also revealed a requirement for both CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte subsets for SLC-mediated tumor regression. In immunocompetent mice, intratumoral SLC injection led to a significant increase in CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes and dendritic cells, infiltrating both the tumor and the draining lymph nodes. These cell infiltrates were accompanied by the enhanced elaboration of Th1 cytokines and chemokines monokine induced by IFN-gamma and IFN-gamma-inducible protein 10 but a concomitant decrease in immunosuppressive cytokines at the tumor site. In response to irradiated autologous tumor, splenic and lymph node-derived cells from SLC-treated tumor-bearing mice secreted significantly more IFN-gamma, GM-CSF, and IL-12 and reduced levels of IL-10 than did diluent-treated tumor-bearing mice. After stimulation with irradiated autologous tumor, lymph node-derived lymphocytes from SLC-treated tumor-bearing mice demonstrated enhanced cytolytic capacity, suggesting the generation of systemic immune responses. These findings provide a strong rationale for further evaluation of SLC in tumor immunity and its use in cancer immunotherapy.
Rights, Institutions and FDI: An Empirical Assessment

A burgeoning body of literature has recently begun to assess the sociopolitical factors that influence investment decisions, including the nature of domestic institutions, societal rights, and participation in international institutions and agreements. Oddly enough, these have evolved largely as separate lines of research, and little effort has been made to compare the relative importance of these sociopolitical factors in making investment decisions. Moreover, though the diverse nature of FDI is widely noted, extant research relies almost exclusively upon the examination of aggregate FDI. As a result, scholars have little insight into the ways that investors prioritize these factors, or how they vary across different industries. In an effort to synthesize these strands of research and further deepen our understanding of the determinants of investment decisions, this study will model the prospective impact of several factors that have been found to significantly influence FDI – democratic governance, human rights, and commitment to international trade agreements and investment treaties – across multiple investment sectors.
Bulbocapnine is not a selective DA1 receptor antagonist.

Antagonist activity of bulbocapnine on DA1 versus DA2 dopamine receptors was studied simultaneously in a dog under pentobarbitone anaesthesia and without phenoxy-benzamine pretreatment. Fenoldopam (SK&F 82526) injected into the renal artery was the DA1 agonist and dipropyl dopamine or piribedil injected into the femoral artery were the DA2 agonists. Both at 0.5 and 1 mg kg−1 doses intravenous bulbocapnine caused nearly equal inhibition of DA1 and DA2 dopamine receptor-mediated responses. Our results show that under these experimental conditions bulbocapnine is not a selective DA1 dopamine antagonist.
Image Super-Resolution reconstruction based on adaptive gradient field sharpening

The Super-Resolution (SR) image reconstruction is a computational technique that improves the resolution of an image system. In this paper we propose a new method for multi-image SR reconstruction, which is capable of producing sharper images with clearer image details. A two-step method is used. The first step is conventional SR image reconstruction. From this preliminary result, an image gradient is determined and transformed to increase the sharpness, and then it is included into the second reconstruction as a prior to get the final result. The Gradient Profile prior [4] is used in the gradient transform for sharpness enhancement. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method to produce sharp and clear images from low-resolution images.
Electron beam probing for design verification at Intel

Abstract Electron Beam probing is an integral part of the design verification flow that new products undergo at Intel. We have found that the part of the flow that utilizes E-Beam probing extensively is circuit characterization and debug. Because of this we are finding that the performance of the E-Beam probers is driven primarily by the silicon process technology (Linewidths, Metallization layers) and design technology (operating voltage, frequency). In this paper we will describe the overall verification flow that new products undergo and describe in detail that portion of the flow that utilizes E-Beam probing. We will conclude with some thoughts for the future.
Genome-wide association study identifies single-nucleotide polymorphism in KCNB1 associated with left ventricular mass in humans: The HyperGEN Study

Background We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and validation study for left ventricular (LV) mass in the Family Blood Pressure Program – HyperGEN population. LV mass is a sensitive predictor of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in all genders, races, and ages. Polymorphisms of candidate genes in diverse pathways have been associated with LV mass. However, subsequent studies have often failed to replicate these associations. Genome-wide association studies have unprecedented power to identify potential genes with modest effects on left LV mass. We describe here a GWAS for LV mass in Caucasians using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Mapping 100 k Set. Cases (N = 101) and controls (N = 101) were selected from extreme tails of the LV mass index distribution from 906 individuals in the HyperGEN study. Eleven of 12 promising (Q < 0.8) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the genome-wide study were successfully genotyped using quantitative real time PCR in a validation study.
Surround configuration and cone dark adaptation.

Abstract Parafoveal cone dark adaptation curves were recorded following bleaches of various spatial configurations. Bleaching patterns having a contour in the neighborhood of the test stimulus gave dark adaptation curves similar to those after uniform bleaching patterns. This is evidence against an explanation of the sensitization observed in cone dark adaptation in terms of central perceptual interference or masking of the test spot by nearby contours, and suggests that the total amount of surround light, and not its spatial distribution, is what is important.
The renaissance of CdTe-based photovoltaics

Over the past several years, CdTe-based photovoltaics have undergone a revolution. CdTe is a mature PV technology, spanning over 60 years. For a decade, CdTe record cell efficiencies remained dormant at 16.7%, far behind multi-crystalline Silicon (mc-Si) as well as the competing thin film PV technology, CuIn x Ga 1-x Se 2 (CIGS). Recently, the CdTe field reawakened as multiple fundamental breakthroughs pushed the record cell efficiencies from 16.7% in 2011 to 21.0%, announced recently 1 . CdTe now stands as the most efficient, polycrystalline, thin-film PV system with ample room for further optimization.
Arctic Ocean Copepoda of the Genera Lubbockia, Oncaea, and Epicalymma (Poecilostomatoida: Oncaeidae), with Remarks on Distributions

ABSTRACT Systematics and distributions for three genera of Arctic Ocean oncaeid copepods are reviewed: two species of Lubbockia, one a new record from the Arctic Ocean; seven species of Oncaea, with only one recorded earlier from the Arctic Ocean, two new species, and records of four species recently described from the subantarctic and antarctic southwest Pacific Ocean (Heron, 1977); and five species of Epicalymma, two new species, two with a new combination, and two species known from the southwest Pacific Ocean. Arctic Ocean oncaeids appear to have broad geographical distributions. Thirteen of the Arctic Ocean oncaeids that are discussed in this study were found in samples from at least one other area: seven species in the northeast Pacific Ocean, including one from Puget Sound, Washington; twelve species in the Norwegian Sea; and six species in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Oncaea englishi Heron, 1977, was found in all of these areas except Puget Sound. The fourteenth species, Lubbockia brevis Farran, 1908, was originally described from the North Atlantic Ocean.
Generational Status and Mexican American Political Participation: The Benefits and Limitations of Assimilation:

The authors investigate self-reported voter turnout and ethnic political activity across four-plus generations of Mexican Americans. Using a 1999 national survey, multivariate results indicate that...
Active cytokinins: photoaffinity labeling agents to detect binding.

Four series of azidopurines have been synthesized and tested for cytokinin activity in the tobacco callus bioassay: 2- and 8-azido- N 6 -benzyladenines, - N 6 -(Δ 2 -isopentenyl)adenines, and -zeatins, and N 6 -(2- and 4-azidobenzyl)adenines. The compounds having 2-azido substitution on the adenine ring are as active as the corresponding parent compounds, while those with 8-azido substitution are about 10 or more times as active. The 8-azidozeatin, which is the most active cytokinin observed, exhibited higher than minimal detectable activity at 1.2 × 10 −5 micromolar, the lowest concentration tested. The shape of the growth curve indicates that even a concentration as low as 5 × 10 −6 micromolar would probably be effective. By comparison, the lowest active concentration ever reported for zeatin has been 5 × 10 −5 micromolar, representing a sensitivity rarely attained. All of the azido compounds have been submitted to photolysis in aqueous ethanol, and the photoproducts have been detected and identified by low and high resolution mass spectrometry. They are rationalized as products of abstraction and insertion reactions of the intermediate nitrenes. The potential of the major released products as cytokinins was also assessed by bioassay. 2-Azido- N 6 -(Δ 2 -isopentenyl)adenine competed with [ 14 C]kinetin for the cytokinin-binding protein isolated from wheat germ. When the azido compound was photolysed in the presence of this protein, its attachment effectively blocked the binding of [ 14 C]kinetin.
Black holes from cosmic rays: probes of extra dimensions and new limits on TeV-scale gravity.

If extra spacetime dimensions and low-scale gravity exist, black holes will be produced in observable collisions of elementary particles. For the next several years, ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays provide the most promising window on this phenomenon. In particular, cosmic neutrinos can produce black holes deep in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to quasihorizontal giant air showers. We determine the sensitivity of cosmic ray detectors to black hole production and compare the results to other probes of extra dimensions. With $ng~4$ extra dimensions, current bounds on deeply penetrating showers from AGASA already provide the most stringent bound on low-scale gravity, requiring a fundamental Planck scale ${M}_{D}g1.3--1.8 \mathrm{TeV}.$ The Auger Observatory will probe ${M}_{D}$ as large as 4 TeV and may observe on the order of a hundred black holes in 5 years. We also consider the implications of angular momentum and possible exponentially suppressed parton cross sections; including these effects, large black hole rates are still possible. Finally, we demonstrate that even if only a few black hole events are observed, a standard model interpretation may be excluded by comparison with Earth-skimming neutrino rates.
The evolution of developmental education at the City University of New York and Bronx Community College

This chapter explores the evolution of open admissions and developmental education at the City University of New York, and discusses how CUNY and, in particular, Bronx Community College have addressed the challenges presented by underprepared college freshmen.
Homomorphous hexameric helicases: tales from the ring cycle.

Abstract Low-resolution structures have now been determined for several hexameric ring proteins, members of a large superfamily that includes helicases and, probably, a range of DNA-binding motors. A common symmetryand mode of DNA-binding may emerge.
Shantytown Revolution: Slum Clearance, Rent Control, and the Cuban State, 1937-1955

This essay investigates the evolution of a progressive consensus that housing had become a citizenship right and a state responsibility in Cuba. This consensus was formalized in the Constitution of...
Perceptual judgement as a function of context.

Perceptual contrast has been traditionally demonstrated with stimulus attributes involving size, perspective, or brightness of given stimulus objects. The present investigation aims to examine the operation of perceptual contrast in such qualitative dimensions as geometric stability, symmetry, or general design quality of a stimulus. The results show that the stimulus figure, a square, was perceived as geometrically more perfect when presented in a disordered and unstable context as compared with an ordered and stable one.
Tissue-integrated implants for the partially edentulous patient

Patients who have been dissatisfied with removable prostheses and have sufficient alveolar or cortical bone may be appropriate candidates for osseointegrated implants. This article demonstrates the clinical application of osseointegrated implants for the partially edentulous patient as a viable alternative treatment.
Perceptual display strategies of hyperspectral imagery based on PCA and ICA

This study investigated appropriate methodologies for displaying hyperspectral imagery based on knowledge of human color vision as applied to Hyperion and AVIRIS data. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Independent Component Analysis (ICA) were used to reduce the data dimensionality in order to make the data more amenable to visualization in three-dimensional color space. In addition, these two methods were chosen because of their underlying relationships to the opponent color model of human color perception. PCA and ICA-based visualization strategies were then explored by mapping the first three PCs or ICs to several opponent color spaces including CIELAB, HSV, YCrCb, and YUV. The gray world assumption, which states that given an image with sufficient amount of color variations, the average color should be gray, was used to set the mapping origins. The rendered images are well color balanced and can offer a first look capability or initial classification for a wide variety of spectral scenes.
Design of elliptical and circular aperture pencil-beam antennas using the modified lambda functions

A procedure for the synthesis of pencil-beam radiation patterns having a given null half-beamwidth and a given sidelobe level by elliptical or circular aperture antennas is presented. The given pattern is first approximated by a modified lambda function; the lambda function is then synthesized by a finite line-source current distribution, which is mapped onto the elliptical aperture. Design curves and formulas are presented.
Editorial: Special issue on WeB 2007

This ISeB special issue on e-business reflects a selected set of high-quality papers presented in the Sixth International Workshop on e-Business (WeB) held in Montreal, Canada on 9 December 2007. WeB 2007, sponsored by the AIS Special Interest Group on E-Business, was an ancillary workshop of the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS). The papers in this special issue demonstrate new findings and new perspectives from e-business research literature. Rapid growth of the Internet and e-commerce has dramatically changed the role of information systems in business. Transforming traditional businesses into e-business platforms has become a global trend. These ebusiness technologies and applications enable new business models, create new industry sectors, and redefine relations and processes within and across organizations. This special issue covers research studying new business technologies and applications from empirical and technical perspectives. The special issue begins with Hsin-Lu Chang’s paper, ‘‘A Roadmap to Adopting Emerging Technology in E-Business—An Empirical Study’’. This paper empirically explores the readiness of enterprises to develop emerging e-business technology. The author proposes a three-staged e-business technology roadmap, from pre-eBusiness, to transactional eBusiness, and then to on-demand eBusiness. By using the diffusion of innovation theory, the author identifies a series of enterprises’ internal capabilities and environmental drivers explaining enterprises’ e-business adoption along the proposed roadmap. The author empirically validates the model based on a survey of 175 businesses from the PC industry in Taiwan. The results demonstrate that when enterprises move from the pre-eBusiness stage to the transactional eBusiness stage, those enterprises’ internal capabilities influence companies more than environmental drivers do. However, environmental factors
CATECHOLAMINE EXCRETION IN CHILDREN WITH ATOPIC ECZEMA.

Catecholamine estimations were undertaken on a small series of children suffering from atopic eczema. No evidence was obtained of a correlation between cateeholamine excretion levels and the eczematous condition.
The calibration of a new free-vehicle benthic flux chamber for use in the deep sea

Abstract A new free-vehicle benthic lander has been developed, capable of measuring benthic fluxes of nutrients, alkalinity, oxygen and radon. Important features of the device are the capability to collect sequential samples of 200 ml or more from three flux chambers, the ease of deployment, and the low cost. It has been tested in two basins of the California Borderland. Radon fluxes measured in these basins are consistent with those obtained by integrating the standing crop in the water column. Measurements of oxygen and nitrate uptake by these sediments are not strongly dependent on the rate of stirring within the lander flux chambers.
Factors Associated with Systemic Hypertension in Asthma

Asthmatics have unique characteristics that may influence cardiovascular morbidity. We tested the association of lower airway caliber, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and other asthma-related factors, with systemic hypertension (HTN). Asthma individuals at specialty clinics completed the Sleep Apnea scale of the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (SA-SDQ). Medical records were reviewed for diagnosed HTN, OSA and comorbidities, spirometry, and current medications. FEV1% predicted was categorized as ≥80 (reference), 70–79, 60–69, and <60. SA-SDQ ≥36 for men and ≥32 for women defined high OSA risk. Among 812 asthmatics (mean age ± standard deviation: 46 ± 14 years), HTN was diagnosed in 191 (24 %), OSA in 65 (8 %), and OSA or high OSA risk (combined OSA variable) in 239 (29 %). HTN was more prevalent in lower FEV1% categories (p < 0.0001), in subjects with OSA, and those with combined OSA variable (55 vs. 21 % and 46 vs. 14 %, respectively, both p < 0.0001). With adjustment for covariates, associations with HTN remained significant for some FEV1% categories (70–79 % odds ratio = 1.60 [95 % CI 0.90–2.87]; 60–69 % 2.73 [1.28–5.79]; <60 % 0.96 [0.43–2.14]), and for OSA (2.20 [1.16–4.19]). The combined OSA variable in comparison with OSA alone demonstrated a stronger association with HTN (3.17 [1.99–5.04]) in a reiteration of this model. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) at lowest doses, in comparison to no ICS use had an independent “protective” association with HTN (0.44 [0.22–0.90]). In this young population, worse lower airways obstruction and OSA were associated with HTN. In contrast, lower ICS doses attenuated likelihood for HTN. Adequate control of airway inflammation at appropriate ICS doses, and screening for OSA may reduce the burden of HTN in asthma.
Low Dose Unenhanced Helical Computerized Tomography For The Evaluation Of Acute Flank Pain

Purpose: Unenhanced helical computerized tomography (CT) has proved to be an excellent diagnostic tool for evaluating acute flank pain with reported 95% to 100% sensitivity, 92% to 100% specificity, 96% to 100% positive and 91% to 100% negative predictive values. The diagnostic value of a new low dose protocol was prospectively studied and compared with the results of conventional unenhanced helical CT in a previous series with an effective dose equivalent (HE) of 3.1 to 4.3 mSv. and in current literature with an estimated HE of 4.3 to 4.7 mSv.Materials and Methods: In 109 patients 18 to 86 years old with acute flank pain we performed low dose unenhanced helical CT in addition to abdominal ultrasound and urinalysis with new CT parameters (120 kV. 70 mA., 5 mm. collimation, pitch 2 and incremental reconstruction each 5 mm.) that led to a more than 50% decrease in radiation exposure to 1.50 mSv. in females and 0.98 mSv. in males. Ureteral calculi were confirmed or excluded by retrograde ureteropyelography i...