cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of peri-operative outcomes between elective and non-elective total hip arthroplasties

Background: Elective total hip arthroplasties (THAs) entail a more extensive pre-operative planning process compared to non-elective THAs and this may contribute to a disparity in outcomes. However, the differences in peri- and post-operative outcomes between elective and non-elective THAs remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to: (I) determine nationwide trends in operative times and (II) evaluate the association between surgery type, elective or non-elective with respect to (I) operative times; (II) hospital lengths-of-stay (LOS); (III) discharge disposition; (IV) 30-day post-operative complications; (V) reoperations; and (VI) readmissions. Methods: The NSQIP database was queried for all primary THAs (CPT code 27130) performed between 2011 and 2016. This yielded 130,261 cases, which were then stratified into elective (n=125,293) and non-elective (n=4,968) cases. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to evaluate the associations between operative times and surgery year. Univariate analyses of surgery type with the following outcomes of interest were also performed: operative times, LOS, and discharge disposition as well as 30-day complication, reoperation, and readmission rates. A multiple linear regression model was used to evaluate the relationships of operative times and LOS with surgery types after adjusting for surgery year and patient factors [age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score]. A log-transformed dependent variable was used to calculate the percentage difference in mean operative times and LOS. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for patient factors and year of surgery were used to evaluate associations of surgery type with complication, reoperation, and readmission rates. Results: Over the 6-year period, mean operative times (93 vs . 103 minutes, P vs . 6 days, P vs . 69%, P Conclusions: Findings from this study showed that elective THAs, in which there is more potential for pre-operative planning, were associated with shorter operative times and LOS, as well as fewer complication and readmission rates. These results likely reflect the development of more efficient surgical techniques and improved pre- and intra-operative planning guides.
The Burdens of Life

In this paper, I make the case for risks and burdens of morality and meaning. Recognizing such risks and burdens would require many of us to expand how we think about the imposition of risks and burdens. As I take it, if such an expansion helps us make more sense of relevant cases and helps us clarify or resolve debates for which risks and burdens are relevant, then it is well-motivated. Accordingly, I will demonstrate the relevance of my proposed expansion to recent philosophical discussion on the ethics of procreation and provide a series of cases which my proposed expansion makes more sense of than an unexpanded account of risks and burdens and. Moreover, if adopted, I expect an expanded notion of risks and burdens will have implications far beyond procreative ethics.
11.5 A 512-Pixel 3kHz-Frame-Rate Dual-Shank Lensless Filterless Single-Photon-Avalanche-Diode CMOS Neural Imaging Probe

Optical functional neural imaging has revolutionized neuroscience with optical reporters that enable single-cell-resolved monitoring of neuronal activity in vivo. State-of-the-art microscopy methods, however, are fundamentally limited in imaging depth by absorption and scattering in tissue even with the use of the most sophisticated two-photon microscopy techniques [1]. To overcome this imaging depth problem, we develop a lens-less, optical-filter-less, shank-based image sensor array that can be inserted into the brain, allowing cellular-resolution recording at arbitrary depths with excitation provided by an external laser light source (Fig. 11.5.1). Lens-less imaging is achieved generally by giving each pixel a spatial sensitivity function, which can be introduced by near-field or far-field, phase or amplitude masking. Since probe thickness must be less than $70 \mu \mathrm {m}$ to limit tissue damage and far-field masks are characterized by distances on the order of $200 \mu \mathrm {m}$ between the mask and the detector [2], we employ a near-field amplitude mask formed by Talbot gratings in the back-end metal of the CMOS process, which gives each pixel a diffraction-grating-induced angle-sensitivity [3]. Filter-less fluorescence imaging is achieved with time-gated operation in which the excitation light source is pulsed and pixel-level time-gated circuitry collects photons only after the excitation source has been removed.
Prejudice and Discrimination

Intensive research throughout the world has led to the broadening of social science conceptions of both intergroup prejudice and discrimination. Prejudice is now seen as occurring at varying levels of depth. In fact, it can be so subtle that people are often unaware of their prejudices even though these attitudes influence their behavior. Situational effects and social norms also strongly influence the expression of prejudice. Similarly, discrimination is now recognized as largely a complex web of institutional arrangements that produces inequalities between groups. Indeed, the complexity of the phenomenon makes it extremely difficult to study and measure precisely. Discrimination is usually normative. Its structural web outlives its initiators and may not reflect current attitudes. Moreover, discrimination feeds upon itself; it is typically cumulative and self-perpetuating. These changing conceptions have uncovered the reality that the relationship between prejudice and discrimination is not nearly as simple as previously believed. Given the power of long-established and accepted discriminatory norms, many relatively tolerant people routinely discriminate against outgroups without animosity. In turn, antidiscriminatory norms can cause the highly prejudiced to resist acting on their beliefs. To be sure, prejudice is related to discrimination, but not in any simple one-to-one fashion. These considerations have direct implications for social policy designed to combat group discrimination. Structural efforts that increase favorable intergroup contact, such as affirmative action and school desegregation programs, are most likely to diminish both prejudice and discrimination.
X-linked infantile spinal muscular atrophy (SMAX2) caused by novel c.1681G>A substitution in the UBA1 gene, expanding the phenotype.

Abstract X-linked infantile spinal muscular atrophy (SMAX2), OMIM 301830 , is a rare, severe form of spinal muscular atrophy, caused by variants in the Ubiquitin like modifier-activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) gene. Clinical features reported to date include marked hypotonia, areflexia, arthrogryposis, contractures, myopathic facies and tongue fibrillations. Previous reports have included a history of contractures. We report a male patient presenting following a normal pregnancy with typical symptoms of X-linked infantile spinal muscular atrophy including hypotonia, weakness, areflexia and respiratory insufficiency, however contractures were absent. There was a significant family history of neuromuscular disease on the maternal side, with several male relatives all dying before the age of six months. Creatine Kinase was mildly elevated, MRI Brain was normal and neurophysiological testing revealed a diffuse motor neuronopathy. Genetic testing for SMN1 gene was normal. UBA1 sequencing revealed a maternally inherited hemizygous familial variant [c.1681G>A p. (Asp561Asn)], which has not been previously reported.
Eschatology for Cannibals: A System of Aberrance in the Old English Andreas

This chapter investigates the literary representation of disability and other forms of bodily difference in the Old English heroic verse saint’s life Andreas. By highlighting often overlooked bodies that are disabled, monstrous, posthuman, damned, tortured, dead, and resurrected, I articulate “systems of aberrance” as a narrative pattern that utilizes bodily variation, both positively and negatively coded, to articulate the contours of Christian eschatological hope. Where scholars of modern disability have recognized the tendency of narratives to depend on disability for their efficacy, narrative systems of aberrance utilize disability among somatic diversity more broadly as a means of not only enforcing earthly norms, but also limning the path to salvation and the promised Christian afterlife. The system of aberrance in Andreas encompasses the blinded and drugged St Matthew, a community of cannibals, animalized captives, St Andrew’s tortured and hyper-abled body, and the drowned and resurrected Mermedonians that Andrew converts to Christianity. This system of aberrant bodies with all their various moral and social connotations functions in surprising harmony, modeling the narrative necessity of bodily variation in order to convey theological promises of salvation.
Design and implementation of magnetically–tunable quad–band filter utilizing split–ring resonators at microwave frequencies

In this article, we present a magnetically–tunable quad–band filter with high tunability in the frequency range of 2.1–3.9 GHz. A multi–band filter with four stop–bands comprises of a microstrip line coupled to four frequency–selective split–ring resonators (SRRs). We achieve tuning of individual frequency bands using magnetic reed switches connected in between the capacitive gaps of each split–ring resonator. Application of magnetic field tunes this capacitance affecting its resonance frequency. The measured reflection spectrum of the proposed device matches well with the simulation results. The results show more than 25% tunability for each of the four bands with bandwidth values in the range of 30–70 MHz with over 100% overall tunability in the 2.1–3.9 GHz frequency spectrum.
Cluster-Based Analysis of Novice Coding Misconceptions in Block-Based Programming

Recent years have seen an increasing interest in identifying common student misconceptions during introductory programming. In a parallel development, block-based programming environments for novice programmers have grown in popularity, especially in introductory courses. While these environments eliminate many syntax-related errors faced by novice programmers, there has been limited work that investigates the types of misconceptions students might exhibit in these environments. Developing a better understanding of these misconceptions will enable these programming environments and instructors to more effectively tailor feedback to students, such as prompts and hints, when they face challenges. In this paper, we present results from a cluster analysis of student programs from interactions with programming activities in a block-based programming environment for introductory computer science education. Using the interaction data from students' programming activities, we identify three families of student misconceptions and discuss their implications for refinement of the activities as well as design of future activities. We then examine the value of block counts, block sequence counts, and system interaction counts as programming features for clustering block-based programs. These clusters can help researchers identify which students would benefit from feedback or interventions and what kind of feedback provides the most benefit to that particular student.
Reliability of wearable sensors to assess impact metrics during sport-specific tasks.

There is little information on the reliability of inertial measurement units for capturing impact load metrics during sport-specific movements. The purpose of this study is to determine the reliabi...
Exercise adherence in Hispanic adolescents with obesity or type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Purpose Hispanic adolescents experience high rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine adherence to a 16-week personalized exercise intervention and the perception of family support for exercise, benefits and barriers to exercise and overall health in Hispanic adolescents diagnosed with obesity or type 2 diabetes. Design and methods Using a secondary analysis of a larger feasibility trial, data from 21 Hispanic adolescents, 13 with T2D and 8 who were obese and 14 that completed the entire 16-week study (7 T2D; 7 obese) were analyzed. Adolescents wore an Actigraph™ accelerometer for tracking exercise throughout the 16-week intervention. Results The adherence rate for the intervention was 59% for those with T2D and was 88% for those with obesity. Overall perceptions of health improved for those completing the 16-week intervention. Barriers to exercise were negatively associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and were higher in those with T2D. Conclusions Adolescents with T2D were less adherent to their personalized exercise program than those who were obese. Practice implications Strategies that address cultural preferences and family engagement are needed to address barriers to exercise for Hispanic youth, particularly those already diagnosed with T2D that have high risks for early onset of disease complications.
Evaluating a CTSA-funded pilot grant program.

Introduction Pilot programs are integral to catalyzing and accelerating research at Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs. However, little has been published about the structure and operationalization of pilot programs or how they impact the translational research enterprise at CTSAs. The North Carolina Translational and Clinical Science Institute (NC TraCS), the CTSA hub at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) conducted an evaluation case study to describe the pilot program structure, assess process outcomes, and provide a framework for other institutions to utilize for the evaluation of their respective pilot programs. Methods We describe the operationalization of our pilot program, the evaluation framework utilized to evaluate the program, and how we analyzed available data to understand how our pilot funding opportunities were utilized by investigators. We calculated application volumes and funding rates by investigator position title and pilot application type. We also reviewed feedback provided by pilot Principal Investigators (PIs) to understand how many pilot projects were completed, NC TraCS service utilization, and barriers to research. Limited data on publications and subsequent funding was also reviewed. Results Between 2009 and 2019 the NC TraCS Pilot Program received 2343 applications and funded 933 projects, ranging from $2000 to $100,000 in amount, with an overall funding rate of 39.8%. Utilization of NC TraCS services had positive impacts on both resubmission funding and project completion rates. Conclusion This process evaluation indicates that the program is being operationalized in a way that successfully fulfills the program mission while meeting the needs of a diverse group of researchers.
Insider Spaces: Hands-on with XR in the Global Languages & Cultures Room

Adult learners benefit from a playful approach to learning (Whitton, 2018). Similarly, students experiencing immersive learning using virtual reality headsets can benefit from a playful and exploratory approach to language and culture learning (Arnold, 1979), which includes the opportunity to experiment and create content using accessible, code-free, and easy-to-adopt media and Maker techniques. This article proposes that this kind of content creation projects for students can result in an increased understanding and appreciation of the affordances of immersive technologies, especially when applied to cultural learning and second language acquisition. In these projects, students produce outcomes by learning to work together, use tools, develop skills, and reflect on their place within the work, as artistmakers, as language learners, and as creators of culture. Learners are encouraged to reflect on their process of Making, and in doing so broaden that reflection to encompass ideas around culture and language, the essence of their creative process coming from conceptual inquiry as much as from the practical Making. We propose ways to adopt immersive technologies and use a dedicated Maker and creator space to facilitate effective innovative language and culture pedagogy— one that might better support learning through creative exploration.
Pneumonia Antibiotic Stewardship in a Children’s Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department: A Quality Improvement Project

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common pediatric illness. Many studies have identified Streptococcus pneumonia as the most common pathogen in children. It is unnecessary to administer broad spectrum antibiotics to treat CAP and it leads to microbial resistance. There is significant provider-to-provider variation in antibiotic prescribing practices for suspected uncomplicated PNA. Inpatient and ambulatory clinical practice guidelines have been shown to decreased variation between providers and improve outcomes. Objective: Our primary objective is to increase the percentage …
Good for the Goose but Not for the Gander: Applying Title VII Principles to Supreme Court Appointments

During the 2020 Democratic primaries, Joe Biden pledged to nominate a black woman to the Supreme Court. This was likely a wise strategic move, as the pledge prompted the loudest cheers of the night at the Democratic debate where it was announced. Regardless of the practicality of Biden’s pledge, refusing to consider people for a job based solely on their race and gender typically implicates Title VII employment discrimination protections. However, Title VII protections do not apply to Supreme Court Justices due to their classification in the excepted service and not the competitive service. This Article looks beyond that fatal determination to analyze what the result of Title VII principles would be if applicable. Topics considered include the historical context of Supreme Court nominations, worker classification, employment agency liability, standing, gender as a BFOQ, case law establishing an expansive interpretation of Title VII protections, and unintended consequences of Biden’s position. This analysis provides valuable insight into the purpose of Title VII protections and the significance of discrimination in high-profile government positions.
Study on Tunneling Magnetoresistance Based Symmetrical Air-Gap Current Sensor for Medium-Voltage DC Systems

Emerging current sensors based on tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) were preliminarily researched in DC measurement for the smart grid. Nonetheless, the single air-gap TMR sensor will produce measurement errors by changes of the current-carrying conductor position in the magnetic circuit loop. To improve the accuracy of the measurement, this paper proposes a TMR based symmetrical air-gap current sensor. Based on the closed-loop zero-flux principle, the proposed current sensor adopts a symmetrical double air-gap magnetic circuit structure to reduce errors. The numerical simulation models of a single air-gap TMR sensor and a symmetrical double air-gap one are built on the PSCAD platform to verify its steady-state response and transient response. The test result shows that the symmetric air-gap TMR sensor reduces the amplitude error by 89.08% of the single air-gap TMR sensor when measuring DC current, and the error is reduced by 12.21% when measuring 50Hz AC current. Finally, the two types of TMR sensors are installed in the DC grid test system model of ±10kV to analyze their measurement effects in normal operation and fault conditions. The simulation results prove that the sensor proposed in this paper is more suitable for applications in medium-voltage DC grids.
Extubation of the perioperative patient with a difficult airway

A considerable amount of literature has been dedicated to the topic of difficult airway management and a number of algorithms and recommendations have been established to safely manage patients at risk for difficult intubation. Only recently, however, has extubation of the difficult airway gained more awareness since this procedure, although elective, is often fraught with complications. The importance of developing pre-planned strategies for extubation of the difficult airway to improve patient safety and outcomes is apparent from data from both the ASA Closed Claims Analysis and the UK's recent Fourth National Audit Project of major complications of airway management. The key to successful management of patients at risk for difficult extubation is accurate risk assessment, application of appropriate strategies, and preparedness by both the individual practitioner and the institution.
Evaluation of Drug Trials in High-, Middle-, and Low-Income Countries and Local Commercial Availability of Newly Approved Drugs.

Importance Clinical research supporting US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug approvals is largely conducted outside the US. Objective To characterize where drugs were tested for FDA approval and to determine how commonly and quickly these drugs received marketing approval in the countries where they were tested, both overall and by country income level and geographical region. Design, setting, and participants This cross-sectional analysis of trials supporting FDA approval of novel drugs in 2012 and 2014, sponsored by large drug companies, did not involve human participants. The settings were the countries hosting trials supporting US drug approval. Data sources included Drugs@FDA, ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and drug regulatory agency websites. Data analysis was completed March through September 2020. Main outcomes and measures The primary outcomes were the proportion of drugs approved for marketing in the countries where they were tested for FDA approval within 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years of FDA approval and the proportion of countries contributing participants to trials supporting FDA approvals receiving market access to the drugs they helped test within 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years of FDA approval. Results In 2012 and 2014, the FDA approved 34 novel drugs sponsored by large companies, on the basis of a total of 898 trials, 563 of which had location information available. Each drug was tested in a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 25 (18-37) unique countries, including a median (IQR) of 20 (13-25) high-income countries, 6 (4-11) upper-middle-income countries, and 1 (0-2) low-middle-income country. One drug was approved for marketing in all testing countries within 1 year of FDA approval and 15% (5 of 34 drugs) were approved in all testing countries within 5 years of FDA approval. Of the 70 countries contributing research participants for FDA drug approvals, 7% (5 countries) received market access to drugs they helped test within 1 year of FDA approval and 31% (22 countries) did so within 5 years. Access within 1 year occurred in 13% (5 of 39) of high-income countries, 0 of 22 upper-middle-income countries (0%), and 0 of 9 lower-middle-income countries (0%), whereas at 5 years access rates were 46% (18 of 39 countries), 9% (2 of 22 countries), and 22% (2 of 9 countries), respectively. Approvals were faster in high-income countries (median [IQR], 8 [0-11] months) than in upper-middle-income countries (median [IQR], 11 [5-29] months) or lower-middle-income countries (median [IQR], 17 [11-27] months) after FDA approval. Access was lowest in African countries. Conclusions and relevance These findings suggest that substantial gaps exist between where FDA-approved drugs are tested and where they ultimately become available to patients, raising concerns about the equitable distribution of research benefits at the population level.
Balancing task sensitivity with reliability for multimodal language assessments.

OBJECTIVE Intraoperative tasks for awake language mapping are typically selected based on the language tracts that will likely be encountered during tumor resection. However, diminished attention and arousal secondary to perioperative sedatives may reduce a task's usefulness for identifying eloquent cortex. For instance, accuracy in performing select language tasks may be high preoperatively but decline in the operating room. In the present study, the authors sought to identify language tasks that can be performed with high accuracy in both situational contexts so the neurosurgical team can be confident that speech errors committed during awake language mapping result from direct cortical stimulation to eloquent cortex, rather than from poor performance in general. METHODS We administered five language tasks to 44 patients: picture naming (PN), text reading (TR), auditory object naming (AN), repetition of 4-syllable words (4SYL), and production of syntactically intact sentences (SYNTAX). Performance was assessed using the 4-point scale of the quick aphasia battery 24 hours preoperatively and intraoperatively. We next determined whether or not accuracy on each task was higher preoperatively than intraoperatively. We also determined whether 1) intraoperative accuracy on a given task predicted intraoperative performance on the other tasks and 2) low preoperative accuracy on a task predicted a decrease in accuracy intraoperatively. RESULTS Relative to preoperative accuracy, intraoperative accuracy declined on PN (3.90 vs 3.82, p = 0.0001), 4SYL (3.96 vs 3.91, p = 0.0006), and SYNTAX (3.85 vs 3.67, p = 0.0001) but not on TR (3.96 vs 3.94, p = 0.13) or AN (3.70 vs 3.58, p = 0.058). Intraoperative accuracy on PN and AN independently predicted intraoperative accuracy on the remaining language tasks (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). Finally, low preoperative accuracy on SYNTAX predicted a decrease in accuracy on this task intraoperatively (R2 = 0.36, p = 0.00002). CONCLUSIONS While TR lacks sensitivity in identifying language deficits at baseline, accuracy on TR is stable across testing settings. Baseline accuracy on the other four of our five language tasks was not predictive of intraoperative performance, signifying the need to repeat language tests prior to stimulation mapping to confirm reliability.
Defect theory of positronium and nontrivial QED relations

An effective theory of the excited states of positronium is derived and some of its consequences are explored. At large physical separation, the binding of the electron and positron is assumed to be described completely by QED, whereas all short-ranged phenomena, including those within and beyond QED, can be accounted for with energy-dependent quantum defects. This theory has at least two practical applications. First, it provides an accurate and economical, yet largely QED-independent, means to fit the positronium spectrum in order to predict and compare the outcome of experiments. Second, matching the spectrum in this effective theory to that predicted by QED reveals nontrivial relationships that exist within bound-state QED; some higher order contributions to the spectrum may be obtained from lower order contributions. These relations are verified up to order $m{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{6}$, and predictions are made for the order $m{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{7}$ and $m{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{8}$ corrections. This theory and its extensions to other hydrogenic systems may provide a useful complement to bound-state QED.
Use and perceptions of menthol versus non-menthol cigarettes among pregnant women

BACKGROUND Menthol cigarette use among women who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy is high, but little is known about the factors that contribute to preference for menthol cigarette use during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE This study investigated preferences, perceptions, and intentions to use menthol vs. non-menthol cigarettes in a sample of pregnant women. METHODS Pregnant women (N = 124, Mage = 26.2 years, 50% minorities) completed a study investigating the impact of maternal smoking on biobehavioral markers of fetal risk. During the third trimester, participants self-reported preferences (liking, attractiveness, smoothness, interest), perceptions of harm (general, pregnancy-specific), and intentions to use menthol and non-menthol cigarettes. We examined differences in responses based on whether participants endorsed (1) cigarette use during pregnancy (yes/no) and (2) lifetime cigarette use (yes/no). RESULTS Sixty-two participants endorsed cigarette smoking during pregnancy (85.5% smoked menthol cigarettes), and 94 participants reported lifetime use. Overall, menthol cigarettes were perceived as more likeable and smoother vs. non-menthol (ps < .001) - even among participants who never smoked cigarettes (ps < .05). All participants rated both menthol and non-menthol cigarette use as harmful. Compared to participants who did not smoke during pregnancy, participants who smoked during pregnancy rated menthol cigarettes as less harmful for pregnant women (p = .001), while there were no differences between groups in harm perceptions toward non-menthol cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS Menthol may increase cigarettes appeal for pregnant women. Implications for regulation of menthol cigarettes are discussed. Future studies may investigate the role of sensory perception, marketing, and health education in influencing these factors.
Time Varying Discount Rates and Rent-Price Ratios In Farmland Markets

This paper constructs a version of Campbell and Shiller's dividend-price ratio model in order to study the consistency of farmland price behavior with the implications of a present value formulation that accounts for time-varying discount rates. The model imposes testable restrictions on the joint behavior of rent-price ratios and a linear combination of the ex-post required rate of return and rent growth rates. The restrictions are found to be inconsistent with annual Iowa farmland price and rent movements for the 1926-1986 sample period.
Mode-primed operation of an 85 GHz quasioptical gyroklystron

The quasioptical gyrotron (QOG) is currently under development at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory as a high power source of millimeter-wave radiation. A quasioptical gyroklystron configuration has recently been realized by the addition of an open-mirror prebunching resonator driven by an 85 GHz, 1.5 kW extended interaction oscillator (EIO). The experiment is designed to operate at a voltage of 70 kV and beam currents of 5–15 A. The experiment is currently in progress, and results are presented for EIO mode priming and depressed collector operation at powers up to 100 kW. A technique for increasing the efficiency by adjusting the electron beam parameters on the rise of the voltage pulse is also described.
PALEOCLIMATE RELEVANCE TO GLOBAL WARMING

Anthropogenic climate change is a problem of potentially great significance for the Earth's future. Carbon, the main element in the top two human-enhanced greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane), is the underpinning of most fuels used in transportation and energy production. Carbon also makes up approximately half of the dry weight of most vegetation. Thus, the carbon that cycles through biological species, air, water, and soils is both an essential nutrient and a potential problem, depending on its location in the system. Human modification of the carbon cycle has far-reaching implications for human welfare and the health of the biosphere. This article focuses on how the paleoclimatic record can help understand anthropogenic climate change and how researchers have used that information to advance our knowledge of human interactions with the climate system.
ESD induced capacitor shorts

The cause of gross capacitor shorts on Gallium Arsenide MMIC's was traced to a resist removal operation in the plating process. This paper presents a methodology for the identification and removal of ESD sources found on production equipment used in the fabrication of GaAs devices on 100 mm substrates.
Measurement of Physical Conditions in Stellar Jets

This article summarizes the physics needed to interpret spectra of stellar jets, reviews the history of analysis techniques applied to these objects, discusses some recent results, and considers the prospects for future research in this area.
Postdate pregnancy: Utilization of contraction stress testing for primary fetal surveillance

Abstract Six hundred seventy-nine postdate study patients surveyed with a contraction stress test (CST) protocol had no perinatal deaths and no greater morbidity than that found in a 500-patient normal term control population. However, the postdate study group did have a significantly increased risk of intrapartum fetal distress, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, macrosomia, and cesarean section for both failed progress of labor and fetal distress. Among the postdate study group there was a high incidence of patients with abnormal CST results (39%); these patients with abnormal CST results were at increased risk for subsequent intrapartum fetal distress. Seventy-five percent of the postdate study patients entered labor spontaneously and delivery was elected because of abnormal CST results in only 5.4%. The data presented here support the use of contraction stress testing for primary surveillance of the prolonged pregnancy and they suggest that only one in 20 patients past 42 weeks' gestation will require intervention for fetal indications with this approach.
Associations of Macronutrients Consumption with Cancer Risks from a Global Prospective

Our objective is to establish global relationships between macronutrients and energy consumption and relative risks of cancers. The consumption and cancer incidence data for 162 countries were obtained from FAO and WHO in 2008. Multiple linear regression models were performed. Incidence rates of most cancers were positively correlated with consumptions of fat, protein and energy. However, liver and cervix/uteri cancers were negatively correlated with protein and energy consumptions, and stomach cancer with fat consumption. Low energy, protein, and fat diets are desirable for prevention of most cancers. However, cancers of the stomach, cervix/uteri and liver are exceptions to this rule.
Pregnancy and Multiple Sclerosis

Numerous autoimmune diseases affect women during their reproductive years, including multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, myasthenia gravis, and Sjogren’s syndrome (1, 2, 3). Most autoimmune diseases become clinically silent or are pushed into so-called “remission” during pregnancy (4). Pregnancy poses a challenge for the immune system because the fetus is essentially an allograft harboring antigens from the father. In response, pregnancy induces immune deviation in the mother, protective to the fetus, and, at the same time, alters autoimmune responses to the benefit of the pregnant woman. Studies examining disease course support the protective effect of pregnancy in the context of autoimmune diseases.
Risk management strategy for semiconductor fabs - started from game theory

The ever changing and the more competitive hi-tech environment, the business units always have the profit and product as first priority. But normally the wishes are not always come true, some outrages can prohibit the managers to reach their business goal. One of the example is the semiconductor business are very good in 1999. No one will expect that there will be a power outage (once in a 10 years Taipower history in Hsin Chu area). The following is the 100 years catastrophic earthquake in September 21. Around the world, there are lots of catastrophic events like Iraq wars, 911 terrorist attack and nature disaster, which might impact the business. The question that is raised by senior managers is: (1) are the events predictable? (2) any strategies to control the damages? (3) does the events cause crisis or opportunity? This work discusses game theory developed by John Von Neumman and Oskar Morgenstern on the strategic management to combine with the theory of risk management to see any opportunity that a business can turn the risk into opportunity. The game theory includes: (1) how to be insight in the chaos (2) decision model in the uncertainty (3) cost-effectiveness analysis in the risk control. Four risk management strategies are adopted as (1) risk avoidance (2) risk mitigation (3) risk transfer and (4) risk reduction are assessed in different scenarios by using the game theory. It is a new logic regarding to implement the strategic management methodology in risk management which intend to help senior managers to use their business habit which include concerns of the risk in their decision making process. And the paper will provide some ideas of planning and implementation of the risk management strategies in the decision making process.
Accuracy and validation of measured and modeled data for distributed PV interconnection and control

The distribution grid is changing to become an active resource with complex modeling needs. The new active distribution grid will, within the next ten years, contain a complex mix of load, generation, storage and automated resources all operating with different objectives on different time scales from each other and requiring detailed analysis. Electrical analysis tools that are used to perform capacity and stability studies have been used for transmission system planning for many years. In these tools, the distribution grid was considered a load and its details and physical components were not modeled. The increase in measured data sources can be utilized for better modeling, but also control of distributed energy resources (DER). The utilization of these sources and advanced modeling tools will require data management, and knowledgeable users. Each of these measurement and modeling devices have accuracy constraints, which will ultimately define their future ability to be planned and controlled. This paper discusses the importance of measured data accuracy for inverter control, interconnection and planning tools and proposes ranges of control accuracy needed to satisfy all concerns based on the present grid infrastructure.
Upper thermospheric responses to forcing from above and below during 1–10 April 2010: Results from an ensemble of numerical simulations

In this report we examine the spatial and temporal variability of the quiescent thermosphere leading up to and after the 5 April 2010 geomagnetic disturbance. We attribute the dominant driver of this variability to a combination of tides generated in situ and in the troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere. We identify nonmigrating tidal signatures attributable to the latter source that are ubiquitous, persistent, and significant at all thermospheric latitudes. Further, these perturbations underlie the upper atmospheric response to solar geomagnetic disturbances and are measurably altered, along with their migrating counterparts, during the storm. Our investigation is centered on a series of National Center for Atmospheric Research thermosphere-ionosphere-mesosphere-electrodynamics general circulation model simulations during 1–10 April 2010, including an optimal simulation with lower boundary forcing based on Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Application reanalysis data and upper boundary forcing based on satellite and ground magnetometer measurements and the Assimilative Mapping of Ionospheric Electrodynamics procedure and three diagnostic simulations. The differences between the optimal and diagnostic simulations allow us to quantify thermospheric variability attributable to solar geomagnetic forcing and dynamical effects propagating into the thermosphere from below. We find that they can be comparable at high latitudes for some nonmigrating tidal components.
The world bank and the application of Asian industrial policy to Africa: Theoretical considerations

The paper discusses two general difficulties in drawing lessons from Asian industrialization for Africa, the problem of identification and the problem of reproducibility. The paper criticizes the World Bank/neoclassical model's attempt to solve the identification problem. Using examples from a number of East and Southeast Asian countries the paper argues that the model's export-oriented vs import-substitution dichotomy is a false one, that government policy was not neutral but active, interventionist and ‘distorting’, often with positive results, and that statist policies ensured that agriculture supported labour-intensive industrialization. It also points out that the problem of reproducibility, which is complicated by structural and historical dimensions, is largely ignored by the World Bank/neoclassical model. This raises serious doubts about the usefulness of the World Bank's model of structural adjustment as it applies to Africa, since it is based on a misinterpretation of the factors responsible for industrialization in Asia.
Glomerular hyperfiltration: definitions, mechanisms and clinical implications

Glomerular hyperfiltration is a phenomenon that can occur in various clinical conditions including kidney disease. No single definition of glomerular hyperfiltration has been agreed upon, and the pathophysiological mechanisms, which are likely to vary with the underlying disease, are not well explored. Glomerular hyperfiltration can be caused by afferent arteriolar vasodilation as seen in patients with diabetes or after a high-protein meal, and/or by efferent arteriolar vasoconstriction owing to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, thus leading to glomerular hypertension. Glomerular hypertrophy and increased glomerular pressure might be both a cause and a consequence of renal injury; understanding the renal adaptations to injury is therefore important to prevent further damage. In this Review, we discuss the current concepts of glomerular hyperfiltration and the renal hemodynamic changes associated with this condition. A physiological state of glomerular hyperfiltration occurs during pregnancy and after consumption of high-protein meals. The various diseases that have been associated with glomerular hyperfiltration, either per nephron or per total kidney, include diabetes mellitus, polycystic kidney disease, secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis caused by a reduction in renal mass, sickle cell anemia, high altitude renal syndrome and obesity. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in glomerular hyperfiltration could enable the development of new strategies to prevent progression of kidney disease.
Low-energy Galactic-Centre γ-rays from low-mass X-ray binaries

The hard X-ray and low energy γ-ray emission from the galactic center region (GCR) has four components1,2: a power-law continuum between 20/50 keV and 200/300 keV with a power-law photon index β in the range ~ 2.5 to ~ 3.1; a harder spectrum with β ~ 1.–1.5 between 200/300 keV and ~ 511 keV; a narrow electron-positron annihilation line at 511 keV, reported to disappear3,4 in less than < 1/2 yr, although the temporal variation is controversial5; and an equally variable continuum emission between 511 keV and several MeV (“MeV bump”). All four have luminosities 1037-1038 erg s-1, if they are located 10 kpc away. We propose non-thermal processes in low mass X-ray binaries (LMXB’s) concentrated in the galactic bulge as the direct source of the three continuum components of the emission, as well as of an escaping electron-positron e ± wind whose positron annihilation relatively far from the star could be the source of the 511 keV line. We consider a model for energetic emission from LMXB’s that reproduces the softer power-law component of the GCR continuum through synchrotron emission of relativistic electrons in the strongly non-uniform (dipolar) magnetic field of the neutron star. We also explain, with less confidence, the variable MeV bump as the result of interaction of harder γ-rays with the power-law photons. The harder power law might be due to Compton scattering of relativistic electrons or photons.
Barbiturate-induced slow outward currents in Aplysia neurones.

PREVIOUS studies of barbiturates have failed to show significant effects on voltage-dependent membrane conductances at clinically relevant concentrations1–3. As these drugs have effects on synaptic processes at clinical concentrations, some investigators have concluded that the primary site of action of barbiturates is at the synapse1–5. However, we have found that barbiturates at low concentrations (0.05–0.5 mM) can have profound effects on voltage-sensitive conductances in Aplysia neurones. Barbiturates suppress the ability of these neurones to fire continuously in response to prolonged depolarisation. A voltage-clamp analysis has revealed the membrane currents underlying this effect, indicating that barbiturates act by enhancement of a slowly developing outward current that appears in response to depolarisation of the cell.
Motor Vehicle Output and GDP, 1968–2007

In this paper, we assess the performance of the BEA series “value of motor vehicle output” as an indicator of the business cycle over the period 1968–2007. We statistically assess the causal relationship between real motor vehicle output (RMVO) and real gross domestic product (RGDP). This is accomplished by standard estimation and statistical methods used to assess vector autoregressive models. This assessment represents the initial results of a more encompassing research project, the intent of which is to determine the dynamic interaction of the transport sector with the overall economy. It’s a start to a more comprehensive assessment of how transport and economic activity interrelate.
Links between premarital cohabitation and subsequent marital quality, stability, and divorce: A comparison of covenant versus standard marriages

Abstract We extend prior research on the association between premarital cohabitation and marital outcomes by investigating whether covenant marriage, which entails more stringent requirements for divorce, minimizes the deleterious effects of cohabitation on subsequent marital quality and stability. Using a unique longitudinal data set of covenant and standard newlywed couples in Louisiana, we find that covenant marriage does not modify the effects of premarital cohabitation on marital instability, happiness, dependency, or divorce for either wives or husbands. In fact, once we control for sociodemographic characteristics, premarital relationship factors, and marital factors, the relationships between premarital cohabitation and marital outcomes reduces to non-significance, suggesting that selection factors largely account for the deleterious effects of premarital cohabitation on marital success.
Exploring myriapod segmentation: the expression patterns of even-skipped, engrailed, and wingless in a centipede.

Segment formation is critical to arthropod development, yet there is still relatively little known about this process in most arthropods. Here, we present the expression patterns of the genes even-skipped (eve), engrailed, and wingless in a centipede, Lithobius atkinsoni. Despite some differences when compared with the patterns in insects and crustaceans, the expression of these genes in the centipede suggests that their basic roles are conserved across the mandibulate arthropods. For example, unlike the seven pair-rule stripes of eve expression in the Drosophila embryonic germband, the centipede eve gene is expressed strongly in the posterior of the embryo, and in only a few stripes between newly formed segments. Nonetheless, this pattern likely reflects a conserved role for eve in the process of segment formation, within the different context of a short-germband mode of embryonic development. In the centipede, the genes wingless and engrailed are expressed in stripes along the middle and posterior of each segment, respectively, similar to their expression in Drosophila. The adjacent expression of the engrailed and wingless stripes suggests that the regulatory relationship between the two genes may be conserved in the centipede, and thus this pathway may be a fundamental mechanism of segmental development in most arthropods.