cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insect incidence and damage on pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) under various nitrogen regimes in Alabama

Although pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.; Poales: Poaceae] is grown extensively on 5 continents and is attacked by various insects at all stages of growth and development, little is specifically known of how yields of this important crop are affected by insect herbivory. This study was conducted in north central Alabama to determine insect occurrence on pearl millet and to determine the levels of damage caused by insects feeding on pearl millet genotypes at different nitrogen rates. The field experiment was laid out following a randomized complete block design with 4 replications in which 4 genotypes and 4 fertilizer levels were arranged in factorial combinations. The pearl millet genotypes consisted of 2 open pollinated lines, ‘2304’ and ‘LHBO8’, and 2 hybrids, ‘606A1*2304’ and ‘707A1*4280’ and fertilization rates used were 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha -1 N. Insect samplings were carried out weekly from 61 to 109 days after planting (DAP). Insects in 6 orders and 11 families were found on pearl millet genotypes. Eastern leaf-footed stinkbug (Leptoglossus phyllopus (L.); Hemiptera: Coreidae) was the most prevalent and dominant insect species found followed by the American bird grasshopper (Schistocerca americana Drury; Orthoptera: Acrididae) and the differential grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis (Thomas: Orthoptera: Acrididae). Population of L. phyllopus was at its peak during the latter part of the growing season from 81 to 109 DAP. Populations of S. americana and M. differentialis declined as crop matured (61 DAP > 66 DAP >75 DAP). Results also showed that leaf and head damage did not differ among genotypes and nitrogen rates tested.
IL-13 signal transduction in human monocytes: phosphorylation of receptor components, association with Jaks, and phosphorylation/activation of Stats

Interleukin (IL)-13 regulates monocyte function and is a potent stimulator of 15-lipoxygenase expression. In different cell types, the functional IL-13 receptor complex can be comprised of variable protein components and has not been thoroughly examined in human monocytes. Here, we identify the receptor components and upstream signaling events initiated by IL-13 in primary human blood monocytes. The expression, phosphorylation and associated Jak kinases of the known, variable receptor components, IL-4R(alpha), IL-2Rgammac, IL-13R(alpha)1 and IL-13R(alpha)2, were examined. We determined that IL-4R(alpha) and IL13R(alpha)1 are phosphorylated upon exposure to IL-13. Although IL-2Rgammac is also expressed, it is not phosphorylated upon exposure to IL-13. Evaluation of the presence of IL-13R(alpha)2 failed to reveal significant mRNA or protein expression. Earlier, our laboratory showed that IL-13 induced the phosphorylation of Jak2 and Tyk2 in monocytes and that expression of both Jaks was essential for downstream signaling by IL-13. Here, we report that Jak2 is associated with IL-4R(alpha), and Tyk2 is associated with the IL-13R(alpha)1 component of the IL-13 receptor complex. Additionally, Stat proteins 1alpha, 3, 5A, 5B, and 6 are phosphorylated in response to IL-13. Further, the nuclear translocation and DNA binding of each of these Stats were induced by IL-13. These data represent the first complete report of the functional IL-13 receptor complex and early signaling events in human monocytes. This information is critical for understanding the IL-13 response of monocytes in inflammation.
Expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the failing human heart: comparison of recent-onset and end-stage congestive heart failure.

Abstract Background: Plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, are elevated in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Recent studies suggest that the failing human heart is a source of proinflammatory cytokines in the end-stage failing heart. However, the relevance of plasma levels to those of the myocardium remains undefined. We sought to compare cytokine expression in early and end-stage CHF, and to evaluate the correlation of tissue expression to plasma levels. Methods Two patient populations were studied: patients with recent-onset CHF, all with symptoms less than 6 months ( n = 17, duration of symptoms 2.1 ± 1.6 months, range of New York Heart Association (NYHA) 1 to 3), and end-stage heart-failure patients ( n = 7) who underwent left-ventricular assist-device (LVAD) implantation (Duration of symptoms 47.1 ± 28.0 months, all NYHA class 4). Plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 proteins were evaluated by an Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA), while myocardial levels of cytokine transcripts were assessed by ribonuclease (Rnase) protection assay. Results In patients with end-stage heart failure, TNF-α and IL-6 were increased in the plasma as well as in the myocardium (plasma: TNF- α = 7.7 ± 2.3 pg/ml, IL-6 = 45.0 ± 47.1 pg/ml; myocardium: TNF-α = 0.31 ± 0.15% of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) expression, IL-6 = 1.56 ± 1.54% ). In contrast, despite elevated plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6, the myocardium of patients with the recent onset of symptoms demonstrated minimal expression of TNF-α and IL-6 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (plasma: TNF-α = 4.3 ± 1.7 pg/ml, IL-6 = 3.3 ± 1.8 pg/ml; myocardium: TNF-α = 0.13 ± 0.04%, IL-6 = 0.02 ± 0.04%). Plasma levels of TNF-α were significantly correlated with those in the myocardium when both populations were combined. ( r = 0.69, p Conclusions Cytokines are expressed in the myocardium in end-stage heart failure to a much greater degree than in patients with the recent-onset of symptoms. This suggests that induction of cytokines in the myocardium is a relatively late event in the pathogenesis of CHF. Furthermore, plasma levels of TNF-α correlates with mRNA expression in the myocardium and thus may serve as an appropriate marker of myocardial cytokine activation. Whether the production of cytokines in the failing human heart precedes the elevation of cytokines in the plasma remains undefined. Therefore, we studied expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in the myocardium as well as in the plasma in patients with early and end-stage CHF. The results have demonstrated that cytokines are expressed in the myocardium in end-stage heart failure to a much greater degree than in patients with the recent onset of symptoms. This suggests that induction of cytokines in the myocardium is a relatively late event in the pathogenesis of CHF.
Effects of Ischemia on Human Renal Interstitial Fluid Metabolites

Purpose: Microdialysis is a technique for monitoring the concentration of molecules in the interstitial fluid of living tissue. We report the effects of ischemia on human renal interstitial fluid molecules.Materials and Methods: Ten patients with a renal mass or upper tract transitional cell carcinoma who elected laparoscopic nephrectomy or nephroureterectomy were studied with in situ renal microdialysis. Microdialysate was continuously collected into separate vials every 10 minutes before and after the renal artery was stapled. Samples were analyzed for the glucose, pyruvate, lactate and glycerol concentration.Results: The concentration of all 4 molecules was stable throughout the pre-ischemia baseline period. Glucose and pyruvate concentrations decreased to almost zero during the first 60 minutes of ischemia. Lactate increased during the initial 60 minutes of ischemia and then plateaued with continued ischemia. The glycerol concentration increased directly throughout the ischemia time.Conclusions: The t...
Influence of exogenous ascorbic acid on calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the chick.

Balance studies were used to study changes in calcium and phos phorus metabolism in the chick following the administration of ascorbic acid. The movement of 45Ca and 32Pfrom previously labeled animals was assessed separately as well as the relative retention of Ca and P. Evidence was obtained which indicated that both 45Caand 32Pmobilization and excretion were stimu lated in the ascorbate-treated chicks during the initial 24 hours of the study. No such effect was noted at later times. Both compact and cancellous bone tissue, collected at the termination of the experiment, exhibited decreased specific activ ities of each isotope. It is suggested that the ascorbic acid, either directly or indirectly, effected the mobilization of these isotopes, their excretion and the sub sequent bone salt repletion with stable minerals which resulted in the changes of the specific activities. A second response to the injected ascorbic acid, inhibi tion of phosphorus retention, was of special interest because: contrary to the 32Pmobilization effect, it persisted throughout the 4-day study; no effect on cal cium retention was noted, thus the effect was more specific; the effect appeared to be the result of an altered phosphorus metabolic pattern after the mineral had reached the blood. The possible implications of such a situation are discussed. J. Nutr. 100: 1479-1486, 1970.
Automotive audio noise assessment. human hearing factors and complexity

Vehicle audio subsystems are becoming increasingly complex. In addition to providing audio entertainment with higher fidelity at higher power levels vehicles have become generally quieter with respect to road, wind and power train noise. The overall effect is an expanded dynamic range. When the engineer is faced with reducing EMC related noise in an entertainment system what metrics are to be used to define relative performance? This paper presents an overview of the complexity of perceived audio quality. Accepted characteristics of human hearing and industry attempts to provide objective metrics to aid perception of quality are presented Keywords-EMC, audio, noise, automotive I. INTRODUCTION Automotive audio systems are increasingly more complex. At one time AM radio broadcast was the only offering with its limited bandwidth, noise susceptible modulation format and a single speaker mounted in the dashboard. Today the automotive entertainment system is a distributed and fully integrated subsystem which includes numerous broadcast and recorded media formats with exceptional high fidelity reproduction capability. Vehicles have also become quieter with respect to road, wind and power train noise. The overall effect is an expanded dynamic range for the listening experience. Entertainment system performance and EMC related noise is a system integration concern which appears late in the development process. Invariably there is a difference of opinion within the product development community on how bad a noise is perceived to be and whether it really is a problem to the consumer. When the EMC engineer is faced with mitigating this noise what metrics and guidelines are to be employed to define relative performance? This paper outlines the complexity of perceived audio quality based on accepted characteristics of human hearing and industry attempts to provide objective metrics to aid perception of quality.
Server scheduling in the Lp norm: a rising tide lifts all boat

Often server systems do not implement the best known algorithms for optimizing average Quality of Service (QoS) out of concern of that these algorithms may be insufficiently fair to individual jobs. The standard method for balancing average QoS and fairness is optimize the Lp metric, 1
Influence of pregnancy and child-rearing on amphetamine-addicted women. Five-year follow-up after delivery.

: A group of 69 amphetamine-addicted women who all abused during part of or the whole pregnancy have been followed since the birth of the index child born in 1976 or 1977. Seventeen of the mothers gave up drug abuse in early pregnancy. Ten of these succeeded to stay off drugs and excessive alcohol, while six relapsed into drug abuse. In addition, three women have been off drugs since delivery and 12 for at least 1–3 years. Twelve of the 25 mothers who were drug-free at the end of the period had retained the custody of their children, while 11 mothers who were drug-free at the end of the period had their children placed in foster homes. In contrast to this, 16 drug-using mothers were still caring for their children. A criminal record and a story of psychiatric in-patient care was common, especially among the mothers who had lost custody of their children. On the other hand, mothers who had retained custody more often lived with a drug-free man and had regular employment.
Analysis of Planar Reconfigurable Motion Generators

This article presents the kinematic analysis of a new class of mechanical devices called planar Reconfigurable Motion Generators (RMGs) for multi-phase motion generation tasks having only a slight change in the desired motion. The concepts of configuration matrices and state vectors are introduced as a novel way to represent planar RMGs. The kinematic analysis of a planar RMG in it’s initial configuration to determine the associated adjustable link lengths and angles is discussed. The adjustable link lengths are used to determine the link vector and state vector of a RMG. Future work will involve the application of configuration matrices and state vectors to aid in both systematic analysis and synthesis of RMGs.
Obesity does not adversely affect health-related quality-of-life outcomes after anatomic retropubic radical prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives To study the impact of obesity on the health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods Patient-reported sexual and urinary HRQOL was assessed at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after anatomic retropubic RP using the University of California, Los Angeles, Prostate Cancer Index among a cohort of 340 men. Linear regression analysis was used to compare the longitudinal HRQOL scores by body mass index (BMI) adjusting for age, baseline HRQOL, and nerve-sparing status (non-nerve sparing versus unilateral versus bilateral). Results At baseline, the sexual and urinary function and bother scores were similar between normal-weight (BMI less than 25 kg/m 2 ), overweight (BMI 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m 2 ), and obese (BMI 30 kg/m 2 or greater) men. Obese men were as likely to undergo bilateral nerve-sparing surgery as men with a lower BMI. After adjustment for age, baseline HRQOL, and nerve-sparing status, no statistically significant differences were found in any HRQOL score at any point among the BMI groups, except for a lower urinary function score at 24 months among overweight men ( P = 0.02). Conclusions In a select group of men undergoing RP at a tertiary care referral center, BMI was, in general, unrelated to the baseline and longitudinal postoperative HRQOL scores. Obese men (BMI 30 to 35 kg/m 2 ) should not be selectively discouraged against RP because of concerns about HRQOL. Additional studies are needed to assess the HRQOL outcomes among men with very high BMI values (greater than 35 kg/m 2 ).
Laparoscopic Management of Hysteroscopic Essure Sterilization Complications: Report of 3 Cases

Hysteroscopic Essure sterilizations offer women and physicians another option for contraception. Overall, the procedure is simple to perform and highly efficacious, and as a result, has gained popularity among practicing gynecologists. Unfortunately, complications occur with any type of surgery. We report 3 cases of hysteroscopic Essure sterilization complications where the Essure microinsert was noted to be misplaced or where patients had persistent postprocedure pain in the setting of appropriately placed microinserts. In all 3 cases, the microinserts were successfully removed laparoscopically.
Solid state intermetallic compound layer growth between copper and hot dipped indium coatings

Solid state growth of intermetallic compound layers that form between hot dipped indium coatings and copper was investigated in diffusion couples aged at temperatures of 70, 100 and 135 °C and time periods of up to 300 days. At an annealing temperature of 70 °C, the metastable composition, Cu36In64, was observed at the interface. Ageing at 100 °C caused a dual layer structure with the Cu36In64 layer joined by a copper-rich intermetallic compound, Cu11In9, that is noted in the equilibrium phase diagram. An annealing temperature of 135 °C caused the eventual development of a single copper-rich intermetallic layer, Cu57In43, at the interface. Total intermetallic layer thickness was documented as a function of ageing time and temperature, exhibiting at 1/2 dependence with an apparent activation energy of 20 kJ mol−1.
2-Metal-layer interposer for high-speed devices

As both device pin density and system frequency increase, printed circuit board layout becomes more complex. A successful high-speed printed circuit board design must effectively integrate the devices and other elements, while avoiding signal transmission problems that are associated with high-speed IO standards. This is evident in the memory platform where the data rate is reaching the GHz zone. Stringent designs like matched IO traces and effective ground/power metal plane are required to ensure signal integrity. Existing DRAM packages are supported by a 1-metal-layer interposer in a BOC (Board on Chip) package. However, demand for higher speed performance and an industrial push for low- power efficient devices (data server market), there is a need to look at the packaging requirements.
Median‐voter Equilibria in the Neoclassical Growth Model under Aggregation*

We study a dynamic version of Meltzer and Richard's median-voter model where agents differ in wealth. Taxes are proportional to income and are redistributed as equal lump-sum transfers. Voting occurs every period and each consumer votes for the tax that maximizes his welfare. We characterize time-consistent Markov-perfect equilibria twofold. First, restricting utility classes, we show that the economy's aggregate state is mean and median wealth. Second, we derive the median-voter's first-order condition interpreting it as a tradeoff between distortions and net wealth transfers. Our method for solving the steady state relies on a polynomial expansion around the steady state.
Comparison of three methods for marking a small floodplain minnow

Evaluation of the movement patterns of small-bodied fish is often hindered by the lack of a suitable long-term mark. We evaluated several techniques for long-term group and individual identification of adult (40–70 mm total length [TL]) Oregon chub (Oregonichthys crameri). We marked Oregon chub with one of two different sized passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags (a 9 × 2.12 mm, 0.067 g PIT tag [PIT-tag] or a 8.4 × 1.4 mm, 0.033 g PIT tag [PICO-tag]), a red visible implant elastomer (VIE) tag, or a freeze brand. We monitored survival, tag retention, and mark quality over 150 days. In addition, we assessed the minimum length and weight thresholds to achieve 80% and 90% survival of PIT-tagged fish. Marking with a freeze brand, PICO-tag, or VIE tag had no effect on survival (P >0.05). In contrast, marking with a PIT-tag was associated with significantly lower (P <0.05) survival than in the control group. Survival was significantly higher (P = 0.002) for fish implanted with a PICO-tag than with the larger PIT-tag. The initial minimum TL for 80% and 90% survival was 54 mm and 64 mm TL, respectively, for the PIT-tag treatment. The 90% survival threshold for PICO-tagged fish was 44 mm TL. The 80% survival threshold was outside the range of sizes used in our experiment (<40 mm TL). Similarly, the 80% and 90% survival weight thresholds for the PIT-tag treatment were 1.5 g and 2.4 g, respectively, and the 90% survival threshold for PICO-tagged fish was 0.9 g. Tag retention was 94% and 95% in the PIT-tag and PICO-tag treatments, respectively; 80% of the freeze branded fish had easily recognizable tags after 150 days and 88% of the fish marked with VIE had easily recognizable tags after 150 days. PICO-tags, VIE marks, and freeze brands are all feasible long-term marking techniques for Oregon chub with negligible effects on survival through 150 days. The selection of a particular technique should be based on the study design and objectives (e.g., individual versus group identification), cost, ease, speed of tagging, and survival.
Comment: Diagnosing stroke in acute dizziness-Do the "eyes" still have it?

In this issue of Neurology ®, Kerber et al.1 describe 272 emergency department patients with acute, continuous dizziness and nystagmus or gait unsteadiness, 29 (11%) with strokes by MRI neuroimaging. Their population is similar to those described previously as the acute vestibular syndrome (AVS).2 The authors compare clinical features (ABCD2 [age, blood pressure, clinical features, duration, and diabetes] risk score, general neurologic examination, and head impulse, nystagmus pattern, test of skew [HINTS]2 eye movement tests) in stroke and nonstroke patients. They contend that no single examination “can identify a sufficiently low-risk group” to rule out stroke in AVS. They suggest instead a mathematical modeling approach combining all of these factors to identify a very low-risk population (86 [32%] without stroke).
Redundancy and Information

Information is stored in computers as strings of bits. For example, each letter, number and punctuation mark of English text in my computer is encoded with a unique string of seven bits defined by the American Standard Code for Information Interchange, or ASCII, a 128-character alphabet listed in Table B.1 on page 274 in Appendix B.
Microsoft and Mobility - Today and in the Future

Jonas Persson, since May 2003, is Developer and Platform Director at Microsoft and a member of the Swedish Management Team. Jonas is responsible for the current and future development technologies in Sweden and handles relations with companies, Universities and Partners across the country. Jonas is also responsible for sales and marketing of development products /.NET in Sweden. Jonas has also been Sales Manager within the Server Area and Manager of Mobility at Microsoft EMEA. Jonas Persson started at Microsoft in 1997. Before stating at Microsoft Jonas completed his PhD in Chemistry at Uppsala University. Jonas is also Halo Champion within Microsoft.
Sex Differences in the Ankle Brachial Index Measurement and Interpreting Findings of Sex Differences in Peripheral Artery Disease Burden

In 2012, the American Heart Association published a Call to Action encouraging scientific investigation of the prevalence and significance of lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) in women.1 Noting a paucity of high-quality research on PAD in women, the statement called for more population-based evidence on the sex and age-specific prevalence and incidence of PAD. Article, see p S86 In this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes , Wang et al2 address this knowledge gap by studying sex differences in the incidence of PAD in chronic kidney disease. Wang et al2 report a higher incidence of PAD in women than in men participating in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC), an observational longitudinal study of people aged 21 to 74 years with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease. Wang et al2 followed up 3174 CRIC participants (1427 [45%] women; mean age, 56.6 years) who had an ankle brachial index (ABI) ≥0.90 and no clinically evident PAD at baseline. New PAD during follow-up was defined as the occurrence of one of the following: ABI <0.90, lower extremity revascularization, or amputation. At a median follow-up of 5.9 years, the incidence of newly diagnosed PAD was 323 of 1427 (22.6%) in women versus 242 of 1747 (13.8%) in men ( P <0.001). This sex difference in PAD incidence was because of a higher incidence of ABI <0.90 among women than among men (310/1427 [21.7%] versus 220/1747 [12.6%]; P <0.001). In contrast, there was no difference in the incidence of lower extremity revascularization or amputation between men and women (13/1427 [0.9%] versus 22/1747 [1.3%]; P =0.33). Contrary to these findings, previous epidemiologic studies of people without chronic kidney disease showed no sex differences in the incidence of PAD.3–5 For example, in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), …
A Look Back at the National Banking System and Its Relevance for Today

The National Banking System, established in 1864, required the backing of currency by government debt. There was considerable debate at the time about the proposed legislation. This paper looks back at the key features of the financial system as it existed in the latter half of the nineteenth century, the debates over reform of that system, and the relevance of those debates for financial reform today.
Reference Ellipsoid and Geoid in Chronometric Geodesy

Chronometric geodesy applies general relativity to study the problem of the shape of celestial bodies including the earth, and their gravitational field. The present paper discusses the relativistic problem of construction of a background geometric manifold that is used for describing a reference ellipsoid, geoid, the normal gravity field of the earth and for calculating geoid's undulation (height). We choose the perfect fluid with an ellipsoidal mass distribution uniformly rotating around a fixed axis as a source of matter generating the geometry of the background manifold through the Einstein equations. We formulate the post-Newtonian hydrodynamic equations of the rotating fluid to find out the set of algebraic equations defining the equipotential surface of the gravity field. In order to solve these equations we explicitly perform all integrals characterizing the interior gravitational potentials in terms of elementary functions depending on the parameters defining the shape of the body and the mass distribution. We employ the coordinate freedom of the equations to choose these parameters to make the shape of the rotating fluid configuration to be an ellipsoid of rotation. We derive expressions of the post-Newtonian mass and angular momentum of the rotating fluid as functions of the rotational velocity and the parameters of the ellipsoid including its bare density, eccentricity and semi-major axes. We formulate the post-Newtonian Pizzetti and Clairaut theorems that are used in geodesy to connect the parameters of the reference ellipsoid to the polar and equatorial values of force of gravity. We expand the post-Newtonian geodetic equations characterizing the reference ellipsoid into the Taylor series with respect to the eccentricity of the ellipsoid, and discuss the small-eccentricity approximation. Finally, we introduce the concept of relativistic geoid and its undulation with respect to the reference ellipsoid, and discuss how to calculate it in chronometric geodesy by making use of the anomalous gravity potential.
Measuring Secondary Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Military Spouses With the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Military Version

Little research to date has examined secondary traumatic stress symptoms in spouses of military veterans. This study investigated the presence and severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms in a sample of 227 Army National Guard veterans and secondary traumatic stress symptoms among their spouses. The veterans completed the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist Military Version (PCL-M) (Weathers et al., 1993) to determine the probable prevalence rate of posttraumatic stress symptoms. A modified version of the PCL-M was used to assess secondary traumatic stress symptoms in the spouses. A confirmatory factor analysis showed that the modified version of the PCL-M used to assess secondary traumatic stress symptoms in spouses fits using the same four-factor PTSD structure as the PCL-M for veterans. This study provides initial evidence on the underlying symptom structure of secondary traumatic stress symptoms among spouses of traumatic event victims.
Yawing characteristics of projectile impacting metallic convex

To study the yawing of the projectile and its influencing factors, the LS-DYNA3D code was used to establish the finite element analysis model.The process of the projectile penetrating into convex was simulated.The influencing factors such as shape,size,hollow and solid etc were taken into account and several deflexion curves of the projectile were proved.Small scale experiments were carried out.The results of the penetrating experiment and some conclusions of optimizing convex for yawing provides references for the designing of anti-penetration construction.
Research of the Dam Safety Monitoring Integration and Monitoring Model Synchronization

This paper summarizes and compares two main modes of dam safety monitoring integration: based on valley monitoring center as management core and remote communication as technology foundation,unified dam measuring,analysis and decision aid is proposed;based on sub-station dam autonomy,monitoring models and measured data of each sub-station is supposed to be integrated on valley center.For the monitoring model Synchronization between valley center and sub-station related to both the two integration models,this paper presents a cross-database solution with high consistency and reliability which has been applied to many projects with good effect.
Coronary care patients' and nurses' perceptions of important nurse caring behaviors.

Objective To examine the relationship of patient-perceived and nurse-perceived caring behaviors. Design Descriptive. Setting Three not-for-profit hospitals in a large metropolitan western city. Subjects Thirty coronary care patients and 30 coronary care nurses. Method Larson's nurse caring behaviors (CARE-Q) were rank ordered by the Q-sort method. Results The patient's study group perceived behaviors that involved technology as most important, which differed from nurses, who perceived listening as the most important caring behavior. Conclusions This study supports the findings of other researchers that patients' and nurses' perceptions of important nurse caring behaviors are divergent.
Effect of lead and cadmium free glasses on reliability of the silver end termination for MLCC application

New regulations to control and manage waste disposal European Union come out with regulation like WEES (Waste from Electrical and Electronics Equipment) and RoHS (regulation of hazardous substance) use in European Union. RoHS eliminate use of hazardous elements like lead, cadmium, chromium and others form electronic equipments used and manufactured in European countries. Metech Electronic a division of Lord Corporation has developed silver end termination, which meets the requirements imposed by RoHS. New silver end termination paste is based on glass, which is free of elements regulated as hazardous in nature. Effect of glass on different barium titanate body type is presented. Effect of glass on the properties like IR value of the terminated parts before and after steam test is discussed. Data are presented on different tests like highly accelerated life test (HALT), termination dimension, load humidity test etc. conducted during its development and is compared with the existing Metech leaded products as well as similar products available in market for same application is presented. Fired scanning electron microstructure for fired termination is also presented along with optical image showing continuity of nickel and tin plating.
Food Allergy and Adverse Reactions

The concept of “food allergy” is not new.1 Immunological responses to foodstuffs were demonstrated long before the modern era of sophisticated immunological investigative techniques.1,2 Unfortunately, however, the subject has been shrouded in confusion and controversy for several decades, and in the minds of some physicians it has been relegated to the level of food faddism, cultism, and quackery. The problem has been compounded by the continuing presence of articles and advertising in the popular press which have, to a large extent, succeeded in giving many of their readers wild and exaggerated notions and expectations about the prevalence, spectrum, and investigation of putative food allergies.
Population-based familial aggregation of eosinophilic esophagitis suggests a genetic contribution

Background Prior familial clustering studies have observed an increased risk of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) mostly among first-degree relatives, suggesting a genetic contribution to EoE, and twin studies have suggested a powerful contribution from environmental factors. Objective This study sought to clarify the contribution of genetic factors to EoE through estimation of familial aggregation and risk of EoE in extended relatives. Methods The Utah Population Database, a population-based genealogy resource linked to electronic medical records for health care systems across the state of Utah, was used to identify EoE cases and age, sex, and birthplace-matched controls at a 5:1 ratio. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds of EoE among relatives of EoE probands compared with the odds of EoE among relatives of controls. Results There were 4,423 EoE cases and 24,322 controls. The population-attributable risk of EoE was 31% (95% CI, 28% to 34%), suggesting a relatively strong genetic contribution. Risks of EoE were significantly increased among first-degree relatives (odds ratio [OR], 7.19; 95% CI, 5.65-9.14), particularly first-degree relatives of EoE cases diagnosed Conclusions This study supports a significant genetic contribution to EoE as evidenced by increased risk of EoE in distant relatives.
CHAPTER 58 – Role of Lipid Domains in EGF Receptor Signaling

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor localizes to low-density, cholesterol-enriched plasma membrane domains known as lipid rafts via an interaction that is mediated by its extracellular domain. Raft integrity appears to be important for the appropriate function and regulation of EGF-receptor-mediated signaling. Other receptor tyrosine kinases, including ErbB2, the PDGF receptor, the NGF receptor, and the insulin receptor, have been found to reside in or be recruited to lipid rafts. Disruption of rafts by depletion of cholesterol has been shown to modulate signaling mediated by many of these growth factors. Thus, lipid rafts appear to play a general role in the signaling function of receptor tyrosine kinases. This chapter describes what is known regarding the mechanism through which the EGF receptor is targeted to lipid rafts and discusses the role of localization to lipid rafts in EGF-receptor-mediated signaling.
Protective immunity and gene expression related to pneumococcal glycoconjugate

The immunogenicity of most polysaccharides (PSs) contained in the pneumococcal vaccine is low in children less than 2 years of age. Enhancement of immune response in early life can be induced by immunization of pneumococcal glycoconjugate as well as plasma DNA coding for cell-surface protein antigen.
Risk Perception, Sexual Behaviors, and PrEP Adherence Among Substance-Using Men Who Have Sex with Men: a Qualitative Study

The antiretroviral drug combination emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF/FTC) taken as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV infection, yet it also requires adherence and potentially decreases condom use. This study sought to examine these issues among a key population at risk of HIV infection, substance-using men who have sex with men (MSM). We conducted semi-structured interviews with an ethnically diverse sample of 30 young (aged 20–35) MSM prescribed PrEP within a large integrated healthcare system in San Francisco, who had reported recent drug use or hazardous drinking and one or more missed doses of PrEP. We explored participants’ risk perception and sexual risk behavior, drug and alcohol use, and PrEP adherence in the context of substance use. Interviews were transcribed and coded using a directed content analysis approach to identify key categories and commonalities, and differences across participants. Salient subcategories included positive psychological effects of being on PrEP (e.g., decreased anxiety, feelings of empowerment), social effects (e.g., reduced HIV stigma), and reduction in overall perceptions of HIV risk. While overall reported use of condoms went down and many reported a brief period of increased condomless sex following PrEP initiation, others continued condom use with most of their sexual partners. Contextual factors influencing their decision to engage in condomless sex included how well they knew the partner and whether the partner was on PrEP or HIV antiretroviral treatment. Factors associated with poor adherence included disruptions in daily routine and use of alcohol and methamphetamine. PrEP-prescribing clinicians should support their patients in making informed decisions about condom use and identifying strategies to maximize adherence in the context of substance use.
It’s Not the Moore Method, But… A Student Driven, Textbook Supported, Approach to Teaching Upper-Division Mathematics

AbstractThis paper describes, as an alternative to the Moore Method or a purely flipped classroom, a student-driven, textbook-supported method for teaching that allows movement through the standard course material with differing depths but the same pace. This method, including a combination of board work followed by class discussion, on-demand brief lectures by the professor, written homework, exams, and a course portfolio, has been used successfully for twenty-five years with four different textbooks in Real Analysis. It has also been used in an introduction to abstract mathematics course.
Gonzalo and Sandy: Hurricane Visualizations

This PEARC17 Visualization Showcase entry "Gonzalo and Sandy" is a video compilation of several short animations selected from the project, "Predictability and Data Assimilation of Severe Weather and Tropical Cyclones" supported by the Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment via its Extended Collaborative Support Service (XSEDE ECSS). The animations visualize data based on Atlantic hurricanes Gonzalo, and Sandy the storm that devastated the United States East Coast, most notably the New Jersey shore.
Methods and Tools Applied in Strategic Technology Planning

The relationship between strategic technology planning and the overall business strategy has been one of the growing fields that attract much interest both from academic and industry points of view. The increasingly important role that technology plays in today’s business success is well established. The ability to create, modify and maintain the alignment of technology planning to the overall business strategy—as market/business conditions change, new opportunities arise, and new capabilities are developed—can define the success or failure in the market. An increasing number of studies have been carried out over the years, contributing to the development of strategic technology planning literature. However, there has been no effort made to present an overview of the methodologies and tools that have been cited in technology planning literature. This chapter surveys technology plan development using literature review and classification of articles from 1970–2010 with keyword index in order to explore how technology planning methodologies and applications has developed in this period. The main content of the chapter is related to the works published in leading international journals that involve certain research methodologies or techniques.
Electro-active polymer (EAP) coatings for corrosion protection of metals

Abstract: Electro-active polymers (EAPs) will be fully discussed including synthesis, properties and applications for corrosion-inhibiting coatings. Their potential as corrosion-inhibiting coatings on ferrous and non-ferrous alloys will be examined in detail and the methods available to convert the insulating form (non-conductive) to the conducting form will be presented. The corrosion mechanism associated with ferrous alloys using EAPs will be described in detail with supporting documentation affirming their corrosion-inhibiting properties. Additionally, several possible explanations for the corrosion-inhibiting properties of non-ferrous metals (e.g. aluminum alloys) that use EAPs as corrosion-inhibiting coatings will be discussed. Current work on EAPs investigated by researchers at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), China Lake, California as alternatives to chromate conversion coatings (CCC) will also be presented.
Adenoid involvement in velopharyngeal closure in children with cleft palate

OBJECTIVETo assess the role of the adenoid pad in velopharyngeal (VP) closure.DESIGNA retrospective review of patients with cleft palate (CP) who underwent nasendoscopy and multiview videofluorosco...
Reflections from the Field Teaching History Now: The University Context

A special section with the following contributors: Todd Beach, Eastview High School, Apple Valley, MNKristy Brugar, University of OklahomaLendol Calder, Augustana CollegeKaren Carroll Cave, National Humanities CenterFrederick D. Drake, Illinois State UniversityStephen Kneeshaw, College of the OzarksBruce Lesh, Maryland State Department of EducationJodie Mader, Thomas More CollegeDonn Neal, National Archives and Records AdministrationPamela Riney-Kehrberg, Iowa State UniversityRaymond Screws, Arkansas National Guard MuseumWilson J. Warren, Western Michigan University
The Relationship Between Multiple Intelligences, Culture And Diversity

The topic of intelligence, whether hereditary or acquired, has been the subject of discussion since the beginning of time and will probably keep researchers and authors talking for many years to come. However, one statement needs to be clarified that studies seem to indicate that people of all backgrounds and cultures have similar capacities of intelligences. Despite this fact, there seems to be widespread discrimination and stereotypes in today’s workplace. Effective management and leadership require that our workplaces are free of biases so everyone can work synergistically. The paper provides some reflections on multiple intelligences, culture and diversity management and concludes by offering a discussion of social and emotional intelligences for diversity management as well as suggestions for tolerating, respecting and understanding each other’s differences.
Ultrabright Backward-wave Biphoton Source

We calculate the properties of a biphoton source based on resonant backward-wave spontaneous parametric down conversion. We show that the biphotons are generated in a single longitudinal mode having a subnatural linewidth and a Glauber correlation time exceeding 65 ns.
Meningococcal vaccination: a discussion with all adolescents, whether college-bound or not.

Introduction: Adolescents and young adults are the primary reservoirs and transmitters of meningococci. In the US, meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) disease predominates over A, C, W, and Y; ACIP-re...
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and its Subunits as Tumor Markers

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) shares a common quaternary structure of two different subunits with the three pituitary glycoprotein hormones — thyroid stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone. Those hormones possess a common alpha subunit but their beta subunits differ, conferring immunologic and biologic specificities (1). The alpha subunit of hCG is comprised of 91 amino acids and two branched oligosaccharide side chains, usually terminating in sialic acid (2). The beta sub-unit of hCG contains 145 amino acids and six extensively branched oligosaccharide side chains, most terminating with sialic acid (2,3). Human CG is secreted in relatively large quantities by the syncytiotrophoblastic cells of the placenta but may be synthesized at low but significant levels by a wide array of normal tissues (4–6). Human luteinizing hormone (hLH) and hCG share indistinguishable biologic activities. That biologic similarity undoubtedly reflects the presence of a common alpha subunit on those two glycoprotein hormones as well as the extensive structural homology within the beta subunits of those two hormones. The beta subunit of LH contains 115 amino acids and shares at least 80% structural homology with the beta subunit of hCG (7).
Preliminaries: models, R, and lab techniques

Abstract This section provides a brief introduction to mathematical modeling in biology and basic programming and lab skills. The purpose of this section is to build the reader's confidence and skill set in R and the lab before they engage in the modeling process. The R Basics section is for those who are new or relative novices in the use of R or other programming languages and introduces data structures, plotting, importing data, and linear regression. Exercises engage students with the material and reinforce the concepts presented. This section of the book may be extremely helpful on its own or to any course or team project that requires R. The Prelab Lab introduces pipettes, units, spectrophotometry, dilutions, and data analysis. Again, exercises are embedded to help users practice using the equipment and thinking about the methods they are using to collect data.
Functional Limit Theorems for Shot Noise Processes with Weakly Dependent Noises

We study shot noise processes when the shot noises are weakly dependent, satisfying the ρ-mixing condition. We prove a functional weak law of large numbers and a functional central limit theorem fo...
Clinical, regional, and genetic characteristics of Covid-19 patients from UK Biobank.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has rapidly infected millions of people worldwide. Recent studies suggest that racial minorities and patients with comorbidities are at higher risk of Covid-19. In this study, we analyzed the effects of clinical, regional, and genetic factors on Covid-19 positive status. Methods The UK Biobank is a longitudinal cohort study that recruited participants from 2006 to 2010 from throughout the United Kingdom. Covid-19 test results were provided to UK Biobank starting on March 16, 2020. The main outcome measure in this study was Covid-19 positive status, determined by the presence of any positive test for a single individual. Clinical risk factors were derived from UK Biobank at baseline, and regional risk factors were imputed using census features local to each participant's home zone. We used robust adjusted Poisson regression with clustering by testing laboratory to estimate relative risk. Blood types were derived using genetic variants rs8176719 and rs8176746, and genomewide tests of association were conducted using logistic-Firth hybrid regression. Results This prospective cohort study included 397,064 UK Biobank participants, of whom 968 tested positive for Covid-19. The unadjusted relative risk of Covid-19 for Black participants was 3.66 (95% CI 2.83-4.74), compared to White participants. Adjusting for Townsend deprivation index alone reduced the relative risk to 2.44 (95% CI 1.86-3.20). Comorbidities that significantly increased Covid-19 risk included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (adjusted relative risk [ARR] 1.64, 95% CI 1.18-2.27), ischemic heart disease (ARR 1.48, 95% CI 1.16-1.89), and depression (ARR 1.32, 95% CI 1.03-1.70). There was some evidence that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ARR 1.48, 95% CI 1.13-1.93) were associated with increased risk of Covid-19. Each standard deviation increase in the number of total individuals living in a participant's locality was associated with increased risk of Covid-19 (ARR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08-1.20). Analyses of genetically inferred blood types confirmed that participants with type A blood had increased odds of Covid-19 compared to participants with type O blood (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% CI 1.01-1.33). A meta-analysis of genomewide association studies across ancestry groups did not reveal any significant loci. Study limitations include confounding by indication, bias due to limited information on early Covid-19 test results, and inability to accurately gauge disease severity. Conclusions When assessing the association of Black race with Covid-19, adjusting for deprivation reduced the relative risk of Covid-19 by 33%. In the context of sociological research, these findings suggest that discrimination in the labor market may play a role in the high relative risk of Covid-19 for Black individuals. In this study, we also confirmed the association of blood type A with Covid-19, among other clinical and regional factors.