cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Premenopausal gynecologic surgery and survival among black and white women with breast cancer

In the United States, hysterectomies and oophorectomies are frequently performed before menopause for benign conditions. The procedures are associated with reduced breast cancer-specific mortality among White women. The relationship between premenopausal gynecologic surgery and mortality in Black women with breast cancer is unknown. This investigation used incident invasive cases of breast cancer from Phases 1 and 2 of the Carolina Breast Cancer Study a population-based study that recruited Black and White women in North Carolina between 1993 and 2001. Premenopausal gynecologic surgery was operationalized in three categories: no surgery; hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy; hysterectomy with conservation of ≥ 1 ovary. Mortality was ascertained using the National Death Index, last updated in 2016. Multivariable-adjusted Cox Proportional Hazard Models were used to estimate the effect of premenopausal surgery on breast cancer-specific and all-cause mortality Hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy was associated with reduced breast cancer-specific mortality (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.49, 0.96). White and Black women had a similar reduction in breast cancer-specific mortality. (HR among white: 0.66; 95% CI 0.43, 1.02), (HR among Black: 0.67; 95% CI 0.37, 1.21). There was a similar reduction in breast cancer-specific mortality following premenopausal, pre-diagnosis hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy across both Black and White women.
Elective affinities between Sandinismo (as socialist idea) and liberation theology in the Nicaraguan Revolution

The history of the Nicaraguan Revolution has received considerable analytical attention. Typically, the successful overthrow of the Somoza regime in the late 1970s is associated with the Frente San...
Carbon combustion synthesis of Janus-like particles of magnetoelectric cobalt ferrite and barium titanate

Abstract Carbon combustion synthesis of oxides was applied for quick and energy efficient production of multiferroic composite of cobalt ferrite and barium titanate to form Janus-like particles matrix structure. The exothermic oxidation of carbon nanoparticles with an average size of 5 nm and a specific surface area of 110 m2/g generates a self-propagating thermal wave with peak temperature of up to 1000 °C. The thermal front rapidly propagates through the mixture of solid reactants (magnetic- CoFe2O4 and ferroelectric-BaTiO3) and results in localized hot-spot sintering of magneto-electric phases to form a nanocomposite structure. Carbon is not incorporated in the product and is emitted as a gaseous CO2. Existence of discrete CoFe2O4 and BaTiO3phases in the composites nanostructures was confirmed using X-ray powder diffraction along with SEM and TEM analysis. We estimated the activation energy for the combustion synthesis of Janus-like particles to be 112 ± 3.3 kJ/mol, indicating that the barium titanate and cobalt ferrite presence decrease the activation energy barrier of carbon oxidation and facilitate the ignition process of the combustion synthesis. We observe that the as-synthesized samples show magnetoelectric coupling on multiferroic cobalt ferrite–barium titanate ceramic composites.
Size Effects in the Thermal Conductivity of Amorphous Polymers

Manipulating thermal conductivity through nanoengineering is of critical importance to advance technologies, such as soft robotics, artificial skin, wearable electronics, batteries, thermal insulation, and thermoelectrics. Here, by examining amorphous polymers, including polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, and ethylene vinyl alcohol, using molecular dynamics simulations, we find that the thermal conductivities of amorphous polymers can be reduced below their amorphous limit by size effects. Size-dependent thermal transport in amorphous materials is decomposed into crystalline, crystalline-to-amorphous, and amorphous regimes. In the amorphous regime, the mean free path of propagating heat carriers can range from tens of nanometers to more than 100 nm, contributing 16%--36% of the total thermal conductivity. A two-channel model that combines no size effect (i.e., difusons and locons) and size effect (i.e., propagons) is proposed to account for size-dependent thermal conductivity. We also find that the presence of charged molecules in polymers can significantly affect the thermal conductivity and its size effects due to electrostatic interactions. This work provides insights into the thermal conductivity of amorphous polymers that will have a broad impact on the nano- and chemical engineering of polymers for various energy-related applications.
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking for Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a treatment designed to decrease the progression of keratoconus, in particular, and other corneal thinning processes such as post LASIK and PRK ectasia. In addition, CXL appears to have beneficial visual and optical effects. In the CXL procedure, riboflavin (vitamin B2) is administered in conjunction with ultraviolet A (UVA 370 nm) producing a photochemical reaction in the corneal stroma with consequent mechanical stiffening of the cornea. Studies suggest that cross-linking is effective in decreasing progression of keratoconus and corneal ectasias. Maximum keratometry generally flattens by 1D to 3D 1 year after CXL. Similarly, corneal topography indices and higher-order aberrations generally improve after CXL. In addition to topography stabilization and improvement, best corrected visual acuity improves by about 1 Snellen line, on average, 1 year after CXL. After cross-linking, clinical outcomes appear to worsen at 1 month and improve between 3 and 12 months. During the wound healing course, there is a typical cross-linking-associated corneal haze, which peaks at 1 month and improves between 3 and 6 months, postoperatively. From the viewpoint of clinical decision-making, it is reasonable to consider all eyes with progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia for cross-linking treatment; however, eyes with good visual acuity (better than 20/40) may be somewhat more susceptible to a loss of 1 Snellen line of acuity after CXL. New clinical studies are underway to investigate transepithelial and faster cross-linking procedures, as well as cross-linking as an adjunctive treatment with other procedures such as intracorneal ring segments, PRK, and microwave thermokeratoplasty (Keraflex).
Fever and Rash After Travel to the Philippines.

A patient presented with fever, headache, nausea, arthralgia, and a rash, soon after travel to the Philippines.
A field method for cryopreservation of whole blood from a finger prick for later analysis with flow cytometry

OBJECTIVES Flow cytometry is a powerful tool for investigating immune function, allowing for the quantification of leukocytes by subtype. Yet it has not been used extensively for field work due to perishable reagents and the need for immediate analysis of samples. To make flow cytometry more accessible, we devise and evaluate a field protocol for freezing capillary blood. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected finger prick blood samples from 110 volunteers, age 18 to 42. Blood samples were analyzed immediately for 18 cell surface markers. Aliquots of whole blood were frozen in the vapor phase of a liquid nitrogen tank with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide in medium. Samples were analyzed on a Guava EasyCyte HT flow cytometer after 2, 4, or 14 weeks. RESULTS Major lymphocyte fractions in frozen samples were correlated with fresh values (T-cells: r = 0.82; Natural Killer [NK] cells: r = 0.64; CD4: r = 0.67; CD8: r = 0.82; Naive CD4: r = 0.73, Naive CD8: r = 0.71; B-cells: r = 0.73; all p < 0.001), and mean values were similar to those from fresh samples. However, correlations for smaller subsets of CD4 and B cells were generally poor. Some differences resulted from changes in non-specific binding for some antibody-conjugate pairs. Cryopreservation also resulted in a reduction in granulocytes more than lymphocytes. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that antibody/fluorochrome combinations should be validated before use on frozen samples, and that functional changes in cells may affect some cell markers. However, this simple freezing protocol utilizing finger pricks, whole blood, and a liquid nitrogen shipping tank is viable for obtaining samples for flow cytometry under field conditions.
Do people with low back pain walk differently? A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objective To identify differences in biomechanics during gait in individuals with acute and persistent low back pain compared with back-healthy controls. Design Systematic review Data Sources A search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO in June 2019 and was repeated in December 2020. Eligibility criteria Studies were included if they reported biomechanical characteristics of individuals with and without low back pain during steady-state or perturbed walking and running. Biomechanical data included spatiotemporal, kinematic, kinetic, and electromyography variables. The reporting quality and potential for bias of each study was assessed. Data were pooled where possible to compare the standardized mean differences (SMD) between groups. Results Ninety-seven studies were included. Two studies investigated acute pain and the rest investigated persistent pain. Eight studies investigated running gait. 20% of studies had high reporting quality/low risk of bias. In comparison with back-healthy controls, individuals with persistent low back pain walked more slowly (SMD -0.59 [95% CI -0.77 to -0.42]) and with shorter stride length (−0.38 [-0.60 to -0.16]). There were no differences in the amplitude of motion in the thoracic or lumbar spine, pelvis, or hips in individuals with LBP. During walking, coordination of motion between the thorax and the lumbar spine/pelvis was significantly more in-phase in the LBP groups (−0.60 [-0.90 to -0-.30]), and individuals with LBP exhibited greater amplitude of activation in the paraspinal muscles (0.52 [0.23 to 0.80]). Summary/Conclusion There is moderate to strong evidence that individuals with persistent LBP demonstrate impairments in walking gait compared with back-healthy controls.
Remote sensing detection enhancement.

Big Data in the area of Remote Sensing has been growing rapidly. Remote sensors are used in surveillance, security, traffic, environmental monitoring, and autonomous sensing. Real-time detection of small moving targets using a remote sensor is an ongoing, challenging problem. Since the object is located far away from the sensor, the object often appears too small. The object’s signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) is often very low. Occurrences such as camera motion, moving backgrounds (e.g., rustling leaves), low contrast and resolution of foreground objects makes it difficult to segment out the targeted moving objects of interest. Due to the limited appearance of the target, it is tough to obtain the target’s characteristics such as its shape and texture. Without these characteristics, filtering out false detections can be a difficult task. Detecting these targets, would often require the detector to operate under a low detection threshold. However, lowering the detection threshold could lead to an increase of false alarms. In this paper, the author will introduce a new method that improves the probability to detect low SNR objects, while decreasing the number of false alarms as compared to using the traditional baseline detection technique.
Brain Asphyxia and Hemorrhage

The fetus is oxygenated by a system of mixed blood. Oxygen supply depends on the oxygen that is transported by the umbilical vein (UV), which originates at the level of the intervillous space of the placenta, where oxygen and CO2 are exchanged.
Administering the window

Abstract This paper presents a game-theoretic model of nonprice rationing at the discount window. It focuses on the Federal Reserve's use of frequency guidelines and harassment to deter ‘excessive’ use of the discount window by banks. The model investigates the role of the discount officer, the effect of uncertainty, and the credibility of threats used by the discount officer to deter excessive borrowing by banks.
3-D Wave-Structure Interaction with Coastal Sediments - A Multi-Physics/Multi-Solution-Techniques Approach

Abstract : The long term goals of this proposed research are twofold: (1) develop an advanced multi-physics model with a multi-numerical solution techniques approach to predict nonlinear dynamic behavior of impact burial and flow-induced motion of flexible structures (mines) and surrounding sediments (sand) in the marine environment; and (2) calibrate resulting models with experimental and field measurements. The predictive capability developed in this research will eventually be integrated into an overarching computational framework for the analysis and simulation of the dynamic behavior of naval systems in the marine environment of arbitrary water depth. The ability to detect and neutralize bottom mines is critically dependent on the scour pattern around the mine and on the degree of the mine burial. The objectives of the first two-years of this research are to first gain an understanding of the structure-fluid-sediment-seabed interaction phenomenon by conducting a literature survey to determine state-of-the-art analytical and numerical modeling capabilities. Then evaluate the current status of analysis and simulation software LS-DYNA in terms of its prediction capabilities for coupled dynamic motions of submerged mines on a seabed in the marine environment and to identify immediately needed developments for further improvement. Simultaneously, survey and examine laboratory and field experiments of the nonlinear dynamic behavior of impact burial and flow-induced motion of mines and scour of surrounding sediments in the marine environment.
Chapter 13 Empirical Studies of Corporate Law

Abstract This chapter reviews the empirical literature, especially the event study literature, as it relates to corporate and securities law. Event studies are among the most successful uses of econometrics in policy analysis. By providing an anchor for measuring the impact of events on investor wealth, the methodology offers a fruitful means for evaluating the welfare implications of private and government actions. This chapter begins by briefly reviewing the event study methodology and its strengths and limitations for policy analysis. It then discusses one of the limitations of more conventional empirical work (cross-sectional analysis), the problem presented by the fact that the characteristics of firms that are studied in relation to each other (such as ownership and mechanisms of corporate governance) or to firm performance are not exogeneous but self-selected by firms. Thereafter it reviews in detail how event studies have been used to evaluate the wealth effects of corporate litigation. Subsequently, we focus on the methodology's application to corporate law and corporate governance issues, supplemented with discussion of other relevant empirical work as well. Event studies are emphasized because they have played an important role in the making of corporate law and in applied corporate finance and corporate law scholarship. The reason for this input is twofold. First, there is a match between the methodology and subject matter: the goal of corporate law is to increase shareholder wealth and event studies provide a metric for measurement of the impact upon stock prices of policy decisions. Second, because the participants in corporate law debates share the objective of corporate law, to adopt policies that enhance shareholder wealth, their disagreements are over the means to achieve that end. A further reason for emphasizing event study data is that they avoid the endogeneity concerns that can limit the results of other modes of empirical research in this area.
Grantor Trusts and Income Tax Reporting Requirements: A Primer

In the last decade, grantor trusts have become a cornerstone of many sophisticated estate plans. Although clients and their advisors employ grantor trusts with great frequency and success, few taxpayers and not all estate planning professionals are fully conversant with the income tax reporting requirements for grantor trusts. Some erroneously assume that because grantor trusts are "ignored" for purposes of calculating taxable income, they are also ignored for purposes of reporting taxable income. this is not always the case, however. This article explains the complex rules with which taxpayers and their advisors must comply for reporting income of grantor trusts. The article includes a visual flowchart of the procedural steps that must be followed to comply with applicable Treasury Regulations.
Numerical simulation of turbulence

Numerical simulations of three-dimensional homogeneous, isotropic turbulence at windtunnel Reynolds numbers (Rλ 20–40) are reported. The results of the simulations are compared with the predictions of turbulence theories.
A new device for use in crushing rigid biomass and geological materials prior to compositional analysis

Traditional preparation of rigid material for compositional analysis has involved time-consuming and physically demanding grinding processes, such as the use of mortar and pestle. This paper describes a simple and relatively inexpensive new device capable of quickly, safely, and efficiently pulverizing rigid and brittle biomass material, or geologic materials, such as rock and sediment. The high sample recovery obtained with this device is comparable to that achieved by much more expensive analytical equipment.
Support for dynamic binding in strongly typed languages

Dynamic binding is a facility usually found only in weakly typed languages. A strongly typed, block-structured language can, however, also support dynamic binding if its implementation is modified according to a set of widely applicable principles. The result of applying these principles to a strongly typed base language is a language that has much of the flexibility of weakly typed languages without requiring extensive run-time type checking.The primary principles in this general approach to adding dynamic binding to a language are providing separate compilation for the units of dynamic binding, establishing a link between a name in one unit and its implementation in another, and assuring that programs using dynamic binding remain consistent during their execution. There are different methods for implementing each of these principles; two languages to which dynamic binding has been added serve to illustrate some of the alternatives.
Postprandial Blood Pressure Changes During Hemodialysis

The effect of eating on BP during hemodialysis was examined in nine nondiabetic end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. A standard meal was given during 62 of 125 dialysis treatments in a prospectively controlled study. Diastolic ( P = 0.01) and mean ( P = 0.03) BPs fell significantly faster in the 45-minute postprandial period in the fed treatments compared with equivalent times in the fasting treatments. In this period, symptomatic hypotension occurred 13 times in five patients fed during dialysis compared with two episodes in one patient while fasting ( P
The effect of factivity on lexical retrieval and postlexical processes during eye fixations in reading

Subjects were required to read short passages of text while their eye movements were monitored. Each experimental passage contained a critical factive or nonfactive verb that was followed by a false complement. In half of the trials, subjects' reading was unimpaired; in the remainder of the trial, a central visual pattern mask, which moved in synchrony with the eyes, was applied. The results showed that (1) factive and nonfactive verbs did not receive different amounts of fixation time during the reading text. However, (2) false complements that followed factive verbs received longer fixation times than identical false complements that followed nonfactive verbs. On the basis of this, it is concluded that individual word characteristics, such as factivity, are encoded automatically while sentence interpretation requires effort to be completed.
Kinetic models of tissue fusion processes

Recent studies of tissue fusion (welding) processes have reported temperature ranges but have not carefully analyzed critical exposure time data. Electron microscopic (EM) studies suggest that the fusion process in blood vessels may be dominated by random re-entwinement of thermally dissociated adventitial collagen fibrils (Type I) during the end stage heating and early cooling phases. At the light microscopic level, this bonding process is reflected by the formation of an amorphous coagulum of thermally coagulated adventitial collagen at the anastomotic site. We have constructed a numerical model of the vessel welding process, assuming CO2 laser impingement, and used it to simulate quantitative histologic data obtained from successful welds of rat femoral and canine brachial arteries (unpublished data). The model estimates smooth muscle and collagen damage based on kinetic thermal damage analysis and water loss boundaries as a function of irradiation beam parameters and heating time. Both heating and cooling phases are simulated. The results illustrate the importance of the damage kinetics and local heat transfer phenomena to the weld characteristics realized.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Differential impact of adenosine nucleotides released by osteocytes on breast cancer growth and bone metastasis

Extracellular ATP has been shown to either inhibit or promote cancer growth and migration; however, the mechanism underlying this discrepancy remained elusive. Here we demonstrate the divergent roles of ATP and adenosine released by bone osteocytes on breast cancers. We showed that conditioned media (CM) collected from osteocytes treated with alendronate (AD), a bisphosphonate drug, inhibited the migration of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Removal of the extracellular ATP by apyrase in CM abolished this effect, suggesting the involvement of ATP. ATP exerted its inhibitory effect through the activation of purinergic P2X receptor signaling in breast cancer cells evidenced by the attenuation of the inhibition by an antagonist, oxidized ATP, as well as knocking down P2X7 with small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the inhibition of migration by an agonist, BzATP. Intriguingly, ATP had a biphasic effect on breast cancer cells-lower dosage inhibited but higher dosage promoted its migration. The stimulatory effect on migration was blocked by an adenosine receptor antagonist, MRS1754, ARL67156, an ecto-ATPase inhibitor, and A2A receptor siRNA, suggesting that in contrast to ATP, adenosine, a metabolic product of ATP, promoted migration of breast cancer cells. Consistently, non-hydrolyzable ATP, ATPγS, only inhibited but did not promote cancer cell migration. ATP also had a similar inhibitory effect on the Py8119 mouse mammary carcinoma cells; however, adenosine had no effect owing to the absence of the A2A receptor. Consistently, ATPγS inhibited, whereas adenosine promoted anchorage-independent growth of MDA-MB-231 cells. Our in vivo xenograft study showed a significant delay of tumor growth with the treatment of ATPγS. Moreover, the extent of bone metastasis in a mouse intratibial model was significantly reduced with the treatment of ATPγS. Together, our results suggest the distinct roles of ATP and adenosine released by osteocytes and the activation of corresponding receptors P2X7 and A2A signaling on breast cancer cell growth, migration and bone metastasis.
Biosynthesis of collagen crosslinks in rabbit articular cartilage in vivo.

Abstract The biosynthesis in vivo of the two reducible aldimine crosslinks of immature rabbit articular collagen, hydroxylysinohydroxynorleucine and hydroxylysinonorleucine, is demonstrated. The peak amount of crosslink was detected 1–2 weeks following labeling of the cartilage with [ 14 C]lysine. The subsequent diminution which occurred was due primarily to a decrease in the amount of hydroxylysinohydroxynorleucine. Natural reduction of the aldimine crosslinks in vivo did not occur. Glucosylgalactosyl hydroxylysine and galactosylhydroxylysine, in a 1.45 1.00 ratio, were synthesized. Seventy-three percent of the hydroxylysine residues were glycosylated. [ 3 H]NaBH 4 reduction of non- 14 C-labeled cartilage showed diminished amounts of reducible crosslink with time and the presence of hexosyl lysines and hexosyl hydroxylysines in mature articular cartilage.
Blood and Hair Mercury Concentrations in the Pacific Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) Pup: Associations with Neurodevelopmental Outcomes.

Monomethylmercury (MeHg+) is an environmental pollutant, which at sufficiently high exposures, has induced neurotoxicosis in several animal species, including humans. Adverse neurological effects due to gestational exposure are of particular concern as MeHg+ readily crosses the blood–brain and placental barriers. The degree to which environmental concentrations in marine prey affect free-living piscivorous wildlife, however, remains largely undetermined. We examined associations of gestational exposures to mercury on neurodevelopment and survival using hair and blood concentrations of total mercury ([THg]) in a stranded population of Pacific harbor seal pups from central California. A positive association was determined for the presence of abnormal neurological symptoms and increasing [THg] in blood (P = 0.04), but not hair. Neither hair nor blood [THg] was significantly associated with survival, or the neurodevelopmental milestone ‘free-feeding’, which was measured from the onset of hand-assisted feeding to the time at which pups were able to consume fish independently. Both hair and blood [THg] exceeded threshold values considered potentially toxic to humans and other mammalian wildlife species. The higher [THg] in blood associated with abnormal neurological symptoms may indicate an adverse effect of this pollutant on neurodevelopment in harbor seal pups. These data have broader implications with respect to human health and public policy as harbor seals and humans consume similar fish species, and it is possible that safeguard levels established for marine mammals could also extend to human populations that regularly consume fish.
George Augustus Osborn In Memoriam

Memorial tribute to George Augustus Osborn (1874-1947), Rutgers University Librarian, 1907-1945.
Overview of the Development for a Suite of Low-Thrust Trajectory Analysis Tools

A NASA intercenter team has developed a suite of low-thrust trajectory analysis tools to make a significant improvement in three major facets of low-thrust trajectory and mission analysis. These are: 1) ease of use, 2) ability to more robustly converge to solutions, and 3) higher fidelity modeling and accuracy of results. Due mostly to the short duration of the development, the team concluded that a suite of tools was preferred over having one integrated tool. This tool-suite, their characteristics, and their applicability will be described. Trajectory analysts can read this paper and determine which tool is most appropriate for their problem.
Schizophrenia drug says goodbye to dopamine.

A drug that activates glutamate receptors offers promise for a new class of anti-psychotic therapeutics and sheds light on the pathophysiology of this devastating disease (pages 1102–1107 ).
Prevention of Haemophilus influenzae type b disease.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is the leading cause of meningitis in children 18 months of age but not below that age. This product was licensed for routine use in the USA for children aged 24 months or more. Recently a hyperimmune globulin termed bacterial polysaccharide immune globulin (BPIg) was prepared by immunizing adult donors with Hib-PRP, meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines. BPIg has been demonstrated to prevent Hib infections when it is administered to infants at 4-month intervals. However, BPIg has not been licensed for routine use in the USA. A number of new Hib conjugate vaccines have also been developed in the last few years by convalently linking the Hib-PRP to different carrier proteins. Four different Hib conjugate vaccines have undergone clinical trials in the USA. Two of these vaccines, HbOC (Hib capsular oligosaccharide linked to CRM197) and Hib-OMPC (Hib capsular polysaccharide linked to Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane protein complex) have been demonstrated to protect infants aged 2 months or more from Hib disease. Both HbOC and Hib-OMPC are currently licensed for routine use in the USA. The widespread use of these vaccines should have a substantial impact in reducing morbidity and mortality from Hib disease.
Selection of lactic acid bacteria for use in vegetable fermentations

Abstract The fermentation of brined vegetables traditionally has depended upon growth of naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria to metabolize the vegetable sugars to organic acids which, together with added salt, results in preservation. Starter cultures have been used only to a limited extent commercially. However, recent efforts to improve fermentation vessels and to develop controlled fermentation methods for fermented vegetables has resulted in an increased interest in developing cultures suitable for application in such methods. Rapid and dominant growth, type and extent of acid production, salt tolerance, temperature range, CO 2 production, cell sedimentation, bacteriophage resistance, nutritional value, and ability to survive as concentrated cultures are factors to consider in developing lactic acid bacterial cultures for use in controlled fermentation of vegetables. Recent examples of efforts to improve cultures include development of nonmalate-decarboxylating strains of lactobacilli for use in cucumber fermentation and isolation of a new species of lactobacillus that produces only the L-isomer of lactic acid from the glucose for use in sauerkraut fermentation. Further improvements in starter cultures for fermented vegetables are likely when suitable genetic transfer systems are developed for selective incorporation or deletion of specific traits.
Performance characterization of nonlinear optimization methods for mesh quality improvement

We characterize the performance of gradient- and Hessian-based optimization methods for mesh quality improvement. In particular, we consider the steepest descent and Polack-Ribiere conjugate gradient methods which are gradient based. In the Hessian-based category, we consider the quasi-Newton, trust region, and feasible Newton methods. These techniques are used to improve the quality of a mesh by repositioning the vertices, where the overall mesh quality is measured by the sum of the squares of individual elements according to the aspect ratio metric. The effects of the desired degree of accuracy in the improved mesh, problem size, initial mesh configuration, and heterogeneity in element volume on the performance of the optimization solvers are characterized on a series of tetrahedral meshes.
Multiple products of the Leishmania chagasi major surface protease (MSP or GP63) gene family

Abstract The major surface protease (MSP or GP63) of the Leishmania spp. protozoa facilitates parasite evasion of complement-mediated killing, phagocytosis by macrophages, and intracellular survival in macrophage phagolysosomes. Immunoblots of several Leishmania species have shown there are distinct MSP isoforms, but the biochemical bases for these differences are unknown. Northern blots show that transcripts of the three tandem gene classes encoding Leishmania chagasi MSP ( MSPS , MSPL , MSPC ) are differentially expressed during parasite growth in vitro. Cell-associated MSPs increase in abundance during growth, correlating directly with parasite virulence. We examined whether distinct products of these >18 MSP genes are either differentially expressed or differentially processed during parasite growth. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblots delineated more than 10 MSP isoforms in stationary phase L. chagasi , distributed between pI s of 5.2–6.1 and masses of 58–63 kDa. Post-translational modifications including N-glycosylation, GPI anchor addition and phosphorylation did not account for all differences among the isoforms. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry demonstrated that at least some L. chagasi MSPs were the products of different MSP genes. One isoform was not available for surface biotinylation, suggesting it could be located internally. Parasites in logarithmic growth expressed only four MSP isoforms, and an attenuated strain of L. chagasi (L5) did not express one of the MSP classes (MSPS). These data demonstrate that the products of individual MSP genes are differentially expressed during Leishmania development. We hypothesize they may play different roles during parasite migration through its two hosts.
Secondary Victimizations in Missing Child Events

This paper examines the incidence and nature of secondary victimizations (attempted and completed physical assault, sexual assault, and robbery) in a population of missing children (nonfamily abducted, family abducted, runaway/thrownaway, general/benign missing). Using data from the NISMART-2 studies, the following questions are addressed: How much secondary criminal victimization of children occurs in the context of missing children events, and what is the nature of this victimization? Are some categories/ types of missing children event more likely to result in secondary victimization than others? Is the risk for secondary victimization greater for some missing children than others (e.g., are age or race factors)? Are the outcomes of missing child events which include secondary victimizations different in significant ways from those which do not (more likely to be associated with harm for children or more likely to involve public resources like law enforcement)?
Cognitive Radio Wideband Spectrum Sensing Using Multitap Windowing and Power Detection with Threshold Adaptation

A common technique for cognitive radio wideband spectrum sensing is energy/power detection of primary users (PU) in frequency domain. Specifically, power spectrum estimation methods are combined with power detection statistics to test the PU presence. However, when detecting in a particular band of interest these techniques suffer from energy leakage and adjacent channel interference. In this paper, we derive a common matrix framework for the analytical performance of power detectors when FFT, windowed FFT, or multitap windowed FFT are used. Our matrix model is verified by simulations of modulated PU signals. We further propose a low-complexity compensation method to adapt the thresholds in the presence of large power difference between channels. By using both the multitap windowing and the constant false-alarm-rate method in the presence of strong signals, we demonstrate a 2-times increase in the detection rate performance as compared to existing methods. The proposed algorithm achieves similar PFA and PD as FFT at lower sample complexity, leading to reduced sensing times.
Role of inhibition in the suppression of α-motoneuron hyper-excitability following chronic spinal cord injury

Introduction The monosynaptic spinal stretch reflex consists of glutamatergic Ia muscle spindle afferents synapsing on αmotoneuron (α-MN) dendrites. Also, renshaw cells (RC) mediate a direct recurrent inhibition of α-MNs potentially via GABAA and glycinergic receptors. The RC synapses are confined to α-MN dendrites. Several studies have implicated a GABAB receptor mediated pre-synaptic inhibition of the Ia terminal during reflex generation. Supra-spinal inputs further modulate the efficacy of the synaptic inputs to the α-MN, e.g. brainstem nuclei exert a tonic monoaminergic inhibition on RCs. Following spinal cord injury (SCI), hyper-reflexia and motor spasticity occur with concomitant α-MN hyper-excitability. The hyper-excitability has largely been attributed to an enhancement of dendritic persistent inward currents (PICs), while inhibitory pathways may also play a role. However, the effect of a combination of PIC enhancement and changes in inhibitory inputs on α-MN excitability is yet unclear [1]. In this study, we use a network model for the monosynaptic stretch reflex with RC-type recurrent inhibition of the αMN to test the hypothesis that GABAergic inputs are essential for suppressing α-MN hyper-excitability after chronic SCI.
In the Shadow of the Castle: (Trans)Nationalism, African American Tourism, and Gorée Island

"In The Shadow of the Castle: (Trans) Nationalism, African-American Tourism, and Goree Island" argues that the late twentieth-century "Back to Africa" discourse departs from the nineteenth-century emigrationist and mid-twentieth-century expatriate "Back to Africa" movements; the contemporary discourse predicates itself more on a commemoration of slavery's past than on creating a programmatic solution for the future and establishing an alternative homeland in an emancipated African postcolonial present. By examining the photographs from Carrie Mae Weems's "Elmina Cape Coast Ile de Goree" and Chester Higgins's "The House of Slaves at the Door of No Return," this article contends that the advent of African American heritage tourism enables post-Civil Rights African Americans to replace (and thus temporarily reconcile) their sense of exclusion from America's canonized national self-narrative with recourse to an alternative, albeit romantically imagined, Diasporic site of origin.
Modulation of synapse formation by cyclic adenosine monophosphate

Synapses between neuroblastoma-hybrid cells and myotubes exhibit a high degree of plasticity. Increase of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) levels of the hybrid cells for several days results in the appearance of functional voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels, which are required for evoked secretion of acetylcholine. The results show that cyclic AMP regulates synaptogenesis by regulating the expression of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels, and suggest that cyclic AMP affects posttranslational modifications of some glycoproteins and cellular levels of certain proteins.
Aggregate height—A composite measure of stand density for tree seedling populations

Abstract Aggregate height, a composite measure of seedling size and number per unit area, is proposed for describing stand density of seedling populations during early stand development. Aggregate height is analogous to other stand density measurements, such as basal area, that incorporate both size and number of trees into a single value. A large scale dataset (3452 subplots in 33 stands) from the central Appalachians and a long-term dataset (six stands from pre- to 20-years post-harvest) from the Missouri Ozarks were used to compare the utility of number of seedlings, mean height, aggregate height squared, and aggregate height for examining patterns of stand development. Comparisons of coefficients of determination ( r 2 ) indicate that aggregate height produces more deterministic models for describing the early development of tree seedling populations than do number of seedlings, mean height, and aggregate height squared. Stand developmental paths based on number of seedlings, basal area, and aggregate height reveal that the onset of the self-thinning stage coincides with the shifting of mean stand aggregate height, but not other measurements. The results indicate that aggregate height is an efficient measure of stand density to describe the relative prevalence of a species at a given stage of development and its ability to persist into future stages.
Discard Mortality Estimation of Yellowtail Flounder Using Reflex Action Mortality Predictors

Abstract The southern New England mid-Atlantic stock of yellowtail flounder Limanda ferruginea has a history of substantial discards, and the current stock assessment assumes 100% discard mortality. A controlled experimental trawl was used to test seven reflex actions, which in combination make up the reflex action mortality predictors (RAMPs), from stressed and unstressed yellowtail flounder. Tow time and air exposure were tested to identify their effects on mortality. Mortality was significantly related to reflex impairment. Exposure to air was the more influential stressor in the survivability of yellowtail flounder, suggesting that discard mortality in the fishery could be reduced by limiting the duration of on-deck air exposure for the fish. An example application of RAMP monitoring demonstrates a 42–73% range of discard mortality estimates from the southern New England trawl fishery. The reflex impairment–mortality relationship enables the estimation of discard mortality aboard commercial fishing ve...
PRACTICE AWARENESS OF CONTRAINDICATIONS TO PERTUSSIS VACCINE (V): A SURVEY OF 403 PEDIATRICIANS (P)

The debate over the liability for pertussis-related neurologic complications prompted the following survey. The survey was undertaken to evaluate the awareness of contraindications and examine recent physician attitudes towards the use of the V. A questionnaire (Q) was mailed to 924 P. In the Q the P were asked whether they would/or would not administer the V in each of 27 clinical situations. The situations included contraindications given by the Red Book (RB) of the Committee on Infectious Diseases (American Academy of Pediatrics) and other clinical situations. The Q was completed by 403 P (44%) of whom 192 were child neurologists. Results: All of the responders differed with the recommendations of the RB. Unexpectedly, the results show that some P would have given the V even when contraindicated by the RB, and a number of clinical situations (prematurity 14%, allergies 17%, cystic fibrosis 18%, family history of seizures 21%, cerebral palsy 26% and sibling with adverse reaction to V 51% ) were erroneously interpreted as contraindications. If P non-compliance with established guidelines is as prevalent as our survey suggests, lower immunization rates, increased incidence of pertussis, increased V related complications and increased number of vaccine related litigations will not be unexpected.
Acoustic scattering by baffled flexible surfaces: The discrete optical theorem

The optical theorem for acoustic scattering by baffled membranes and plates relates the total cross section of the scattered field, the directivity factor in the specular direction, and the energy dissipated by the structure. It is basically a statement of conservation of power. In this paper it is demonstrated that the discrete formulation of these problems, obtained by a Galerkin approximation, exactly satisfies the optical theorem. This discrete relationship holds regardless of the choice of basis functions and the size of the truncated system N. Thus, the adherence of the approximate numerical results to the power conservation law does not necessarily imply its accuracy.
A decision-modeling approach to forecasting the diffusion of Longwall Mining technologies

Abstract Obtaining a reliable estimate of the upper limit of the market share that a technology can capture is a major limitation in forecasting the diffusion of new technologies. This paper offers a decision-modeling approach to estimate this upper limit. The approach requires the prospective adopter's value judgments about various decision factors that affect the technology. The approach can be incorporated in any forecasting/substitution model that uses an upper limit. A real world application of the approach is included, dealing with the diffusion of Longwall Mining technologies in the United States. Some extensions of the basic approach are also discussed.
Freedom of Speech Denied, Dignity Assaulted: What the Whistleblowers Experience in the US

This article attempts to answer a central puzzle in the field of whistleblower research: why, with the balance of corporate power arrayed against them, with assaults on their dignity, threats to their job security and with legal enforcement that is inadequate to protect the whistleblowers, do we see a growing number of whistleblowers in US society? This article identifies relevant shifts in the US occupational structure and economy, describes societal and organizational dynamics that lure individuals into disclosure of wrongdoing and managers into retaliation, and considers the pervasive effect upon the individual whistleblower of the whole escalating event into which they have been drawn. In order to show the relationship between the abridgement of employees' `right' to dissent and subsequent assaults on workers' dignity, this article summarizes aspects of the research literature to date that indicate the prevalence of management retaliation against whistleblowers, and considers the effect retaliation ma...
Processable, Electroactive, and Aqueous Compatible Poly(3,4-alkylenedioxypyrrole)s through a Functionally Tolerant Deiodination Condensation Polymerization

We present a method for the synthesis of soluble and processable 3,4-alkylenedioxypyrrole (XDOP)-based conjugated polymers via an iododecarboxylation−deiodination polymerization methodology. Polymerization to the respected PXDOP derivatives of suitably high molecular weight (3.8−14.2 kDa vs polystyrene as measured by GPC) was achieved by either heating the neat monomers for a few hours or allowing them to remain at room temperature for several days. A family of four polymers was synthesized and characterized optically and electrochemically. Polymer solutions were transparent in the visible in their neutral states, red in their partially oxidized states, and grayish-green in their heavily oxidized states. Electrochemical measurements of cast films show that all redox processes occur at low potentials (ca. 0 V vs the Fc/Fc+), similar to electrodeposited films. Polymers spray-cast as films onto ITO exhibited high band gaps above 3.0 eV along with stable UV and near-IR electrochromism in organic solvents with...
A larvicidal evaluation programme using Ascaris suum in mice.

An evaluation programme is presented for determining activity of unknown compounds on Ascaris suum larvae migrating into pulmonary tissues of animals. Data on gross lung lesions due to migrating ascarid larvae were obtained in a series of 44 screening tests consisting of 223 group observations from 1115 mice orally infected with A. suum. Lesion scores were graded in ascending order from 0 to 5 depending upon number and extent of pulmonary haemorrhages. In general, there was no significant difference in lesion scores between untreated mice and mice treated with unknown compounds in their ration. The programme is based on an initial 95% rejection of compounds with a 5% ability to retest compounds in groups of mice. The grand mean score for 44 tests was 2·88. Ninety per cent confidence limits for means among tests established scores at 2·21 and 3·55, and among groups of mice at 1·76 and 4·00, When the test mean was less than 2·2, the ascarid ova used for infection were considered non-virulent. Compounds selected as active were in groups of mice having a mean lesion score of 1·76 or less. Banminth, Styquin and Tetramisole showed larvicidal activity. A reasonable compromise exists in this system wherein false leads are tolerated to avoid screening out effective materials. The host-parasite relationship is proposed as a valuable tool for anthelmintic evaluation. The authors wish to thank Mr W. Henry and Mr M. Jackley of this laboratory.