cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Burden of Co-Infection: A Cost Analysis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in a Commercially Insured Hepatitis C Virus Population.

In patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) represents a major cause of morbidity and economic burden. Economic evaluations in HIV-HCV typically focus on government-sponsored insurance plans rather than a commercially insured cohort. This study evaluated the clinical and economic burden of HIV-HCV co-infection compared with HCV alone in commercially insured patients throughout the United States. Commercial medical and pharmacy claims from 2007 to 2015 from a 10% random sample of enrollees within the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus™ administrative claims database were analyzed. Patients were included based on the presence of a claim with a HCV diagnosis across three separate cross-sectional periods which were created from the full dataset (2007–2009, 2010–2012, and 2013–2015). Costs incurred were categorized as emergency department, inpatient, outpatient medical, outpatient pharmacy, and other, based on the claim place of service. Descriptive statistics and proportion of total costs in each group have been reported for all cost categories. The samples included 22,329 from 2007 to 2009, 23,186 from 2010 to 2012, and 27,288 from 2013 to 2015. In all three cross-sections, HIV-HCV individuals were more likely to be male and carriers of hepatitis B virus. Pharmacy costs were $29,368 in the HCV-only group, compared to $73,547 in the HIV-HCV group (p < 0.0001). Pharmacy costs increased as a proportion of total costs for both groups, increasing after 2012 from 41% to 55% for HIV-HCV and from 19% to 34% for HCV-only. The present study describes the total direct health care costs in HIV-HCV co-infected individuals and HCV-only patients in commercially insured health plans. Spending on pharmacy increased as a proportion of total health care costs in both groups. Further clinical and economic evaluations in HCV and/or HIV populations in the US should consider system-level factors related to insurance type when applying to the entire population.
Inequality Overhang: A Heterogeneous Approach

The linearity of the relationship between income inequality and economic development has been long questioned. While theory provides arguments for which the shape of the relationship may be positive for low levels of inequality and negative for high ones, most of the empirical literature assumes a linear specification finding conflicting results. Employing an innovative empirical approach, robust to endogeneity, we find pervasive evidence of nonlinearities. In particular, similar to the debt-overhang literature, we identify an inequality-overhang level, in that the slope of the relationship between income inequality and economic development switches from positive to negative at a net Gini coefficient of about 27 per cent. We also find that in an environment characterized by widespread financial inclusion and high income concentration, rising income inequality has a larger negative impact on economic development because banks may curtail credit to customers at the lower end of the income distribution. On the positive side, a sufficiently high female labor participation can act as a shock absorber reducing such a negative impact, possibly through a more efficient allocation of resources.
Optimal Iterative Method for Network Utility Maximization with Intertemporal Dynamic Constraints

Network utility maximization (NUM) has been often formulated to solve the optimal resource allocation problem in wireless networks and power systems. The network planner aims to optimally balance the supply and demand among producers and consumers so that the social welfare is maximized while the network constraints are respected. However, when the intertemporal dynamics of agents are taken into account, a single-period NUM formulation becomes insufficient. In this paper, the multi-period NUM with intertemporal dynamic constraints is considered and solve by a proposed iterative method. It features a price iteration scheme that achieves the optimal social welfare, and the algorithm is guaranteed to converge if proper concavity conditions hold. Simulation results verifies the effectiveness of the proposed iterative method. It is also demonstrated that there is an increase in social welfare compared to a single-period formulation.
Remind Me To Remember: A pilot study of a novel smartphone reminder application for older adults with dementia and mild cognitive impairment

The SmartPrompt is a smartphone-based reminder application informed by a neuropsychological model of functional disability. This laboratory-based pilot study examined the SmartPrompt feasibility, e...
Landscape characterization of floral resources for pollinators in the Prairie Pothole Region of the United States

Across agricultural areas of the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), floral resources are primarily found on public grasslands, roadsides, and private grasslands used as pasture or enrolled in federal conservation programs. Little research has characterized the availability of flowers across the region or identified the primary stakeholders managing lands supporting pollinators. We explored spatial and temporal variability in flower abundance and richness across multiple grassland categories (i.e. general grassland, conservation grassland, and engineered pollinator habitat) in the PPR from 2015 to 2018 and used these data to estimate the number of flowering stems present across the region on private and public land holdings. Both flowering plant abundance and richness were greatest on engineered pollinator habitat, but this land category encompassed < 0.01% of the total grassland area in the PPR. There was a steady decrease in flower abundance over the growing season across all land categories. We detected considerable variation in flower abundance and richness across grassland categories, indicating that not all natural or semi-natural covers provide similar value to pollinators. At a landscape scale, large land holdings such as privately-owned grasslands and Conservation Reserve Program lands contributed the greatest number of flowers by an order of magnitude, though these lands collectively did not support the greatest abundance of flowers per unit area. Our research depicts spatial and temporal variation in pollinator resources across the region. Further, our research will assist managers and policy makers in understanding the role of public and private lands and conservation programs in supporting pollinators.
Healthcare work in the wake of COVID-19: A focus on person–environment fit

[...]the burnout rate among health care workers was increasing even prior to the pandemic (Reith, 2018), suggesting that this increase may worsen stressors in an already strained workforce. Because health care workers represent those on whom we are relying most for their resilience within our communities worldwide, and because of the complexities of their current situation, it is vital to bring more attention to their experiences and needs at this time. The pandemic can result in a deterioration of family support structures and stress recovery routines outside of work, causing a disruption to the balance of work and nonwork norms on which health care workers may have relied. [...]the work environment changes during the pandemic may cause some nurses to experience a stronger sense of fit than before the pandemic. Career implications of P–E fit dynamics in health care Although some cases of enhanced fit are likely as described above, many health care workers may have preferred their work environment before COVID-19, where there were presumably lower levels of time pressure, stress, and fear of virus exposure.
Reproducible Model Selection Using Bagged Posteriors

Bayesian model selection is premised on the assumption that the data are generated from one of the postulated models. However, in many applications, all of these models are incorrect, which is known as model misspecification. When the models are misspecified, two or more models can provide a nearly equally good fit to the data, in which case Bayesian model selection can be highly unstable, potentially leading to self-contradictory findings. To remedy this instability, we propose to use bagging on the posterior distribution ("BayesBag") when performing model selection -- that is, to average the posterior model probabilities over many bootstrapped datasets. We provide theoretical results characterizing the asymptotic behavior of the posterior and the bagged posterior in the (misspecified) model selection setting. We empirically assess the BayesBag approach on synthetic and real-world data in (i) feature selection for linear regression and (ii) phylogenetic tree reconstruction. Our theory and experiments show that, when all models are misspecified, BayesBag provides (a) greater reproducibility and (b) greater accuracy in selecting the optimal model, compared to the usual Bayesian posterior; on the other hand, under correct specification, BayesBag is slightly more conservative than the usual posterior, in the sense that BayesBag posterior probabilities tend to be slightly farther from the extremes of zero and one. Overall, our results demonstrate that BayesBag provides an easy-to-use and widely applicable approach that improves upon Bayesian model selection by making it more stable and reproducible.
Impact of Pregnancy on Hidradenitis Suppurativa Disease Course: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Hormones are thought to play a role in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). However, data on the HS disease course during pregnancy and the postpartum period has not been well established. The objective of this study is to analyze the available literature to determine HS disease activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Methods The PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched for relevant articles from database inception until November 22, 2020. The inclusion criteria were a study population with the diagnosis of HS and discussion of pregnancy impact on the HS disease course or postpartum flare. Study characteristics, patient demographics, HS severity, and HS disease course during pregnancy and the postpartum period were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q statistic and I2 index. The random-effects meta-analytical model was used. The primary study outcome was the pooled odds ratio of improvement or of worsening of HS disease activity during pregnancy. Results The systematic search identified 8 studies for analysis. There was a total of 672 cases for which data on the patient-reported HS disease course during pregnancy were available, and 164 cases for which data on patient-reported postpartum flare were available. In the meta-analyses, the rate of HS disease improvement was 24% (95% CI 0.13-0.40) and the rate of HS disease worsening was 20% (95% CI 0.11-0.34). Sixty percent (99/164) of patients experienced a postpartum flare. Conclusion While about a quarter of women will experience an improvement in HS during pregnancy, the majority will have a stable or worsened disease course, and over half of patients will experience a postpartum flare. Close monitoring of HS patients is needed during pregnancy and postpartum periods, as patients may need continued, or even escalated, disease management.
Interventions with Fathers: Effective Social Work Practice for Enhancing Individual and Family Well-Being:

Father involvement, as specifically parent-led or engaged activities, is recognized and understood as distinctively broad in scope, but also rigid and historically prescribed by gendered social rol...
The Challenges of Career and Technical Education Concurrent Enrollment: An Administrative Perspective

Career and technical education concurrent enrollment may pose unique challenges in programming and enrollment for program administrators, and this chapter describes the experiences and challenges of a CTE concurrent enrollment administrator.
Role of Molecular Diffusion in Contaminant Migration and Recovery in an Alluvial Aquifer System

Highly-resolved simulations and flow and transport in an alluvial system at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) site explore the role of diffusion in the migration and recovery of a conservative solute. Heterogeneity is resolved to the hydrofacies scale with a discretization of 10.0, 5.0 and 0.5m in the strike, dip and vertical directions of the alluvial-fan system. Transport simulations rely on recently developed random-walk techniques that accurately account for local dispersion processes at interfaces between materials with contrasting hydraulic and transport properties. Solute migration and recovery by pump and treat are shown to be highly sensitive to magnitude of effective diffusion coefficient. Further, transport appears significantly more sensitive to the diffusion coefficient than to local-scale dispersion processes represented by a dispersivity coefficient. Predicted hold back of solute mass near source locations during ambient migration and pump-and-treat remediation is consistent with observations at LLNL, and reminiscent of observations at the MADE site of Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. Results confirm the important role of diffusion in low-conductivity materials and, consequently, its impact on efficacy of pump-and-treat and other remedial technologies. In a typical alluvial system on a decadal time scale this process is, in part, fundamentally nonreversible because the average thickness of low-K hydrofacies is considerably greater than the mean-square length of penetration of the solute plume.
Plastics as structural materials for aircraft

The purpose here is to consider the mechanical characteristics of reinforced phenol-formaldehyde resin as related to its use as structural material for aircraft. Data and graphs that have appeared in the literature are reproduced to illustrate the comparative behavior of plastics and materials commonly used in aircraft construction. Materials are characterized as to density, static strength, modulus of elasticity, resistance to long-time loading, strength under repeated impact, energy absorption, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication.
Diagnosis, Management, and Complications of Nonpenetrating Cardiac Trauma: A Perspective for Practicing Clinicians

We provide a state-of-the-art review for practicing clincians concerning diagnosis and treatment of patients with non-penetrating cardiac trauma. Internists, cardiologists, and intensivists are becoming increasingly involved in the diagnosis and management of patients with nonpenetrating cardiac injuries. Electrocardiography and cardiac isoenzyme determinations are the least expensive and most common laboratory tests used to diagnose this condition. Despite widespread use, however, these tests have significant limitations in diagnostic sensitivity and specificy. Two-dimensional echocardiography is advocated by some to improve diagnostic accuracy and to identify patients at increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Patients identified as low risk may be suitable for limited monitoring and early hospital discharge. Transesophageal echocardiography is a useful diagnostic tool that offers many advantages over standard transthoracic imaging. Nuclear medicine techniques, including radionuclide-labeled ant...
Particle Analysis for the Detection of Gunshot Residue. I: Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Characterization of Hand Deposits from Firing

Several methods of bulk elemental analysis, such as fiameless atomic absorption, flame emission spectroscopy, neutron activation analysis, and photoluminescence spectroscopy, can reliably and quantitatively determine the amounts of antimony and barium (antimony and lead in the case of photoluminescence) removed from the hand. The information thus furnished, however, in most cases is not sufficient to constitute presumptive evidence of the presence of gunshot residue. Many analyses are inconclusive because the amounts of antimony and barium (lead) are less than certain “thresholds” considered necessary because these elements are not unique to gunshot residue. Firings from .22 caliber weapons, unless the cartridge is known to be a Federal brand, are not usually analyzed because domestic rimfire primers, except Federal, do not contain antimony. Understandably, there has been great interest in alternative analysis methods capable of furnishing additional information of potentially higher specificity for gunshot residue.
Turbulent Transport of Carbon Dioxide over a Highly Vegetated Suburban Neighbourhood

The complexities involved in the turbulent transport of \({\mathrm {CO}}_{2}\) in an urban area are investigated using data from a 40-m-tall flux tower located in suburban Salt Lake Valley, UT, USA. We found that the transport of \({\mathrm {CO}}_{2}\) in the urban inertial sublayer is very much influenced by non-local effects and conflicting mechanisms that resulted in the multi-scale transport of fluxes at disparate scales. During the day when the site acts as a net sink of \({\mathrm {CO}}_{2}\), positive fluxes are observed at the low frequency end of the vertical velocity \({\mathrm {CO}}_{2}\) cospectrum. This behaviour is in stark contrast to that of other scalars: water vapour and heat. We also found that, unlike forest and crop ecosystems, the urban \({\mathrm {CO}}_{2}\) (co)spectra (power spectra and cospectra) are characterized by multiple peaks and long plateaus. The analysis also found that large-scale advective processes influence the turbulent transport of \({\mathrm {CO}}_{2}\) during stable periods.
The importance of self-efficacy expectations in elderly patients recovering from coronary artery bypass surgery*

Objective To describe and test a model of recovery in the elderly after coronary artery bypass surgery derived from Self-Care and Self-Efficacy Theory. Design Prospective, longitudinal, repeated measures. Setting Two large urban teaching hospitals on the East Coast. Patients One hundred thirty-three adults over the age of 65 years who had coronary artery bypass surgery on hospital admission. There were 32 women and 101 men with an age range of 65 to 87 years (M=71.8 years±4.8 years) in whom 77.5% were in a New York Heart Association class of 3 or 4, indicating significant functional limitations. Outcome measures Self-care agency, self-efficacy expectations, and the performance of self-care/recovery behaviors at discharge, 6, and 12 weeks after coronary artery bypass surgery. Instruments The exercise of self-care agency was measured with the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale, self-efficacy expectation, and the performance of self-care/recovery behavior by the Jenkins Self-Efficacy Expectation Scales and Activity Checklists. Data were collected at discharge, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery for the specific behaviors of walking, climbing stairs, resuming general activities, and the performance of roles. Results Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant changes in self-care agency, the self-efficacy expectations for all behaviors, and the performance of the behaviors for walking, resuming general activities, and performance of roles over the recovery period (p Conclusions In support of the model, self-efficacy expectations mediated between self-care agency and all self-care/recovery behaviors at selected times. Comparison of the performance of self-care/recovery behaviors with other samples from the literature found recovery in the elderly to be protracted. Nurses can be pivotal in providing the elderly with accurate projections of recovery and an environment to support the initial mastery of self-care/recovery behaviors to promote optimal health in this vulnerable population.
A framework for interpreting distinct patterns of hemispatial neglect

We report analyses of the performance of three stroke patients which reveal distinct patterns of spatially specific errors in reading and other perceptual tasks. These patterns of performance can be explained by proposing hemispatial neglect in different spatial coordinates in each case. Results from reading and perceptual tasks by two patients with right parietal damage, BPN and JOD (whose results have not been previously reported) are contrasted to those from a previously reported patient, NG. These contrasting patterns of errors provide support for a model of word and visual object recognltlon which assumes that these processes involve computing (at least) three distinct levels of representation with different coordinate frames. The data we report also provide evidence that hemispatial neglect can result from selective damage to any of these levels of representation - i.e. damage to a retinocentric, a stimulus-centered, or an object-centered level of representation. We show that this model provides a c...
The single chlorophyll a molecule in the cytochrome b6f complex: unusual optical properties protect the complex against singlet oxygen.

The cytochrome b6f complex of oxygenic photosynthesis mediates electron transfer between the reaction centers of photosystems I and II and facilitates coupled proton translocation across the membrane. High-resolution x-ray crystallographic structures (Kurisu et al., 2003; Stroebel et al., 2003) of the cytochrome b6f complex unambiguously show that a Chl a molecule is an intrinsic component of the cytochrome b6f complex. Although the functional role of this Chl a is presently unclear (Kuhlbrandt, 2003), an excited Chl a molecule is known to produce toxic singlet oxygen as the result of energy transfer from the excited triplet state of the Chl a to oxygen molecules. To prevent singlet oxygen formation in light-harvesting complexes, a carotenoid is typically positioned within ∼4 A of the Chl a molecule, effectively quenching the triplet excited state of the Chl a. However, in the cytochrome b6f complex, the β-carotene is too far (≥14 A) from the Chl a for effective quenching of the Chl a triplet excited state. In this study, we propose that in this complex, the protection is at least partly realized through special arrangement of the local protein structure, which shortens the singlet excited state lifetime of the Chl a by a factor of 20–25 and thus significantly reduces the formation of the Chl a triplet state. Based on optical ultrafast absorption difference experiments and structure-based calculations, it is proposed that the Chl a singlet excited state lifetime is shortened due to electron exchange transfer with the nearby tyrosine residue. To our knowledge, this kind of protection mechanism against singlet oxygen has not yet been reported for any other chlorophyll-containing protein complex. It is also reported that the Chl a molecule in the cytochrome b6f complex does not change orientation in its excited state.
Collaborative environmental planning with GeoMed

Environmental planning usually involves a large number of decision makers with different backgrounds and interests. Appropriate decision making procedures are needed in order to jointly consider their individual approaches and achieve collaboration. This paper discusses issues involved in Collaborative Environmental Planning and reports work on GeoMed, a group decision support system for Geographical Mediation on the World Wide Web. We first present an argumentation framework that constitutes the core of the system and supports fair, rational and efficient decision making. In the sequel, we discuss the necessary enhancements in order to deal with spatial applications, and environmental planning in particular. Finally, we give a description of GeoMed and an overview of the services provided.
The acute exposure effects of inhaled nickel nanoparticles on murine endothelial progenitor cells.

AbstractIntroduction: The discovery of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may help to explain observed cardiovascular effects associated with inhaled nickel nanoparticle exposures, such as increases in vascular inflammation, generation of reactive oxygen species, altered vasomotor tone and potentiated atherosclerosis in murine species.Methods: Following an acute whole body inhalation exposure to 500 µg/m3 of nickel nanoparticles for 5 h, bone marrow EPCs from C57BL/6 mice were isolated. EPCs were harvested for their RNA or used in a variety of assays including chemotaxis, tube formation and proliferation. Gene expression was assessed for important receptors involved in EPC mobilization and homing using RT-PCR methods. EPCs, circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs), circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) were quantified on a BD FACSCalibur to examine endothelial damage and repair associated with the exposure.Results and conclusions: Acute exposure to inhaled nic...
MiR-133a in Human Circulating Monocytes: A Potential Biomarker Associated with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Background Osteoporosis mainly occurs in postmenopausal women, which is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) due to unbalanced bone resorption by osteoclasts and formation by osteoblasts. Circulating monocytes play important roles in osteoclastogenesis by acting as osteoclast precursors and secreting osteoclastogenic factors, such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated as important biomarkers in various diseases. The present study aimed to find significant miRNA biomarkers in human circulating monocytes underlying postmenopausal osteoporosis. Methodology/Principal Findings We used ABI TaqMan® miRNA array followed by qRT-PCR validation in circulating monocytes to identify miRNA biomarkers in 10 high and 10 low BMD postmenopausal Caucasian women. MiR-133a was upregulated (P=0.007) in the low compared with the high BMD groups in the array analyses, which was also validated by qRT-PCR (P=0.044). We performed bioinformatic target gene analysis and found three potential osteoclast-related target genes, CXCL11, CXCR3 and SLC39A1. In addition, we performed Pearson correlation analyses between the expression levels of miR-133a and the three potential target genes in the 20 postmenopausal women. We did find negative correlations between miR-133a and all the three genes though not significant. Conclusions/Significance This is the first in vivo miRNA expression analysis in human circulating monocytes to identify novel miRNA biomarkers underlying postmenopausal osteoporosis. Our results suggest that miR-133a in circulating monocytes is a potential biomarker for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
A subsample estimator based on zero phase crossing in ultrasound

Displacement estimation in ultrasound is a common yet important task for various applications, including tissue/blood motion, elastragraphy imaging, temperature estimation, etc. Due to the discrete feature of window-based cross correlation, an accurate subsample displacement estimator is in great demand with higher and higher frame rate. In this paper, we present a zero phase crossing method based on complex cross correlation. The novelty of this technique is twofold. First, the phase of complex cross correlation is linear. Second, the subsample of maximum magnitude of complex correlation lies in zero phase line. Therefore, subsample displacement can be easily estimated by finding the zero phase crossing. Simulation results shows that this method has a better performance than other estimators, including parabolic fitting, cubic fitting, cosine fitting, etc, in terms of bias and standard deviation under various conditions. The computational cost of this technique is also considered for real-time implementation.
Effects of Environment on Growth, Efficiency of Feed Utilization, Carcass Fatness, and Their Association

The effects of environmental factors (house type, temperature, and type of watering system) on gain (G), feed consumption (FC), feed conversion (FCR), accumulation of abdominal fat (AF), and the association between FCR and AF of broilers were studied in a series of seven experiments. In addition, the adjustment of broilers to new housing environments and the factors affecting this adjustment were evaluated. The 4- to 7-wk G and FC were greater in groups raised at 21.1 C than 26.7 C. There were no consistent effects of environmental temperature on FCR (significantly reduced in 21.1 C groups compared with the 26.7 C groups in two of four trials) or in AF (significantly greater in 21.1 C groups than in 26.7 C groups in one of four trials). Environmental temperatures had no consistent effect on the relationship between FCR and AF. Both waterer types and environmental temperature affected the adjustment of broilers to placement in individual cages. Adjustment was better (less mortality and shorter periods of reduced FC) in the 21.1 C environment and when cup instead of trough waterers were provided. The 4- to 6-wk G and FC were reduced in the caged birds compared with the floor pen birds, but the FCR and AF were not consistently different. The initial (4-wk) BW significantly affected the 6-wk BW, G, FC, and FCR, but was not correlated with AF.
A new species of Habralictus Moure from Dominica, Lesser Antilles (Hymenoptera, Halictidae)

A new species of Habralictus Moure (Apoidea, Halictidae) is described from the island of Dominica, Habralictus gonzalezi sp. n. The species is distinguished from other West Indian Habralictus and a key is provided to the West Indian Habralictus. Brief comments on the genus Habralictus and bee species of Dominica are provided.
Training-Based Descreening

Conventional halftoning methods employed in electrophotographic printers tend to produce Moireacute artifacts when used for printing images scanned from printed material, such as books and magazines. We present a novel approach for descreening color scanned documents aimed at providing an efficient solution to the Moireacute problem in practical imaging devices, including copiers and multifunction printers. The algorithm works by combining two nonlinear image-processing techniques, resolution synthesis-based denoising (RSD), and modified smallest univalue segment assimilating nucleus (SUSAN) filtering. The RSD predictor is based on a stochastic image model whose parameters are optimized beforehand in a separate training procedure. Using the optimized parameters, RSD classifies the local window around the current pixel in the scanned image and applies filters optimized for the selected classes. The output of the RSD predictor is treated as a first-order estimate to the descreened image. The modified SUSAN filter uses the output of RSD for performing an edge-preserving smoothing on the raw scanned data and produces the final output of the descreening algorithm. Our method does not require any knowledge of the screening method, such as the screen frequency or dither matrix coefficients, that produced the printed original. The proposed scheme not only suppresses the Moireacute artifacts, but, in addition, can be trained with intrinsic sharpening for deblurring scanned documents. Finally, once optimized for a periodic clustered-dot halftoning method, the same algorithm can be used to inverse halftone scanned images containing stochastic error diffusion halftone noise
a Remark Concerning the Thermodynamical Limit of the Lyapunov Spectrum

We consider dynamical systems of N particles confined in domains of volume V with pair-wise short range interaction. We propose a new definition of the limiting distribution of Lyapunov Spectrum according to which the thermodynamical limit transition is taken before the limit t→∞. The main result proven under rather general conditions gives the existence of this modified limiting distribution of Lyapunov Spectrum.
Is oestrogenic activity present in hops

Abstract During the last 20 yr, several claims have been made for the presence of large quantities of oestrogens in hops and it has been alleged that this hormonal activity appears in beer. The oestrogenic activities reported were very high in comparison with those in other plants. A number of purified hop components, including the essential-oil fraction and the α-and β-bitter acids obtained from hop resins, have now been examined and various organicsolvent extracts of hops grown in the USA and in Europe have been prepared and tested for oestrogenic activity, both directly and following saponification in base. Commercial hop extracts were also tested for oestrogenic activity. Wide ranges of dilutions of all preparations were examined by the uterine-weight assay in the immature female mouse. No oestrogenic activity was detectable in any of these preparations.
Analysis of the Relationship of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising and Patients Seeking Ambulatory Care

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to determine if relationships existed between the amount of direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) expenditure and the monthly frequencies of ambulatory care visits for symptoms and conditions associated with conditions treated by the products advertised. The analyses used quasi-experimental time series techniques. Data from the National Ambulatory Care Survey and Competitive Media Resources were used to calculate monthly levels of the dependent and independent variables. The dependent variables were monthly frequency of visits for symptoms related to the condition treated by the pharmaceutical class and the monthly frequency of visits for specific conditions related to the pharmaceutical class. The independent variable was the monthly amount of advertising expenditure for the pharmaceutical class. A significant relationship was found between anti-histamine advertising expenditure and monthly visits for allergy symptoms (p < 0.001), but not monthly visits specificall...
Robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy for super-morbidly obese patients

Abstract Background: Sleeve gastrectomy represents a valid option for morbidly obese patients, either as a primary or as a staged bariatric procedure. Several variations of the technique have been reported. Herein, we report our initial experience with robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy (RASG). Materials and Methods: A prospectively held database for patients who underwent RASG was reviewed. Data included patient demographics, operative parameters, morbidity, and follow-up outcomes. The outcomes after RASG were compared to the laparoscopic approach. Results: From September 2007 to February 2010, 69 morbidly obese patients underwent sleeve gastrectomy. Of these, 30 (43.5%) were robot-assisted and 39 (56.5%) were laparoscopic. There was no statistically significant difference in demographics between the two groups. The RASG group underwent an oversewing of the staple line, and mean operative time was 135 minutes. In the laparoscopic group, where the staple line was not oversewn, mean operative time was 114 m...
Multiple forms of trehalase in phormia regina

Abstract Gel electrophoresis of soluble extracts from a number of tissues of Phormia regina indicates the presence of multiple forms of the hydrolytic enzyme, trehalase. An analysis of flight muscle in this species argues for the presence of both soluble and particulate forms of the same enzyme. A preliminary survey of other species suggests that the presence of trehalase isozymes may be a general phenomenon.
Aggregate manpower requirements for strategic project planning

Abstract Project management entails three major phases of activity: acquisition, implementation and commissioning; attention is focused here on planning during acquisition. We describe here the development and application of a program designed to determine long-range aggregate manpower requirements for implementing a portfolio of potential projects. The BASIC program incorporates current manpower level, empirical load distributions, and subjective probabilities of project realization to generate time-phased manpower requirements for a specified planning horizon. A subroutine for data interchange formatting (DIF), included in the program, facilitates interface with the Lotus 123 spreadsheet/graphics software to generate aggregate manpower curves for the planning horizon. Evaluation of aggregate manpower requirements is considered from the angle of the engineering contractor in a setting of competitive bidding. However, planners in non-contract settings should also find the program useful with appropriate modifications for the relative absence of the two uncertainties incorporated in the program.
Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery

Several gene delivery vehicles are being developed for somatic gene therapy and each of these vectors has unique properties which makes them appropriate for different human disease applications. Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors are proving themselves to be safe and efficacious for the long-term expression of proteins and correction of genetic diseases following a single administration. The increasing number of tissues and diseases being targeted with rAAV vectors demonstrates their versatility and has resulted in different approaches for enhancing vector performance. Improving the methods for large-scale manufacturing, and accumulating safety and efficacy data in animals and humans are areas of intense research. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alterations in the development of catecholamine turnover induced by perinatal methadone: Differences in central vs. peripheral sympathetic nervous systems

Abstract Administration of methadone to pregnant and nursing rats slows synaptogenesis of central cathcholaminergic systems in the offspring but accelerates the onset of synaptic function in peripheral sympathetic pathways. Norepinephrine turnover, assessed by inhibiting catecholamine biosynthesis with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, was elevated in cardiac sympathetic nerve terminals in rats exposed perinatally to methadone. In contrast, turnover was unchanged in noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems in the brain. Similar results were obtained when methadone was given directly to the pups during postnatal life. These data suggest that opiate-induced alterations of impulse flow and transmitter turnover in a given neuron population may determine whether the effects of perinatal methadone exposure result in facilitation or inhibition of synaptic development.
The Economic Loss Problem: A Comment on Bishop

William Bishop has written an interesting and important article on an issue that has puzzled legal scholars for quite some time: the general non-recoverability of pure economic loss.' Pure economic loss arises out of interference with a plaintiff's contractual relations or with his non-contractual prospective gain. Physical loss to person or property, where it occurs at all, is restricted to third parties. If the plaintiff's person or property had been injured by the wrongful conduct of another and financial loss were associated with that, then there would obviously be no bar to recovery. But where economic loss is not associated with the plaintiff's physical loss it is often said that the law disallows recovery. While this is something of an exaggeration,2 the rule of non-recovery has been repeated often enough by the courts to warrant some form of explanation. Bishop's article is extremely complex. The various points he makes are sometimes subject to so many qualifications that the basic thrust of his argument can be very unclear.3 In addition, the distinction between normative and positive analysis, which is usually emphasized by economists, is not adhered to as rigorously as one would hope. At the outset, we are told that 'the principal focus of this paper is not positive but normative'.4 In the conclusion, on the other hand, he emphasizes that, generally speaking, the courts 'have reached results that seem broadly efficient'.' The positive-normative distinction is important because if Bishop intends to present a normative case for courts deciding economic loss questions in accordance with efficiency criteria then he needs to present arguments as to its desirability. He has, in fact, presented none and I seriously
Internships at the Slavic and East European Collection of the Yale University Library

In this article, the author discusses the internship program of the Slavic and East European Collection at Yale University Library, which provides semester-long fellowships to library professionals from Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union. The program began in 1993 and is ongoing. The author details its history, including how it has been funded, and discusses what the program includes and the logistics of running it. Participants are listed, along with excerpts from some of their final reports and selected post-fellowship activities.
Efficient numerical simulation of high-NA i-line lithography processes

Numerical algorithms employing the ID imaging model and the 2D wave-guide scattering model were implemented to achieve high speed in simulating high NA i-line processes. The CPU consumption and the range of validity of the models used were discussed. The simulator was applied to study the possibility of imaging 0.35/mi lines and spaces(L/S) utilizing lenses of NA=0.55, 0.60 and 0.65 and single layer resist (SLR) processes.
Computational Aeroheating Predictions for Mars Lander Configurations

The proposed Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission is intended to deliver a large rover to the Martian surface within 10 km of the target site. This paper presents computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions of forebody heating rates for two MSL entry configurations with fixed aerodynamic trim tabs. Results are compared to heating on a 70-deg sphere-cone reference geometry. All three heatshield geometries are designed to trim hypersonically at a 16 deg angle of attack in order to generate the lift-to-drag ratio (LID) required for precision landing. Comparisons between CFD and tunnel data are generally in good agreement for each configuration, but the computations predict more flow separation and higher heating on a trim tab inclined 10 deg relative to the surface. CFD solutions at flight conditions were obtained using an 8-species Mars gas in chemical and thermal non-equilibrium. Laminar and Baldwin-Lomax solutions were used to estimate the effects of the trim tabs and turbulence on heating. A tab extending smoothly from the heatshield flank is not predicted to increase laminar or turbulent heating rates above the reference levels. Laminar heating on a tab deflected 10 deg from the conical heatshield is influenced by flow separation and is up to 35% above the baseline heating rate. The turbulent solution on the inclined tab configuration predicts attached flow and a 43% heating increase above the reference level.
Surgical management of advanced osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint with metal fossa-eminence hemijoint replacement: 10-year retrospective study.

Purpose To evaluate the surgical outcomes and clinical experience of the treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint with metal fossa-eminence hemijoint replacement. Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review showed 99 patients (94 females and 5 males) who underwent treatment of degenerative joint disease with hemijoint replacement surgery, including data on 141 operated joints (57 unilateral, and 42 bilateral). A visual analog scale (VAS) patient-response questionnaire with directives was mailed to the 99 patients. The questionnaire investigated the patient's experience before and after the treatment procedure in 5 areas: 1 ) pain intensity, 2 ) pain experience, 3 ) chewing ability, 4 ) mouth opening, and 5 ) joint noise. In addition, patients were requested to score on a VAS of 1 to 10 their overall satisfaction with the treatment outcome. Treatment outcomes were also compared between patients who received an autogenous abdominal fat graft placement before wound closure, and those who did not receive this adjunctive treatment. Results Forty-two of 99 patients responded to the questionnaires, with an average follow-up time of 5.1 years. In these 42 patients, pain experience was reduced by 68.6% (4.5 ± 1.3 [mean ± SD], presurgery, vs 1.4 ± 1.7, current, on a 6-point scale). In addition, pain intensity was reduced by 58.7% (7.5 ± 2.2, presurgery, vs 3.1 ± 3.0, current, on a 10-point scale). Thirty-three of 42 patients (78.6%) stated in the questionnaire that they were highly satisfied with the results of surgical treatment (average, 9.0 ± 1.2 on a 0-to-10-point VAS scale). Fifty-one patients (71 joints) did not receive an adjunctive abdominal fat graft, whereas 48 patients (70 joints) received this adjunctive treatment. In the nonfat group, 17 (21.5%) joints required revision surgery, and in the fat group, 4 joints (6.5%) required revision surgery. Conclusions Temporomandibular hemiarthroplasty with metal fossa-eminence prosthesis provides predictable and satisfactory results in patients operated upon for advanced osteoarthritis. The incidence of revision surgery was found to be reduced with the application of fat graft adjunctive treatment.
DESIGNS FOR MULTIPLE PAIR-COMPARISON SENSORY TESTS,

Abstract A complete schedule of paired comparisons among n items for (say) flavor appraisal involves n(n — 1)/2 pairs. Schemes for allocating the pairs equitably among a panel of n — 1 subjects (if n is even) or n subjects (if n is odd) are given.
Suicidality in a venue-based sample of young men who have sex with men.

Abstract Purpose To examine the incidence, prevalence, and characteristics of suicide attempts in a unique, venue-based sample of young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Methods Eligible participants were 15–25-year-old men who were living in a major metropolitan area (Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota) and had sex with men within 12 months of the interview. A total of 255 subjects were randomly sampled from popular venues for a structured, 20-min interview (1999) that included four items regarding suicide intentions and attempts. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate tests of statistical significance. Results Eighty-six percent of eligible individuals completed the survey. One-third of all respondents reported at least one suicide attempt, and 4.7% attempted suicide in the past year. Although suicide attempts were more prevalent among African-Americans and urban residents; only school enrollment was significantly associated with attempts in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio = .55, 95% confidence interval = .31, .97). Conclusions This study corroborates the findings of prior studies of high rates of suicide attempts among YMSM. In addition, it demonstrates that attempts are more prevalent among out-of-school youths.
Temporal modulation for computational video cross-talk reduction

Many recent prototypes for video collaboration, digital media sharing and gesture interfaces provide a video signal for display on a screen or surface and capture another video signal through the same screen or surface. The media captured in such systems, for transmission or for gesture user interfaces, needs to be separated from the displayed video. Otherwise, video cross-talk occurs. The prior, widely used temporal multiplexing avoids cross-talk by synchronizing camera capture with screen display so that the camera only captures when the screen does not display signal. This approach suffers from light loss (both displayed and captured) and increased display flicker due to the lower duty cycle of the displayed signal. This paper describes a new method, computational temporal modulation, that temporally modulates the displayed signal. The intentionally mixed signals captured by the camera are subsequently separated using computations. Our approach results in brighter display with less flicker and more signal captured by the camera. Experiments using a prototype collaboration system show good quality cross-talk reduction with light-weight real-time computation.
A simple synthesis of (RS)-[2-2H] glycine by the reductive amination of glyoxylic acid

The synthesis of (RS)-[2-2H] glycine by the reduction of a dilute solution of glyoxylic acid in aqueous ammonia by sodium borodeuteride is described. A reaction condition is presented under which the principal side product of the reduction, iminodiacetic acid, is minimized.