cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is there a syllable frequency effect in aphasia or in apraxia of speech or both

Background: The observation of a syllable frequency effect on production latencies in healthy speakers has been an argument in favour of stored syllables in speech production. In Levelt, Roelofs, and Meyer's (1999) model of speech production, syllabic representations are accessed during phonetic encoding. Neurolinguistic studies have provided convergent evidence of a syllable frequency effect on production accuracy in speakers with acquired language disorders. However, the observation that syllable frequency also affected production in aphasic speakers with a pre‐phonetic impairment (conduction aphasia and Wernicke's aphasia) seems in contradiction to the phonetic locus of syllabic representations. Aims: We illustrate the points of convergences and divergences between psycholinguistic and neurolinguistic results on the locus of the syllable frequency effect and explore whether a syllable frequency effect is observed in apraxia of speech (AoS) and in conduction aphasia when participants are tested with the...
A note on generalized wald’s method

Let {v n(θ)} be a sequence of statistics such that whenθ =θ 0,v n(θ 0) $$\mathop \to \limits^D $$ N p(0,Σ), whereΣ is of rankp andθ eR d. Suppose that underθ =θ 0, {Σ n} is a sequence of consistent estimators ofΣ. Wald (1943) shows thatv n T (θ 0)Σ −1 v n(θ 0) $$\mathop \to \limits^D $$ x 2(p). It often happens thatv n(θ 0) $$\mathop \to \limits^D $$ N p(0,Σ) holds butΣ is singular. Moore (1977) states that under certain assumptionsv n T (θ 0)Σ − v n(θ 0) $$\mathop \to \limits^D $$ x 2(k), wherek = rank (Σ) andΣ − is a generalized inverse ofΣ n. However, Moore’s result as stated is incorrect. It needs the additional assumption that rank (Σ n) =k forn sufficiently large. In this article, we show that Moore’s result (as corrected) holds under somewhat different, but easier to verify, assumptions.
An analysis of value destruction in AT&T's acquisition of NCR

Abstract AT&T's $7.5 billion acquisition of NCR decreased the wealth of AT&T shareholders by between $3.9 billion and $6.5 billion and resulted in negative synergies of $1.3 to $3.0 billion. We find that AT&T paid a documented $50 million and possibly as much as $500 million to satisfy pooling accounting, thus boosting EPS by roughly 17% but leaving cash flows unchanged. We conclude that AT&T's decision to acquire NCR in what the market perceived as a value-destroying transaction was related at least in part to the 1984 consent decree with the Department of Justice that led to the break-up of AT&T.
The low mortality rates of Chinese infants: Some plausible explanatory factors

Abstract The objectives of this paper are: (1) to describe the differential infant mortality rates between Chinese and white Americans; (2) to identify and evaluate the commonly suspected factors for the low infant mortality rates observed among Chinese in the United States; and (3) to explore alternative explanatory factors for the low death rates of Chinese infants by drawing upon a body of current sociomedical research regarding the effects of smoking and drinking of fetal development, preterm delivery and low birthweight in non-Chinese populations. Anthropological studies on Chinese pre- and post-natal health practices—both in Taiwan and in the United States—are also discussed. The data come primarily from U.S. birth and death records. Where available, both published and unpublished data on Chinese infant mortality from Hong Kong Colony, Taiwan Province and Mainland China, are also presented for purposes of comparison.
Taking international business education programs and pedagogy to new heights: Fundamental questions for educators and students

Abstract As the dynamic global business environment continues to force organizations to be agile and adaptive, international business (IB) education pedagogy is transforming. Building on previous literature describing gaps in IB pedagogy, as well as unaddressed stakeholder needs, we first use our institution—the United States Air Force Academy—as an example of IB program development. In examining our program's evolution, we develop five questions that may provide insight regarding more generalizable IB pedagogy trends. To assess this possible generalizability, we explore questions related to the development of our program using self-reported, publically-available websites of the top full-time MBA programs throughout the United States. Our questions focus on the role of foreign languages, study abroad opportunities, integrative courses, capstone/thesis projects, and faculty development. Our exploration indicates that these five questions are important not only for educators developing future programs, but also for students examining potential IB programs. Additionally, our research examines a sixth question focused on the development of competitive positioning and program differentiation in IB programs. We hope to motivate future inquiry into IB pedagogy, which could inform more effective means of improving IB education.
Defined characteristics of cathepsin B-like proteins from nematodes: inferred functional diversity and phylogenetic relationships

Numerous cathepsin B-like protein sequences (CBLs) have been reported from nematodes. However, the relationships among these proteins remain unclear. Here, expression of several CBL transcripts in the gut of the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus was demonstrated. To assess potential functional diversity, multiple nematode CBL sequences were compared with known functional domains of cathepsin B. These domains included the occluding loop, S2' and S2 subsites, and the pro region. Four groups of CBLs were defined based on variable characteristics in the occluding loop region, which incorporates a portion of the S2' subsite. Further diversity was observed in amino acids expected to contribute to the S2 subsite. In addition, short signature sequences near the cysteinyl active site region characterized known CBLs of parasites from the orders Strongylida and Rhabditida. The criteria established were used to identify two predicted CBLs from parasitic (Ascaris suum) and free-living (Caenorhabditis elegans) nematodes as potential orthologues, and provided a basis to evaluate orthologue status of other CBLs. Variability in the domains analyzed suggests substantial functional diversity in enzymatic properties of nematode CBLs. Results suggest that the selective amplification and evolution of distinct CBL lineages has contributed to differences in CBLs among species and groups of nematodes. Nutrient digestion is one potential factor promoting CBL diversification in these organisms.
On the aggregate-scale partitioning of solar radiation in arctic sea ice during the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) field experiment

[1] The partitioning of the incident solar irradiance among reflection to the atmosphere, absorption in the snow and ice, and transmission to the ocean is a critical component of the summer melt cycle of Arctic sea ice. Observations from a year-long field experiment (Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA)) showed that of the solar radiation incident between 1 April and 5 October 1998, 68% was reflected to the atmosphere, 24% was absorbed in the snow and ice, and 8% was transmitted to the ocean. The amount of energy reflected to the atmosphere was greatest in May, when the surface albedo and the incident irradiance were large. The energy absorbed in the snow and ice increased slowly in April and May in conjunction with the increase in incident solar irradiance, followed by a sharp increase in June associated with the onset of melt. In spring, virtually none of the solar energy incident on snow-covered sea ice is transmitted to the ocean compared to over 90% of that incident on leads. The energy transmitted to the ocean reached a maximum near the end of the melt season in mid-August when the albedo and ice thickness were at minima and lead and pond fractions were at maxima. While much of the solar energy transmitted to the ocean was through leads, substantial portions were also transmitted through bare ice (23%) and ponded ice (16%). During the melt season, the combined energy transmitted through bare ice and ponds was equivalent to that through leads. This marked a significant change in the interaction of solar energy with the sea ice cover, with substantial amounts of solar energy transmitted to the ocean through the thin summer ice cover of SHEBA compared to the thicker ice studied in 1975 (Arctic Ice Dynamics Joint Experiment (AIDJEX)).
The COUP-adjacent repressor (CAR) element participates in the tissue-specific expression of the ovalbumin gene

The ovalbumin (Ov) gene is an excellent model for the study of tissue-specific gene regulation as it is only active in the estrogen-stimulated oviduct. Previous studies have demonstrated that the negative regulatory element (NRE) in the Ov gene 5'-flanking region is responsible for silencing the gene in oviduct in the absence of steroids. Linker scanning analysis defined an element within the NRE designated the COUP-adjacent repressor (CAR) element as a repressor of Ov gene expression. However, the role of the CAR element in non-oviduct tissues has not been addressed. Using transient transfection analysis of various Ov 5'-flanking region constructs into the estrogen-responsive chicken hepatocyte cell line LMH/2A, we demonstrate that Ov gene expression is not induced by estrogen and that an active repressor element exists in the NRE. Deletion analysis indicates that the region from -134 to -87, which includes the CAR element, mediates this repression. Mutation of the CAR element relieves repression, leading to high levels of gene expression. These data support a model where the inhibition of Ov gene expression in non-oviduct cells is a combination of the lack of essential positive factors and the presence of an active repressor, which binds to the CAR element.
Estimating the Reliability of the LLNL Flash X-ray (FXR) Machine

Summary form only given. At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), our flash X-ray accelerator (FXR) is used on multi-million dollar hydrodynamic experiments. Because of the importance of the radiographs, FXR must be ultra-reliable. Flash linear accelerators that can generate a 3 kA beam at 18 MeV are very complex. They have thousands, if not millions, of critical components that could prevent the machine from performing correctly. For the last five years, we have quantified and are tracking component failures. From this data, we have determined that the reliability of the high-voltage gas-switches that initiate the pulses, which drive the accelerator cells, dominates the statistics. The failure mode is a single-switch pre-fire that reduces the energy of the team and degrades the X-ray spot-size. The unfortunate result is a lower resolution radiograph. FXR is a production machine that allows only a modest number of pulses for testing. Therefore, reliability switch testing that requires thousands of shots is performed on our test stand. Study of representative switches has produced pre-fire statistical information and probability distribution curves. This information is applied to FXR to develop test procedures and determine individual switch reliability using a minimal number of accelerator pulses.
Prostate Specific Antigen Testing Among the Elderly—When To Stop?

Purpose: Prostate specific antigen testing is common in the elderly despite evidence that older men without aggressive prostate cancer are unlikely to benefit from diagnosis and treatment. We evaluated the relationship between prostate specific antigen and the risk of aggressive prostate cancer developing in men of various ages.Materials and Methods: This longitudinal cohort study consisted of 849 men (122 with and 727 without prostate cancer) with serial prostate specific antigen measurements participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of men by prostate specific antigen and age who died of prostate cancer or in whom aggressive prostate cancer developed (death from prostate cancer, a prostate specific antigen 20 ng/ml or greater, or Gleason score 8 or greater).Results: No participants between 75 and 80 years old with a prostate specific antigen less than 3.0 ng/ml died of prostate cancer. In contrast, men of all ages with a prostate specific ...
Wind turbine rotor fragments: impact probability and setback evaluation

With increasing installation of wind turbines, the exposure to the hazard of impact from blade fragments increases. Local authorities use setbacks to reduce the risk by limiting the distance from wind turbines to adjacent property lines and dwellings. Unduly conservative setbacks are a deterrent to wind energy development. To determine appropriate setbacks, the authors developed a fragment trajectory model based on fragment rotation and aerodynamics. The model was used to simulate fragment trajectories at various rotor speeds, with randomly generated inputs for wind speed, wind direction, rotor azimuth, and rotor break position. Four sizes of wind turbines were studied, with rated power of 750 kW, 1.5, 3 and 5 MW. A sensitivity analysis showed that a fragment trajectory is highly dependent on the input parameters. However, for multiple trajectories from a given turbine and rotor speed, the sensitivity of the impact probability to most inputs was negligible. The results indicate that the range increased with turbine rating and rotor speed. When the range was normalized by overall turbine height, the probability of impact at a particular normalized range decreases with turbine rating. Planning agencies use the normalized range for setbacks, and the results indicate that using a common setback for all turbine sizes would be reasonable. Existing setback standards of 2–3 overall turbine heights offer better than 1 in 1,000,000 probability of impact per year; however, setbacks approaching 1 turbine height will have an order of magnitude higher probability of impact.
Unrest Assured: Why Unipolarity Is Not Peaceful

The United States has been at war for thirteen of the twenty-two years since the Cold War ended and the world became unipolar. Still, the consensual view among international relations theorists is that unipolarity is peaceful. They base this view on two assumptions: first, the unipole will guarantee the global status quo and, second, no state will balance against it. Both assumptions are problematic. First, the unipole may disengage from a particular region, thus removing constraints on regional conflicts. Second, if the unipole remains engaged in the world, those minor powers that decide not to accommodate it will be unable to find a great power sponsor. Placed in this situation of extreme self-help, they will try to revise the status quo in their favor, a dynamic that is likely to trigger conflict with the unipole. Therefore, neither the structure of a unipolar world nor U.S. strategic choices clearly benefit the overall prospects for peace. For the world as a whole, unipolarity makes conflict likely. F...
Site-Specific Management Zones Based on Soil Electrical Conductivity in a Semiarid Cropping System

Site-specific management (SSM) can potentially improve both eco nomic and ecological outcomes in agriculture. Effective SSM requires strong and temporally consistent relationships among identified man agement zones; underlying soil physical, chemical, and biological pa rameters; and crop yields. In the central Great Plains, a 250-ha dryland experiment was mapped for apparent electrical conductivity (EC,) Eight fields were individually partitioned into four management zones based on equal ranges of deep (EC DP ) and shallow (EC SH ) EC, (approximately 0-30 and 0-90 cm depths, respectively). Previous experiments documented negative correlations between EC SH and soil properties indicative of productivity. The objectives of this study were to examine EC SH and EC DP relationships with 2 yr of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) yields and to consider the potential applications of EC,-based management zones for SSM in a semiarid cropping system. Within-zone wheat yield means were negatively correlated with EC SH (r = -0.97 to -0.99) and positively correlated with EC DP (r = 0.79-0.97). Within-zone corn yield means showed no consistent relationship with EC SH but positive correlation with EC DP (r = 0.81-0.97). Equal-range and unsupervised classification methods were compared for EC SH ; within-zone yield variances declined slightly (0-5 %) with the unsupervised approach. Yield response curves relating maximum wheat yields and EC SH revealed a boundary line of maximum yield that decreased with increasing EC SH . In this semiarid system, EC SH -based management zones can be used in SSM of wheat for: (i) soil sampling to assess residual nutrients and soil attributes affecting herbicide efficacy, (ii) yield goal determination, and (iii) prescription maps for metering inputs.
A quasi-optical image separation scheme for millimeter and submillimeter waves

We propose a compact quasi-optical scheme to achieve image separation using two mixers. With this scheme, an image rejection ratio of better than 12 dB has been obtained over 25 GHz in W-band without any mechanical tuning. This diplexing scheme should find applications in remote sensing and radioastronomy. >
Photosynthesis and coccolith formation: Inorganic carbon sources and net inorganic reaction of deposition1

The concept that the formation ofCnC0, coccoliths functions as a photosynthetic adaptation for the use of bicarbonate is evaluated in the coccolithophorids Coccoliths hudeyi and Cricosphneru carterae by two new methods. In the first, carbon fixation is measured at 10-s intervals in the first 2 min after addition of “CO, and II’“CO,- to buffered cultures; this method exploits the relatively long half-time for the hydration or dehydration of dissolved COP. In the second, shifts in pH and alkalinity resulting from carbon fixation by cells growing in liqllid culture are assessed to indicate fluxes of COz and HC03- into cells and these values compared to measurements of l”C incorporation in photosynthesis and carbonate deposition. The data are interpreted in terms of one of several net inorganic reactions of deposition considered. In this reaction, CO, is the substrate of photosynthesis and HCO,- is the form of carbon supplied to the calcification site. CO, resulting from carbonate deposition supplements the COz from the medium
CVD-cobalt for low resistance word line electrode of 3D NAND flash memory

This paper presents an optimized Co silicide process to realize low resistance multilayered word lines in 3D NAND Flash device. With CVD Co method, it is obtained that the step coverage is about 97% at the aspect ratio of 15∶1 trench. Co silicide is successfully formed using in-situ 1st anneal without capping metal on it. It is demonstrated that the resistivity of CVD Co silicide is very close to the PVD Co silicide, and the thermal stability is also comparable up to 900°C. We also investigate fundamental material properties; Co/Si ratio, interlayer thickness, surface roughness and the dominant process conditions related to silicide growth. As a result of step coverage, resistivity, and thermal stability, it is suggested that CVD Co is suitable for forming Co silicide word line of 3D NAND flash memory.
Racial attitudes and voting behavior in the 1988 national elections: liberals versus conservatives

To further investigate liberals versus conservatives, data on racial attitudes are related to voting behavior in the 1988 national elections for President of the United States and for races for the U.S. Senate and for the House of Representatives. The sample size ranged from 537 to 1,154 people surveyed in a national representative sample of voters. Results link conservatism to belief that the government should not help blacks and/or that the civil rights movement is pushing too fast for their goals. Liberals are more favorable to helping blacks. The data are consistent with previous findings linking conservatism and prejudice, and contradict the view that racial attitudes do not relate to behavior.
Developing a quantitative measure of muscle spasticity

Quantitative measurement of spasticity is necessary and can contribute to clinical rehabilitation management, which aims to restore and/or improve function in the affected part of the body. The proposed study shows that by using computerized motional analysis systems, a more quantitative measurement of muscle spasticity can be obtained. High speed, high resolution, infrared, stroboscopic cameras are used to capture kinematic data of the hip, knee, and ankle during pendulum knee drop test. Electromagnetic sensors are used to gather angular motion data of the knee and ankle joint during performance of this test. Implementation of these methods provides accurate, consistent, and reproducible quantification of muscle spasticity, which can be used to assess the effectiveness of clinical treatments.
Expression of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-3 in Human Atheroma and Regulation in Lesion-Associated Cells A Potential Protective Mechanism in Plaque Stability

Atherosclerotic plaque stability depends on the structural integrity of its extracellular matrix skeleton. The balance between degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) may regulate plaque stability. Although MMP expression in atheroma is well documented, localization and control of expression of TIMPs in these lesions is incomplete. Extracts of atheroma (n= 14) had 5-fold higher levels of TIMP-3 than nonatherosclerotic tissue (n= 10). Plaques (n=24) contained abundant TIMP-1, -2, and -3 in macrophages in plaque shoulders, intimal-medial borders, and areas overlying the lipid core, as well as in medial smooth muscle cells, albeit in lesser amounts. These observations suggested that macrophages, a cell type not heretofore known to express TIMP-3, did so in atheroma in vivo. Further studies in vitro established the human macrophage as a novel source of TIMP-3 mRNA and protein. Human smooth muscle cells constitutively expressed TIMP-1, -2 and -3 proteins; platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta augmented levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 but not TIMP-2. These findings suggest that regulated expression of TIMP-3, in addition to the presence of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, counteracts MMP activity in atheroma and hence influences plaque stability.
Energy Conservation: Family Values, Household Practices and Contextual Variables.

This study contributed to testing the family management conceptual framework, i.e., relation ships among values, contextual variables and management practices. Primary research objectives were to determine: (1) if differences existed in the adoption rate of household energy conservation practices in families with varying husband-wife commitment to values; (2) if adoption of energy conservation practices varied with contextual variables. Survey data collected from 157 families in a multistage probability sample were used. Based on multivariate statistical analyses, the value of eco-consciousness was found to be a predictor of energy conservation behavior. The value of eco- consciousness was positively related to wife's education, husband's education and his occupation. Although the model is incomplete, it is postulated that a holistic model of management can be built with empirical support found in partial models.
A high-order fast Gaussian gridding AIM solver for composite structures

Surface integral equation (SIE) solvers [1] are widely used for analyzing electromagnetic interactions with piecewise homogeneous penetrable objects. Here, the well-known Poggio-Miller-Chang-Harrington-Wu-Tsai (PMCHWT) [1] approach is used to formulate a set of SIEs on composite piecewise homogeneous - perfect electrically conducting scatterers, which is solved numerically for the unknown currents via the method of moments (MOM). For this purpose, the surfaces are discretized using curvilinear triangular elements and the unknown currents are expanded using divergence conforming high-order vector basis functions [2].
The effects of subdiaphragmatic vagotomy in rats with ventromedial hypothalamic obesity.

The present study investigated the effects of subdiaphragmatic vagotomy in rats with ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) lesions and obesity. Vagotomy or sham-vagotomy was performed two weeks after VMH lesions and rats were observed for 4 more weeks. Complete vagotomy reversed the VMH obesity, lowered serum insulin, lowered basal gastric acid and blocked the secretion of gastric acid after stimulation of the cervical vagus. Pair-feeding of VMH-lesioned rats without vagotomy to the food intake of vagotomized animals also reversed the obesity, lowered serum insulin and lowered basal acid secretion, but it did not prevent the rise in acid after vagal stimulation. These results suggest that subdiaphragmatic vagotomy reversed the obesity of VMH lesioned rats primarily by decreasing food intake. However, there was a positive correlation (r = .70) between the level of serum insulin and basal gastric acid in VMH lesioned rats which remained significant when the effects of food intake were held constant (partial correlation coefficient = 0.449). This supports the possibility that ventromedial hypothalamic injury is followed by enhanced vagal activity and that the vagus may play an important part in the hyperinsulinemia of VMH obesity.
Measurements of Heavy Convective Rainfall in the Presence of Hail in Flood-Prone Areas Using an X-Band Polarimetric Radar

The utility of X-band polarimetric radar to provide rainfall estimations with high spatial and temporal resolution in heavy convective precipitation in the presence of hail is explored. A case study involving observations of strong convective cells with a transportable polarimetric X-band radar near Boulder, Colorado, is presented. These cells produced rain‐hail mixtures with a significant liquid fraction, causing local flash floods and debris flow in an environmentally sensitive burn area that had been previously affected by wildfire. It is demonstrated that the specific differential phase shift (KDP)‐based rainfall estimator provided liquid accumulations that were in relatively good agreement with a network of high-density rain gauges and experimental disdrometers. This estimator was also able to capture the significant variability of accumulated rainfall in a relatively small area of interest, and the corresponding results were not significantly affected by hail.Hailpresence,however,wasalikelyreasonforsignificantoverestimationofrainfallretrievalsforX-band radar approaches that are based on radar-reflectivity Ze measurements that have been corrected for attenuation in rain. Even greater overestimations were observed with the S-band radar of the weather-service network. In part because of larger range distances, these radar data could not correctly reproduce the spatial variability of rainfall in the burn area.
Age-related disruptions in circadian timing: evidence for “split” activity rhythms in the SAMP8

In the senescence-accelerated mouse of the P8 line (SAMP8), age-related changes in circadian timing include a decrease in amplitude of the rhythm, a slower rate of re-entrainment following a phase advance, and a longer free-running period (). The present study extends previous research by investigating possible split activity rhythms in the SAMP8. Running wheel activity was examined in 2-, 7-, and 12-month SAMP8. Consistent with previous research, rhythms of older SAMP8 were decreased in amplitude and showed high levels of activity during the light phase of the light-dark cycle. Contrary to previous reports, lengthening of in constant darkness was not observed. Additionally, activity rhythms were “split” in older SAMP8, demonstrated by 1) the appearance of a secondary peak in the periodogram at approximately half the value of and 2) the perceptual classification of actograms by nao¨ve observers. This result differs from previous studies in hamsters demonstrating an age-related decrease in the incidence of rhythm splitting. Overall, the present findings provide further evidence for age-related disruption of circadian timing in SAMP8. © 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Modulation of dopamine-dependent behaviors by the Caenorhabditis elegans Olig homolog HLH-17.

In vertebrates and invertebrates, dopamine signaling modulates a wide variety of physical and behavioral functions and exerts these effects through heterotrimeric G proteins. The soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been used to model dopamine signaling and reacts reproducibly to alterations in dopamine levels through eight well-characterized dopaminergic neurons located in the head. In C. elegans, the basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor HLH-17 is strongly and constitutively expressed in the glia cells that ensheath four of the dopaminergic neurons, yet it is not required for specification or development of either the glia or the neurons. In this study, we sought to determine whether HLH-17 functions in dopamine signaling. We found that, unlike wild-type animals, hlh-17 animals are resistant to the effects of exogenous dopamine on egg laying and mobility. hlh-17 animals are also defective in the basal slowing and gustatory plasticity behaviors that require functional dopamine signaling. We also found that the expression of the dopamine receptor genes dop-1, dop-2, and dop-3 and the RGS protein gene egl-10 is significantly reduced in hlh-17 animals. Together these results point to a role for HLH-17 in dopamine signaling in C. elegans. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Risk-Adjusted Comparison of Conservation Reserve Program Payments versus Production Payments for a Corn-Soybean Farmer

Conservation reserve program (CRP) payments amount to several billion dollars annually. Payments are allocated to both remove land from production and to help farmers pay for conservation improvements. However, research examining whether farmers increase their utility with CRPs is limited. This paper uses simulation analysis and certainty equivalents to compare farming income to payments under the CRP. Farming income is a combination of crop production and government payments as specified in the 2002 Farm Bill. This analysis focuses on farms in three different counties in Kentucky. Results indicate that CRPs are good choices for many farmers.
Filtered white noise and repetitive chirp broadband quadrupolar excitation Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry at 1 tesla

Radiofrequency (RF) chirp and filtered white noise are compared as waveforms for broadband quadrupolar excitation. Ions are formed by matrix-assisted laser desorption Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry and axialized by quadrupolar excitation. Both quadrupolar excitation waveforms are capable of axializing ions over a range of masses. Remeasurement efficiencies for repetitive chirp excitation are greater than 98%. Remeasurement efficiencies for noise excitation are lower, 80%. The duration of transients recorded using either broadband excitation method is several orders of magnitude longer than for ions that have not been axialized.
Microfluidic sorting of microtissues

Increasingly, invitro culture of adherent cell types utilizes three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds or aggregate culture strategies to mimic tissue-like, microenvironmental conditions. In parallel, new flow cytometry-based technologies are emerging to accurately analyze the composition and function of these microtissues (i.e., large particles) in a non-invasive and high-throughput way. Lacking, however, is an accessible platform that can be used to effectively sort or purify large particles based on analysis parameters. Here we describe a microfluidic-based, electromechanical approach to sort large particles. Specifically, sheath-less asymmetric curving channels were employed to separate and hydrodynamically focus particles to be analyzed and subsequently sorted. This design was developed and characterized based on wall shear stress, tortuosity of the flow path, vorticity of the fluid in the channel, sorting efficiency and enrichment ratio. The large particle sorting device was capable of purifying fluorescently labelled embryoid bodies (EBs) from unlabelled EBs with an efficiency of 87.3% ± 13.5%, and enrichment ratio of 12.2 ± 8.4 (n = 8), while preserving cell viability, differentiation potential, and long-term function.
Using a Trust Inference Model for Flexible and Controlled Information Sharing During Crises

The fluid, urgent nature of crises requires flexible, responsive information sharing. Recent studies show, however, that in business catastrophes and other kinds of crises conventional access control mechanisms favor security over flexibility. Our work addresses these seemingly contradictory needs for security and flexibility and designs a trust inference model based on fuzzy logic, a model that can be used with pervasive computing technologies using sensors and mobile devices. Drawing upon research on trust, we design a trust inference model using attributes of affiliation, task performance, and urgency; apply the model to a known crisis; discuss implementation issues; and explore issues for further research. This article is dedicated to Alan Jarman, a founding influence in the Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management who died in Canberra 15 July 2010. Alan's quantitative, engineering background and his long standing commitment to improving crisis decision making prompted him to encourage our applying fuzzy logic to crisis information sharing. We are grateful for Alan's encouragement and advice.
Emergency medical services transport delays for suspected stroke and myocardial infarction patients

Prehospital delays in receiving emergency care for suspected stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) patients have significant impacts on health outcomes. Use of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has been shown to reduce these delays. However, disparities in EMS transport delays are thought to exist. Therefore the objective of this study was to investigate and identify disparities in EMS transport times for suspected stroke and MI patients. Over 3,900 records of suspected stroke and MI patients, reported during 2006–2009, were obtained from two EMS agencies (EMS 1 & EMS 2) in Tennessee. Summary statistics of transport time intervals were computed. Multivariable logistic models were used to identify predictors of time intervals exceeding EMS guidelines. Only 66 and 10 % of suspected stroke patients were taken to stroke centers by EMS 1 and 2, respectively. Most (80–83 %) emergency calls had response times within the recommended 10 min. However, over 1/3 of the calls had on-scene times exceeding the recommended 15 min. Predictors of time intervals exceeding EMS guidelines were EMS agency, patient age, season and whether or not patients were taken to a specialty center. The odds of total transport time exceeding EMS guidelines were significantly lower for patients not taken to specialty centers. Noteworthy was the 72 % lower odds of total time exceeding guidelines for stroke patients served by EMS 1 compared to those served by EMS 2. Additionally, for every decade increase in age of the patient, the odds of on-scene time exceeding guidelines increased by 15 and 19 % for stroke and MI patients, respectively. In this study, prehospital delays, as measured by total transport time exceeding guideline was influenced by season, EMS agency responsible, patient age and whether or not the patient is transported to a specialty center. The magnitude of the delays associated with some of the factors are large enough to be clinically important although others, though statistically significant, may not be large enough to be clinically important. These findings should be useful for guiding future studies and local health initiatives that seek to reduce disparities in prehospital delays so as to improve health services and outcomes for stroke and MI patients.
Neuromodulation and female pelvic disorders

Purpose of reviewSacral neuromodulation is a Food and Drug administration approved therapy for the treatment of refractory overactive bladder, urinary retention, and fecal incontinence. The objective of this manuscript is to review the recent literature regarding clinical outcome data and current ma
Building Bridges, Crossing Borders: Journey to a Better Future for TESOL

This paper stems from the presidential keynote speech I gave at the 2015 TESOL International Convention with in Toronto, Canada last year. The theme for the 2015 TESOL International Convention was “Crossing Borders, Building Bridges.”
Heterogeneous data analysis: Online learning for medical-image-based diagnosis

Abstract Heterogeneous Data Analysis (HDA) is proposed to address a learning problem of medical image databases of Computed Tomographic Colonography (CTC). The databases are generated from clinical CTC images using a Computer-aided Detection (CAD) system, the goal of which is to aid radiologists' interpretation of CTC images by providing highly accurate, machine-based detection of colonic polyps. We aim to achieve a high detection accuracy in CAD in a clinically realistic context, in which additional CTC cases of new patients are added regularly to an existing database. In this context, the CAD performance can be improved by exploiting the heterogeneity information that is brought into the database through the addition of diverse and disparate patient populations. In the HDA, several quantitative criteria of data compatibility are proposed for efficient management of these online images. After an initial supervised offline learning phase, the proposed online learning method decides whether the online data are heterogeneous or homogeneous. Our previously developed Principal Composite Kernel Feature Analysis (PC-KFA) is applied to the online data, managed with HDA, for iterative construction of a linear subspace of a high-dimensional feature space by maximizing the variance of the non-linearly transformed samples. The experimental results showed that significant improvements in the data compatibility were obtained when the online PC-KFA was used, based on an accuracy measure for long-term sequential online datasets. The computational time is reduced by more than 93% in online training compared with that of offline training.
Case scenarios for training in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) is a recent subspecialty recognized by the American board of medical specialties that insures adequate training for physiatrists interested in providing care for children with disabilities. The formal training is an additional 2 year fellowship following residency in an ACGME approved physical medicine and rehabilitation program. Training can also be accomplished through a combined training program in Pediatrics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) (five years) followed by a one year PRM fellowship. Though a recent designated subspecialty, PRM has always attracted physicians that dedicate their practice to optimizing function for children who have disabilities. PRM combines training and expertise in both pediatrics and physical medicine and rehabilitation. Training has been diverse and individualized up until the creation of the ACGME residency/fellowship approval which now specifies curriculum and learning objectives Within medical school and residency training programs there are a number of natural exposures to Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine or chronic care of children with disabilities. The three case scenarios highlight touch point opportunities to assist those in training to consider and plan appropriately for entry into pediatric rehabilitation medicine.
The Double-Edged Sword of Gender Equality: A Cross-National Study of Crime Victimization

Objectives:While the literature confirms the applicability of routine activity/lifestyle theory in studying individual crime victimization, this study asks whether neighborhood disorganization as w...
High-Risk Lesions at Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy: Now What?

The purpose of this section is to provide a detailed review of high-risk lesions and their associated risk of upgrade at surgical excision in order to guide in management and appropriate risk reduction strategies. “High-risk” breast lesions refer to an eclectic group of histologic abnormalities associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Current data show a vast disparity in upgrade rates upon surgical excision for high-risk lesions, which leads to confusing and often conflicting recommendations. There has been suggestion in the media that breast biopsies lead to “over-diagnosis” and unnecessary breast surgeries. However, the goal of breast imagers is to detect early cancers, and in doing so, the recommendation for surgical excision of the appropriate high-risk lesions is necessary. In managing high-risk lesions we must balance the opportunity to diagnose early, curable breast cancer by recommending surgical excision with prudent and conservative management along with careful radiologic and pathologic correlation.
Efficacy of telecytopathology for preliminary assessment of fine-needle aspirations performed at a remote facility

Introduction The need for real time anatomic pathology services has grown as healthcare systems, traditionally found at large medical centers, expand into smaller communities. The placement of a pathologist is not cost-, time-, or resource-efficient. Telecytopathology can provide rapid offsite evaluation of cytology tissues. This study evaluated the accuracy rate of rendered preliminary assessments for telecytopathology of ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) for an offsite facility by comparing preliminary assessment results with the final diagnosis. Materials and methods The pathology database was searched for telecytopathology US-guided FNAs with rapid offsite evaluation performed at a regional care center from August 2014 to June 2016. A total of 674 consecutive US-guided FNAs from 444 patients were obtained. FNA sites included lymph node (345 cases), breast (178 cases), thyroid gland (71 cases), and others (80 cases). Results Preliminary assessments of the 674 FNAs were adequate/benign in 275 (41%) cases, adequate/malignant in 182 (27%) cases, adequate/further review needed in 162 (24%) cases, indeterminate/borderline cellularity in 37 (5%) cases, and nondiagnostic in 18 (3%) cases. Final FNA diagnoses rendered included 391 (58%) negative for malignancy, 205 (30%) malignant, 34 (5%) atypical/suspicious for malignancy, 26 (4%) indeterminate cellularity–favor benign, and 18 (3%) nondiagnostic specimens. Concurrent core biopsy was performed in 42 cases and 83 cases were triaged for ancillary studies. The majority (99%) of US-guided FNAs demonstrated concordant preliminary assessments with the final diagnoses. A major discrepancy occurred in 1 case; 5 cases had minor discrepancies. Conclusions Remote facility telecytopathology can be utilized as an accurate modality in guiding appropriate tissue acquisition and final diagnosis.
Pairing sound with vagus nerve stimulation modulates cortical synchrony and phase coherence in tinnitus: An exploratory retrospective study

Recent research has shown that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with tones or with rehabilitative training can help patients to achieve reductions in tinnitus perception or to expedite motor rehabilitation after suffering an ischemic stroke. The rationale behind this treatment is that VNS paired with experience can drive neural plasticity in a controlled and therapeutic direction. Since previous studies observed that gamma activity in the auditory cortex is correlated with tinnitus loudness, we assessed resting-state source-localized EEG before and after one to three months of VNS-tone pairing in chronic tinnitus patients. VNS-tone pairing reduced gamma band activity in left auditory cortex. VNS-tone pairing also reduced the phase coherence between the auditory cortex and areas associated with tinnitus distress, including the cingulate cortex. These results support the hypothesis that VNS-tone pairing can direct therapeutic neural plasticity. Targeted plasticity therapy might also be adapted to treat other conditions characterized by hypersynchronous neural activity.
Stop, Look, Listen: Contemplative Teaching and Learning:

In an age of overwhelming quantities of information, an increasing superficiality of understanding, and an increasing emphasis on “devices,” Christian educators can invite learners into transformat...
Meta-analysis: Second generation antidepressants and headache.

Abstract Background To assess the risk of headache associated with commonly prescribed antidepressant medications and to examine the impact of medication class, pharmacodynamics and dosage on risk of headache. Methods We searched PubMed to identify all randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials examining the efficacy of second generation antidepressant medications in the treatment of adults with depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders. We used a fixed-effect meta-analysis to examine the pooled risk ratio of headache reported as a side-effect in adults treated with second generation antidepressants compared to placebo. We used stratified subgroup analysis and meta-regression to examine the effects of medication type, class, dosage, indication, and receptor affinity profile on the measured risk of headache. Results SSRIs were associated with a significantly increased risk of headache (RR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.00–1.13, z = 2.0, p = 0.045) when compared to placebo. There was no significant difference (test for subgroup differences χ2 = 2.2, df = 1, p = 0.14) in the risk of headache between SSRIs and SNRIs (RR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.88–1.06, p = 0.63). There was no significant difference in the relative risk of headache with second generation antidepressants based on diagnostic indication, pharmacological properties and dosage of medications. The only antidepressants that were found to be significantly associated with increased risk of headache compared to placebo were bupropion (RR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.06–1.41, z = 2.73, p = 0.006) and escitalopram (RR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.01–1.37, z = 2.11, p = 0.04). Limitations The small number of studies that examined side effects within fixed-dose trials may have limited the power to examine the association between medication dosing and risk of headache. Additionally, reporting bias could potentially occur non-randomly across agents and therefore effect meta-analysis results. Conclusions Headaches reported after the initiation of second generation antidepressant medications are more likely to be coincidental than a treatment-emergent side effect of these medications.
Fibroepithelial polyps of ureter: A benign ureteral tumor

The authors believe that it is difficult to differentiate benign from malignant ureteral tumors unless the clinical course or cytologic diagnostics are grossly positive. Therefore, they are of the opinion that unless one's index of suspicion is low, treatment of ureteral tumors should be aggressive unless benignancy is assured. A case in point is reported, and 49 cases of nonepithelial polyps found in the literature are reviewed.