cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of aromatic hydrocarbons and sulfur heterocycles in Saudi Arabian heavy crude oil by gel permeation chromatography and ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry

Abstract The characterization of petroleum crude oil samples remains an overwhelming task for any single analytical technique. Additionally, the compositional complexity of crude oil typically increases with increase in sulfur content and decrease in API gravity. In the present investigation we employed gel permeation chromatography (GPC) for separating Arabian Heavy crude oil into clearly defined fractions, and atmospheric pressure photo ionization Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (APPI FT-ICR MS) for elucidating the structural commonalities through in-depth characterization of the fractions. The work involved the development of a GPC method by the selection of suitable columns, mobile phase, and optimization of separation conditions. Toluene was found to be suitable as a mobile phase for the analysis of nonpolar aromatic compounds as well as compatible with the subsequent APPI FT-ICR MS measurement. The GPC fractionated aromatic compounds based on the number of carbon atoms in alkyl chains. Compounds with a higher number of carbon atoms in their alkyl chains elute earlier in the GPC separation. This observation was true for aromatic hydrocarbons (HC), mono-sulfur (S1) and di-sulfur (S2) containing compounds. Using respective planar aromatic cores as parent structures, we systematically calculated the average number of alkyl carbon atoms present in each GPC fraction. The average number of alkyl carbon atoms were found to be 36, 27, 17, 9 and 5 in successive GPC fractions (from early to late elution), with only two alkyl carbon atoms overlap between successive fractions.
Evaluating methods of crossmodal matching for multimodal displays in younger and older adults

Abstract A limited number of multimodal studies incorporate crossmodal matching – matching the intensity of stimuli across different sensory modalities – which is an important step that can help account for individual differences in the perception of cue salience. This study evaluates three crossmodal matching methods in terms of how age, matching method, and modality combination may contribute to subject match variability. One method was based on the method of bracketing (MoB; participant zeroes in on a match) and two methods were based on the method of adjustment (MoA; participant directly controls the stimulus intensity). This study evaluated three different matching methods with younger adults (ages 18–30 years) and older adults (ages 50–69 years). Matched values (stimulus intensity chosen by the participant) and subjective data were collected. The findings from both studies support the need to incorporate crossmodal matching in multimodal studies, as the results showed high match variability (between-subject variability in matched values selected) when using the MoB, where participants seemed to rely more on their perception compared to the MoA interface. Compared to younger participants, older participants exhibited less variability for matches with modality combinations that included the tactile and auditory channel – suggesting that age may contribute to subject variability when matching with these sensory channels. Furthermore, very few significant differences were found between interfaces at higher intensities suggesting that the MoB may be a suitable alternative to the MoA because while variability was highest with the bracketing method, the findings show it may be a truer reflection of participants’ responses. These findings can help inform the design and development of a reliable crossmodal matching method for use in multimodal experiments.
Contractile Forces in Platelet Aggregates Under Microfluidic Shear Gradients Reflect Platelet Inhibition and Bleeding Risk

Platelets contract forcefully after their activation, contributing to the strength and stability of platelet aggregates and fibrin clots during blood coagulation. Viscoelastic approaches can be used to assess platelet-induced clot strengthening, but they require thrombin and fibrin generation and are unable to measure platelet forces directly. Here, we report a rapid, microfluidic approach for measuring the contractile force of platelet aggregates for the detection of platelet dysfunction. We find that platelet forces are significantly reduced when blood samples are treated with inhibitors of myosin, GPIb-IX-V, integrin αIIbβ3, P2Y12, or thromboxane generation. Clinically, we find that platelet forces are measurably lower in cardiology patients taking aspirin. We also find that measuring platelet forces can identify Emergency Department trauma patients who subsequently require blood transfusions. Together, these findings indicate that microfluidic quantification of platelet forces may be a rapid and useful approach for monitoring both antiplatelet therapy and traumatic bleeding risk.
SPINK1 expression and outcomes postprostatectomy in race-specific cohorts.

23Background: The SPINK1 molecular subtype has been shown to be more common in African American (AA) men with prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa) than European Americans (EA). Other studies have suggest...
Urinary Biomarkers and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common age-related benign proliferation of the epithelial and stromal components of the prostate. Symptomatic BPH is associated with the progressive development of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which left untreated can deteriorate over time and lead to acute urinary retention, urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, and/or obstructive uropathy. Surgical or medical treatment that correct bladder outlet obstruction from BPH in patients generally resolves voiding symptoms and reduces the urine levels of neurotrophins. Histological analysis of the prostate biopsies obtained from BPH patients enrolled in large clinical studies supported the role of prostatic inflammation in BPH/LUTS. However, the invasive nature of biopsy motivates the research in alternative biofluids for the discovery of biomarkers to influence the clinical management of BPH. We recently reported that urinary levels of chemokines are associated with the evidence of prostatic inflammation and measures of obesity in BPH patients. Detection of inflammatory mediators in urine of BPH patients has the potential to displace biopsy for discriminating BPH-related pathologies, identify risk of progressive disease, and personalize the management of BPH-related LUTS.
Linguistics and the explanatory economy

I present a novel, collaborative, methodology for linguistics: what I call the ‘explanatory economy’. According to this picture, multiple models/theories are evaluated based on the extent to which they complement one another with respect to data coverage. I show how this model can resolve a long-standing worry about the methodology of generative linguistics: that by creating too much distance between data and theory, the empirical credentials of this research program are tarnished. I provide justifications of such methodologically central distinctions as the competence/performance and core/periphery distinction, and then show how we can understand the push for simplicity in the history of generative grammar in this light.
The influence of prognostic factors on metastatic breast cancer survival over time.

1589 Background: Recent evidence suggests that survival in metastatic breast cancer is slowly improving associated with the use of better adjuvant and metastatic chemotherapeutic and targeted agent...
The association of COPD exacerbations with new onset type 2 diabetes among Medicare patients

**Objective:** Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly prevalent in the elderly population and typically reduces overall quality of life. Exacerbations of COPD are commonly treated with corticosteroids, a class of drug known to cause insulin resistance. The objective of this study was to assess the rate of exacerbations requiring emergency room visits, hospitalizations or any medical encounter (a combination of emergency room and hospitalizations) between COPD patients who did and did not develop type 2 diabetes. **Research Design and Methods:** A case-control study of COPD patients from the 2011-2012 Medicare 5% sample Limited Data Set (LDS) was conducted. Beneficiaries with at least 1 year of continuous enrollment and evidence of > 2 COPD-related claims (>1 primary diagnosis) were included in the study. Cases were defined as a beneficiary with a new claim for type 2 diabetes, whereas controls lacked evidence of type 2 diabetes (beneficiaries with evidence of non-incident type 2 diabetes were excluded). **Results:** Of 27 456 COPD beneficiaries, 1274 developed incident type 2 diabetes (4.6%). After matching, 2536 beneficiaries were assigned as cases (n = 1268) and controls (n = 1268). Cases in the emergency room (1.97 claims per person) (p = <0.001) and hospitalizations (2.02 claims per person) (p = <0.001) had a higher rate of exacerbations. **Conclusion:** Our findings suggest that patients that were hospitalized and visited the emergency room for COPD exacerbations had a greater likelihood of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may be associated with exposure to corticosteroids as a result of the treatment for exacerbations. Future work should investigate the risk for type 2 diabetes in COPD patients treated with corticosteroids.
Women’s perceptions of intimate partner violence in Zambia

Despite growing awareness of violence against women, intimate partner violence (IPV) continues to be a major public health issue worldwide. Understanding factors associated with attitudes toward violence against women is a crucial first step in developing prevention strategies to reduce the occurrence of IPV. This secondary data analysis used data from 9353 women who participated in the 2013–2014 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) to examine demographic and social factors associated with attitudes toward wife beating—a common type of IPV. Our main research objectives were: (1) examine the most common reasons for endorsement (justification) of wife beating by Zambian women and (2) determine the predictors of approval (or justification of) wife beating by Zambian women. In addition, this study investigated the relationship between wealth and media on perceptions of wife beating in Zambia. Descriptive, bivariate, multivariate, and logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the effects of sociodemographic factors on women's perceptions of wife beating. Over half (53.5%) of Zambian women endorsed at least one justification for wife beating. Wealth index, listening to the radio, reading the newspaper or magazine, and watching television (TV) were significant predictors of women's endorsement of wife beating. We also examined the role of media exposure as a mediator between wealth and endorsement of wife beating. Women who reported reading the newspaper or magazine and watching TV were less likely to support wife beating; however, women who listened to the radio were more likely to support wife beating. Justification and endorsement among Zambian women is problematic and suggests that for some, wife beating is a cultural norm. Interventions aimed at reducing wife beating in Zambia should include broad public awareness and media campaigns on violence against women.
Feeding modes, duration, and diarrhea in infancy: Continued evidence of the protective effects of breastfeeding.

Objectives To evaluate the effect of early breastfeeding cessation on incidence of diarrhea in a cohort of U.S. infants. Design, sample, and measurements A secondary data analysis was conducted using data from 2,340 mother-infant dyads participating in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II. We examined associations between duration of feeding type (e.g., exclusive breastfeeding [EBF], any breastfeeding [BF], formula feeding) and incidence of diarrhea before one year. Results The sample included mother-infant dyads that were 86.2% White, 3% Black, and 5% Hispanic. Interruption of EBF before 3 months was significantly associated with higher odds of having diarrhea at 6 months (OR = 1.80, p value ≤ 0.01) and between 6 and 12 months (OR = 1.45, p ≤ .01). Breastfeeding interruption before 6 months was associated with higher odds of having diarrhea at 6 months (OR = 3.19, p ≤ .01). Formula feeding for ≥3 months was associated with higher odds of diarrhea between 6 and 12 months. Conclusions Exclusive breastfeeding for 3 months accompanied by any breastfeeding for 6 months provided the most protective effect against diarrhea. Public health interventions should address disparities in breastfeeding practices and provide support across clinical, workplace and community settings. Research should include more diverse population groups.
Hip extensor fatigue alters hip and knee coupling dynamics during single-limb step-downs: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Impaired hip muscle function may cause movement coordination deficits that increase lower extremity injury risks. We examined whether hip and knee coordination is altered during single-limb step-downs following a hip extensor fatigue protocol. Forty participants in this randomized controlled trial performed 20 single-limb step-downs before and after completing either a fatigue protocol or a sham fatigue protocol. Means and SDs of sagittal and frontal plane hip and knee kinematics were measured. Nonlinear measures of coupled hip and knee coordination were examined with cross recurrence quantification analyses. Pre- to post-fatigue change scores were analyzed inferentially (α = 0.05). The fatigue protocol induced 22.2% strength reduction in the fatigue group, versus 4% reduction in the sham group. Neither the magnitude nor variability in sagittal and frontal plane hip and knee kinematics changed following the fatigue protocol (P > .05, small effect sizes). Participants in the fatigue group, however, performed post-fatigue step-downs with greater cross determinism (P = .046, effect size = 0.71) and mean line (P = .038, effect size = 0.74) in sagittal plane hip and frontal plane knee coupling, whereas participants in the sham-control group performed step-downs with reductions in those measures. In the fatigued state, participants performed repeated step-downs with subtle increases in cross determinism and cross mean line, which implies they performed the task with greater predictability of hip and knee coupling and less adaptability. The findings may provide insight into coupled movement patterns and their reflection of motor control.
Commentary on 'Gestation, Equality and Freedom: Ectogenesis as a Political Perspective'.

It is a pleasure to comment on Giulia Cavaliere’s ‘ Gestation, Equality and Freedom: Ectogenesis as a Political Perspective’ in what one might say is ‘enthusiastic disagreement’. The enthusiastic part is because the article is deserving of much praise for adding an important feminist and political theoretical perspective on ectogenesis. The disagreement may come more from disciplinary differences (I am a bioethics-trained law professor, not a scholar in feminist perspectives in bioethics) or disposition (I am more of a pragmatist, and Cavaliere reads to me more of a radical in the best possible sense). As I understand her argument, Cavaliere intends to attack two common (but not the only) arguments in favour of research into ectogenesis—that is, gestation of a human fetus outside the womb—one that sounds in the potential of the technology to promote equality, the other that it has the potential to promote liberty. On the first her critique is that the risks and burdens of gestation for women are most pronounced for the worst off, but ectogenesis is unlikely to be used by them. On the second her critique is, i nter alia , that treating ‘ectogenesis as a means to address workplace inequalities calls for solutions that change the way society reproduces itself rather than a labour market …
New Standardized Base Flow Index for Identification of Hydrologic Drought in the Red River of the North Basin

AbstractThere is an increasing interest in finding effective alternatives for groundwater drought indices due to the scarcity of groundwater data. The objective of this research is to improve hydro...
Understanding the Hoarding Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic using Large Scale Social Media Data.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people's lives around the world on an unprecedented scale. We intend to investigate hoarding behaviors in response to the pandemic using large-scale social media data. First, we collect hoarding-related tweets shortly after the outbreak of the coronavirus. Next, we analyze the hoarding and anti-hoarding patterns of over 42,000 unique Twitter users in the United States from March 1 to April 30, 2020, and dissect the hoarding-related tweets by age, gender, and geographic location. We find the percentage of females in both hoarding and anti-hoarding groups is higher than that of the general Twitter user population. Furthermore, using topic modeling, we investigate the opinions expressed towards the hoarding behavior by categorizing these topics according to demographic and geographic groups. We also calculate the anxiety scores for the hoarding and anti-hoarding related tweets using a lexical approach. By comparing their anxiety scores with the baseline Twitter anxiety score, we reveal further insights. The LIWC anxiety mean for the hoarding-related tweets is significantly higher than the baseline Twitter anxiety mean. Interestingly, beer has the highest calculated anxiety score compared to other hoarded items mentioned in the tweets.
Self-Projected Protection Order Violations across Contexts, History, and Emotion Regulation: A Brief Report

The effectiveness of protection orders (PO) from abuse vary by objective and subjective metrics, including victims’ perceptions and legal outcomes. It is unclear how defendants perceive PO violations and evaluate decisions to violate POs. This study examined how context, emotion regulation, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were related to the decision to violate a PO. A general community sample (N = 300) recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk completed a demographics questionnaire, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), ACEs Questionnaire, and a study-specific vignette and measure asking their projected likelihood of verbally/physically violating the PO. The context in each vignette was randomized to include control (providing information about the PO and ex-partner), custody (alluding to child custody disputes), or significant other conditions (introducing the complainant’s new partner). PO context was not significantly related to projected physical or verbal violations. DERS and ACEs were significantly associated with projected total and physical violations in all contexts. DERS scores were also associated with verbal violations. Certain violation types were related to endorsement of specific ACEs items: self-reported sexual abuse and household abuse were each associated with projected total and physical PO violations. Preliminary data suggest that emotion regulation and ACEs may be more noteworthy than the situation in which the PO was issued. Given the impact of ACEs on emotion dysregulation and offending behavior (e.g. domestic violence), research is needed on effective early interventions and to determine when/where POs may fail to prevent future harm.
Preparation of Early Childhood Special Education Personnel: Alignment with Personnel Preparation Guidance

Preparation of early childhood special educators, including early interventionists, includes knowledge and application of different practices than either early childhood generally or school-age special education. Several organizations, including the Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, have identified relevant recommended practices and personnel preparation guidelines. Faculty in early childhood special education and early intervention programs were surveyed to determine how program development and delivery align with recommended practices and personnel preparation guidelines. Forty-seven respondents completed the survey and results indicate variable alignment with personnel preparation guidance. Future directions for the field are provided.
Body mass index as a predictor of sonographic visualization of the pediatric appendix.

Appendicitis is a common condition that is often confirmed with imaging. Ultrasound (US) is recommended as the first radiologic test in the work-up of appendicitis in children. Increased body mass index (BMI) has been implicated as a limiting factor to the sensitivity of US. This has drastic public health ramifications, as pediatric obesity has been increasing at alarming rates. The purpose of this study is to compare age-adjusted BMI z-scores to the frequency of sonographic visualization of the appendix. A retrospective review of 500 consecutive reports of US exams ordered for appendicitis in patients with a documented BMI was performed. Patients were stratified by BMI z-score based on, and the visualization frequency of the appendix was compared to the BMI z-score group. A logistic regression analysis generated the odds of visualization of the appendix by BMI z-score group. Primary home language, ethnicity, sex and insurance status were included in the logistic regression model to assess these characteristics as potential effect modifiers. Of the 500 patients, 52.4% were male, 56.4% were Hispanic and 62.0% had government insurance. BMI z-score distribution groups were as follows: 4.2% were 2. The visualization frequency was 61.1% for boys and 46.2% for girls (P 2. Children with a BMI z-score greater than 2 were less likely to have a US with visualization of the appendix compared to children with a BMI z-score between −1 and 1 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.11–0.40, P<0.0001). Boys were more likely than girls to have a US with visualization of the appendix (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.29–2.80, P=0.001). There was no effect from insurance status, ethnicity or primary home language. Findings show that as the BMI z-score increased, sonographic visualization of the appendix decreased even after adjusting for demographic differences. These findings have implications for pediatric radiology practice in light of the worsening obesity epidemic.
Recognizing the Vulnerable: Perspectives, Attitudes, and Interests of Women With Uterine Factor Infertility Towards Uterus Allotransplantation.

BACKGROUND Uterine allotransplantation (UTx) is a novel therapy to allow women with uterine factor infertility (UFI) to bear their own children. To date, over 60 UTx have been performed, resulting in 15 live births. Our study investigates the attitudes, perspectives, and interests of women with UFI towards UTx. METHODS Anonymous questionnaires were distributed electronically to women diagnosed with UFI at Johns Hopkins Hospital between the years 2003 and 2018. RESULTS Thirty-one women with UFI were identified, resulting in 10 completed surveys. The average age was 31.7 ± 6.31 years, and the average age of diagnosis was 20 years (range 14-31); all 10 surveyed women had congenital UFI. Of note, 80% of women agreed that UTx should be an option for women with UFI, and 90% would consider receiving a UTx. The majority of the nine (90%) women who had previously heard of UTx learned about it from the news (5, 50%). When asked to rank the risks related to UTx in order of personal importance, only two women ranked themselves most important; the other woman ranked fetus and donor as more important. All women had health insurance (70% had private insurance), and 90% believed that UTx should be covered by health insurance. CONCLUSIONS We surveyed women with UFI and found that the majority are willing to have UTx, despite the associated risks of the procedure. Taking into consideration the responses for ranking the importance of risks of the procedure, women with UFI should be considered a vulnerable population, requiring special considerations for UTx informed consents.
The effect of white matter hyperintensities on neurodegeneration in mild cognitive impairment

Abstract Introduction It is unclear whether white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), magnetic resonance imaging markers of small-vessel cerebrovascular disease, promote neurodegeneration and associated clinical decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), or simply co-occur with recognized pathogenic processes. Methods In 169 patients with mild cognitive impairment, followed for 3 years, we examined the association of (1) baseline regional WMH and cerebral spinal fluid–derived t-tau (total tau) with entorhinal cortex atrophy rates, as a marker of AD-related neurodegeneration, and conversion to AD; and (2) baseline regional WMH with change in t-tau level. Results In participants with low baseline t-tau, higher regional WMH volumes were associated with faster entorhinal cortex atrophy. Higher parietal WMH volume predicted conversion to AD in those with high t-tau. Higher parietal and occipital WMH volumes predicted increasing t-tau. Discussion WMHs affect AD clinical and pathologic processes both directly and interacting with tau.
Biopsy Devices and Techniques

Image-guided biopsy is an integral part of the diagnostic workup for many medical conditions. Tissue sampling should be done carefully, with specific attention given to choosing the most effective biopsy technique and device such that adequate material is procured without complications. Various biopsy devices have been developed for specific indications. In planning and performing an image-guided biopsy, the interventional radiologist should consider the approach, select an appropriate device, and apply the appropriate technique. This chapter reviews the most commonly used biopsy devices and techniques.
Information representation analysis in a neural network

The authors study the mathematical behavior of the hidden layer of a generalized delta rule type neural network (GDR) by analyzing the weights and thresholds in the network, when it learned and didn't learn, in a typical situation in neurocomputation. The GDR was used in a C language program. There are three representation hypotheses: (a) the local, which states that information encoding takes place in local parts of the network; (b) the generalized, which states that information is located in extended areas in the network; and (c) the global, which states that total behavior represents the information in the networks. Several intensive computations were carried out to analyze the neural network internal behavior in situations where it did and didn't learn. The information shows clearly that representation as a global behavior in the hidden layer is responsible for learning, and not local behavior situations. >
Chapter 39 Information Cascade Experiments

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the information cascade experiments. The concept of an information cascade can be explained in the context of a specific numerical example that was used in initial laboratory experiments. The predictions are publicly announced as they are made, but individuals are not able to observe others' private signals. The first person in the sequence must predict only on the basis of private information. All of the analysis is based on the assumption that others do not make mistakes, and we conjecture that the anomalous behavior patterns may be explained by incorporating the possibility of decision error. When others may make errors, the option of following one's own information becomes more attractive. Even though these applications are motivated by naturally occurring institutions, the usefulness of field data is limited by the fact that the private information of traders and/or betters typically cannot be observed. Laboratory experiments are particularly useful in examining herding behavior because private information is observed by the experimenter and the flow is information can be precisely controlled.
Review of Diane Ravitch Book, “The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice are Undermining Education.” New York, NY: Basic Books.

Abstract The book has eleven chapters that can be clustered into three parts. The first part traces historical accounts of educational reforms in America and their impacts. The second part illuminates some of the major success stories and innovations American education system. The part of the book sheds light on corporatization of education and the ever growing dominance to business and corporate worlds in American education system. This part also gives some perspectives on some of lessons that need to be learned from the past experiments and reforms in American education system.
Connective tissue microfibrils. Isolation and characterization of three large pepsin-resistant domains of fibrillin.

Human amnion was solubilized using pepsin and the digest supernatant screened for fragments of fibrillin with a previously characterized monoclonal antibody (Sakai, L. Y., Keene, D. R., and Engvall, E. (1986) J. Cell Biol. 103, 2499–2509). One fragment (PF1), with an apparent molecular weight of 94,000, was isolated and characterized. Two other fragments, PF2 and PF3, were isolated and shown to be fragments of fibrillin by preparing a monospecific antisera to PF2 and a monoclonal antibody to PF3. Immunoelectron microscopy and immunoblotting showed that both antibodies were specific for fibrillin. Electron microscope pictures of rotary-shadowed PF1 and PF2 showed them to be short rod-shaped molecules while PF3 has a crab-like appearance and seems to be an aggregate of several fibrillin chain fragments. Amino-terminal amino acid sequencing of PF1 and PF2 gave single unique sequences. Each of the three antibodies used was specific for one fragment and peptide mapping of PF1 and PF2 showed that there was no significant amino acid sequence overlap. Aggregates of PF3 are described which provided insight into the assembly and macro-molecular structure of fibrillin in microfibrils.
Price Risk and Exporter Competition in China's Soybean Market

An import allocation model is used to examine the effects of price risk (variance of prices) on exporter competition in China's soybean market. Price risk is an important determinant of China's soybean imports across sources (Argentina, Brazil, and the United States), even when accounting for other factors. Results indicate that Argentina is the only country affected by own-price risk in the Chinese market; imports decline by 1.11% for every percentage increase price risk. The estimated risk premium for soybeans from Argentina is 0.44, indicating that if price risk increases by 1%, prices would have to fall by 0.44% for imports to remain unchanged. Price risk in Argentina has a positive effect on China's imports from the United States. Price risk in Brazil has a positive effect on imports from Argentina, but a negative effect on imports from the United States. [EconLit citations: D81, F14, Q11, Q17].
Caretakers receiving SNAP are responsive to education to reduce preschool child sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (252.8)

A RCT, directed at low-income parents at early childcare centers, evaluated whether an 8-week brief intervention using the information-motivation-behavior theoretical framework would decrease the children’s home SSB consumption. The control group received a sham home food safety curriculum. Caretakers of 364 children completed the study, 357 of whom completed a 2-day (weekend) food record for the child and provided information on child beverage consumption by use of an inventory of beverages in the home (HBI) at baseline and 6 months later. Fourteen percent did not consume SSB at either time point. Consumption estimates from food records and HBI among consumers were significantly correlated (r=0.32, p<0.0001). Baseline SSB consumption by either measure did not differ between intervention and control groups. Children who consumed SSBs did not change consumption over the course of the study. In contrast, children in families receiving SNAP benefits (45%) did reduce consumption over the course of the study (...
Combining Ability for Yield and Its Components in Diallel Crosses of Cotton

One of the objectives of this study was to estimate gene action and the type of inheritance of investigated traits in cotton. Another objective was to evaluate general combining ability of parents and special combining ability of F 1 diallel crosses and to select the superior F 1 s that can be used in future breeding programs of cotton. Additive and dominant components were found significant for investigated traits. Number of bolls and lint percentages were effective in the control of additive type of gene action with partial dominance, but seed-cotton yield was also effective in the control of additive type of gene action with over-dominance. Greater parents were ‘Paum-15’ and ‘Stoneville-453’ for the number of bolls and the seed-cotton yield; ‘Stoneville-453’ and ‘Nazilli-84S’ for the lint percentage. Greater cross combinations were ‘Paum-15’ x ‘Stoneville-453’; ‘Stoneville-453’ x ‘Nazilli-84S’; ‘Stoneville-453’ x ‘Fantom’; ‘Stoneville-453’ x ‘Delcerro’ and ‘Stoneville-453’ x ‘Giza-45’ diallel crosses for the number of bolls; ‘Paum-15’ x ‘Nazilli-84S’, ‘Stoneville-453’ x ‘Fantom’, ‘Nazilli-84S’ x ‘Delcerro’ and ‘Nazilli-84S’ x ‘Giza-45’ diallel cross for the lint percentage, ‘Paum-15’ x ‘Stoneville-453’, ‘Paum-15’ x ‘Nazilli-84S’, ‘Stoneville-453’ x ‘Nazilli-84S’, ‘Stoneville-453’ x ‘Fantom’, ‘Stoneville-453’ x ‘Delcerro’, ‘Stoneville-453’ x ‘Giza-45’, ‘Nazilli-84S’ x ‘Fantom’ and ‘Nazilli-84S’ x ‘Delcerro’ diallel crosses for the seed-cotton yield.
Atrioventricular septal defects: possible etiologic differences between complete and partial defects.

Background Recent advances in clinical, pathological, and genetic aspects of atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) have set the stage for epidemiologic investigations into possible risk factors. Previous analyses of the total case group of AVSD included complete and partial subtypes without analysis of the subsets. Methods To address the question of possible morphogenetic heterogeneity of AVSD, the Baltimore–Washington Infant Study data on live-born cases and controls (1981–1989) was reanalyzed for potential environmental and genetic risk-factor associations in complete AVSD (n = 213), with separate comparisons to the atrial (n = 75) and the ventricular (n = 32) forms of partial AVSD. Results Complete and ventricular forms of AVSD had a similar proportion of isolated cases (12.2% and 15.6%, respectively, without associated extracardiac anomalies) and high rates of Down syndrome, whereas the atrial form of partial AVSD included 55% isolated cases. Trisomy 18 occurred in 22% of infants with the ventricular form, compared with <2% in the other AVSD groups. Analysis of potential risk factors revealed further distinctions. Complete AVSD as an isolated cardiac defect was strongly associated with maternal diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 20.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] =5.6–76.4) and also with antitussive use (OR = 8.8; CI = 1.2–48.2); there were no strong associations other than maternal age among Down syndrome infants with this type of heart defect. Isolated cases with the atrial type of partial AVSD were associated with a family history of heart defects (OR = 6.2; CI = 1.4–24.4) and with paternal occupational exposures to ionizing radiation (OR = 5.1; CI = 1.4–27.4), but no risk factors were associated with Down syndrome. There were no significant associations of any risk factors in the numerically small subsets of isolated and Down syndrome cases with the ventricular form of partial AVSD. Conclusions These results indicate a similar risk profile of complete AVSD and the ventricular type of partial AVSD, with a possible subset of the latter due to trisomy 18. Maternal diabetes constituted a potentially preventable risk factor for the most severe, complete form of AVSD. Teratology 63:87–93, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Research Risk and Public Policy in a Knowledge-Based Economy: the Relative Research Efficiency of Government Versus University Labs

This paper contributes to the burgeoning literature about the knowledge economy by addressing the question of which intellectual-based institutions in an economy contribute the greatest amount to economic growth. In particular, we posit a theoretical model that compares the research efficiency of government research labs to university research labs. We conclude that there is merit in shifting public moneys from government research labs to university research labs from an efficiency perspective. This result opens the door for empirical research on relative research efficiencies and the implications for efficiency gains on economic growth.
Room temperature deposition of alumina-doped zinc oxide on flexible substrates by direct pulsed laser recrystallization

In this study, a method combining room temperature pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and direct pulsed laser recrystallization (DPLR) is introduced to deposit transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer on low melting point flexible substrates. Alumina-doped zinc oxide (AZO), as one of the most promising TCO candidates, has now been widely used in solar cells. However, to achieve optimal, electrical, and optical properties of AZO on low melting point, flexible substrate is challenging. DPLR technique is a scalable, economic, and fast process to remove crystal defects and generate recrystallization at room temperature. It features selective processing by only heating up the TCO thin film and preserve the underlying substrate at low temperature. In this study, AZO thin film is pre-deposited by PLD on flexible and rigid substrates. DPLR is then introduced to achieve a uniform TCO layer on these substrates, i.e., commercialized Kapton polyimide film, micron-thick Al-foil, and sold lime glass (SLG). Both finite eleme...
Glucagon-(1–21) fails to inhibit meal size in rats

Abstract Rats were intraperitoneally injected with 115 or 230 nmol/kg pancreatic glucagon or equimolar doses of glucagon-(1–21) just before refeeding at the beginning of the dark phase after a 12 hr period of food deprivation. Glucagon-(1–21) and pancreatic glucagon have been reported to have similar visceral effects, but glucagon-(1–21) does not have pancreatic glucagon's metabolic effects. In this experiment, both doses of pancreatic glucagon, but neither dose of glucagon-(1–21), significantly decreased meal size. This indicates that the C-terminal octapeptide of pancreatic glucagon is necessary for its satiety effect, just as it is for its metabolic effects.
Age Differences in Perceptual Judgments about Potential Collision and Implications for Driving

To travel safely, drivers must detect and identify conditions that precipitate collisions. Previous results suggest that judgments about collision are influenced by scene parameters, task constrain...
The production and secretion of procollagen peptidase by human fibroblasts in culture

Abstract Procollagen peptidase, the enzyme that converts procollagen to collagen prior to fiber formation, is produced by human fibroblasts in culture. Almost all of the enzymntic activity was found in the medium while little activity was detected with the cells. Activity was not significant during the rapid proliferative phase of cell growth. However, as the cells reached saturation density procollagen pcptidase activity increased rapidly. The accumulation of enzyme in the medium of cultured fibroblasts is consistent with an extracellular conversion of procollagen to collagen, since the proposed functions of the extra aminoterminal peptides of procollagen are to prevent intracellular fibrogenesis and to facilitate secretion.
Sputtered metallic coatings for optical fibers used in high-temperature environments

Rf and dc planar magnetron sputtering systems were used to deposit high-temperature nickel- based super alloys, INCONEL 617, 625, Haynes 214, and thin films of palladium, as coatings on optical fibers for use in temperatures approaching 1000 degree(s)C. The nickel-based alloy coatings were applied on-line as the optical fiber was drawn, minimizing the exposure of the fiber to the deleterious effects of humidity. The thin film coatings of pure metals were sputtered using a new rf magnetron sputtering system custom designed and built for the Fiber and Electro Optics Research Center. The resulting coatings were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, Auger electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The coated fibers exhibit promise for embedded sensors in high temperature, high load composites used for advanced aerospace and energy applications.
Probing the Underground Science beyond the Standard Model with Ultra-Low Background Experiments at Sanford Lab/DUSEL

Abstract We show that an improved sensitivity on effective neutrino mass to the atmospheric neutrino mass scale with the next generation germanium-based double-beta decay experiment together with results from cosmology survey, θ 13 measurements and neutrino oscillation experiments may be able to determine the absolute mass scale of the neutrino, and answer the question of the neutrino nature. To achieve such a sensitivity of 45 meV, the next generation germanium experiment must reduce background by a factor of 440 comparing to the existing results. The planned germanium experiment at the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL) in western South Dakota aims at achieving such a sensitivity. Sanford Lab supported by the state of South Dakota and a private donor, Mr. T. Denny Sanford, will be up and running within the next year to pave the way for the creation of DUSEL in five years.
Apoptosis repressor with a CARD domain (ARC) restrains Bax-mediated pathogenesis in dystrophic skeletal muscle.

Myofiber wasting in muscular dystrophy has largely been ascribed to necrotic cell death, despite reports identifying apoptotic markers in dystrophic muscle. Here we set out to identify the contribution of canonical apoptotic pathways to skeletal muscle degeneration in muscular dystrophy by genetically deleting a known inhibitor of apoptosis, apoptosis repressor with a card domain (Arc), in dystrophic mouse models. Nol3 (Arc protein) genetic deletion in the dystrophic Sgcd or Lama2 null backgrounds showed exacerbated skeletal muscle pathology with decreased muscle performance compared with single null dystrophic littermate controls. The enhanced severity of the dystrophic phenotype associated with Nol3 deletion was caspase independent but dependent on the mitochondria permeability transition pore (MPTP), as the inhibitor Debio-025 partially rescued skeletal muscle pathology in Nol3-/-Sgcd-/- double targeted mice. Mechanistically, Nol3-/-Sgcd-/- mice showed elevated total and mitochondrial Bax protein levels, as well as greater mitochondrial swelling, suggesting that Arc normally restrains the cell death effects of Bax in skeletal muscle. Indeed, knockdown of Arc in mouse embryonic fibroblasts caused an increased sensitivity to cell death that was fully blocked in Bax Bak1 (genes encoding Bax and Bak) double null fibroblasts. Thus Arc deficiency in dystrophic muscle exacerbates disease pathogenesis due to a Bax-mediated sensitization of mitochondria-dependent death mechanisms.
Surgical treatment of sarcomas of the spine.

Primary sarcomas of the spine are rare diseases and include osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, chordoma, and Ewing’s sarcoma. Surgery for these lesions remains an important part of their treatment. Strong evidence exists for the en bloc resection of chondrosarcoma and chordoma since these lesions respond poorly to both chemotherapy and radiation. Weaker but important evidence suggests that osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma may also benefit from wide excisions, but after the application of neoadjuvant therapy, which may significantly aid the surgical process as well as independently prolong the survival. The unacceptable morbidity associated with damage to the neural elements makes resection with wide margins difficult in the spine. Nevertheless, this can be achieved in many circumstances and can, on occasion, lead to long term disease-free survival and even cure. There are numerous techniques described for en bloc resections in the mobile spine and pelvis and these vary widely for the region of the spine involved and the preferences of the surgeon. There are constant principles that do apply to all cases. We think of these surgeries as consisting of 2 stages which can be done in 1 or multiple operations. In the first phase, a corridor free of tumor is removed from the bone and the neural elements to be protected are dissected free from surrounding tissues. In the second phase, the tumor and a margin of normal tissue is circumferentially dissected and delivered while sparing the neural structures. Patient selection, in terms of age, overall disease burden, personal preferences, and comorbidities need to be carefully taken into account to optimize the risk benefit ratio. Sarcomas of the spine are a challenging group of lesions to treat but they can also be the most rewarding. Our newly acquired insight into the pathogenesis of these lesions, as well as improved surgical techniques combined with better neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies are leading to longer survival times as well as long term disease free survivors.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Subtotal Gastrectomy for Adenocarcinoma: A Case–Control Study

The aim of this study is to compare technical feasibility and oncologic efficacy of totally laparoscopic versus open subtotal gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. Laparoscopic gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma is emerging in the West as a technique that may offer benefits for patients, although large-scale studies are lacking. This study was designed as a case-controlled study from a prospective gastric cancer database. Thirty consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma were compared with 30 patients undergoing open subtotal gastrectomy. Controls were matched for stage, age, and gender via a statistically generated selection of all gastrectomies performed during the same period of time. Patient demographics, tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) stage, histologic features, location of tumor, lymph node retrieval, recurrence, margins, and early and late postoperative complications were compared. Tumor location and histology were similar between the two groups. Median operative time for the laparoscopic approach was 270 min (range 150–485 min) compared with median of 126 min (range 85–205 min) in the open group (p < 0.01). Hospital length of stay after laparoscopic gastrectomy was 5 days (range 2–26 days), compared with 7 days (range 5–30 days) in the open group (p = 0.01). Postoperative pain, as measured by number of days of IV narcotic use, was significantly lower for laparoscopic patients, with a median of 3 days (range 0–11 days) compared with 4 days (range 1–13 days) in the open group (p < 0.01). Postoperative early complications trended towards a decrease for laparoscopic versus open surgery patients (p = 0.07); however, there were significantly more late complications for the open group (p = 0.03). Short-term recurrence-free survival and margin status was similar between the two groups (p = not significant) with adequate lymph node retrieval in both groups. Laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma is comparable to the open approach with regard to oncologic principles of resection, with equivalent margin status and adequate lymph node retrieval, demonstrating technically feasibility and equivalent short-term recurrence-free survival. Additional benefits of decreased postoperative complications, decreased length of hospital stay, and decreased narcotic use make this a preferable approach for selected patients.