cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The diagnosis and treatment of mania in the elderly

Mania in late life is often complicated by comorbid medical conditions, medication intolerance, and inadequate medication response. Lithium remains the primary medication in the acute and prophylactic treatment of mania in the elderly. However, certain anticonvulsants (valproic acid and carbamazepine) have a number of advantages, including a more tolerable side effect profile and increased efficacy in subgroups of patients, such as patients with secondary mania due to neurological and other medical disorders. Future research is needed to focus on the double-blind trials of somatic treatments, including ECT, in the elderly.
Self-Cyclizing Antioxidants to Prevent DNA Damage Caused by Hydroxyl Radical

Antioxidant therapy is a promising treatment strategy for protecting DNA from the damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we report new self-cyclizing antioxidant reagents that are selective for the hydroxyl radical. Our mechanistic investigation revealed that the reagents react with three equivalents of oxidant in a cascade reaction to form a bicyclic final product. Among the reagents synthesized, 1 c showed favorable properties in vitro and in cellular studies. Using As2 O3 , which triggers ROS production, we showed that 1 c prevents formation of the guanine oxidation product 2,2,4-triamino-2H-oxazol-5-one-2'-deoxyribonucleoside and lowers cellular levels of reactive oxygen. The described self-cyclizing antioxidants are efficient, flexible, and tunable reagents with the potential to limit toxic oxidative stress.
Effects of container geometry and media physical properties on air and water volumes in containers

Data derived from soil moisture retention curves of two media were combined with geometric descriptions of four containers to produce calculated values of air and water volumes for each medium-container combination. The volume air space ranged from 28% in a #1 container to 12% in a bedding plant cell (BPC). Water volume after drainage increased from 43% (#1) to 59% (BPC). The same trend occurred in these containers with the peatlite mix. These calculations were also used to mathematically model four simulated containers and to calculate the air and water contents in the resultant container-medium combinations.
The coming solar trade war: Obstacles to decarbonization from a political-economy conflict

Abstract Will the United States ‘Make Solar Expensive Again’? An active petition filed by the manufacturer known as Suniva now before the International Trade Commission would impose tariffs and a minimum price on solar panels, if acted upon by the executive branch of government. Renewed solar protectionism would reverse attained progress in cost reductions. For the nascent but burgeoning solar PV installation, construction, and operations sectors, higher prices would lead to decreased demand and fewer jobs. For the energy system as a whole, decarbonization would be delayed.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Patients Following Massive and Submassive Pulmonary Embolism

Background Little data exist regarding the functional capacity of patients following acute pulmonary embolism. We sought to characterize the natural history of symptom burden, right ventricular (RV) structure and function, and exercise capacity among survivors of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism. Methods and Results Survivors of submassive or massive pulmonary embolism (n=20, age 57±13.3 years, 8/20 female) underwent clinical evaluation, transthoracic echocardiography, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing at 1 and 6 months following hospital discharge. At 1 month, 9/20 (45%) patients had New York Heart Association II or greater symptoms, 13/20 (65%) demonstrated either persistent RV dilation or systolic dysfunction, and 14/20 (70%) had objective exercise impairment as defined by a peak oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O 2 ) of V ˙ O 2 (17.45 [14.08–22.48] mL/kg per minute, P =NS) were observed. No patients demonstrated an exercise limitation attributable to either RV/pulmonary vascular coupling, as defined by a VE/VCO 2 slope >33, or a pulmonary mechanical limit to exercise at either time point. Similarly, persistent RV dilation or dysfunction was not significantly related to symptom burden or peak V ˙ O 2 at either time point. Conclusions Persistent symptoms, abnormalities of RV structure and function, and objective exercise limitation are common among survivors of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism. Functional impairment appears to be attributable to general deconditioning rather than intrinsic cardiopulmonary limitation, suggesting an important role for prescribed exercise rehabilitation as a means toward improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
Neighborhood Disadvantage and Telomere Length: Results from the Fragile Families Study

Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences located at the ends of chromosomes that protect genetic material. We use data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to analyze the relationship between exposure to spatially concentrated disadvantage and telomere length for white and black mothers. We find that neighborhood disadvantage is associated with shorter telomere length for mothers of both races. This finding highlights a potential mechanism through which the unique spatially concentrated disadvantage faced by African Americans contributes to racial health disparities. We conclude that equalizing the health and socioeconomic status of black and white Americans will be very difficult without reducing levels of residential segregation in the United States.
Cultural Genomics: Promises and Challenges:

In this article, we attempt to integrate recent advances in our understanding of the relations between culture and genes into an emerging field—cultural genomics—and discuss its promises and theore...
Robust SiN x /GaN MIS-HEMTs With Crystalline Interfacial Layer Using Hollow Cathode PEALD

In this letter, we report gallium nitride-based metal-insulator-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors (GaN MIS-HEMTs) with a 16-nm-thick silicon nitride (SiN x ) gate insulator and surface passivation layer grown using low-temperature (300 °C) hollow cathode plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. Tris(dimethylamino) silane and a remote N2 plasma were used as the silicon precursor and the nitrogen co-reactant, respectively. Though the growth temperature was as low as 300 °C, we obtained excellent film properties such as a high refractive index (2.00), a high film density (2.9 g/cm3), and a low wet etch rate (0.8 nm/min) in 100:1 hydrofluoric acid. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images of the gate stacks showed ~1.5 nm $\beta $ -phase Si3N4 crystalline interfacial layer on the GaN surface. The devices showed a negligible hysteresis of ~50 mV, a steep subthreshold slope of 76 mV/dec, and a high ON/OFF drain current ratio of ~109. In addition, the devices showed a small positive/negative bias temperature threshold voltage ( ${V}_{\text {th}}$ ) instability ( $\Delta {V}_{\text {th}}\le 0.2$ V at 25 °C and 150 °C) as well as a mitigated current collapse under an off-state quiescent ${V}_{\text {DS}}$ of 20 V.
RetCam™ Imaging of Pediatric Intraocular Tumors

Photographic imaging of the pediatric fundus can be performed with one of several cameras, including noncontact imaging devices such as standard 30, 45, 50, and 60 cameras or Optos™, or they can be imaged with contact systems using RetCam™ or Panoret™. RetCam™ imaging depends on a light source that emanates from the lens handpiece. RetCam™ can provide a 30˚, 80˚, 120˚, or 130˚ image of the retina or even a full face portrait depending on the lens employed. RetCam™ can provide high-resolution wide-angle fluorescein angiography images using an appropriate filter. RetCam™ can provide gonioscopic images using the standard lens, contact gel, and defocusing to the front of the eye. RetCam™ can provide anterior segment images of the conjunctiva, cornea, or iris with removal of the lens. RetCam™ is usually performed with the child under anesthesia, but can be performed in the office with secure child restraint, topical anesthesia, and eyelid speculum. Ideal fundus images with RetCam™ are obtained in young children with wide dilation and without crystalline lens or media opacity. Poor fundus images with RetCam™ are the result of inadequate dilation leading to poor transmission of light and a central dark spot on imaging. Media opacity in the cornea, lens, or vitreous precludes sufficient light transmission for fundus illumination and results in poor image. Reflections off intraocular lens cause substantial glare and poor image.
Case 62: Persistent Intraoperative Hiccups – What to Do?

Today you are to anesthetize a 3-year-old boy, weighing 16 kg, ASA 2, with a history of congenital, bilateral profound hearing loss. He is scheduled for a cochlear implant. In the preoperative area, he is seen to be hiccupping at a constant rate of 4/min. The whole head moves vigorously. The mother informs you that the child always gets hiccups when he is nervous. You give him midazolam 8 mg per os 20 min prior to induction. You note that this has minimal effect on the hiccupping. However, he is more sedated. After application of standard monitoring, a routine inhalational induction with sevoflurane in oxygen is done. Thereafter, you establish a peripheral venous access and administration of 100 mg propofol and 50 mcg of fentanyl. The trachea is intubated with a cuffed 4.5-mm endotracheal tube. The lungs are mechanically ventilated in a pressure-controlled mode. Anesthesia is maintained with sevoflurane in air and continuous infusion of remifentanil at an infusion rate between 0.05 and 0.2 mcg/kg/min.
Rotation and Angulation-Rotation Deformities

Rotation deformity may be defined as angulation around an axial or longitudinal axis. Rotation deformity changes the planar orientation of the reference planes of the hip, knee, and ankle to each other. Lower limb rotation deformities can be assessed clinically and radio-graphically.
Effect of heat treatments on microstructural evolution of additively manufactured and wrought 17-4PH stainless steel

Abstract Additively manufactured (AM) components usually have nonequilibrium microstructures. Post-built heat treatments are recommended for AM components to achieve homogenous microstructures. In this study, the effects were investigated of conventional solutionizing and precipitation hardening (H-900) heat treatments on the microstructure evolution of 17-4PH AM and wrought components. Microstructural characterization techniques including SEM, TEM and EBSD analysis were used on 17-4PH AM and wrought components to obtain quantitative information about the microstructure and phase evolution during these heat treatments. These microstructural studies demonstrate that 17-4PH AM components can achieve microstructures and hardnesses similar to those of wrought samples by post-built heat treatments.
The SCR Approach to Requirements Specification and Analysis

The Software Cost Reduction (SCR) requirements method is a practical, industrial-strength approach to requirements that leads to precise, unambiguous, and testable requirements specifications. The method scales to large applications, producing specifications that are both easy to understand and easy to change. Effectiveness of the SCR approach has been demonstrated in a variety of industrial, safety-critical applications. These include software for military aircraft, commercial aircraft, and the shutdown system of a nuclear power plant. Recent work has extended the method to include mechanical support for creation, validation, and verification of formal requirements specifications. This support is based on a formal requirements model. Researchers have claimed that formal methods have the potential to address many of industry’s problems with requirements, including ambiguity, incompleteness, and imprecision. Nonetheless, industry has been slow to adopt formal techniques because they are perceived as impractical for large, complex applications. The SCR method was developed to provide the benefits of formal methods to industrial developers of large-scale real-time systems. It has been effective in meeting industry needs because the technical approach addresses constraints and concerns common to industrial software developers, including ease of use, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. This tutorial gives an overview of the SCR method, its rationale, and empirical results on its effectiveness. It includes the following topics:
An analysis of four methodologies for estimating highway capacity from ITS data

With the recent advent of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and their associated data collection and archiving capabilities, there is now a rich data source for transportation professionals to develop capacity values for their own jurisdictions. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on the best approach for estimating capacity from ITS data. The motivation of this paper is to compare and contrast four of the most popular capacity estimation techniques in terms of (1) data requirements, (2) modeling effort required, (3) estimated parameter values, (4) theoretical background, and (5) statistical differences across time and over geographically dispersed locations. Specifically, the first method is the maximum observed value, the second is a standard fundamental diagram curve fitting approach using the popular Van Aerde model, the third method uses the breakdown identification approach, and the fourth method is the survival probability based on product limit method. These four approaches were tested on two test beds: one is located in San Diego, California, U.S., and has data from 112 work days; the other is located in Shanghai, China, and consists of 81 work days. It was found that, irrespective of the estimation methodology and the definition of capacity, the estimated capacity can vary considerably over time. The second finding was that, as expected, the different approaches yielded different capacity results. These estimated capacities varied by as much as 26 % at the San Diego test site and by 34 % at the Shanghai test site. It was also found that each of the methodologies has advantages and disadvantages, and the best method will be the function of the available data, the application, and the goals of the modeler. Consequently, it is critical for users of automatic capacity estimation techniques, which utilize ITS data, to understand the underlying assumptions of each of the different approaches.
Trajectory of Disability in Older Adults With Newly Diagnosed Diabetes: Role of Elevated Depressive Symptoms

OBJECTIVE We examined whether the trajectory of disability differed between older adults with and without elevated depressive symptoms before and after the onset of diabetes mellitus (DM) over 10 years (2004–2014) and explored difficulties in basic and instrumental activities of daily living between the two groups. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A generalized linear mixed-model analysis was conducted using five waves (8th–12th) of Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data. We included 419 older adults who self-reported new DM diagnosis within the previous 2 years and used the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale to measure elevated depressive symptoms. Disability was measured by 10 items defined in the HRS data set. RESULTS The trajectory of disability differed between older adults with and without elevated depressive symptoms after newly diagnosed DM over time. Significant and clinically meaningful between-group differences were found in disability after the onset of DM (waves 10 and 11) but not before the onset of DM (waves 8 and 9). Among older adults with elevated depressive symptoms, disability at pre-DM waves (8 and 9) was significantly less than post-DM waves (10–12). Difficulties with shopping, walking, and dressing were mostly reported by older adults with elevated depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Older adults with newly diagnosed DM and elevated depressive symptoms have a clinically meaningful and faster disablement trajectory than those without elevated depressive symptoms. Future interventions may take an indicated approach to disability prevention in older adults with newly diagnosed DM, especially in those with a change in depression severity.
Already innocent: radioactive bribes, white-collar corruption and nuclear expertise in Brazil

The ‘father’ of Brazil’s nuclear energy programme since the 1970s, Vice-Admiral Othon, was released from prison in October of 2017 to await appeal of a 43-year sentence issued in 2016. Admiral Otho...
Science beyond Science

Science and scientific principles have sufficiently progressed and self-realized yogis are beginning to reveal yogic processes to achieve extraordinary capabilities that are beyond the reach of science as we understand it today. These two events together make it possible to demonstrate that nonphysical forces can create physical reality. Such a demonstration will bring the glory of ancient science back to India. What is required for progress is an openness of mind, thinking outside the box, and a keen desire to push the envelope and go where few scientists have dared to go before.
Institutional Logics as Contingent Resources in the Nonprofit Sector: A Logic Dependence Perspective

Drawing upon the institutional logics perspective as a theoretical lens, this study proposes that institutional logics have contextual influences based on organizational types, missions, and goals ...
10 – A Test

Publisher Summary The chapter tests the cumulative-response function. Indirectly, it also tests the short- and long-response functions, for the long-response function is the time derivative of the cumulative-response function, while the short response function is found from the long-response function by fixing t. In Model Two, the central character is not the agent but the brain. The mind's eye is thus much less inclined to conjure up either living beings or robots and is much more inclined to see the protagonist as an organ of the sort depicted in biological or medical handbooks. There is, to date, no mathematical distinction between human and animal behavior. It seems fair to predict that there never will be. If a model fits the behavior of pigeons, it is as encouraging as when it fits the behavior of people; if a model fails for mice, it must fail, sight unseen, for men.
Methods for Algal Protein Isolation and Proteome Analysis

Microalgae present promising feedstocks to produce renewable fuel and chemical intermediates, in part due to high storage carbon flux capacity to triacylglycerides or storage carbohydrates upon nutrient deprivation. However, the mechanism(s) governing deprivation-mediated carbon partitioning remain to be fully elucidated, limiting targeted strain engineering strategies in algal biocatalysts. Though genomic and transcriptomic analyses offer key insights into these mechanisms, active post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, ubiquitous in many microalgae, necessitate proteomic and post-translational (e.g., phospho- and nitroso-proteomic) analyses to more completely evaluate algal responsiveness to nutrient deprivation. Herein, we describe methods for isolating total algal protein and conducting proteomic, phosphoproteomic, and nitrosoproteomic analyses. We focus on methods deployed for the chlorophyte, Chlorella vulgaris, a model oleaginous alga with high flux to renewable fuel and chemical precursors.
Emerging Complementary and Integrative Therapies for Geriatric Mental Health.

The use of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) is on the rise among diverse populations of older adults in the USA. CIM is commonly perceived as safer, less expensive, and more culturally acceptable. There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of CIM, especially mind-body therapies, diet and nutritional supplements used for mental disorders of aging. We summarize the results of the recent clinical trials and meta-analyses that provide the evidence for the role of CIM in treating older adults with mood or cognitive disorders that includes the use of diet and supplements, and mind-body therapies. Dietary and mind-body therapies have become increasingly popular and show the strongest evidence of efficacy for mood and cognitive disorders. Although the use of vitamins and supplements is the most popular CIM practice, only mixed evidence supports their use with additional concerns for herb (supplement)-drug interactions. Despite increasing use of CIM by the general population, information to guide clinicians providing care for older adults remains limited with variable scientific rigor of the available RCTs for a large number of commonly used CIM interventions for the mental health of older adults.
Transformable? A multi-dimensional exploration of transformational leadership and follower implicit person theories

Research on transformational leadership seems to suggest that followers are uniformly “transformable”. Drawing on the interactionist theory of person and environment, this study questions that assu...
Robotic Revisional Bariatric Surgery: a High-Volume Center Experience

The number of bariatric revisional procedures is growing. Scarce evidence is available regarding the role and postoperative outcomes of robotic-assisted revisional bariatric surgery (RRBS). The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and postoperative outcomes of RRBS. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent RRBS between 2012 and 2019 was performed. Primary outcomes of interest were 30-day major morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS), urgent reoperation rates, and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL). RRBS was performed in 76 patients; among these 60 (78.9%) underwent conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (C-RYGB). Failed weight loss (76%) and gastroesophageal reflux (9.2%) were the main indications for revision. Primary bariatric procedures included gastric band (LAGB) (50%), sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (40.8%), and RYGB (6.6%). Major morbidity and mortality rates were 3.9% and 1.3%, respectively. Mean LOS was 2.1 days, and 3 patients (3.9%) required urgent reoperation. The %TWL at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months was 10.2%, 16.6%, 18.3%, and 22.4% respectively. Comparative analysis of C-RYGB after failed LAGB and SG showed similar morbidity. Higher readmission rates (SG: 22.2% vs. LAGB: 0%, p = 0.007) and lower %EWL at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were found in C-RYGB after SG. This is one of the largest single-center series of RRBS published in the literature; the data indicate that robotic approach for revisional bariatric surgery is safe and helps achieving further weight loss. RRBS outcomes might be influenced by the primary procedure.
“Something Was Attacking Them and Their Reproductive Organs”: Environmental Reproductive Justice in an Indigenous Tribe in the United States Gulf Coast

Environmental reproductive justice is increasingly being utilized as a framework for exploring how environmental exploitation and pollution contribute to reproductive health and reproductive injustices. However, little research explores how settler colonialism and historical oppression contribute to the physical transformation of land, and how this undermines tribal members’ health. Even less research explores the intersection of environmental justice and reproductive justice among Indigenous groups, especially in the Gulf South, who are especially vulnerable to environmental justice issues due to climate change, land loss, and oil company exploitation, and for tribes that are non-federally recognized. A qualitative description research methodology was used to conduct 31 life-history interviews with women from a Gulf Coast Indigenous tribe. Findings of this study reveal that central components of reproductive justice, including the ability to have children and the ability to raise children in safe and healthy environments, are undermined by environmental justice issues in the community. Among concerns raised by women were high rates of chronic healthcare issues among community members, and issues with infertility. Recognizing Indigenous sovereignty is central to addressing these environmental reproductive justice issues. This research is unique in exploring the topic of environmental reproductive justice among a state-recognized Gulf Coast tribe.
Examining the Effects of Music-Based Interventions on Pain and Anxiety in Hospitalized Children: An Integrative Review.

Abstract Problem Children often experience pain and anxiety during a hospital stay. Effective pain and anxiety management plays a crucial role in healing. However, recent literature has highlighted multiple barriers to managing pain and anxiety in children, such as parent and provider fears of the adverse effects of pain and anxiety medications. Eligibility criteria A database search was conducted for articles published between 2009 and 2019 to evaluate the impact of nurse-led, music-based interventions as an adjunct method of pain and anxiety management in hospitalized children. Articles were included if study subjects were ages 0–21 years old, the study used live or recorded music as an intervention, and occurred in an inpatient setting. Sample A total of seven randomized control trials and one quasi-experimental study were included for analysis. Results There is consistent and significant evidence that music can reduce anxiety in hospitalized children before and during procedures. Results with respect to pain and vital signs, often viewed as the physiologic analogs to pain, were mixed. Conclusions Music-based interventions are safe for hospitalized children. Several studies highlighted the importance of patient preference in selecting music for children. A heavy reliance on pre-recorded audio, delivered via headphones illustrates the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of music-based interventions. Implications Nurse-led, music-based interventions have been shown to be an affordable, safe, effective, and feasible alternative for managing anxiety in hospitalized children. Music should be considered as an adjunct therapy to traditional anxiety treatment. Further research is needed to determine the effects of music on pain.
Pre-orchiectomy serum tumor markers as a predictor of recurrence in stage I germ cell tumors.

389Background: Organ confined (stage IA/IB) testicular cancer has a high cure rate regardless of initial treatment modality, making it important to weigh the toxicities of treatment against potenti...
An Evaluation of Pediatric Secondary Overtriage in the Pennsylvania Trauma System.

Abstract Background We sought to determine the secondary overtriage rate of pediatric trauma patients admitted to pediatric trauma centers. We hypothesized that pediatric secondary overtriage (POT) would constitute a large percentage of admissions to PTC. Materials and methods The Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study database was retrospectively queried from 2003 to 2017 for pediatric (age ≤ 18 y) trauma patients transferred to accredited pediatric trauma centers in Pennsylvania (n = 6). Patients were stratified based on discharge within (early) and beyond (late) 24 h following admission. POT was defined as patients transferred to a PTC with an early discharge. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model controlling for demographic and injury severity covariates were utilized to determine the adjusted impact of injury patterns on early discharge. Results A total of 37,653 patients met inclusion criteria. For transfers, POT compromised 18,752 (49.8%) patients. Compared to POT, non-POT were more severely injured (ISS: 10 versus 6;P Conclusions POT comprises 49.8% of PTC transfer admissions in Pennsylvania's trauma system. Improving community resources for management of pediatric concussion and mild TBI could result in decreased rates of POT to PTCs. Developing better inter-facility transfer guidelines and increased education of adult TC and nontrauma center hospitals is needed to decrease POT. Level of Evidence: Epidemiologic study, level III.
Hopf Orders and Galois Module Theory

For this chapter, we return to the global situation where K is a finite extension of \(\mathcal{Q}\), R is the integral closure of \(\mathcal{Z}\) in K, and L is a Galois extension of K with group G and ring of integers S. In this chapter, we study applications of Hopf orders to Galois module theory. Galois module theory is the branch of number theory that seeks to describe S as a module over the group ring RG. We begin with a review of some Galois theory.
Estimation of Water Depths and Turbidity From Hyperspectral Imagery Using Support Vector Regression

We propose and evaluate an empirical method for water depth determination from hyperspectral imagery when the benthic layer is visible using support vector regression (SVR). The implementation of the empirical method is presented, and its ability to estimate water depths is compared with a more commonly used band ratio method for two distinct fluvial environments. Our analysis shows that SVR outperforms the band ratio method by providing better root-mean-square error (RMSE) agreement and higher $R^2$ for both clear and turbid water. We also demonstrate an extension of the nonparametric properties of SVR to provide estimates of water turbidity from hyperspectral imagery and show that the approach is able to estimate turbidity with an RMSE of approximately 1.2 NTU when compared with independent turbidity measurements.
Sampling Factors Influencing Accuracy of Sperm Kinematic Analysis

ABSTRACT: Sampling conditions that influence the accuracy of experimental measurement of sperm head kinematics were studied by computer simulation methods. Several archetypal sperm trajectories were studied. First, mathematical models of typical flagellar beats were input to hydrodynamic equations of sperm motion. The instantaneous swimming velocities of such sperm were computed over sequences of flagellar beat cycles, from which the resulting trajectories were determined. In a second, idealized approach, direct mathematical models of trajectories were utilized, based upon similarities to the previous hydrodynamic constructs. In general, it was found that analyses of sampling factors produced similar results for the hydrodynamic and idealized trajectories. A number of experimental sampling factors were studied, including the number of sperm head positions measured per flagellar beat, and the time interval over which these measurements are taken. It was found that when one flagellar beat is sampled, values of amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and linearity (LIN) approached their actual values when five or more sample points per beat were taken. Mean angular displacement (MAD) values, however, remained sensitive to sampling rate even when large sampling rates were used. Values of MAD were also much more sensitive to the initial starting point of the sampling procedure than were ALH or LIN. On the basis of these analyses of measurement accuracy for individual sperm, simulations were then performed of cumulative effects when studying entire populations of motile cells. It was found that substantial (double digit) errors occurred in the mean values of curvilinear velocity (VCL), LIN, and MAD under the conditions of 30 video frames per second and 0.5 seconds of analysis time. Increasing the analysis interval to 1 second did not appreciably improve the results. However, increasing the analysis rate to 60 frames per second significantly reduced the errors. These findings thus suggest that computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) application at 60 frames per second will significantly improve the accuracy of kinematic analysis in most applications to human and other mammalian sperm.
Pronecrotic mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein expression is a prognostic biomarker in patients with early‐stage resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Background Mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) is a necrosome component mediating programmed necrosis that may be an important determinant of cancer cell death. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the prognostic value of MLKL expression in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC).
An improved parameterization of wind‐blown sand flux on Mars that includes the effect of hysteresis

[1] Saltation, the wind-driven hopping motion of sand grains, forms dunes and ripples, and ejects fine dust particles into the atmosphere on Mars. Although the wind speed at which saltation is initiated, the “fluid threshold,” has been studied extensively, the wind speed at which saltation is halted, the “impact threshold,” has been poorly quantified for Mars conditions. I present an analytical model of the impact threshold, which is in agreement with measurements and numerical simulations for Earth conditions. For Mars conditions, the impact threshold is approximately an order of magnitude below the fluid threshold, in agreement with previous studies. Saltation on Mars can thus be sustained at wind speeds an order of magnitude less than required to initiate it, leading to the occurrence of hysteresis. I include the effect of hysteresis into an improved parameterization of sand transport on Mars.
Intelligent transportation systems: an impact analysis for Michigan

This article presents an impact analysis study that considered the economic impact of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the state of Michigan. The authors use the well-established Leontief's Input–Output (I-O) model for a quantitative economic analysis. This model is employed to establish ITS effects on different industries. Major savings by ITS can include reduced time delays and fuel cost savings. These factors are quantitatively simulated thereby generating an overall cost reduction factor which is incorporated in Michigan I-O tables to modify their characteristics. The authors then calculate impact multipliers that are customary macro-economic measures for I-O analysis for all the aggregated industries. Multipliers for comparison are evaluated for three cases: before ITS implementation, using conventional improvement methods, and after ITS implementation. The results suggest that economic benefits beyond those in transportation may be achieved by statewide implementation of the ITS. A ripple effect on a state’s economy, including in the areas of employment and output per dollar of investment, may be achieved with ITS.
Moment arms about the carpal and metacarpophalangeal joints for flexor and extensor muscles in equine forelimbs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether muscle moment arms at the carpal and metacarpophalangeal joints can be modeled as fixed-radius pulleys for the range of motion associated with the stance phase of the gait in equine forelimbs. SAMPLE POPULATION: 4 cadaveric forelimbs from 2 healthy Thoroughbreds. PROCEDURE: Thin wire cables were sutured at the musculotendinous junction of 9 forelimb muscles. The cables passed through eyelets at each muscle's origin, wrapped around single-turn potentiometers, and were loaded. Tendon excursions, measured as the changes in lengths of the cables, were recorded during manual rotation of the carpal (180 degrees to 70 degrees) and metacarpophalangeal (220 degrees to 110 degrees) joints. Extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint (180 degrees and 220 degrees) was forced with an independent loading frame. Joint angle was monitored with a calibrated potentiometer. Moment arms were calculated from the slopes of the muscle length versus joint angle curves. RESULTS: At the metacarpophalangeal joint, digital flexor muscle moment arms changed in magnitude by < or = 38% during metacarpophalangeal joint extension. Extensor muscle moment arms at the carpal and metacarpophalangeal joints also varied (< or = 41% at the carpus) over the range of joint motion associated with the stance phase of the gait. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings suggest that, apart from the carpal flexor muscles, muscle moment arms in equine forelimbs cannot be modeled as fixed-radius pulleys. Assuming that muscle moment arms at the carpal and metacarpophalangeal joints have constant magnitudes may lead to erroneous estimates of muscle forces in equine forelimbs.
The supply of land for conservation uses: evidence from the conservation reserve program

Abstract From 1987 to 1990, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) operated similarly to a competitive market for conservation lands. Using CRP data on counties from this period, we estimate supply functions for conservation lands for nine US regions. The results allow regions to be grouped according to low (Mountain, North Plains), moderate (Cornbelt, Lake States, South Plains), and high (Appalachian, Delta States, Northeast, Southeast) costs based on acreage enrolled. In addition, they identify farmers’ perceived opportunity costs of enrolling cropland in a conservation program. The results provide potentially useful information to CRP administrators following the recent reauthorization of the program and also yield insights into the costs of other land conservation efforts.
What women's studies programs do that mainstreaming can't

Abstract This article draws some conclusions about the limitations of ‘mainstreaming’, based on a comparison between the author's experiences as director of a ‘mainstreaming’ project (in this case, on Ethnic Studies) and her experiences as coordinator of a Women's Studies program. Integrating the curriculum and building autonomous programs are fundamentally different projects. ‘Mainstreaming’, while important, cannot represent the full scope, complexity, vitality, and contextuality of Women's Studies. Women's Studies has its own subject, gender, just as other disciplines have their central subjects. The new body of knowledge and theory about gender cannot be assimilated into ‘traditional’ departments and disciplines. Women's Studies is in the process of constituting itself a discipline; and knowing a discipline implies familiarity with the central issues of a given discourse, a knowledge of its central questions and controversies, an awareness of resonances among texts, and participation in the institutions and activities generating new knowledge and ideas. It is this sense of relationship among texts, ideas, empirical findings, theories, even the personalities and visions of individual human beings that cannot be fully transmitted in any mainstreaming project. Only in autonomous programs can Women's Studies continue its evolution toward disciplinary status and achieve its full intellectual and political promise.
Lone T-Wave Alternans vs T-Wave Alternans Coupled with Mechanical Alternans Carry Different Risks

Background T-wave alternans (TWA) and mechanical alternans (MA) can be coupled. The goal of this study was to compare outcomes in patents with MA and TWA. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in the intensive cardiac care unit and enrolled 133 patients (59.6 ± 15.7 years; 65% men) admitted with acute heart failure (HF). Surface ECG and peripheral arterial blood pressure waveform via arterial line were recorded continuously. MA and TWA were measured by enhanced modified moving average method. All-cause death or heart transplant served as a combined primary endpoint. Results MA was observed in 28 patients (25%), whereas TWA was detected in 33 patients (33%). If present, MA was tightly coupled with TWA. Mitral flow deceleration time was shorter (127 ± 61 ms vs 172 ± 80 ms, P = .030), and left atrial systolic diameter was larger (5.1 ± 1.3 mm vs 4.4 ± 0.9 mm, P = .020) in patients with MA compared to those without. Mean TWA amplitude was larger in patients with both TWA and MA compared to patients with lone TWA (median 37 [interquartile range 26–61] µV vs 22 [21–23] µV, P = .045). After adjustment for New York Heart Association HF class, MA was associated with the primary endpoint (HR 2.3, 95% confidence interval 1.15–4.59, P = .018), whereas all lone TWA patients remained alive. Univariate Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed the worst survival in patients with both MA and TWA at baseline, whereas patients without alternans had an intermediate probability of survival (Figure 1). All patients with lone TWA remained free from the primary endpoint. Conclusions HF patients with MA are characterized by restrictive diastolic dysfunction. The predictive value of TWA without simultaneous assessment of MA is inconclusive.
Evaluation of a cylindrical lens with a slit diffraction interferometer

Abstract This paper presents the principle and result of testing a cylindrical lens with a common-path interferometer. The interferometer is composed of a He-Ne laser and a partially transparent plate on which a slit is located. The accuracy of the test is estimated to be 1/20λ.
Specificity and T-lymphocyte dependence of the humoral immune response in the rat to purified ovine and porcine mucins

Abstract Passive hemagglutination and radioimmunoassay were used to characterize the immunodominant determinants of two highly-purified mucins (ovine and porcine submaxillary mucins) during the humoral immune responses in the rat; the time-course and T lymphocyte-dependence of the responses; and the effect of different Ag-B loci. Rat strains representative of each of the Ag-B loci were found to be capable of responding to at least one of the mucins, and a non-responder strain was not identified. Subcutaneous immunization of greater than 0.07 mg per rat, with complete Freund's adjuvant, was shown to elicit a response consistently in a high proportion of animals. By the criteria of onset, peak, and duration of specific antibody, a typical primary and anamnestic humoral response was found in one inbred species studied in detail. Immunodominant determinants of OSM§ were detected by means of a passive hemagglutination inhibition technique in which derivatives and analogues of OSM as well as selected monosaccharides were used as inhibitors. Two major families of antibodies were detected during the humoral response to mucin: one specific for NAN-GalNAc which comprises 86% of the prosthetic groups; and the other for GalNAc, which comprises the remaining 14% of purified OSM prosthetic groups. The results were extended and confirmed by two different radioimmunoassay methods using enzymatically and chemically-labelled ligands. One of the methods was based on precipitation of immune complexes in 30% ethanol; the other on precipitation of the rat immune complexes with rabbit-anti-rat-Ig-L-chain. Cross-reactions among ovine, porcine and rat goblet cell mucins detected by these methods were explained on the basis of the known structure and component side chain carbohydrates of the mucins studied. In contrast to classical T-independent antigens that have a highly regular structure such as pneumococcal polysaccharide, OSM was found to induce a humoral response that was primarily, if not entirely, T lymphocyte-dependent. This conclusion was supported by (i) the absence of a persistent humoral response after primary challenge: (ii) anamnestic-type kinetics after a secondary immunization; (iii) enhancement of the humoral response with adjuvant/carrier, found with both the subcutaneous and intravenous routes; (iv) the absence of immunoglobulin class restriction to IgM, and (v) the inability of ‘B’ rats to mount a humoral response to mucin.
Phosphoinositide metabolism and hormone action.

PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL (PI), polyphosphoinositides (PPI), and other phospholipids in the phosphatidate-inositide cycle comprise only approximately 10% of total cellular phospholipids, but their turnover and chemical properties enable the inositides and related phospholipids to serve as important intracellular mediators in hormone and neurotransmitter action. Awareness of the rapidity of PI turnover dates back nearly 30 years to the pioneering work of the Hokins (1–3), who first observed this “phospholipid effect” during secretagogue action in the pancreas. During the past decade, there has been a flurry of investigative effort to further characterize and understand the biological significance of PI turnover; as a result, many hormones and neurotransmitters have been found to influence PI metabolism, new mechanisms for increasing PI turnover have been elucidated, and new insights have been developed concerning the role of PI turnover in a number of biological responses. Although the role of PI metabolism in ...
A note on the dual role of glucose in the protection of glucokinase against inactivation.

Abstract Protection against thermal denaturation, urea denaturation and tryptic inactivation of rat liver glucokinase (ATP: d -glucose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.2) is provided by glucose and to a lesser degree sorbitol. 1. 2. Protection by glucose exhibits two distinct stages, one occurring at the physiological substrate levels, while the other occurring well above that necessary for enzyme saturation. Sorbitol protection increases uniformly with increasing sorbitol concentration. 2. 3. Several other enzymes also are protected against heat inactivation by high concentrations of glucose or sorbitol.
The healing community: A Catholic social justice critique of modern health care

Catholic social thought calls for persons to be treated as subjects, not only as objects, and for a society in which basic health care is available to all. Treating the body as an object, isolated from other bodies and composed of many parts or systems, has led to great success in treating disease but has also degraded human dignity in patient care. Healthcare costs in the U.S. impede ready access to care, leading to financial collapse for millions each year; this is largely a generational result of rising expectations of long life for the elderly and widespread abortion of the very young (unborn); which practices follow in turn from the presumption that health results from human ingenuity and management. Catholic social thought affirms that love is essential to true health care and acknowledges that God is the source of healing. Such a perspective could point the way to humanizing the hospital experience and redressing the socioeconomic inequalities of modern health care.
A dynamic data structure suitable for adaptive mesh refinement in finite element method

Abstract This paper describes a dynamic data structure and its implementation, used for an optimum mesh generator. The implementation of this mesh generator was a part of a software package implemented to solve electromagnetic field problems using the finite element method. This mesh generator takes advantage of the Delaunay algorithm, which maximizes the summation of the smallest angles in all triangles and thus creates a mesh that is proved to be an optimum mesh for use in the finite element method. The dynamic data structure is explained and the source code is reviewed. The programs have been written in Pascal programming language.
Cardiovascular Response to Stress: Effects of Opportunity to Avoid, Shock Experience, and Performance Feedback

The cardiovascular effects of three factors related to active coping were examined during an unsignaled reaction time (RT) task involving exposure to mild shocks. These factors were the opportunity to avoid shocks contingent on performance, prior experience with the shock, and the availability of performance feedback. A yoked control design was used to ensure that shocks were delivered to avoidance and no-avoidance subjects on the same schedule. All subjects initially showed substantial increases in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and both cardiac rate and performance, but these diminished later in the task. Subjects who could avoid shocks showed greater changes in SBP, heart rate (HR), and pulse transit time (PIT) than those passively exposed to shocks. Lack of prior experience with the shock augmented changes in HR, PTT and carotid dP/dt, but the HR increase was no longer reliable after the first 2 min when all subjects had experienced the shock. For subjects who could control the task by avoiding shocks, providing performance feedback had no effects. For no-avoidance subjects, providing feedback led to changes in SBP and PTT which were significantly greater than those shown by the subjects without feedback. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that characteristics which increase active coping efforts evoke greater sympathetically mediated cardiovascular changes.