cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Strength of Thermally Point-Bonded Nonwoven Fabric

A semi-empirical model is developed to predict the maximum achievable strength of a nonwoven fabric and to identify and scale the factors affecting that strength. The scope and accuracy of the model are limited by the assumptions made during its development, but they are shown to be quite reasonable. The results of the model calculations suggest that the practical potential strength of an ideal point-bonded nonwoven fabric is three to four times higher than the average tensile strength of the best available spunbonded fabric samples, and about one-third lower than the average strength of fiber samples. Weak fiber-bond interfaces, areal density variations, fiber property variations, and fiber curl or combinations of these and others factors may limit fabric strength. Of these four factors, the first two are the key ones that limit spunbonded fabric observed strength. Knowledge of the potential strength and the factors limiting strength may enable manufacturers to improve nonwoven strength.
A Pilot Randomized Crossover Trial of Electronic Cigarette Sampling Among Smokers

Introduction Electronic cigarette (EC) use is proliferating, but initial uptake patterns and their influence on smoking remains unclear. This study of EC sampling examines naturalistic uptake of ECs, as well as effects on smoking and perceived reward from smoking and vaping. Methods Within a double-blind randomized crossover design, smokers (n = 24; 75% male; M age = 48.5 years) smoked as usual for 1 week, followed by two counterbalanced naturalistic (ie, ad libitum use) weeks of either placebo or active first generation ECs. Vaping and regular smoking was measured daily using diaries and at weekly clinic visits. Perceived reward from ECs and intentions/confidence to quit were also assessed. Analyses compared variables during the naturalistic smoking week and each EC week while controlling for sequence and baseline measurements of respective variables. Results No significant differences emerged between active and placebo EC weeks in vaping or regular smoking, EC reinforcement, and intention/confidence to quit smoking. Satisfaction from smoking (p = .04) and smoking's ability to reduce cravings (p = .003) decreased from the naturalistic to active EC week. Behavioral dependence to cigarettes decreased from the naturalistic (M = 16.5, p = .02) to active (M = 14.7) and placebo (M = 14.2) EC weeks. Conclusions Few differences emerged in vaping, regular cigarette use, and overall reactions to ECs between active and placebo ECs. Active ECs appeared to decrease reinforcement from smoking, and both active and placebo ECs reduced behavioral dependence to cigarettes. Nicotine (per labeling) may have minimal influence on the uptake of first generation ECs among smokers. Implications First generation ECs provide an important behavioral/sensorimotor replacement for cigarettes, regardless of nicotine delivery, but substantial substitution may be minimal when smokers are only asked to use ad libitum. However, newer models of EC devices that provide better nicotine delivery should be examined for potential differential patterns of smoking and vaping (eg, decreased smoking and increased vaping) given their suggested greater ability to provide nicotine and behavior/sensorimotor replacement.
Prevalence and predictors of sexual assault among a college sample

ABSTRACTObjective: This study examined the prevalence and correlates of precollege, college-onset, and repeat sexual assault (SA) within a representative student sample. Participants: A representative sample of 7,603 students. Methods: Incoming first-year students completed a survey about their exposure to broad SA prior to college, prior trauma, personality, relationships, and mental health. Broad SA was then reassessed each spring semester while enrolled. Results: Nearly 20% of the sample reported experiencing broad SA, with women endorsing significantly higher rates compared with males. Prior victimization before coming to college was related to a greater risk of victimization in college, and there was no statistically significant difference between males and females who reported revictimization. Correlates of college-onset broad SA were found and are discussed. Conclusions: Given the need for SA intervention and prevention on college campuses, identification of factors potentially contributing to expo...
Age-related maculopathy in a multiracial United States population: The national health and nutrition examination survey III

Abstract Objective To investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for age-related maculopathy (ARM) in three racial/ethnic groups: non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican-Americans. Design A nationally representative population-based, cross-sectional study. Participants A total of 8270 persons 40 years of age or older, a sample of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Main outcome measures Age-related maculopathy was determined by the grading of fundus photographs using a standardized protocol. Results The prevalence of any ARM in the civilian noninstitutionalized United States population including those 40 years of age or older was 9.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.2, 10.6) as estimated from the sample. After adjusting for age, there was no difference in the prevalence of early ARM (defined largely by the presence of soft drusen) by ethnic/racial group. However, for the less frequent component lesions of early ARM (increased retinal pigment and retinal pigment epithelial depigmentation), the odds ratios (95% CIs) comparing non-Hispanic blacks to non-Hispanic whites were 0.47 (0.31, 0.74) and 0.59 (0.33, 1.04), respectively, and for comparing Mexican-Americans to non-Hispanic whites, they were 0.41 (0.21, 0.81) and 0.72 (0.44, 1.19), respectively. For late ARM, the odds ratio (95% CI) for non-Hispanic blacks compared to non-Hispanic whites was 0.34 (0.10, 1.18) and for Mexican-Americans compared to non-Hispanic whites, it was 0.25 (0.07, 0.90). Other than age, none of the personal, medical, or physiologic variables studied were statistically significantly associated with any of the ARM endpoints in any of the three races/ethnic groups. Conclusion Overall, rates of any ARM (including all early and late lesions) are not significantly different among non-Hispanic blacks, Mexican-Americans, and non-Hispanic whites. However, the rates of individual lesions suggest that non-Hispanic whites and Mexican-Americans may be protected against retinal pigment abnormalities and lesions associated with late ARM. There appears to be little influence of personal, medical, and environmental factors studied on these results. Further studies in larger populations of older persons in these ethnic groups would likely clarify these relations.
Chemotherapy-Induced Amenorrhea and Menopause: Cardiovascular Implications

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in women in the United States. The incidence of CVD in women increases significantly after menopause, when the amount of circulating estrogen is reduced. Women who experience menopause at a young age have a two- to sixfold higher incidence of developing CVD compared to age-matched premenopausal women. Certain chemotherapy agents are toxic to the ovary and can cause irreversible ovarian failure and early-onset menopause known as “chemopause.” Importantly, 25% of new breast-cancer cases annually occur in premenopausal women. Although significant advances have been made in cancer survival rates, many female cancer survivors will experience menopause at an early age and the impact on cardiovascular health is important to understand. This chapter provides an overview of menopause, chemotherapy agents that induce menopause, the associated cardiovascular risk, and special considerations for the clinician regarding chemotherapy-induced menopause.
Gout: Risk of premature death in gout unchanged for years

The increased risk of mortality in patients with gout is increasingly recognized, and multiple guidelines call for better management of this disease and its comorbidities. A new study, however, has found that excess mortality in patients with gout has remained unchanged since 1999.
Bovine in Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization in cattle was first reported by Bracket et al. (1982) using surgically recovered oocytes that were matured in vivo and surgically transferred as zygotes to the oviducts of cows. The procedure was later simplified by laparoscopic removal of in vivo-matured oocytes and development of the embryos in oviducts of rabbits (Sirard and Lambert, 1985; Sirard et al., 1985). Although successful, these experiments were not highly efficient in sperm capacitation and required in vivo oocyte maturation, surgery, and development of the embryos in oviducts. Recently systems for producing and culturing bovine embryos totally in vitro have been developed. As a result, bovine embryos are now produced in large numbers for research purposes or in some cases for commercial embryo transfer (Leibfried-Rutledge et al., 1989; Gordon and Lu, 1990). The efficient production of embryos in vitro has required an understanding of the mechanisms of sperm capacitation, maturation of oocytes, and sperm-egg interaction in the fertilization process. Understanding these processes for bovine gametes is the focus of this review.
BORC/kinesin-1 Ensemble Drives Polarized Transport of Lysosomes Into the Axon

The ability of lysosomes to move within the cytoplasm is important for many cellular functions. This ability is particularly critical in neurons, which comprise vast, highly differentiated domains such as the axon and dendrites. The mechanisms that control lysosome movement in these domains, however, remain poorly understood. Here we show that an ensemble of BORC, Arl8, SKIP, and kinesin-1, previously shown to mediate centrifugal transport of lysosomes in nonneuronal cells, specifically drives lysosome transport into the axon, and not the dendrites, in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. This transport is essential for maintenance of axonal growth-cone dynamics and autophagosome turnover. Our findings illustrate how a general mechanism for lysosome dispersal in nonneuronal cells is adapted to drive polarized transport in neurons, and emphasize the importance of this mechanism for critical axonal processes.
Finding the Exit: Ideology and Aperture in Graciliano Ramos

What ideological structures produce the linguistically austere worlds of Graciliano Ramos’s novels? What are the e ects of reading outside of these seemingly all-consuming structures? ese questions motivate this article’s discussion of two novels: Sao Bernardo and Vidas secas . In recuperating the complexity of expression in Graciliano’s writing, the article explores distinct modes of language as resistance to stereotypes about Brazilian Northeasterners—stereotypes that are o en reproduced in literary criticism. e article considers this resistance both within language, in misuse (circularity, lying, [mis]appropriation, the breakdown of narrative time), and to language, in the textual presence of silence.
Graves: Die Grenze des Zahlenreichs (26.12.1843)

Komplexe Zahlen lassen sich als Paare reeller Zahlen und damit als Koordinatenpaare von Punkten der Ebene deuten. Paare reeller Zahlen kann man also multiplizieren und dividieren. Der irische Mathematiker W.R. Hamilton fragte sich, ob Gleiches auch mit Tripeln statt Paaren, also mit den Koordinatentripeln der Punkte des Raumes moglich ist. Schlieslich erkannte er, dass man dazu eine weitere Dimension brauchte und fand die Quaternionen (1843). Sein Freund John Graves, dem er davon erzahlt hatte, ging noch weiter und konstruierte noch im gleichen Jahr die Oktaven, Oktetts reeller Zahlen, die ebenfalls eine Multiplikation und Division zuliesen. Damit ist aber die absolute Grenze erreicht, wie wir sehen werden; das hat Adolf Hurwitz 1898 gezeigt.
Effect of uncertainty in composition and weight measures in control of cheese yield and fat loss in large cheese factories

Our objective was to develop a computer-based cheese yield, fat recovery, and composition control performance measurement system to provide quantitative performance records for a Cheddar and mozzarella cheese factory. The system can be used to track trends in performance of starter cultures and vats, as well as systematically calculate theoretical yield. Yield equations were built into the spreadsheet to evaluate cheese yield performance and fat losses in a cheese factory. Based on observations in commercial cheese factories, sensitivity analysis was done to demonstrate the sensitivity of cheese factory performance to analytical uncertainty of data used in the evaluation. Analytical uncertainty in the accuracy of milk weight and milk and cheese composition were identified as important factors that influence the ability to manage consistency of cheese quality and profitability. It was demonstrated that an uncertainty of ±0.1% milk fat or milk protein in the vat causes a range of theoretical Cheddar cheese yield from 10.05 to 10.37% and an uncertainty of yield efficiency of ±1.5%. This equates to ±1,451 kg (3,199 lb) of cheese per day in a factory processing 907,185 kg (2 million pounds) of milk per day. The same is true for uncertainty in cheese composition, where the effect of being 0.5% low on moisture or fat is about 484 kg (1,067 lb) of missed revenue opportunity from cheese for the day. Missing the moisture target causes other targets such as fat on a dry basis and salt in moisture to be missed. Similar impacts were demonstrated for mozzarella cheese. In analytical performance evaluations of commercial cheese quality assurance laboratories, we found that analytical uncertainty was typically a bias that was as large as 0.5% on fat and moisture. The effect of having a high bias of 0.5% moisture or fat will produce a missed opportunity of 484 kg of cheese per day for each component. More accurate rapid methods for determination of moisture, fat, and salt contents of cheese in large cheese factories will improve the accuracy of yield performance evaluation and control of consistency of cheese composition and quality.
Comment: Is virtual reality a useful adjunct to rehabilitation after spinal cord injury?

Spinal cord injury (SCI) has devastating effects on the CNS, leading to disruption of various neuromuscular, sensory, and autonomic pathways. However, the changes induced in the nervous system extend well beyond the tracts and neurons directly disrupted starting soon after the injury.1 There is substantial neural plasticity that takes place throughout the CNS, including the cortex.2 Trying to improve function and pain after a peripheral injury by intervening at the cortical level has been explored since the mid-1990s with classic mirror box therapy for phantom limb pain.3
An investigation of geolocation-aware beamforming algorithms for swarming UAVs

Beamforming algorithms for UAV swarms are investigated. The swarm is modeled as a morphing volumetric random array and it is assumed that each element is enabled with orientation awareness. These algorithms are examined to improve the side lobe level for swarms operating as sparse arrays with small numbers of agents or large inter-agent distances. These are also examined to enable more complex beamforming operations for heterogeneous swarms composed of agents with different radiation patterns and/or polarizations. Simulated results based on amplitude tapering algorithms are presented to illustrate the concept, but experimental campaigns have demonstrated the utility of orientation awareness and its ability to provide side information that can enable complex beamforming operations.
The role of cognitive conflict in open-content collaboration

IS research on participant’s motivation 1 in Knowledge Management System have paid relatively limited attention to the effect of diversifying the technological artifacts while they focused more on identifying the generic motivational factors that apply across the varying contexts. However, the manifest success of disruptive collaboration system outside of the corporate boundaries such as Wikipedia calls for our extended attention to the motivational factors that may not be emergent without the provision of context and artifacts that challenge the assumptions made by KMS within the organizational setting. Through the online survey of 100 Wikipedians, this study evaluates the effect of one novel construct (i.e., socio-cognitive conflict) proposed by Cress and Kimmerle (2008) as an example of such emergent motivation made explicit by maneuvering specific design of collaboration system which otherwise would remain immaterial. In parallel, the analysis also explores the generic motivational constructs the effects of which have been extensively studied within organizational contexts but not sufficiently examined outside of such boundaries.
Violence Prevention in the Schools: A Review of Selected Programs and Procedures.

This article reviews selected commercially published and research literature curricula and procedures available for violence prevention efforts in the school setting. A primary, secondary, and tert...
Techno-Optimism and Farmers’ Attitudes Toward Climate Change Adaptation:

In industrialized societies, techno-optimism is a belief that human ingenuity, through improved science and technology, will ultimately provide remedies to most current and future threats to human ...
Tunable hyperbolic photonic devices based on periodic structures of graphene and HfO2

One of the unique characteristics of hyperbolic metamaterials (MMs) is the possibility of accessing various regimes of extreme anisotropy. Here, we propose a MM based on periodic layers of hafnium oxide (HfO2) and monolayer graphene. Based on the fact that graphene permittivity can be controlled by changing its chemical potential via externally applied electric voltage, we theoretically investigate the anisotropic behavior of the proposed MM as the function of the external electrical bias. Based on our findings, we provide examples of possible nanophotonic device applications based on such tunable hyperbolic MMs. Prototypes of a polarizer, a modulator, and a MM-assisted tunable coupler are investigated at the 1550 nm communication wavelength. Additionally, we show that the high tuning efficiency of MMs allows a miniaturized device to be realized with enhanced functionality per area for photonic integration.
Geopolitics and Trade across Asia-Pacific Countries: Conflict or Convergence

On March 9, 2018, the final version of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) was signed in a ceremony in Santiago, Chile. The members of the CPTPP are Au...
Abstract WMP51: Estimates of Trends in 30 Days Readmission Among Patients With Stroke in the United States, 2010-2015

Background: Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program requires CMS to reduce payments to hospitals with excess readmissions. Trend in 30 days readmission among patients with index hospitalization for...
Trait‐Based Variation in Host Contribution to Pathogen Transmission Across Species and Resource Supplies

Two key knowledge gaps currently limit the development of more predictive and general models of pathogen transmission: (1) the physiological basis of heterogeneity in host contribution to pathogen transmission (reservoir potential) remains poorly understood and (2) a general means of integrating the ecological dynamics of host communities has yet to emerge. If the traits responsible for differences in reservoir potential also modulate host community dynamics, these traits could be used to predict pathogen transmission as host communities change. In two greenhouse experiments, across 23 host species and two levels of resource supply, the reservoir potential of plant hosts increased significantly along the Leaf Economics Spectrum, a global axis of plant physiological trait covariation that features prominently in models of plant community ecology. This indicates that the traits of the Leaf Economics Spectrum underlie broad differences in reservoir potential across host species and resource supplies. Therefore, host traits could be used to integrate epidemiological models of pathogen transmission with ecological models of host community change.
Power-Domain Impedance Theory for the Analysis and Mitigation of Interarea Oscillations

This paper presents an impedance-based theory for the analysis and mitigation of interarea oscillations in power systems. Because low-frequency power system oscillations primarily manifest in phasor quantities, including active and reactive power flows, and the magnitude and frequency of bus voltages, a new-type of impedance, called power-domain impedance, is defined in terms of these phasor quantities. The power-domain impedance provides an intuitive framework for the analysis of interarea oscillations without requiring internal details of generators, and it is ideally suited for developing oscillation damping controls in inverter-based resources. The power-domain impedance theory is demonstrated in this paper using PSCAD simulations of a two-area system. The theory is also used for designing damping control in synchronous generators and a wind power plant in the two-area system.
Clinical Outcomes and Inflammatory Markers by HIV Serostatus and Viral Suppression in a Large Cohort of Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist about clinical outcomes and levels of inflammatory and immune markers among people hospitalized with COVID-19 by HIV serostatus and by HIV viral suppression. SETTING: Large tertiary care health system in the Bronx, NY, USA. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 4613 SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive patients admitted between March 10, 2020, and May 11, 2020. We examined in-hospital intubation, acute kidney injury (AKI), hospitalization length, and in-hospital mortality by HIV serostatus, and by HIV-viral suppression and CD4 counts among people living with HIV (PLWH) using adjusted competing risks regression. We also compared immune and inflammatory marker levels by HIV serostatus and viral suppression. RESULTS: Most patients were either non-Hispanic Black (36%) or Hispanic (37%); 100/4613 (2.2%) were PLWH, among whom 15 had detectable HIV viral load. PLWH compared to patients without HIV had increased intubation rates (adjusted hazard ratio 1.73 [95% CI: 1.12 to 2.67], P = 0.01). Both groups had similar rates of AKI, length of hospitalization, and death. No (0%) virally unsuppressed PLWH were intubated or died, versus 21/81 (26%, P = 0.04) and 22/81 (27%, P = 0.02) of virally suppressed PLWH, respectively. Among PLWH, higher CD4 T-cell counts were associated with increased intubation rates. C-reactive protein, IL-6, neutrophil counts, and ferritin levels were similar between virally suppressed PLWH and patients without HIV, but significantly lower for unsuppressed PLWH (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PLWH had increased risk of intubation but similarly frequent rates of AKI and in-hospital death as those without HIV. Findings of no intubations or deaths among PLWH with unsuppressed HIV viral load warrant further investigation.
HUD's Office of Policy Development & Research Biennial Report FY 2017-2018

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R), is pleased to present its fiscal years (FY) 2017 and 2018 Biennial Report. The goal of this report is to inform those who use the data and research PD&R produces about who PD&R is, what PD&R does, and some input about how PD&R functions. The report highlights some of PD&R’s most notable and transformative accomplishments over the past 2 years, from October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2018. It focuses on everything that makes up PD&R: the mission, people, funding, projects, data, dissemination and outreach, and partner engagement.
Examining Liver Function in Adults with Diabetes in the United States.

Purpose Hyperglycemia is the hallmark of various types of diabetes and considered to be a risk factor for several chronic disorders including liver function. Though liver is a dynamic organ, incessant glucotoxicity can lead to altered liver function. The goals of the present study were to examine the association between diabetes with liver functions amongst adults in the United States. Methods We analyzed 14,948 adults with diabetes in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 2007 to 2016. Diabetes and prediabetes were defined in accordance with the American Diabetes Association 2021 guidelines. The association of demographic characteristics with glycemic levels was analyzed using the Chi-square test. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate the associations of glycemic levels with abnormal liver enzyme levels. Regression model was adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity. The statistical analyses were performed using STATA ver. 14. A. p value of ≤0.05 or≤0.001 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 14,948 adults (20 years and above) were included in this study. Sample mean age was 45.5±0.33 yrs., 54% were female, 53% were non-Hispanic White, and 60% had some college or graduate level education. In the overall sample, 19% adults were diabetic and 34% were pre-diabetic. Pre-diabetic glycemic levels were associated over one and half times higher odds of ALT (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.31, 1.60, p Conclusions Our results indicated that diabetes is significantly associated with liver function. This observed association deserves further exploration to understand the longitudinal impact of diabetes on liver function.
Cutting Instruments to Cut Costs: A Simple Initiative with Breast Surgical Operating Room Trays that Resulted in Substantial Savings.

A substantial expense in surgical care is incurred in the operating room (OR). We evaluated the financial impact of a systematic reduction in instrument tray contents on charges for breast surgery procedures. A catalog of OR trays historically used for breast procedures (excisional biopsy, segmental and total mastectomy with or without axillary staging) was reviewed by four dedicated breast surgeons and downsized to a single tray accommodating all surgeon preferences. A matched-case comparison was performed pre- and post-downsizing. Cost analysis for salary and benefits (S&B) and unit supply cost (USC) pre- and post-downsizing were carried out. Instrument number, OR tray weights, set-up, and breakdown times were also compared. Post-downsizing, OR tray counts were reduced from 132 to 67 instruments (49%) and tray weight decreased from 30 to 20 pounds (33%). Scrub technician set-up and breakdown times were shorter by 22% and 25%, respectively. Comparing 449 matched cases (239 pre- and 210 post-downsizing), S&B and USC post-downsizing were decreased collectively for all procedures (p < 0.0001). With an average variance of S&B and USC (pre- to post-intervention) of $354, and an annualized case load of 813 operations, this could translate into S&B and USC savings of $287,802 per year. Simply downsizing OR breast trays resulted in decreased combined S&B and USC per procedure, leading to a substantial cost savings for the healthcare system. This measure aligns with a value and quality-based approach to patient care and could be easily replicated across institutions and specialties.
Full level structures revisited: pairs of roots of unity

Abstract We introduce a notion of full level structure for the group scheme ( μ p × μ p ) / Z , and show that scheme of full level structures is flat over Z .
Disaster recovery planning by health maintenance organizations: the role of business impact analysis and testing

With increasing dependence on information technology, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) need Disaster Recovery Planning to protect their information systems environment. This paper investigates the impact of Business Impact Analysis and testing on successful implementation of Disaster Recovery Plans (DRPs) by HMOs. A survey reveals that HMOs that conduct Business Impact Analysis are more likely to test DRPs and HMOs that actually test DRPs are more likely to implement them.
The Role of Single-Sex Education in the Academic Engagement of College-Bound Women: A Multilevel Analysis.

Background/ContextAs opportunities for public and private single-sex education have expanded, the debate surrounding this issue has become more heated. Recent reviews of research on single-sex educ...
Managing grids communication infrastructure through policy translations

Computing grids require the underlying network infrastructure to be properly configured in order to have appropriate communications among the grids' nodes. The management of networks and the management of grids are currently executed by different tools operated by different administrative personnel. Eventually, the grid communication requirements will need corresponding support from the network management tools, but such requirements are fulfilled only when grid administrators manually asks network administrators for corresponding configurations. In this paper we propose a policy translation mechanism that creates network policies given grid requirements expressed in grid policies. We also present a system prototype that allows (a) grid administrators to define grid policies, and (b) network administrators to define translating rules. These rules are used by the proposed translation mechanism to generate the necessary underlying network configuration policies.
Automatic balance for fetal weight studies.

Abstract An automatic balance was constructed of aluminum sheet, miniature ball bearings, and a strain gauge. The balance was capable of measuring 1 to 4 kg. with an accuracy of ±0.5 Gm. and a 95 per cent response time of
Drug Metabolism: Evolution

Advances in molecular biology and genetics have given us a much better understanding of the evolution of drug metabolism. Genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes, as well as some drug receptors and transporters, have functioned in many signal transduction pathways in bacteria and yeast and, more recently, in countless critical life processes in plants and animals – events that emerged millions of years before the establishment of pharmaceutical companies and drug stores. Keywords: drug metabolism; evolution; receptors; transporters; polymorphisms; human populations
Perinatal factors and neonatal morbidity in twin pregnancy

There were 177 pairs of twins reviewed. The incidence of twin pregnancy was 1:112.2 deliveries in a population consisting of 76.8 per cent Mexican-Americans. The incidence of breech, cesarean section, and assisted deliveries was higher in twins than singleton deliveries, and the incidence was higher in twin 2 than twin 1. Mortality rates, fetal and neonatal, were lower than those previously reported. Neonatal findings and complications include low Apgar scores, small-for-dates infants, hyaline membrane disease, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and congenital malformation. The increased incidence of deaths and morbidity in twin pregnancy, as compared to singleton pregnancy, was attributed to prematurity, and to complications and diseases pertaining to prematurity, rather than to twinning per se.
Dietary Antioxidants and Longitudinal Changes in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Elderly Men: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study

Background Antioxidants can potentially alter the progression of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) through anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Management of foliar fertilization

Our approach to management of foliar fertilization is twofold. We identify the role that essential nutrients play in the physiology of tree crops. Then we...
Normal-State Infrared Anisotropy of Polycrystalline La1.85Sr0.15CuO4-y

By examining the reflectance spectra of polycrystalline La1.85Sr0.15CuO4-y and La2NiO4-y in relation to the results of ir studies on single-crystal La2NiO4-y, we have determined the normal-state (room temperature) optical anisotropy of La1.85Sr0.15CuO4-y in the frequency range 40 cm-1 to 4800 cm-1. Vibrational and electronic properties corresponding to this anisotropy are examined, and a method is presented for extracting the optical properties of the superconducting state of La1.85Sr0.15CuO4-y.
Detection, pharmacokinetics and cardiac effects following administration of clenbuterol to exercised horses.

Summary Reasons for performing study The use of clenbuterol in performance horses necessitates the establishment of appropriate withdrawal times. Objectives To describe plasma and urine concentrations of clenbuterol following administration of 2 commonly used dosing regimens to racing fit Thoroughbreds. Study design Experimental. Methods Twenty-two horses received an oral dose of 0.8 μg/kg bwt of clenbuterol twice daily for 30 days. A second group of 6 horses received clenbuterol according to the escalating dose protocol on the manufacturer's label. Blood and urine samples were collected prior to, throughout and at various times up to 35 days post administration of the final dose. Drug concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and plasma data were analysed using noncompartmental analysis. Behavioural and physiological effects were monitored and heart rate was recorded throughout the course of the study. Results Clenbuterol plasma concentrations were below the limit of quantification (10 pg/ml) of the assay by Day 4 in all horses receiving the chronic low-dose regimen and by Day 7 in 5 of 6 horses receiving the escalating dosing protocol. Urine clenbuterol concentrations fell below the limit of quantification of the assay between Days 21 and 28 in all 22 horses in the low-dose group and in 5 of 6 of the horses in the escalating dose group. Muscle fasciculations, sweating and transient increases in heart rate were noted in a small number of horses following clenbuterol administration, but tolerance to these effects occurred rapidly. Conclusions and potential relevance Establishment of appropriate withdrawal times for specific racing jurisdictions depends upon the threshold adopted by that specific jurisdiction. This study extends previous studies describing the pharmacokinetics of clenbuterol and describes plasma and urine concentrations following administration of 2 commonly used dosing regimens to racing fit Thoroughbreds, which will allow jurisdictions to establish withdrawal times in order to prevent inadvertent positive regulatory findings.
Knowledge of Exercise Prescription Guidelines Across One 4-Year Kinesiology Curriculum

Purpose: Knowledge of evidence-based exercise prescription guidelines is considered a cornerstone of responsible professional practice. While many academics insist that a university degree in kinesiology or a related field should be required for all exercise professionals, the learning of exercise prescription guidelines that takes place during the course of a university degree program has not been investigated. Method: An 11-question knowledge quiz about the frequency, duration, and intensity of cardiovascular exercise recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine (Garber et al., 2011) was administered to 683 undergraduate students majoring in kinesiology and 89 certified exercise professionals. Results: Knowledge scores improved significantly, F(4, 764) = 16.69, p < .001, η2 = .08, from the freshmen, who scored 24.30%, to the seniors, who scored 36.25%. Seniors did not differ significantly from the professionals, who scored 40.65%, despite the fact that 58.14% of professionals had graduate degr...
Body positions used by healthy and frail older adults to rise from the floor.

ifficulty in rising from the floor after a fall is common in D older adults, is associated with substantial morbidity, and tends to be underappreciated. Only 49% of communitydwelling fallers are able to get up after a fall without assistance, and most of the falls associated with the inability to get up without help (85%) are not associated with serious inju
Independent generation and reactivity of 2-deoxy-5-methyleneuridin-5-yl, a significant reactive intermediate produced from thymidine as a result of oxidative stress.

2‘-Deoxy-5-methyleneuridin-5-yl (1) is produced in a variety of DNA damage processes and is believed to result in the formation of lesions that are mutagenic and refractory to enzymatic repair. 2‘-Deoxy-5-methyleneuridin-5-yl (1) was independently generated under anaerobic conditions via Norrish Type I photocleavage during Pyrex filtered photolysis of the benzyl ketone 7. The radical (1) exhibits behavior consistent with that of a resonance-stabilized radical. The KIE for hydrogen atom transfer from t-BuSH was found to be 7.3 ± 1.7. Competition studies between radical recombination and hydrogen atom donors (2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran, kTrap = 46.1 ± 15.4 M-1 s-1; propan-2-ol, kTrap = 13.6 ± 3.5 M-1 s-1) chosen to mimic the carbohydrate components of 2‘-deoxyribonucleotides suggest that 2‘-deoxy-5-methyleneuridin-5-yl (1) may be able to transfer damage from the nucleobase to the deoxyribose of an adjacent nucleotide in DNA under hypoxic conditions.
Electromyographic Activity of Anterior Temporal Area Pain Patients and Non-pain Subjects

Anterior temporal area and non-specific facial muscle activity were recorded from 11 patients with unilateral anterior temporal area muscle pain and from 11 matched asymptomatic individuals at various mandibular openings. No significant differences were observed (1) in temporal area EMG activity between pain and non-pain sides and (2) between temporal area and non-specific facial muscle EMG activity between patient and non-patient groups. In relation to increased vertical mandibular opening from centric occlusion: (a) anterior temporal area EMG activity decreased to a minimum level (with further opening, anterior temporal area EMG did not significantly change); and (b) non-specific facial muscle EMG activity decreased to a minimum level (with further opening, non-specific facial muscle EMG increased).
The Impact of Value Line Special Situations Recommendations on Stock Prices: Evidence From the Over-the-Counter Market

The value to investors of the information provided by the Value Line Investment Service has been the subject of discussion for many years. This paper examines the information content of the recommendations made by the Value Line Special Situations Service to buy (sell) specific stock issues. The advice given by Value Line generates significant abnormal returns to shareholders near its release date. However, when the price response over longer periods is considered, the effect of the recommendations appears to be transitory. Further, there appears to be no difference in the overall price response between listed and over-the-counter securities.
Small-molecule probe diffusion in polymer solutions: Studies by Taylor dispersion and phosphorescence quenching

The most comprehensive study to date of the effects of size, shape, and flexibility on the translational diffusion of small probe molecules in polymer solutions has been completed by Taylor dispersion, which directly yields Dprobe, and phosphorescence quenching, which yields kq, the concentration dependence of which is identical to that of Dprobe for appropriate conditions. Diffusion of 16 probes ranging by a factor of 6 in molar volume was investigated using both Taylor dispersion in solutions of up to 400 g/L polystyrene in tetrahydrofuran and phosphorescence quenching in solutions of up to 700 g/L polystyrene in tetrahydrofuran, cyclohexane, and carbon tetrachloride. Results were compared quantitatively to modified Vrentas−Duda free volume theory for ternary solutions to obtain probe jumping unit sizes relative to the solvent, ξprobe,s, which correlate with probe volume. With the exception of 3,4-hexanedione (a highly flexible and small probe), the PS concentration dependencies of Dprobe and kq were ap...
The Bad Truth about Laplace's Transform

Inverting the Laplace transform is a paradigm for exponentially ill-posed problems. For a class of operators, including the Laplace transform, we give forward and inverse formulae that have fast implementations using the fast Fourier transform. These formulae lead easily to regularized inverses whose effects on noise and filtered data can be precisely described. Our results give cogent reasons for the general sense of dread most mathematicians feel about inverting the Laplace transform.
WHITE-LIGHT OBSERVATIONS OF SOLAR WIND TRANSIENTS AND COMPARISON WITH AUXILIARY DATA SETS

This paper presents results utilizing a new data processing pipeline for STEREO/SECCHI. The pipeline is used to identify and track 24 large- and small-scale solar wind transients from the Sun out to 1 AU. This comparison was performed during a few weeks around the minimum at the end of Solar Cycle 23 and the start of Cycle 24 (2008 December to 2009 January). We use coronagraph data to identify features near the Sun, track them through HI-2A, and identify their signatures with in situ data at the Earth and STEREO-B. We provide measurements and preliminary analysis of the in situ signatures of these features near 1 AU. Along with the demonstration of the utility of heliospheric imagers for tracking even small-scale structures, we identify and discuss an important limitation in using geometric triangulation for determining three-dimensional properties.
The acoustic and perceptual bases of judgments of women and men's sexual orientation from read speech

Abstract Three experiments examined acoustic and perceptual characteristics of the speech of gay; Lesbian; Bisexual (GLB) and heterosexual people. Experiment 1 examined the acoustic characteristics of single words produced by both men and women who identified as either GLB or heterosexual. The largest differences between GLB and heterosexual women were in the F1 frequency of /e/ and the F2 frequency of /oʊ/. The largest differences between the groups of men were in the F1 frequency of /e/ and /ae/, and the spectral skewness of the fricative /s/. Experiment 2 showed that listeners’ judgments of perceived sexual orientation were related to the acoustic parameters found to differ in Experiment 1: Listeners showed greater sensitivity to differences in men's sexual orientation when listening to words containing low front vowels and than when listening to words containing back vowels. Moreover, Regression analyses showed that judgments of men's sexual orientation were influenced by /s/ skewness, the F1 frequency of low front vowels, and the F2 frequency of back vowels. Judgments of women's sexual orientation were predicted most strongly by the F1 frequency of low front vowels and the F2 frequency of back vowels. Experiment 3 showed that the judgments of perceived sexual orientation collected in Experiment 2 were strongly related to judgments of perceived height and perceived speech clarity made by independent groups of listeners. Taken together, the results provide a more comprehensive picture of the acoustic and perceptual characteristics of GLB speech styles than has been provided by previous research. Moreover, the results of Experiment 3 suggest that listeners’ percepts of GLB speech styles may be related to their perception of other speech characteristics.
Electronic and crystal-field effects in the fine structure of electron energy-loss spectra of manganites

The fine structure of oxygen-K electron energy-loss spectra (EELS) of transition-metal oxides is known to correlate with nominal oxidation states (NOSs) that are often interpreted as charge states. Here we report calculations of O-K EELS in ${\text{La}}_{x}{\text{Ca}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{MnO}}_{3}$ that agree with measured spectra and show that the variation in the prepeak's intensity with doping is controlled by the orbital occupancy of the majority-spin $\text{Mn}\text{ }3d$ states, while its width is controlled by crystal-field splitting. The results confirm an earlier conclusion that the NOS extracted from EELS corresponds only to orbital occupancies, while the physical charge renders all atoms electrically neutral, even in so-called ionic crystals.
Innovation decision and reward structure

Abstract This paper develops a model of a non-cooperative game to examine the enterprise's decision on R and D under “innovation by assignment” and “socialist contest.” It is found that, while lengthening the plan period may induce greater R and D investment, it may also breed complacence under the assignment system. This type of complacence is prevented by the socialist contest. Incentives designed to promote current production often inflict disincentives on innovation, and vice versa. We derive the optimal relationship (constraint) between the marginal rewards for production and innovation. It is shown that the socialist contest attenuates the constraint, and hence reduces the incentive costs of innovation.
Erythroid transcription factor EKLF/KLF1 mutation causing congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type IV in a patient of Taiwanese origin: Review of all reported cases and development of a clinical diagnostic paradigm

KLF1 is an erythroid specific transcription factor that is involved in erythroid lineage commitment, globin switching and terminal red blood cell maturation. Various mutations of KLF1 have been identified in humans, which have led to both benign and pathological phenotypes. The E325K mutation, within the second zinc finger of the KLF1 gene, has been shown to cause a new form of congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA) now labeled as CDA type IV. We report the fourth documented case of this mutation, and propose a clinical diagnostic model to better identify this disease in other patients. Our patient is a Taiwanese child who presented to us at 8years of age with severe hemolytic anemia, splenomegaly, elevated fetal hemoglobin (HbF), iron overload, and dyserythropoiesis in the bone marrow. KLF1 sequence analysis revealed a G-to-A transition in one allele of exon 3, which resulted in the substitution of a glutamate 325 by a lysine. Flow cytometry analysis revealed decreased protein expression of CD44 on the red blood cells, and decreased red blood cell deformability as measured using an ektacytometer. Blood typing revealed his red blood cells to be Co(a-b-), In(b-), LW(ab-) and Lu(b+), even though DNA testing predicted that he would be Co(a+b-) and LW(a+b-). This newly discovered CDA combines features of a hemoglobinopathy, RBC membrane defect and hereditary persistence of HbF (HPFH) which are not seen in the previous types of CDA. Increased awareness of this phenotype may improve the more prompt and accurate diagnosis of these patients.
Data reconciliation and parameter estimation in plant performance analysis

Results of a computer study are reported applying data reconciliation and interpretation techniques to a single-stage flash operation. Measured errors in the process variables are significantly reduced. The techniques are successfully extended to estimate flash efficiency. The flash efficiency is estimated using two methods: (1) a statistically rigorous simultaneous data reconciliation and efficiency estimation procedure, and (2), a faster, nonrigorous sequential procedure. It is found that the simultaneous procedure provides better measured variable and flash efficiency estimates.
CFD Process Pre- and Post-processing Automation in Support of Space Propulsion

The use of Computational Fluid Dynamics or CFD has become standard practice in the design and analysis of the major components used for space propulsion. In an attempt to standardize and improve the CFD process a series of automated tools have been developed. Through the use of these automated tools the application of CFD to the design cycle has been improved and streamlined. This paper presents a series of applications in which deficiencies were identified in the CFD process and corrected through the development of automated tools.
Laryngoplasty for the treatment of vocal cord paralysis in an amateur singer.

• We have performed a medialization laryngoplasty on a schoolteacher who was also an amateur singer. Medialization laryngoplasty has been slow to gain acceptance but offers many advantages over Teflon injection because it is a reversible procedure and can be utilized early in vocal cord paralysis instead of waiting 9 months. Postoperatively, the patient can vocalize more than two octaves with good volume. Objective measurement of results is needed in judging the success of these procedures. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1992;118:209-210)