cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potentiation of triamcinolone-induced cleft palate in mice by maternal high dietary fat.

This study investigated whether the current range in dietary fat levels, which has arisen partly in response to some major health concerns, would affect frequency of congenital anomalies if continued into the period of early pregnancy. The effect of 5.6%, or 48% of calories from fat in the maternal diet, was tested on pregnant strain CD-1 mice injected with triamcinolone in doses of 0.01 mg, 0.02 mg, 0.04 mg, or 0.06 mg per day on days 11 through 14 of gestation. Frequency of cleft palate increased with increasing doses of triamcinolone, with clefts of the palate being rare at the two lower doses. No clefts appeared without triamcinolone on either diet. In combination with triamcinolone treatment, 226 fetuses exposed to a maternal low fat diet had normal palates and 86 had cleft palates. With exposure to high fat, 186 fetuses had normal palates and 101 had cleft palates, which was a significant increase in clefting (p < 0.05). Also, the latter group showed a greater degree of retardation in palate development (p < 0.05). Thus both a greater frequency and a more severe form of clefting support the conclusion that high dietary fat potentiated the cleft palate-producing effects of triamcinolone in mice. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The safety and efficacy of glutamine in humans.

In order to determine the safety of glutamine in humans we have performed dose-response studies in both normal individuals and patients
A Theoretical study of the structure and inversion barrier of PLi3

Abstract The structure and inversion barrier of PLi 3 has been studied using ab initio SCF CI calculations. The inversion potential is very flat, showing a minimum at a bond angle of ≈ 102° and a barrier of ≈2.2 kcal/mole. The effects of basis set on the calculated barrier are discussed.
Recent Crustal Movements in the Central Sierra Nevada–Walker Lane Region of California–Nevada: Part Iii, the Olinghouse Fault Zone

Abstract The Olinghouse fault zone is one of several NE—ENE-trending fault zones and lineaments, including the Midas Trench and the Carson—Carson Sink Lineament, which exhibit left-lateral transcurrent movement conjugate to the Walker Lane in western Nevada. The active portion of this fault zone extends for approximately 23 km, from 16 km east of Reno, Nevada, to the southern extent of Pyramid Lake. The fault can be traced for most of its length from its geomorphic expression in the hilly terrain, and it is hidden only where overlain by recent alluvial sediments. Numerous features characteristic of strike-slip faulting can be observed along the fault, including: scarps, vegetation lines, sidehill and shutter ridges, sag ponds, offset stream channels and stone stripes, enclosed rhombohedral and wedge-shaped depressions, and en-echelon fractures. A shear zone having a maximum observable width of 1.3 km is defined principally by Riedel shears and their symmetrical P-shears, with secondary definition by deformed conjugate Riedel shears. Several continuous horizontal shears, or principal displacement shears, occupy the axial portion of the shear zone. The existence of P-shears and principal displacement shears suggests evolution of movement along the fault zone analogous to the “Post-Peak” or “Pre-Residual Structure” stage. Historic activity (1869) has established the seismic potential of this zone. Maximum intensities and plots of the isoseismals indicate the 1869 Olinghouse earthquake had a magnitude of 6.7. Field study indicates the active length of the fault zone is at least 23 km and the maximum 1869 displacement was 3.65 m of left-slip. From maximum fault length and maximum fault displacement to earthquake magnitude relations, this corresponds to an earthquake of about magnitude 7.
Microspine variation in hindgut regions of four families of cockroaches (Blattaria)

Abstract Microspines in the cockroach (Blattaria) hindgut were studied to determine their structure, variation, and potential use in classification. Short spines (1–10 μm) were found in all regions of the hindgut, except for the rectal cuticle in all species, the posterior region of the ileum and colon in C. punctulatus and the posterior portion of the ileum of the blaberoid species. They were also characteristics of the pyloric and other valvular cuticle between areas of the hindgut. Moderate (20–60 μm) and long (over 100 μm) microspinal lengths were associated with bacterial aggregations or plaques in the ileum. Microspinal modifications showed only poor phylogenetic correlations.
Type II Diabetes Abrogates Sex Differences in Endothelial Function in Premenopausal Women

Background—Obesity is a more potent cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) in men than in women. Because traditional CVRFs cannot fully account for this sex difference, we tested the hypothesis that compared with men, women exhibit more robust endothelial function independent of obesity and that this sex difference is abrogated by diabetes. Methods and Results—We studied leg blood flow (LBF) responses to graded intrafemoral artery infusions of the endothelium-dependent vasodilator methacholine chloride (Mch) and the endothelium-independent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in groups of lean, obese (OB), and type II diabetic (DM) premenopausal women and age- and body mass index–matched men. LBF response to intrafemoral administration of L-NMMA, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, was also assessed in normal men and women. Maximum LBF increments in response to Mch were 347±57% versus 231±22% in lean women versus men (P<0.05) and 203±25% versus 111±17% in OB women versus men (P<0.01), respectively. In DM,...
Revisiting “polite” –yo and “deferential” –supnita speech style shifting in Korean from the viewpoint of indexicality

Abstract This article revisits the question of why Korean speakers switch between two different speech styles (“polite” –yo and “deferential” –supnita) in public speech. Although two recent articles ( Eun and Strauss, 2004 , Strauss and Eun, 2005 ) have approached this problem, their explanations that –yo/–supnita shifting is grounded in the marking of information status and the indexing of stances of inclusion/exclusion have some underlying problems, which I address in the opening sections. I then analyze a Korean talk show to arrive at a more appropriate model for describing –yo/–supnita shifting. The data shows that participants in this talk show use –supnita as a resource for indexing presentational and performative stances of authority and to mark talk as public or ritualistic. From this, I posit that the underlying direct indexical meaning of –supnita is “formal presentational stance.” Although –yo tends to occur in more casual and emotionally unrestrained sequences of the talk show, I argue that affective stances are only indirectly indexed by this form when it occurs in opposition to –supnita in public speech. Crucially, these affective meanings are mediated by the co-occurrence of –yo with interactional particles.
Distinct and opposite diversifying activities of terminal transferase splice variants

The short splice variant of mouse terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdTS) catalyzes the addition of nontemplated nucleotides (N addition) at the coding joins of B cell and T cell antigen receptor genes. However, the activity and function of the long isoform of TdT (TdTL) have not been determined. We show here, in vitro and in vivo, that TdTL is a 3′→5′ exonuclease that catalyzes the deletion of nucleotides at coding joins. These findings suggest that the two TdT isoforms may act in concert to preserve the integrity of the variable region of antigen receptors while generating diversity.
Optimization of microfluidic trap-based microsphere arrays

We build a microfluidic trap-based microsphere array device. In the device, we design a novel geometric structure of the trap array and employ the hydrodynamic trapping mechanism to immobilize the microspheres. We develop a comprehensive and robust framework to optimize the values of the geometric parameters to maximize the microsphere arrays’ packing density. We also simultaneously optimize multiple criteria, such as efficiently immobilizing a single microsphere in each trap, effectively eliminating fluidic errors such as channel clogging and multiple microspheres in a single trap, minimizing errors in subsequent imaging experiments, and easily recovering targets. Microsphere-trapping experiments have been performed using the optimized device and a device with un-optimized geometric parameters. These experiments demonstrate easy control of the transportation and manipulation of the microspheres in the optimized device. They also show that the optimized device greatly outperforms the un-optimized one.
Trends In Medicaid Physician Fees, 2003–2008

Medicaid physician fees increased 15.1 percent, on average, between 2003 and 2008. This was below the general rate of inflation, resulting in a reduction in real fees. Only primary care fees grew at the rate of inflation—20 percent between 2003 and 2008. However, because of slow growth in Medicare fees, Medicaid fees closed a small portion of their ongoing gap relative to Medicare—growing from 69 percent to 72 percent of Medicare. The increase in Medicaid fees relative to Medicare fees resulted from relative increases for primary care and obstetrical services, but not for other services.
Structural damage to oak leaves alters natural enemy attack on a leafminer

A field experiment was conducted to test the role of structural changes in oak leaves caused by folivory on natural enemy attack of leafmining larvae and pupae of Cameraria sp. nov., while controlling for induced chemical responses. Damaged and intact leaves of Quercus emoryi were sealed with a fluorocarbon telomer in 1988–1989 to prevent release of long-range or contact chemical cues that might be perceived by searching parasitoids and predators. These leaves were attached to Q. emoryi leaves harboring first instars of Cameraria, but otherwise were undamaged. Rates of attack by natural enemies of leafminers in leaves with sealed, damaged leaves attached were significantly greater than those in control leaves, indicating that structural damage alone influences attack by natural enemies. Survival of leafminers in leaves with attached damaged leaves was significantly less than that of controls, suggesting that structural changes in leaves due to folivore feeding affect population dynamics of Cameraria via increased attack by the third trophic level. Resume Modifications des attaques contre une mineuse des feuilles provoquees par les alterations structurales des feuilles Des experiences ont ete faites dans la nature pour evaluer l'influence des modifications structurales provoquees par la defoliation sur les attaques des ennemis naturels des chenilles mineuses et des chrysalides de Cameraria sp. nov. En 1988–89 des feuilles saines et endommagees de Quercus emoryi ont ete enduites de telomere de fluorocarbone pour empecher l'emission d'indicateurs chimiques a distance ou de contact pouvant etre utilises par les parasitoides et les predateurs lors de leur prospection. Ces feuilles ont ete attachees a des feuilles apparemment intactes de Q. emoryi mais hebergeant des Cameraria du premier stade. Les attaques par les ennemis naturels des mineuses etaient plus importantes sur feuilles associees a des feuilles endommagees mais enduites de fluorocarbone que sur feuilles temoins, ce qui montre que les degâts structuraux seuls influent sur les attaques par les ennemis naturels. La survie des mineuses dans les feuilles associees a des feuilles endommagees etait plus faible que chez les temoins, ce qui suggere des changements structuraux dans les feuilles provoques par les phytophages affectant la dynamique de population de Cameraria via une attaque accrue par le troisieme niveau trophique.
Improving multiple-choice questions to better assess dental student knowledge: distractor utilization in oral and maxillofacial pathology course examinations.

How many incorrect response options (known as distractors) to use in multiple-choice questions has been the source of considerable debate in the assessment literature, especially relative to influence on the likelihood of students’ guessing the correct answer. This study compared distractor use by second-year dental students in three successive oral and maxillofacial pathology classes that had three different examination question formats and scoring resulting in different levels of academic performance. One class was given all multiple-choice questions; the two other were given half multiple-choice questions, with and without formula scoring, and half un-cued short-answer questions. Use by at least 1 percent of the students was found to better identify functioning distractors than higher cutoffs. The average number of functioning distractors differed among the three classes and did not always correspond to differences in class scores. Increased numbers of functioning distractors were associated with higher question discrimination and greater question difficulty. Fewer functioning distractors fostered more effective student guessing and overestimation of academic achievement. Appropriate identification of functioning distractors is essential for improving examination quality and better estimating actual student knowledge through retrospective use of formula scoring, where the amount subtracted for incorrect answers is based on the harmonic mean number of functioning distractors.
Integrated electronic knowledge base/workstation (for CAI)

Summary form only given. A system which incorporates an electronic knowledge base (video segments, computer simulations, example problem databases, lecture highlights, and text material) was demonstrated. A single monitor connected to a Macintosh II-class computer serves both as the workstation and as the video screen. HyperCard is used to integrate the software and knowledge base components. In designing the system an effort was made to make it easy for the classroom/lecture-oriented professor to begin developing electronic-based educational materials. >
Survey of Stroke Epidemiology Studies

The Committee on Criteria and Methods of the Epidemiological Council of the American Heart Association conducted a survey of epidemiological studies of stroke. A questionnaire was sent to investigators who were involved in stroke epidemiological research. Forty studies have been reviewed. Stroke epidemiological studies include a wide range of populations and geographic areas of the United States. Of the 12 prospective studies only five were primarily stroke-oriented, while the remaining initially involved the study of coronary artery disease. Relatively few stroke studies identify cases by clinical examination at the time of the stroke; most depend on examination sometime after the stroke, review of hospital records, physician's reports and patient interviews. In relatively few of the studies are the cases being examined by a neurologist. There is a need for better methods of stroke-case ascertainment, for standardized diagnostic techniques that can be used in field studies, and for the evaluation of specific disabilities following a stroke.
Physics based modeling for time-frequency damage classification

We have recently proposed a method for classifying waveforms from healthy and damaged structures in a structural health monitoring framework. This method is based on the use of hidden Markov models with preselected feature vectors obtained from the time-frequency based matching pursuit decomposition. In order to investigate the performance of the classifier for different signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), we simulate the response of a lug joint sample with different crack lengths using finite element modeling (FEM). Unlike experimental noisy data, the modeled data is noise free. As a result, different levels of noise can be added to the modeled data in order to obtain the true performance of the classifier under additive white Gaussian noise. We use the finite element package ABAQUS to simulate a lug joint sample with different crack lengths and piezoelectric sensor signals. A mesoscale internal state variable damage model defines the progressive damage and is incorporated in the macroscale model. We furthermore use a hybrid method (boundary element-finite element method) to model wave reflection as well as mode conversion of the Lamb waves from the free edges and scattering of the waves from the internal defects. The hybrid method simplifies the modeling problem and provides better performance in the analysis of high stress gradient problems.
Comparative punting kinematics and pelvic fin musculature of benthic batoids.

Although the majority of batoid elasmo- branchs, skates and rays, are benthically associated, benthic locomotion has been largely overlooked in this group. Only skates have been previously described to per- form a form of benthic locomotion termed ''punting.'' While keeping the rest of the body motionless, the skate's pelvic fins are planted into the substrate and then retracted caudally, which thrusts the body forward. In this study, we demonstrate that this form of locomotion is not confined to the skates, but is found across a range of phylogenetically and morphologically diverse batoid species. However, only the clearnose skate, Raja eglanteria, and the lesser electric ray, Narcine brasiliensis, performed ''true punting,'' in which only the pelvic fins were engaged. The yellow stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis, and the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina, performed ''augmented punting,'' in which pectoral fin movement was also used to generate thrust. Despite this supplemental use of pectoral fins, the augmented punters failed to exceed the punting capabilities of the true punters. The urobatid and the true punters all punted approximately half their disc length per punt, whereas the dasyatid punted a significantly shorter dis- tance. The skate punted significantly faster than the other species. Examination of the pelvic fin musculature revealed more specialized muscles in the true punters than in the augmented punters. This concordance of musculature with punting ability provides predictive power regarding the punting kinematics of other elasmobranchs based upon gross muscular examinations. In contrast to previous assumptions, our results suggest that benthic locomotion is widespread among batoids. J. Morphol. 271:1219-1228, 2010. 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Gaussian molecular orbital calculations of the barrier to internal rotation in the ethyl cation

Extended Gaussian orbital basis set calculations have been carried out on an assumed staggered and eclipsed classical geometrical configuration of C2H. The best total energies obtained for these geometries were −78.170692 a.u. and −78.170674 a.u. respectively, corresponding to a barrier to internal rotation of 1.8 × 10−5 a.u. or 11 kcal/mole. An analysis of the charge density matrix indicates that charge is distributed in these molecules in a manner consistent with the concept of hyperconjugation.
Energetics and Vibronics Analyses of the Enzymatic Coupled Electron–Proton Transfer From NfsA Nitroreductase to Trinitrotoluene

We analyze the coupled electron-proton transfer from the NfsA nitroreductase enzyme to the trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosive as a possible reaction mechanism for nitrocompounds sensing. Based on earlier experiments, we have chosen as active site a group of amino acids around the flavin mononucleotide cofactor. In this site, we evaluate charge transfer, leading to a first step in the enzymatic TNT degradation that is enough for its detection. Our analysis suggests that light absorption and vibrations around the active site induce charge transfer for the enzymatic reaction with TNT.
Listing eBay masculinity: erotic exchanges and regulation in ‘gay’ and ‘gay interest’ underwear and swimwear auctions

eBay underwear and swimwear sellers incorporate gay identities and female masculinities into the eBay site. They indicate that the men depicted in listings are gay, suggest listings that are of interest to gay men, and include unconventional bodily presentations. While eBay asserts its role as a selling platform, gay underwear and swimwear listings are often a byproduct of men's interests in self-display and communication with other men. Their sexual representations conflict with eBay's heteronormative focus and the company often regulates them. I reflect on the political influence gay clothing sellers have when imaging their gym-built bodies, soft flesh, uneven physiques, genital bulges, and flaccid penises. The humanities-oriented methods of close visual, textual, and theoretical analysis assist me in considering over 1000 eBay listings and related profiles from the English-language website. I argue that these sellers deserve critical deliberation because they undermine eBay's normalizing discourses and...
Optical Behavior of Sputter-Deposited Aluminum Nitride: Relationship to Film Cheiistry

Films which are nominally aluminum nitride were grown by reactive sputter deposition using an aluminum target and rf-excited nitrogen discharges operated at power levels from 100 to 800W. Depositions were made on water-cooled (111)-cut Si and amorphous quartz substrates. The optical behavior of these films and its relationship to chemistry is discussed in the present paper.
Poly-victimization: A neglected component in child victimization

Abstract Objective To assess the role of multiple victimization, or what is termed in this article “poly-victimization,” in explaining trauma symptomatology. Method In a nationally representative sample of 2,030 children ages 2–17, assessment was made of the past year's victimization experiences and recent trauma symptoms. Results Children experiencing four or more different kinds of victimization in a single year (poly-victims) comprised 22% of the sample. Poly-victimization was highly predictive of trauma symptoms, and when taken into account, greatly reduced or eliminated the association between individual victimizations (e.g., sexual abuse) and symptomatology. Poly-victims were also more symptomatic than children with only repeated episodes of the same kind of victimization. Conclusion Researchers and practitioners need to assess for a broader range of victimizations, and avoid studies and assessments organized around a single form of victimization.
Visual interaction in diagnostic radiology

The concept of visual interaction is introduced as the process which links perception and problem solving such that problem solving is affected by what is seen, and conversely, what is seen and perceived is affected by the current state of the problem-solving process. The development of a cognitively based model of the visual interaction process in diagnostic radiology is described. It is shown how aspects of this model are being incorporated into the design and implementation of an intelligent computer-based radiological assistant. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to extract information about the nature and type of knowledge involved in this process, and then to determine how the knowledge is used to accomplish the task of radiological diagnosis. This work may provide new directions for clinically useful interactive radiological systems. It is also seen as a useful radiological teaching tool, providing hands-on experience with a clinical aid, and further, it may prove to be effective tool for studying the radiological process. >
Integrated Optical Approaches to Millimeter-Wave Generation and Modulation

Two lithium niobate modulators and an arrayed waveguide grating are used to generate a millimeter-wave carrier at 94 GHz and to encode a 10 GB/s data stream onto the carrier for wireless data transport.
Framework for Web service query algebra and optimization

We present a query algebra that supports optimized access of Web services through service-oriented queries. The service query algebra is defined based on a formal service model that provides a high-level abstraction of Web services across an application domain. The algebra defines a set of algebraic operators. Algebraic service queries can be formulated using these operators. This allows users to query their desired services based on both functionality and quality. We provide the implementation of each algebraic operator. This enables the generation of Service Execution Plans (SEPs) that can be used by users to directly access services. We present an optimization algorithm by extending the Dynamic Programming (DP) approach to efficiently select the SEPs with the best user-desired quality. The experimental study validates the proposed algorithm by demonstrating significant performance improvement compared with the traditional DP approach.
Airway reactivity is a determinant of bronchodilator responsiveness after methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction.

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is one of the characteristics of asthma and a risk factor for persistent airflow limitation. Poor response to bronchodilator may be a cause of persistent airflow limitation. Multiple factors may determine bronchodilator responsiveness, including airway reactivity to nonspecific bronchoconstrictive agents. If patients with AHR have poor bronchodilator responsiveness, then it could be a potential mechanism for asthma and persistent airflow limitation in these patients. The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between airway reactivity to methacholine and responsiveness to beta‐agonist and beta‐agonist/anticholinergic combination in a large subject population. A retrospective data analysis was undertaken of 764 consecutive subjects with ≥ 20% reduction in forced expiratory volume during the first second of exhalation from total lung capacity (FEV1) after ≤ 189 cumulative units of methacholine. The first 382 subjects received 3 inhalations of metaproterenol an...
WEAVING A NEW SAFETY NET OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN RURAL AMERICA: A MODEL OF INTEGRATED PRACTICE

Life in rural America is often idealized, yet rural Americans suffer from mental illness in rates comparable to urban America and require similar types of support and services. However, millions of individuals living in rural areas go without needed mental health services. The dominant care model allows the treatment of mental illness to be delivered by non-mental health professionals with little or no education or training in psychiatric care and who have little desire to provide this type of care, resulting most often in ineffective or inappropriate treatment. Lacking access to appropriate and effective care, rural mentally ill individuals are more often symptomatic than their urban counterparts and may never find relief from the disabling symptoms of treatable mental illnesses. This article will focus on the current state of psychiatric-mental health care in the context of these realities and discuss the impact of the current trend of mental illness being treated by non-mental health professionals. The...
Current Technical Issues Related to Near-Field Materials Testing

Some test parameters have become issues in test development either because they are difficult to measure and control or because the significance of their effect on waste form dissolution and alteration is unknown. Issues identified by the MCC are Eh/pH system effects, SA/V effects, temperature effects on sampling, waste package composition effects, colloid formation and stability, radiolysis, and formation kinetics and stability of secondary reaction products. These issues are addressed by the MCC through literature reviews, workshops, and direct investigation with the objective of recommending methods for resolving them. This paper summarizes their status and attempts to identify needs required for their resolution.
Angular-spectral decomposition beamforming for acoustic arrays

The method of principal component beamforming described in this paper is an array data reduction method that allows one to observe the statistically uncorrelated components of wave energy arriving at an array of acoustic sensors. The method can be used to process array data so as to observe and identify the sources of noise, both environmental and self noise. After identifying the sources of noise, the method of principal components can be used to discriminate signal from noise. The method can be applied to active systems (subbottom profilers) as well as passive systems. A model of isotropic noise and incident bandlimited plane waves is used to study array resolution and bandwidth effects. Experimental data from a 2 \times 3 planar acoustic array were used to identify sources of hydro-flow related noise in an underwater vehicle. In all cases studied, the technique provides a maximum spatial information analysis method to the observer.
Motivated Gaze: The View From the Gazer

How does gaze relate to psychological properties of the gazer? Studies using eye tracking reveal robust group differences in gaze toward emotional information: Optimists gaze less at negative, unpleasant images than do pessimists, and older individuals look away from negative faces and toward happy faces. These group differences appear to reflect an underlying motivation to achieve and maintain good moods by directing attention to mood-facilitating stimuli. Maintaining a positive mood is only one goal-related context that influences visual attention; recent work has also suggested that other goal states can impact gaze. Gaze therefore is a tool of motivation, directing gazers toward stimuli that are consistent with their goals and away from information that will not facilitate goal achievement.
Crumb rubber filtration: A potential technology for ballast water treatment

The removal of turbidity, particles, phytoplankton and zooplankton in water by crumb rubber filtration was investigated. A substantial reduction was achieved. Of the three variables, filter depth, media size and filtration rate, media size had the most significant influence. Smaller media size favored higher removal efficiency of all targeted matter. There was no apparent relationship between removal efficiency and filter depth. Higher filtration rate resulted in lower removal efficiency and higher head loss. Compared with conventional granular media filters, crumb rubber filters required less backwash, and developed lower head loss. Consequently crumb rubber filters could be run for a longer time or allow a higher filtration rate. The results also indicate that the crumb rubber filtration alone did not achieve the target removal of invasive species. However, crumb rubber filtration could potentially be used as a primary treatment technology to enhance the efficiency of a secondary treatment process (e.g., disinfection).
Predicting Productivity Returns on Investment: Thirty Years of Peer Review, Grant Funding, and Publication of Highly Cited Papers at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

There are conflicting data about the ability of peer review percentile rankings to predict grant productivity, as measured through publications and citations. To understand the nature of these apparent conflicting findings, we analyzed bibliometric outcomes of 6873 de novo cardiovascular R01 grants funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) between 1980 and 2011. Our outcomes focus on top-10% articles, meaning articles that were cited more often than 90% of other articles on the same topic, of the same type (eg, article, editorial), and published in the same year. The 6873 grants yielded 62 468 articles, of which 13 507 (or 22%) were top-10% articles. There was a modest association between better grant percentile ranking and number of top-10% articles. However, discrimination was poor (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [ROC], 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.51–0.53). Furthermore, better percentile ranking was also associated with higher annual and total inflation-adjusted grant budgets. There was no association between grant percentile ranking and grant outcome as assessed by number of top-10% articles per $million spent. Hence, the seemingly conflicting findings on peer review percentile ranking of grants and subsequent productivity largely reflect differing questions and outcomes. Taken together, these findings raise questions about how best National Institutes of Health (NIH) should use peer review assessments to make complex funding decisions.
On P-immunity of nondeterministic complete sets

We show that every m-complete set for NEXP as well as its complement have an infinite subset in P. This answers an open question first raised by L. Berman (1976).
Decomposition Methods for Sparse Matrix Nearness Problems

We discuss three types of sparse matrix nearness problems: given a sparse symmetric matrix, find the matrix with the same sparsity pattern that is closest to it in Frobenius norm and (1) is positive semidefinite, (2) has a positive semidefinite completion, or (3) has a Euclidean distance matrix completion. Several proximal splitting and decomposition algorithms for these problems are presented and their performance is compared on a set of test problems. A key feature of the methods is that they involve a series of projections on small dense positive semidefinite or Euclidean distance matrix cones, corresponding to the cliques in a triangulation of the sparsity graph. The methods discussed include the dual block coordinate ascent algorithm (or Dykstra's method), the dual projected gradient and accelerated projected gradient algorithms, and a primal and a dual application of the Douglas--Rachford splitting algorithm.
Applications of Capacity Limits to Performance Analyses of Adaptive Transmission Protocols for Packet Radios

Analytical methods are provided for use in performance evaluations, tradeoff studies, and preliminary designs of adaptive modulation and coding protocols that obtain their control information from practical sources. Our approach employs capacity limits and Markov chain models of fading to give analytical results on the throughput achieved by adaptive transmission in packet radio systems. The analytical methods replace simulations of the modem, iterative decoder, and time-varying fading channel. The amount of processor time required for protocol performance evaluations is decreased by several orders of magnitude.
Electron — Beam Measurements of Epitaxial GaAs Layers

In studying the growth of epitaxial layers in III-V compounds, it is advantageous to obtain information on the early stage of the growth that takes place at the substrate-epitaxial layer interface. In this paper, we describe a method of measuring the recombination velocity at this interface, as well as the minority carrier diffusion length in the bulk of the epitaxial layer. A bi-directional diffusion of excess carriers was modeled, with layer thickness, diffusion length and recombination velocity as variables. Layer thickness was determined using spreading resistance, the other two variables can be separated by measuring layers of several thicknesses. Some carriers diffuse from the point of generation toward the surface and are collected at a Schottky barrier depletion layer, The remaining carriers diffuse from the point of generation toward the epi-substrate interface where they recombine.
Calcium-secretagogue interaction in the stimulation of gastric acid secretion.

SummaryGastric epithelia were depleted of Ca2+ in the continued presence of secre-tagogues by removing this cation from the bathing media and repeated washouts with or without EDTA until acid secretion was reduced to zero. Under these conditions, both the transmucosal PD and resistance declined. Incubation of these epithelia in presence of 1 mM Ca2+ in the luminal bathing medium resulted in a partial reversal of PD and resistance with initiation of some secretion, in contrast to near complete reversal obtained following restoration of Ca2+ to the serosal bathing medium. Dibutyryl cyclic-AMP or theophylline enhance acid secretion in these circumstances without complete reversal of PD and resistance. These observations suggest that cellular Ca2+ may play a direct role in the production of H+per se by mediating the secretagogue effect in raising intracellular cyclic-AMP levels, in addition to its established role in the maintenance of integrity of junctional complexes which are essential for the luminal segr...
Butanol tolerance of carboxydotrophic bacteria isolated from manure composts.

ABSTRACTCarboxydotrophic bacteria (carboxydotrophs) have the ability to uptake carbon monoxide (CO) and synthesize butanol. The aims of this study were to determine the butanol tolerance and biological production of butanol carboxydotrophic strains. In this study, 11 carboxydotrophic strains were exposed to increasing n-butanol concentrations (1–3% vol/vol) to determine their effect on growth. Butanol production by the strains was quantified and the identity of the strains was elucidated using 16S rRNA sequencing. The carboxydotrophic strains possessed inherent tolerance to butanol and tolerated up to 3% n-butanol. Among the 11 strains, T1-16, M2-32 and M3-28 were the most tolerant to butanol. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of these strains was similar (99% nucleotide similarity) to the butanol-tolerant strains Bacillus licheniformis YP1A, Pediococcus acidilacti IMUA20068 and Enterococcus faecium IMAU60169, respectively. The carboxydotrophic strains screened in this study have two distinct features: (1) high ...
Configurations and Path Planning of Convex Planar Polygonal Loops

Polygonal loops are interesting both as classical geometric objects and in modeling practical engineering systems, e.g., grasping systems with fingers having planar revolute joints. Convex loop configurations and path planning between them are important since many naturally occurring manipulation poses for human and robotic hands are convex or close to convex, and current collision-free path planning methods for polygonal loops use convex configurations in intermediate steps. We prove that, in a set of triangle-based parameters, the space CConvex of convex configurations of a planar polygonal loop with fixed edge lengths and orientation, and one link pinned to the plane, is star-shaped with respect to an easily computed triangular configuration; with a further condition on edge lengths, CConvex is actually a convex polyhedron. Thus reconfiguration between identically oriented convex configurations of a planar polygonal loop can be achieved by one or two straight-line motions within CConvex. We conjecture that, in our parameter space, the straight-line motion joining any two such configurations passes through only non-self-intersecting configurations, although it may leave CConvex. These results are substantially simpler and more efficient than prior work, and demonstrate the importance of suitable system parametrization.
Malignant Primary Spinal Neoplasms: Total En Bloc Spondylectomy

Malignant primary spinal tumors are rare tumors that are locally invasive and can metastasize. The majority of these tumors have a poor response rate to chemotherapy and conventional radiotherapy. Studies have shown that long-term survival and the potential for cure is best achieved with en bloc surgical excision of these tumors with negative surgical margins. Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) involves removal of vertebral segment(s) in whole to achieve wide en bloc tumor excision (Fig. 25.5). Total en bloc spondylectomy can be performed through staged or combined anterior and posterior approaches, or from an all posterior approach. Although one can occasionally diagnose a lesion based on the combination of clinical history, physical examination, and imaging findings, an absolute tissue diagnosis is important and can only be obtained through histopathological examination on a biopsied specimen. With tissue diagnosis, one can properly elucidate the aggressiveness and the natural history of the disease and its likelihood to respond to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. It also allows the surgeons to decide on the appropriate surgical strategy to treat the lesion. The oncological considerations and surgical nuances that allow for safe but aggressive surgical excision of primary spinal tumors to achieve favorable oncological and neurological outcomes are highlighted.
Application of Graph Sparsification in Developing Parallel Algorithms for Updating Connected Components

Analyzing large dynamic networks is an importantproblem with applications in a wide range of disciplines. A keyoperation is updating the network properties as its topologychanges. In this paper we present graph sparsification as anefficient abstraction for updating the properties of dynamic networks. We demonstrate the applicability of graph sparsificationin updating the connected components in random and scalefreenetworks on shared memory systems. Our results showthat the updating is scalable (10X on 16 processors for largernetworks). To the best of our knowledge this is the first parallelimplementation of graph sparsification. Based on these initialresults, we discuss how the current implementation can befurther improved and how graph sparsification can be appliedto updating other network properties.
34 Seamless pathways of care for victims of sexual violence

Background Seamless pathways of care for victims of sexual violence are important to the provision of effective acute care, which can help prevent subsequent traumatization and other long-term effects and support criminal investigation of the case. Nowadays, in Finland, there are only a few locations in the country where the victims of sexual violence have access to seamless pathways of care. Description of the problem Hospital districts answered an enquiry that was conducted in the spring of 2015 about the present state of the services. The existing pathways of care for the victims of sexual violence were explored. According to the enquiry, hospital districts often lack adequate information and guidelines for helping the victims of sexual violence. Furthermore, a literacy review was made about the global and local recommendations concerning the service needs of victims. The review revealed a lot of good international and national guidelines about the victims’ service needs. Results National Institute for Health and Welfare is now developing (during 2015–2016) a national service model for acute medical and psychosocial care of victims of sexual violence. The included pathways of care will contain guidelines for forensic, medical and psychosocial care and follow-up services including psychosocial support and sexual health services. The guidelines are meant to be adapted to specific local circumstances. Conclusions The pathways link different service providers on primary and special health care, voluntary sector and police together and improve cooperation. The guidelines are aimed to guide the development of health services for victims of sexual violence. They are also of relevance to policy-makers in charge of health service planning at local level.
Head Injury in Very Young Children

A prospective study of 100 children aged 24 months or younger who were admitted with a diagnosis of head injury is reported from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence.
Preliminary Experiments of an Adaptive Low-Dimensional Control for a Hybrid Neuroprosthesis

Hybrid neuroprostheses that use both electric motor drives and functional electrical stimulation for the restoration of walking in persons with paraplegia have a promising potential. However, the hybrid actuation structure introduces effector redundancy, making the system complex and difficult to control. In this paper, preliminary experimental results of a recently developed low-dimensional controller, which is inspired from the muscle synergy principle, are presented. The experiments were performed on an able-bodied subject in a configuration where only one leg is actuated in a cycling manner while the contralateral leg was fixed.
Discovery of a JAK3-Selective Inhibitor: Functional Differentiation of JAK3-Selective Inhibition over pan-JAK or JAK1-Selective Inhibition

PF-06651600, a newly discovered potent JAK3-selective inhibitor, is highly efficacious at inhibiting γc cytokine signaling, which is dependent on both JAK1 and JAK3. PF-06651600 allowed the comparison of JAK3-selective inhibition to pan-JAK or JAK1-selective inhibition, in relevant immune cells to a level that could not be achieved previously without such potency and selectivity. In vitro, PF-06651600 inhibits Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation and function, and in vivo it reduces disease pathology in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis as well as in mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models. Importantly, by sparing JAK1 function, PF-06651600 selectively targets γc cytokine pathways while preserving JAK1-dependent anti-inflammatory signaling such as the IL-10 suppressive functions following LPS treatment in macrophages and the suppression of TNFα and IL-1β production in IL-27-primed macrophages. Thus, JAK3-selective inhibition differentiates from pan-JAK or JAK1 inhibition in various immune cellula...
A national survey of attitudes toward intimate partner violence among married women in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan: Implications for health prevention and intervention

Attitudes toward intimate partner violence (IPV) can affect the prevalence of IPV, response of victims' to IPV (e.g., whether to seek help), and the response of professionals (e.g., police, social workers, health care professionals) to IPV. Knowledge about IPV-related attitudes is essential for developing effective social work and violence-related programs. Using data from the 2005-2006 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, this study examines attitudes toward IPV and socio-demographic predictors of these attitudes among married women in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Women were asked whether they approved of a husband beating his wife: if she goes out without telling him, neglects their children, argues, refuses to have sex, and burns food. The prevalence of IPV acceptance for at least one of the five reasons varied from 12.3% in Kazakhstan to 45.3% in Kyrgyzstan and 74.5% in Tajikistan. Women who were less educated, members of Asian ethnic groups, resided in middle-class urban areas, and lived in specific regions were more likely to accept IPV. Few age differences that emerged indicated that young women were more approving of IPV. Proactive efforts are needed to confront attitudes about gender roles and IPV in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.