cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nāgojibhat̥t̥a (d. 1755)

Nāgojibhat˚t˚ a (18th century a.d.) wrote 93 works in Sanskrit ranging from religion and yoga to commentaries on literature and grammar. In the field of grammatical thinking, he is famous for his Pradīpodyota (‘The Enlightening of That Which Enlightens’), which is a commentary on the Mahābhā s˚yapradīpa (‘That Which Enlightens the Mahābhā s˚ya ’) of Kaiyat˚ a (12th century a.d.). His second great work is the Paribhā s˚enduśekhara (‘The High Moon of Paribhā s˚ās or Interpretive Key-Rules’). Equally significant are some of his smaller grammatical works, such as Vaiyākāra n˚a Siddhānta Manjū s˚ā (‘The Basket of Settled Conclusions of Grammar’) and its shorter version, Laghumanjū s˚ā (‘The Small Basket’).
A near-linear time approximation scheme for geometric transportation with real supplies

The geometric transportation problem takes as input a set of points $P$ in $d$-dimensional Euclidean space and a supply function $\mu : P \to \mathbb{R}$. The goal is to find a transportation map, a non-negative assignment $\tau : P \times P \to \mathbb{R}_{\geq 0}$ to pairs of points so the total assignment leaving each point is equal to its supply, i.e., $\sum_{r \in P} \tau(q, r) - \sum_{p \in P} \tau(p, q) = \mu(q)$ for all points $q \in P$. The goal is to minimize the weighted sum of Euclidean distances for the pairs, $\sum_{(p, q) \in P \times P} \tau(p, q) \cdot ||q - p||_2$. We describe the first algorithm for this problem that returns, with high probability, a $(1 + \epsilon)$-approximation to the optimal transportation map in $O(n \text{poly}(1 / \epsilon) \text{polylog}{n})$ time. In contrast to the previous best algorithms for this problem, our near-linear running time bound is independent of the spread of $P$ and the magnitude of its real-valued supplies.
Motor Outcome After Early Surgery for Congenital Heart Defects (CHD): A Systematic Review

Date Presented 04/05/19 Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common congenital defects in newborn infants. Infants with CHD are at higher risk of having motor developmental delays, especially in infants less than six months old. Early identification of delays can lead to early referral for OT and could help in changing the trajectory of the motor delays and improve the quality of life for children with CHD. Primary Author and Speaker: Turki Aljuhani Additional Authors and Speakers: Patty Coker-Bolt Contributing Authors: Dorothea Jenkins, Heather Bonilha
Foodservice industry market profile study: nutritional and objective textural profile of foodservice ground beef.

Ground beef patties of three types (regular, lean, extra-lean) destined for the foodservice industry were collected from foodservice purveyors in 12 cities equally distributed across six geographical regions of the United States to assess nutritional and objective texture characteristics. Patties were cooked on a foodservice-style clamshell grill to a well (approximately 80 degrees C) degree of doneness (internal temperature) for nutritional analysis and objective texture measurements. Single 5.08-cm2 samples were removed from the center of each patty and sheared with a multiple-blade Allo-Kramer shearing device. Nutritional composition, including proximate analysis values and fatty acid profiles, was determined on both raw and cooked samples of the ground beef. Extra-lean ground beef contained the least (P .05) for regular and lean ground beef. Fatty acid composition of lipid and cholesterol content of ground beef did not differ (P > .05) across types of ground beef or between raw and cooked samples and was similar to USDA Handbook 8-13 values. Cooking loss decreased (P < .05) as fat percentages decreased. Regular and lean ground beef was easier (P < .05) to shear (4.20 and 4.24 kg/g of sample, respectively) than extra-lean ground beef (5.08 kg/g of sample). On average, foodservice ground beef sampled in the present study is 15.5% leaner than retail ground beef as presented in the National Beef Market Basket Survey and 22.2% leaner than USDA Handbook 8-13 values.
The DNA methylation signature of smoking: an archetype for the identification of biomarkers for behavioral illness.

Smoking is perhaps the foremost public health challenge in the USA and in the world. In a series of rapidly emerging studies, we and others have demonstrated that cigarette smoking is associated with changes in the DNA methylation signature of peripheral blood cells. The changes associated with this type of substance use are both dose and time dependent. These changes in DNA methylation are also accompanied by changes in gene transcription and protein expression whose patterns are furthermore indicative of increased vulnerability to other forms of complex illness. In the past, our efforts to translate this knowledge into actionable information have been stymied by a lack of methods through which to systematically assess these changes. The rapid advance of DNA methylation assessment technologies changes that dynamic and presents the possibility that methylation-based clinical tools to aid the ascertainment of smoking status or effectiveness of treatment can be developed. In this chapter, we review the latest advances in this field and discuss how these advances allow us insight as to methods through which to prevent smoking and shed insight into optimizing strategies through which to identify biomarkers for other behavioral illnesses which share similar contributions from environmental and gene–environmental interaction effects.
Outcomes of robotic esophagectomies for esophageal cancer by hospital volume: an analysis of the national cancer database

Robotic minimally invasive esophagectomies (RMIE) have been associated with superior outcomes; however, it is unclear if these are specific to robotic technique or are present only at high-volume institutions. We hypothesize that low-volume RMIE centers would have inferior outcomes. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) identified patients receiving RMIE from 2010 to 2016. Based on the total number of RMIE performed by each hospital system, the lowest quartile performed ≤ 9 RMIE over the study period. Ninety-day mortality, number of lymph nodes evaluated, margins status, unplanned readmissions, length of stay (LOS), and overall survival were compared. Regression models were used to account for confounding. 1565 robotic esophagectomies were performed by 212 institutions. 173 hospitals performed ≤ 9 RMIE (totaling 478 operations over the study period, 30.5% of RMIE) and 39 hospitals performed > 9 RMIE (1087 operations, 69.5%). Hospitals performing > 9 RMIE were more likely to be academic centers (90.4% vs 66.2%, p 9 RMIE (HR 1.327, p = 0.018). Many robotic esophagectomies occur at institutions which performed relatively few RMIE and were associated with inferior short- and long-term outcomes. These data argue for regionalization of robotic esophagectomies or enhanced training in lower volume hospitals.
Misfolding, altered membrane distributions, and the unfolded protein response contribute to pathogenicity differences in Na,K-ATPase ATP1A3 mutations

Missense mutations in ATP1A3, the α3 isoform of Na,K-ATPase, cause neurological phenotypes that differ greatly in symptoms and severity. A mechanistic basis for differences is lacking, but reduction of activity alone cannot explain them. Isogenic cell lines with endogenous α1 and inducible exogenous α3 were constructed to compare mutation properties. Na,K-ATPase is made in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but the glycan-free catalytic α subunit complexes with glycosylated β subunit in the ER to proceed through Golgi and post-Golgi trafficking. We previously observed classic evidence of protein misfolding in mutations with severe phenotypes: differences in ER retention of endogenous β1 subunit, impaired trafficking of α3, and cytopathology, suggesting that they misfold during biosynthesis. Here we tested two mutations associated with different phenotypes: D923N, which has a median age of onset of hypotonia or dystonia at 3 years, and L924P, with severe infantile epilepsy and profound impairment. Misfolding during biosynthesis in the ER activates the unfolded protein response, a multiarmed program that enhances protein folding capacity, and if that fails, triggers apoptosis. L924P showed more nascent protein retention in ER than D923N; more ER-associated degradation of α3 (ERAD); larger differences in Na,K-ATPase subunit distributions among subcellular fractions; and greater inactivation of eIF2α, a major defensive step of the unfolded protein response. In L924P there was also altered subcellular distribution of endogenous α1 subunit, analogous to a dominant negative effect. Both mutations showed pro-apoptotic sensitization by reduced phosphorylation of BAD. Encouragingly, however, 4-phenylbutyrate, a pharmacological corrector, reduced L924P ER retention, increased α3 expression, and restored morphology.
Bona fide bites: the concentric authenticity of Boatwright’s Dining Hall

At Walt Disney World’s Port Orleans Resort in Central Florida, the hotel’s restaurant, Boatwright’s Dining Hall, employs traditional southern and Louisiana cuisine to facilitate an immersive touris...
Who can be an ESP Practitioner

ESP practitioners are not specialists in the teaching field, but they teach English for professions. The success of ESP courses therefore depends on teacher development. The focus of teacher development should be the creation of knowledge about English language learners’ needs in a specific discipline or for a profession, about materials and methods for use in ESP classes, and about appropriate evaluation procedures and techniques for certification that could serve as a useful key to the prospective employers. Consequently, it calls for personal continued commitment on the part of ESP practitioners. Given the speed of knowledge explosion in the core and allied fields and time constraint, they cannot professionally serve two masters: language and literature.
Circulating Plasma Tumor DNA Is Superior to Plasma Tumor RNA Detection in Ewing Sarcoma Patients: ptDNA and ptRNA in Ewing Sarcoma.

The detection of tumor-specific nucleic acids from blood increasingly is being used as a method of liquid biopsy and minimal residual disease detection. However, achieving high sensitivity and high specificity remains a challenge. Here, we perform a direct comparison of two droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)-based detection methods, circulating plasma tumor RNA and circulating plasma tumor DNA (ptDNA), in blood samples from newly diagnosed Ewing sarcoma patients. First, we developed three specific ddPCR-based assays to detect EWS-FLI1 or EWS-ERG fusion transcripts, which naturally showed superior sensitivity to DNA detection on in vitro control samples. Next, we identified the patient-specific EWS-FLI1 or EWS-ERG breakpoint from five patient tumor samples and designed ddPCR-based, patient-specific ptDNA assays for each patient. These patient-specific assays show that although plasma tumor RNA can be detected in select newly diagnosed patients, positive results are low and statistically unreliable compared with ptDNA assays, which reproducibly detect robust positive results across most patients. Furthermore, the unique disease biology of Ewing sarcoma enabled us to show that most cell-free RNA is not tumor-derived, although cell-free-DNA burden is affected strongly by tumor-derived DNA burden. Here, we conclude that, even with optimized highly sensitive and specific assays, tumor DNA detection is superior to RNA detection in Ewing sarcoma patients.
Chronic disease and elder mistreatment: A meta-analysis.

Objective This meta-analysis investigated the relationships between chronic diseases and different forms of elder mistreatment (physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect, or overall abuse). Method Twelve different chronic disease risk markers linked to elder mistreatment were gathered from 48 studies (yielding 178 effect sizes (ESs) and a combined sample size of n = 390,785), then organized in to four broad chronic disease categories: endocrine disease, heart disease, neurological disease, and other chronic diseases. Data were analyzed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software using a random effects approach. Results Neurological disease (odds ratio [OR] = 1.51), endocrine disease (OR = 1.38), heart disease (OR = 1.17), and other chronic diseases (OR = 1.26) were all significantly associated with elder mistreatments. Neurological disease (OR = 1.51) was found to have a significantly stronger association with elder mistreatment when compared to the heart disease category (OR = 1.17) and the other chronic disease category (OR = 1.26). When specifically investigating emotional abuse, there was a significantly stronger link with neurological disease (OR = 1.48) compared to other chronic diseases (OR = 1.21). Conclusions This study provides the first meta-analytic benchmarks for understanding the links between chronic disease risk markers and different forms of elder mistreatment.
Multistakeholder Agency: Stakeholder Benefit Alignment and National Institutional Contexts:

The alignment among multiple stakeholder benefits is a valuable performance indicator for the benefits generated by a firm for various stakeholders. Our research seeks to augment stakeholder-agency...
Investigating effects of consuming different protein and/or oil sources on progression and severity of polycystic liver disease in young female PCK rats (959.9)

Polycystic Liver Disease (PLD) is characterized by multiple cyst formation increasing liver size, structural damage, and loss of function. There are no effective cures for PLD, but diet may be a po...
The International Criminal Court and Complementarity: The quest for constructive complementarity

In its early years, the model of a healthy and cooperative synergy between the ICC and domestic states is in danger of being replaced by a model of competition. At present, the Rome Statute obligates states parties to cooperate with the Court in a variety of ways throughout the investigation and prosecution of persons. Those obligations are not reciprocated by countervailing requirements for the Prosecutor or the Registry to consult with, much less cooperate with, states parties. The practice of complementarity may well be the fulcrum supporting the Court’s long term legitimacy; and this principle is all the more important because it is designed to provide intellectual leverage to move non-states party towards treaty accession. The plain text of Article 1 compels the conclusion that the International Criminal Court was intended to supplement the foundation of domestic punishment for violations of international norms rather than supplant domestic prosecutions. The Statute curtails sovereign authority by displacing domestic trials only in exceptional circumstances, and includes detailed procedural guidance designed to balance sovereign enforcement against improper extensions of ICC prosecutorial power. The Court and states parties should be joined in a partnership based on mutual respect and a renewed resolve to end impunity. Such a healthy synergy is by no means assured, and could be undermined by any of three emerging trends discussed herein - 1) the extension of judicial constructs beyond those envisioned by states, 2) an aggressive erosion of complementarity in practice, or 3) excessive politicization of charging decisions. If the Court habitually overrides the discretion of domestic officials and displaces their authority based on its own preferences or the expediency of political considerations, the entire premise of the complementarity principle will have been eviscerated. States parties would be wise to address these disquieting signals. This article concludes by making a series of specific textual recommendations that in the aggregate would go far towards preventing a crisis of confidence and cooperation that could cripple the Court of the future.
Intratracheal IL-13 induces eosinophilic esophagitis by an IL-5, eotaxin-1, and STAT6-dependent mechanism

Abstract Background & Aims: Eosinophil infiltration into the esophagus occurs in a wide range of diseases; however, the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms involved are largely unknown. We have previously reported that simultaneous delivery of allergen to the lung and gastrointestinal tract induces experimental eosinophilic esophagitis (EE). We aimed to determine whether delivery of a Th2 cytokine (interleukin [IL]-13) to the lung was sufficient for induction of EE. Methods: IL-13 was delivered intratracheally to wild-type, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6, eotaxin-1, or IL-5-deficient mice. Eosinophil levels and 5′-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation were examined by immunohistochemical staining. Results: Intratracheal delivery of IL-13 induced dose-dependent eosinophil accumulation in the esophagus (but not the stomach). In addition, intratracheal IL-13 induced esophageal epithelial hyperplasia. The ability of IL-13 to induce EE was abolished in STAT6-deficient mice. IL-13-induced EE was nearly completely ablated in IL-5-deficient mice (37.3 ± 11.6 vs. 3.3 ± 3.2 eosinophils/mm 2 in wild-type and IL-5-deficient mice, respectively). Additionally, IL-13-induced EE was significantly diminished in eotaxin-1-deficient mice (48.7 ± 10.3 vs. 14.1 ± 12.5 eosinophils/mm 2 in wild-type and eotaxin-1-deficient mice, respectively). Conclusions: IL-13 delivery to the lung induces EE by an IL-5, eotaxin-1, and STAT6-dependent mechanism. These results further establish an intimate connection between respiratory and esophageal inflammation.
Participatory democracy and Hillary Clinton's marginalized fandom

After the drawn-out, heated contest for the Democratic Party presidential nomination and Senator Obama's victory over Senator Clinton, a segment of Clinton's supporters are threatening to leave the party rather than fall in line behind the nominee. This essay argues that the battle between Clinton's and Obama's followers is best understood as a war between fan bases, with Obama enthusiasts constituting as the dominant fandom and Clinton voters occupying the position of marginalized fandom. Marginalized fandoms tend to blame the opposing fan base, intermediaries, and The Powers That Be for their fan campaigns' losses, and Clinton's fans are adhering to this pattern. However, the Clinton marginalized fandom's complaints can be regarded as valuable critiques that, if noted rather than dismissed, could greatly strengthen participatory democracy in the United States.
1549 THE SAFETY OF ARGININE VASOPRESSIN (AVP) IN DONOR BLOOD FOR NEWBORNS

Sick newborns have been found to have significantly elevated levels of AVP. The frequency of blood transfusions in sick neonates and the multiple physiological actions of AVP prompted us to determine the content of AVP in donor blood. In keeping with standard blood banking practices, 80 ml of blood were drawn from each of eight donors, mixed with 7 ml of anticoagulant (CPD) in standard blood bank bags and refrigerated at 4°C. Daily samples were drawn on each of five successive days. The plasma was acidified and frozen at -20°C until the time of assay. AVP was extracted by bentonite procedure modified from Skowsky technique in duplicate and measured by radioimmunoassay in triplicate. Only 2 of 8 donors had higher than normal values (6 & 7 pg AVP/ml) at the time of the initial sample. AVP levels decreased from day 1 to day 5 with the greatest fall in the first 24 hours. We conclude that the use of banked donor blood in newborns is not likely to result in excessive infusion of AVP.
Comparison of anthocyanins and phenolics in organically and conventionally grown blueberries in selected cultivars

Consumption of berries has become popular among health-conscious consumers due to the high levels of valuable antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds in berries. Four Rabbiteye blueberry cultivars (i.e., Powderblue, Climax, Tifblue, and Woodward) grown organically and conventionally were compared regarding their chemical profiles and antioxidant capacity in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC) and ORAC activity. Regardless of the high TPC, TAC and ORAC in both organically and conventionally grown blueberries, not all the organic berries showed significantly higher TPC, TAC and ORAC than the conventional berries. The chemical profiles (i.e., the free phenolic compounds and anthocyanins) were determined with aid of HPLC-MS, by which 13 individual anthocyanins and seven free phenolics were identified. This study demonstrated the subtle differences of bioactive phytochemicals between the organically and conventionally grown berries.
Momentum distribution for bosons with positive scattering length in a trap

The coordinate-momentum double distribution function {rho}({rvec r},{rvec p})d{sup 3}rd{sup 3}p is calculated in the local density approximation for bosons with positive scattering length a in a trap. The calculation is valid to the first order of a. To clarify the meaning of the result, it is compared for a special case with the double distribution function {rho}{sub w}d{sup 3}rd{sup 3}p of Wigner. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
The Yins of T Cell Activation

Transcription factors activated in response to T cell receptor (TCR) signaling include nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) family, which is highly phosphorylated and thereby maintained in the cytoplasm of resting T cells, the nuclear factor NF-κB, which is kept in the cytoplasm of resting cells through its association with the inhibitor protein IκB, and activating protein–1 (AP-1), which is only transcribed after TCR stimulation. Negative regulators of TCR signaling can be divided into two groups: Class 1 regulators help maintain the quiescent state of unstimulated T cells, whereas class 2 regulators are themselves transcriptionally induced in response to TCR signaling and serve to limit and terminate the activating signal. Class 1 regulators include the autoinhibitory domain of the phosphatase calcineurin; IκB and its transcriptional activators Foxj1 and Foxo3a; and various transcriptional coregulators that inhibit interleukin-2 (IL-2) production. Class 2 regulators include the calcipressins, which, like NFATp and NFAT4 are feedback inhibitors of calcineurin-NFAT signaling, IκB, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatases, which inhibit MAPK signaling and thus the nuclear localization of AP-1 components.
Effects of chronic ethanol treatment on the expression of calcium transport carriers and NMDA/glutamate receptor proteins in brain synaptic membranes

Abstract: Acute exposure to ethanol inhibits both the NMDA receptors and the Na/Ca-exchange carriers in neuronal membranes. This alters intraneuronal signaling pathways activated by Ca2+. Neurons exposed chronically to ethanol exhibit enhanced density and activity of NMDA receptors and increased maximal activity of the exchangers. In the present study, the expression of brain synaptic membrane proteins with ligand binding sites characteristic of NMDA receptors and of exchange carriers were determined after chronic ethanol administration (15 days) to rats. Such treatment caused an increase in the expression of the NMDAR1 receptor subunit, 15% above the levels in the pair-fed controls, as well as of three subunits of a complex that has properties characteristic of NMDA receptors, the glutamate, carboxypiperazinylphosphonate, and glycine binding proteins. Increases for the three binding proteins were 49, 50, and 62%, respectively. The expression of the 120-kDa exchanger proteins was increased by 14% and that of a 36-kDa exchanger-associated protein by 33%. Both the binding proteins and the exchangers returned to basal levels within 36–72 h after withdrawal from ethanol. No changes were detected in synaptic membrane Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPases. The enhanced expression of receptor and exchanger-associated proteins may explain the increases in the density and activity of NMDA receptors and exchange carriers after chronic ethanol treatment.
Stimulation of angiotensinogen release by hemodilution in the dog.

The present study was designed to investigate the response of the renin-angiotensinogen system to an acute reduction in plasma angiotensinogen concentration (PAC). This was done by diluting the plasma proteins with dextran-Ringers solution with an exchange transfusion technique. In the 6-hr period following dilution, which decreased PAC by 57%, there was a progressive increase in PAC to near control values. Total plasma protein concentration increased only slightly during this period. Plasma renin concentration was increased by dilution, making it unlikely that the increase in PAC was simply a consequence of decreased utilization of angiotensinogen by renin. The increase in PAC was associated with an increase in peripheral corticosteroid concentration but was not abolished by administration of spironolactone in doses which block mineralocorticoid receptors. Thus it is possible that the increase in angiotensinogen release was a consequence of increased circulating glucocorticoid activity. (Endocrinology 95...
Generation and coherent two-dimensional detection of continuous-wave terahertz radiation

We present a scheme for the generation and coherent detection of freely propagating continuous-wave terahertz radiation. This scheme relies on coherent upconversion of the terahertz field combined with optical homodyning to suppress background noise.
Diffusion in building wakes for ground-level releases

Abstract A time-based model for estimating centerline concentrations from ground-level releases in building wakes is developed from theoretical considerations. Variables in the model are distance from the release point, wind speed, atmospheric stability, and projected building area. The model is evaluated using experimental data obtained in experiments made at seven nuclear reactor sites, and is compared with other building-wake diffusion models. The new model is slightly biased with a median ratio between predicted and observed concentrations of 1.07 and accounts for about 55% of the variation in the observed concentrations. Previous models have median ratios between predicted and observed concentrations greater than 2 and account for less than 30% of the observed variation in concentrations.
Laser treatment for pigmented lesions: a review.

Summary Background Just a few decades ago, before lasers were introduced into dermatologic practice, many cutaneous lesions were untreatable. Since the introduction of lasers in dermatology in the 1960s and its revolution by Anderson and Parrish in the 1980s based on the selective photothermolysis theory, lasers have become a main component of many dermatology practices. With the advent of these selective lasers and their constant technological advancements, many lesions can now be easily removed with a low incidence of complications, creating a high demand for laser surgery. Aims This paper will review current laser systems used for pigmented lesions. Methods An English-language literature search and review through Medline from January 1994 to October 2004. Review of the latest techniques and lasers used in treating pigmentary disorders and possible future applications and treatment options. Conclusions Laser technique and technology has greatly advanced producing more effacious treatment with minimal complications.
Cocaine-induced deficits in ACTH and corticosterone responses in female rat progeny.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine whether prenatal exposure to cocaine could produce functional changes in central serotonergic systems mediating neuroendocrine responses in female progeny. Pregnant rats were administered either saline or (−) cocaine (15 mg/kg, SC b.i.d.) from gestational day 13–20. Progeny were fostered to nontreated lactating dams at birth. Central serotonergic function was determined by the ability of a serotonin releaser, p-chloroamphetamine (PCA), to stimulate plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), corticosterone, and renin secretion in female progeny at postnatal day (PD) 30. Prenatal cocaine did not alter basal levels of ACTH, corticosterone, or renin. In contrast, ACTH and corticosterone responses to the 5-HT releaser PCA were significantly attenuated (−28 to 43%) in cocaine progeny, while the renin response to PCA was unaffected. These data suggest that cocaine administration during pregnancy can produce long-term selective alterations in neuroendocrine responses mediated by central serotonergic systems in prepubescent female progeny.
Assessment of PM10 Concentrations from Domestic Biomass Fuel Combustion in Two Rural Bolivian Highland Villages

PM10 concentrations were measured in two contrasting rural Bolivian villages that cook with biomass fuels. In one of the villages, cooking was done exclusively indoors, and in the other, it was done primarily outdoors. Concentrations in all potential microenvironments of exposure (i.e., home, kitchen, and outdoors) were measured for a total of 621 samples. Geometric mean kitchen PM10 concentrations were 1830 and 280 μg/m3, and geometric mean home concentrations were 280 and 440 μg/m3 for the indoor and outdoor cooking villages, respectively. An analysis of pollutant concentrations using generalized estimating equation techniques showed significant effects of village (indoor cooking vs outdoor cooking) (p = 0.0244), location (home, kitchen) (p < 0.0001), and interaction of village and location (p < 0.0001) on log-transformed PM10 concentrations. Pollutant concentrations and activity pattern data were used to estimate total exposure using the indirect method of exposure assessment. Daily exposure for women ...
Stress, seizures, and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis targets for the treatment of epilepsy

Abstract Epilepsy is a heterogeneous condition with varying etiologies including genetics, infection, trauma, vascular, neoplasms, and toxic exposures. The overlap of psychiatric comorbidity adds to the challenge of optimal treatment for people with epilepsy. Seizure episodes themselves may have varying triggers; however, for decades, stress has been commonly and consistently suspected to be a trigger for seizure events. This paper explores the relationship between stress and seizures and reviews clinical data as well as animal studies that increasingly corroborate the impact of stress hormones on neuronal excitability and seizure susceptibility. The basis for enthusiasm for targeting glucocorticoid receptors for the treatment of epilepsy and the mixed results of such treatment efforts are reviewed. In addition, this paper will highlight recent findings identifying a regulatory pathway controlling the body's physiological response to stress which represents a novel therapeutic target for modulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Thus, the HPA axis may have important clinical implications for seizure control and imply use of anticonvulsants that influence this neuronal pathway. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled “The Future of Translational Epilepsy Research”.
Consumer experience tourism and brand bonding

This paper reviews the growing use of manufacturing plant tours, company museums, and company visitor centers as strategic tools available to strengthen the bond between consumers and brands. Consumer experience tourism provides the user (i.e. the consumer) with an experience regarding a product, its operation, production process, history, and historical significance. Such brand bonding may contribute to higher levels of personal product involvement and brand loyalty. Ultimately, the bond between consumers and brands may be strengthened by the availability of such consumer experiences. The relative importance of these outreach efforts, in addition to their availability, will likely increase as the competition for consumer loyalty intensifies.
Some techniques in building and validating stochastic models of human reproduction

Stochastic models of human reproduction are beginning to play significant roles in the evaluation of family planning programs. A class of stochastic processes called absorbing, age-dependent, semi-Markov processes frequently arises in the construction of such models. The paper begins with a discussion of some technicalities regarding absorbing, age-dependent, semi-Markov processes. Then, an algorithm due to Littman, which makes possible the computerization of this class of stochastic processes, is presented. Briefly, Littman's algorithm provides an efficient method for numerically solving systems of renewal type integral equations, provided the system does not contain a large number of equations. After setting down a concrete model for a large clinical trial of intrauterine devices conducted in Taiwan, the paper concludes with a discussion of a method for validating the model based on the data collected in the clinical trial.
Relational invariance of expressive microstructure across global tempo changes in music performance; an exploratory study

This study addressed the question of whether the expressive microstructure of a music performance remains relationally invariant across moderate (musically acceptable) changes in tempo. Two pianists played Schumann's “Traumerei” three times at each of three tempi on a digital piano, and the performance data were recorded in MIDI format. In a perceptual test, musically trained listeners attempted to distinguish the original performances from performances that had been artificially speeded up or slowed down to the same overall duration. Accuracy in this task was barely above chance, suggesting that relational invariance was largely preserved. Subsequent analysis of the MIDI data confirmed that each pianist's characteristic timing patterns were highly similar across the three tempi, although there were statistically significant deviations from perfect relational invariance. The timing of (relatively slow) grace notes seemed relationally invariant, but selective examination of other detailed temporal features (chord asynchrony, tone overlap, pedal timing) revealed no systematic scaling with tempo. Finally, although the intensity profile seemed unaffected by tempo, a slight overall increase in intensity with tempo was observed. Effects of musical structure on expressive microstructure were large and pervasive at all levels, as were individual differences between the two pianists. For the specific composition and range of tempi considered here, these results suggest that major (cognitively controlled) temporal and dynamic features of a performance change roughly in proportion with tempo, whereas minor features tend to be governed by tempo-independent motoric constraints.
GENERAL VARIATIONAL METHODS FOR WAVES IN ELASTIC COMPOSITES

General variational theorems in which the displacement, the stress, and the strain in one case, and the displacement and the stress in another case, are given independent variations, and which include appropriate general bondary and discontinuity conditions, are developed with a view toward the application to harmonic waves in elastic composites with periodic structures. The one-dimensional case is first developed in detail, and in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results, especially their accuracy in providing the dispersion curve, waves propagating normal to layers in a layered composite are discussed, and numerical results are presented; see Tables I and II. Then the general three-dimensional case is considered, and the results are applied to waves propagating normal to the fibers in a fiber-reinforced composite.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN SECOND LANGUAGE READING RESEARCH

Both reading research and practice have undergone numerous changes in the 25 years since TESOL was first established. The last decade, in particular, has been a time of much first and second language research, resulting in many new insights for reading instruction. The purpose of this article is to bring together that research and its implications for the classroom. Current reading research follows from certain assumptions on the nature of the reading process; these assumptions are reviewed and general perspectives on the reading process are presented. Specific attention is then given to initeractive approaches to reading, examining research which argues that reading comprehension is a combination of identification and interpretation skills. Reading research in second language contexts, however, must also take into account the many differences between L1 and L2 reading. From the differences reviewed here, it is evident that much more second language reading research is needed. Five important areas of current research which should remain prominent for this decade are reported: schema theory, language skills and automaticity, vocabulary development, comprehension strategy training, and reading-writing relations. Implications from this research for curriculum development are briefly noted. Research on reading in a second language and efforts to improve second language reading instruction have grown remarkably in the past quarter century, particularly in the last 10 years. It has become difficult to synthesize the array of research and instructional literature in ESL/EFL academic reading, foreign language reading, and second language public school student reading, in addition to the relevant first language reading literature. The efforts to address the needs of many different learner groups has been one cause of this expansion. The recognition that reading is probably the most important skill for second language learners in academic contexts has also been a contributing cause (Carrell, 1989a; Lynch & Hudson,
1310-nm quantum key distribution system with up-conversion pump wavelength at 1550 nm

We show that the performance of a 1310-nm quantum key distribution (QKD) system with up-conversion detectors pumped at 1550 nm is comparable with or better than that of current 1550-nm QKD systems with a pump at shorter wavelength. The nonlinearly-induced dark counts are reduced when the wavelength of the pump light is longer than that of the quantum signal. We have developed a 1550-nm pump up-conversion detector for a 1310-nm QKD system, and we experimentally study the polarization sensitivity, pump-signal format, and various influences on the dark count rate. Using this detector in a proof-of-principle experiment, we have achieved a secure key rate of 500 kbit/s at 10 km and 9.1 kbit/s at 50 km in a 625-MHz, B92, polarization-coding QKD system, and we expect that the system performance could be improved further.
Interesting Eigenvectors of the Fourier Transform

ABSTRACT It is well known that a function can be decomposed uniquely into the sum of an odd and an even function. This notion can be extended to the unique decomposition into the sum of four functions – two of which are even and two odd. These four functions are eigenvectors of the Fourier Transform with four different eigenvalues. That is, the Fourier transformof each of the four components is simply that component multiplied by the corresponding eigenvalue. Some eigenvectors of the discrete Fourier transform of particular interest find application in coding, communication and imaging. Some of the underlying mathematics goes back to the times of Carl Friedrich Gauss.
Tracking Earth's Energy

By measuring the net radiative incoming and outgoing energy at the top of Earth's atmosphere, it is possible to determine how much energy remains in the Earth system. But where exactly does the energy go? The main energy reservoir is the ocean, which sequesters energy as heat. Because energy is exchanged between the atmosphere and the ocean, this heat can resurface at a later time to affect weather and climate on a global scale. A change in the overall energy balance will thus sooner or later have consequences for the climate. Existing observing systems can measure all the required quantities, but it nevertheless remains a challenge to obtain closure of the energy budget. This inability to properly track energy—due to either inadequate measurement accuracy or inadequate data processing—has implications for understanding and predicting future climate.
Volumetric video compression for interactive playback

We develop a volumetric video system which supports interactive browsing of compressed time-varying volumetric features (significant isosurfaces and interval volumes). Since the size of even one volumetric frame in a time-varying 3D data set is very large, transmission and on-line reconstruction are the main bottlenecks for interactive remote visualization of time-varying volume and surface data. We describe a compression scheme for encoding time-varying volumetric features in a unified way, which allows for on-line reconstruction and rendering. To increase the run-time decompression speed and compression ratio, we decompose the volume into small blocks and encode only the significant blocks that contribute to the isosurfaces and interval volumes. The results show that our compression scheme achieves high compression ratio with fast reconstruction, which is effective for interactive client-side rendering of time-varying volumetric features.
Networking Programming and Off-Network Syndication Profits: Strategic Links and Implications for Television Policy

Models of network-producer bargaining show that programs that do well in syndication should be favored in networks' prime-time programming and that a declining marginal syndication profit from new episodes may lead to the cancellation of series whose network ratings are not falling. Programming less syndicatable programs may be more profitable than warehousing, and there may be efficiency gains if networks acquire syndication rights. Regressions are used to assess the syndicatability of different types of programs. Predictions that the less syndicatable variety and nonfiction programs should have declined as a percentage of network prime-time schedules are consistent with industry trends for both types from the early 1960s through the mid-1970s and for variety programs since then. However, the number of nonfiction programs increased during this later period.
Drug antagonism and water intake

Abstract Rats adapted to a 23 hr water deprivation schedule were given drugs and drug combinations to determine dose-effect relations and possible antagonistic and synergistic drug actions with respect to one hr water intake. D-amphetamine and chlorpromazine produced decreases in water intake as a function of dosage. D-amphetamine-chlorpromazine combinations decreased water intake and did not yield evidence of antagonism. Phenobarbital increased water intake as a function of dosage at 20 and 40 mg/kg, but decreased it back to baseline level at 80 mg/kg. D-amphetamine-phenobarbital combinations were antagonists with respect to water intake and revealed no synergism at any of the dose combinations administered.
A population-based survival assessment of categorizing level III and iv rural hospitals as trauma centers

CONTEXT: Patients injured in rural areas are hypothesized to have improved outcomes if statewide trauma systems categorize rural hospitals as Level III and IV trauma centers, though evidence to support this belief is sparse. PURPOSE: To determine if there is improved survival among injured patients hospitalized in states that categorize rural hospitals as trauma centers. METHODS: We analyzed a retrospective cohort of injured patients included in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1997 to 1999. We used generalized estimating equations to compare survival among injured patients hospitalized in states that categorize rural hospitals as Level III and IV trauma centers versus those that do not. Multivariable models adjusted for important confounders, including patient demographics, co-morbid conditions, injury severity, and hospital-level factors. FINDINGS: There were 257,044 admitted patients from 7 states with a primary injury diagnosis, of whom 64,190 (25%) had a "serious" index injury, 32,763 (13%) were seriously injured (by ICD-9 codes), and 12,435 (5%) were very seriously injured (by ICD-9 codes). There was no survival benefit associated with rural hospital categorization among all patients with a primary injury diagnosis or for those with specific index injuries. However, seriously injured patients (by ICD-9 codes) had improved survival when hospitalized in a categorizing state (OR for mortality 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53-0.97; OR for very seriously injured 0.68, 95% CI 0.52-0.90). CONCLUSIONS: There was no survival benefit to categorizing rural hospitals among a broad, heterogeneous group of hospitalized patients with a primary injury diagnosis; however the most seriously injured patients did have increased survival in such states. Language: en
PMD measurement techniques and how to avoid the pitfalls

Since polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) can often be so confusing, it is easy to see how its measurement can be complicated as well. Many different techniques for PMD measurement are available, and often many user-selectable parameters are associated with each measurement. Provided here is a description of the various measurement techniques available along with a discussion of the “best practices” for PMD measurement using these described techniques. Section 1 gives some definitions and lists the parameters that must be measured to fully characterize PMD and introduces the statistical uncertainty inherent in polarization-mode coupled devices. Section 2 describes the various measurement techniques, classifying them as either frequency-domain or time-domain techniques. Section 3 lists several useful practices to reduce measurement errors when measuring PMD. Section 4 discusses the concept of spectral efficiency as a useful figure of merit for describing measurement uncertainty normalized to spectral bandwidth. Finally, Section 5 describes the tradeoffs associated with wavelength step size (for frequency-domain techniques) and provides some “rules-of-thumb” for choosing appropriate wavelength steps in these measurements.
Vertical mergers and selective price cutting

A number of reasons have been offered for why businesses vertically merge. These include the facilitation of collusion and selective price cutting to circumvent rigid oligopolistic prices in upstream markets. This article presents a test of the second motive using data from the cement-concrete industries. Mergers in those industries are investigated because they were a controversial series of vertical mergers. The selective price cutting hypothesis is tested using ARIMA models with intervention components. Our results do not support that hypothesis.