cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linking Myometrial Physiology to Intrauterine Pressure; How Tissue-Level Contractions Create Uterine Contractions of Labor

The mechanisms used to coordinate uterine contractions are not known. We develop a new model based on the proposal that there is a maximum distance to which action potentials can propagate in the uterine wall. This establishes “regions”, where one action potential burst can rapidly recruit all the tissue. Regions are recruited into an organ-level contraction via a stretch-initiated contraction mechanism (myometrial myogenic response). Each uterine contraction begins with a regional contraction, which slightly increases intrauterine pressure. Higher pressure raises tension throughout the uterine wall, which initiates contractions of more regions and further increases pressure. The positive feedback synchronizes regional contractions into an organ-level contraction. Cellular automaton (CA) simulations are performed with Mathematica. Each “cell” is a region that is assigned an action potential threshold. An anatomy sensitivity factor converts intrauterine pressure to regional tension through the Law of Laplace. A regional contraction occurs when regional tension exceeds regional threshold. Other input variables are: starting and minimum pressure, burst and refractory period durations, enhanced contractile activity during an electrical burst, and reduced activity during the refractory period. Complex patterns of pressure development are seen that mimic the contraction patterns observed in laboring women. Emergent behavior is observed, including global synchronization, multiple pace making regions, and system memory of prior conditions. The complex effects of nifedipine and oxytocin exposure are simulated. The force produced can vary as a nonlinear function of the number of regions. The simulation directly links tissue-level physiology to human labor. The concept of a uterine pacemaker is re-evaluated because pace making activity may occur well before expression of a contraction. We propose a new classification system for biological CAs that parallels the 4-class system of Wolfram. However, instead of classifying the rules, biological CAs should classify the set of input values for the rules that describe the relevant biology.
An approach to (+)-pancratistatin from D-glucose: A conformational lock solves a stereochemical problem

Abstract In previous work we discovered that reductive Pd-mediated aryl-enone cyclization of an advanced intermediate resulted in epimerization of a critical stereocenter. Analysis of conformational and steric effects could rationalize the result. Based on that analysis it was anticipated that a conformational lock could suppress the undesired epimerization. Results reported herein confirm that expectation.
Does Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Predict Short-Term Risk of Stroke in Emergency Department Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack?

Study objective The optimal diagnostic evaluation for establishing the risk of stroke among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with a transient ischemic attack has not been determined. The objective of this review is to assess the ability of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict the short-term risk of stroke. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were queried to identify studies examining the use of diffusion-weighted MRI in patients with classically defined transient ischemic attack. The primary outcome measure was the rate of stroke at 48 hours. Two reviewers determined study eligibility and extracted data. Quality was assessed according to published recommendations for the design and reporting of prognostic studies. Results One thousand six hundred ninety-six abstracts were identified and 35 articles underwent full-text review. Six cohort studies met the inclusion criteria but were limited by selection bias and differences in duration and completeness of follow-up. Results were not consistent across studies, with 5 reporting higher rates of stroke among diffusion-weighted MRI–positive patients, whereas 1 study reported higher rates in diffusion-weighted MRI–negative patients. Among the 4 studies (N=629 patients) reporting 48-hour outcomes, the risk of stroke ranged from 0% to 2.9% in patients with negative diffusion-weighted MRI findings compared with 0% to 9% among those with positive diffusion-weighted MRI results. Conclusion Studies of variable quality, consistency, and precision suggest that diffusion-weighted MRI may identify patients at sufficiently low risk to warrant ED discharge and close outpatient follow-up.
The Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Remains High in African American and Hispanic Veterans.

Background Helicobacter pylori in the United States has been declining in the 1990s albeit less so among blacks and Hispanics. As the socioeconomic status of racial groups has evolved, it remains unclear whether the prevalence or the racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence of H. pylori have changed. Methods This is a cross-sectional study from a Veteran Affairs center among patients aged 40–80 years old who underwent a study esophagogastroduodenoscopy with gastric biopsies, which were cultured for H. pylori irrespective of findings on histopathology. Positive H. pylori was defined as positive culture or histopathology (stained organism combined with active gastritis). We calculated age-, race-, and birth cohort-specific H. pylori prevalence rates and examined predictors of H. pylori infection in logistic regression models. Results We analyzed data on 1200 patients; most (92.8%) were men and non-Hispanic white (59.9%) or black (28.9%). H. pylori was positive in 347 (28.9%) and was highest among black males aged 50–59 (53.3%; 44.0–62.4%), followed by Hispanic males aged 60–69 (48.1%; 34.2–62.2%), and lowest in non-Hispanic white males aged 40–49 (8.2%; 2.7–20.5%). In multivariate analysis, age group 50–59 was significantly associated with H. pylori (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21–4.45) compared with those aged 40–49, and with black race (adjusted OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.83–3.60) and Hispanic ethnicity (adjusted OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.70–5.34) compared with non-Hispanic white. Irrespective of age group, patients born during 1960–1969 had a lower risk of H. pylori (adjusted OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22–0.96) compared to those born in 1930–1939. Those with some college education were less likely to have H. pylori compared to those with no college education (adjusted OR 0.51; 95% CI, 0.37–0.69). Conclusion Among veterans, the prevalence of active H. pylori remains high (28.9%) with even higher rates in blacks and Hispanics with lower education levels.
Nonlinear Flight Control Systems Design for Hypersonic Vehicles: Results and Open Problems

Abstract Air-breathing hypersonic vehicles (HSVs) are regarded as one of the most promising technology for achieving reliable and cost-effective access to space. Notwithstanding the recent successes of NASA's X-43A and AFRL's X-51 experimental vehicles, the design of flight control systems for HSVs is still an open problem, due to the complexity of the dynamics and the unprecedented level of coupling between the airframe and the propulsion system. The slender geometries and light structures required for these aircraft cause significant flexible effects, whereas a strong coupling between propulsive and aerodynamic forces results from the integration of the scramjet engine into the fuselage. Because of the variability of the vehicle characteristics with flight conditions, significant uncertainties affect the vehicle models, which in turn are known to be unstable and non-minimum phase with respect to the regulated output. Finally, the presence of unavoidable constraints on the control inputs and the stringent requirements imposed by hypersonic regimes on the flight envelope render the control design an even harder endeavor, especially concerning controlling the propulsion system. In this paper, we present an account of nonlinear adaptive control techniques that have been developed, in collaboration with the US Air Force Research Laboratories, towards the design of flight control systems for HSVs. In particular, we present several steps leading to the design of a flight control system architecture comprised of a robust adaptive inner-loop controller and a self-optimizing guidance system. Finally, we briefly discuss open problems and current research directions.
Difference between light- and wound-induced biosynthesis of α-solanine and α-chaconine in potato tubers

Potato tuber tissues can incorporate mevalonic acid-2-14C into glycoalkaloids, namely α-chaconine and α-solanine. The percent incorporation of this labeled precursor into α-chaconine in light exposed tubers is more than that of mechanically injured tubers.
Three-dimensional boundary-element computation of potential flow in fractured rock

The use of the boundary-element method (BEM) for three-dimensional potential flow problems is described herein. The specific application for which the program is designed is the flow in fractured porous media. There are several enhancements to the usual boundary-element calculations. The method uses linear elements to approximate better the boundary conditions and the solution on the surfaces as compared to constant elements; accurate integration over high-aspect-ratio triangles is achieved by computing all the integrals in closed form, as opposed to numerical cubature or mixed exact-numerical integration schemes; and the zoning for inhomogeneous regions uses an efficient method which reduces the size of the problem and avoids difficulties with singularities.
Zirconolites from Sri Lanka, South Africa and Brazil

Zirconolites, CaZrTi/sub 2/O/sub 7/, from Sri Lanka and Pala Bora, South Africa, and a calzirtite, CaZr/sub 3/TiO/sub 9/, from Jacupiranga, Brazil, were examined using the electron microprobe, x-ray diffraction (annealing study), transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The x-ray data indicate that all three zirconolites are metamict. Both Sri Lanka zirconolites are amorphous to the limits of resolution of the electron microscope (approx. 10 A). The Pala Bora zirconolite is largely amorphous but contains isolated domains (50 to 200 A) of crystalline material which may be the result of post-metamict recrystallization and alteration. The only other significant evidence for chemical alteration was the lower ThO/sub 2/ concentration (1 to 2 weight percent) and slightly lower analytic totals for the rims of the Sri Lanka zirconolites. Upon annealing at 1130/sup 0/C for 5 hours, all three zirconolites recrystallized as microcrystalline aggregates. Refined unit cell parameters and volumes are consistent with published data for synthetic zirconolites. Both Sri Lanka zirconolites contain microvoids, spherical in shape, and 200 Angstroms to 2 microns in size. This porosity may be the result of helium accumulation arising from the decay of U and Th. The calzirtite was highly crystalline, exhibited no porosity, and more » was unchanged by the annealing treatment. « less
Stimulation of human cell DNA synthesis by defective herpes simplex virus type 2.

Abstract To elucidate herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) stimulation of cellular DNA synthesis, human embryonic fibroblast (HEF) cells were made quiescent in DNA synthesis by treatment with low serum medium before infection at 42°. Results indicated by that HSV-2 stimulated at least two cycles of cellular DNA synthesis. Exposure of HSV-2 to ultraviolet (uv) light for 30 sec inactivated the ability of virus to expand intracellular [ 3 H]TdR pools; however, the ability of virus to stimulate cellular DNA synthesis was increased. Longer exposures to uv (120 sec) abolished virus stimulation of cellular DNA synthesis. Stocks enriched for defective virus by serial undiluted passage stimulated a significantly higher amount of [ 3 H]TdR incorporation into cellular DNA than standard virus stocks. Data from combined autoradiography and immunofluorescence experiments indicated that during the first cycle of stimulation 30% of the abortively infected cells synthesized viral antigens; about 1% of these cells was simultaneously stimulated in cellular DNA synthesis. Bromodeoxyuridine density-labeling experiments revealed that between 0 and 24 hr HSV-2 stimulated predominantly semiconservative and some repair synthesis of cellular DNA; between 48 and 72 hr virus stimulated only semiconservative cellular DNA synthesis. In conclusion, stimulation of cellular DNA synthesis required viral gene expression and was most likely mediated by defective HSV-2 present in standard virus stocks.
Microwave assisted synthesis and characterization of silicon and phosphorous co-doped carbon as an electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

Doped carbon materials have gained a lot of attention recently due to their wide array of applications. These doped carbon materials have a tremendous potential to replace expensive metal based electrocatalysts in fuel cells. A recently established microwave assisted technique, which does not make use of any inert or reducing gases, has been used to synthesize novel silicon (Si), phosphorous (P) co-doped carbon (SiPDC), as yet not reported in the literature. The method is simple, rapid and economical. Tannin, a renewable resource material is chosen as the carbon source, polyphosphoric acid is utilized as the dehydrating agent/P source and silicone oil is chosen as the Si source. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis reveals the surface area of SiPDC to be 641.51 m2 g−1 and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the doping of Si and P at 8.80% and 4.20% respectively. The doped carbon material is utilized for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 0.1 M KOH. The mechanism of ORR is found to be a four electron reduction process based on rotating disk electrode studies. Electrochemical stability studies are performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the catalyst for practical applications.
Osmotic Activation of the HOG MAPK Pathway via Ste11p MAPKKK: Scaffold Role of Pbs2p MAPKK

Exposure of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to high extracellular osmolarity induces the Sln1p-Ypd1p-Ssk1p two-component osmosensor to activate a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade composed of the Ssk2p and Ssk22p MAP kinase kinase kinases (MAPKKKs), the Pbs2p MAPKK, and the Hog1p MAPK. A second osmosensor, Sho1p, also activated Pbs2p and Hog1p, but did so through the Ste11p MAPKKK. Although Ste11p also participates in the mating pheromone–responsive MAPK cascade, there was no detectable cross talk between these two pathways. The MAPKK Pbs2p bound to the Sho1p osmosensor, the MAPKKK Ste11p, and the MAPK Hog1p. Thus, Pbs2p may serve as a scaffold protein.
Sample Sizes for Single Mark and Single Recapture Experiments

Abstract Calculation of the sample sizes necessary to attain a desired level of precision should be an important step in the design of a mark-and-recapture experiment. Equations that easily can be applied for this purpose have not been available. In this report, simple equations for calculation of the sample sizes necessary to obtain a desired degree of precision with high certainty are developed for direct single mark and single recapture experiments. If the costs of marking and searching for marks are known in terms of dollars or effort, the equations give the optimum allocation of effort between marking and looking for marks.
Can robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy be recommended to obese patients

Experienced robotic surgeons report lower estimated blood loss (EBL) and transfusion rates with similar clinical outcomes for robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) compared to open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). We reviewed our experience with RALP to investigate how to counsel overweight and obese patients being considered for RALP regarding risk of major perioperative complications, oncological outcomes, and short-term recovery. We reviewed the data on 1,513 patients who underwent RALP by one of four experienced robotic surgeons between June 2003 and November 2006. These patients were categorized as normal, overweight, obese, and severely obese based on body mass index (BMI). Of these patients, 361 (23.9%) had a BMI under 25, 794 (52.5%) had a BMI between 25 and 30 (overweight), 290 (19.2%) had a BMI between 30 and 35 (obese), and 68 (4.5%) had a BMI over 35 (severely obese). Records were examined and analyzed with respect to BMI for major intra- and perioperative complications, operative time, margin status, EBL, transfusion rates, and length of hospital stay. Increasing BMI was associated with longer operative time, with mean operative times of 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, and 3.3 h for normal, overweight, obese and severely obese patients, respectively (P < 0.0001). Higher blood loss, though not clinically significant, was also associated with increased BMI, with obese and severely obese patients losing a median of 250 mL of blood compared to 200 mL in overweight and non-overweight patients (P < 0.0001). Transfusion rates, intra- and perioperative complications, margin status, and length of stay were not found to be associated with BMI group. Robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in experienced hands can be safely recommended to eligible patients regardless of BMI status.
Residents' Corner: Blastomycosis-like Pyoderma- Report of a Case Responsive to Combination Therapy Utilizing Minocycline and Carbon Dioxide Laser Debridement

Blastomycosis-like pyoderma is an uncommon reaction pattern to a superficial bacterial infection in persons with a variety of predisposing conditions such as chronic ethanol use and poor nutrition. We are reporting a case that initially responded poorly to previously described treatment regimens but responded well to combination treatment with carbon dioxide laser debridement and long-term minocycline.
The Katrina Aftermath: A Failure of Federalism or Leadership?

The author discusses two documents released in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: "The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina: Lesson Learned" by Frances Fragos Townsend and "A Failure of Initiative", a report by the House Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina. The author argues that the reports detail dysfunction in planning and execution, as well as confusion, and chaos. Issues covered include the need for citizen preparedness, disconnects between planning and implementation, as well as between federal, state, and local responders, and systemic failure through the federal system of government. The author discusses public administration implications.
Defibrillation using a high-frequency series of monophasic rectangular pulses: observations and model predictions.

High-Frequency Defibrillation. Introduction: Capacitor-discharge type waveforms are practical for defibrillation devices but may not be optimum. Discharging a capacitor as a series of high-frequency (HF) pulses may allow effective waveform shaping by modulating the pulses. This approach could lead to improved defibrillation by allowing waveforms that would otherwise be unachievable with a capacitor-discharge approach. However, little is known about defibrillation with HF. Methods and Results: In open chest pentobarbital anesthetized dogs, we measured defibrillation thresholds for continuous rectangular waveforms with 5-, 10-, and 20-msec durations and for 10- and 20-msec long series of HF rectangular pulses. HF series bad a 50%“on-time” duty cycle at 100 Hz to 20 kHz. At 1 kHz and above, defibrillation with HF required the same time-averaged current but approximately twice the peak current and energy as defibrillation with continuous waveforms having the same envelope duration. At lower frequencies, defibrillation peak current and energy approached values required for the continuous waveforms. While waveforms were not actually filtered, the heart responded as though the HF series were low-pass filtered. A filtered effective waveform model with a 3.7-msec time constant predicts these HF data and makes reasonable predictions for various continuous waveform shapes. Conclusion: Defibrillation is possible using HF pulses up to 20 kHz and has a frequency response similar to a low-pass filter. A filtered effective waveform model predicts these HF results and may help explain bow waveforms influence defibrillation efficacy. While the unmodulated HF pulsing used in this study increased defibrillation requirements, these findings support the concept that HF pulse modulation can be used to change the effective shape of a waveform, which could permit more efficacious waveform shapes and a net reduction of thresholds.
Effect of Home Visiting by Nurses on Maternal and Child Mortality: Results of a 2-Decade Follow-up of a Randomized Clinical Trial

RESULTS The mean (SE) 21-year maternal all-cause mortality rate was 3.7% (0.74%) in the combined control group (treatments 1 and 2), 0.4% (0.43%) in treatment 3, and 2.2% (0.97%) in treatment 4. The survival contrast of treatments 1 and 2 combined with treatment 3 was significant (P = .007); the contrast of treatments 1 and 2 combined with treatment 4 was not significant (P = .19), and the contrast of treatments 1 and 2 combined with treatments 3 and 4 combined was significant (post hoc P = .008). At child age 20 years, the preventable-cause child mortality rate was 1.6% (0.57%) in treatment 2 and 0.0% (SE not calculable) in treatment 4; the survival contrast was significant (P = .04).
Clinical Predictors of Hepatic Fibrosis in Chronic Advanced Heart Failure

Background The clinical features associated with liver disease in patients with advanced heart failure are poorly defined. We investigated the histopathologic spectrum of liver disease in a contemporary population with heart failure to identify the clinical correlates of hepatic fibrosis. Methods and results We identified 61 patients with advanced heart failure undergoing evaluation for ventricular assist device or cardiac transplantation from 1995 to 2006, who had liver tissue obtained during the same time period. Electronic medical records were reviewed for clinical data. Biopsy specimens were scored for hepatic fibrosis. Forty-seven patients (79.7%) had hepatic fibrosis on liver biopsy. Of these, 47% had severe fibrosis (grade 3 or 4). Relative to those without fibrosis, patients with hepatic fibrosis were more likely to have renal dysfunction, moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation (odds ratio, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.2 to 21.7), and obstructive or mixed liver function test abnormalities (odds ratio, 5.7; 95% CI, 1.4 to 22.3). As anticipated, patients with no or mild fibrosis (grade 1 or 2) on transjugular liver biopsy were more likely to undergo ventricular assist device or heart transplant than patients with severe fibrosis (odds ratio, 7.8; 95% CI, 1.4 to 44.0). Accordingly, patients with severe fibrosis were less likely to be alive at the time of data collection (odds ratio, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.42). Conclusions Hepatic fibrosis is common in patients with advanced heart failure. Renal dysfunction, significant tricuspid regurgitation and abnormal liver function tests are associated with hepatic fibrosis, but the predictive value of other clinical features is limited. Liver biopsy should be considered in patients undergoing ventricular assist device or transplant evaluation.
Does variation in selection imposed by bears drive divergence among populations in the size and shape of sockeye salmon

Few studies have determined whether formal estimates of selection explain patterns of trait divergence among populations, yet this is one approach for evaluating whether the populations are in equilibria. If adaptive divergence is complete, directional selection should be absent and stabilizing selection should prevail. We estimated natural selection, due to bear predation, acting on the body size and shape of male salmon in three breeding populations that experience differing predation regimes. Our approach was to (1) estimate selection acting within each population on each trait based on an empirical estimate of reproductive activity, (2) test for trait divergence among populations, and (3) test whether selection coefficients were correlated with trait divergence among populations. Stabilizing selection was never significant, indicating that these populations have yet to attain equilibria. Directional selection varied among populations in a manner consistent with trait divergence, indicating ongoing population differentiation. Specifically, the rank order of the creeks in terms of patterns of selection paralleled the rank order in terms of size and shape. The shortest and least deep-bodied males had the highest reproductive activity in the creek with the most intense predation and longer and deeper-bodied males were favored in the creeks with lower predation risk.
An Adaptive Quality-Factor Bandpass Filter

In this paper, we propose a novel bandpass filter design that incorporates automatic gain control (AGC). The gain control in the filter reduces the performance requirements of a wide-band AGC, and allows for low-power multichannel compression. The filter achieves up to 15dB of compression on a 65dB input dynamic range and is tunable over the audio frequency range, with muW power consumption and < 5% harmonic distortion.
AGE AND EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENCES ON THE TRAIL MAKING TEST AND WECHSLER MEMORY SCALES

The purposes of this study were (a) to replicate the previously reported influence of age and education on neuropsychological test performance with a much larger sample of adults and (b) to add to the provisional norms for adult medical-surgical patients without evidence of neurological disease. While hospitalized awaiting cardiac surgery, 322 male and female adults between the ages of 40 and 69 yr. were given the Trail Making Test (Parts A and B) from the Halstead-Reitan Battery, the Visual Reproduction subtest from the Wechsler Memory Scale Form II, and the Logical Memory Scale from the Wechsler Memory Scale Form I. Both age and level of education were strongly associated with performance on the Trail Making Test. On the two subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale, education alone was associated with test performance. These findings point to the potential danger of falsely classifying adults of older ages or with lower education as possibly having an organic brain syndrome. Regression equations are presen...
Modeling justification and reflection in case-based learning environments

Two studies examining the role of modeling of performance and refection in case-based learning environments were conducted. In the first study, modeling and prompting of performance accounted for the number of criteria addressed in learners' arguments and the coherence of their arguments. In the second study, modeling of performance plus reflection enhanced coherence and the number of reflective statements included in justifications.
Online Distance Education Pedagogy: Emulating the practice of global business

Innovations in Web‐based communication technologies, corporate virtual teams, and knowledge management systems continue to revolutionize the workplace. As widely reported, since 9/11 many companies...
Regulation of ciliogenesis and proliferation of uterine epithelium by 20 alpha-hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one administration and withdrawal in ovariectomized rabbits.

a-Hydroxy-pregn-4-en-3-one (20-OH-P), a steroid hormone secreted by the ovarian inter- stitium in rabbits, induced the appearance of ciliated cells in the endometrium of ovariectomized rabbits. Estradiol-1 7� appeared to inhibit this effect partially, but 20-OH-P and progesterone were antagonists, since their simultaneous administration did not result in either the formation of ciliated cells or a fully developed secretory endometrium. Withdrawal of 20-OH-P for 5 days, after its administration, resulted in a very rapid proliferative effect leading to the formation of arborized secretory endometrium in 48 h. Ciliated cells did not seem to be involved in this proliferative reaction, since the evidence presented here suggests that they are probably terminally differentiated cells. Furthermore, cytophotometric determination of DNA in individual nuclei showed that while ciliated cells are a homogeneous population of non- dividing cells arrested in G1 , the rest of the luminal epithelium is a heterogeneous cell population showing a bimodal DNA distribution with one peak in the G1 and the other in the G2 range. This last peak, not observed in either ovariectomized or intact rabbits, and very prominent in rabbits injected with 20-OH-P, probably represents a population of cells arrested in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. These cells, after the withdrawal of the 20-OH-P, probably reenter the cell cycle, playing a role in the formation of the arborized secretory epithelium.
Awareness and utilization of social security scheme and other government benefits by the elderly – A study in rural area of district Dehradun

Background: The rapid ageing of India’s population, has highlighted the need for better economic security arrangements for the elderly. Increased longevity is making care of the elderly more expensive and traditional family ties are beginning to fray, and The Government of India have initiated an array of schemes and benefits for providing some level of social security to the elderly. Objectives: To study the background characteristic of the elderly and extent of awareness and utilization of social security and other government benefits. Methodology: Study Design: Descriptive, observational cross sectional field based study. Statistical analysis: Percentages and proportions. Results: Three out of every five houses was headed by an elderly. No formal education was received by 35.4% of the elderly. Widowhood was as high as 49.5% among elderly women. Awareness of social security scheme (Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme) was observed in 74.6% of the elderly but only 45.4% utilized it. The proportion of elderly who were aware of concession in railway ticket and higher interest rates on deposits in Bank/Post office respectively was 34.9% and 32.9%. The utilization rate was however abysmally low with 27.8% utilizing railway ticket concession and 10.1% depositing money to get higher interest in Bank/Post office. Less than 1% elderly utilized income tax benefits. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to review the existing policy guidelines and amend them to suit and benefit the elderly. The schemes and benefits meant for the elderly needs to be more relevant and effectively implemented at the community level.
Potential for a Stress Reduction Intervention to Promote Healthy Gestational Weight Gain: Focus Groups with Low-Income Pregnant Women

Abstract Background Prepregnancy body mass index and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Because stress contributes to obesity and eating behaviors, stress reduction interventions during pregnancy may be a novel way to influence GWG, positively affect maternal and infant outcomes, and address the obesity epidemic intergenerationally. Methods Our research team is developing a mindfulness-based stress reduction and nutrition intervention for low-income, overweight and obese pregnant women, with healthy GWG as the primary outcome measure. To inform development of the intervention, we conducted focus groups with our target population. Focus group transcripts were analyzed for themes related to sources and importance of stress, relationship between stress and eating, and motivation for a stress reduction pregnancy intervention. Findings Fifty-nine low-income pregnant women from the San Francisco Bay Area participated in focus groups and completed a questionnaire. The vast majority of women (80%) reported experiencing significant stress from a variety of sources and most recognized a relationship between stress and eating in their lives. Conclusions This at-risk population seems to be extremely interested in a stress reduction intervention to support healthy GWG during pregnancy. The women in our groups described high levels of stress and a desire for programs beyond basic dietary recommendations. These findings inform practitioners and policymakers interested in pregnancy as a “window of opportunity” for behavior change that can affect the metabolic and weight trajectory both for women and their offspring.
A tunable multiwavelength fiber ring laser for measuring polarization-mode dispersion in optical fibers

We describe and demonstrate a tunable triple-wavelength erbium-doped fiber ring laser along with a method of measuring polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) in optical fibers based on a broad-band orthogonal-pump four-wave mixing in a semiconductor optical amplifier. The measured PMD results for optical fibers are in good agreement with values measured by means of commercial PMD testing equipment.
Carbon budget for a groundwater-fed lake: Calcification supports summer photosynthesis

A chemical budget analysis for Williams Lake, Minnesota, tracks the seasonal progression of carbon inputs and outputs. CO, exchanges with the atmosphere reverse seasonally, with uptake by the lake in summer preceded and followed by larger losses to the atmosphere. Calcium bicarbonate-rich groundwaters seep steadily into the lake, augmented by remobilization of lacustrine marls. Most of the carbon used in summer photosynthesis nevertheless derives from depletion of lake carbon stores, facilitated significantly by plant calcification. Calcification in summer reduces alkalinity and calcium inventories by 15 and 25%, respectively, while generating equal molar quantities of CO,. Marl precipitates mainly on submersed macrophytes, several of which calcify in 1 : 1 ratio to photosynthesis when incubated in Ca-supplemented lake water. Despite calcite supersaturation within the epilimnion, there is little authigenic calcification.
Diffusion-weighted MRI: a new tool for the diagnosis of fistula in ano.

Purpose To retrospectively determine the additional value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to T2-weighted imaging in the evaluation of anal fistulae in comparison with gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced imaging. Materials and methods Thirteen patients (mean age, 35.2 years) with 20 anal fistulae were included. The protocol consisted of fat-suppressed T2-weighted fast spin-echo, diffusion-weighted single-shot echo-planar (b factors 0 and 800 s/mm(2)), and fat-suppressed Gd-enhanced T1-weighted gradient echo sequences. Two radiologists evaluated images in consensus. Results Eighteen (90%) fistulae were detected on T2-weighted images, and 19 (95%) and 19 (95%) were detected on diffusion-weighted and T2-weighted images combined and on Gd-enhanced and T2-weighted images combined, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in sensitivity of the techniques (P > 0.5 for all comparison pairs). Confidence scores with diffusion-weighted and T2-weighted images combined or those with Gd-enhanced and T2-weighted images combined were significantly greater than those with T2-weighted images alone (P = 0.0047 and 0.014, respectively). Conclusion Diffusion-weighted MRI of anal fistulae is a useful sequence and can be a helpful adjunct to T2-weighted imaging, especially in patients with risk factors for contrast agents.
Role of Nitric Oxide in Adenosine-Induced Vasodilation in Humans

Vasodilation is one of the most prominent effects of adenosine and one of the first to be recognized, but its mechanism of action is not completely understood. In particular, there is conflicting information about the potential contribution of endothelial factors. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of nitric oxide in the vasodilatory effect of adenosine. Forearm blood flow responses to intrabrachial adenosine infusion (125 microg/min) were assessed with venous occlusion plethysmography during intrabrachial infusion of saline or the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) (12.5 mg/min). Intrabrachial infusions of acetylcholine (50 microg/min) and nitroprusside (3 microg/min) were used as a positive and negative control, respectively. These doses were chosen to produce comparable levels of vasodilation. In a separate study, a second saline infusion was administered instead of L-NMMA to rule out time-related effects. As expected, pretreatment with L-NMMA reduced acetylcholine-induced vasodilation; 50 microg/min acetylcholine increased forearm blood flow by 150+/-43% and 51+/-12% during saline and L-NMMA infusion, respectively (P<.01, n=6). In contrast, L-NMMA did not affect the increase in forearm blood flow produced by 3 microg/min nitroprusside (165+/-30% and 248+/-41% during saline and L-NMMA, respectively) or adenosine (173+/-48% and 270+/-75% during saline and L-NMMA, respectively). On the basis of our observations, we conclude that adenosine-induced vasodilation is not mediated by nitric oxide in the human forearm.
Morality, Sociological Discourse, and Public Engagement

In avoiding the topic of morality, sociologists have weakened our own capacity to advance the public understanding of one of our root ideas—namely, that society is an important force—and have large...
Survival, Reproduction, and Recruitment of Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) at the Northwestern Edge of its Native Range

(� SE) peak larval abundances (number/100 m 3 ) were 3.87 (� 1.87) and 1.72 (� 0.89) in East Krause Lake and 0.79 (� 0.22) and 0.17 (� 0.11) in Middle Lynn Lake in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Larval abundances were lower than those observed in most other SD populations. Survival to fall age-0 was documented in both years in Middle Lynn Lake, but only during 2008 in East Krause Lake. No overwinter survival was documented. Low water temperatures and rapidly cooling water likely caused overwinter mortality of gizzard shad in these systems. Temperature at the sediment–water interface during the winter of 2009–2010 was below 2.2 � C for 114 and 62 consecutive days in East Krause Lake and Middle Lynn Lake, respectively.
Contextual factors and cost profiles associated with employee turnover.

To gain insights about the nature and expenses of specific aspects of employee turnover, the authors gathered data from thirty-three U.S. hotels and found that the costs of turnover were generally ...
Behavioral and Clinical Factors Associated With Depression Among Individuals With Diabetes

OBJECTIVE —The goal of this study was to determine the behavioral and clinical characteristics of diabetes that are associated with depression after controlling for potentially confounding variables. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —A population-based mail survey was sent to patients with diabetes from nine primary care clinics of a health maintenance organization. The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to diagnose depression, and automated diagnostic, pharmacy, and laboratory data were used to measure diabetes treatment intensity, HbA1c levels, and diabetes complications. RESULTS —Independent factors that were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of meeting criteria for major depression included younger age, female sex, less education, being unmarried, BMI ≥30 kg/m2, smoking, higher nondiabetic medical comorbidity, higher numbers of diabetes complications in men, treatment with insulin, and higher HbA1c levels in patients <65 years of age. Independent factors associated with a significantly higher likelihood of meeting criteria for minor depression included younger age, less education, non-Caucasian status, BMI ≥30 kg/m2, smoking, longer duration of diabetes, and a higher number of complications in older (≥65 years) patients. CONCLUSIONS —Smoking and obesity were associated with a higher likelihood of meeting criteria for major and minor depression. Diabetes complications and elevated HbA1c were associated with major depression among demographic subgroups: complications among men and HbA1c among individuals <65 years of age. Older patients with a higher number of complications had an increased likelihood of minor depression.
Design automation for a 3DIC FFT processor for synthetic aperture radar: a case study

This work discusses a 1024-point, memory-on-logic 3DIC FFT processor for synthetic aperture radar (SAR), sent to fabrication in the 180 nm MIT Lincoln Labs 3D FDSOI 1.5 V process[12] along with the design flow required to realize it with off-the-shelf commercial 2D tools. The work shows how the vertical dimension can be exploited for novel memory architecture tradeoffs that are not feasible in 2D, reducing the energy consumed per memory operation in the FFT by 60.3%. In comparison to its 2D counterpart, the SAR FFT processor exhibits a 53.0% decrease in average wire length, a 24.6% increase in maximum operating frequency and a 25.3% decrease in total silicon area.
Scalable statistical bug isolation

We present a statistical debugging algorithm that isolates bugs in programs containing multiple undiagnosed bugs. Earlier statistical algorithms that focus solely on identifying predictors that correlate with program failure perform poorly when there are multiple bugs. Our new technique separates the effects of different bugs and identifies predictors that are associated with individual bugs. These predictors reveal both the circumstances under which bugs occur as well as the frequencies of failure modes, making it easier to prioritize debugging efforts. Our algorithm is validated using several case studies, including examples in which the algorithm identified previously unknown, significant crashing bugs in widely used systems.
Changes in middle cerebral artery velocity after marijuana

Velocity of blood flow in the middle cerebral artery was measured with transcranial Doppler flowmeter before, during, and 1 hr after smoking a marijuana cigarette and a placebo cigarette during two separate visits to the laboratory. Ten healthy, right-handed male volunteers with a history of marijuana smoking took part in the study. The participants were drug-free for a minimum of 3 mo before the project. During the experiment, blood pressure, pulse rate, and end tidal levels of carbon dioxide were continually monitored. Marijuana smoking was associated with a significant increase in middle cerebral artery velocity. Although marijuana smoking was associated with increased pulse rate, the changes in blood velocity and pulse rate followed different time courses. Marijuana smoking was not associated with significant changes in blood pressure or end tidal carbon dioxide.
Egg production and early development of Thysanoessa inermis and Euphausia pacifica (Crustacea: Euphausiacea) in the northern Gulf of Alaska

Early life history patterns were studied in the dominant euphausiids from the northern Gulf of Alaska (GOA) in 2001‐2004. Gravid females of Thysanoessa inermis were observed in April and May. Brood size varied from 10 to 1021 eggs with an average of 138F19 (95% CI) eggs female ! 1 . Most gravid females started to release eggs within the first 2 days of incubation. The average number of eggs released per female was similar in incubation Day 1 and 2, but significantly smaller on Day 3 and 4. About 25% of the females were continuously releasing eggs over 3 days rather than producing a single distinctive brood. In contrast, gravid females of Euphausia pacifica were observed from early July through October. Most gravid females released eggs on the first day of observation, while only 2% of females produced eggs repeatedly. Brood size varied from 20 to 246 eggs with an average of 102F12 (95% CI) eggs female ! 1 . The relationship between E. pacifica brood size and ambient chlorophyll-a concentration was sigmoidal (r 2 =0.73), with food saturated brood size of 144F14(SE, Pb0.001) eggs, and half-saturation occurring at 0.46F0.02(SE, Pb0.001) mg chlorophyll-a m ! 3 . The average interbrood interval of E. pacifica reared at 12 8C and satiated food conditions in the laboratory was ~8 days, suggesting their potential individual fecundity in the GOAwas 1148‐1530 eggs per spawning season. Hatching and early development (from egg to furcilia stage) was studied under 5 8C, 8 8C and 12 8C. Hatching was nearly synchronous and lasted 3‐6 h, depending on incubation temperature. Development times from egg to the first furcilia stage ranged between 20 and 33 days for T. inermis, and 15 and 45 days for E. pacifica at 12 8C and 5 8C, respectively. Published by Elsevier B.V.
A real-time implementation of the improved MBE speech coder

A real-time, single digital signal processing (DSP) chip implementation of a 2.4-, 4.8-, and 8.0-kb/s improved multiband excitation (IMBE) vocoder is presented. The IMBE vocoder is based on the MBE speech model, and it is shown to generate high-quality speech under both clean and noisy conditions. In addition, the IMBE vocoder is well suited for real-time implementation since it does not require excessive computation or storage. Full-duplex operation is demonstrated using a single AT&T WE DSP 32. Aspects of the hardware architecture, algorithm implementation, and system performance are addressed. >
Theatre History and the Nation-State

The American theatre and film critic Stanley Kaufman once told the following version of the ‘Napoleon’ joke. It seems a French official in the 1820s on a visit to an insane asylum was taken around the institution by one of the inmates. As the tour progressed, the official was increasingly impressed by the inmate's evident knowledge of the asylum. There were times when his guide even seemed to be running the place; he commanded orderlies to open locked doors or to remove other inmates from confinement, and the orderlies always obeyed. Finally, they came to the last room on the tour and the inmate explained that the people within suffered from delusions of grandeur. Sure enough, the official looked through the bars and saw an entire roomful of men dressed like French generals, strutting about with one hand thrust inside their vests. ‘Those poor fools all think they are Napoleon’, said the guide. Certain now that his guide was as rational as he, the official asked him how soon he was going to be released. The inmate drew him aside and whispered confidentially, ‘They'll never let me go. They're afraid of my power in France. They know all these other Napoleons are fakes.’
Multiresolution curves

We describe a multiresolution curve representation, based on wavelets, that conveniently supports a variety of operations: smoothing a curve; editing the overall form of a curve while preserving its details; and approximating a curve within any given error tolerance for scan conversion. We present methods to support continuous levels of smoothing as well as direct manipulation of an arbitrary portion of the curve; the control points, as well as the discrete nature of the underlying hierarchical representation, can be hidden from the user. The multiresolution representation requires no extra storage beyond that of the original control points, and the algorithms using the representation are both simple and fast.
Resistance of Experimental Cotton Strain 1514 to the Bollworm and Cotton Fleahopper

Resistance of a glabrous and nectary-free experimental cotton (strain 1514) to insect attack was evaluated in field experiments in Texas and Mississippi. Significantly lower populations of the boll worm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), and cotton flea hopper, Psallus seriatus (Reuter), were found on this cotton than on commercial varieties. In practical application the degree of insect suppression achieved could delay the need for insecticidal control, thus reducing the adverse effects of insecticides on parasites and predators.
AVOIDANCE TRAINING USING AN INCREMENTAL VERTICAL JUMP RESPONSE IN RATS

A procedure is described for conditioning a vertical jump avoidance response in rats. Employing an auditory signal and gradually increasing the height of the response platform, rats showed rapid acquisition of a jump response to avoid shock. While the average maximum height of the jump response increased between original training and retraining 7 days later, retraining 40 days later resulted in stable responding that was consistent with the first retraining session.