cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advances in Diagnosing Peanut Allergy

Peanut allergy is often severe, potentially fatal, usually persistent, and appears to have increased in prevalence. An accurate diagnosis is essential because there is a significant burden on quality of life. The tools available for diagnosis include the medical history, skin prick test (SPT), determination of serum peanut-specific IgE antibodies (PN-IgE), and medically supervised oral food challenges. Numerous studies, almost exclusively in children, have correlated clinical outcomes against SPTs and PN-IgE with informative results. The diagnostic utility of SPT and PN-IgE is maximized by considering the degree of positive result and consideration of the medical history (a priori estimation of risk). Emerging tests that evaluate IgE binding to specific proteins in peanut (component testing) add important additional diagnostic information in specific settings. Studies are increasingly focused on how the results of tests considered in combination (or performed serially) may increase diagnostic accuracy. Here, we review the utility of currently available tests and provide suggestions on how to best use them to accurately predict peanut allergy. Still, the physician-supervised oral food challenge remains the most definitive test available.
Adiponectin and lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle

White adipose tissue (WAT) is a key energy depot in humans and most animals. Traditionally, it is believed that WAT passively accumulates triglycerides or releases fatty acids to accommodate systemic energy metabolism. However, recent studies have demonstrated that WAT also actively participates in energy metabolism mainly through its secretion of cytokines and hormones. Therefore, at this time, WAT is recognized as an endocrine organ. Adiponectin is one of the key adipocyte-derived hormones that regulate systemic or tissue lipid and glucose metabolism. In contrast to most other adipocyte-derived hormones, adiponectin increases insulin sensitivity and improves lipid and glucose metabolism. Although the insulin-sensitizing function of adiponectin has been well established, recent studies have demonstrated that adiponectin also regulates metabolism through pathways independent of insulin signaling. Due to the massive tissue mass of skeletal muscle, lipid uptake and subsequent fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle have a big impact on maintaining systemic energy homeostasis. Furthermore, adiponectin gene expression is regulated by energy intake. Therefore, adiponectin serves as a coordinator of energy balance amongst WAT, skeletal muscle and other tissues. We summarize the regulatory effects of adiponectin on lipid and glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. Future research directions have also been proposed.
Effects of Inflation on Capital Structure

The purpose of this study is to examine the aggregate capital structure based on several factors that affect the demand for and supply of corporate debt. The main hypotheses are that under inflation the larger the amount of depreciation and the larger the yield differences between corporate and municipal bonds and between corporate bonds and equities, the larger the amount of corporate debt. The empirical tests performed in this study support these hypotheses.
Solving nonlinear systems of equations with only one nonlinear variable

Abstract We describe a method for solving systems of N + 1 nonlinear equations in N + 1 unknowns y \te; R and z \te; R N of the form A(y)z + b(y) = 0, where the (N + 1) × N matrix A(y) and vector b(y) are functions of y alone. Such equations arise in minimax approximation. We reduce the problem to one equation in y only. An efficient quadratically convergent numerical technique based on Newton's method in one variable is used to solve this equation. Computational details and results are provided, and two generalizations are discussed.
In vivo metabolism of a new class of biologically active phospholipids: 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, a platelet activating-hypotensive phospholipid

Abstract This report describes the in vivo metabolism of a new class of naturally occurring biologically active phospholipids (1-alkyl-2-acetyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholines) that can cause hypotension and platelet aggregation. After intravenous injection in male rats, the acetylated ether phospholipid (1-[1′,2′-3H]alkyl) is rapidly cleared ( T 1 2 ⋍30 s ) from blood and its metabolites are found in a variety of tissues. The tissues containing the highest levels of radioactivity are lung, liver, spleen, and kidney. Chromatographic results showed that a considerable portion of the active lipid is not readily catabolized in some of the major tissues examined; however, inactive metabolites were also found, mainly 1-alkyl-2-lyso- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1-alkyl-2-acyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine; the latter has a long chain fatty acid at the sn -2 position instead of the acetate. The findings are consistent with our earlier data that show these same tissues have the most active enzyme systems for metabolizing 1-alkyl-2-acetyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine.
Use of a papain superpolymer to elucidate the structure of bovine casein micelles.

Abstract Micellar and soluble casein samples were treated with papain which had been cross-linked with glutaraldehyde to form a superpolymer. Unhydrolyzed portions of casein samples were fractionated on polyacrylamide gels. The stained gels were scanned with a densitometer. In both casein samples, the amount of unhydrolyzed κ-, β-, and α s- caseins decreased gradually as the reaction proceeded. The percentage of hydrolysis after 60 min of reaction was 69% in micellar-casein and 78% in soluble casein. However, none of the three casein fractions was hydrolyzed completely. Unhydrolyzed casein in both samples had approximately the same composition throughout the entire reaction. These results suggest that κ-casein does not have a specific location in the casein micelle and that the three major casein fractions are distributed unformly throughout the micelle.
Triple gamma ray directional correlation in 154Gd

Abstract An experiment to measure the triple gamma ray directional correlation is described. One NaI(Tl) and two Ge(Li) detectors were employed under computer control. Total and accidental counts were accumulated simultaneously by use of two ADCs. The apparatus was used to study the 723-873-123 keV cascade following the beta decay of 154 Eu. Procedures for determination of accidental coincidences, correction for finite detector solid angle, and correction for attenuation of the correlation due to the finite lifetime of an excited state differ from double correlation procedures. Double correlation studies were also made to confirm the consistency of the measurements and to determine the attenuation factors for the radioactive source employed here. Results that were both internally consistent and in accordance with prior studies of this decay were obtained, with δ (873) = −6.9 (+1.8, −3.4) on the basis of the triple correlation experiment; δ = −10.2±0.8 on the basis of supporting double correlation experiments.
An industrial wastewater pollution prevention study: Evaluation of precipitation and separation processes

A water pollution prevention study was performed for two plating processes at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). This study included wastewater precipitation process analysis, and evaluation of separation and recycling alternatives. One of the pollution prevention opportunity assessment goals is to reduce and reuse wastewater. From a review of coordination chemistry and a series of precipitation process tests, it was found that treatment with optimized pH and mixing rate, proper coprecipitans (such as iron salts), and chemical dosages were needed to dissociate metal ions from the complexes in the wastewater. In this study, reverse osmosis and ion exchange technologies were also evaluated. A water reclamation analysis with these two technologies was implemented. The analysis projected, that with recycling systems, 33% of the wastewater could be reclaimed.
Threshold differences for interaural time delays carried by double vowels.

Experimental measurements were made of threshold interaural time differences (ITDs) for a “target” vowel presented simultaneously with a fixed-ITD “distracter” vowel. Three double-vowel pairs were used, comprising an “er” (/ə/) together with either an “ai,” “ar,” or “oo” (respectively, /e/, /ɔ/, and /u/). Threshold ITDs were found to be larger for the target vowel when it was part of a double-vowel pair than in control conditions in which it was presented alone. The effect size depended upon the choice of target vowel and distracter vowel, the level of the target relative to the distracter, and whether the two vowels had the same or different fundamental frequencies. The experiment was analyzed using a multichannel modification of Heller and Trahiotis’ [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 99, 3632–3637 (1996)] model, which used a weighted combination of the detectabilities of the ITD of the target and the distracter. It gave predictions consistent with the observed effects of level and with some of the effects of the cho...
Algebraic construction of quasi-cyclic LDPC codes for the AWGN and erasure channels

This paper is concerned with construction of quasi-cyclic (QC) low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes for three different types of channels: the additive white Gaussian noise, the binary random erasure, and the binary burst erasure channels. Two algebraic methods for systematic construction of QC-LDPC codes are presented. Codes constructed perform well over all three types of channels
Effects of ICS on double-alley performance: FE and EF comparisons

Abstract Nine rats received rewarding intracranial stimulation (ICS) in the first goal of a double-alley while nine other rats received nonreward. All rats always received food reward in the second goal. Following the introduction of partial reinforcement in the first goal, within and between subjects comparisons showed no increase in running speeds in the second alley on nonreward trials. Rather, faster speeds occurred following rewarded first alley trials. It appears probable that rewarding ICS produced either interference or negative contrast effects which generally reduced performance in the second alley, while omitting ICS further decreased performance by introducing responses in the first goal that competed with running in the second alley.
A model for the permeation characteristics of porous membranes with grafted polyelectrolyte brushes

The hydraulic permeability and neutral solute diffusion characteristics of a membrane made up of plane parallel channels whose walls are covered by a terminally grafted weak polyelectrolyte are studied theoretically. The measurable quantities of interest, namely the hydraulic and diffusion thicknesses, as well as the selectivity of the pore are predicted in terms of the polymer brush conformations provided by the recent polyelectrolyte brush theory (Misra et al., Macromolecules 22, 4173 (1989)). The effects of the brush grafting density, pH, ionic strength, and solute size are investigated. The Debye-Bueche-Brinkman model which visualizes the grafted layer as an obstacle course composed of randomly distributed spherical segments is employed to study both momentum and mass transfer through the channel. The hydrodynamic thickness is found to be a much better characteristic of polymer conformation for brushes than for homopolymer adsorption. This is due to the slower decay of the segment density in brushes—almost parabolic as opposed to almost exponential in homopolymers. Also, the streaming potential is found to be negligibly small due to the highly retarded flow in the polymer brush region where the mobile charge density is high. Concerning the solute permeability, one obtains, in accord with the recent experimental data (Kim and Anderson, J. Membr. Sci. 47, 163 (1989)), that the resistance to diffusive transport is less than that for momentum transport, except for fairly large solutes (solute size ∼ two times the segment size). Finally, the computations also reveal that a significant enhancement in selectivity between solutes of different sizes can be achieved with polyelectrolyte grafted membranes.
Pragmatism, Piety, and Environmental Ethics

The rise of pragmatism in environmental ethics in the 1990s was driven by several factors, including dissatisfaction with the field's dominant nonanthropocentrism and the desire to increase the political and policy influence of environmental ethics. Yet despite an emphasis on human experience as the foundation of environmental values and action, environmental pragmatists have paid little attention to the religious dimensions of human-nature interactions. In this paper I attempt to address this neglect by exploring the religious thought of John Dewey, arguably the most significant pragmatist philosopher of the classical period. I suggest that Dewey's understanding of religiosity—in particular, his concept of "natural piety"—instructs us to respect nonhuman nature as a source of human imaginative experience and self-unification. Although Dewey's naturalized approach to religious experience retains a broadly instrumentalist view toward nature, it is an instrumentality that supports a humble and appreciative attitude toward the environment and a sense of caution regarding the modification of nature for human purposes. I conclude by arguing that the recovery of Dewey's attitude of natural piety provides an important constraint on more aggressively anthropocentric approaches to human-nature relations, including those promoting sustainability as an alternative to traditional limits-based environmentalism.
Determinants of Cable System Product Diversification—An Investigation of the U.S. Cable Systems

This study examines cable system diversification into three nontraditional services: pay-per-view television, high-speed Internet access, and telephony. An econometrics model based on the Industrial Organization Model is used to explore the factors that have led to variation in diversification among cable systems. Specifically, this study examines how three sets of variables, namely, cable system characteristics, market structure, and market demographics, influenced cable system diversification. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify the determinants of cable system total degree of diversification, which is defined to be the number, from 0 to 3, of the three nontraditional services offered by a cable system. Regression results indicate that Multiple System Operator (MSO) ownership, the number of basic cable service subscribers, and the number of broadcast television stations receivable over the air all had a statistically significant positive relationship to cable system total degree of diversification, whereas the number high-speed Internet service providers in a cable franchise area had a statistically significant negative relationship to cable system's total degree of diversification. ACCESS TO FULL TEXT
Water/hydrocarbon interfaces: effect of hydrocarbon branching on single-molecule relaxation.

Water/hydrocarbon interfaces are studied using molecular dynamics simulations in order to understand the effect of hydrocarbon branching on the dynamics of the system at and away from the interface. A recently proposed procedure for studying the intrinsic structure of the interface in such systems is utilized, and dynamics are probed in the usual laboratory frame as well as the intrinsic frame. The use of these two frames of reference leads to insight into the effect of capillary waves at the interface on dynamics. The systems were partitioned into zones with a width of 5 A, and a number of quantities of dynamical relevance, namely, the residence times, mean squared displacements, the velocity auto correlation functions, and orientational time correlations for molecules of both phases, were calculated in the laboratory and intrinsic frames at and away from the interface. For the aqueous phase, translational motion is found to be (a) diffusive at long times and not anomalous as in proteins or micelles, (b)...
Finding voice within the gender order

Reviews theories that see gender as a social invention that has produced historically variable sets of norms and expectations that delineate differences and boundaries. Following a relational, constructionist approach, these differences constitute a gender order that delineates a power hierarchy. Reviews four articles in which the authors′ voice challenges the validity of the taken‐for‐granted gender order and proposes agendas for change. Argues that these authors articulate the experience of oppression within structures that marginalize some voices, and propose strategies for change agents who seek to challenge injustice that suggest possible transformations.
Frequency of skin cancer and solar keratoses in a rural southern county as determined by population sampling.

The frequency of skin cancer and solar keratoses in a rural Tennessee county was surveyed using techniques of cluster sampling. Trained nurses and dematologists interviewed and examined 978 Caucasian adults. of these, 16.3% were found to have solar keratoses (usually multiple), and 4.4% appeared to have skin cancers. There is no question that all discovered skin cancers require definitive treatment. The great number of discovered keratoses, however, raises questions about the practicality of their surgical treatment.
Everyday Forms of Compliance: Subaltern Commentaries on Ottoman Reform, 1864–1868

The Tanzimat—a series of legal and administrative reforms implemented in the Ottoman empire between 1839 and 1876—has been described by Roderic Davison as a modernization campaign whose momentum came “from the top down and from the outside in.” There can be little doubt about the basic historical veracity of this characterization. Ottoman reform was indeed the brainchild of a small, albeit influential, portion of the imperial bureaucratic elite and its direction and timing were undeniably influenced by foreign diplomatic pressure (in the context of the so-called “Eastern Question”). But by characterizing, correctly, the Tanzimat as a state-led, elitist project, Davison's argument enters an interpretive vicious circle which seems to be more a reflection of twentieth-century political sensibilities than of nineteenth-century realities. A “top-down” political project, according to this argument, is by definition less likely to succeed than a project that has “vigorous popular support.” And, since we know that the project in question ultimately failed to stop the breakup of the empire, it must indeed have lacked such support.
Bibliographic Retrieval from Bibliographic Input; the Hypothesis and Construction of a Test

A study of problems associated with bibliographic retrieval using unverified input data supplied by requesters. A code derived from compression of title and author information to four, four-character abbreviations each was used for retrieval tests on an IBM 1401 computer. Retrieval accuracy was 98.67%
Interfacial effects on droplet dynamics in Poiseuille flow

Many properties of emulsions arise from interfacial rheology, but a theoretical understanding of the effect of interfacial viscosities on droplet dynamics is lacking. Here we report such a theory, relating to isolated spherical drops in a Poiseuille flow. Stokes flow is assumed in the bulk phases, and a jump in hydrodynamic stress at the interface is balanced by Marangoni and surface viscous forces according to the Boussinesq–Scriven constitutive law. Our model employs a linear equation of state for the surfactant. Our analysis predicts slip, cross-stream migration and droplet-circulation velocities. These results and the corresponding interfacial parameters are separable: e.g., cross-stream migration occurs only if gradients in surfactant concentration are present; slip velocity depends on viscosity contrast and dilatational properties, but not on shear Boussinesq number. This separability allows a new and advantageous means to measure surface viscous and elastic forces directly from the drop interface.
Design consideration for LPF with gain boosting in GHz-range applications

A 0.18 mum CMOS fifth order Butterworth low-pass filter with 24 dB programmable gain boost at its 1.2 GHz cut-off frequency for HDD applications is presented. A new Gm-LC architecture is proposed using feedforward path techniques to achieve the required boost. The gain of the feedforward path can be controlled to provide the variable boost. Simulation results shows that a 28/46 mA is drawn from a 1.8 V supply in the no-boost/max-boost cases respectively. Group delay variations for different boost values are limited to 10% from the no-boost case. At the nominal output voltage swing of 250 mVpp at 1.2 GHz, a THD of -42 dB is obtained
Familial microsatellite-stable non-polyposis colorectal cancer: Incidence and characteristics in a clinic-based population

Summary Background: About 15%—20% of colorectal cancers (CRCs) are familial. While a fraction of these arise in the context of hereditary syndromes, the causes underlying the majority of familial CRCs are not yet understood. Patients and methods: Family history of cancer, clinical characteristics, and microsatellite instability (MSI) in a series of 100 consecutive CRC patients were evaluated. Results: Eighteen patients had a positive family history of CRC in a first-degree relative. Of these, two had a clinical diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and three were diagnosed with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) following results of MSI analysis. A diagnosis of HNPCC was also established in a fourth patient with early onset CRC, who had a second-degree relative with CRC, and whose tumor was positive for MSI. The remaining 13 familial CRCs did not show MSI in tumor DNA. The mean age at tumor diagnosis in patients with familial microsatellite-stable (MSS) CRC was higher than in HNPCC and FAP patients and similar to that recorded in sporadic cases. The incidence of second primary malignancies was significantly higher in familial MSS CRC probands (n = 4) compared to patients who did not have a diagnosis of FAP or HNPCC and did not have firstdegree relatives affected with CRC (n = 6, in a total of 81 probands with these characteristics). Conclusions- These results define the existence of a subset of familial CRCs characterized by relatively late age at onset, high incidence of second primary tumors, and absence of MSI in tumor DNA.
Medium voltage drives: are isolation transformers required?

Traditionally isolation transformers are used on medium voltage motor drives. Although this provides a means for reducing harmonics, reducing voltage stress on motors, it increases the size, cost, complexity and losses of the drive system. With the implementation of alternative topologies and new pulse width modulation switching patterns, these goals can be achieved without the use of an isolation transformer. The paper presents the topology and the techniques that can be utilized and proposes an overall AC motor drive system without the need for the transformer. Experimental results on a 600 hp, 4160 V motor drive are also included.
Genetic factors influencing crossing-over frequency in Neurospora.

DIFFERENT crosses involving the same marked region in Neurospora crassa may yield markedly different frequencies of recombinants. It has been suggested that the fluctuations in recombination frequency result from inherent differences between the various wild-type strains from which the stocks descended (BARRATT 1954; FROST 1961). However, the nature of these differences and the ways in which they may influence the crossing-over process remain unknown. The present report deals with experiments designed to pursue the following questions about genetic factors which influence the frequency of crossing-over: (1 ) Are factors at a single genetic locus responsible for these effects? (2) Is the frequency of crossing-over influenced by the presence of particular (3) Are the effects on crossing-over localized or diffuse? genetic factors or by heterozygosity per se?
Local, Contingent, and Competing: Exploring the Possible and the Appropriate by Challenging Dominant Governing Narratives: A Book Review of Democratic Governance by Mark Bevir

Questions about what is “possible” and what is “appropriate” motivate the study and practice of public management. What can public managers do to set and accomplish priorities, to work with competi...
A dependent data extension of Wald's identity and its application to sequential test performance computation

The development of an exponential transformation of measure not restricted to independent identically distributed data is presented for a class of semi-Markov processes known as Markov-additive (MA) process. The MA measure transformation is applied to obtain a new form of the Wald identity. To demonstrate the utility of this extension to MA processes, the application of sequential tests with Markov data to error probability performance analysis is investigated. In particular, it is demonstrated how previous work dealing with robust error probability evaluation in the presence of uncertain serial dependency can be applied to sequential tests. >
Field investigation of innate immunity in passerine birds in suburban Chicago, Illinois, USA

The innate immune system is the first line of defense against pathogens, and it plays a fundamental role in coordinating a protective immune response in birds. Although many studies have evaluated avian immune responses in the laboratory, many fewer studies to date have done so in a field setting. To gain insight into interspecific differences in immune function in wild birds, we used a field-deployed in vitro microbicidal assay to measure constitutive innate immunity of whole blood collected from three common passerines in suburban Chicago, Illinois, in 2009. Data from one microbe, Escherichia coli 8739, revealed that American Robins (Turdus migratorius) had significantly lower bactericidal capacity than House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) or Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis). Bactericidal capacity for E. coli 8739 tended to be lower for birds infested with chewing lice than those without chewing lice, and male birds had lower microbicidal capacity than females in the case of Staphylococcus aureus. T...
Structure of Antibody-Neutralized Murine Norovirus and Unexpected Differences from Viruslike Particles

Noroviruses (family Caliciviridae) are the major cause of epidemic nonbacterial gastroenteritis in humans, but the mechanism of antibody neutralization is unknown and no structure of an infectious virion has been reported. Murine norovirus (MNV) is the only norovirus that can be grown in tissue culture, studied in an animal model, and reverse engineered via an infectious clone and to which neutralizing antibodies have been isolated. Presented here are the cryoelectron microscopy structures of an MNV virion and the virion in complex with neutralizing Fab fragments. The most striking differences between MNV and previous calicivirus structures are that the protruding domain is lifted off the shell domain by approximately 16A and rotated approximately 40 degrees in a clockwise fashion and forms new interactions at the P1 base that create a cagelike structure engulfing the shell domains. Neutralizing Fab fragments cover the outer surface of each copy of the capsid protein P2 domains without causing any apparent conformational changes. These unique features of MNV suggest that at least some caliciviruses undergo a capsid maturation process akin to that observed with other plant and bacterial viruses.
THE IMPACT OF DEBT LIMITATIONS AND REFERENDA REQUIREMENTS ON THE COST OF SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND ISSUES

Abstract One distinction between the markets for corporate and municipal bonds involves institutional constraints that apply to some municipal bond issues. This research focuses on how public finance institutions, in particular explicit debt limits and referenda requirements, affect the borrowing cost of individual school district bond issues. The empirical model specifies as the dependent variable the true interest cost of issuing debt. The results suggest that the presence of referenda requirements for the approval of annual school district budgets imposes an additional cost for borrowing funds.
GPR18 is required for a normal CD8αα intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte compartment

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) play an important role in maintaining the physiology of the small intestine. The majority of mouse IELs express CD8αα and are either γδ or αβ T cells. Although the development and homing of CD8αα IELs have been studied in some detail, the factors controlling their homeostasis and positioning are incompletely understood. Here we demonstrate that G protein–coupled receptor 18 (GPR18) is abundantly expressed in CD8αα IELs and that mice lacking this orphan receptor have reduced numbers of γδT IELs. Mixed bone marrow chimera experiments reveal a markedly reduced contribution of GPR18-deficient cells to the CD8αα IEL compartment and a reduction in the CD8αβ T cell subset. These defects could be rescued by transduction with a GPR18-expressing retrovirus. The GPR18-deficient γδT IELs that remained in mixed chimeras had elevated Thy1, and there were less granzyme B+ and Vγ7+ cells, indicating a greater reduction in effector-type cells. Flow cytometric analysis indicated GPR18 deficiency more strongly affected the CD8αα cells in the intraepithelial compared with the adjacent lamina propria compartment. These findings establish a requirement for GPR18 in CD8αα and CD8αβ IELs, and we suggest the receptor has a role in augmenting the accumulation of CD8 T cells in the intraepithelial versus lamina propria compartment.
A 0.65-V 2.5-GHz Fractional-N Synthesizer With Two-Point 2-Mb/s GFSK Data Modulation

We present ultra-low-voltage circuit design techniques for a fractional-N RF synthesizer with two-point modulation which was realized in 90-nm CMOS using only regular VT devices.; the voltage controlled oscillator, phase-frequency detector and charge pump operate from a 0.5 V supply while the divider uses a 0.65 V supply. The frequency synthesizer achieves a phase noise better than -120 dBc/Hz at 3 MHz, while consuming 6 mW. A calibration technique to equalize the gain between the two modulation ports is introduced and enables phase/frequency modulation beyond the loop bandwidth of the phase-locked loop. Measurement results for 2-Mb/s GFSK modulation are presented.
Physical Therapist vs. Family Practitioner Knowledge of Simple Low Back Pain Management in the U.S. Air Force

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to compare knowledge in managing low back pain (LBP) between physical therapists and family practice physicians. Fifty-four physical therapists and 130 family practice physicians currently serving in the U.S. Air Force completed standardized examinations assessing knowledge, attitudes, the usefulness of clinical practice guidelines, and management strategies for patients with LBP. Beliefs of physical therapists and family practice physicians about LBP were compared using relative risks and independent t tests. Scores related to knowledge, attitudes, and the usefulness of clinical practice guidelines were generally similar between the groups. However, physical therapists were more likely to recommend the correct drug treatments for patients with acute LBP compared to family practice physicians (85.2% vs. 68.5%; relative risk: 1.24 [95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.46]) and believe that patient encouragement and explanation is important (75.9% vs. 56.2%; relative risk: 1...
Influence of architecture and material properties on vanadium redox flow battery performance

Abstract This publication reports a design optimization study of all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRBs), including performance testing, distributed current measurements, and flow visualization. Additionally, a computational flow simulation is used to support the conclusions made from the experimental results. This study demonstrates that optimal flow field design is not simply related to the best architecture, but is instead a more complex interplay between architecture, electrode properties, electrolyte properties, and operating conditions which combine to affect electrode convective transport. For example, an interdigitated design outperforms a serpentine design at low flow rates and with a thin electrode, accessing up to an additional 30% of discharge capacity; but a serpentine design can match the available discharge capacity of the interdigitated design by increasing the flow rate or the electrode thickness due to differing responses between the two flow fields. The results of this study should be useful to design engineers seeking to optimize VRB systems through enhanced performance and reduced pressure drop.
Uterine phlebography in 2 cases of abdominal pregnancy

Abstract Two cases of abdominal pregnancy are presented in which uterine phlebography was performed immediately prior to operation to confirm the clinical diagnosis.
Preface: Introductory Economics (4th Edition)

This carefully constructed textbook empowers the reader with an understanding of fundamental economic concepts. There are 31 “one-concept” chapters. Each short chapter highlights one economic principle. The student can study one concept and be reinforced by the learning process before proceeding to another. The writing is lucid and at the student’s level. Self-review exercises conclude each chapter. The text is well integrated to show the relationship among the basic concepts and to offer a comprehensive overview of economics. The one-concept chapters provide organizational flexibility for the instructor. There are eight modules: The Economic Problem; Price Determination; Behind the Supply Curve; Measuring the Economy, The Level of Income; Money; Trade; Conclusion. A study guide is available on line without charge. Each chapter in the text has a corresponding chapter in the study guide as well as an introduction to graphing.
Fractional flow reserve-guided stent therapy for multivessel disease: taking a closer look.

We are entering an era of percutaneous coronary artery stenting with unprecedented deliverability, efficacy, and safety of these devices due in large part to improvements in second-generation drug-eluting stents. Although the early and late outcomes of coronary stent procedures have been extensively
Spatial Configuration and Social Life for People Experiencing Dementia

In this paper, we will focus on the important, facilitating role architectural design plays in social interaction within long-term care facilities. Social interaction is considered an essential therapeutic intervention for people with Dementia of Alzheimer’s Type (DAT). Here we apply space syntax as anobjective measure of environmental characteristics and whose body of knowledge shows that the physical environment affects social interaction, in turns affecting individual well-being. Two key characteristics related to social interaction are proximity and visibility and yet studies involving these concepts in Long-term Care Facilities (LTCF) are almost absent. This research hypothesizes that proximity and environmental visibility in social spaces — dining rooms and living rooms — found within LTCF-DATs may affect social interactions among residents. Almost 150 rounds of behavioral observations utilizing a field observation protocol including a behavior mapping technique were collected in the social spaces of three local LTCFs with different spatial configurations. By using the visibility and proximity metrics of space syntax, the locations of occurrence of various social activities in relation to the furniture layout on architectural floor plans has been identified. The observed data of the dementia residents that particularly related to the social activity, visibility and proximity metrics of space syntax were then analyzed. The results of this study show that the residents of the facilities were engaged in very low to low level ofsocial interactions in locations with better visibility and accessibility. However, for very high-level of social interactions, they preferred locations with less visibility and accessibility. This is an important, nuanced finding as it suggests that architectural configuration factors impact the type of conversations likely to occur in certain locations. A more enriched and differentiated spatial layout of social spaces in care facilities could generate positive consequences for social interactions, positive affect and overall well-being.
JaTE: Transparent and Efficient JavaScript Confinement

Inclusion of third-party scripts is a common practice, even among major sites handling sensitive data. The default browser security policies are ill-suited for securing web sites from vulnerable or malicious third-party scripts: the choice is between full privilege (
New Insights into Therapeutic Targets in Myeloma

Patient outcome in multiple myeloma (MM) has been remarkably improved due to the use of combination therapies including proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs, which target the tumor in its BM microenvironment. Ongoing efforts to improve the treatment paradigm even further include using oncogenomics to better characterize molecular pathogenesis and to develop refined patient stratification and personalized medicine in MM; using models of MM in its BM milieu to identify novel targets and to validate next-generation therapeutics directed at these targets; developing immune-based therapies including mAbs, immunotoxins targeting MM cells and cytokines, and novel vaccine strategies; and using functional oncogenomics to inform the design of novel combination therapies. With continued rapid evolution of progress in these areas, MM will be a chronic illness with sustained complete response in a significant number of patients.
Magneto-Optical Activity of Crystalline Nickel Sulfate, α -Hexahydrate

The dispersion of the Verdet constant of crystalline nickel sulfate, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-hexahydrate, has been measured through the visible spectrum. Temperature effect has also been investigated over a narrow range of temperatures. All measurements are made with the light path parallel to the optic axis of the crystal. The magnetic rotatory dispersion curve may be fitted by a single term electronic dispersion equation as suggested by Drude. Calculation on this basis indicates an active absorption band at 964A. The Verdet constant is found to be inversely proportional to the absolute temperature, throughout the range measured. The Verdet constant for the sodium D line is 0.0221 min./oersted-cm.
Nectar Feeding by Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae): Effects on Reproduction and Survival

Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), were offered one, two, or ad libitum meals of citrated bovine blood on a daily basis in combination with nectar (a 1:3 dilution of wild honey in water) at levels of none, one, or ad libitum each day. Reproduction during a 12-d period was depressed with ad libitum nectar to as low as 35% of flies receiving nectar once per day or not at all. Direct interference with blood hunger appeared to occur in nectar-fed stable flies. Female survivorship decreased 21–29% among flies receiving ad libitum nectar. Flies given blood ad libitum produced >55 and 40% more eggs than flies offered blood once or twice per day. In a separate experiment, the survivorship of adult flies given dilutions of purified sugars was measured. Statistically, the highest mean survival time was 8 d for flies fed trehalose, 5 times the length allowed by water alone. Fructose and melezitose were next, with life spans that were ≍4 times that of water-fed flies. Maltose, raffinose, glucose, sucrose, and melibiose meals extended life spans from 3 to 2 times that of water. The disturbance to reproduction that results from nectarophagous activities is discussed in view of the normal field activities of the species.
The Influences of Bovine Leukemia on Milk Quality and Yield within a Purebred Holstein Dairy Herd

Abstract Dairy Herd Improvement (OHI) and herd health records from 1981 through 1989 were used to assess the impact of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in a purebred Holstein herd with emphasis placed upon milk yield, percent fat, percent protein, and somatic cell counts (SCC). Completed lactations were stratified from 1 to 5 for comparison of variables. Only data of cows milking at least 210 d were analyzed, and data from all cows that seroconverted during the 8-yr period were not included. Seropositive (BL V +) cows produced more (P>0.05) milk during lactations 3 and 5 than seronegative (BLV-) cows with no significant differences in percent fat. Percent protein was significantly higher in 1 st lactation BLV- cows followed by increased SCC in milk during the 2nd lactation compared to BL V + cows. More research is needed to elucidate the manner by which BLV infection affected milk composition. Obviously the analyses conducted on milk yield, percent fat, percent protein, and SCC were the result of unique selection pressures that concentrated the higher producing BLV+ cows after the 2nd lactation. Superior BLV- cows were removed and sold for breeding stock, and those remaining were utilized to propagate more BLV-free offspring. Therefore, milk yield was indirectly influenced by the presence of BLV within this purebred dairy herd.
Cancer Mortality Risk Among Japanese in the United States

Earlier findings on cancer mortality experiences of Nisei and Issei were updated to around 1970. Compared with U.S. whites, Japanese in Japan had a high standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for cancers of the esophagus, stomach, biliary passages, and cervix, whereas they had low ratios for cancers of most other sites. Among U.S. Japanese, the direction and magnitude of the SMR transition varied by site, but generally the SMR moderated toward that of U.S. whites. Specifically, mortality from stomach cancer was elevated through the ratio has been reduced. In addition, mortality from cancers of the liver and biliary passages remained high. In contrast to a sharp decline in the SMR for esophageal cancer, the SMR for cancer of the colon and lymphomas rose closer to the levels for whites. The SMR for cancers of the ovary and prostate gland represented a rise above that of Japan. A higher Issei than Nisei SMR was observed for most cancer sites, regardless of the risk level in Japan. The reverse was true for cancers of the liver and nasopharynx among males, cancers of the breast and ovary among females, and lymphosarcoma and leukemia among both sexes.
A report of 131 cases of multifetal pregnancy reduction.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate multifetal pregnancy reduction as a treatment for patients seeking to reduce the risks of multiple gestation. METHODS One hundred thirty-one women had transabdominal multifetal pregnancy reduction performed by a single practitioner; 103 have delivered. RESULTS Multifetal pregnancy reduction was associated with a 7% pregnancy loss rate and no losses within the first 4 weeks after the procedure. The mean gestational age at delivery overall was 35.5 weeks. The mean gestational age at delivery for singletons was 37.5 weeks, for twins 35.5 weeks, and for triplets 35 weeks. The incidence of maternal and fetal complications was no more than that previously reported for nonreduced multiple gestations. CONCLUSIONS Multifetal pregnancy reduction is a safe option for patients who desire to reduce the risks of multiple gestation. The ultimate successful outcome of reduced pregnancies may be enhanced by extensive experience with the procedure.
Temperature-Programmed Desorption/Reaction

The measurement of the angular distribution of molecules desorbing from single crystal surfaces provides information on the dynamics of the desorption process. For desorption from completely equilibrated surface species, a cosine distribution is expected. However, often a noncosine distribution is observed, and this may be related to processes such as atom recombination at a point on a repulsive adsorbate-surface potential energy curve in the region of the transition state. A simple apparatus to measure the angular distribution is shown in Fig. 25.1a (Steinruck et al. in Surface Science 152/153:323, [1]).
VLSI Superconducting Particle Detectors

Superconductors exhibit many attractive properties for particle detection. Among these, spin sensitivity should be mentioned, as well as low threshold energy (as set by the superconducting energy gap or the critical temperature) and potentially high signal to noise ratio. The purpose of this paper is not to review these numerous applications, but rather to present the hotspot model and define its validity range. This concept leads to a class of superconducting detectors. Predictions on particle-induced switching of Josephson junctions and superconducting strips or wires are obtained from this hotspot model. These results agree well with experimental data from the literature. Finally, the propagating hotspot is suggested as a method for very high resolution particle position detection and imaging.
Thrips counts and disease incidence in response to reflective particle films and conservation tillage in cotton and peanut cropping systems

Feeding damage to seedling cotton and peanut inflicted by adult and immature thrips may result in stunted growth and delayed maturity. Furthermore, adult thrips can transmit Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) to seedling peanut, which reduces plant growth and yield. The objective of this research was to assess the efficacy of inert particle films, calcium carbonate or kaolin, in combination with conservation tillage, to reduce adult and immature thrips counts in cotton and peanut crops. Planting cotton or peanut into strip tillage utilizing a rolled rye winter cover crop significantly reduced immature thrips counts. Furthermore, plant damage ratings in cotton as well as TSWV incidence in peanut significantly decreased under conservation tillage. Aboveground cotton biomass and plant stand in cotton and peanut were unaffected by calcium carbonate or kaolin particle film applications. Within each week, immature thrips counts were unaffected by particle films, regardless of application rate. In cotton plots treated with kaolin, total Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) counts summed across weeks were significantly greater compared to the untreated control. For adult F. fusca counts at 3 weeks after planting, an interaction between tillage and particle film treatments was observed with fewer adult thrips in particle film and strip tillage treated peanut. Similarly, reduced TSWV incidence was observed in particle film-treated peanut grown using conservation tillage. Neither cotton nor peanut yields were affected by particle film treatments.
Variations in primary sclerosing cholangitis across the age spectrum

Background & Aim Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) typically develops in middle-age adults. Little is known about phenotypic differences when PSC is diagnosed at various ages. Therefore, we sought to compare the clinical characteristics of a large PSC cohort based on the age when PSC was diagnosed. Methods We performed a multicenter retrospective review to compare the features of PSC among those diagnosed between 1-19 years (yrs) (n = 95), 20-59 yrs (n = 662), and 60-79 yrs (n = 102). Results Those with an early diagnosis (ED) PSC were more likely to have small duct PSC (13%) versus those with a middle age diagnosis (MD) (5%) and late diagnosis (LD) groups (2%), p < 0.01 and appeared to have a decrease risk of hepatobiliary malignancies: ED vs. MD: HR, 0.25; 95% CI 0.06-1.03 and ED vs LD: HR, 0.07; 95% CI 0.01-0.62. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) was diagnosed in 78 subjects (ED n = 0; MD n = 66, LD n = 12) and was more likely to be diagnosed within a year after the PSC diagnosis among those found to have PSC late in life: ED 0% (0/95), MD 2% (14/662), LD 6% (6/102), p = 0.02. Similarly, hepatic decompensation was more common among those with LD PSC versus younger individuals: LD vs. MD: HR,1.64; 95% CI 0.98-2.70 and LD vs ED: HR, 2.26; 95% CI 1.02-5.05. Conclusions Those diagnosed with PSC early in life are more likely to have small duct PSC and less likely to have disease related complications. Clinicians should be vigilant for underlying CCA among those with PSC diagnosed late in life.