cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Canadian and American Sex Therapists' Perceptions of Normal and Abnormal Ejaculatory Latencies: How Long Should Intercourse Last?

ABSTRACT Introduction Lay public perceptions about how long intercourse should last are discrepant from objective data on ejaculatory latencies. This may be problematic as the subjective interpretation of latency is a factor related to perceived distress with length of intercourse. Aim Quantify the opinion of expert sex therapists as to what are “adequate,”“desirable,”“too short,” and “too long” intravaginal ejaculatory latencies. Method A random sample of members of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research in the United States and Canada was surveyed. Main Outcome Measure Intravaginal ejaculatory latency, in minutes, for four different conditions: coitus that lasts an amount of time that is “adequate,”“desirable,”“too short,” and “too long.” Results The interquartile range for the sex therapists' opinions regarding an “adequate” length for ejaculatory latency was from 3 to 7 minutes; “desirable” from 7 to 13 minutes; “too short” from 1 to 2 minutes; “too long” from 10 to 30 minutes. Conclusions Therapists' beliefs about ejaculatory latencies were consistent with objective data on ejaculatory latency and were not affected by therapist demographic characteristics such as sex or experience. These results suggest that the average sex therapist believes that intercourse that lasts 3 to 13 minutes is normative and not prima facie worthy of clinical concern. Dissemination to the public of these results may change lay expectations for intravaginal ejaculatory latency and prevent distress. These results may also be beneficial to couples in treatment for sexual problems by normalizing expectations. Corty EW, and Guardiani JM. Canadian and American sex therapists' perceptions of normal and abnormal ejaculatory latencies: How long should intercourse last?
Hardware companions?: what online AIBO discussion forums reveal about the human-robotic relationship

In this study, we investigated people's relationships with AIBO, a robotic pet, through 6,438 spontaneous postings in online AIBO discussion forums. Results showed that AIBO psychologically engaged this group of participants, particularly by drawing forth conceptions of technological essences (75%), life-like essences (49%), mental states (60%), and social rapport (59%). However, participants seldom attributed moral standing to AIBO (e.g., that AIBO deserves respect, has rights, or can be held morally accountable for action). Our discussion focuses on how robotic pets (now and in the future) may (a) challenge traditional boundaries (e.g. between who or what can possess feelings), (b) extend our conceptions of self, companionship, and community, and (c) begin to replace interactions with live pets. We also discuss a concern that people in general, and children in particular, may fall prey to accepting robotic pets without the moral responsibilities (and moral developmental outcomes) that real, reciprocal companionship and cooperation involves. This research contributes to a growing literature on the human-robotic relationship.
Life History and Ecology of the Humpback Chub in the Little Colorado and Colorado Rivers of the Grand Canyon

Abstract Humpback chubs Gila cypha in the Little Colorado River, a warm saline tributary to the Colorado River, grew rapidly to about 250–300 mm total length at 3 years of age, the onset of reproductive maturity for female fish. Fish spawned in April or May; annual reproductive success was greatest when spawning coincided with seasonal river runoff. Meristic characters of humpback chubs from the upper 8 km of the river differed from those of fish from the adjacent lower 5-km river reach, and suggested that some genes of bonytail Gila elegans may occur in the latter population. Use of the physical habitat by age-0 and juvenile humpback chubs was affected by light intensity; shallow littoral areas were used during darkness, but during daylight only when the water was turbid. No evidence of humpback chub reproduction was found in the Colorado River part of the study area; small humpback chubs collected there resulted from spawning in the Little Colorado River. Year-round low temperatures in the Colorado Rive...
Nonteratogenicity of Veratrum californicum in rabbits

An attempt to induce teratogenesis in an inbred colony of New Zealand White rabbits with Veratrum californicum has been made. The crude plants were ground and pelleted in a 50-50 mixture with normal rabbit rations and fed to pregnant does for 15 to 24 days of the gestation period. The incidence of fetal malformation and resorptions was found to be not significantly different than the established incidence for the colony.
Gamma-ray pulsar detection using reconfigurable computing hardware

This paper presents a method to detect gamma-ray pulsars using a fast folding algorithm (Staelin, 1969) mapped onto reconfigurable hardware. In contrast, existing techniques require gigapoint complex FFTs. the algorithm has been written in Streams-C and compiled with the sc2 compiler to the target Annapolis Micro Systems (AMS) Firebird board (Xilinx Virtex E processor). To accelerate detection of new gamma-ray pulsars, the sc2 compiler generates a hardware implementation of the algorithm for finding periodicities in data sets. The data to be analyzed comes from a high-energy gamma-ray telescope onboard a spacecraft. This astrophysics application poses a "good example" of the use of a high level reconfigurable computing tool such as sc2 to accelerate an algorithm because it uses real satellite data, the algorithm can be parallelized, and was originally validated using a high level scientific language, IDL. By recasting the algorithm into Streams-C, the scientific software developer can create a hardware implementation on a reconfigurable computing platform. We describe the fast folding algorithm, the Streams-C implementation, and discuss techniques to optimize performance within the Streams-C framework. The compiler-generated hardware delivers approximately 3X to 6X speed up over a comparable 800MHz general-purpose processor doing the software-only algorithm.
Type Inference and Implicit Scaling

We describe a novel application of subtyping in which a small orthogonal set of structural subtyping rules are used to capture the notion of scaling—an unusual variety of polymorphism found in APL-like languages which is attracting renewed interest due to its applications in data parallel programming. The subtyping approach allows us to provide a simple coercion-based semantics for a generalized interpretation of scaling that goes well beyond what is available in APL dialects.
Brownian Bridge Movement Models to Characterize Birds' Home Ranges

Abstract. A Brownian bridge movement model (BBMM) is a relatively new concept that estimates the path of an animal's movement probabilistically from data recorded at brief intervals. A BBMM assumes that locations are not independent, whereas the “classical” kernel-density estimator (KDE) assumes they are. We estimated BBMM home ranges for 11 Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) and 7 Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) equipped with satellite transmitters near Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, from October 2006 to November 2008. The 95% BBMM home ranges (95% BBMM) of the two Black Vultures that traveled >100 km from the capture site were 833 and 2111 km2; of the nine that did not travel as far, 95% BBMM ranged from 33 to 778 km2 and averaged (± SE) 243 ± 76 km2. The majority of Turkey Vultures (n = 6) traveled >100 km from the capture site with 95% BBMM ranging from 923 to 7058 km2 and averaging 3173 ± 1109 km2. We also estimated KDE home ranges, using newer satellite technology for comparison ...
Survey Accuracy as a Function of Usage Rate

Using a large-scale AT&T database, we decompose usage levels into frequency and duration, and then investigate how they affect survey response accuracy. Results show that more accurate surveys are obtained from those in the high frequency group (possibly because of the increased use of the more accurate rate-based method of recall and higher degrees of regularity), and from those in the longer duration group (possibly because of increased involvement). We therefore suggest that the survey method is less suited for light users because of higher error, and that alternative methods such as diaries might be more appropriate. We also found similarly consistent results with respect to self-perception of usage rate and the accuracy of survey recall.
How “Safe” Should Libraries Be?

Contemporary American society seems fraught with concern over our lack of “safety” – whether in the form of national security (USA PATRIOT Act, fighting terrorism internally and abroad, building the nation’s economic underpinnings, etc.) or individual security (identity theft, Child Internet Protection Act, criminal background checks available online, etc.). We are both fascinated and frightened by the growing global community and the global information infrastructure, and we are struggling to find our place in it: individually, socially, ethically, and legally. Safety has turned from an American assumption into the consuming American question, and this change is transforming our culture, for good and for ill.
Awareness of Symptoms and Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer in a Population of Women and Healthcare Providers

Background Awareness of ovarian cancer among women and healthcare providers is understudied. An early awareness of ovarian cancer may lead to early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the level of that awareness among a sample of women and providers. Methods Written surveys were developed by the authors based on available literature and were administered to women (n = 857) and healthcare providers (n = 188) attending or volunteering at a community health fair. Chi-square tests for independence and z tests were used for analysis. Findings Healthcare providers were significantly more likely to identify the symptoms and risk factors for ovarian cancer. Forty percent of women reported being at least slightly familiar with the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Women who were familiar with symptoms were significantly more likely to identify symptoms and risk factors correctly and to report symptoms immediately to a provider. Identification of symptoms among healthcare providers ranged from 59%-93%. Identification of ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors is poor among women, and knowledge deficits are present in providers. Increasing familiarity and awareness could lead to improvements in early diagnosis.
Realizm i utopia w The Wire

Frederic Jameson* Podzial na gatunki jest niezbednym elementem kultury masowej bądź komercyjnej, tymczasem w ponowoczesności staje sie on coraz bardziej zlozony i hybrydowy. Dla przykladu, czy The Wire to serial o pracy policji [police procedural]? Bez wątpienia, ale to rowniez pewna wersja opowieści o zorganizowanej przestepczości. Wiekszośc aktorow i bohaterow jest czarna, z czego jednak […]
Riders for Health: An African Success

Riders for Health is an independent UK-based NGO that operates in a number of African countries. Its focus is on the health sector, particularly in developing ways of adapting and maintaining transport systems that are uniquely suited to African terrain and conditions. Although officially a non-profit organization, Riders operates on a business model that charges governments and NGOs for its services and uses the income for organizational growth and development. By 2007 Riders for Health had national-level projects in five countries, employing 230 individuals, managing 1,274 vehicles, and reaching an impressive 10.8 million individuals with more and better healthcare services.This brief paper studies the Riders model and analyzes and evaluates the impact of the organization. Possible avenues of further research are briefly alluded to in the concluding section.
Effects of PAMAM Dendrimer Salt Solutions on Protein Stability

Dendrimers are widely used for biological applications. However, their effect on protein stability has not been studied extensively. Typically, charged cationic dendrimers such as PAMAM dendrimers tend to destabilize proteins due to the cooperative binding of surface groups to the protein surface. We have studied the effect of PAMAM dendrimer salt solutions on protein stability both experimentally and computationally. We show that the effect of dendrimers on protein stability depends on the choice of counterion (e.g., dihydrogen phosphate salts reduce the rate of protein aggregation, while chloride salts increase the rate of protein aggregation). In the presence of dihydrogen phosphate and sulfate counterions, the binding of dendrimers to the protein surface is limited (when compared to chloride and thiocyanate), which enhances the conformational stability of proteins. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that has shown that PAMAM dendrimer salts can significantly suppress the ag...
Military Imaging Systems in the US Navy

Unique compared to the other services, the Navy is responsible for more warfighting platforms such as Ships, Submarines, Aircraft, Ground Vehicles, and dismounted Marines. In this presentation, we provide an overview of different military imaging technologies associated with these Navy platforms. We provide examples of materials, components, and systems that are under development and describe some of the challenges for future Navy imaging systems.
Etching of surfactant from solution-processed, type-separated carbon nanotubes and impact on device behavior.

Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have great potential for use in electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, methods for synthesizing SWCNTs produce a mixture of metallic and semiconducting materials, which require additional processing to separate by electronic type. Purification and enrichment of the semiconducting fraction is readily achieved by using the centrifugation of aqueous suspensions of SWCNTs with the help of surfactants, but this leaves residual surfactant on the SWCNT surface that can impact their electronic and optical properties. Here, we present a detailed study of the sodium taurodeoxycholate (STDC) surfactant removal process during vacuum annealing, showing that it occurs through fragmentation of the surfactant, and that complete removal requires exceedingly high temperatures, which indicates strong binding to the SWCNTs. We then present an approach based on air oxidation and mild annealing to completely remove the surfactant while maintaining the SWCNT proper...
A Rachet Model of Advertising Carryover Effects

Previous research [13, 16] has indicated that advertising expenditures in previous periods influence sales in the current period. Two types of carryover phenomena may be at work [11]. First, the delayed response effect occurs whenever there is an interval between the time the advertising expenditures are made and the time the resultant sales are recorded. Second, the customer holdover effect is operant whenever current advertising expenditures create new consumers who make repeat purchases in future periods. The carryover effect usually is measured by means of an econometric model. Sales (s) is expressed as a function of lagged values of the advertising variable (a). The sales response function is represented by a multiplicative functional form rather than a linear one in order to permit diminishing returns to scale. A log-log transformation makes this relationship linear:
Effects of angiotensin II on blood flow to choroid plexus.

The choroid plexus contains receptors for angiotensin II and a very high concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that angiotensin II decrea...
Effectiveness of Warranted Asphalt Pavements in Indiana

Since 1996, warranted asphalt pavements have been placed on a trial basis in Indiana in an attempt to improve pavement performance, increase quality, and prevent premature failures. The initial capital costs of these pavements have been higher than those of similar nonwarranted asphalt pavements, however. Because of this, an assessment of the benefits of warranted asphalt pavements should include an evaluation of their performance life and initial and maintenance costs. This study examined the performance of asphalt pavement warranties by comparing international roughness index and rutting data for both warranted and nonwarranted asphalt pavements. The distribution of pavement performance data was investigated and deterioration curves were developed. Initial costs for both types of projects were estimated and compared, along with short- and long-term maintenance expenditures. The results indicated that, overall, the warranted asphalt pavements performed more efficiently than similar nonwarranted asphalt p...
Design Challenges For Distributed Power Systems

Remarkable progresses have been made over the past decade in power conversion technologies, including advanced power semiconductor devices, power management ICs, innovative circuit topologies, and packaging and integrated system solutions. These technological advancements have been manifested in a wide range of products and applications with ever increasing performances, efficiency, and power density. This paper highlights some of the challenges and opportunities of power conversion technologies in the Distributed Power System (DPS) for computer, telecommunication and network products. Topics discussed in this paper include improved EMI filter design techniques to mitigate the detrimental effects of filter/converter parasitics; impacts of the operating frequency of PFC to the size and weight of EMI filter; power conversion architecture and potential simplification; high-frequency high-density AC/DC and DC/DC topologies and designs; bus converters; as well as non-isolated point- of -load converters
Sounding Out Les Misérables

Les Miserables is unusual for novels of its period in giving almost no indication of its characters’ pronunciation of French. The omission is striking in a work that highlights slang usage and incl...
Daunorubicin Dose Intensification during Treatment of Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Final Results from Cancer and Leukemia Group B Study 19802.

For the past decade, survival (S) for adults with ALL has remained at 30–40% despite achieving high complete remission (CR) rates of 70–90%. CALGB 19802 was designed to test the hypothesis that dose intensification of daunorubicin (D) and cytarabine (Ara-C) could improve disease-free survival (DFS) and that aggressive high dose intravenous (IV), oral (PO) and intrathecal (IT) methotrexate (MTX) could replace cranial irradiation (RT) for central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis. Treatment consisted of 6 monthly courses of intensive therapy followed by 18 mos of maintenance. In pts 2 on days 1–3 (used in prior CALGB ALL studies) to 60 and then to 80 mg/m 2 /day X 3. In pts ≥ 60 yrs, D was increased from 30 to 60 mg/m 2 /day X 3. High-dose Ara-C and CNS prophylaxis with IV, PO, and IT MTX were given in post-remission modules for all pts with a goal of targeting serum methotrexate levels to be 1–2 μM at 30 hours following the IV MTX infusion. No cranial RT was given. From 1/99–1/01, 163 adults with untreated ALL were enrolled. Median age was 40 yrs (range, 16–82) and 33 (20%) were ≥ 60 yrs old; 61% were male. Of 127 centrally reviewed cases, 100 (79%) were precusor B-cell; 19 (15%) precursor T-cell; and 8 (7%) were bilineal or biphenotypic. A large proportion, 46 (46%) of 100 centrally reviewed and evaluable cases, had poor risk cytogenetics as defined in prior CALGB studies: 31 with t(9;22), 7 with t(4;11), 6 with −7 and 2 with +8. With a median follow-up of 4.4 years, the S and, especially DFS, for pts 2 vs 60 mg/m 2 . The outcome of all 163 evaluable pts is summarized below: Disease progression during treatment occurred in 43 (26%) and 20 (12%) were removed for alternative therapies including 16 pts who received allo-SCT in CR1. Relapses have occurred in 84 (66%) pts; of these, 10 (8%) were isolated CNS relapses. CNS relapses tended to occur more frequently in pts with hour 30 serum MTX levels of 30,000/μl nor adverse cytogenetics were significantly associated with worse outcomes. Higher levels of minimal residual disease (MRD) using quantitative clone specific PCR following induction therapy was predictive of inferior DFS (p = .02). In conclusion, omission of CNS irradiation did not result in higher CNS relapse rates than what has been reported in prior CALGB studies; furthermore, adjustment of MTX dosing to achieve targeted serum MTX levels may reduce the risk of CNS relapse. Younger pts who received 80 mg/m 2 D had improved DFS and S. However, in contrast to other reports, the differences were not statistically significant. Thus, risk-adapted approaches to eradication of MRD using new agents and/or biologically targeted therapies should be incorporated into front-line treatment of ALL.
Korean Wave| K-Pop in Latin America: Transcultural Fandom and Digital Mediation

This article examines the transnational popularity of K-pop in Latin America. It argues K-pop as a subculture that transforms into transcultural fandom via digital mediation, further resulting in its accommodation into Latin American mass culture. The article further engages in a critical analysis of K-pop fan activism in Latin America to explore the transcultural dynamics of K-pop fandom. In doing so, the article provides a more holistic approach to the study of the Korean Wave in Latin America within the different “scapes” of globalization.
Case of a Girl with Vaginal Discharge Who Has Sex with Girls

Adolescent women who have sex with women (WSW) and men (WSWM) are a unique group of girls with diverse sexual experiences. Despite having female sexual partners, these girls may be at increased risk for unplanned pregnancies and STIs as many WSW also have sex with men. Sexual histories for these girls should include gender neutral terms, open-ended questions, details of sexual behaviors, and gender of sexual partners. These histories should be conducted in a manner that facilitates honesty and trust while ensuring confidentiality. Heterosexuality should never be assumed. Problematic vaginal discharge from bacterial vaginosis and candida vulvovaginitis may be common complaints among these girls. Adolescent WSW should be offered routine chlamydia screening, HIV testing, and contraception counseling (including LARCs), encouraged to use barrier contraceptive methods, and screened for depression and intimate partner violence. Additionally, referrals to LGBTQ peer support groups may also be helpful in ensuring the wellbeing of these girls.
Squamous Carcinoma of the Bladder: Treatment by Radical Cystectomy

AbstractAnalysis of records and microscopic slides from 33 patients with pure squamous carcinoma of the bladder who underwent radical cystectomy and lymphadenectomy disclosed a 5-year survival rate of 48 per cent. This survival rate correlated closely with pathologic stage and histologic grade of tumor and was significantly better than for each corresponding stage of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The favorable survival rate and reasonably low operative mortality rate support aggressive therapy for this uncommon lesion.
ORBITAL SYMMETRY AND SUBSTITUTION-RATE EFFECTS ON REDOX REACTIONS: Ru(III)-Ti(III) ELECTRON TRANSFERS

Two main factors which govern rates of Ti(III) redox reactions which follow the inner-sphere mechanism are rates of substitution on Ti(III) and the extent of cross-bridge electronic interaction within the binuclear intermediate. Cross-bridge electronic interaction is more effective in Ru(III)-Ti(III) reactions than in Co(III)-Ti(III) reactions. Rate-limitation by substitution processes is therefore more important in the former case. Rate data are reported for a number of inner-sphere and outer-sphere Ru(III)-Ti(III) redox reactions.
Law and the Dead Body: Is a Corpse a Person or a Thing?

The central puzzle of the law of the dead is that a corpse is both a person and a thing. A dead human body is a material object—a messy, maybe dangerous, perhaps valuable, often useful, and always ...
Basics of Control for Vibration Suppression

This chapter introduces basic concepts from control for suppressing vibrations in structures. These concepts set the background for integrating smart materials into vibration problems for measurement, suppression and monitoring.
Patient Selection and Surgical Approach to Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastases

Despite the relatively indolent course of neuroendocrine tumor (NETs), the incidence of NET liver metastases (NETLMs) is relatively common in patients with NETs. The surgical approach to NETLMs is based upon proper patient selection, the distribution of lesions, percent of liver replacement, and the ability to achieve significant cytoreduction. Goals of therapy are symptom improvement, as well as increased progression-free and overall survival. While other modalities such as systemic therapy, embolic approaches, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) may slow progression and occasionally show objective responses, surgical debulking leads to the most immediate and potentially substantive reduction in tumor volume.
Effect of cooled perches on physiological parameters of caged White Leghorn hens exposed to cyclic heat

ABSTRACT We assessed the effects of water-chilled perches as a cooling device on the physiological parameters of caged laying hens exposed to 2 cyclic heating episodes. White Leghorns, 17 wk of age, were randomly assigned to 36 cages of 6 banks placed in the same room. Each bank was randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: cooled perch (CP), air perch (AP), and no perch (CTRL) resulting in 2 replicate banks and 12 cages per treatment. Chilled water (10°C) circulated through the CP during heat periods when hens were 21 wk to 35 wk and 73 wk to 80 wk of age, respectively. During the heating episodes, hens were submitted to a daily cyclic temperature regimen of 35°C (0600 h to 1800 h) and 28°C (1800 h to 0600 h). Rectal temperature, packed cell volume, heterophil to lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, and plasma levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, immunoglobulin (Ig) Y, interferon (IFN)-γ, and heat shock protein (HSP) 70 were measured on the last day of the 2 heating episodes. At the end of the first heating episode, CP hens had lower rectal temperature (P = 0.02) than both AP and CTRL hens. The CP hens also had lower HSP 70 (P = 0.04) than CTRL hens but not AP hens. At the end of the second heating episode, the CP hens had lower rectal temperature (P = 0.02) and circulating H/L ratio (P = 0.01) than both AP and CTRL hens. The CP hens also had higher levels of T3 (P = 0.002) and T3/T4 ratio (P = 0.0006) than CTRL hens but not AP hens, with a greater packed cell volume than AP hens (P = 0.02) but not CTRL hens. Cytokines and IgY levels were similar among treatments. These results indicate that CP hens were better able to cope with cyclic heat stress than CTRL and sometimes AP hens as noted by the beneficial effects on rectal temperature, thyroid activity, HSP, and H/L ratio.
Make It So: Mission Statements in Library Technical Services Units

For decades, libraries have used mission statements as a tool to inform patrons about their services and mission. Some library units use the same tool to communicate their services to the other units within the library and to external stakeholders. A survey sent out to the AUTOCAT and OCLC-CAT listservs collected information from librarians and staff about their technical services related mission statements. Copies of the mission statements were requested as part of the survey. The information gathered from this exploratory study provides an initial, broad view of how library technical services use mission statements, which could spark further research.
4-Chlorobenzoate Metabolism by Acinetobacter SP. 4-CB 1 and Its Relevance to Biodegradation of 4,4′-Dichlorobiphenyl

A microorganism was isolated from a PCB-contaminated soil by liquid culture enrichment on 4-chlorobenzoate (4-CB) as a sole source of carbon and energy. It was identified as an Acinetobacter sp. The pure culture was able to grow on benzoate, 4-hydroxybenzoate, 3-hydroxybenzoate, and mixtures of 3-chlorobenzoate + 3-hydroxybenzoate and 2-chlorobenzoate + 2-hydroxybenzoate. No growth was observed on 2-hydroxybenzoate, 2-chlorobenzoate, and 3-chlorobenzoate as the sole carbon and energy sources. Oxygen uptake measurements with resting cells, grown on benzoate or 4-chlorobenzoate, yielded low oxygen uptake rates with 4-hydroxybenzoate or protocatechuate, as compared to uptake rates of 4-hydroxybenzoate-grown cells (about 10%). This indicates that 4-CB degradation does not follow the protocatechuate pathway and that dechlorination of the aromatic ring is unlikely. The rate of oxygen uptake of resting cells grown on 4-CB was in the following order: 4-chlorobenzoate > 2-chlorobenzoate > 3-chlorobenzoate. Aerobic assays with cells grown on each of the previously mentioned substrates were performed over an incubation period of four hours to check substrate disappearance and chloride release. Acinetobacter P6 (Furukawa et al., 1979) was incubated with 0.5 mM 4,4′-dichlorobiphenyl (4,4′-DCB) and 2.0 mM biphenyl in liquid culture alone and in co-culture with Acinetobacter sp. 4-CB 1. Whereas 4-CB accumulated in the monoculture, no 4-CB was found in the co-culture.
ISOLATION AND PARTIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF β-LIKE GLOBIN GENES FROM TOTAL GENOMIC GOAT DNA

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on isolation and partial characterization of β-like globin genes from total genomic goat DNA. Total genomic DNA from the spleen of a juvenile goat was partially digested with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI and the 12–22 kbp size class was isolated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. This DNA was ligated to Charon 4A DNA following removal of the internal phage DNA fragments produced by EcoRI digestion, and the resulting recombinant DNA was packaged into infectious phage particles and grown on E. coli DP50 supF. Recombinant clones containing globin gene sequences were identified by hybridization to 32P-labeled globin complementary DNA. Four different clones were isolated. Characterization of the clones involved localization of the globin gene sequences by restriction enzyme mapping, Southern blotting techniques, and electron microscopic observation of R-loops formed by hybridization to goat globin mRNA. Cell-free translation of globin mRNA isolated by hybridization to the recombinant DNAs demonstrated that only β-like sequences were present in the clones.
Reactivation of BK virus after double umbilical cord blood transplantation in adults correlates with impaired reconstitution of CD4 + and CD8 + T effector memory cells and increase of T regulatory cells.

Abstract BK virus (BKV), a human polyomavirus that remains latent in renal epithelial cells, can be reactivated after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) leading to hemorrhagic cystitis. The incidence of BK viremia is higher after Umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) than HSCT from adult donors. Data regarding the role of immune recovery after UCBT in BKV reactivation is lacking. We examined the correlation between the development of BK viremia and immune reconstitution in 27 adult recipients of UCBT. The incidence of BK viremia was 52% and developed most frequently within the first 8 weeks after the transplantation, but persisted in seven patients at 6 months, and three patients at 1-year post UCBT. Detection of BK viremia 1 year after transplant was negatively associated with the number of CD8+ cells (p = 0.03) and CD8+CD45RO+ cells (p = 0.05) at 6 months, and the number of CD4+ (p = 0.03) and CD4+CD45RO+ cells (p = 0.03) at 12 months after UCBT. Conversely, BK viremia at 6 and 12 months was positively correlated with the number of T regulatory (Treg) cells at 1 month (p = 0.005 and p = 0.016, respectively). Because UCB Treg have highly potent immunosuppressive function, our findings indicate that sustained BK viremia in UCBT recipients might be associated with the increase of Treg cells early after transplantation, which mediate impaired and delayed reconstitution of CD4+ and CD8+ T effector cells.
Spatial navigation ability predicts progression of dementia symptomatology.

INTRODUCTION Spatial navigation deficits are observed in Alzheimer's disease cross-sectionally, but prediction of longitudinal clinical decline has been less examined. METHODS Cognitive mapping (CM) was assessed in 95 participants and route learning (RL) was assessed in 65 participants at baseline. Clinical progression over an average of 4 to 5 years was assessed using the clinical dementia rating (CDR) scale. Relative predictive ability was compared to episodic memory, hippocampus, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers (phosphorylated tau/amyloid β 42 (ptau181 /Aβ42 ) ratio). RESULTS CM and RL were predictors of clinical progression (P's < 0.032). All measures, except RL-Learning remained predictors with episodic memory in models (P's < 0.048). Only RL-Retrieval remained a predictor when ptau181 /Aβ42 was included (P < 0.001). CM interacted with hippocampus and ptau181 /Aβ42 in prediction (P's < 0.013). CM, RL, and episodic memory evidenced strong diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.894, 0.794, and 0.735, respectively); CM tended to perform better than episodic memory (P = 0.056). DISCUSSION Baseline spatial navigation performance may be appropriate for assessing risk of clinical progression.
Improved residual fat malabsorption and growth in children with cystic fibrosis treated with a novel oral structured lipid supplement: A randomized controlled trial.

Background In the primary analysis of a 12-month double-blind randomized active placebo-controlled trial, treatment of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and pancreatic insufficiency (PI) with a readily absorbable structured lipid (Encala™, Envara Health, Wayne, PA) was safe, well-tolerated and improved dietary fat absorption (stool coefficient of fat absorption [CFA]), growth, and plasma fatty acids (FA). Objective To determine if the Encala™ treatment effect varied by severity of baseline fat malabsorption. Methods Subjects (n = 66, 10.5±3.0 yrs, 39% female) with baseline CFA who completed a three-month treatment with Encala™ or a calorie and macronutrient-matched placebo were included in this subgroup analysis. Subjects were categorized by median baseline CFA: low CFA (<88%) and high CFA (≥88%). At baseline and 3-month evaluations, CFA (72-hour stool, weighed food record) and height (HAZ), weight (WAZ) and BMI (BMIZ) Z-scores were calculated. Fasting plasma fatty acid (FA) concentrations were also measured. Results Subjects in the low CFA subgroup had significantly improved CFA (+7.5±7.2%, mean 86.3±6.7, p = 0.002), and reduced stool fat loss (-5.7±7.2 g/24 hours) following three months of EncalaTM treatment. These subjects also had increased plasma linoleic acid (+20%), α-linolenic acid (+56%), and total FA (+20%) (p≤0.005 for all) concentrations and improvements in HAZ (0.06±0.08), WAZ (0.17±0.16), and BMIZ (0.20±0.25) (p≤0.002 for all). CFA and FA were unchanged with placebo in the low CFA group, with some WAZ increases (0.14±0.24, p = 0.02). High CFA subjects (both placebo and Encala™ groups) had improvements in WAZ and some FA. Conclusions Subjects with CF, PI and more severe fat malabsorption experienced greater improvements in CFA, FA and growth after three months of Encala™ treatment. Encala™ was safe, well-tolerated and efficacious in patients with CF and PI with residual fat malabsorption and improved dietary energy absorption, weight gain and FA status in this at-risk group.
Brief report: Caregiver perceptions of autism practices

Abstract Background Unsubstantiated practices continue to be viewed as viable options by caregivers, despite the existence of evidence-based practices. The purpose of this study was to better understand factors that influence caregivers’ acceptance of various practices for their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods Primary aims were addressed using survey methodology. Caregivers of children with ASD (N = 75) read texts describing eight practices for intervening or treating aspects of ASD: four evidence-based practices (EBP) and four unsubstantiated practices. The text presentation was based on a 2 × 2 within-subjects factorial design with practice status (EBP or unsubstantiated) and source credibility (credible or non-credible) as the independent variables. For each text, caregivers reported on their familiarity with the practice and the extent to which they approve of the practice described. Results Caregivers were more familiar with unsubstantiated practices than with EBPs but reported higher approval of EBPs. The main effect of source credibility on caregiver approval ratings was not significant. A significant interaction was observed between practice status and source credibility. Caregivers were more likely to approve of unsubstantiated practices endorsed by credible sources and, similarly, of EBPs endorsed by non-credible sources. Conclusion Understanding how caregivers perceive of ASD practices is the first step in developing trainings aimed at teaching them to be savvy consumers of autism information. These are preliminary findings based on a probabilistic sample. Readers are cautioned about applying these findings to the broader caregiver population. Future research directions are discussed.
L’ibadisme dans les sociétés de l’islam médiéval: Modèles et interactions: edited by Cyrille Aillet [Studies in the History and Culture of the Middle East 33], Berlin and Boston, MA, Walter de Gruyter, 2018, xii + 377 pp., €87.00/$99.00/₤79.00 (hardback), ISBN 978-3-11-058379-3; 978-3-11-058439-4 (PDF); 978-3-11-058416-5 (EPUB)

This volume is a welcome contribution to the small but growing field of Ibāḍī studies. Ibāḍism represents the third main branch of Islam, after Sunnism and Shīʿism. It is the only surviving sect of...
Climate-Smart Fiscal Policy Can Foster a Lasting Economic Recovery

The recession and debt distress accompanying coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pose serious threats to governments' ability to invest in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, raising the specter of another lost decade for climate action. However, fiscal policy can be designed to simultaneously stabilize the economy and public finances while advancing sustainable development.
Mob Censorship: Online Harassment of US Journalists in Times of Digital Hate and Populism

Rising numbers of online attacks against journalists have been documented globally. Female, minority reporters and journalists who cover issues interwoven with right-wing identity anchors have been...
Convex–Concave Decomposition of Nonlinear Equality Constraints in Optimal Control

In optimal control and optimization problems where partial convexity already exists, it is highly desirable to reformulate the nonconvex parts of the problem in a way amendable to the use of a conv...
U.N. Peacekeeping in a Time of Pandemic

In addition to the initiative of the UN Secretary General to pause hostilities around the world --- and the dangers that such hostilities inherently raise for U.N. peacekeeping operations --- COVID-19 is having a significant impact on how those operations are being conducted. The pandemic has presented new challenges for U.N. peacekeeping forces to keep themselves safe from the coronavirus, while also seeking to facilitate peace in troubled areas. Working with the WHO and others, the United Nations has developed extensive guidelines for dealing with the pandemic not only in its headquarters in New York, Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi, but throughout the world, including its 13 current peacekeeping missions. These missions currently involve 95,000 military and police personnel from some 34 countries wearing Blue Helmets, mostly in Africa.
Variability and Potential Determinants of Assisted Living State Regulatory Stringency.

Abstract Objectives We examined state variations in assisted living (AL) regulatory policies for admission/retention, staffing/training, medication management, and dementia care. Factors associated with domain-specific and overall regulatory stringency were identified. Design This observational study used the following data sources: 2019 review of state AL regulations; 2019 national inventory of AL communities; 2014 Government Accountability Office survey of Medicaid agencies; 2016 Genworth Cost of Care Survey; and the 2018 Nursing Home Compare. Setting and Participants Final analyses included 46 states (excluding Alaska, Kentucky, Louisiana, and West Virginia) and the District of Columbia. Methods For each regulatory domain of interest (dependent variables), we generated policy scores by conducting content analysis of state regulatory databases. States were assigned points for presence of each policy (eg, staff training). The number of points assigned to each policy was divided by the total possible number of policy-related points, producing state stringency scores (between 0% and 100%) for each policy domain. Independent variables included market-level characteristics (eg, AL monthly cost), state generosity (eg, proportion of Medicaid aged using AL services), quality of care (eg, percent of nursing homes with few deficiencies), and others. Descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression models with stepwise selection were used. Results We found significant variations in all policy domains across states. No single policy appeared to clearly dominate a state's rank. AL bed supply, monthly AL cost, proportion of Medicaid beneficiaries receiving AL services, and other variables were significantly associated with regulatory stringency of the domains examined. Conclusions and Implications There were substantial variations in regulatory stringency across states. Several market and state generosity measures were identified as potential determinants of stringency, but the direction of these associations appeared to depend on what was being regulated. Future studies should examine how regulatory stringency affects access to and care quality in ALs.
The interplay of female empowerment and subjective beliefs about women in 51 countries

The durability of gender inequality in contemporary societies raises questions about the development and diffusion of inegalitarian beliefs about the roles of men and women in politics and economic...
Dynamic Response to Time-Dependent External Excitations

An advanced theoretical model pertaining to sandwich structures characterized by anisotropic laminated facings and a weak orthotropic core is addressed, in regard to the dynamic response problem. In this regard, several time-dependent external pressure pulses are considered which lend themself to a closed form solution, for both the eigenfrequencies and the dynamic response problem, utilizing the Laplace transform and the extended Galerkin method. Finally, a detailed analysis considering the influence of several parameters is conducted, with numerical results covering a broad spectrum of responses to various material or geometrical configurations presented with a thorough discussion of the results.
AVMA-Pfizer Business Practices Study

The goal of the AVMA-Pfizer business practices study was to identify management behaviors, attitudes and actions that had an impact on the incomes of practicing veterinarians. In March 2004, a survey was sent via mail and the World Wide Web to a random sample of 17,063 practicing veterinarians, including 2,255 veterinarians who had identified themselves as bovine veterinarians and 7,195 who had identified themselves as mixed animal practitioners. Responses were received from 2,655 (16%) practice owners and associates with 18% return from bovine veterinarians. Comprehensive statistical analyses were conducted on study findings. The study revealed that four demographics and environmental characteristics has strong relationships with personal income and accounted for as much as 30% of differences among incomes: practice ownership, gender (male), community size and household income of the practice area. However, these were basically uncontrollable. The study also identified seven key business/managerial behaviors in three basic categories that were correlated with income levels in food animal practices, including bovine practices. The behaviors and categories included personnel management (employee development), client relations (new client development, client loyalty), and financial management (business orientation, negotiating skills, frequency of financial data review, sound judgment). The difference in mean annual incomes between veterinarians who ranked in the upper versus lower third in the use of the seven business practices/skills ranged from a low of $2,880 (new client development practices) to the highest difference of $47,070 (business orientation).
Real-Time Optimization of Jet Mixing via Evolution Strategies

This paper presents initial findings in the application of evolution strategies for real-time optimization of jet mixing enhancement. The experimental apparatus consists of a small-scale jet turbine and pulsed fluidic actuators operated under computer control. An optimization algorithm determines in real time the actuator frequency selected at each iteration based on minimizing the plume centerline temperature. This approach successfully determined an optimal actuator frequency that corresponds to the global minimum for the system without any a priori information about the flow or actuator characteristics. Additional results are presented that address robustness to noise and changes in plant conditions and convergence characteristics.
TU-G-204-05: The Effects of CT Acquisition and Reconstruction Conditions On Computed Texture Feature Values of Lung Lesions

PURPOSE: Texture features have been investigated as a biomarker of response and malignancy. Because these features reflect local differences in density, they may be influenced by acquisition and reconstruction parameters. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of radiation dose level and reconstruction method on features derived from lung lesions. METHODS: With IRB approval, 33 lung tumor cases were identified from clinically indicated thoracic CT scans in which the raw projection (sinogram) data were available. Based on a previously-published technique, noise was added to the raw data to simulate reduced-dose versions of each case at 25%, 10% and 3% of the original dose. Original and simulated reduced dose projection data were reconstructed with conventional and two iterative-reconstruction settings, yielding 12 combinations of dose/recon conditions. One lesion from each case was contoured. At the reference condition (full dose, conventional recon), 17 lesions were randomly selected for repeat contouring (repeatability). For each lesion at each dose/recon condition, 151 texture measures were calculated. A paired differences approach was employed to compare feature variation from repeat contours at the reference condition to the variation observed in other dose/recon conditions (reproducibility). The ratio of standard deviation of the reproducibility to repeatability was used as the variation measure for each feature. RESULTS: The mean variation (standard deviation) across dose levels and kernel was significantly different with a ratio of 2.24 (±5.85) across texture features (p=0.01). The mean variation (standard deviation) across dose levels with conventional recon was also significantly different with 2.30 (7.11) (p=0.025). The mean variation across reconstruction settings of original dose has a trend in showing difference with 1.35 (2.60) among all features (p=0.09). CONCLUSION: Texture features varied considerably with variations in dose and reconstruction condition. Care should be taken to standardize these conditions when using texture as a quantitative feature. This effort supported in part by a grant from the National Cancer Institute's Quantitative Imaging Network (QIN): U01 CA181156; The UCLA Department of Radiology has a Master Research Agreement with Siemens Healthcare; Dr. McNitt-Gray has previously received research support from Siemens Healthcare.