cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Study: Recruitment and Baseline Characteristics

OBJECTIVES: To describe several recruitment parametersderived from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independencefor Elders pilot (LIFE-P) study for use in a full-scale trial ofmobility disability prevention.DESIGN: A description of the recruiting methods andbaseline characteristics of a four-site randomized, con-trolled trial testing the effectiveness of a physical activityintervention at preventing mobility disability.SETTING: The Cooper Institute, Dallas, Texas; StanfordUniversity, Stanford, California; University of Pittsburgh,Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania;andWakeForestUniversity,Win-ston-Salem, North Carolina.PARTICIPANTS: Community-livingpersonsaged70to89whowereabletowalk400mwithin15minutesandwereathigh risk for disability (scoringo10 on the Short PhysicalPerformance Battery (SPPB)) but without comorbidity se-vere enough to preclude full study participation.MEASUREMENTS: Measures of efﬁciency includednum-ber of randomized participants per recruitment techniqueand costsper randomized participantacross randomizationtechniques.RESULTS: The 9-month recruiting period resulted in3,141 telephone screens, of which 424 (13.5%) partici-pants were randomized (68.9% women, 25.7% minorities,41.5% with SPPB scoreso8). Forty percent of telephone-screened participants were excluded primarily because ofregular participation in physical activity, health exclusions,or self-reported mobility disability. Of the 1,252 personsattempting the physical performance assessments, 41%scored above the SPPB cutoff. Of the 566 remaining eligi-ble, 9.9% could not complete the 400-m walk, and another18.9% had various medical exclusions. Direct mailing wasthe most productive recruitment strategy (61.6% of allrandomized participants). Recruitment cost approximately$439 per randomized participant.CONCLUSION: The LIFE study achieved all recruitmentgoals and demonstrated the feasibility of recruiting high-risk community-dwelling older persons for trials of disabi-lity prevention in diverse geographic areas. J Am GeriatrSoc 55:674–683, 2007.Key words: recruitment; clinical trials; prevention ofmobility disability; physical activity
Risks of Reprocessing Endoscopes and Reusable Instruments

The risk of transmission of infection from gastrointestinal endoscopy is very low. Endoscopes and some endoscopic accessories are reprocessed prior to subsequent use. Multisociety guidelines detail the appropriate steps for reprocessing of equipment used for endoscopy. Strict adherence to such reprocessing guidelines is crucial to prevention of transmission of infection; indeed, all cases of pathogen transmission related to endoscopy since the advent of guidelines have been the result of a breach in following accepted reprocessing protocols.
Histologic Classification and Its Need for Treatment of Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a heterogeneous group of tumors that include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinomas. The latter however cannot be diagnosed on small biopsy/cytology specimens.
Optimal control synthesis of a class of nonlinear systems using single network adaptive critics

Adaptive critic (AC) neural network solutions to optimal control designs using dynamic programming has reduced the need of complex computations and storage requirements that typical dynamic programming requires. In this paper, a "single network adaptive critic" (SNAC) is presented. This approach is applicable to a class of nonlinear systems where the optimal control (stationary) equation is explicitly solvable for control in terms of state and costate variables. The SNAC architecture offers three potential advantages; a simpler architecture, significant savings of computational load and reduction in approximation errors. In order to demonstrate these benefits, a real-life micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) problem has been solved. This demonstrates that the SNAC technique is applicable for complex engineering systems. Both AC and SNAC approaches are compared in terms of some metrics.
Effect of Abamectin on Feeding Response, Mortality, and Reproduction of Adult Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract. Newly eclosed adult bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), feeds on carbohydrate from plants and other exudates before dispersal and reproduction. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not this nocturnal behavior could be used to attract the insect to a feeding-based attracticide mixed with a toxicant. Commercially-formulated abamectin (Agri-mek 0.15EC) was evaluated as a toxicant mixed with a 2.5 M sucrose solution against bollworm adults, relative to toxicity, mortality, gustatory and proboscis-extension response, and reproduction. Sublethal doses of abamectin at 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mg litre-1 fed to laboratory-reared females within 24 hours of emergence significantly reduced by 10–73% the percentage of eggs that hatched as compared to females fed sucrose only. Mating frequency was significantly inhibited by 2–70% at 0.25 mg litre-1 or more. A detailed examination of the effect of abamectin on toxicity, mortality, gustatory and proboscis-extension response, and reproduction...
AN AEROSOL CHEMICAL REACTOR FOR COATING METAL OXIDE PARTICLES WITH (NH4)2SO4–H2SO4–H2O—PART 2: MANIPULATION OF THE METAL OXIDE CORE

Abstract The complex chemical and morphological character of atmospheric particles challenges laboratory scientists to produce and study similar particles. In this paper, spray pyrolysis methods are adapted for the production of aerosols of hematite (α-Fe2O3), corundum (α-Al2O3), mullite (Al6Si2O13), and amorphous silica (am-SiO2). The particle mode diameter and the total number concentration vary from 30 to 300 nm and 105 to 10 7 cm −3 , respectively, when the precursor concentrations are adjusted from 100 μ M to 1 M. The precursors include FeCl3·6H2O, Al(NO3)3·9H2O, and Si(OCH2CH3)4, which are nebulized and flowed through a tube furnace at 1200°C. Single-crystal hematite and mullite and polycrystalline corundum result. Decomposition products from Al(NO3)3·9H2O include NO(g) and NO2(g). Methanol, which is the precursor solvent for mullite and silica, thermally decomposes to yield several gases, including H2O, CO, CO2, CH4, C2H2, and C2H4. In a separate tube furnace incorporated in the aerosol flow stream, the oxide particles are coated with sulfuric acid, which is subsequently neutralized by NH3(g).
Sonic-boom noise penetration under a wavy ocean: theory

Sonic-boom noise penetrating under a deep ocean is affected by its time-dependent interaction with the surface waves, which can significantly influence the perceived sound pressure level and tonal content of the disturbances at depth far greater than expected from the flat-ocean (Sawyers) model. The present theory assumes a small surface slope and a high water-to-air density ratio; the ocean surface in the analysis is modelled by a sinusoidal surface-wave train. The analysis shows that a distinct acoustic wave mode in the form of a packet of wavelets emerges in the sound field far below the surface and attenuates with increasing distance in a manner similar to the cylindrical spreading of monochromatic waves. The latter feature renders the surface waviness influence an effect of first-order importance, overwhelming the primary noise field at large depth. Detailed properties of the deep-water wave fields are examined and illustrated for the case of an incident N-wave, for which an explicit, analytic solution is obtained. The result reveals a similarity structure of the wave field with two distinct time scales and the invariance characteristics of the cylindrically spreading waves, in accord with the group-velocity concept of dispersive waves. An example is given of the interaction, illustrating the underwater waveform, sound-pressure and frequency levels.
Children's reasoning about physics within and across ontological kinds

Reasoning about seven physics principles within and across ontological kinds was examined among 188 5- and 7-year-olds and 59 adults. Individuals in all age groups tended to appropriately generalize what they learned across ontological kinds. However, children also showed sensitivity to ontological kind in their projections: when learning principles with reference to people they were more likely to assume that the principles apply to another person than to an inanimate object, and when learning with reference to an inanimate object they were more likely to assume that the principles apply to another inanimate object than to a person. Five-year-olds, but not 7-year-olds, projected concepts learned about people to a greater extent than principles learned about inanimate objects, closely paralleling the findings of Carey for the biological domain (Carey, S. (1985). Conceptual change in childhood. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press). Results from a separate sample of 22 5-year-olds suggest that the primary findings cannot be explained by response perseveration. The present findings indicate that children understand physics principles that apply to both animate and inanimate objects, but distinguish between these ontological kinds.
A random field based technique for the efficiency enhancement of bridge network life-cycle analysis under uncertainty

Abstract Studies associated with distributed civil infrastructure systems are usually very demanding from a computational point of view, especially when they involve life-cycle analysis, uncertainty, and optimization. For this reason, computational tools that enhance the efficiency of the analysis and make it feasible for complex practical applications are of utmost importance. In this paper, a computational technique for the efficiency enhancement of bridge network life-cycle analysis under uncertainty is presented and its impact in terms of CPU time reduction is investigated. The proposed technique consists in the joint use of random field theory and probabilistic reliability models for the simulation of the individual bridge service states over the life-cycle of the infrastructure. This random field based approach is extremely efficient and takes simultaneously into account the deterioration in time of the bridge reliability and the correlation in space of the service states of bridges belonging to the same transportation network. Compared to other techniques previously used to perform the same task, the proposed methodology is theoretically more solid and improves the computational efficiency by more than two orders of magnitude. A numerical example is provided to validate the proposed technique. Moreover, a second example involving the life-cycle performance analysis of a complex bridge network in Santa Barbara, CA, is presented.
Influences on Frequency of Preparation of Financial Statements Among SMEs

This paper examines factors that impact the frequency of financial statement preparation among a sample of 312 SMEs. Specifically, the study examines the relationship between how often financial statements are prepared and (1) whether the financial statements are used to make decisions and (2) owners’ confidence in the reliability of their financial statements. Financial statements provide important information that should be used to help guide decisions. The findings showed that the frequency of financial statement preparation was directly associated with whether the financial statements were used to make decisions and inversely associated with owners’ confidence in the reliability of their financial statements. Additionally, the results showed that the frequency of financial statement preparation was directly associated with gender and size of community in which the firm was located. The results should be useful for owners of SMEs and providers of services to SMEs to better understand which factors affect how often financial statements are prepared and to provide business development assistance.
General and efficient simulation of pulse EPR spectra

We present a rather general and efficient method of simulating electron-spin echo spectra for spin systems where the microwave frequency does not simultaneously excite EPR transitions that share a common level. The approach can handle arbitrary pulse sequences with microwave pulses of arbitrary length and strength. The signal is computed as a sum over signals from the electron coherence transfer pathways contributing to the detected echo. For each pathway, amplitudes and frequencies of the signal components are computed and used to construct a spectral histogram from which the time-domain signal is obtained. For multinuclear spin systems, the nuclear subspace is factorized to accelerate the computation. The method is also applicable to high electron spin systems with significant zero-field splitting and to pulse electron-nuclear double resonance experiments. The method is implemented in the software package EasySpin, and several illustrative calculations are shown.
Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) brood microhabitat selection in the southern Appalachians

Abstract Brood cover is a critical component of ruffed grouse habitat during a period when chick mortality may be high. We compared microhabitat characteristics at ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) brood locations with random locations to determine characteristics selected by females with broods in the Appalachian region of Virginia and West Virginia. Females with broods used forested sites with a well-developed overstory canopy (>70%). These sites had a higher abundance of arthropods in the first 3 wk after hatch (P = 0.02), taller ground cover (P 0.1) between brood and random sites as has been found in several studies from more northern sites. Most management prescriptions for ruffed grouse brood habitat are based on increasing hardwood stem densities; our results suggest alternative habitat management techniques that promote ground cover, such as prescribed ...
Odor Hedonic Capacity and Anhedonia in Schizophrenia and Unaffected First-Degree Relatives of Schizophrenia Patients

Objective There is increasing evidence that schizophrenia patients have difficulties in the hedonic appraisal of odors. In a prior study, we assessed olfactory hedonic perception birhinally and found that males with schizophrenia failed to attach the appropriate hedonic valence to a pleasant odor, despite correctly perceiving changes in odor intensity. Female patients, in contrast, exhibited normal responses. The current study extends this work by examining odor valence processing in unaffected first-degree relatives of schizophrenia patients, to determine the extent to which this abnormality may be genetically mediated. We also examine odor valence processing unirhinally, rather than birhinally, to probe possible lateralized differences in patients' hedonic processing deficits. Method Individuals with schizophrenia (n = 54), first-degree unaffected family members (n = 22), and demographically matched controls (n = 45) were administered the Suprathreshold Amyl Acetate Odor Intensity and Odor Pleasantness Rating Test. Results In contrast to family members and controls, both male and female schizophrenia probands underevaluated the hedonic characteristics of amyl acetate at lower concentrations and overevaluated its pleasantness at concentrations perceived as unpleasant by both controls and relatives. These patient-specific differences could not be explained by differences in smoking habit, medication use, or subjective ratings of odor intensity. However, they were associated with increased levels of anhedonia/asociality and negative symptomatology. Conclusions Our findings suggest that both male and female schizophrenia patients have difficulties in the unirhinal appraisal of hedonic valence. Normal responses in unaffected first-degree relatives suggest that this is an environmentally, rather than genetically, mediated abnormality denoting negative symptomatology.
Gathering Information and Exercising Influence: Two Forms of Civic Virtue Organizational Citizenship Behavior

Political behavior at work often is disparaged as self-serving activity that undermines the efficient pursuit of organizational goals. Yet politics has a more benign meaning as well: responsible participation in decision-making processes, keeping informed, and promoting innovative ideas that serve long-term organizational interests. To date, the negative image of organizational politics among managers and scholars has limited research on the positive contributions of responsible political participation, a form of Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) known as civic virtue. This paper draws on political philosophy and organizational research to consider two forms of civic virtue OCB: gathering information and exercising influence. Both are proactive and can have beneficial results for individuals, organizations, and society. Conceptually, the two forms of civic virtue are related. Yet they also are different. Results of a field study of 245 employees and their supervisors provide support for similarities and differences in the two forms of civic virtue. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of our study, and the benefits of continued research on both aspects of civic virtue OCB.
Physiology of Insect Rhythms: I. Circadian Organization of the Endocrine Events Underlying the Moulting Cycle of Larval Tobacco Hornworms

1. The larval ecdyses of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca, and of the oak silkmoth, Antheraea, occur during specific times of the day. These times are instar-specific and species-specific and depend upon the photoperiod and temperature conditions. 2. The larval ocelli are not required for the synchronization of larval ecdysis with the photoperiod. 3. The synchrony observed in larval ecdysis does not arise from a gating of the ecdysial event per se by a biological clock. Rather, it is an outcome of the gating of the endocrine events which initiate the moulting process. 4. Application of neck ligatures to fourth-instar hornworm larvae at various times of day showed that prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) secretion occurred only during a gate in the early to middle portion of the night. The times of the gates for second- and third-instar larvae were similar. 5. When neck ligatures were applied to fourth-instar larvae within the first 1-5 h after PTTH release, the larvae underwent precocious metamorphosis rather than Moulting to the Fifth Instar. A Consideration of the Number of Larval-Pupal Intermetiates Produced Indicated that with in Span of 15 min Sufficiant JH is Liberatd from the Corpora Allata to Ensure Full Larval Differentiation. 6. Larval abdomens which were isolated during the period from 3 to 6 h after PTTH release underwent a mosaic larval moult-i.e. they became a patchwork of new and old cuticle. Thus, the epidermal structures of the abdomen vary as to the time that each becomes independent of the prothoracic glands. The first structures which continue fifth-instar differentiation in the absence of the prothoracic glands are the crochets. These are then followed in order by the prolegs, the ventral midline, the intersegmental areas, and, by 6 h after PTTH release, the remainder of the abdomen. During this 3 h period the prothoracic glands are presumably secreting ecdysone.
Understanding the effect of triplet sensitizers in organic photovoltaic devices

The effect of PtOEP as a dopant on the performance of MEH-PPV/C60 photovoltaic devices was studied. Bilayer heterojunction devices with various compositions and layer structures were used to determine the possible pathways by which the photogeneration efficiency is enhanced. A key finding is that photocurrent generation enhancement always occurs in the MEH-PPV absorption region, regardless of the PtOEP dopant concentration or the MEH-PPV layer thickness. This result suggests that the presence of PtOEP in the donor MEH-PPV layer is primarily responsible for increasing the triplet exciton diffusion length of MEH-PPV by acting as a triplet sensitizer, rather than as an additional absorber for direct photogeneration. Values obtained from simulation show that the enhancement of exciton diffusion length of MEH-PPV can be more than a factor of 2 with optimal PtOEP concentrations. Further support for the role of PtOEP as a triplet sensitizer in MEH-PPV was obtained in experiments incorporating a blocking layer between MEH-PPV and C60, whereby the various exciton transfer processes can be differentiated.
Optimism and Mortality in Older Men and Women: The Rancho Bernardo Study

Purpose. To examine the associations of optimism and pessimism with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and cancer mortality in a population-based sample of older men and women followed ≤12 years. Methods. 367 men and 509 women aged ≥50 from the Rancho Bernardo Study attended a 1999-2002 research clinic visit when demographic, behavioral, and medical history were obtained and completed a 1999 mailed survey including the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R). Mortality outcomes were followed through 2012. Results. Average age at baseline was 74.1 years; during follow-up (mean = 8.1 years), 198 participants died, 62 from CVD, 22 from CHD, and 49 from cancer. Total LOT-R, optimism and pessimism scores were calculated. Participants with the highest optimism were younger and reported less alcohol use and smoking and more exercise. Cox proportional hazard models showed that higher total LOT-R and optimism, but not pessimism scores, were associated with reduced odds of CHD mortality after adjusting for age, sex, alcohol, smoking, obesity, physical exercise, and medication (HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.75, 0.99; HR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.61, 0.99, resp.). No associations were found for all-cause, CVD, or cancer mortality. Conclusions. Optimism was associated with reduced CHD mortality in older men and women. The association of positive attitudes with mortality merits further study.
Free tissue transfer in children.

Summary We reviewed 11 cases of free tissue transfer used to salvage limbs in young patients (age range 4–16 years, mean 8.9 years). The defects were the result of acute trauma in eight cases, osteomyelitis in one, unstable scar over bony prominence in one, and correction of a previously infected talipes equinovarus repair in another patient. Donor tissues used were the latissimus dorsi muscle, scapular skin, lateral arm skin, and vascularized fibular graft. Defect sizes included 3 × 3 to 10 × 40 cm and 11 cm of humeral diaphysis. Microvascular success rate was 100%. In each case, the successful transfer provided the viable tissue required and resulted in salvage of the limb. Our results suggest that free tissue transfer is a viable solution to limb salvage in pediatric patients.
Electrode/Electrolyte Interface of Composite α-Li3V2(PO4)3 Cathodes in a Nonaqueous Electrolyte for Lithium Ion Batteries and the Role of the Carbon Additive

Transition-metal phosphates (TMPs) are potential materials for large-scale applications of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Yet, high-voltage TMP cathodes have not met commercial success due to ill understood failure mechanisms. In this article we studied the surface chemistry of Li3V2(PO4)3 composite electrodes using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) post-electrochemical cycling in a stable electrochemical window of 3.0–4.2 V vs Li/Li+ and in the wider window of 3.0–4.8 V vs Li/Li+ where a dramatic fade in capacity is noted. In addition, we performed aging experiments in LiPF6 EC/DEC electrolyte with no electrochemical bias applied to investigate a possible spontaneous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation as has been described for lithium transition-metal oxide (LixMyOz) electrodes. An SEI was found on the Li3V2(PO4)3 composite electrodes cycled in both potential windows and after aging with similar chemical compositions including ethers, alkoxides, esters, carboxylates, and carbonates as well ...
Study of molecular biology on HIV in 2009 in Ningbo

Objective:To study the character of molecular epidemiology on HIV-1 strains from HIV-1 infected person who were.Methods: 42 whole blood were collected from HIV-1 infected person who were identified in the first half of 2009,and which were detected the absolute number of CD4+ T lymphocyte by using COULTER EPICS XL.The virus RNA was exacted from the plasma and amplified with nested-PCR and then sequenced.The subtype and drug resistance of HIV-1 strains were obtained by comparing with stanford HIV drug resistance database.Results: 36 sequence of POL gene were abtained.5 subtypes were identified: 3 samples were B subtype;4 samples were C subtype;16 were CRF01_AE;9 were CRF07_BC and 4 were CRF08_BC.Drug resistance to PIs was detected including 8 potential resistence,1 low-level resistence and 2 intermediate resistence;but no drug resistence to NRTIs and NNRTIs was found.There was the mean value of absolute number of CD4+ T lymphocyte was 419 /μl,and the lowest one was 114/μl,the highest one was 805/μl.Conclusion: Multiple HIV-1 subtypes were existed in Ningbo,the prevalence of HIV drug resistence was low among patients newly found,and part of the HIV-1 infected person needed treatment with antivirus drug.The surveillance in the subtype variation,drug resistence and immunological status of HIV-1 strains should be strengthened for the better prevention and control of HIV-1 infection in this area.
Evaluation on control effect of occupational hazards in a vacuum circuit breaker production enterprise of Baoji City

[Objective]To analyze and identify the occupational hazard factors in the construction project of a vacuum circuit breaker production enterprise of Baoji City,evaluate the protective effect of control measures for occupational hazards,put forward reasonable and feasible prevention countermeasures,and protect the laborers' health. [Methods]The methods of field occupational hygiene investigation,occupational hygiene detection,check list and occupational health examination were applied in the comprehensive evaluation. [Results]The site selection,general layout,production technology and equipment layout,building hygiene,individual protective equipment,emergency rescue measures and auxiliary rooms in this project met the requirements of national standards and specifications. X-ray generated in the production process was the critical control point of occupational hazards in the construction project. 108 of 113 monitoring points were qualified,with the qualified rate of 95. 58%. The monitoring results of other occupational hazards, including productive noise, dust and power frequency electric field, met the national standards.[Conclusion]The main occupational hazard factor in this project is X-ray,followed by the productive noise,dust and power frequency electric field. The occupational hazard protection facilities and personal protective articles are complete,reliable and effective. Therefore,when occupational hazard protection facilities have been effectively operated and the supplementary measures against the occupational hazards have been implemented,the occupational hazard factors of the project can be effectively controlled.
As All of Dublin: The Years of Youth, 1882–1904

In James Joyce’s life, as in his work, the concept of the family, and his family, were of primary importance. Throughout his adult life, like his own father before him, Joyce carried with him the family portraits, through all his wanderings and his many addresses. All the pictures, with the exception of one of his mother, were of the Joyces — that is, of James Joyce’s paternal ancestors.2
Game-theoretic and Monopolistic Competition Analyses

Because of the similarity of methodology, analytical goals and/or substantive content, two bodies of analysis must be compared with the rivalrous consonance approach of this book. Game theory is a well-developed body of techniques designed for a wide range of interdependence environments which has become the mainstream approach to oligopoly analysis in both microeconomic theory and industrial organization. It is distinguished by the devotion of many of the best theoretical analysts in economics, and outside the circle of this clerisy by that of a worshipful, if frequently uncomprehending, laity. Its devotees, in incautious moments, can be truly hegemonic in defining its relevance; Tirole (1993, p. 207), for example, asserts that “most problems of industrial organization can be solved with a handful of basic game-theoretic concepts.” He is speaking at this point about conceptual problems in the scholarly field rather than empirical complexity, but even at the abstract level the assertion exudes excessive confidence.
Efficient VLSI architectures for matrix factorizations

The SVD (Singular Value Decomposition) is a critical matrix factorization in many real-time computations from an application domain which includes signal processing and robotics; and complex data matrices are encountered in engineering practice. This thesis advocates the use of CORDIC (Coordinate Rotation Digital Computer) arithmetic for parallel computation of the SVD/eigenvalue decomposition of arbitrary complex/Hermitian matrices using Jacobi-like algorithms on processor arrays. The algorithms and architectures derive from extending the theory of Jacobi-like matrix factorizations to multi-step and inexact pivot (2 x 2) sub-matrix diagonalizations. Based on the former approach of multi-step diagonalization, and using a two-sided 2 x 2 unitary transformation amenable to CORDIC termed ${\cal Q}$ transformation, it is shown that an arbitrary complex 2 x 2 matrix may be diagonalized in at most two ${\cal Q}$ transformations while one ${\cal Q}$ transformation is sufficient to diagonalize a 2 x 2 Hermitian matrix. Inexact diagonalizations from the use of approximations to the desired transformations have been advocated in the context of Jacobi-like algorithms for reasons of efficiency. Through a unifying parameterization of approximations, efficacy of diagonalizations and expected convergence behavior, more efficient schemes than those reported in the literature are proposed for 2 x 2 real, real symmetric and Hermitian matrices. Convergence behavior of the different methods was obtained by implementing the algorithms on the CM5 using C$\sp\*$ and CMSSL. All proposed algorithms are cast in ${\cal Q}$ transformations and CORDIC-based VLSI processor architectures for implementation of the methods are detailed in (non-redundant) CORDIC and the redundant and on-line enhancements to CORDIC. The overhead for the evaluation of the unitary transformations in all cases is minimal, thus enabling the efficient evaluation and/or application, and pipelined execution of the two-sided 2 x 2 unitary transformations on the different systolic arrays proposed in the literature for SVD and eigenvalue decompositions.
Sigma-2 ligands and PARP inhibitors synergistically trigger cell death in breast cancer cells.

The sigma-2 receptor is overexpressed in proliferating cells compared to quiescent cells and has been used as a target for imaging solid tumors by positron emission tomography. Recent work has suggested that the sigma-2 receptor may also be an effective therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is a family of enzymes involved in DNA damage response. In this study, we looked for potential synergy of cytotoxicity between PARP inhibitors and sigma-2 receptor ligands in breast cancer cell lines. We showed that the PARP inhibitor, YUN3-6, sensitized mouse breast cancer cell line, EMT6, to sigma-2 receptor ligand (SV119, WC-26, and RHM-138) induced cell death determined by cell viability assay and colony forming assay. The PARP inhibitor, olaparib, sensitized tumor cells to a different sigma-2 receptor ligand SW43-induced apoptosis and cell death in human triple negative cell line, MDA-MB-231. Olaparib inhibited PARP activity and cell proliferation, and arrested cells in G2/M phase of the cell cycle in MDA-MB-231 cells. Subsequently cells became sensitized to SW43 induced cell death. In conclusion, the combination of sigma-2 receptor ligands and PARP inhibitors appears to hold promise for synergistically triggering cell death in certain types of breast cancer cells and merits further investigation.
Plasma glucose and insulin levels in monkeys anticipating feeding

To see whether plasma glucose or insulin changed in anticipation of feeding, we provided seven rhesus monkeys with four-hour access to food every other day. Blood was sampled before and during a 30-minute signal which ended with food availability and before and during a 30-minute signal which was not closely and reliably linked with food availability. Plasma insulin showed no evidence of conditioning. Plasma glucose was higher during the signal than prior to the signal in both experiments. This probably reflects the arousing nature of the signal rather than appetitive-associated learning. However, the differences, while statistically significant, were probably biologically trivial because they fall within the normal fluctuations of meal-fed monkeys. Under the conditions of this experiment, it appears that conditional changes in glucose and insulin do not reliably occur in monkeys anticipating access to food.
Reviews: Approaches to Paleoecology; Introduction to Paleoecology; Biogeochemical Methods of Prospecting

Hubert C. Skinner's review of three geology books: Approaches to Paleoecology, Introduction to Paleoecology, and Biogeochemical Methods of Prospecting.
Health Disparities, Social Class, and Aging

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses previous research on the interrelationships between health disparities, social class, and aging as they relate to psychological dimensions of the human condition. Health disparities are described as differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, burden of diseases, and other adverse health conditions or outcomes between minority and majority population groups. Health disparities have been observed in gender, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), geography, sexual orientation, disability, and special health care needs. Disparities occur among groups who have persistently experienced historical trauma, social disadvantage, or discrimination, and systematically experience worse health or greater health risks than more advantaged social groups. Therefore, to understand the psychology of aging for ethnic and social minority groups, it draws from disciplines that include medical, biomedical, sociology, public health, and the humanities. Studies examining the association between educational histories and health indicators are limited, but have the potential to provide important and fine distinctions in understanding SES disparities in health outcomes.
XXVIII. A table of the Sun's Right Ascension in time to every ten minutes of his longitude: with the differences and secular variation for Jan. 1, 1801. (Obliq. of the Eclip. 23° 27′ 57″, and Sec. Var. 52″·1.) Calculated fromTaylor's Tables of Logarithms

(1821). XXVIII. A table of the Sun's Right Ascension in time to every ten minutes of his longitude: with the differences and secular variation for Jan. 1, 1801. (Obliq. of the Eclip. 23° 27′ 57″, and Sec. Var. 52″·1.) Calculated fromTaylor's Tables of Logarithms. The Philosophical Magazine: Vol. 57, No. 275, pp. 182-186.
Audience Preferences of News Stories on Social Media

This study aims at understanding the kind of news stories social media users mostly like and comment on by examining 10 Arabic language Facebook pages run by different news organizations that posted over 85,000 news stories, generating over 26.4 million likes and 1.9 million comments. The top 100 most commented on and liked news stories from each news organization are categorized into 22 news topics. The examination of 2,000 news stories shows that there are no significant differences between liking and commenting on Facebook news. Online users mostly prefer to read news topics on local order, politics, human interest, and international politics stories when it comes to liking stories. In relation to commenting on news stories, the results show that online users mostly prefer news topics on local and regional politics, local order, and human interest.
Lectures on the Theory of Algebraic Numbers. By Erich Hecke

(1984). Lectures on the Theory of Algebraic Numbers. By Erich Hecke. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 91, No. 3, pp. 212-213.
Parent Involvement in American Christian Schools

This chapter reviews parental engagement activities and parental opinions of that engagement in Christian schools in America. The author addresses practices both historically and in contemporary society.
Central Pain Syndromes

The most common clinical central pain syndromes are central post-stroke pain, multiple sclerosis-related pain, and spinal cord injury-related pain. These conditions are often difficult to treat are discussed individually below.
On the requirement for a sharp notch or precrack to cause environmentally assisted crack initiation in β-titanium alloys exposed to aqueous chloride environments

The requirement of a sharp notch or precrack to cause environmental crack initiation of metastable β-titanium alloys exposed to 0.6 M NaCI has been observed. The causal relationship has not been thoroughly examined, however. This paper seeks to explain the sharp notch requirement by examining notch acuity effects on a variety of parameters that affect HEAC susceptibility. These include the effects of a sharp notch on cation accumulation - hydrolysis - acidification, potential drop in solution and resulting hydrogen production, and localization of dynamic strain. It is shown that solution resistance down a sharp crack is two orders of magnitude larger for a fatigue precracked compact tension specimen than for a smooth bar. The potential drop down a sharp crack is severe enough to enable hydrogen production even when the applied potential is more positive than the reversible potential for hydrogen production. It also shown that a fatigue precrack results in an acidified crack tip chemistry (approximately pH 1) which is deleterious to HEAC resistance. The effects of a sharp notch on the interplay of mechanics, film rupture and hydrogen uptake are also examined. It is shown that the slip behavior at a sharp crack tip promotes localized film rupture and localized hydrogen uptake. Localization of hydrogen uptake may be critical for HEAC susceptibility in light of the large hydrogen concentration required to cause crack initiation (ca. 1000 wt. ppm) and the lack of significant hydrogen uptake on filmed surfaces.
Research and Implementation of Conductive AC Charging Interoperability Test for Electric Vehicles

With the rapid development of the electric vehicle industry, the charging interoperability problems are becoming more and more serious, and the requirements for charging reliability and safety are also getting higher and higher. AC charging is widely used because of easy to install and operate. Based on the existing AC charging system, this paper analyzed each charging state including the connection confirmation phase, charge ready phase, startup and charging phase, shutdown phase during the AC charging process. The interoperability test use cases of the vehicle and AC charging equipment were proposed. Through the construction of the interoperability test system, PWM signal parameters, the voltage of detection points, the transition between each state and the simulation of the abnormal faults for the vehicle and AC charging equipment were completed. Test results shown that the charging matching degree between the vehicle and the AC charging equipment using these protection strategies was improved. These effective measures minimized the safety risk and strengthen prevention capability of the charging process.
Bacteriological pattern of acute purulent balanoposthitis in children

The microflora of the prepucial sac in 94 children (aged 2 months to 15 years) with acute purulent balanoposthitis (APB) was studied. In the overwhelming majority of cases APB in children was caused by facultative anaerobic and aerobic bacteria (96.7%); of these, Gram positive bacteria occurred most frequently (85.7% of cases). In 51.6% of children these bacteria were represented by staphylococci, constituting 60.3% of all Gram positive flora. Gram negative bacteria were isolated in 40.6% of cases, Escherichia coli taking the first place among them. The isolated microflora was highly resistant to frequently used wide spectrum antibiotics.
Adult genitourinary sarcoma: A population-based analysis of clinical characteristics and survival.

Abstract Background: Sarcomas of the genitourinary (GU) tract are exceedingly rare, accounting for just 1% to 2% of malignancies treated by urologic surgeons. We perform a thorough investigation of incidence and mortality in the United States using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Patients and Methods: The SEER 18 database was used to identify patients diagnosed with genitourinary sarcoma over the age of 16. Data on demographics and tumor characteristics were collected. Survival analysis was performed on the most common primary tumor sites. Results: The search identified 3,007 patients with GU sarcomas from 1973 to 2015. In order of descending incidence, tumors presented in the bladder, kidney, paratestis, and scrotum. Amongst sarcomas arising in the bladder, leiomyosarcomas exhibited the longest median survival time (overall survival (OS) 62 months), while carcinosarcomas had the shortest (OS 9 months). Metastatic disease decreased leiomyosarcoma OS to 3 months. When comparing renal tumors, liposarcomas had the longest median survival time (OS 45 months) and carcinosarcomas had the shortest (OS 6 months). Older age (P
Measure What You Treat: Using Language Sample Analysis for Grammatical Outcome Measures in Children With Developmental Language Disorder

Purpose Language sample analysis (LSA) is commonly used to monitor progress for children with language disorders (Pavelko et al., 2016). For children with grammar goals, pediatric speech-language p...
High Resolution Amplicon Melting Curve Analysis: A Sensitive and Rapid Method To Detect the Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) Gene Mutation.

Abstract Chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPDs) are clonal hematopoetic stem cell disorders resulting in the increased production of cells of the myeloid lineage. The recently described G to T point mutation at nucleotide 1849 in the JAK2 gene may be a specific molecular marker to aid in the diagnosis of CMPDs, including polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis (CIMF). Previously described methods of detection for this point mutation include sequencing, allele-specific PCR, and restriction digestion. We report here the development of a novel method to detect the JAK2 point mutation using high resolution amplicon melting curve analysis. Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood samples from patients with PV, ET, CIMF, and suspected CMPD using the Qiagen DNA Blood kit (Valencia, CA). DNA was quantified using PicoGreen (Invitrogen) fluorescent dye followed by spectrophotometry and samples were normalized to a standard concentration. Real time PCR was performed on the Roche Light Cycler in the presence of the double stranded DNA binding dye LCGreen1 using primers that flank the point mutation. High Resolution Melting curve analysis was then performed on the HR-1 instrument (Idaho Technologies), and mutation status assigned by comparing the melting curve position and shape to controls of known mutation status. For comparison, the samples were also restriction digested using BsaX I and analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Mutation status was confirmed by sequencing of the PCR amplicons (Lark Technologies, Houston, TX) for a subset of specimens. Twenty six patients with known CMPD as defined by the WHO criteria (2001) were included in the study. In addition, seven patients with suspected CMPD were studied. The point mutation in JAK2 was identified in 9 (100%) of 9 PV patients, 7 (58%) of 12 ET patients, 1 (50%) of 2 CIMF patients, 3 (100%) of 3 CMPD NOS patients, and 2 (29%) of 7 patients with suspected CMPD. Patients testing homozygous for the JAK2 mutation included 6 patients with PV, 1 patient with ET, and 1 patient with CMPD, NOS; all other positive patients were heterozygous for the mutation. We observed excellent correlation between the melting curve analysis and restriction digest results. High resolution melting curve analysis is a rapid, sensitive, low reagent cost method to assess for the JAK2 point mutation in cases of suspected or known CMPDs. The advantages of this technique include the ability to discriminate heterozygous from homozygous mutations, increased sensitivity as compared to sequencing, rapid turn around time, no post-amplification modification, and the ability to screen for other mutations or polymorphisms within exon 12 of the JAK2 gene.
Chapter 10 – Material flammability

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the thermal degradation of synthetic and natural polymers under flaming fire conditions, also known as “Material Flammability.” It describes the sequence of events in an uncontrolled compartment fire. A flaming fire in a compartment with adequate ventilation and no automatic or manual suppression consists of four stages: initiation, pre-flashover stage, flashover, and post-flashover stage. Material flammability includes characteristics that do not directly affect ignition and fire growth but that are pertinent to the fire hazard to humans, such as the generation of vision-impairing smoke and toxic products of combustion. The chapter describes the way combustion of liquid fuels takes place in the gas phase. It describes four mechanisms that contribute to the thermal decomposition of a polymer: random scission, cross-linking, elimination, and cyclization. The chapter provides a discussion of test procedures that are specified in fire safety codes and regulations. The emphasis is on building and fire prevention codes in the United States.
The Purinergic Receptor P2rx3 is Required for Spiral Ganglion Neuron Branch Refinement during Development.

Abstract The mammalian cochlea undergoes a highly dynamic process of growth and innervation during development. This process includes spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) branch refinement, a process whereby Type I SGNs undergo a phase of “debranching” before forming unramified synaptic contacts with inner hair cells. Using Sox2CreERT2 and R26RtdTomato as a strategy to genetically label individual SGNs in mice of both sexes, we report on both a time course of SGN branch refinement and a role for P2rx3 in this process. P2rx3 is an ionotropic ATP receptor that was recently implicated in outer hair cell spontaneous activity and Type II SGN synapse development (Ceriani et al., 2019), but its function in Type I SGN development is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that P2rx3 is expressed by Type I SGNs and hair cells during developmental periods that coincide with SGN branching refinement. P2rx3 null mice show SGNs with more complex branching patterns on their peripheral synaptic terminals and near their cell bodies around the time of birth. Loss of P2rx3 does not appear to confer general changes in axon outgrowth or hair cell formation, and alterations in branching complexity appear to mostly recover by postnatal day (P)6. However, when we examined the distribution of Type I SGN subtypes using antibodies that bind Calb2, Calb1, and Pou4f1, we found that P2rx3 null mice showed an increased proportion of SGNs that express Calb2. These data suggest P2rx3 may be necessary for normal Type I SGN differentiation in addition to serving a role in branch refinement.