cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence of genetic influence on central body fat in middle-aged twins

The heritability of centrally and peripherally deposited subcutaneous body fat, as measured by thickness of subscapular and triceps skinfolds respectively, was examined in 173 monozygotic and 178 dizygotic pairs of white male twins, ages 54 to 65 years, who participated in the second examination of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Twin Study. The heritability of two indices of body fat distribution (subscapular/triceps ratio and subscapular-triceps difference) and two indices of overall obesity (body mass index and sum of skinfolds) were also assessed. Evidence for a genetic influence on central deposition of body fat was suggested in that the classical estimate of heritability for subscapular skinfold thickness was 0.77 (p less than 0.0001). After adjusting subscapular skinfold for the overall level of obesity, heritability was reduced but remained highly significant (0.40, p = 0.003). Heritability estimates for triceps skinfold thickness and for the two fat distribution indices were substantially lower and were not statistically significant after adjustment for overall obesity. High classical estimates of heritability were also observed for both measures of overall obesity: 0.70 for BMI and 0.73 for sum of skinfolds. However, these two estimates were biased upward because of lower total variances among monozygotic compared to dizygotic twins in this sample. The more conservative and unbiased among-component estimates also suggested substantial heritability for each measure (0.35, p = 0.08 and 0.53, p = 0.01, respectively). The heritability of overall obesity emphasizes the importance of adjusting measures of fat distribution for overall obesity before assessing its heritability.
A UTILIZAÇÃO RACIONAL DE DEFENSIVOS NA PRODUÇÃO PRIMÁRIA DA AGRICULTURA FAMILIAR

Atualmente havendo a necessidade de produzir em grande escala, torna-se imperativo buscar novas tecnologias para a producao de alimentos, porem, alem de produzirmos mais, temos que produzir alimentos mais saudaveis, com meios sustentaveis que preservem a saude humana. Diante das condicoes atuais em relacao ao uso de defensivos agricolas, avaliamos a seguinte problematica: Quais os danos causados a saude humana pelo uso dos defensivos na agricultura familiar? O principal objetivo e identificar os danos causados a saude humana, a prevencao deve ser priorizada, em relacao as medidas de protecao dos riscos. Na maioria das situacoes, “prevenir” parece ser mais “economico” do que “solucionar”. Com elementos fundamentais de analise do uso dos defensivos no Pais, levando em consideracao as dificuldades quanto a aplicacao e manuseio dos mesmos. O uso indiscriminado de agrotoxicos na agricultura convencional afeta a saude dos agricultores. Os agrotoxicos sao potencialmente perigosos, podem causar danos a saude de pessoas. Geralmente as propriedades dos agricultores familiares sao gerenciadas por membros da familia com baixa qualificacao tanto em administracao e gerenciamento, tanto quanto em conhecimento teorico para aplicacao de defensivos, sendo este um dos fatores que interferem na eficacia das aplicacoes. Buscando produtividade imediata os agricultores familiares fazem uso dos agrotoxicos sem a devida atencao a saude, cogente uma tomada de decisao do produtor rural, com acoes coletivas que contribuam significadamente para a evolucao dos sistemas de producao, no sentido de melhor preservacao de sua e por consequencia a saude da populacao em geral, consumidora de seus produtos.
Short communication: Stabilization of milk proteins at pH 5.5 using pectic polysaccharides derived from potato tubers.

ABSTRACT Potato pectin has unique molecular characteristics that differentiate it from commercially available pectins sourced from citrus peels or apple pomace, including a higher degree of branching and a higher acetyl content. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of potato pectin to stabilize milk proteins at an acidic pH above their isoelectric point, pH 5.5, at which no citrus- or apple-derived pectins are functional. Potato pectin was extracted from raw potato tubers by heating at pH 4.5 and 120°C for 30 min after removing starch solubilized using a dilute HCl solution adjusted to pH 2. The potato pectin was found to have a galacturonic acid content of 17.31 ± 3.29% (wt/wt) and a degree of acetylation of 20.20 ± 0.12%. A portion of the potato pectin was deacetylated by heating it in an alkaline condition. The deacetylation resulted in a galacturonic acid content of 19.12 ± 4.64% (wt/wt) and a degree of acetylation of 3.03 ± 0.03%. Particle size distributions in acidified milk drink (AMD) samples adjusted to pH 5.5 demonstrated that the acetylated and deacetylated potato pectins were capable of inhibiting the aggregation of milk proteins to the largest degree at a pectin concentration of 1.0 and 0.25% (wt/wt), respectively. Pectin molecules that were not bound to milk proteins in these AMD samples were quantified after centrifugally separating milk proteins and pectin bound to them from the serum. We found that, for the acetylated and deacetylated potato pectins, all or approximately half of the pectin molecules were bound to milk proteins at a pectin concentration of 0.25 or 1.0% (wt/wt), respectively. These results suggest that the presence of acetyl groups is a critical factor that determines how potato pectin molecules bind electrostatically to milk protein surfaces, form 3-dimensional structures there, and function as a stabilizer. The present results demonstrate that potato pectin can stabilize milk proteins at pH 5.5 and potentially enable the development of novel AMD products with improved functionality for casein-containing products with moderately acidic pH profiles.
Two level uncapacitated facility location problem with disruptions

Abstract Uncapacitated facility location problems (UFLPs) deal with the selection of facilities and assignment of customers to them. Two level UFLPs (TUFLPs) consider an additional level of facilities between the customers and the main facilities, through which the customers are connected to the production facilities. Disruption uncertainty introduces more complexity to such problems as it accounts for the probability that facilities may not always be able to satisfy the demand of their assigned customers. In this paper, we study a TUFLP with single assignment under disruption uncertainty. We investigate a two-level distribution chain, in which the flow starts from the production unit, goes through distribution centers, and then ends at the customer level. We assume a region based single commodity distribution chain whose components, excluding the customers, are prone to breakdowns due to disasters. We develop two mathematical programming formulations for the problem and develop a Tabu search algorithm and a problem specific heuristic (route subset selector - RSS), and interpret the results.
Calculations Predict That Heavy-Atom Tunneling Dominates Möbius Bond Shifting in [12]- and [16]Annulene

The contribution of heavy-atom tunneling to reactions of [12]- and [16]annulene was probed using small-curvature tunneling rate calculations. At the CCSD(T)/cc-pVDZ//M06-2X/cc-pVDZ level, tunneling...
Local Immunotherapy for Basal Cell Carcinoma with Interferon

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in the United States, accounting for 80% of (NMSC) [1]. Treatment options include local destruction such as curettage with or without electrodesiccation, cryosurgery, radiation, and surgical interventions including Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and excisional surgery with 4 mm margins. In many instances these methods can give a complete response rate (CRR) of 90–99%. Along with consideration of CRR, the choice of intervention used to eliminate BCC should include patient preference. This may encompass factors including the patient’s age and health, cost, the original tumor size and type, location, potential for postoperative anatomic dysfunction, and posttreatment cosmesis as well as efficacy.
Seismic attribute and petrophysics-assisted interpretation of the Nanushuk and Torok Formations on the North Slope, Alaska

AbstractExploration of the Brookian sandstone reservoirs in the Nanushuk and Torok Formations on the North Slope of Alaska is a hot topic and presents opportunities to the oil and gas community bec...
Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and maternal and neonatal thyroid function in the Project Viva Cohort: A mixtures approach

Abstract Background Maternal and neonatal thyroid function is critical for growth and neurodevelopment. Exposure to individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can alter circulating thyroid hormone levels, but few studies have investigated effects of combined exposure to multiple PFAS. Objectives Estimate associations of exposure to multiple PFAS during early pregnancy with maternal and neonatal thyroid function. Methods The study population consisted of 726 mothers and 465 neonates from Project Viva, a Boston, Massachusetts area longitudinal pre-birth cohort. We measured six PFAS [perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), 2-(N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido)acetate (EtFOSAA), and 2-(N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido)acetate (MeFOSAA)] and thyroxine (T4), Free T4 Index (FT4I), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in maternal plasma samples collected during early pregnancy, and neonatal T4 in postpartum heel sticks. We estimated individual and joint effects of PFAS exposure with thyroid hormone levels using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), and evaluated potential non-linearity and interactions among PFAS using BKMR. Results Higher concentrations of the PFAS mixture were associated with significantly lower maternal FT4I, with MeFOSAA, EtFOSAA, PFOA, and PFHxS contributing most to the overall mixture effect in BKMR and WQS regression. In infants, higher concentrations of the PFAS mixture were associated with lower T4 levels, primarily in males, with PFHxS and MeFOSAA contributing most in WQS, and PFHxS contributing most in BKMR. The PFAS mixture was not associated with maternal T4 or TSH levels. However, in maternal BKMR analyses, ln-PFOS was positively associated with T4 levels (Δ25th to 75th percentile: 0.21 µg/dL; 95% credible interval: −0.03, 0.47) and ln-PFHxS was associated with a non-linear effect on TSH levels. Conclusions These findings support the hypothesis that there may be combined effects of prenatal exposure to multiple PFAS on maternal and neonatal thyroid function, but the direction and magnitude of these effects may vary across individual PFAS.
Sanitizer efficacy in reducing microbial load on commercially grown hydroponic lettuce.

Background Most hydroponic lettuce growers harvest and package their marketable-size lettuces with an intact root ball. With a high microbial load on the peat moss substrate, there is a risk of microbial transfer onto the edible portion during packaging and throughout the product's shelf life. Since the produce is believed to have no contact with the substrate, no sanitizer wash is performed before packaging and storage. Results Aerobic plate count (APC) results suggested that reduction in count was influenced by both sanitizer application and storage time. Peroxyacetic acid significantly reduced APC count on leaves, roots, and substrate, with a 1.8 log CFU g-1 initial reduction on the leaf. Fungi and APC levels increased with storage time, with the greatest APC increase in the roots. Leaves had the lowest coliform bacteria (CB), with chlorine slightly reducing CB count. Unlike APC, CB levels decreased during storage on the substrate and root samples. No Listeria positive was confirmed by agglutination test. Further evaluation of different commercial substrates reveals that Com4, a drier-compacted plug, had the least ability to support growth/survival of all microbial populations enumerated relative to the spongy, wet black plugs. Conclusion The ability of peat moss substrates to host microorganisms is influenced by the physical properties of the product. Sanitizer wash efficacy is dependent on the initial microbial load and the length of storage. Chlorine and peroxyacetic acid are effective in reducing microbial populations on the leaves of hydroponically grown lettuce without affecting visual quality during shelf life. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
Killing It With Close Inspection: Regulators Using Copyright Law to Control the Open Internet

The dominant platforms – Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. – are seen by regulators as the architects for information sharing. Regulators, to date, have lacked many ways to regulate the Internet. However, that is not without numerous attempts. Now, European regulators have taken another attempt to regulate the Internet using copyright law. Though regulation is not inherently bad, the issue is that these regulations are taking for granted the value of free speech expressed via the Internet and its open communication channels. In theory, this illustration of free speech should compel the government to refrain from actions that effectively equate to censorship. Part I of this paper discusses the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market (the “Copyright Directive”) primarily focusing on Article 11 and Article 13. In Part II, this paper discusses some regulatory and legal methods used by the interested parties to increase their control over the Internet in the name of copyright law. Because of such regulatory attempts, this paper argues in Part III that there is a shift back toward decentralization and open network protocols in an attempt to circumvent information controls. This paper does not advocate against copyright law and the need to update the law in the face of modern concerns. This paper is merely questioning if the gains from these new laws outweigh the costs of maintaining a well-informed public and an open Internet.
NeuroPose: 3D Hand Pose Tracking using EMG Wearables

Ubiquitous finger motion tracking enables a number of exciting applications in augmented reality, sports analytics, rehabilitation-healthcare, haptics etc. This paper presents NeuroPose, a system that shows the feasibility of 3D finger motion tracking using a platform of wearable ElectroMyoGraphy (EMG) sensors. EMG sensors can sense electrical potential from muscles due to finger activation, thus offering rich information for fine-grained finger motion sensing. However converting the sensor information to 3D finger poses is non trivial since signals from multiple fingers superimpose at the sensor in complex patterns. Towards solving this problem, NeuroPose fuses information from anatomical constraints of finger motion with machine learning architectures on Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Encoder-Decoder Networks, and ResNets to extract 3D finger motion from noisy EMG data. The generated motion pattern is temporally smooth as well as anatomically consistent. Furthermore, a transfer learning algorithm is leveraged to adapt a pretrained model on one user to a new user with minimal training overhead. A systematic study with 12 users demonstrates a median error of 6.24° and a 90%-ile error of 18.33° in tracking 3D finger joint angles. The accuracy is robust to natural variation in sensor mounting positions as well as changes in wrist positions of the user. NeuroPose is implemented on a smartphone with a processing latency of 0.101s, and a low energy overhead.
Planetary Theory of Latitude

“Copernicus, ignorant of his own riches, took it upon himself for the most part to represent Ptolemy, not nature, to which he had nevertheless come the closest of all.” In this famous, and just, assessment of Copernicus, Kepler was referring to the latitude theory of Book VI, specifically to the “librations” of the inclinations of the planes of the eccentrics, not in accordance with the motion of the planet, but (quod monstri simile est) by the unrelated motion of the earth. This improbable connection between the inclinations of the orbital planes and the motion of the earth was the result of Copernicus’s attempt to duplicate the apparent latitudes of Ptolemy’s models in which the inclinations of the epicyclic planes were variable. In a way this is nothing new since Copernicus was also forced to make the equation of center of the inferior planets depend upon the motion of the earth rather than the planet. But the image of the orbital planes of all the planets dutifully inclining one way and another in synchronization with the motion of the earth was to Kepler an incongruous combining of unrelated motions that he found incredible even before he was able to show, from Tycho’s observations, that it was false.
Contribution of P62 to the Phenotype Transition of Coronary Arterial Myocytes from Mice Lacking CD38 Gene

 Animal models for atherogenic changes in coronary arterial wall or CAMs were produced, and primary cell culture of CAMs, Western blot analysis, and confocal microscopy of autophagic and dedifferentiation markers were conducted as we described previously (J Cell Mol Med. 2014; 18: 2165-2175).  Cell cycle analysis and proliferation rate determination were performed as described in previous studies (Plos One 2015; 10: D119506)
Survey of Structural Reanalysis Techniques

The behavior of the structure is assumed to be described by a finite element model. Several techniques for computing static response of modified structures are available in literature. These are initial strain concept of reanalysis, techniques based on the Sherman-Morrison identity, some general techniques of structural modifications, Taylor series approach, iterative techniques, reduced basis methods, and some other techniques. Some new approaches based on the reduced basis method are tried and their results are summarized. For frequency response of modified structures three basically different techniques are available. In the first one, modifications to the eigenvalues and eigenvectors are computed directly by using Taylor series expansion. In the second one, locally modified systems are treated in an exact manner, and in the third technique component mode substitution methods are viewed as reanalysis methods.
Cost-effectiveness of screening and cryotherapy for threshold retinopathy of prematurity.

Background. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the leading cause of blindness among premature infants. A recent National Eye Institute-sponsored prospective, multicenter trial investigating the use of cryotherapy for treatment of ROP demonstrates a significant reduction in blindness and low vision for patients with sight-threatening (stage 3+) ROP. Method. A microsimulation model is presented to determine the cost-effectiveness of cryotherapy for ROP. Simulations are performed for three subpopulations of premature infants with birth weights 500 through 749 g, 750 through 999 g, and 1000 through 1249 g, and for three screening strategies—weekly, biweekly, and monthly. Results. Appropriately timed screening for and treatment of ROP is predicted to result in a gain of 3899 to 4648 quality-adjusted-life-years and a net governmental budgetary savings of $38.3 to $64.9 million for each annual US birth cohort of 28 321 premature infants (500 through 1249 g). The cost per quality-adjusted-life-year gained is $2488 to $6045, depending on different screening strategies. Conclusions. Of greatest importance is the finding that properly timed screening and treatment for ROP is not only cost saving but may save approximately 320 infants per year from a lifetime of blindness.
Modeling fine sediment resuspension due to vessel passage

Several types of recreational boats are in use, which generally ply at high speed in shallow near-bank areas in restricted waterways. They have a high frequency of passage in popular areas. They generate wake waves, which may cause sediment resuspension and bank erosion. Adverse biological effects of increased sediment in suspension include suppression of growth of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) and mortality of fish. Suspension concentration caused by a series of recreational boats is examined in this paper. The study provides time-series of suspended sediment concentrations related to frequency of boat passage events. These time series estimates can be used in ecological models for evaluating the impact of suspended sediments on SAV and other light-sensitive or turbidity-sensitive biota in shallow near-shore zones.
Free plasma 17β-estradiol in normal pregnancy, labor, and the puerperium

Abstract Plasma levels of unconjugated 17β-estradiol were determined for 83 normal women from the ninth week of gestation to 18 hours post partum. A rise in the mean value from 208 ng. per 100 ml. in early pregnancy (9 to 16 weeks) to 1196 ng. per 100 ml. during the last 8 weeks of gestation was observed, with the greatest increase occurring during the third trimester. Among 6 patients studied serially, a significant difference between late antepartum and intrapartum levels was not detected. Plasma values decreased to a mean of 423 ng. per 100 ml. within one hour after delivery of the placenta and continued to fall during the first 18 hours post partum.
Chapter 7. Nitrogen in Groundwater Associated with Agricultural Systems

Publisher Summary This chapter focused on processes by which aquifers can be affected by nitrogen derived from agricultural systems. The primary form of nitrogen of concern for drinking water, nitrate, is costly to remove in water treatment. Many major aquifers used for urban drinking water are buried deep beneath large population centers. These aquifers are geographically removed from recharge areas near agricultural systems. However, shallow aquifers in urban areas may be contaminated by atmospheric and turf fertilizer sources of nitrogen. Groundwater sources for large municipal water supplies can be and often are blended with several sources allowing dilution of any nitrate contamination. Most rural drinking-water supplies, however, are served through individual or a limited number of wells that are usually completed in shallow aquifers. These shallow aquifers are commonly recharged beneath agricultural activities. Limited research results have shown that once a shallow aquifer has been contaminated by nitrate, it may take decades for the groundwater quality to improve even after pollution controls have been implemented. Few programs exist that routinely monitor private groundwater systems for contamination from agricultural nitrogen. This makes it difficult for well owners to know trends in nitrate contamination of their aquifer over time.
Diagnostic antigenemia tests for penicilliosis marneffei.

Disseminated penicilliosis marneffei is an emerging opportunistic mycosis seen in severely immunocompromised human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and is caused by the dimorphic fungus Penicillium marneffei. Early diagnosis and treatment improve clinical outcome. Proper diagnosis is complicated by nonspecific signs and symptoms and by difficulties in histologic recognition and species identification of the pathogen. Since no established immunodiagnostic methods for penicilliosis marneffei are available, we attempted to develop separate immunodiffusion tests to detect P. marneffei antigens and antibodies in patient serum specimens and a latex agglutination test for antigenemia. Antigens consisted of 2-week-old fission arthroconidial filtrates produced in Pine's broth at 37 degrees C. Rabbit antisera were prepared against the 10 x -concentrated filtrate antigens. Studies were carried out with 17 serum specimens from HIV-seropositive adult Thai patients with penicilliosis marneffei and 15 control serum specimens from Thai persons free of HIV and P. marneffei infection. The immunodiffusion tests detected P.marneffei antigenemia in 10 (58.8%) of 17 patients, whereas the latex agglutination test detected antigenemia in 13 (76.5%) of the 17 patients. Antibody was demonstrated in only 2 of the 17 patient sera. All of the tests appeared to be highly specific, since none were positive with sera from 15 Thai control patients, six serum samples containing cryptococcal antigen, or six urine specimens positive for Histoplasma polysaccharide antigens.
Stimulation by Bombesin and Inhibition by Bombesin/Gastrin-releasing Peptide Antagonist RC-3095 of Growth of Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Recently, it was reported that bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) have mitogenic effects on some human breast cancer cell lines. In this study, we investigated the effects of bombesin/GRP and its receptor antagonist (RC-3095) on the proliferation of three breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 MIII, and MCF-7. Stimulation by bombesin and inhibition by RC-3095 of cell growth were found in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 MIII cells cultured in phenol red-free medium with 5% heat-inactivated and dextran-coated charcoal-treated fetal bovine serum (DCC-FBS). A stimulatory effect by bombesin was not observed in the presence of untreated FBS. [3H]Thymidine incorporation into DNA in these cells was suppressed by RC-3095. MCF-7 cells failed to respond to bombesin and RC-3095 in the presence of either FBS or DCC-FBS. GRP-like immunoreactivity was found in the cell extracts and FBS, but it was undetectable in DCC-FBS. It appears that the stimulatory effect of bombesin on cell proliferation of MCF-7 MIII and MDA-MB-231 cell lines could be obtained because of reduction in the levels of some serum factors in DCC-FBS. These results suggest that bombesin/GRP can act as growth factors through bombesin/GRP receptors in some human breast cancers.
Using Objectification Theory to Examine the Effects of Media on Gay Male Body Image

Research has increasingly noted that gay male adults are more at risk for developing body image dissatisfaction than other male populations. Body image issues warrant attention, particularly since they have been connected to the development of disordered eating patterns. Studies have often traced gay male body dissatisfaction to various sociocultural elements and phenomena, particularly the media. In fact, various media genres have been implicated as being instrumental in propagating idealized male physiques, which in turn may negatively influence observers. Using objectification theory, this paper aims to review the process by which media imagery are internalized by some gay men and how such internalizations harmfully impact their body image. The clinical implications and treatment of body dissatisfaction will be reviewed in terms of social work practice with gay male populations.
Pilot Study of a Preliminary Criterion Standard for Prescription Opioid Misuse

Multidisciplinary experts created a behaviorally defined preliminary criterion standard definition of probable prescription opioid misuse (PPOM) that could be rated from material found in administrative, pharmacy, and electronic health record databases. They then derived a scoring system to identify PPOM patients requiring referral to a specialist. Experts next rated cases of misuse and nonmisuse. Rater no. 1 correctly differentiated 37 of 40 cases (92.5%); kappa coefficient was .79 (CI: .57, 1.00). Rater no. 2 correctly identified 39 of 40 cases (97.5%); kappa was .94 (CI: .81, 1.00). Kappa for comparing raters was .73 (CI: .49, .98). This preliminary study demonstrates that multidisciplinary raters can use behaviorally based criteria to identify patients with known PPOM from health plan databases.
Disinfestation of living leaves by hydrogen peroxide

In vivo immersion of apple leaves in 15% hydrogen peroxide solution for 75–90 s resulted in about 99% reduction of phylloplane bacteria and fungi without appreciable phytotoxicity. Field and growth chamber studies indicated that treatment did not significantly affect the leaves as a habitat for microbes. Variability among treated leaves in numbers of species, numbers of individuals, and species composition was less than among control leaves following recolonization in the field.
Performance of inverse atomistic scale fracture modeling on GPGPU architectures

Abstract The present work has been motivated by the continuous growth of General Purpose Graphic Processor Unit (GPGPU) technologies as well as the necessity of linking usability with multiscale materials processing and design. The inverse problem of determining the phenomenological interparticle Lenard-Jones potential governing the fracture dynamics of a two dimensional structure under tension, is used to examine the feasibility and efficiency of utilizing GPGPU architectures. The implementation of this inverse problem under a molecular dynamics framework provides verification of this methodology. The main contribution of this paper is a performance evaluation driven sensitivity analysis that is contacted on GPGPU-enabled hardware in order to examine efficiency relative to various combinations of GPGPU and Central Processing Unit (CPU) cores as a function of problem size. In particular, speedup factors are determined relative to various number of core combinations of a quad core processor.
Correlation Entering New Fields with Real-Time Signal Analysis

Correlation analysis is a convenient technique for deyrtmining the spectral characteristics of a signal or the similarity of two different signals. One point of a correlation function is the long-term average of the product of two functions of time. The complete function is generated when the delay between the two time functions is varied. For example, if one voltage V1(t) and another voltage V2(t ? r), where r represents a finite and variable delay, are continuously multiplied together and the product fed into a low-pass filter, then the filter's output closely approximates the true mathematical correlation function. If V2; is identical to V1; in every respect except for the delay r, the result is the autocorrelation function. If V1; and V2; are totally different functions, then the result is the cross-correlation function. The outputs in both cases are functions of the delay time r. Mathematically for autocorrelation \begin{equation*}C_{11}(r) = \lim_{T\rightarrow\infty}\frac{1}{2T}\int^T_{-T}V_1(t)V_1(t - r) dt\end{equation*} for cross correlation \begin{equation*} C_{12}(r) = \lim_{T\rightarrow\infty}\frac{1}{2T}\int^T_{-T}V_1(t)V_2(t - r) dt \end{equation*} An instrument, therefore, that does this integrating process will show whether correlation exists between two signals and, if so, when maximum correlation takes place. In practice, the averaging process indicated in the above equations is performed only for a time longer than the longest period in signals f1(t) and f2(t). Autocorrelation is useful for the detection of an unknown periodic signal in the presence of noise or to measure some particular band of signal or noise frequencies.
Intelligent tailoring of composite laminates

Abstract A number of major failure modes in epoxy-matrix composites are reviewed including free edge opening mode delamination, free edge interlaminar shear controlled laminate failure, and impact damage. Methods for suppressing these failure modes through various laminate tailoring techniques are discussed.
Steady state effects of a later mandatory retirement law for tenured faculty

Recently a new law was enacted that would raise the mandatory retirement age from 65 to 70 for all occupational groups except tenured faculty in higher educational institutions. The exception for faculty, which extends to 1 July 1982, was granted because tenure holding professors enjoy a measure of job security that is unknown outside the academic sphere; this uniqueness led many to feel that an extension of faculty lifetime careers could possibly have very serious effects on the fiscal and academic health of colleges and universities, and that a delay was necessary in order that the situation could be carefully researched. This paper analytically investigates these conjectures and rigorously shows that they have been greatly exaggerated. By using a four stage model of the tenure system, it is easy to show the effect of progressively later retirements on the tenure ratio, flow of new faculty, and faculty salary budget. As many researchers would intuitively feel, neither early nor late retirement has an unusually disruptive effect on any of these critical variables.
Circadian Modulation of Melanopsin-Driven Light Response in Rat Ganglion-Cell Photoreceptors:

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) project to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and are essential for normal photic entrainment of global circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior. The effect of light on the central clock is dependent on circadian phase, and the retina itself contains intrinsic circadian oscillators that can alter its sensitivity to light. This raises the possibility that the ipRGCs, and hence the photoentraining signals in the retinohypothalamic tract, are subject to circadian modulation. Although the ipRGC photopigment, melanopsin, reportedly exhibits circadian variations in expression, there has been no direct test of the hypothesis that ipRGC sensitivity is under circadian control. Here, we provide such a test by measuring the sensitivity of intrinsic photoresponses of rat ipRGCs at four circadian times (CTs) using multielectrode array (MEA) recording. We observe little if any circadian modulation in the threshold of intrinsic ipRGC photoresponses. We do observe, however, that very bright light evoked significantly more spiking early in the subjective night (CT12-13) than at other circadian phases. Thus, the gain of the melanopsin-driven response is slightly increased in the early night, at roughly the circadian phase when melanopsin synthesis is thought to be elevated. However, this gain change is probably too modest to contribute much to shape the phase response curve for behavioral photoentrainment.
Scattering from very rough metallic and dielectric surfaces: a theory based on the modified Kirchhoff approximation

Abstract This paper presents a theory of scattering from very rough metallic and dielectric surfaces using the first- and second-order Kirchhoff approximations (KA) modified with the angular and propagation shadowing. The shadowing functions limit the single and double scattered waves which are illuminated and not shadowed by the surface. The theoretical results are compared with the Monte Carlo simulations showing the range of validity of the theory. The theory is applicable to the range where the RMS height is close to a wavelength and the RMS slope is close to unity, and the second medium is lossy. The second-order scattering includes two waves travelling in opposite directions on the surface, giving a physical explanation of the enhanced backscattering.
A new method for PAR reduction in baseband DMT systems

The high peak-to-average power ratio (PAR) in real-baseband discrete multitone modulation (DMT) systems can significantly limit performance. Tone reservation techniques use unavailable or reserved tones to design a peak-cancelling signal that lowers the PAR of a transmit data block. Previous methods converge very slowly to a good solution. Our new active-set method converges much faster toward a minimum-PAR solution at a lower cost.
On the stability of solutions of a non-linear, non-autonomous equation

Abstract Sufficient conditions for the stability of solutions of the equation a(t) x + b(t) x + c(t)f(x) = 0 are deduced. These conditions depend on coefficient ratios a c and b c as well as on initial conditions. As an example the pendulum of variable length is discussed.
Conjecture and explanation: A reply to Reydon

Abstract Reydon (2012) comments on my account of how-possibly explanation ( Forber, 2010 ). I distinguish between three types of explanation ( global how-possibly , local how-possibly , and how actually ) and argue that these distinctions track various roles explanations play in evolutionary biology. While Reydon accepts the distinctions, he questions whether the two different types of how-possibly explanation count as genuine explanations. He summarizes his analysis with a slogan: “global how-possibly explanations are explanations but not how-possibly; local explanations are how-possibly but not explanations.” Reydon’s commentary raises a number of insightful points, and I will not be able to address them all. Instead, after clarifying certain points in my original paper (§ 1), I will respond to Reydon’s slogan by addressing whether global how-possibly explanations should count as explaining how possible (§ 2), and what (so-called) local how-possibly explanations are, if not explanations (§ 3).
Role of Disorder in T-Cell Signaling

The T cell receptor plays a central role in the initiation of adaptive immune responses by recognizing microbial peptides bound to MHC molecules. Signaling through the receptor occurs through three associated signaling dimers (the CD3 dimers). We have shown that the cytoplasmic domain of the CD3 epsilon chain is membrane bound in live cells. Furthermore, we determined the NMR structure of the CD3 epsilon cytoplasmic domain in its lipid-bound state. The structure showed that the two critical tyrosines are inserted into the hydrophobic part of the lipid bilayer. We therefore propose that membrane binding prevents premature receptor activation.
Infectivity of Brugia Malayi Larvae Recovered from Aedes Togoi Mosquitoes at Various Times After a Single Blood Meal

Aedes togoi mosquitoes were fed on cats and jirds infected with Brugia malayi. Third stage larvae recovered from these mosquitoes at 14 days after infection or at 30 days after infection were administered to young cats in a drop of saline over artificially produced puncture wounds on the volar surface of the rear feet. After time to allow for migration of the parasites to the popliteal lymph nodes, cats were necropsied and the larvae recovered. The length of time which infective larvae remained in the mosquito neither decreased nor enhanced the ability of larvae to invade tissue and initiate a new infection.
Validation of the surgical pain scales in women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery.

OBJECTIVE Surgical pain scales (SPS) consist of 4 items that measure pain at rest, during normal activities, and during work/exercise and quantify unpleasantness of worst pain, which are valid and responsive in men undergoing hernia repair. Our objective was to evaluate the psychometric properties of SPS in women undergoing vaginal surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. METHODS We modified SPS by converting original response scales from a visual analog scale to numerical rating scales. Numerical rating scales have lower error rates and higher validity than visual analog scale. The sample included 169 women with stage II to IV pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence in a randomized trial comparing sacrospinous ligament fixation to uterosacral vault suspension with and without pelvic floor muscle training. Participants completed SPS and SF-36 at baseline, and 2 weeks and 6 months after surgery. Construct validity and responsiveness were examined in cross-sectional and longitudinal data using Pearson correlation and analysis of variance. RESULTS Pain at rest, during normal activities, and during work/exercise worsened at 2 weeks (P<0.05); and all measures of pain improved from baseline to 6 months (P<0.0001). Construct validity was demonstrated by correlations of 0.51 to 0.74 between SPS and the SF-36 Bodily Pain Scale (P<0.0001). Pain worsened on SF-36 between baseline and 2 weeks in 63% of the participants, and this group demonstrated a mean (SD) increase in pain of 1.9 (2.8) on the SPS (effect size, 0.99), confirming responsiveness of the scale. CONCLUSIONS The modified SPS are valid and responsive in women after pelvic reconstructive surgery.
Role of receptor-associated 39/45 kD protein in active Heymann nephritis

Role of receptor-associated 39/45kD protein in active Heymann Nephritis. Active Heymann nephritis (HN) of rat, an autoimmune glomerular disease, is an experimental model of human membranous glomerulonephropathy (MGN), a common human glomerular disease. The putative autoantigen of HN is believed to be a large glycoprotein (gp330) present in kidneys of rat and human. Gp330 has sequence homology to low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)/α 2 -macroglobulin receptor and co-purifies with another 45kD protein called receptor-associated protein (RAP) which binds to both gp330 and LRP/α 2 -macroglobulin receptor. Since RAP co-purifies with gp330 and is thus present in the immunizing material used to induce active HN, the present study was undertaken to determine if gp330 or RAP individually could produce active HN and whether RAP had a role in the pathogenesis of active HN. Rats immunized with the traditional crude antigen (Fx1A) containing both gp330 and RAP developed typical HN. Although these rats developed low titers of autoantibody to RAP in their sera, they had no deposition of antibody to RAP in their kidneys. Rats immunized with gp330 also developed typical HN but had no autoantibody to RAP in their sera or kidneys. Rats immunized with RAP developed high titers of autoantibody to RAP in their sera but had no antibody in their kidneys and did not develop HN. Three rats were injected intravenously with polyclonal antibody to RAP and assessed seven days later for the development of passive HN. All three developed mild passive HN characterized by granular staining of polyclonal antibody along the capillary loops. Conclusions: (1) This is the first report to show that gp330 alone without the accompanying RAP can induce active HN; (2) RAP by itself does not induce active HN; (3) Autoantibodies to RAP do not appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of active HN induced with the traditional crude antigen, Fx1A; and (4) We confirm that polyclonal antibody to RAP can induce passive HN.
Nonsurvey techniques for constructing regional interindustry models

In themselves the nonsurvey methods may prove useful supplements to survey studies. The iterative procedure, for example, assuming the maximum possible local trade, may be used to provide estimates of upper limits on cell values. Further, in conjunction with a survey-based table, it might be used to demonstrate the possibilities for increasing local trade and the gains which might accrue. But it seems that, at the moment, there is still no acceptable substitute for a good survey-based study. This conclusion, however, is founded on a very limited test. We deliberately avoided any but grossly mechanical computations, and no systematic correction procedures are available yet. Further, our tests have been based on an aggregation procedure which completely ignores the product mix in Washington. Care in aggregation might provide quite different results—it is surprising to us that our techniques yielded acceptable regional production coefficients for over 25 per cent of the industry categories. Further tests against other survey-based tables may provide evidence of consistent differences between our estimates and survey results. These differences might be used as adjusting factors to render our estimates more reliable and to produce at least pedagogically acceptable models of regional economies.
Radioactive tracer tests for the recognition and identification of vitamin B12 deficiency states.

Abstract Over 100 studies of vitamin B12 absorption were performed in 92 subjects using vitamin B12 labeled with radioactive cobalt. Impaired absorption of vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract was observed in patients with pernicious anemia, sprue, regional ileitis, jejunal diverticulosis, and in patients after total gastrectomy or after resection of large portions of the small intestine. Administration of intrinsic factor preparations corrected the absorption defect in pernicious anemia and after total gastrectomy, but was without effect in the other disorders. Administration of an antibiotic improved the absorption of vitamin B12 in a patient with jejunal diverticulosis presumably by eliminating bacterial competition for vitamin B12. The use of radioactive vitamin B12 provides a simple and useful clinical test which has its greatest value in the recognition of pernicious anemia in patients who are in remission as a result of previous therapy.
Feeding problems in young PKU children

Behavioural feeding problems were found to be more prevalent in a group of 15 PKU children aged 1-5 years when compared to non-PKU controls. The parents of PKU children identified poorer appetites (p < 0.01), a more limited range of foods consumed (p < 0.03) and more gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and constipation (p < 0.03) than control children. The children were slower to feed (p < 0.03), were more likely to dislike sweet foods and some ate separately from the rest of the family at mealtime (p < 0.03). The effects on normal feeding behaviour should be considered when advocating strict diet therapy for young PKU children.
Mean flow generated by an internal wave packet impinging on the interface between two layers of fluid with continuous density

Internal waves propagating in an idealized two-layer atmosphere are studied numerically. The governing equations are the inviscid anelastic equations for a perfect gas atmosphere. The numerical formulation eliminates all variables in the linear terms except vertical velocity, which are then treated implicitly. Nonlinear terms are treated explicitly. The basic state is a two-layer flow with continuous density at the interface. Each layer has a unique constant for the Brunt–Vaisala frequency. Waves are forced at the bottom of the domain, are periodic in the horizontal direction, and form a finite wave packet in the vertical. The results show that the wave packet forms a mean flow that is confined to the interface region that persists long after the wave packet has moved away. Large-amplitude waves are forced to break beneath the interface.
Development of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants receiving thickened feeds using SimplyThick

SimplyThick®(ST) has been safely used as a thickener to treat adults who have dysphagia, but the safety of this product has not been studied in premature infants. Xanthan gum is the ingredient in ST that results in thickening and also is an effective laxative. We recently began using ST to treat premature infants with dysphagia and/or gastroesophageal reflux. We describe three cases of premature infants who developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after they were fed ST. Unlike classic NEC, all three cases presented with late-onset colonic NEC.
The End of Business Schools? Less Success Than Meets the Eye

Presents an update on the state of business schools in the U.S. as of September 2002. Effects of business schools on careers concentrates on the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree; Sign...