cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ESTIMATED PREVALENCE OF NOISE-INDUCED HEARING THRESHOLD SHIFTS AMONG CHILDREN 6 TO 19 YEARS OF AGE: THE THIRD NATIONAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION EXAMINATION SURVEY, 1988-1994, UNITED STATES

Objective. This analysis estimates the first nationally representative prevalence of noise-induced hearing threshold shifts (NITS) among US children. Historically, NITS has not been considered a common cause of childhood hearing problems. Among children, NITS can be a progressive problem with continued exposure to excessive noise, which can lead to high-frequency sound discrimination difficulties (eg, speech consonants and whistles). Methods. The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) was conducted from 1988 to 1994. NHANES III is a national population-based cross-sectional survey with a household interview, audiometric testing at 0.5 to 8 kHz, and compliance testing. A total of 5249 children aged 6 to 19 years completed audiometry and compliance testing for both ears in NHANES III. The criteria used to assess NITS included audiometry indicating a noise notch in at least 1 ear. Results. Of US children 6 to 19 years old, 12.5% (approximately 5.2 million) are estimated to have NITS in 1 or both ears. In the majority of the children meeting NITS criteria, only 1 ear and only 1 frequency are affected. In this analysis, all children identified with NITS passed compliance testing, which essentially rules out middle ear disorders such as conductive hearing loss. The prevalence estimate of NITS differed by sociodemographics, including age and sex. Conclusions. These findings suggest that children are being exposed to excessive amounts of hazardous levels of noise, and children9s hearing is vulnerable to these exposures. These data support the need for research on appropriate hearing conservation methods and for NITS screening programs among school-aged children. Public health interventions such as education, training, audiometric testing, exposure assessment, hearing protection, and noise control when feasible are all components of occupational hearing conservation that could be adapted to children9s needs with children-specific research.
Comparative Cost‐effectiveness of Alternative Empiric Antimicrobial Treatment Options for Suspected Enterococcal Bacteremia

Objectives Enterococcus species are the fourth leading cause of bacteremia. Resistance rates are rising and delays in appropriate initial antimicrobial therapy have been associated with increased mortality. Empiric treatment of patients with suspected enterococcal bacteremia varies and significant cost differences exist between alternatives. The objective of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of various empiric treatments for patients with suspected enterococcal bacteremia. Methods A decision-analytic model was constructed from the hospital perspective to assess the cost-effectiveness of alternative empiric treatment options for enterococcal bacteremia, including antimicrobials active against vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE). The model was populated from available literature sources and included resistance patterns, associated mortality with early versus delayed effective treatment, and the cost of treatment. Univariate sensitivity analyses tested the robustness of the model to determine the degree to which model uncertainties influenced outcomes. We also undertook a probabilistic sensitivity analysis varying parameters in 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations. Main Results The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $791 and $749/quality-adjusted-life-year utilizing empiric daptomycin and linezolid, respectively. The model also predicted an incremental cost/life saved of $11,703 by utilizing empiric daptomycin and $11,084 with linezolid utilization. Ampicillin was dominated (i.e., less effective and associated with increased costs) by both VRE-active agents and vancomycin. A probabilistic Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis showed that an agent with VRE activity had a 100% chance of being cost-effective at traditionally used willingness-to-pay thresholds. The decision-analytic model was sensitive to variations in E. faecium mortality and short-term postdischarge survival rates. Conclusion Results of our model showed that empiric utilization of an antimicrobial with activity against VRE may be a cost-effective option for the treatment of suspected enterococcal bacteremia when compared with vancomycin or β-lactam therapy.
Laminate of 60 vol.% BeO/Be composite with 6061 A1 alloy

Abstract Several attempts were made to vacuum hotpress multi-layer laminates of a 60 vol.% BeO/Be composite with 6061 Al alloy. Even at 620°C under light pressure the creep of the Al layers applied enough tensile stress on the BeO/Be composite layers to cause the latter to fracture.
Effect of diet and controlled exercise on weight loss in obese children

The effects of adding exercise to diet for weight control in obese children were evaluated by randomizing obese girls to one of two groups: diet and diet plus exercise. During the first 6 weeks of the treatment, children exercised in a supervised three times a week exercise program, in which they walked or ran 3 miles. Significant decreases from baseline weight and in percent overweight were observed for both groups during the year of treatment. Significant decreases in percent overweight were observed at 0 to 2 months and then at 2 to 6 months for the children who were exercising, whereas percent overweight in children in the diet-alone group decreased only from 0 to 2 months. In addition, a significant improvement in fitness was observed only for children in the diet plus exercise group.
Viscoelastic properties of dodecane/polystyrene systems

Abstract Complex mechanical properties of dodecane/polystyrene systems were studied. The temperature and frequency dependence of the shear modulus was studied for various samples containing different amounts of dodecane. Addition of dodecane lowered the temperature at which mechanical transitions occurred and broadened the transition region. The modulus decreased with increasing dodecane content. The temperature and concentration dependences of the shift factor were determined by time-temperature and time-concentration superposition and analysed by a free-volume model and an entropy model. The concentration effect on the temperature-dependent shift factor was validated by an entropy model. The frequency-dependent complex moduli master curves experimentally determined were converted to a discrete relaxation time spectrum; subsequently, the time-dependent material function could be determined from the relaxation spectrum. The relaxation spectrum shifted significantly to shorter times with increasing concentration of dodecane.
Analytical models for warehouse configuration

The performance of a warehouse is impacted by how it is configured, yet there is no optimization model in the literature to answer the question of how to best configure the warehouse in terms of warehouse shape and the configuration of the dock doors. Moreover, the building blocks for such a model (put-away, replenishment, and order picking models that can be combined in an optimization model) are either not available (in the case of replenishment) or built on a set of inconsistent assumptions (in the case of put-away and order picking). Therefore, this article lays the foundation for more sophisticated warehouse configuration optimization models by developing the first analytical model for replenishment operation performance and extending put-away and order picking performance models. These new models are used to address a question motivated by industry: the optimal configuration of a case-picking warehouse in terms of the shape of the facility and whether the facility is configured with dock doors on on...
Nitric acid in polar stratospheric clouds - Similar temperature of nitric acid condensation and cloud formation

As shown independently by two different techniques, nitric acid aerosols and polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) both form below similar threshold temperatures. This supports the idea that the PSC particles involved in chlorine activation and ozone depletion in the winter polar stratosphere are composed of nitric acid. One technique used to show this is the inertial impaction of nitric acid aerosols using an Er-2 aircraft; the other method is remote sensing of PSCs by the Stratospheric Aerosol Measurement (SAM II) satellite borne optical sensor. Both procedures were in operation during the Arctic Airborne Stratospheric Expedition in 1989, and the Airborne Antarctic Ozone Experiment in 1987. Analysis of Arctic particles gathered in situ indicates the presence of nitric acid below a 'first appearance' temperature Tfa = 202 K. This is the same highest temperature at which PSCs are seen by the SAM II satellite. In comparison, a 'first appearance' temperature Tfa = 198 K as found for the Antarctic samples.
Full Dimensional Quantum Calculations of Vibrational Energies of H5O2

Two full dimensional (15 degrees-of-freedom) quantum calculations of vibrational energies of H5O2+ are reported using the global potential energy surface (OSS) of Ojamae et al. (J. Chem. Phys. 1998...
Doing Well vs. Feeling Well: Understanding Family Dynamics and the Psychological Adjustment of Chinese Immigrant Adolescents

Despite their average high levels of educational achievement, Asian American students often report poor psychological and social adjustment, suggesting an achievement/adjustment paradox. Yet, the reasons for this paradox remain unclear. Drawing on 5-year longitudinal qualitative interview data, this paper compares the family dynamics of two groups of adolescents from Chinese immigrant families: non-distressed adolescents (n = 20) who have high levels of academic achievement and high levels of psychological well-being; and distressed adolescents (n = 18) who have high levels of academic achievement but low levels of psychological well-being. Findings suggest that the two groups of families differed in parenting approaches after migration, parent–child communication, parental expectations, and parent–child relations. Implications for Asian American adolescent and youth development are discussed.
From Fairness to Chance

Abstract Fairness is a mathematical abstraction used in the modeling of a wide range of phenomena, including concurrency, scheduling, and probability. In this paper, we study fairness in the context of probabilistic systems, and we introduce probabilistic fairness , a novel notion of fairness that is itself defined in terms of probability. The definition of probabilistic fairness makes it invariant with respect to synchronous composition, and facilitates the design of model-checking algorithms for quantitative properties of probabilistic systems. We compare probabilistic fairness with other notions of fairness for probabilistic systems, and we provide algorithms that solve the verification problem for various classes of probabilistic properties on finite-state systems with fairness.
Nuclear matter Ward identity and the theory of final-state interactions in inclusive and exclusive reactions.

We consider the response of a large nucleus, approximated by nuclear matter, to an electromagnetic probe at intermediate values of the momentum transfer, where nucleon knockout dominates the response. We discuss final-state interactions which may be included in the calculations of ({ital e},{ital e}{prime}) inclusive reactions or ({ital e},{ital e}{prime}{ital p}) reactions, for example. We remark that the standard method for performing these calculations is inconsistent and address the question of the magnitude of the corrections required. We extend the discussion of Bentz, Arima, Hyuga, Shimizu, and Yazaki, who considered the role of the Ward-Takahashi identity in the calculation of the electromagnetic response in nuclear matter, to higher values of the momentum transfer. We suggest specific vertex corrections which should provide a more consistent formalism. We find that these corrections may be small in the vicinity of the quasielastic peak. However, definitive estimates of the corrections suggested here will require rather complex calculations. (It is of interest to note that the vertex correction is complex when the energetics are such that nucleon knockout is possible.)
Real-time control of the free boundary in a two-phase stefan problem

A two-phase Stefan-problem is considered where the progress of the free boundary is observed by fully automatic real-time controls (thermostats or photo-electric cells). The heat flux at both fixed...
Interactive Semiconductor Process Overview

The Interactive Semiconductor Process Overview (ISPO) is a multimedia CD-ROM package that is based on a successful Semiconductor Processing Overview course developed through a partnership between the Texas A&M University System and several major Texas semiconductor manufacturers. The ISPO focuses on the basic process terminology, the key equipment components and the most sensitive quality issues of each major processing step. The ISPO includes a customized course management system and navigation system to assist the course coordinator and student to maximize the learning experience. The material is designed with the potential for three different levels of instruction. The technical content is divided into modules corresponding to major process steps or topics, with each process module further modularized into standard sub-modules. The ISPO's interactive, visual emphasis is developed and maintained through a combination of 3-D graphics, scanned images, video clips, computer-generated animations and visual simulations. The animations depict the essence of various technical concepts with all spurious elements removed. The visual simulations are developed from physically accurate mathematical models and correctly scaled graphics. The visual simulations allow students to vary input control parameters to pre-selected values and observe the resulting effect on the process.
Neural networks for exact matching of functions on a discrete domain

In many pattern classification problems it is desirable to realize functions defined on a discrete domain. The authors consider the exact matching of such functions through a three-layered perceptron-based neural network. It is shown that, for a function defined at N distinct points, exact matching can be accomplished through a network with N-1 hidden layer nodes. A construction procedure involving a matrix inversion is also presented. >
Resveratrol and novel potent activators of SIRT1 : effects on aging and age-related diseases

Studies show that the plant polyphenol resveratrol can extend the life span of yeast, worms, flies, and fish. It also mitigates the metabolic dysfunction of mice fed high-fat diets. Resveratrol appears to mediate these effects partly by activating SIRT1, a deacetylase enzyme that regulates the activity of several transcriptional factors and enzymes responsive to nutrient availability. However, few foods contain resveratrol and humans metabolize it extensively, resulting in very low systemic bioavailability. Substantial research effort now focuses on identifying and testing more bioavailable and potent activators of SIRT1 for use as pharmacologic interventions in aging and age-related disorders.
Efficient algorithms for computing a class of subsethood and similarity measures for interval type-2 fuzzy sets

Subsethood and similarity measures are important concepts in fuzzy set (FS) theory. There are many different definitions of them, for both type-1 (T1) FSs and interval type-2 (IT2) FSs. In this paper, Rickard et al.'s definition of IT2 FS subsethood measure, extended from Kosko's T1 FS subsethood measure using the Representation Theorem, and Nguyen and Kreinovich's IT2 FS similarity measure, extended from the Jaccard similarity measure for T1 FSs, are introduced. Efficient algorithms for computing them are also proposed. Simulations demonstrate that our proposed algorithms outperform existing algorithms in the literature.
Nitrogenous Metabolites in the Plasma of Chicks Adapted to High Protein Diets

Abstract SEVERAL investigators have reported levels of uric acid in the range of 4–6 mg./100 ml. in plasma of chicks (Bolton, 1947; Hsu and Combs, 1952; Krakoff and Karnofsky, 1958; Bell et al., 1959). Uric acid concentrations in plasma are influenced by age, sex, reproductive state and nutritional status. Stoewsand and Scott (1960) observed blood uric acid levels of chicks fed diets containing 84% isolated soybean protein to be approximately 16 mg./100 ml. Bell et al. (1959) reported that blood levels of urea remained relatively constant and were unaffected by sex, reproductive state or nutritional status of the chick. Ammonia is normally present in very low concentrations in chicken blood. Krakoff and Karnofsky (1958) observed a level of 2.2 μg./ml. of blood. Numerous studies have shown that the concentrations of plasma free amino acids in chickens are influenced both by the quantity and quality of protein consumed by the chick.…
Reduced-Hours Employment: The Relationship Between Difficulty of Trade-Offs and Quality of Life

Although reduced-hours work is widely thought to decrease distress, empirical literature relating absolute number of hours worked to distress outcomes is inconsistent. Perhaps the trade-off between giving up some aspects of work for more nonwork time is more stressful for some employees than for others. The authors tested the hypothesis that difficulty of trade-offs is a more powerful predictor of quality-of-life indicators (i.e., symptoms of anxiety and depression, job-role quality, and intention to turnover within 1 year) than is number of hours worked per se in a non-random sample of 141 reduced-hours physicians in dual-earner couples. Results supported the hypothesis.
Determining whether a finite group of outer automorphisms of a free group is geometric

Abstract In this article we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a given finite group of outer automorphisms to be induced by the action of a group of orientation-preserving homeomorphisms on the fundamental group of a punctured surface. When the group is abelian, necessary and sufficient conditions can also be given in the absence of orientability assumptions. These properties are formulated in terms of the finite automorphism groups which project into the given outer automorphism group: each non-trivial automorphism in any such group can fix at most a cyclic subgroup of the fundamental group.
Campylobacter and Salmonella populations associated with chickens raised on acidified litter

Two commercially available acidifying litter treatments, aluminum sulfate (alum) and sodium bisulfate, were tested to determine their effects on Campylobacter and Salmonella colonization frequencies and populations associated with broilers raised on treated pine litter. To produce contaminated litter, broiler chicks were inoculated with two bacterial cocktails (multistrain mixtures of campylobacters and salmonellae) and were allowed to shed on the litter for about 6 wk. Upon bird removal, litter in duplicate pens was immediately treated with two levels of aluminum sulfate [3.63 or 7.26 kg/4.6 m2 (8 or 16 lb/50 ft2)] or sodium bisulfate 1.13 or 1.81 kg/4.6 m2 (2.5 or 4 lb/50 ft2)]; untreated pens served as controls. Immediately after treatment, day-of-hatch chicks were released in the pens. Frequency and populations of Campylobacter and Salmonella associated with ceca and whole carcass rinse (WCR) samples were determined for each duplicate pen at Weeks 1, 4, and 6. Both levels of the aluminum sulfate and sodium bisulfate litter treatments tested significantly (P < 0.05) reduced Campylobacter colonization frequency and populations in the ceca. Significantly, no Campylobacter was recovered from WCR samples associated with high level aluminum sulfate-treated pens at any time; although control pens were 95, 78, and 38% positive at Weeks 1, 4, and 6, respectively. Salmonella colonization frequency and populations in the ceca were not significantly decreased by any of the treatments investigated. Although effective pathogen control will most likely require a combination of interventions, acidifying treatment of litter in poultry production may serve as a means to help control Campylobacter and to reduce horizontal transmission of pathogens in broiler flocks.
Protein structure prediction

The prediction of protein structure, based primarily on sequence and structure homology, has become an increasingly important activity. Homology models have become more accurate and their range of applicability has increased. Progress has come, in part, from the flood of sequence and structure information that has appeared over the past few years, and also from improvements in analysis tools. These include profile methods for sequence searches, the use of three-dimensional structure information in sequence alignment and new homology modeling tools, specifically in the prediction of loop and side-chain conformations. There have also been important advances in understanding the physical chemical basis of protein stability and the corresponding use of physical chemical potential functions to identify correctly folded from incorrectly folded protein conformations.
Production of Conjugated Linoleic Acid‐Rich Potato Chips

: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is found primarily in diary and beef products, but the health benefits of CLA can only be realized if they are consumed at much greater levels than a normal healthy dietary intake. We have recently shown that a CLA-rich soy oil can be produced by simple isomerization of linoleic acid in soy oil by photoirradiation. This oil may allow greatly increased dietary CLA without significantly elevating fat intake. The objective of this study was to prepare CLA-rich potato chips by frying in CLA-rich soy oil. Soy oil was photoisomerized in the presence of iodine catalyst with UV/visible light. The irradiated oil was clay processed to remove the residual iodine and this oil was then used to fry potato chips. Oil was extracted from fried chips and analyzed for its CLA content with gas chromatography. A 1-oz serving of CLA-rich potato chips contained approximately 2.4 g CLA as compared to 0.1 g CLA in 3-oz serving of steak fillet and 0.06 g CLA in 8-oz serving of whole milk. The peroxide value of the oil extracted from potato chips was found to be 1 meq/1000 g sample, which was within the acceptable commercial standards. This study may lead to the commercialization of CLA-rich food products.
Laboratory Evaluation of Mosquito Repellents Against Aedes albopictus, Culex nigripalpus, and Ochlerotatus triseriatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract Four synthetic mosquito repellents (Autan [10% KBR3023], IR3535 [7.5%], Off! [15% deet], Skinsations [7% deet]) and eight natural (primarily plant extracts and/or essential oils) product-based repellents (Bite Blocker [2% soybean oil], ByGone, GonE!, Natrapel [10% citronella], Neem Aura, Sunswat, MosquitoSafe [25% geraniol], and Repel [26% p-menthane-3,8-diol]) were tested in the laboratory against Aedes albopictus Skuse, Culex nigripalpus Theobald, and Ochlerotatus triseriatus (Say). When estimated mean protection time (eMPT) responses for each repellent were averaged for all three mosquito species, Autan, Bite Blocker, Off!, and Repel prevented biting for ≥7.2 h; IR3535, MosquitoSafe, and Skinsations for 3.2–4.8 h; and ByGone, Natrapel, GonE, NeemAura, and SunSwat for 0.9–2.3 h. Against Ae. albopictus, the eMPT for Off! and Repel exceeded 7.0 h and ranged from 5.0 to 5.7 h for Autan, Bite Blocker, and Skinsations. Bygone, GonE, NeemAura, and SunSwat provided 0.2 h protection against Ae. albopic...
An adaptive multiscale filter for segmenting vegetation in ALSM data

A multiscale filter designed for segmenting ground from nonground points in ALSM data is extended to be adaptive by analytically determining admission thresholds based on prescribed error rates. The filter performs well on simulated and actual ALSM data
Augmenting Antitumor Immune Responses with Epigenetic Modifying Agents

Epigenetic silencing of immune-related genes is a striking feature of the cancer genome that occurs in the process of tumorigenesis. This phenomena impacts antigen processing and antigen presentation by tumor cells and facilitates evasion of immunosurveillance. Further modulation of the tumor microenvironment by altered expression of immunosuppressive cytokines impairs antigen-presenting cells and cytolytic T-cell function. The potential reversal of immunosuppression by epigenetic modulation is therefore a promising and versatile therapeutic approach to reinstate endogenous immune recognition and tumor lysis. Pre-clinical studies have identified multiple elements of the immune system that can be modulated by epigenetic mechanisms and result in improved antigen presentation, effector T-cell function, and breakdown of suppressor mechanisms. Recent clinical studies are utilizing epigenetic therapies prior to, or in combination with, immune therapies to improve clinical outcomes.
The evolution of impact basins: Cooling, subsidence, and thermal stress

The present study is concerned with an assessment of the contribution of thermal contraction and thermal stress to the topography and tectonics of large lunar impact basins. Exploratory models are developed, giving attention to the temperature structure following basin formation, the subsequent cooling of the basin region, and the resulting thermal displacements and stresses as functions of time. The subsidence and stress at the surface are compared with topography and tectonic features in the comparatively well-preserved Orientale basin. The results of the comparison are used as a basis to derive approximate constraints on the quantity and distribution of heat implanted during the basin-formation process.
Commentary on "Vascular cognitive impairment: today and tomorrow".

Progress has been slow in our understanding of cognitive impairment related to vascular brain injury. The uncertainties surrounding this disorder are demonstrated by the different names applied to it over the last 50 years: atherosclerotic dementia, multi-infarct dementia, vascular dementia, and now vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). There is considerable disagreement about the frequency of this entity, how it is diagnosed clinically, its pathology, and its overlap with other dementing disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Animal models of this disorder have not been developed. Multiple views, reviews, and books about this topic have been published, but they contain little agreement about many facets of this disorder. In this issue, Dr. Chui, calling on her years of experience and knowledge as an investigator of this entity, has written a thorough, scholarly update of VCI with emphasis on longitudinal epidemiologic studies with and without autopsies [1]. The review leads to a number of logical conclusions, which put the disorder in a clearer perspective.
Transient substrate current generation and device degradation in CMOS circuits at 77K

The hot-carrier effects on CMOS device characteristics and circuit performance have been investigated at 77K under pulsed- stress conditions. A CMOS inverter was subjected to a pulsed input at 77K and resulting substrate current generation and device degradation have been characterized. The result shows that hot-carrier effects at 77K can be significant for CMOS devices having conventional source/drain structure under pulsed stress. The hot-carrier effects on CMOS circuit performance are also reported.
Nutrient Limitations of Carbon Uptake: From Leaves to Landscapes in a California Rangeland Ecosystem

Nutrient controls of ecosystem pattern and process have been widely studied at the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, a well-studied California rangeland ecosystem. Here we review these studies, from leaf to landscape scales, with the intention of developing a deeper understanding of carbon (C)–nutrient interactions in such an ecosystem. At the leaf scale, several studies conducted on diverse plant species have revealed a strong positive relationship between leaf nitrogen (N) concentrations and maximal rates of photosynthesis. This relationship, which has subsequently been observed globally, can be explained by the nutritional requirements of photosynthetic machinery. Consistent with this local physiological constraint, N availability has been shown to limit carbon uptake of California rangeland ecosystems. In some cases phosphorus (P; and N plus P) limits productivity, too—particularly in serpentine soils, pointing to the importance of parent material in regulating CO2 uptake at landscape scales. Nutrient dynamics are also affected by herbivory, which seems to accelerate N and P cycles over the short term (years), but may lead to nutrient limitation of plant production over the longer term (decades). Simulated global change experiments at Jasper Ridge have also provided insight into C–nutrient interactions in grasslands. In particular, several field-based experiments have shown that CO2 doubling does not necessarily simulate productivity of California grasslands; rather, the strength and sign of net primary productivity (NPP) responses to CO2 doubling varies across years and conditions. Although simulated N deposition stimulates NPP, N plus CO2 combinations do not necessarily increase productivity beyond N treatments singly. Poorly understood feedbacks between plants, microbes, and P availability may underlie variation in the response of California grasslands to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. We conclude that interactions between C, N, and P appear especially vital in shaping plant productivity patterns in California rangelands and the capacity of this ecosystem to store additional C in the future.
Sleep-disordered breathing symptoms are associated with poorer cognitive function in 5-year-old children.

Abstract Objective To assess the relation of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) symptoms in children to neurocognitive function. Study design A cross-sectional, population-based study of 205 5-year-old children. A parent-completed questionnaire was used to ascertain SDB symptoms, defined as frequent snoring, loud or noisy breathing during sleep, or witnessed sleep apnea. Polysomnography (PSG) data were available in 85% of children. Standardized neurocognitive tests were administered by a trained psychometrist unaware of the children's SDB status. Children with (n = 61) and without SDB symptoms were compared using analysis of variance to adjust for demographic and respiratory health variables. Results Children with SDB symptoms scored significantly lower than those without SDB symptoms on tests of executive function (95.5 vs 99.9 on NEPSY Attention/Executive Core Domain, P = .02; 10.4 vs 11.2 on Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Revised [WPPSI-R] Animal Pegs test, P = .03), memory (96.8 vs 103.0 on NEPSY Memory Domain, P = .02), and general intellectual ability (105.9 vs 111.7 on WPPSI-R Full Scale IQ, P = .02). There were no significant differences on a computerized continuous performance task. These findings persisted when children with PSG evidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were excluded from analysis. Conclusion Even in the absence of OSA, SDB symptoms are associated with poorer executive function and memory skills and lower general intelligence in 5-year-old children.
A Preliminary Investigation of Perceived Risk Differences in the First Order and Second Order Retai1 Markets

The second order (previously owned merchandise) retail market is receiving increased attention from consumers. This study compared the perceived risk in the retailing of new versus used merchandise and the applicability of the traditional risk reduction strategies to the second order markets. Differences were found between risk perception of new versus used merchandise. However, the importance of various information sources to reduce risk did not differ by type of merchandise. Strategy implications for second order merchants are derived.
Using Data Mining Results to Improve Educational Video Game Design

This study uses information about in-game strategy use, identified through cluster analysis of actions in an educational video game, to make data-driven modifications to the game in order to reduce construct-irrelevant behavior. The examination of student strategies identified through cluster analysis indicated that (a) it was common for students to pass certain levels using incorrect mathematical strategies and (b) throughout the game a large number of students used order-based strategies to solve problems rather than strategies based on mathematics, making measurement of their mathematical ability difficult. To address the construct irrelevant variance produced by these issues, two minor changes were made to the game and students were randomly assigned to either the original version or the revised version. Students who played the revised version (a) solved levels using incorrect mathematical strategies significantly less often and (b) used order-based strategies significantly less often than students who played the original version. Additionally, student perception of the revised version of the game was more positive than student perception of the original version, though there were no significant differences in either in-game or paper-and-pencil posttest performance. These findings indicate that data mining results can be used to make targeted modifications to a game that increased the interpretability of the resulting data without negatively impacting student perception or performance.
Abstract 469: The Role of PP2A in Angiotensin AT2R and Dopamine-1 Receptor Membrane Recruitment in Human Renal Proximal Tubule Cells

The renal dopamine-1 receptor (D1R) and angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) are two important receptors that regulate renal sodium reabsorption through heterologous and autologous plasma membrane recruitment following stimulation of protein kinase A (PKA) via D1R and protein kinase G (PKG) via AT2R. Using the cell permeable analog of PKA (8Br-cAMP) along with the PKG analog 8Br-cGMP, we did not find additive effects, which led to our hypothesis that downstream protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is the common link in the D1R/AT2R interaction. To test our hypothesis, we used two human renal proximal tubule cell lines (RPTC): one with normal D1R coupling (nRPTC) to adenylyl cyclase (AC) and a 2nd cell line with a defect in D1R coupling to AC (uncoupled or uRPTC). A dose response curve for 8Br-cAMP and 8Br-cGMP using cell surface Dylight-649-AngIII binding for 1 hr in the presence of losartan (a measure of surface AT2R) showed maximal recruitment at 1 mM for both 8Br-cAMP and 8Br-cGMP. EC50 of 8Br-cAMP was 129.9±60.58 μM (log EC50 was -3.9). EC50 of 8Br-cGMP was 99.17±48.13 μM (log EC50 was -4.0) A 1 hr addition of 1 mM 8Br-cAMP or 8Br-cGMP resulted in increased PP2A activity. Specifically, PP2A activity increased by 1.59±0.24 fold (N=3, P<0.05 vs vehicle (VEH, baseline value of 1216 pmoles of phosphate at 650 nm) when 8Br-cAMP was added. The addition of 8Br-cGMP induced a 1.48±0.33 fold increase in PP2A (N=3, P< 0.05 vs VEH at 1216 pmoles of phosphate at 650 nm). Using flow cytometry for cell surface D1R and AT2R, recruitment of either receptor (AT2R or D1R) was completely blocked by okadaic acid (OA, a specific PP2A phosphatase inhibitor at 10 nM), whether stimulating D1R with fenoldopam (FEN), AT2R with AngIII, or using cell permeable downstream second messenger agonists 8Br-cAMP or 8Br-cGMP. Similarly, addition of the AC inhibitor SQ 22536 (10 μM) or the guanylyl cyclase (GC) inhibitor ODQ (10 μM) completely blocked FEN, AngIII, 8Br-cAMP and 8Br-cGMP-induced D1R and AT2R cell surface recruitment. In summary, we determined that PP2A is the common mediator of D1R and AT2R cell surface recruitment and may be an important target for regulating renal sodium homeostasis.
Comparative studies on the in vitro response of bacteria to invertebrate body fluids: II. Aplysia california (sea hare) and Ciona intestinalis (tunicate)

Abstract Five species of gram-negative, obligately marine bacteria, one facultatively marine gram-positive micrococcus, and a strain of the gram-negative terrestrial Serratia marcescens were used in the tests. They were incubated in vitro in cell-free and whole coelomic fluid of the sea hare Aplysia californica and the tunicate Ciona intestinalis. Both fluids of Aplysia showed little or no effect on the bacteria. Both fluids of Ciona killed two of the obligately marine species and depressed numbers of two of the remaining three, but did not affect either the gram-positive micrococcus or the gram-negative terrestrial rod. There is a discussion of the possibility that the antibacterial substances in the coelomic fluids of marine invertebrates would be more likely to affect the common gram-negative, obligately marine bacteria than the rarely encountered gram-positive and terrestrial gram-negative forms.
A comparative study of metrics for modal pre-test sensor and actuator selection using the JPL/MPI testbed truss

A comparative study of several pre-modal-test planning techniques is presented using the Jet Propulsion Laboratories' Micro-Precision Interferometer testbed. Mode indicatorfunctions calculated using a reducedfinite element model of the structure are used in conjunction with a Genetic Algorithm to find location and orientation of two excitation sources in order to optimally excite a chosen range of finite element target modes during a modal test. Effective independence, kinetic energy, and eigenvectorproduct techniques are used with the structuralfinite element model to place a combination of sensors on the structure for the purpose of modal identification. The sensors are placed in two ways: independent sensor placement and triaxially constrained placement. A numerical simulation of the response of the structure is used to evaluate the effectiveness of each of the placement techniques to identify the target modal parameters of the structure. The effect offinite element model error on the various placement techniques is evaluated.
Ribonucleoside and nucleotide components of normal human blood lymphocytes and platelets.

SummaryRibonucleoside and nucleotide profiles of human peripheral blood platelets, nylon wool effluent, and nylon wool eluted cells were obtained by high pressure liquid chromatography. AMP, ADP, ATP, GMP, GDP, GTP, CMP, CTP, and UTP components were present in all cell types. Guanosine was found in platelets and effluent cells. Adenosine was detected in platelets only. The use of high pressure liquid chromatography provides a rapid, reproducible means for analyses of nucleo-tides in blood elements.We would like to acknowledge the expert technical assistance of Mrs. Betty Nager.
Moniliella Isolated from Synthetic Vinegar

A fungal strain isolated from synthetic vinegar was identified as Moniliella acetoabutans Stolk et Dakin. Fermentation and assimilation of sugars, and assimilation of nitrate were investigated on the isolate and the authentic strains of the genus Moniliella, and in contradiction of the original description, M. acetoabutans CBS 169.66 utilized nitrate. Moreover, a relation of pH to growth, and assimilation of and tolerance to acetic acid were tested on the strains of this genus and other fungi. Among these strains, M. acetoabutans AJ-6622 grew even on the medium adjusting pH 3.0 by acetic acid, and M. acetoabutans AJ-6622, and CBS 171.66, M. tomentosa CBS 221.32, Aspergillus flavus IAM 3003, and Penicillium citrinum IFO 6352 developed in the Czapek-Dox broth containing 5% acetic acid.
On the axiomatic characterization of runoff voting rules

Runoff voting rules such as single transferable vote (STV) and Baldwin's rule are of particular interest in computational social choice due to their recursive nature and hardness of manipulation, as well as in (human) practice because they are relatively easy to understand. However, they are not known for their compliance with desirable axiomatic properties, which we attempt to rectify here. We characterize runoff rules that are based on scoring rules using two axioms: a weakening of local independence of irrelevant alternatives and a variant of population-consistency. We then show, as our main technical result, that STV is the only runoff scoring rule satisfying an independence-of-clones property. Furthermore, we provide axiomatizations of Baldwin's rule and Coombs' rule.
Hemodynamic Considerations During Hemodialysis in the Elderly

Elderly patients are prone to all the complications that can occur in a younger patient on hemodialysis (HD). However, certain complications can be particularly detrimental in this age group. The altered physiology secondary to aging as well as HD procedure itself may contribute to such complications which primarily involve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems.
Decreasing complexity and increasing value: beyond apps and gadgets

I believe that we are in a critical phase of the history of technology, and by extension, our culture. In many ways, insofar as digital technology is concerned, things have never been so good. Devices are getting ever-less expensive, the applications and services that they can deliver have become ever-more numerous, and also inexpensive, and the human factors are at a high standard, and the quality of user experience perhaps better than ever. So what might be the problem? My argument is that the very success of current technology runs the risk of causing the whole house of cards to collapse. In short, the cumulative complexity of a ever larger collection of simple things will eventually overwhelm. What I will argue is that the solution is to approach technology from a cultural and ecological perspective, where the social relationship amongst devices, applications and services -- and people -- is more important than any one of such things on their own.
The interest of the nation lay against it so visibly

It seems a losing political argument to suggest that the fate of a nation rests upon the type of wine its subjects drink. And yet, that was precisely the claim of both Tories and Whigs in a debate that lasted throughout Queen Anne’s reign and climaxed just before her demise. Tories argued that France produced the best and least expensive wines (so long as the tariffs were equal with other nations), and that all attempts to prohibit trade with France or discourage trade through high tariffs had only led to massive levels of fraud and smuggling. This deprived the English government of revenue and undermined the authority of the state by encouraging merchants and consumers to break the law. Moreover, maintaining prohibitive tariffs on French goods meant perpetual enmity with France, which meant more wars and high land taxes to pay for them.
Legal Aspects of Healthcare Decision-Making

In June of 1987, Dr. William Behringer tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and was diagnosed with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (Behringer v. The Medical Center at Princeton 1991). Behringer was a practicing surgeon at the Medical Center at Princeton, which is also where he was diagnosed. Within hours of receiving his diagnosis, Behringer received an outpouring of phone calls and communication from staff at the Medical Center, friends in the community, and within a matter of days, from patients.
Support vector machine classification of arterial volume-weighted arterial spin tagging images

Introduction In recent years, machine-learning techniques have gained growing popularity in medical image analysis. Temporal brain-state classification is one of the major applications of machine-learning techniques in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain data. This article explores the use of support vector machine (SVM) classification technique with motor-visual activation paradigm to perform brain-state classification into activation and rest with an emphasis on different acquisition techniques. Methods Images were acquired using a recently developed variant of traditional pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling technique called arterial volume-weighted arterial spin tagging (AVAST). The classification scheme is also performed on images acquired using blood oxygenation–level dependent (BOLD) and traditional perfusion-weighted arterial spin labeling (ASL) techniques for comparison. Results The AVAST technique outperforms traditional pseudocontinuous ASL, achieving classification accuracy comparable to that of BOLD contrast images. Conclusion This study demonstrates that AVAST has superior signal-to-noise ratio and improved temporal resolution as compared with traditional perfusion-weighted ASL and reduced sensitivity to scanner drift as compared with BOLD. Owing to these characteristics, AVAST lends itself as an ideal choice for dynamic fMRI and real-time neurofeedback experiments with sustained activation periods.
Perceptual Facet Development: Hearing and Seeing Experiences

This chapter focuses on distinctive patterns of sensing that develop in the ten novels. Focalizing characters most often engage in seeing and hearing. Prominent seeing- and hearing-patterns discussed in this chapter include meets eyes, sees an unchanged wintertime scene, hears the sounds of battle, and is called. The ways these patterns develop by the principles discussed in chapter 4 are examined here in detail.
“From the Heart”: Sex, Money, and the Making of a Gay Community in Senegal

What are the non-monetary dimensions of selling sex? This article offers a cultural approach to the question of sexual labors, drawing on field observations and interviews in a community of gay men...
Technical Aspects and Surgical Complications of Segmental Allografts Following Segmental Resections of Malignant Bone Tumors

Three main types of skeletal reconstruction following segmental resection of primary bone tumors are available: autografts, allografts, and prosthetic replacements. The use of autografts, either vascularized or unvascularized, leads to donor site morbidity; their sources are limited and the grafted bone usually does not accurately match the size or shape of the defect created by the resection. Therefore, autografts are useful mainly for replacement of diaphyseal segments, especially in the upper extremity, and for knee fusions. The other two types of skeletal reconstruction can be applied to almost all anatomic sites. There has been much discussion as to which of the two is superior.
Inpatient orthopaedic hardware removal in children: A cross-Sectional study

Abstract Introduction Few data describe the specific reasons for inpatient hardware removal in the pediatric population. This study was designed to understand the conditions necessitating inpatient removal following fracture surgery. Cost data was analyzed to understand the financial implications of these procedures. Methods The Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) was evaluated for the year 2012. Patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation following upper and lower extremity fractures as well as those undergoing hardware removal due to hardware complications were identified using ICD-9 CM diagnosis and procedure codes. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine predictors of surgical removal due to complications, controlling for patient demographics and comorbidities. Results The most common indication for removal was infection (1141 patients; 32%), followed by mechanical dysfunction (923; 25.4%), and pain (472; 13%). Logistic regression analysis showed that femur fractures (OR = 8.27, 95% CI: 7.63–8.96) and tibia/fibula fractures (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.17–1.35) were independent predictors of infection-related hardware removal (P Conclusion While most commonly performed as an outpatient procedure, inpatient hardware removal occurs with relative frequency and is most often performed for infection, mechanical failure, or pain. Risk factors for infection-related removal were identified and provide a basis for further investigation.