cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediabetes and risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality based on hypertension status

Background Current recommendations suggest prediabetes testing for overweight or obese adults with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. However, it is important to understand whether testing should be conducted in adults with hypertension regardless of their cardiovascular risk factors. Methods Participants from the 1999-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) aged at least 18 years and without diabetes were enrolled in the study. Participants were classified according to their prediabetes and hypertension status and followed up to track cardiovascular and all-cause mortality until December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazards models were built to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs). Results were stratified by age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, and cardiovascular disease history. Results At baseline, 5,011 (14.72%) out of 34,047 participants had combined prediabetes and hypertension. Prediabetes alone was not associated with all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. Hypertension alone was significantly associated with all-cause (HR: 1.30) and cardiovascular (HR: 1.89) mortality, and combined prediabetes and hypertension were significantly associated with all-cause (HR: 1.37) and cardiovascular (HR: 2.11) mortality. Age and ethnicity were significantly associated with combined prediabetes and hypertension and all-cause mortality, where the association was stronger among people aged <60 years (HR: 1.94 vs. 1.22) and White (HR: 1.50 vs. 1.21). Conclusions Prediabetes might elevate the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among people with hypertension. This relationship is more evident among younger and White individuals.
Phytostabilization of acidic mine tailings with biochar, biosolids, lime, and locally-sourced microbial inoculum: Do amendment mixtures influence plant growth, tailing chemistry, and microbial composition?

Abstract Abandoned mine lands present persistent environmental challenges to ecosystems and economies; reclamation is an important step for overcoming these challenges. Phytostabilization is an elegant and cost-effective reclamation strategy, however, establishing plants on severely degraded soils is problematic, often requiring soil amendments. We evaluated whether amendment mixtures composed of lime, biochar, biosolids, and locally-sourced microbial inoculum (LSM) could alleviate the constraints that hinder phytostabilization success. We hypothesized that 1) plants grown in tailings amended with lime, biochar, and biosolids (LBB) would establish faster and grow larger than plants grown in tailings amended with lime only, and 2) the LSM source would influence microbial community function and structure in amended mine tailings. We conducted a greenhouse study that simulated in situ conditions to measure the influence of LBB-LSM amendment blends on plant growth, plant nutrients, metal concentrations, microbial function, and microbial community structure. Blue wildrye [Elymus glaucus Buckley ssp. Jepsonii (Burtt Davy) Gould] was grown in tailings collected from the Formosa mine site amended with various combinations of LBB-LSM. The above and belowground biomass of plants grown in mine tailings amended with LBB was 3 to 4 times larger than the biomass of plants grown in tailings amended only with lime. Although the LSM addition did not influence immediate plant growth, it did affect nutrient content and altered the rhizosphere community composition. As such, it is not yet clear if LSM-driven alterations in microbial membership will advance mine reclamation strategies by improving long-term growth.
Response of Douglas-fir stem profile to operational nitrogen fertilization in western Oregon

Abstract Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is a commonly applied silvicultural treatment intended to promote growth of intensively managed coast Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii] plantations in the Pacific Northwest region of the US (PNW) and adjacent areas of Canada. Because responses have been geographically variable, fertilization trials were established in the Coast Range of northwestern Oregon to enhance general understanding of Douglas-fir growth response and test the economic viability of operational N applications in this subregion. Twenty-three operational stands comprising the trials were dominated by Douglas-fir, had an initial total age of 16–24 years, had been pre-commercially thinned 7–10 years prior to establishment of the fertilization trials, and started with 387–1260 trees ha−1. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied aerially as pelletized urea (46% N) at a rate of 224 kg N ha−1 to half of each stand during the dormant season of 2009–2010. In the dormant season of 2016–2017, seven growing seasons following fertilizer application, forty sample trees were felled in ten randomly selected stands to assess the influence of N-fertilization on stem form. A variable exponent taper model was developed using a nonlinear mixed-effects modelling approach. A tree-level random effect and a first-order continuous autoregressive [CAR(1)] error process were incorporated into the model to facilitate accurate tests of significance on model parameter estimates. The variable exponent taper model captured significant variation in stem form resulting from fertilization based on interaction with a crown variable, suggesting that the N-fertilization influence on stem form was mediated by initial crown length of trees with given diameter and height. Volume predictions from the resulting taper model were compared to those from the regional growth model ORGANON, which assumes no influence of fertilization on stem form. The regional growth model ORGANON significantly (p
Laser-assisted "Scissor" Technique to Facilitate Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection.

Background: There has been an increase in utilization of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to treat aneurysms with chronic dissection. Despite significant progress, TEVAR is hindered by persistent perfusion of the false lumen and aneurysm growth. Various techniques to address false lumen perfusion exist. We preset our experience of laser fenestration with disruption of the dissection flap to facilitate TEVAR and avoid persistent retrograde false lumen perfusion. Methods: Review a technique to treat patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm complicated by chronic dissection. This is an adjunct to a TEVAR procedure with final goal to treat the aneurysm and avoid retrograde false lumen perfusion. Under IVUS guidance, we performed a Phillips/Spectranetics laser fenestration of the intimal flap followed by a scissoring technique to obliterate the dissection flap and create a distal seal zone. Stent-grafts placed following flap obliteration allow graft expansion and apposition to the entire outer aortic and avoid retrograde perfusion of the false lumen. Results: Two patients underwent TEVAR in conjunction with laser obliteration of the dissection flap, including 1 undergoing primary repair of a chronic Type B dissection with aneurysm, and 1 as a completion second stage elephant trunk procedure. Technical success was achieved in both cases, with successful implantation of the endograft, and freedom from type I and III endoleaks. Absence of false lumen flow, and patency of the visceral vessels was confirmed on completion angiography. True lumen patency and obliteration of the intimal flap were confirmed by IVUS. Early follow up confirms exclusion of the aneurysm, with no evidence of retrograde perfusion of the false lumen. Conclusions: Thoracic aortic aneurysms in the context of chronic dissections can be successfully treated with TEVAR and laser obliteration of the chronic dissection flap to fully exclude the aneurysm and avoid retrograde false lumen perfusion.
Privacy-Preserving IP Verification

The rapid growth of the globalized integrated circuit (IC) supply chain has drawn the attention of numerous malicious actors that try to exploit it for profit. One of the most prominent targets of such parties is the third-party intellectual property (3PIP) vendors and their circuit designs. With the increasing number of transactions between vendors and system integrators, the threat of IP reuse and piracy has become a significant consideration for the IC industry. What is more, the correctness of 3PIP designs should be verified before integration, imposing another challenge for 3PIP vendors since they have to prove the functionality of their designs to system integrators while protecting the privacy of the circuit implementations. To eliminate this deadlock, we utilize the cryptographic technique of “zero-knowledge proofs” to enable 3PIP vendors to convince system integrators about various functional properties of a circuit (e.g., area, power, frequency) without disclosing its netlist (i.e., in zero-knowledge). Our approach comprises a circuit compiler that transforms arbitrary netlists into a zero knowledge-friendly format and a library of modules that provide cryptographic guarantees for various properties of the netlist while hiding the actual gates. We evaluate our method using combinational and sequential circuits from the ISCAS and ITC benchmark suites.
Mental Health Public Policies in the United States

Almost every choice that a person makes about his or her treatment or type of care provided in the system of mental health services in the United States is strongly influenced by federal, state, and county laws, policies, administrative rules, procedures, and regulations. This influence may affect who can be licensed to provide what type of treatment; where that treatment can take place; who is eligible to obtain a service; who will pay; what is covered by private insurance; how different states regulate the insurance companies; what is the individual state's design of Medicaid coverage; even how persons eligible for Medicare can access and receive services. This entry reviews the history and impact of mental health policies on the system of mental health care in America. Keywords: community; institutions; mental health
Increasing Spatiotemporal Control over Azidonorleucine Protein Labeling within Cells to Enable Higher Resolution Proteomics

As many signaling pathways are interconnected in complex ways, it is difficult to predict the protein production changes accompanying most changes of cellular state, such as during development or d...
Quantum Field Theory

Quantum field theory is the basic mathematical framework that is used to describe elementary particles. This textbook provides a complete and essential introduction to the subject. Assuming only an undergraduate knowledge of quantum mechanics and special relativity, this book is ideal for graduate students beginning the study of elementary particles. The step-by-step presentation begins with basic concepts illustrated by simple examples, and proceeds through historically important results to thorough treatments of modern topics such as the renormalization group, spinor-helicity methods for quark and gluon scattering, magnetic monopoles, instantons, supersymmetry, and the unification of forces. The book is written in a modular format, with each chapter as self-contained as possible, and with the necessary prerequisite material clearly identified. It is based on a year-long course given by the author and contains extensive problems, with password protected solutions available to lecturers at www.cambridge.org/9780521864497.
Seismic evidence for small-scale dynamics in the lowermost mantle at the root of the Hawaiian hotspot

The hot thermal boundary layer produced by heat transport from the Earth's core to the base of the mantle is thought to contain strong horizontal shear flows and to nucleate instabilities in which hot material rises into the convecting mantle as thermal plumes1,2,3. A recent study4,5 proposes that the Hawaiian plume is deflected by mantle convection and, in the lowermost mantle, is located to the southeast of its surface manifestation. Here we present seismic data that densely sample, with core-reflected shear waves, a region beneath the central Pacific Ocean which includes the predicted location of the deflected root of the Hawaiian hotspot. Our mapping of the structure in this region of the lowermost mantle reveals strong lateral gradients in shear-wave velocity and anisotropic shear-wave polarization direction over distances of only several hundred kilometres. We interpret these gradients as being indicative of small-scale dynamical structure in the thermal boundary layer, where vertical flow into the Hawaiian plume at its root is accompanied by horizontal flow towards the plume.
The Jesus' Wife Papyrus in the History of Forgery

Many forgeries pass through a cycle of fabrication, acceptance, doubt and final rejection. Consideration of a number of modern forgeries, notably those of Constantinos Simonides, illustrates how forgers exploit prevailing debates, look for persons or institutions on whom to practise their deception, and are often undone by their own errors, especially when manufacturing provenance. This ‘syntax’ of forgery can be applied to the case of the Jesus' Wife papyrus, though the participation of media corporations and the existence of the internet add a new element to the process.
Using empiric semantic correlation to interpret temporal assertions in clinical texts.

Objective: To measure the uncertainty of temporal assertions like “3 weeks ago” in clinical texts. Design: Temporal assertions extracted from narrative clinical reports were compared to facts extracted from a structured clinical database for the same patients. Measurements: The authors correlated the assertions and the facts to determine the dependence of the uncertainty of the assertions on the semantic and lexical properties of the assertions. Results: The observed deviation between the stated duration and actual duration averaged about 20% of the stated deviation. Linear regression revealed that assertions about events further in the past tend to be more uncertain, smaller numeric values tend to be more uncertain (1 mo v. 30 d), and round numbers tend to be more uncertain (10 versus 11 yrs). Conclusions: The authors empirically derived semantics behind statements of duration using “ago,” and verified intuitions about how numbers are used.
New patterns of diacylglycerol metabolism in intact cells

The metabolism of di[1-14C]octanoylglycerol metabolism was examined in four cell lines: NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, BHK cells, Pam 212 keratinocytes and WEHI 3BD+ cells. We found the direct conversion of 1,2-di[1-14C]octanoyl-sn-glycerol ([14C]diC8) into dioctanoylphosphatidylcholine and dioctanoylacylglycerol, but no formation of phosphatidylinositol. The [14C]diC8 also underwent lipolytic breakdown. In contrast, 1-[1-14C]oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol was metabolized exclusively by lipolysis. Our findings support a new scheme for the metabolic termination of diacylglycerol signals.
Transnational Muslim solidarities and everyday life

ABSTRACT. Discussions of globalisation and identity have focused on the renewed relevance of various post-national frameworks of belonging, including the Muslim umma. This article argues against the idea that the umma has come to constitute a primary referent in contemporary Muslim debates about identity or a form of globalised political consciousness. Furthermore, the advent of ‘post-Islamism’ means that Islamic political mobilisation rarely seeks to establish alternative political orders within the container of the nation-state. However, this does not mean that we are seeing a reaffirmation of the nation in Muslim contexts today. Rather, transnational Muslim solidarities represent an intermediate space of affiliation and socio-political mobilisation that exists alongside and in an ambivalent relationship with the nation-state. I point to two different socio-religious movements that, without positing the primacy or exclusivity of the umma/Islamic identity, express discrepant visions of the relationship between Islam and the nation: (1) the Fethullah Gulen movement, which serves simultaneously as the vehicle for a particular vision of neo-Ottoman Turkish nationalism and a critique of the Kemalist national order; and (2) the neo-Salafist movement, read here as an effort to embed conceptions of public morality and accountability within the discursive tradition of orthodox Islam rather than the institutional framework of modern polity.
On the Asymptotic Structure of Far-Field Electrostatic Interactions between Charged Molecules and Charged Surfaces

A general asymptotic theory is presented for approximating the electrostatic free energy of interaction between a charged spherical solute of radius a and an arbitrarily shaped charged wall at distance &#x1d4c1; in the limit a ≪ &#x1d4c1;. The Debye screening length is assumed to be of order &#x1d4c1; or larger. Thus, the analysis specifically addresses the most interesting case where strong interactions arise from the overlap of solute and wall double layers. Surface charges are represented in terms of constant-potential boundary conditions. The asymptotic theory is shown to agree well with detailed numerical calculations for the illustrative case of sphere−plane interaction even when the solute surface is only one radius away from the wall.
The inactivation and dissociation of Escherichia coli succinyl-CoA synthetase by sulfhydryl reagents.

Abstract 1. 1. In immunodiffusion experiments antiserum to carboxymethylated succinyl-CoA synthetase (succinate:CoA ligase (ADP), EC 6.2.1.5) reacted strongly with subunits prepared by treatment of the enzyme with merthiolate (ethylmercurithiosalicylate), but not with native enzyme. 2. 2. Various parameters of inactivation and reactivation of the enzyme in the presence of merthiolate were studied. These included the effects of pH, temperature, protein concentration and merthiolate concentration. 3. 3. Titration of succinyl-CoA synthetase with p- chloromercuri [ 14 C ] benzoate led to the binding of 4 moles of mercurial per mole of enzyme. The enzyme was dissociated by either merthiolate or p- chloromercuribenzoate into what appeared to be two different kinds of subunits.
Myelination ofjp,jpmsd andqk axons by normal glia in vitro: Ultrastructural and autoradiographic evidence

Abstract Normal optic nerve glia were ‘injected’ into hypomyelinated mutantjp,jpmsd, andqk cerebellum by co-culturing explants in direct physical contact. Quantitative light microscopic studies demonstrated that such glial injection significantly increased the number of myelin profiles counted in cultures, suggesting that axons in all 3 mutants can accept myelination from competent glia when they are made available. In each mutant, the observed increase in myelination was independent of the ages of donor optic nerves and recipient cultures, but absolutely required positioning of the optic nerve so that direct contact occurred with the mutant cerebellar explants. The additional myelin found near the zone of fusion with the optic nerve morphologically resembled normal, not mutant myelin. Autoradiographs made after [3H]thymidine-labeled normal optic nerve was injected intojpmsd cultures showed that labeled cells had colonized the nearby mutant tissue. Labeled cells identified as oligodendrocytes by ultrastructural criteria were found adjacent to myelin segments near the fusion zone, but direct continuity between processes of these oligodendrocytes and myelin sheaths was not demonstrated. The astrocytes and phagocytic cells which were also labeled had no obvious relationship to myelinated axons. These results provide experimental evidence that the primary abnormalities produced by the three mutationsjp,jpmsd, andqk are inherent in their glial cells, probably although not definitely in the oligodendrocytes.
Medical Publishing Triage – Chronicling Predatory Open Access Publishers

This editorial examines the problem of predatory publishers and how they have negatively affected scholarly communication. Society relies on high-quality, peer-reviewed articles for public policy, legal cases, and improving the public health. Researchers need to be aware of how predatory publishers operate and need to avoid falling into their traps. The editorial examines the recent history of predatory publishers and how they have become prominent in the world of scholarly journals.
The predictive role of plasma TGF-β1 during radiation therapy for radiation-induced lung toxicity deserves further study in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Summary Background This study aimed to further investigate the role of circulating TGF-β1 during radiation therapy (RT) in predicting radiation-induced lung toxicity (RILT). Methods and materials Patients with stages I–III non-small cell lung cancer treated with RT based therapy were included in this study. Platelet poor plasma was obtained pre-RT, at 2 and 4 weeks during-RT, and at the end of RT. TGF-β1 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The primary endpoint for RILT was ≥grade 2 radiation pneumonitis or fibrosis. Results Twenty-six patients with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were included. Six patients (23.1%) experienced ≥grade 2 RILT. There was no significant difference in absolute TGF-β1 levels pre-RT, at 2 and 4 weeks during-RT, or at the end of RT between patients with and without RILT. The TGF-β1 ratios (over the pre-RT levels) for patients with and without RILT at 2, 4 weeks during-, and the end of RT were 2.8 ± 2.2 and 1.0 ± 0.6 ( P = 0.123), 2.3 ± 1.3 and 0.8 ± 0.5 ( P = 0.001), 1.5 ± 0.9 and 0.8 ± 0.5 ( P = 0.098), respectively. Using 2.0 as a cut-off, the TGF-β1 ratio at 4 weeks during-RT predicted RILT with a sensitivity and specificity of 66.7% and 95.0%, respectively. Conclusion Elevation of plasma TGF-β1 level 4 weeks during-RT is significantly predictive of RILT. The role of plasma TGF-β1 in predicting RILT deserves further study.
Health-Related Quality of Life for Children With Chronic Kidney Disease

Medical care advancements for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or with a kidney transplant have resulted in relatively improved long-term patient survival compared with adult patients with CKD. Optimal care for the pediatric patient with CKD requires attention not only to medical management but also the psychosocial and developmental factors that will either ensure or prevent a pediatric patient's successful transition into adulthood. We review the range of issues that impact pediatric CKD patient health-related quality of life (HRQOL), the history of pediatric CKD patient HRQOL investigation, and the instruments currently available to assess HRQOL.
Exchange rates and foreign demand for US fresh grapefruit

The seemingly unrelated regression technique was used to study the relationships between exchange rates and foreign demand for US fresh grapefruit. Annual observations for the period from 1972 through 1986 were used in the analysis. Results demonstrate that (1) when studying export demand relationships, exchange rates play an important role and the deletion of exchange rates from the analysis may result in inaccurate parameter estimates; and (2) US fresh grapefruit has more than one export market, with different markets responding differently to price changes.
Accuracy of body mass index-defined overweight in fire fighters.

Background Ov erweight, obesity and weight gain are significant problems in the US fire service. While classification of obesity using body mass index (BMI) has demonstrated accuracy and low rates of false positives when compared with body fat percentage (BF%)–based standards, no studies have examined the accuracy of BMI-based overweight and normal weight status with other comparable body composition indices. Aims T o compare overweight and normal weight BMI categories with BF% standards from the American Council on Exercise and analogous waist circumference (WC) categories and to examine rates and types of misclassification in fire fighters. Methods Da ta were collected from 11 randomly selected career fire departments in the International Association of Fire Chief’s Missouri Valley Region. Demographics, occupational history, and body composition indices (weight, BF% and WC) were obtained from male career fire fighters who were categorized as normal weight or overweight based on BMI. Results There w ere 293 participants of whom 92 had normal BMI. There were low rates of false positives (12%) and moderate rates of false negatives (22%) when comparing BMI categories to the comparable BF% ca tegories. However, using WC as the standard resulted in very high rates of false positives (63%) and very low rates of false negatives (5%).
A fully implantable subcutaneous glucose sensor array: enhanced accuracy from multiple sensing units and a median-based algorithm.

Although continuous electrochemical glucose monitoring holds promise in the management of diabetes, its utility is limited in part because of error of unclear origin. The use of redundant glucose s...
A test of the child replacement hypothesis: nineteenth century Massachusetts.

Abstract Child mortality experience may affect subsequent fertility of couples by exerting the so‐called “physiological” and/or “replacement” responses. The influence of either effect should become apparent upon an examination of individual reproductive histories. The impact of infant and early childhood mortality on subsequent reproductive behavior of couples is analyzed for the presence and intensity of these effects. Historical data are derived from 1,261 families in two communities in western Massachusetts. Relationships of intervals between successive confinements, and parity progression ratios, according to the fate of previous births, are examined. While forms of family limitation have been employed by the study population, indicating that the capacity for replacement existed, the data do not reveal any significant attempt at child replacement.
Different patterns of language activation in post-stroke aphasia are detected by overt and covert versions of the verb generation fMRI task

Background Post-stroke language functions depend on the relative contributions of the dominant and non-dominant hemispheres. Thus, we aimed to identify the neural correlates of overt and covert verb generation in adult post-stroke aphasia.
Vasodepressor Cough Syncope Masked by Sleep Apnea‐Induced Asystole

Vasodepressor Cough Syncope. Cough syncope is classified among the neural-reflex "situational" faints, but whether the clinical consequences in affected individuals result from reflex triggered bradyarrhythmia or vasodepressor-induced hypotension, or both, is often unknown. In this report we describe findings in a patient with a clinical history consistent with cough syncope, and in whom documented multiple asystolic spells were at first believed to be responsible for symptoms. However, pacemaker therapy initiated at an outside facility failed to suppress symptoms, and subsequent referral for more detailed autonomic study revealed the asystole to be due to sleep apnea, whereas cough-induced vasodepressor hypotension was the basis of syncope in this individual; the latter provided a pathophysiologic target for prevention of recurring symptoms. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1024-1027, September 2012).
SU‐FF‐T‐134: Segmented Field Electron Conformal Therapy with An Electron Multi‐Leaf Collimator

Purpose: To investigate the potential of a prototype electron multi‐leaf collimator (eMLC) to deliver segmented‐field electron conformal therapy (ECT) and to improve dose homogeneity to the planning target volume (PTV) by feathering the abutting edge of the higher energy electron fields. Method and Materials:Electron beams (6–20 MeV) using a prototype eMLC were commissioned for the pencil beam dose algorithm in the Pinnacle treatment planning system. A discrete Gaussian edge spread function was used to match electron dose penumbras of differing energies at a specified depth in a water phantom. The effect of edge feathering on dose homogeneity was computed for a segmented‐field ECT treatment plan for a cylindrical, 2‐step PTV in a water phantom (depths = 2.5 and 4 cm). Results: For abutting 9 and 16 MeV fields, Gaussian edge feathering reduced the standard deviation of dose in the PTV from 5.6% to 3.5%. The treatment plan with edge feathering delivered 90% of the prescription dose to 94% of the PTV, while the treatment plan with no feathering delivered 90% of the dose to 88% of the PTV. Conclusions: An eMLC was found to improve dose homogeneity in the 2‐step PTV for segmented‐field ECT through 1D edge feathering of the leaf positions for the higher energy electron field.
A non-explosive test method for generating wide area dynamic blast-type pressure pulse loading on armored panels

Abstract The ever-changing face of modern warfare drives the need for improved vehicle armor and the means of testing new protection systems. Test methods to-date have been based on explosive loading or using apparatus such as shock tubes and gas guns to produce representative loading. Each methodology comes with its own set of limitations, such as poor visibility and remote facilities required for explosive testing or limited impact area for the gas gun based methods. A new impact-based method has been developed to address some of these limitations by employing the UC San Diego Blast Simulator, a system composed of high-speed (up to 66 m/s) actuators and a tuned pressure pulse generating projectile. The system has been used to impact a wide area (406 × 406 mm) on large-sized (610 × 610 mm) armor panels at a specific impulse of 7520 Pa s. Panels tested using the non-explosive Blast Simulator were compared to panels subjected to actual blasts with C4 explosive. Metrics of interest were damage modes, extent of damage, and pressure pulse attenuation relative to steel. Results indicate similar damage modes but larger degree of internal damage for the actual blast-tested composite sandwich panels, but a similar level of permanent deformation for the steel panels. The sandwich panels exhibited up to 37% reduction in initial-average transmitted acceleration and 76% reductions in peak transmitted acceleration compared to steel armor panels, at a weight savings of up to 49%. This non-explosive test allows for generating consistent and repeatable wide area pressure pulse loads to facilitate performance comparison and optimization of armor panel designs.
Optimization of Threshold Values for Estimators Based on Single-Bit Quantized Sensors Using Genetic Algorithms

The paper considers the problem of signal parameter estimation using a collection of distributed sensors called a sensor pack. Each sensor quantizes its data to one-bit information and sends it to a fusion processor for the estimation of the parameter. Estimation of a constant signal in additive noise is considered. Estimators are formulated based on one-bit sensor data and their mean squared error (MSE) performances are evaluated through simulation studies. It is shown that selecting certain threshold values for quantizing the sensor outputs can lower the MSE. Genetic algorithms are used to find the optimal threshold values for the sensors. Results from this study show that robust estimation of parameter is possible by using a moderately large number of one-bit quantized sensor data. This work has significance in applications that demand high reliability in sensor networks in spite of sensor failures, limited sensor dynamic range, resolution, bandwidth for data transmission or even data storage.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Trospium chloride: over 20 years of clinical use

Antimuscarinic drugs currently form the mainstay of pharmacotherapy for overactive bladder. Trospium chloride, an antimuscarinic with an unusual quaternary amine structure, has recently gained approval in the USA for the treatment of this condition. As a quaternary amine, trospium has pharmacological properties that are distinct from other available antimuscarinics and which contribute to its salutary safety and efficacy profile. Limited ability to cross the blood–brain barrier minimizes the potential for centrally mediated adverse events. Metabolism independent of the cytochrome P450 isoenzyme system allows confident prescription of trospium alongside the majority of commonly used drugs. The presence of unchanged trospium in the bladder – the primary therapeutic site of action – may contribute to pharmacological activity, providing earlier onset and improved and prolonged efficacy compared with other, more extensively metabolized antimuscarinic agents.
Discussion: 'Bacterial vaginosis and STI risk' by Allsworth et al.

This discussion piece focuses on bacterial vaginosis (BV) which is a common condition associated with a shift in the normal flora of the vagina and sometimes accompanied by a symptomatic vaginal discharge that prompts the patient to seek medical care. The discussion questions center on new research which analyzed diagnostic strategies for the assessment of BV in an effort to identify patients at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Enol esters as potential prodrugs III. Stability and enzyme-mediated hydrolysis of enol esters of 6′-acetylpapaverin

Abstract Based on results obtained previously from studies of some model α-acyloxystyrenes, 3 enol esters of 6′-acetylpapaverin (6′-AP) were selected for evaluation as potential prodrug forms of the quaternary antitumor agent, coralyne. Their in vitro stability in buffers, plasma and some tissue homogenates was studied. While exhibiting adequate stability in simple aqueous solutions, in biological fluids these enol esters reverted to coralyne apparently as a results of enzymatic catalysis. The results of this study indicate that enol esters of 6′-acetylpapaverin exhibit properties which suggest pharmaceutical utility as prodrugs for enhancing the intracellular levels of coralyne in brain and other tissues.
Risk Assessment and Application of Engineering Controls to Reduce the Number of Occupational Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in a Large Pharmaceutical Production Facility

The high number of discomfort and lost work time cases in one department of a large pharmaceutical production facility, created a unique opportunity for ergonomics study and intervention. The first step in the project identified the three highest risk tasks using safety incident data. Each task was analyzed for ergonomics risk factors. Interventions were developed and implemented for these tasks. Biomechanical and subjective data were collected before and after all interventions to assess the effectiveness of the interventions. Three-dimensional dynamic flexion of the lower back data were collected using a Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM). Electrogoniometers were used to measure wrist flexion. We used a force gauge, scale, and a tape measure to assess moments, forces, and weight. Subjective data were collected by questionnaire. A quantitative comparison of the subjective and electronic data showed reduced risk factors for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) of the wrist and back for all three tasks....
Strained-layer superlattices: A brief review

The interesting structural and electronic properties of strained-layer superlattices are briefly reviewed.
Developmental toxicity evaluation of sodium thioglycolate administered topically to Sprague–Dawley (CD) rats and New Zealand white rabbits

BACKGROUND: Sodium thioglycolate, which has widespread occupational and consumer exposure to women from cosmetics and hair-care products, was evaluated for developmental toxicity by topical exposure during the embryonic and fetal periods of pregnancy METHODS: Timed-mated Sprague–Dawley rats (25/group) and New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits (24/group) were exposed to sodium thioglycolate in vehicle (95% ethanol:distilled water, 1:1) by unoccluded topical application on gestational days (GD) 6–19 (rats) or 6–29 (rabbits) for 6 hr/day, at 0, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg body weight/day (rats) and 0, 10, 15, 25, or 65 mg/kg/day (rabbits). At termination (GD 20 rats; GD 30 rabbits), fetuses were examined for external, visceral, and skeletal malformations and variations. RESULTS: In rats, maternal topical exposure to sodium thioglycolate, at 200 mg/kg/day (the highest dose tested) on GD 6–19, resulted in maternal toxicity, including reduced body weights and weight gain, increased relative water consumption and one death. Treatment-related increases in feed consumption and changes at the application site occurred at all doses, in the absence of increased body weights or body weight change. Fetal body weights/litter were decreased at 200 mg/kg/day, with no other embryo/fetal toxicity and no treatment-related teratogenicity in any group. In rabbits, maternal topical exposure to sodium thioglycolate on GD 6–29 resulted in maternal dose-related toxicity at the dosing site in all groups; no maternal systemic toxicity, embryo/fetal toxicity, or treatment-related teratogenicity were observed in any group. CONCLUSIONS: A no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was not identified for maternal toxicity in either species with the dosages tested. The developmental toxicity NOAEL was 100 mg/kg/day (rats) and ≥65 mg/kg/day (rabbits; the highest dose tested). The clinical relevance of theses study results is uncertain because no data were available for levels, frequency, or duration of exposures in female workers or end users. Birth Defects Research Part B 68:144–161, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Brush cytology of the liver and peritoneum at laparoscopy.

In 40 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopy, material was obtained from the liver surface by directed cytology brush. Fifteen of these patients had malignant neoplasms involving the liver, and each case was accurately diagnosed by cytologic examination of brush smears. In one patient, carcinoma metastatic to the peritoneum was documented by the brush cytology method. Benign cells were obtained from 18 essentially normal livers, 5 cirrhotic livers, 1 liver the seat of chronic active hepatitis, 1 fatty liver, and 2 spleens with capsular fibrosis. All cytology results were confirmed by tissue biopsy. The guided brush cytology technique has led to no morbidity. When malignancy is suspected on the liver surface, the brush method offers the laparoscopist a rapid, safe, and effective supplement or alternative to biopsy.
The association of atherosclerosis, vascular risk factors, and retinopathy in adults with diabetes : the atherosclerosis risk in communities study

Abstract Purpose The aim of this report is to describe the prevalence of retinopathy and its associations with atherosclerosis and vascular risk factors in people with diabetes. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants Persons with diabetes, having gradable fundus photographs, from a biracial population-based cohort of adults (ages 51–72 years), and living in four United States communities (Forsyth County, North Carolina; the city of Jackson, Mississippi; suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Washington County, Maryland) were studied from 1993 to 1995. Methods Lesions typical of diabetic retinopathy were detected by grading a 45° color fundus photograph of one eye of each participant, using a modification of the Airlie House classification system. Main outcome measure Severity of diabetic retinopathy (none, minimal nonproliferative, moderate nonproliferative, severe nonproliferative, and proliferative) and macular edema. Results Retinopathy was detected in 328/1600 (20.5%) of those with diabetes; 114/1724 (6.6%) had hard exudate, 28/1600 (1.8%) had proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and 27/1662 (1.6%) had macular edema. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was higher in blacks (27.7%) compared with whites (16.7%). Controlling for duration of diabetes, serum glucose, systolic blood pressure, and type of diabetes medications taken, severity of retinopathy was associated with carotid artery intima-media wall thickness (odds ratio [OR]/0.1-mm thickness 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01, 1.17; P = 0.01), serum albumin (OR/0.1 g/dl 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88, 0.99; P = 0.02), but not race (OR blacks versus whites,1.24; 95% CI, 0.88, 1.75; P = 0.21). Severity of diabetic retinopathy was not associated with coronary artery disease or stroke history or any of the plasma lipids studied. Controlling for age, gender, duration of diabetes, serum glucose, and type of diabetes medications taken, the presence of retinal hard exudates was associated with plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR/10 mg/dl 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09, 1.29; P P = 0.04) but not race or blood pressure. Conclusions These data suggest that plasma lipids are associated with the presence of hard exudate and that carotid artery intima-media wall thickness is associated with retinopathy, but other manifestations of atherosclerosis and most of its risk factors are not associated with severity of diabetic retinopathy.
A serologic survey in ewes treated with one of two Chlamydia/Campylobacter vaccines

Abstract In response to sheep producer concerns, a study was conducted to (1) compare the efficacy of two commercially available Chlamydia/Campylobacter vaccines and (2) survey potential or present disease problems in ewes in North Missouri. Seventy-seven ewes in one flock were selected to receive either a Colorado Serum Co. (CS) vaccine (N=39 ewes) or a Grand Lab., Inc. (GL) vaccine (N=38 ewes) on days 0 and 30 per company recommendations. Serum was collected from each ewe on days 0, 30, 60 and 90 and subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedures to assess the efficacy of each vaccine in stimulating ewes to form antibodies against Chlamydia psittaci and Campylobacter fetus and jejuni antigens. No increase in concentration of antibodies to C. psittaci was found following treatment of ewes with either the CS or GL vaccine. In contrast, concentration of antibodies to C. fetus and C. jejuni did increase following treatment of ewes with either the CS or GL vaccine, however, the increase was short lived. The proportion of ewes within the flock which were sero-positive to the following antigens were: C. psittaci 34%, C. fetus 4 to 56%, C. jejuni 17%, Listeria monocytogenes 2.3%, Coxiella burnetti 3.2%, Brucella ovis 3.2%, Bluetongue Virus (BTV) 3.6%, Mycobacterium parauberculosis 6.5%, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) 10.4%, Salmonella typhimurium 19.2%, Leptospira hardjo 27.9%, Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) 42.2%, Pasteurella multocida 75.3%, and Toxoplasma gondii 99.8%.
Response to Intervention: A Research-Based Summary.

Response to Intervention (RTI) is an instructional framework through which schools can provide early intervention for students experiencing academic and behavioral difficulties. It is also promoted as an alternative to the IQ-discrepancy model for identifying students with learning disabilities. Most states have developed, or are developing, models of RTI that can be used by school systems and the topic of RTI is frequently written about in educational journals and spoken about at professional conferences. The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a summary of the research base related to the typical components of the RTI process, as well as the evidence base for RTI when implemented in its entirety.
Changes in ADC Caused by Tensile Loading of Rabbit Achilles Tendon: Evidence for Water Transport

Water diffusion measurements were performed on rabbit Achilles tendons during static tensile loading and tendons in an unloaded state. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was measured along two directions: parallel and perpendicular to the long axis of the tendon. Tendons were studied after being prepared in two ways: (a) after being stored frozen in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and (b) freshly isolated. Statistically significant directional anisotropy was observed in the ADC in all tendons. The ADC was significantly greater in the direction parallel to the long axis of the tendon than in the perpendicular direction. The anisotropy is attributed to the greater restrictions seen by the water molecules in the perpendicular direction and is consistent with the known geometry of the tendon. Storage in PBS caused tendons to swell. This increased the ADC measured along both directions and reduced the anisotropy. The existence of anisotropy in the ADC was not related to the orientation of the specimen in the magnet. The ADC increased along both directions following the application of a 5-N tensile load; the increase was greatest along the perpendicular axis of the tendon. In order to determine whether load-related changes in the ADC reflected changes in interfibrilar spacing, we used electron microscopy to measure load-related changes in fibril spacing. Load-related changes in fiber spacing could not account for the observed changes in the ADC. The increase in ADC caused by loading was attributed to the extrusion of tendon water into a bulk phase along the outside surface of the tendon. In PBS-stored samples, enough fluid was extruded that it could be visualized. The transient response of the ADC to a 5-N tensile load was also studied. The absolute ADC in both directions increased with loading and recovered to baseline upon unloading. The transient changes in ADC, for both loading and unloading, had a mean time constant of approximately 15 min. The magnitude of the load-induced transient ADC changes was comparable to that seen in the static-loading experiments.
Disturbance and predation in an assemblage of herbivorous Diptera and algae on rocky shores.

Speculation about the effects of disturbance in marine benthic communities is often based on competition theory. Disturbances are thought to "provision" numerically depleted or competitively inferior species with resources associated with open substrate. However, disturbances that remove entire assemblages of sessile species also alter trophic structure, and thereby, influence the outcome of predator/prey relations. Aspects of community structure may be determined by patterns of disturbance and predation.The influence of disturbance and predation on the distribution and seasonality of blooms of ephemeral algae and associated Diptera was investigated with field experiments at several rocky beaches in central California. Blooms of ephemeral algae developed on high intertidal rock faces that were subject to severe seasonal disturbances caused by shifting sediment. These were subsequently colonized by the herbivorous larvae of several Diptera species for predictable periods each year. Other areas, without blooms, were not so disturbed.Experiments were done to determine if seasonal blooms were caused by seasonal disturbances that remove predators which otherwise might prevent the establishment of the Diptera/algae assemblage. The predators were crabs and limpets which eat both algae and larvae while foraging. Blooms of algae and larvae did not develop when limpets were transplanted to disturbed areas in periods between disturbances. Adjacent control areas did support blooms. Transplanted limpets did not survive periods of burial. When both limpets and crabs were excluded from treatment plots in undisturbed areas, blooms developed where they would not otherwise have occurred; controls remaied unchanged. Crabs and limpets differed in their effects on this assemblage. Crabs recruited quickly to the site of a bloom, but did not crop algal cover as closely, nor decrease larval density as much as the slowly recruiting limpets.The results suggest that disturbances favor blooms of some species by reducing predation. Severe localized disturbances increased the variability of the upper shore community by creating a patchwork of differing predator/prey abundances.
Introduction: memory ethics—or the presence of the past in the present

This special issue of Archival Science examines the orientations, paradoxes, and tensions evident in the ethical struggles over the construction of the past and the degree to which archival agency can intercede in supporting a broadly drawn historical justice that also engages contemporary issues. Inspired and framed by a May 2008 conference hosted by School of Information and Labadie Collection, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, the following essays offer case study examinations of how archival institutions and archivists contribute to societal memory systems through both their action and inaction, especially in regard to societal struggles over the meanings to be derived from the past.