cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of motor unit rate modulation versus recruitment in repeated submaximal voluntary contractions performed by control and spinal cord injured subjects

The relative roles of motor unit firing rate modulation and recruitment were evaluated when individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) and able-bodied controls performed a brief (6 s), 50% maximal voluntary contraction (50% MVC; target contraction) of triceps brachii every 10 s until it required maximal effort to achieve the target force. Mean (+/-SD) endurance times for SCI and control subjects were 34+/-26 and 15+/-5 min, respectively, at which point significant reductions in maximal triceps force had occurred. Twitch occlusion analysis in controls indicated that force declines resulted largely from peripheral contractile failure. In SCI subjects, triceps surface EMG and motor unit potential amplitude declined in parallel suggesting failure at axon branch points and/or alterations in muscle membrane properties. The force of low threshold units, measured by spike-triggered averaging, declined in SCI but not control subjects, suggesting that higher threshold units fatigued in controls. Central fatigue was also obvious after SCI. Mean (+/-SD) MVC motor unit firing rates declined significantly with fatigue for control (24.6+/-7.1 to 17.3+/-5.1Hz), but not SCI subjects (25.9+/-12.7 to 20.1+/-9.7Hz). Unit firing rates were unchanged during target contractions for each subject group, but with the MVC rate decreases, units of SCI and control subjects were activated intensely at endurance time (88% and 99% MVC rates, respectively). New unit recruitment also maintained the target contractions although it was limited after SCI because many descending inputs to triceps motoneurons were disrupted. This resulted in sparse EMG, even during MVCs, but allowed the same unit to be recorded throughout. These EMG data showed that both unit recruitment and rate modulation were important for maintaining force during repeated submaximal intermittent contractions of triceps brachii muscles performed by SCI subjects. Similar results were found for control subjects. Muscles weakened by SCI may therefore provide a useful model in which to directly study motor unit rate modulation and recruitment during weak or strong voluntary contractions.
Eight year persistence of individual differences in the bacterial flora of the forehead.

Eight subjects having a rich (≥100,000 per cm 2 ) population of Propionibacterium acnes on the forehead and 7 with a sparse population (≤5,000 per cm 2 ) in earlier tests were reexamined after a median interval of 8yr. All of those with an initial rich population had ≥100,000 per cm 2 on retest. Of the 7 with an initial sparse population, 4 again had fewer than 15,000, one had more than 100,000 per cm 2 and 2 were intermediate. Three subjects harbored Peptococcus saccharolyticus in the initial test (26,000 to 75,000 per cm 2 ) and all 3 carried this organism on the later test (5,000 to 49,000 per cm 2 ). Of the 12 without P. saccharolyticus initially, 11 were again negative and one had a small number (200 per cm 2 ). We conclude that the presence or absence of P. saccharolyticus and the relative population density of P. acnes were individual characteristics that persisted in most subjects for at least 8yr.
Anomalous mid-atmospheric heights and persistent thunderstorm patterns over florida

A principal component analysis (PCA) of Florida thunderstorm patterns (1948-1982) revealed three statistically significant spatial modes of variation from summer-to-summer. The most important was in the region of sea breeze convergence, which has been previously hypothesized to be the main initiator of summer thunderstorms over peninsular Florida. A companion analysis of 500 mb height data over the south-eastern U.S. uncovered only one significant pattern of variation from the mean, when tested against uncorrelated data. We hypothesized, prior to testing, that dynamic considerations would make it negatively correlated with the most important thunderstorm pattern. A subsequent regression analysis allows that hypothesis to continue to be entertained. A canonical analysis verifies this finding. The results suggest that the sea-breeze-related thunderstorm patterns are influenced over seasonal and longer time scales by the first 500 mb component. There has been a significant secular change both in the most important thunderstorm pattern and its related 500 mb pattern over the period of this study.
Causal inference in outcome-dependent two-phase sampling designs

Summary. We consider estimation of the causal effect of a treatment on an outcome from observational data collected in two phases. In the first phase, a simple random sample of individuals is drawn from a population. On these individuals, information is obtained on treatment, outcome and a few low dimensional covariates. These individuals are then stratified according to these factors. In the second phase, a random subsample of individuals is drawn from each stratum, with known stratum-specific selection probabilities. On these individuals, a rich set of covariates is collected. In this setting, we introduce five estimators: simple inverse weighted; simple doubly robust; enriched inverse weighted; enriched doubly robust; locally efficient. We evaluate the finite sample performance of these estimators in a simulation study. We also use our methodology to estimate the causal effect of trauma care on in-hospital mortality by using data from the National Study of Cost and Outcomes of Trauma.
Country segmentation based on objective quality‐of‐life measures

In order to address the recent demands for innovation in international marketing segmentation, evaluates a set of six commonly‐derived measures for objective quality of life (QoL) – or material conditions of living – across 165 countries of the world. Using clustering analysis, 12 segments of countries based on objective QoL are identified. These segments can be used by policy makers to discern strategic rivals or alliance partners. Alternatively, international marketing practitioners can use these macro‐level clusters as the first stage in hybrid segmentation schemes to find micro groups of consumers dispersed across a number of countries. In addition, an exchange phenomenon between a country and its citizens is suggested by the results of confirmatory factor analysis in which two dimensions of objective QoL – a “benefits” dimension and a “costs” dimension – were identified.
Performance Prediction of the Dowel Bar Retrofit Technique Using Statistical Modelling

Dowel Bar Retrofitting (DBR) is a pavement rehabilitation technique commonly adopted to increase the service life of pavements in the United States. This method involves either preventative or corrective maintenance of structural cracks or joints in jointed concrete pavement structures. The performance of DBR installations is typically measured using the Load Transfer Efficiency (LTE) parameter based on deflections. In this study, DBR was modeled using finite element analysis considering geometric, material, and support parameters. Statistical analyses were used to develop equations to predict performance of DBR in terms of stress transfer across joints or cracks. The use of stress-based load transfer provides engineers a more direct ability to determine what effect the load transfer mechanism has on reducing bending stress in the slab. This allows for proper retrofit strategies to be adopted thereby reducing fatigue mechanisms and extending the service life of rigid pavement systems.
Simultaneous expression of both MAT loci in haploid cells suppresses mutations in yeast microtubule motor genes

The kinesin-related Cin8p and cytoplasmic dynein are microtubule-associated motor proteins required for anaphase spindle elongation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Cells deleted for DYN1 (the gene encoding the dynein heavy chain) and carrying the temperature-sensitive allele cin8-3 cannot grow at temperatures above 35°C. Here, we report that the temperature sensitivity of haploid cin8-3 dyn1 Δ cells is suppressed by the simultaneous presence of the loci MATa and MATα, which contain the regulatory genes that determine mating-type and ploidy-dependent phenotypes. The presence of the two MAT loci also rendered haploid cells more resistant to the anti-microtubule drug benomyl. Our results suggest that, in preparation for handling double the amount of DNA in mitosis, properties of microtubules in diploid cells are modified in a pathway controlled by the mating-type regulatory genes.
Alexandrite Laser for the Treatment of Port Wine Stains Refractory to Pulsed Dye Laser

BACKGROUNDThe 755-nm ms pulsed Alexandrite laser (MSPAL) has been reported to be successfully in the treatment of port wine stains (PWS) that are refractory to pulsed dye laser (PDL).MATERIALS & METHODSThis was a prospective pilot study to assess the degree of improvement after a series of treatment
Effects of helium pneumoperitoneum in pregnant ewes.

Background: Previous animal studies have demonstrated that a carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum in pregnant ewes causes maternal and fetal acidosis, decreased uterine blood flow (UtBF), and fetal hypertension. This study was undertaken to determine whether helium (He) produces these same effects when used as an insufflating gas. Methods: Six gravid ewes, at 116 to 120 days gestation, underwent catheterization of the maternal femoral artery and vein and the fetal hindlimb artery and vein, as well as insertion of a uterine artery flow probe. After a 6-day recovery period, the animals were anesthetized; a Hasson trocar was placed; and an He pneumoperitoneum was established (10 mmHg for 30 min followed by 15 mmHg for 30 min). The following parameters were recorded at baseline and at preset time points: maternal and fetal heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), arterial blood gasses, maternal end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2), and UtBF. The percentage of change over time was determined for each variable. The results were compared with results previously obtained in control animals and in animals undergoing CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Statistical significance was determined by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The following statistically significant changes were found. Conclusions: Like CO2, He used for pneumoperitoneum resulted in decreased UtBF and fetal hypertension because of increased intra-abdominal pressure. Unlike a CO2, H e used for pneumoperitoneum does not cause maternal or fetal acidosis, indicating that the metabolic effects seen with CO2 are the result of the specific gas used. Therefore, He may be a safer gas than CO2 to use for laparoscopic procedures in pregnant patients.
Can refugees benefit the state? Refugee resources and African statebuilding

Refugees impose a variety of security, economic and environmental burdens on host countries, but also embody a significant flow of resources in the form of international humanitarian assistance, economic assets and human capital. These refugee resources represent an important statebuilding contribution to the host state, but security problems and other hindrances inhibit the state's ability to access and control them. This article explores the challenges and opportunities for African states arising from the double impact of refugee-generated resources and security problems. It argues that the potential benefit for the state and its citizens go beyond the burdens imposed by a mass influx. Refugee resources and security threats potentially provide long-term gains, and, by compelling the state to strengthen its grip on border areas, enable the state to ‘harden’ its presence there. However, for host states to realise the potential of refugee resources and continue hosting refugees, they must be assisted by appropriate humanitarian programmes.
Prevalence and Characterization of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Swine Feces Recovered in the National Animal Health Monitoring System's Swine 2000 Study

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in swine feces in the United States as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System's Swine 2000 study. Fecal samples collected from swine operations from 13 of the top 17 swine-producing states were tested for the presence of STEC. After enrichment of swine fecal samples in tryptic soy broth, the samples were tested for the presence of stx1 and stx2 by use of the TaqMan E. coli STX1 and STX2 PCR assays. Enrichments of samples positive for stx1 and/or stx2 were plated, and colony hybridization was performed using digoxigenin-labeled probes complementary to the stx1 and stx2 genes. Positive colonies were picked and confirmed by PCR for the presence of the stx1, stx2, or stx2e genes, and the isolates were serotyped. Out of 687 fecal samples tested using the TaqMan assays, 70% (484 of 687) were positive for Shiga toxin genes, and 54% (370 of 687), 64% (436 of 687), and 38% (261 of 687) were positive for stx1, stx2, and both toxin genes, respectively. Out of 219 isolates that were characterized, 29 (13%) produced stx1, 14 (6%) produced stx2, and 176 (80%) produced stx2e. Twenty-three fecal samples contained at least two STEC strains that had different serotypes but that had the same toxin genes or included a strain that possessed stx1 in addition to a strain that possessed stx2 or stx2e. The STEC isolates belonged to various serogroups, including O2, O5, O7, O8, O9, OX10, O11, O15, OX18, O20, O57, O65, O68, O69, O78, O91, O96, O100, O101, O120, O121, O152, O159, O160, O163, and O untypeable. It is noteworthy that no isolates of serogroup O157 were recovered. Results of this study indicate that swine in the United States harbor STEC that can potentially cause human illness.
DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS OF A SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGY TAXONOMY

This research derives a numerical taxonomy that classifies manufacturers with similar combinations of supply chain (SC) capabilities into three SC Strategy Groups. This research also explores the relationship between the SC Strategy Groups and contextual factors, competitive priorities and firm performance. There are significant differences among the SC Strategy Groups for the location of the firm, the level of uncertainty, the competitiveness of the market and firm performance. Surprisingly, there is no relationship between the SC Strategy Groups and a firm’s competitive priorities, indicating that firms are often not linking their SC strategy to their competitive strategy.
Failure at the primary site following multimodality treatment in advanced head and neck cancer

Recurrence at the primary site is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in head and neck cancer. In patients with stages III and IV disease treated surgically at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1960 and 1970, cancer recurred at the primary site in 39% even when the margins had been deemed satisfactory, and in 73% when the margins were unsatisfactory. Between 1975 and 1980, we treated 114 previously untreated patients with stages III and IV epidermoid carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx with a combination of surgery and postoperative radiation therapy. Twenty-seven patients also received preoperative chemotherapy. One hundred seven patients were evaluable for disease control at the primary site by the combined treatment. Cancer recurred at the primary site in 6 patients, including 2% of 47 patients whose surgical margins had been satisfactory and 10.5% of 60 patients whose surgical margins had been unsatisfactory. Of the latter, recurrence was seen in 5% of the 25 patients whose margins were less than 5 mm but were microscopically uninvolved, and in 15% of the 35 patients whose margins were microscopically involved by cancer. Comparison of these data with our historical control group suggests a decrease in the failure rate at the primary site with multimodality treatment. However, it still appears important to secure microscopically negative margins for the best results.
Erythropoietin induces positive inotropic and lusitropic effects in murine and human myocardium.

Initial clinical studies indicate a potential beneficial effect of erythropoietin (EPO) in patients with anemia and heart failure. Here, we investigate the direct contractile effects of erythropoietin on myocardial tissue. Treatment with EPO (50U/mL) using excitable murine and human left ventricular muscle preparations resulted in a 37% and 62% increase in twitch tension, respectively (P<0.05). Isolated murine cardiomyocytes exposed to EPO demonstrated a 41% increase in peak sarcomere shortening (P=0.012). Using compounds that specifically stimulate a non-erythropoietic EPO receptor yielded similar increases in contractile dynamics. Cardiomyocyte Ca(2+)dynamics showed an 18% increase in peak calcium in EPO treated cardiomyocytes over controls (P=0.03). Studies in muscle strips skinned after EPO treatment demonstrated a phosphorylation dependant increase in the viscous modulus as well as an increase in oscillatory work. The EPO mediated increase in peak sarcomere shortening was abrogated by PI3-K blockade via wortmannin and by non-isozyme specific PKC blockade by chelerythrine. Finally, EPO treatment resulted in an increase in PKCe in the particulate cellular fraction, indicating activation of this isoform. EPO exhibits direct positive inotropic and lusitropic effects in cardiomyocytes and ventricular muscle preparation. These effects are mediated through PI3-K and PKCe isoform signaling to directly affect both calcium release dynamics and myofilament function.
Analysis of water in liquid and solid samples by headspace gas chromatography

Equilibrium headspace gas chromatography is applied for the analysis of water in liquid and solid samples which are first dissolved in a water miscible solvent. The preferred quantitation technique is the method of standard addition. A particular problem is the water blank, caused by the humidity of the enclosed air in the headspace vial and by the residual water content in the solvent. It has been found more convenient to include this water blank in the calculation rather than to avoid it by working under dry conditions. Both, precision and detection limit, depend on the reproducibility of this water blank. The combination of a hot wire detector with a fused silica capillary column was found superior to that with a packed column. Good agreement of the analytical result with the theoretical value was achieved with oxalic acid dihydrate as a test sample to prove the accuracy of the headspace approach. Practical applications are given for water analysis in a liquid solvent and in new and used engine oil.
Simulations of isothermal processes in the semilocalized transition (SLT) model of thermoluminescence (TL)

Semilocalized transition (SLT) kinetic models for thermoluminescence (TL) contain characteristics of both a localized transition (LT) and of a single trap model. TL glow curves within SLT models typically contain contain two TL peaks; the first peak corresponds to the intra-pair luminescence due to LTs and the second TL peak corresponds to delocalized transitions involving the conduction band (CB). The latter delocalized TL peak has also been found to exhibit non-typical double-peak structure, in which the main TL peak is accompanied by a smaller peak called the displacement peak. This paper describes the simulation of isothermal luminescence signals using a previously published SLT model. It is found that these simulated isothermal signals exhibit several unusual time characteristics. Isothermal signals associated with the LTs follow first order kinetics and are therefore described by single decaying exponentials. However, isothermal signals associated with delocalized transitions show a non-typical complex structure characterized by several time regions with different decay characteristics. For certain values of the parameters in the SLT model the isothermal signals can also exhibit non-monotonic behaviour as a function of time. Another notable result from the simulations is that isothermal currents (which are proportional to the concentration of electrons in the CB) can persist for very long periods of time, even after the apparent termination of the isothermal luminescence signals. It is concluded that isothermal processes described by the SLT model depend strongly on the presence of SLTs, in contrast to previous studies using Monte Carlo simulations, which showed a weak interdependence of these phenomena. The simulations in this paper suggest that isothermal experiments offer a sensitive method for detecting the presence of SLTs in a dosimetric material.
Eleven microsatellite markers for the eastern gray squirrel ( Sciurus carolinensis ) and their utility in eastern fox squirrels ( Sciurus niger ) and red squirrels ( Tamiasciurus hudsonicus )

The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) often serves as a model organism for investigations of wildlife ecology. The authors developed 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers to facilitate future research questions. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to ten and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.143 to 0.786. Interspecific screening revealed that several loci were polymorphic in Sciurus niger (eight loci) and Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (four loci). These markers will aid in investigations of movements, social structure and mating tactics of eastern gray squirrel populations.
Low order models representing realizations of turbulence

The equations governing two-dimensional turbulence are written as an infinite system of ordinary differential equations, in which the dependent variables are the coefficients in the expansion of the vorticity field in a double Fourier series. The variables are sorted into sets which correspond to consecutive bands in the wavenumber spectrum; within each set it is supposed that the separate variables will exhibit statistically similar behaviour. A low order model is then constructed by retaining only a few variables within each set. Multiplicative factors are introduced into the equations to compensate for the reduced number of terms in the summations. Like the original equations, the low order equations conserve kinetic energy and enstrophy, apart from the effects of external forcing and viscous dissipation. A special case is presented in which the bands are half octaves and there is effectively only one dependent variable per set. Solutions of these equations are compared with conventional numerical simulations of turbulence, and agree reasonably well, although the nonlinear effects are somewhat underestimated.
The Impact of Decreased Defense Spending on Employment in the United States

The combined pressures of reduced East-West tensions and large budget deficits in the United States have led to the enactment of reduced defense budgets. Future reductions in spending could be 25 percent less in real terms from FY 1990 levels. These decreases will affect employment of active-duty military personnel, DoD civilians, and workers in private sector defense industries. If the reductions in force structure take place at a controlled rate, the necessary cuts among active-duty forces and DoD civilians should be manageable through attrition and reduced accessions. The backlog of authorizations and foreign sales will slow any industrial downturn in the defense sector. The rate and magnitude of the defense spending decreases are smaller than in previous postwar cutbacks, and much of the decrease has already taken place since the peak of authorizations in FY 1985. Although certain individuals will be affected by reductions in defense spending, the overall impact upon the economy will be similar to oth...
Are security experts useful? Bayesian Nash equilibria for network security games with limited information

A common assumption in security research is that more individual expertise unambiguously leads to a more secure overall network. We present a game-theoretic model in which this common assumption does not hold. Our findings indicate that expert users can be not only invaluable contributors, but also free-riders, defectors, and narcissistic opportunists. A direct application is that user education needs to highlight the cooperative nature of security, and foster the community sense, in particular, of higher skilled computer users. As a technical contribution, this paper represents, to our knowledge, the first formal study to quantitatively assess the impact of different degrees of information security expertise on the overall security of a network.
A highly linear low-voltage MOS transconductor

This paper presents a new linear MOS transconductor consisting of a differential pair with resistive source degeneration and an extra pair of op-amps to increase the linearity. The proposed transconductor operates at a 1.8 V supply voltage and the achieved THD is better than -80 dB up to 2.5 MHz for a 0.8 V p-p input differential voltage.
Acoustic pulse propagation in a duct with flow

The effect of a mean flow on acoustic pulse propagation in a wind tunnel of rectangular cross-section is considered both experimentally and theoretically. Pulse shapes in the wind tunnel are recorded by microphones located upstream and downstream of a source. A theoretical model of pulse propagation from a point source located in an infinitely-long rectangular duct carrying a uniform flow is considered. The convective wave equation with boundary conditions appropriate to hard walls is solved by using the Laplace transform. For the input pulse shape used in the experiments, the solution is obtained by numerically evaluating the inverse Laplace transform. The results of experiment and theory are seen to be in good agreement.
Reductive Methylation of β-Lactoglobulin

Abstract The effect of reductive methylation on the properties of β -lactoglobulin was studied with preparations in which 6, 32, or 80% of the amino groups were methylated. Content of sulfhydryl groups was not changed and little difference in electrophoretic mobility of the protein was evident on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Thin-layer isoelectric focusing from pH 4 to 6 indicated that protein in which 80% of the amino groups were modified showed an increase in isoelectric point of no more than .1 pH unit for each electrophoretic component, compared with untreated β -lactoglobulin (A plus B variants). Reductive methylation with [carbon-14] formaldehyde at low reagent concentration yielded a product which contained approximately one mole of [carbon-14] methyl groups for each mole of β -lactoglobulin. Tracer [carbon-14] β -lactoglobulin added to skim milk exhibited a heat-denaturation curve similar to that described for unmodified β -lactoglobulin. Such a radio-actively labeled derivative will be useful for studying protein interactions in milk.
APPROXIMATION BY PERIODIC SPLINE INTERPOLANTS ON UNIFORM MESHES.

Abstract : Explicit formulas for approximate interpolation, differentiation, integration, and Fourier coefficients, based on interpolation by polynomial splines on uniform meshes, are given. Precise approximation errors, derived from Fourier series expansions, are established. (Author)
Simplified polarization assignment method for terminals in SDMA adopting directivity and polarization control

This paper proposes a simplified polarization assignment method for the space division multiple access (SDMA) terminal station that adopts directivity and polarization control by using the spatial correlation and the difference in the spatial correlation. Since the difference in the channel responses among all users is considered in the proposed method, an effective assignment of the polarization for the terminal stations is achieved even if the number of the users is large in SDMA systems. Moreover, we evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed polarization assignment method by computer simulation using the measured data in a cellular environment.
Multiple roles for membrane-associated protein trafficking and signaling in gravitropism

Gravitropism is a process that allows plant organs to guide their growth relative to the gravity vector. It requires plant organs to sense changes in their orientation relative to the gravity vector and then generate a biochemical signal that they transmit to a responding zone where a curvature response will ensue, realigning the organs’ growth relative to gravity. Trafficking between the plasma membrane and endosomal compartments is important for all of these phases of the gravitropic response. The sedimentation of starch-filled organelles called amyloplasts plays a key role in sensing reorientation, and vacuolar integrity is required for amyloplast sedimentation in shoots. Other proteins associated with the vesicle trafficking pathway contribute to early gravity signal transduction independently of amyloplast sedimentation in both roots and hypocotyls. Phosphatidylinositol signaling, which starts at the plasma membrane and later affects the localization of auxin efflux facilitators, is a likely second messenger in the signal transduction phase of gravitropism. Finally, membrane-localized auxin influx and efflux facilitators contribute to a differential auxin gradient across the gravistimulated organs, which directs root curvature.
Living Foreignness/Community: Potentiality and “Ordinary” Performances of Being/Non-Being

My aim in this essay is to show how foreignness/community is continuously performed in “ordinary” life, both reifying and resisting normative/normalized ways of being. Drawing on Giorgio Agamben's concept of potentiality, I outline a performance-based framework that sees foreignness-as-potentiality passing into the actuality of community. Foreignness is layered, acting in and being acted upon various sites of the body, including nationality, but also gender, color, sexuality and profession. Given my location as a scholar of Indian origin in the US academe, I consider intersecting academic roles of teacher, student and author to illustrate the systemic violence wrought by mainstream normalization, which seeks to forcibly erode ambiguity (and thus foreignness), and the dangers of shock-and-awe spectacle that circumvents deconstruction. I argue that interventions are performed most effectively when they keep ambiguity intact, subvert spectacle, and locate foreignness-as-potentiality within community. The imp...
Evaluation styles for well-appearing febrile children: are you a "risk-minimizer" or a "test-minimizer"?

Abstract [Green SM, Rothrock SG: Evaluation styles for well-appearing febrile children: Are you a "risk-minimizer" or a "test-minimizer"? Ann Emerg Med February 1999;33:211-214.]
Decoding of codes defined by a single point on a curve

A decoding algorithm for certain codes from algebraic curves is presented. The dual code, which is used for decoding, is formed by evaluating rational functions having poles at a single point. A theoretical foundation is developed from which an improved bound for the minimum distance and results on decoding up to that bound are derived. The decoding is done by a computationally efficient Berlekamp-Massey type algorithm, which is intrinsic to the curve.
The Olympic Games Philosophy: Cooperative Competition.

(1980). The Olympic Games Philosophy: Cooperative Competition. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 51, Including Leisure Today, pp. 19-69.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists in Development for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Adults

OBJECTIVE:To review pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, efficacy, and safety data of once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists exenatide long-acting release (LAR), albiglutide, and taspoglutide in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search (1966-August 2011) was conducted using the following key words: type 2 diabetes mellitus, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists once weekly, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, exenatide LAR, albiglutide, and taspoglutide.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All articles published in English identified from the data sources were evaluated, prioritizing randomized controlled trials with human data. The references of published articles identified were examined for additional studies appropriate for the review.DATA SYNTHESIS:Native GLP-1 increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, decreases glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying in healthy individuals, but these effects may be blunted in patients with T2DM. Because native GLP-1 is ...
Women otolaryngologist representation in specialty society membership and leadership positions

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine the proportion of female otolaryngologists in leadership positions relative to their number in the specialty, their membership in various otolaryngology organizations, and age. Study Design: Cross-sectional analyses of otolaryngology organization membership with a subgroup analysis on female membership and leadership proportion comparing 5-year male/female cohort groups. Methods: Information on the number of members and leaders was obtained from various specialty societies by direct communication and from their Web sites between June and December 2010. The number of female and male otolaryngologists and their age distribution in 5-year age groups was obtained from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Statistical analyses were used to determine whether women had proportional membership and leadership representation in various specialty societies. Additionally, female representation in other leadership roles was analyzed using the male/female ratio within the 5-year cohort groups. Results: Female otolaryngologists were found to constitute approximately 11% of practicing otolaryngologists. The American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology had a higher proportion of female members (22%) compared to five other societies. When the gender composition within each organization was taken into account, female representation in specialty society leadership positions was proportionate to their membership across all societies. When gender and age were considered, women have achieved proportionate representation in each of the specialty societies' leadership positions. There was also proportionate representation of females as program directors, American Board of Otolaryngology directors, Residency Review Committee members, and journal editors/editorial board members. Finally, fewer female chairs or chiefs of departments/divisions were seen, but when age was taken into consideration, this difference was no longer significant. Conclusion: Women have achieved parity in otolaryngology leadership positions. As the number and seniority of women increase, the specialty should continue to monitor representation of women in leadership positions. Laryngoscope, 2012
Computer-aided bone scaffold design: a biomimetic approach

The design of 3D tissue scaffolds for tissue engineering application should, if possible, biomimic the complex hierarchy and structural heterogeneity of the replaced tissues. This is particularly true for the design of bone tissue replacement with matched spatial heterogeneity and mechanical properties to the replaced bone. This paper presents an image-based computer modeling approach for reconstruction, characterization, and biomimetic modeling and design of three-dimensional bone tissue replacement, including the outline of biomimetic modeling approach, reconstruction to CAD-based tissue anatomic representation, and the design and characterization of bone replacement.
Effect of soy‐derived isoflavonoids on the induced growth of MCF‐7 cells by estrogenic environmental chemicals

Abstract Isoflavonoids are natural plant compounds and possess antitumorigenic properties. Many environmental chemicals have been found to be estrogenic and can enhance tumor growth in estrogen receptor‐positive cells. In the present study, the effects of genistein, daidzein, biochanin A, formononetin, and equol on the proliferation of estrogen receptor‐positive MCF‐7 cells induced by synthetic chemicals 1‐(o‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐(p‐chlorophenyl)‐2,2,2‐trichloroethane (o,p'‐DDT), 4‐nonylphenol (4‐NP), and 5‐octylphenol (5‐OP) found in the environment were investigated. Genistein, biochanin A, equol, and to some extent daidzein, but not formononetin, at ...
Libraries and General Education: New Strategies to Enhance Freshman Orientation, Faculty Collaboration, and Curriculum Development

My research will attempt to re-evaluate the academic library’s role in supporting a general education program. The emphasis will focus on student centeredness, faculty collaboration, outreach and curriculum support. In the short time that I have worked in academic libraries I have learned that quality customer service and reference desk work is far from the list of priorities in some settings. Coming from the public library I found this to be unacceptable. We are service providers and the way in which we communicate with students and faculty is important. As professionals we should do more in the way of making the transition to college as seamless as possible for freshmen and continuing education students. It is imperative of us to adapt to the changing ways in which students interpret, process, and evaluate information. This involves embracing Web 2.0 and the social networking tools that students are using. Libraries will increasingly need to work at staying ahead of the information curve if we are to be an essential resource for today’s college freshmen.
Solution polymerization of polybenzimidazole

Polybenzimidazoles (PBI) are an important class of heterocyclic polymers that exhibit high thermal and oxidative stabilities. The two dominant polymerization methods used for the synthesis of PBI are the melt/solid polymerization route and solution polymerization using polyphosphoric acid as the solvent. Both methods have been widely used to produce high-molecular weight PBI, but also highlight the obvious absence of a practical organic solution-based method of polymerization. This current work explores the synthesis of high-molecular weight meta-PBI in N,N-dimethyl acetamide (DMAc). Initially, model compound studies examined the reactivity of small molecules with various chemical functionalities that could be used to produce 2-phenyl-benzimidazole in high yield with minimal side reactions. 1H NMR and FTIR studies indicated that benzimidazoles could be efficiently synthesized in DMAc by reaction of an o-diamine and the bisulfite adduct of an aromatic aldehyde. Polymerizations were conducted at various polymer concentrations (2-26 wt % polymer) using difunctional monomers to optimize reaction conditions in DMAc which resulted in the preparation of high-molecular weight m-PBI (inherent viscosities up to 1.3 dL g−1). TGA and DSC confirmed that m-PBI produced via this route has comparable properties to that of commercial m-PBI. This method is advantageous in that it not only allows for high-polymer concentrations of m-PBI to be synthesized directly and efficiently, but can be applied to the synthesis of many PBI derivatives. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1795–1802
DECAY OF A NEW 5.8-MIN $sup 150$Tb ACTIVITY.

A new short-lived isomer of $^{150}\mathrm{Tb}$ has been identified. The mass assignment was confirmed by excitation functions and cross bombardments. The 5.8 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.2-min activity is probably a ${9}^{+}$ state ($\ensuremath{\pi}{h}_{\frac{11}{2}}\ensuremath{\nu}{f}_{\frac{7}{2}}$) and decays chiefly to an (${8}^{+}$) state at 2554.4 keV in $^{150}\mathrm{Gd}$ with a $log\mathrm{ft}$ value of 4.1. No isomeric transition to the 3.1-h $^{150}\mathrm{Tb}$ was observed. The $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectrum was investigated with Ge(Li) detectors. The 19 $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays observed were assigned to 10 excited levels (in keV) at 638.05, ${2}^{+}$; 1134.35, ${3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$; 1288.4, (${4}^{+}$); 1700.9, (${5}^{\ensuremath{-}}$); 1936.8, (${6}^{+}$); 2116.1, (${6}^{+}$); 2211.2, (${7}^{\ensuremath{-}}$); 2392.5; 2554.4, (${8}^{+}$); and 2906.0. The energy spacing of the positive-parity states in $^{150}\mathrm{Gd}$ suggests a close correspondence to a vibrator model although low-spin members of multiplets corresponding to multiphonon states are not observed. The quasiband representation of Sakai appears also to be a useful way of interpreting these states. Three negative-parity states form a sequence which may correspond to a combination of octupole and quadrupole phonons or an octupole quasiband.
Effect of Upstream Boundary Layer on Unsteadiness of Swept-Ramp Shock/Boundary Layer Interactions at Mach 2

This study further examines the flow structure and unsteadiness of a 3D shock-wave boundary-layer interaction (SWBLI) generated from a swept compression ramp in a Mach 2 flow using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and high-speed planar laser scattering (PLS). The ramp has a streamwise angle of 22.5 and a swept angle of 30. A preliminary investigation has already been conducted using a fluorescent-oil-flow technique and 5 Hz PIV at a single spanwise location through the conical region of the interaction. This study continues to investigate this mechanism. Low repetition rate (5 Hz), high-resolution (2k x 2k) PIV is conducted in the x-z plane, which is supported by high-speed (10 kHz) PLS using an alcohol fog as the scattering medium. It is observed that the instantaneous separation line is highly undulated and appears to be correlated to large streamwise fluctuations in the upstream boundary layer (superstructures). These superstructures are observed in the upstream boundary layer (as in previous studies) and act to shrink or grow the local separation region that they impinge upon. Large-scale unsteadiness mechanisms for the separation line were also investigated. The bulk motion of the separation line is also shown to be effected by momentum in the boundary layer. In essence, correlations are observed both smalland largescale that link the separation-line location with the momentum in the boundary layer.
Periorbital appearance as a function of orbital volume.

Periorbital appearance, in addition to factors such as direct trauma or disease processes of the periorbital structures, can be a result of factors that change the volume of orbital contents or the bony orbit itself.
Outcomes management : New opportunities in a shrinking pathology market

With the increasing prevalence of managed care, the short-term and long-term outlook for the pathology workforce has changed dramatically for the worse. Among the many new opportunities that are available for pathologists, one of the most significant is outcomes management. Outcomes management is a natural evolution for pathologists and requires skills that are typically found in well-respected practicing pathologists. One example of a pathologist-led department of outcomes management is presented.
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER-2/neu)-Directed Therapy for Rare Metastatic Epithelial Tumors with HER-2 Amplification.

Case 1: A 67-year-old Asian female was diagnosed with locally advanced high-grade salivary duct carcinoma in June 2011. Molecular analysis revealed human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) amplification. She received adjuvant therapy with carboplatin/paclitaxel/ trastuzumab and maintenance of trastuzumab. Upon disease progression, trastuzumab could not be continued due to lack of financial coverage. Instead, she was treated with compassionate use of lapatinib from April 2013 and standard 5-fluorouracil. Her disease ultimately progressed and she expired later in 2013. Case 2: A 68-year-old Asian male was diagnosed with extramammary Paget's disease of the scrotum with HER-2 amplification in May 2011. He received 6 cycles of adjuvant trastuzumab/docetaxel/carboplatin followed by maintenance trastuzumab, which was changed to compassionate use of lapatinib as his insurance did not cover further administration of trastuzumab. He showed clinical benefits from single-agent lapatinib and a combination of lapatinib/capecitabine upon progression to the single-agent lapatinib. Ultimately, he was started on ado-trastuzumab emtansine, which was approved at that time by the FDA for HER-2-positive breast cancer progressed on trastuzumab. He is having clinical and radiographic complete response based on current imaging and normalization of his tumor markers. Conclusion: HER-2-targeted therapy should be considered for tumors with HER-2 amplification. In our case series, we would like to emphasize this approach in other rare histologies. Specifically, our patient with extramammary Paget's disease of the scrotum represents the first reported case of a non-breast, non-gastric tumor with HER-2 overexpression with complete clinical and radiographic response to HER-2-targeted therapy.
Strengthening the trust in online courses: a common sense approach

Online course offerings are one of the most effective and efficient delivery methods for contents and skills globally. However, the level of trust in online courses is very low, particularly in respect to the credibility of online assessments. Simply, if the trust in online assessment can be equated to the level of the classroom assessment environment, trust in online courses will increase accordingly. To investigate and strengthen the trust of online assessment, the researchers have incorporated a simple and obvious solution: proctoring the tests portion of the online courses and comparing with non-proctored exams. In this study, 11 proctored exams against 22 identical non-proctored exams. In 19 out of 22 cases, the class average on the non-proctored exam was higher than the class average on the corresponding proctored exam; the difference was statistically significant at the 95 percent trust level in 15 cases. Findings indicate that proctoring seems to be an effective common sense approach and in turn potentially strengthening the trust in online courses and distance education.
Universal data access with OLE DB

OLE DB is Microsoft's new data access API designed to enable access to all kinds of data sources, both database and non database, regardless of format or location. OLE DB builds on Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM), which is the foundation for OLE and ActiveX. OLE DB is core to Microsoft's Universal Access strategy. OLE DB aims at providing an environment for business applications to access all kinds of data sources in an integrated way, including desktop data such as spreadsheets, text processing documents, and electronic mail; server data stored in the file system, indexed sequential files, relational, hierarchical and network databases; and data computed by middle tier business objects. Most database companies are pursuing a Universal Storage strategy which provides access to all kinds of data types such as text, spatial, video, and audio, and insist on placing all kinds of data used in an organization inside the database. However, the reality is that a vast amount of mission critical data in a corporation is stored in a combination of database and non database data sources for functionality and performance reasons. Therefore, Microsoft is pursuing a Universal Access strategy which provides an infrastructure that enables the integration of a wide variety of data sources so that applications can be written in an efficient, safe and disciplined manner without losing the advantages of a centralized database system. The paper provides an overview of OLE DB and describes how OLE DB enables the Microsoft Universal Access approach to managing data.
Democratizing the Disciplines

The debate over whether Black Studies is a field or discipline obscures the role that politics and ideology played in the establishment of traditional disciplines. Such disciplines as history, economics, political science, and sociology have focused almost entirely on the West as an area worthy of study. When African history was taught, for example, it typically began with the onset of colonization. Moreover, the mainstream scholarship in these traditional disciplines generally supported the existing power structures with methodologies that claimed objectivity. Black Studies challenged both the Eurocentrism and objectivity of traditional scholarship. However, it has not been entirely free of mainstream thinking in its search for “great men” and “great nations.”