cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
OC practice guidelines: minimizing side effects.

The side effects of oral contraceptives (OCs) can be minimized by appropriate OC selection. Side effects or perceived side effects that manifest themselves physically--e.g., weight gain, breakthrough bleeding (BTB), nausea, headache, breast tenderness, mood swings, acne, and hirsutism--are the most common causes of premature discontinuation of oral contraception. The relative androgenicity of the progestin component of combination OCs has become an important differential in selecting OC formulations. Several studies have indicated that preparations with less androgenic potential can minimize some of the "physical" side effects and adverse metabolic effects traditionally associated with oral contraception. Acne and hirsutism, common pre-existing conditions that are clearly related to the androgenicity of the progestin component, can be eliminated or improved by use of OCs with low androgenic activity. Many women perceive that OCs cause weight gain; although weight gain is to some extent androgen related, most studies comparing low-androgenic OCs with medium- or high-androgenic preparations have found little or no change in weight regardless of formulation. BTB, which usually subsides within a few months, is related to the dose, potency, and ratio of the estrogen and progestin in the OC formulation. Low-estrogen-dose OCs (< or = 35 micrograms ethinyl estradiol [EE]) containing less androgenic progestins are associated with bleeding patterns as acceptable as older low-estrogen-dose formulations. The same analysis found that smoking cigarettes promotes BTB in women who use OCs. There is no convincing evidence that the use of one progestin or another is less likely to cause or exacerbate headache; however, changing preparations sometimes reduces the incidence. Women with persistent headaches during the pill-free interval may benefit from a longer cycle of OC treatment. Nausea and breast tenderness are primarily estrogen-related effects; if a women experiences persistent nausea, switching to an OC formulation containing 20 micrograms EE may be appropriate as long as the patient is cautioned that BTB is more likely. Mood changes are a common, highly subjective complaint whose relationship to OC use is hard to assess. Concerns about the potentially deleterious effects of combination OCs on lipid/lipoprotein and carbohydrate metabolism have been substantially diminished by new epidemiologic findings relative to cardiovascular disease as well as by the development of low-androgenic progestins. Formulations containing these progestins lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol; they do not affect carbohydrate metabolism as much as older, more androgenic formulations.
Sudden Death in Men with Increased Risk of Myocardial Infarction

The Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT) was a randomised clinical trial of the preventability of fatal first heart attacks among middle-aged men at high risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). After screening 361,662 men aged 35 to 57 years, 12,866 men currently free of CHD at the upper end of the risk spectrum on the basis of their levels of serum cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure and cigarette smoking were randomised either to ‘special intervention’ (SI) or to ‘usual care’ (UC). Those SI men with a sustained diastolic blood pressure ⩾ 90mm Hg (following attempted weight loss, if indicated) received pharmacological treatment in the form of a protocol of ‘stepped care’. UC men were referred to their usual source of medical care.
Systemic Evaluation of Electrical Stimulation for Ischemic Wound Therapy in a Preclinical In Vivo Model

Objective: In a systematic preclinical investigation of ischemic wound healing, we investigated the hypothesis that electrical stimulation (ES) promotes the healing of ischemic wounds. Approach: The effects of varying clinically relevant ES variables were evaluated using our modified version of the Gould F344 rat ischemic wound model. Stimulation was delivered using the novel lightweight integrated, single-channel, current-controlled modular surface stimulation (MSS) device. Stepwise variation allowed the effects of five different stimulation paradigms within an appropriate current density range to be studied. Within each group, 8–10 animals were treated for 28 days or until the ischemic wounds were healed and 5 animals were treated for 12 days. Eight rats received sham devices. A quantitative multivariable outcomes assessment procedure was used to evaluate the effects of ES. Results: Ischemic wounds treated with a decreased interpulse interval (IPI) had the highest rate of complete wound closure at 3 wee...
On the non-licensing of NPIs in the only -focus

This paper focuses on the ungrammaticality of NPIs in the focus associated with only. I first show that a naive combination of the Strawson Downward Entailing (SDE) condition of NPI licensing (von Fintel 1999) and a Horn-style semantics of only (Horn 1969; a.o.) fails to predict that NPIs are ungrammatical in the focus associatedonly. To solve this problem, I suggest an analysis that appeals to a semantics of only implemented with the notion of innocent exclusion (Fox 2007) and a revision of the SDE condition that refers to assignment functions. The proposed analysis suggests that NPI licensing should be independent of the information provided by the discourse context.
Amplitude Saturation and Non-Linearity of Pulsed Third Sound on a Glass Substrate

The amplitude of third sound has been measured as a function of the amplitude and width of a pulsed thermal drive for 4He film thickness values in the range 3–20 layers at T=1.11, 1.35 and 1.50 K. Saturation of the third sound amplitude and non-linearity were measured for large drive powers. The critical velocity of film flow is estimated from the saturated amplitude.
Cellular Responses in Decapod Crustaceans to Ascarophis spp. (Spirurida: Nematoda)

Of the spirurid nematodes known to utilize decapods as intermediate hosts, only members of the genus Ascarophis have been reported to elicit cellular host responses (Poinar and Kuris, 1975; Uzmann, 1967). As in spirurid parasites of insects, this response is an attempt by the crustacean to wall off the parasite. Although the nematode may be surrounded by host tissue, the response generally has little overall effect since spirurids can reach the infective stage and survive quite well within host capsules.
Mitotic Regulator Hec1 as a Potential Target for Cancer Therapy

Studies on mitosis have provided abundant molecular and biochemical insights into this highly complex stage of the cell cycle. During mitosis, cells employ a multitude of factors to orchestrate spindle formation and chromosome movement in coordination with proper spindle checkpoint control. Functional perturbation or inactivation of these mitotic regulators often triggers abnormal mitotic progression, which may consequently lead to mitotic catastrophe and cell death. Because cancer cells are highly proliferative, mitotic disruption has become a useful strategy for cancer therapeutic intervention. One important mitotic regulator, Hec1 (highly expressed in cancer 1), plays an essential role in mitotic progression through its function in proper spindle assembly. Our laboratory has developed small molecule inhibitors (INH) that disrupt the interaction between Hec1 and Nek2. Treatment with these compounds leads to drastic abnormalities in chromosome segregation, spindle assembly, and eventual cancer cell death. Importantly, INH inhibits tumor growth in a nude mouse model with no adverse side effects. Our results demonstrate a novel method of cancer cell-specific mitotic inhibition by an innovative class of compounds that warrant further development.
What Money Can’t Buy: Wealth, Status, and the Rentier Bargain in Qatar

One of the strongest claims of the resource curse argument is that oil wealth underwrites a “rentier bargain,” a combination of low taxes and high welfare benefits that buys off would-be political opponents and leads to increased authoritarian durability. Yet two assumptions underlying this tacit wealth-for-silence agreement — that economic satisfaction increases with the amount of state-distributed benefits, and that inequalities in this distribution are not politically relevant — remain theoretically and empirically underspecified. Using original survey data from Qatar, the most affluent rentier economy in the world, we demonstrate that perceptions of inequality in status — measured by perceived purchasing power, relative access to benefits, and expectations of socioeconomic mobility — have significant negative effects on individual-level satisfaction with welfare benefits. We conclude that positional status is as important as material wealth in the successful functioning of the rentier bargain, suggesting an increased vulnerability to disruption than pure wealth-based models would indicate.
Multimodal travel-based multitasking during the commute: Who does what?

Research on multitasking during travel has increased, yet most studies have focused on public transit passengers. This work investigated travel-based multitasking and its potential determinants acr...
Pilot randomized trial of brief behavioral treatment for insomnia in patients with heart failure.

Abstract Background Insomnia is prevalent among patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with reduced physical and mental functioning, including possible exacerbation of cognitive deficits. Objectives This study evaluated the effects of Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia (BBTI) on insomnia and related factors among HF patients. Methods Twenty-three HF patients with insomnia (70% women; 65% white; Mage = 55.7 ± 11.3 years; NYHA Class II = 70%) were randomized to a behavioral intervention (BI; n = 12) or sleep monitoring (SM; n = 11) group. Sleep, cognitive functioning, quality of life, distress, self-care, and functional status were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results BI participants experienced reduced insomnia and increased sleep quality and efficiency, with 58% demonstrating clinically meaningful improvements in insomnia and 25% achieving remission of insomnia symptoms. Depression and anxiety also improved in BI participants. Conclusions BBTI was tolerated well within this symptom-limited patient population and was associated with reduced symptoms of insomnia and distress.
Reducing Barriers to Postabortion Contraception: The Role of Expanding Coverage of Postabortion Care in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Background In Tanzania, limited access to postabortion care (PAC) contributes to high rates of maternal mortality. To address the issue, Pathfinder International and the Tanzania Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MOHCDGEC) introduced and expanded coverage of PAC in 64 public health facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods During a 30-month period, we implemented a multifaceted approach to introduce and expand PAC, including clinical training and mentorship for health care providers; service reorganization, equipment provision, and an expanded method mix offering; standardization of PAC reporting tools; and community engagement and referral. We assessed outcomes using PAC service statistics from 64 public health facilities in 4 districts of Dar es Salaam and health care provider mentorship data from 385 observed PAC visits. Results From January 2016 to June 2018, voluntary postabortion contraceptive uptake increased steadily. A total of 6,636 PAC clients, including 2,731 young people (ages 10-24), adopted a method post-procedure. Average semesterly client volume per facility increased from 27 to 52.4 manual vacuum aspiration clients and 17.6 to 43.9 postabortion contraceptors between the first and last periods. Overall postabortion contraceptive uptake was 80.6% (6,636/8,230), with a method mix of 58.3% implant, 18.9% intrauterine device, 13.7% pills, 8.6% injectables, and 0.5% permanent methods. Adults and young people had comparable method mix. Mentored providers showed improvements in service quality indicators. During the last period, 92% counseled the client on contraception, 93% considered the client's sexual and reproductive health intentions, 94% provided correct method information and supply, and 96% documented services on the client's family planning card. Different provider types (mid- and senior-level) performed comparably. Conclusions Expanding PAC coverage to primary- and secondary-level facilities led to high uptake of voluntary contraception among postabortion clients. Key interventions included PAC clinical training and mentorship; service reorganization, equipment provision, and an expanded method mix offering; use of standardized PAC registers; and community engagement for awareness building and linkage to PAC.
How NPs can help expand telehealth services

Consumers of healthcare services are demanding more convenient and accessible options to care. Technologic advancements can support this demand, but telehealth knowledge is lacking. This article will describe the current state of telehealth and examine the role that NPs can play in furthering its adoption.
Designing Privacy Policies

To date, most privacy laws and regulations attempt to achieve the goal of providing consumers with adequate notice and choice by regulating the content of privacy policies. But, as the privacy by design movement argues, the platform's underlying design structure is equally, if not more important, than substantive terms. But neither the design denialism of current law nor the design exceptionalism of the privacy by design movement adequately accounts for how design can be both a boon and a harm to users. This paper argues that in addition to focusing on content, privacy regulators must also consider the ways that privacy policy design — the artistic and structural choices that frame and present a company’s privacy terms to the public — can manipulate or coerce users into making risky privacy choices they otherwise would not have made. I present empirical evidence to describe the role played by policy design in manipulating the choices of Internet users and provide a clear way for legislators and privacy regulators to account for designs positive and manipulative power in privacy laws and enforcement actions. To argue that the design of privacy policies can coerce and deceive Internet users, I show the following: Relying on extensive social science, art, architecture, and urban design scholarship and several illustrative examples, I show that the underlying design of a built environment can be used to manipulate an audience or users of the space. I then present evidence from a review of the designs of 200 privacy policies from diverse websites and show that most privacy policies are designed in ways that make them difficult to read. Finally, I present results of a 2000-person MTurk empirical study showing the effects of different designs on user privacy choices. The survey, which was divided into four parts, asked individuals to choose to trust or do business with one of two websites (users could also choose “neither” or “indifferent”) based on the websites’ privacy policies. The results suggest that both current and supposedly user-friendly designs can manipulate and coerce users into making risky privacy choices: users overwhelmingly chose to trust websites with policies that were designed in graphical or user-friendly ways even when those policies contained invasive data use practices. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of this research. Most notably, user-friendly designs are not always boons to consumers; effective design can manipulate users into making bad choices just as easily as they can enhance transparency. Deception is based on how the website deploys design strategies. Therefore, privacy regulators, including the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys-general and legislators, must look at how websites design their privacy policies to determine if design is being used in such a way as to coerce users into making choices they would others not have made.
Hydrothermal Decomposition of Cobalt Hydroxide in Saturated Water Vapor

The hydrothermal decomposition of cobalt hydroxide is of importance in understanding corrosion in nuclear reactors, in the industrial production of cobaltous oxide, and potentially for thermal ener...
From theism to idealism to monism: a Leibnizian road not taken

This paper explores a PSR-connected trail leading from theistic idealism to a form of substance monism. In particular, I argue that the same style of argument available for a Leibnizian form of metaphysical idealism actually leads beyond idealism to something closer to Spinozistic monism. This path begins with a set of theological commitments about the nature and perfection of God that were widely shared among leading early modern philosophers. From these commitments, there arises an interesting case for metaphysical idealism, roughly the thesis that only minds and mind-dependent states actually exist. However, I contend, that same theistic reasoning also leads to an idealist form of substance monism, the view that God is the only actual substance and that almost everything else is merely an intentional object in God’s mind.
Progression of Alzheimer's Disease by Self-Reported Cancer History in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

Background Cross-sectional studies suggest self-reported cancer history is associated with decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, little is known about how self-reported cancer affects longitudinal AD progression, the primary outcome in clinical trials and observational studies. Objective To determine self-reported cancer history's effect on longitudinal AD progression in an observational study. Methods We utilized data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) to evaluate progression to AD by self-reported all-cancer, breast, prostate, colorectal, or non-melanoma skin cancer history. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine baseline differences and rates of progression on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) by self-reported cancer history. Age at AD onset was examined using consensus clinical diagnoses with Cox proportional hazards regression. Results Among 1,271 participants, models revealed no significant differences in progression over time but did reveal significantly lower baseline ADAS-Cog score, indicating better cognition at a given age in those with self-reported cancer history. Cox models indicated those with self-reported cancer history had significantly later age of AD onset (HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.53-0.85) after adjustment for covariates. Conclusion Participants with self-reported cancer history entered ADNI with better cognition and later age of AD onset, but progressed similarly to participants without such history, indicating differences in AD between those with and without self-reported cancer history emerge early in the disease course. Such differences in longitudinal progression by self-reported cancer history could affect AD trials and observational studies, given the current focus on early disease course. Further investigation is warranted with detailed longitudinal assessment of cancer and AD.
Rethinking the aid–growth relationship: A network approach

Over 40 years of conventional economic analysis has not reached consensus on the effect of foreign aid on recipient country growth. We provide new insight into this relationship by using a network approach to characterize the topological properties of the Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) foreign aid network. Viewing the OECD foreign aid community as an interdependent and complex system, we characterize not only the amount of aid but also the position of both donor and recipient within the network. We find that the degree centrality of the recipient, with an edge inclusion threshold that sets a minimum share of a donor’s aid to a particular recipient, is significantly correlated with the growth impact of that donor’s aid. Contrarily, aid is uncorrelated with growth with a recipient‐side filter on the importance of the donor to the recipient. These results suggest that the importance of a recipient within the donor’s network, rather than the volume of aid alone, is associated with the growth impact of bilateral aid. We explore mechanisms for these findings that include the complementarity of aid from multiple attentive donors. Our findings speak to the aid–growth puzzle and suggest that network metrics may illuminate non‐obvious channels of aid impact.
Foreword: Special Section on “The Reliability of Advanced Microelectronic Packaging—Part II: Structure–Property Relationships”

Modern technologies and devices ranging from smartphones, computers, cloud computing, industrial automation, automobiles, to the Internet of Things are enabled by integrated circuits (ICs) and their associated packages. The ICs have evolved from the early small-scale integration (SSI) to the later more complex very-large-scale integration (VLSI) and the subsequent ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI), in a continuous quest for improved functionality, higher performance, smaller form factors, and lower cost. The rate has generally followed Moore’s law.
Rethinking Metadata’s Value and How It Is Evaluated

Metadata is becoming more than a tool to facilitate access and retrieval; librarians and other metadata professionals and their users are expecting metadata to perform multiple and diverse purposes...
Notes (and Anecdotes) on Demonetization in India

This note provides a brief overview of India's demonetization off currency notes in November 2016. Written shortly after the announcement, the note uses the quantity theory of money as a basic framework to analyze the effects on GDP under various scenarios. Further, using anecdotal evidence, it discusses the factors determining the success or failure of the policy.
Extended the DARTS software design method to distributed real time applications

A software design method is described for distributed real-time applications that typically consist of several concurrent tasks executing on multiple nodes supported by a local area network. The design method is an extension of DARTS (design approach for real-time systems) and is called DARTS/DA (DARTS for distributed applications). The method starts by developing a data-flow model of the distributed application using structured analysis. The next stage involves decomposing the application into distributed subsystems based on a set of subsystem structuring criteria and defining the interfaces between therm. next each subsystem is structured into concurrent tasks using the DARTS task-structuring criteria, and the interfaces between tasks are defined. Finally each task is structured into modules. As an example, DARTS/DA is applied to the design of a distributed factory-automation system. >
Recreational Screen Time Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the U.S.: A Mixed-Methods Study among a Diverse Population-Based Sample of Emerging Adults

Understanding how screen time behaviors changed during the COVID-19 pandemic is important to inform the design of health promotion interventions. The purpose of this study was to quantify and describe changes in recreational screen time from 2018 to 2020 among a diverse sample of emerging adults. Participants (n = 716) reported their average weekly recreational screen time in 2018 and again during the pandemic in 2020. Additionally, participants qualitatively reported how events related to COVID-19 had influenced their screen time. Weekly recreational screen time increased from 25.9 ± 11.9 h in 2018 to 28.5 ± 11.6 h during COVID-19 (p < 0.001). The form of screen time most commonly reported to increase was TV shows and streaming services (n = 233). Commonly reported reasons for changes in screen time were boredom (n = 112) and a desire to connect with others (n = 52). Some participants reported trying to reduce screen time because of its negative impact on their mental health (n = 32). Findings suggest that screen time and mental health may be intertwined during the pandemic as it may lead to poorer mental health for some, while promoting connectedness for others. Health professionals and public health messaging could promote specific forms for screen time to encourage social connection during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
The Influence of Environmental Conditions on Intake Behavior and Activity by Feedlot Steers Fed Corn or Barley-Based Diets.

This study evaluated the influence of diet and environmental conditions on intake behavior and activity of feedlot steers. Feedlot rations used were comprised of a main concentrate: (1) corn or (2) barley. A GrowSafe system measured individual animal intake and behavior and HOBO accelerometers measured steer standing time. An Onset weather station collected on site weather data. Steer daily intake displayed a diet by temperature class interaction (p ≤ 0.05). Relative temperature change had no effect on variation in intake (p = 0.60); however, diet influenced variation of intake (p < 0.01), where corn-fed steers had a greater coefficient of variation (CV) than barley-fed steers (21.89 ± 1.46 vs. 18.72 ± 1.46%). Time spent eating (min d−1) and eating rate (g min−1) both displayed a diet by temperature class interaction (p ≤ 0.05). Diet did not affect steer lying activity (p ≥ 0.12), however, time spent lying (min d−1) and frequency of lying bouts (bouts d−1) increased on relatively cold days while the duration of lying bouts (min bout−1; p < 0.01) decreased. Short-term environmental temperature changes interacted with diet influencing feedlot beef cattle intake behavior; however, they did not interact with basal diet in respect to steer activity.
Parametric Iterative Learning Control: A Method for Adaptation of Feedforward Control, and Application to Gearshift Control

A framework for parametric iterative learning is introduced in this study, the underlying philosophy of which entails parameterization of feedforward control inputs in the form of look-up tables as functions of the trial-varying aspects of repetitive system operation. The current study focuses on tracking of a trial-varying reference trajectory in the presence of trial-varying external disturbances. Theoretical results for convergence are presented, and the proposed method of parametric learning is validated numerically for the application of adaptive control of gearshift controllers.
Certified nursing assistants' experiences with self-compassion training in the nursing home setting.

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in nursing home (NH) settings experience considerable work-related and personal stress. Self-compassion is a personal resource linked to improved stress coping and may be particularly relevant to health care workers. In this study, we explored NH CNA's experiences with self-compassion training based on their narrative replies. Twenty-two CNAs (100% female, mean age 48 years, 82% Black/African American) from 3 mid-sized, non-profit NHs in the Southeast US completed either a standard 8-week, 20 h self-compassion training or a 6-week, 6 h modified version designed for health care providers. Qualitative data analyses from post-training focus group discussions identified four themes pertaining to changes in: (1) stress management, (2) appreciation and support, (3) caregiver role, and (4) connection to others. Findings suggested self-compassion training is feasible and beneficial for the stressors that CNAs experience. In the era of COVID-19 and beyond, self-compassion training is a promising method to improve CNAs' well-being.
Risk stratification with video capsule endoscopy leads to fewer hospital admissions in emergency department patients with low-risk to moderate-risk upper gastrointestinal bleed: A multicenter clinical trial.

Objective: In US emergency departments (EDs), the physician has limited ability to evaluate for common and serious conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa such as a bleeding peptic ulcer. Although many bleeding lesions are self-limited, the majority of these patients require emergency hospitalization for upper endoscopy (EGD). We conducted a clinical trial to determine if ED risk stratification with video capsule endoscopy (VCE) reduces hospitalization rates for low-risk to moderate-risk patients with suspected upper GI bleeding. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial at 3 urban academic EDs. Inclusion criteria included signs of upper GI bleeding and a Glasgow Blatchford score <6. Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of the following 2 treatment arms: (1) an experimental arm that included VCE risk stratification and brief ED observation versus (2) a standard care arm that included admission for inpatient EGD. The primary outcome was hospital admission. Patients were followed for 7 and 30 days to assess for rebleeding events and revisits to the hospital. Results: The trial was terminated early as a result of low accrual. The trial was also terminated early because of a need to repurpose all staff to respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. A total of 24 patients were enrolled in the study. In the experimental group, 2/11 (18.2%) patients were admitted to the hospital, and in the standard of care group, 10/13 (76.9%) patients were admitted to the hospital (P = 0.012). There was no difference in safety on day 7 and day 30 after the index ED visit. Conclusions: VCE is a potential strategy to decrease admissions for upper GI bleeding, though further study with a larger cohort is required before this approach can be recommended.
Connecting the Dots: A Review of Traversing the Uncharted Arena of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software: Mapping Out QDA Miner 4.1 as a First-Time User

A review of QDA Miner 4.1, a mixed method computer assisted data analysis software (CAQDAS), was conducted to determine how accommodating (if at all) the software was for beginning researchers and/or individuals less proficient with computers. Rather than maintaining the more traditional focus on the technical functionality of QDA Miner, this review was structured around the needs and interests of a beginning researcher. Although QDA Miner offers a variety of helpful resources, questions regarding how to structure initial project to ensure findings yield methodological accuracy remain.
Cebuella pygmaea (Pygmy marmoset)

This species differs from all other members of this family by having 44 elements as compared to 46 for the others. Two acrocentrics have presumably fused to make a new submetacentric element, here placed as number 5, Quantitative comparisons of some of these species can be found by Wohnus and Benirschke. Like other marmosets, the pygmy marmoset bears fraternal twins and the animals are blood chimerae. Therefore, the female karyotype here is from a bone marrow cell of the male animal whose karyotype from a kidney cell is shown first.
A Modular Multi-Chip Neuromorphic Architecture for Real-Time Visual Motion Processing

The extent of pixel-parallel focal plane image processing is limited by pixel area and imager fill factor. In this paper, we describe a novel multi-chip neuromorphic VLSI visual motion processing system which combines analog circuitry with an asynchronous digital interchip communications protocol to allow more complex pixel-parallel motion processing than is possible in the focal plane. This multi-chip system retains the primary advantages of focal plane neuromorphic image processors: low-power consumption, continuous-time operation, and small size. The two basic VLSI building blocks are a photosensitive sender chip which incorporates a 2D imager array and transmits the position of moving spatial edges, and a receiver chip which computes a 2D optical flow vector field from the edge information. The elementary two-chip motion processing system consisting of a single sender and receiver is first characterized. Subsequently, two three-chip motion processing systems are described. The first three-chip system uses two sender chips to compute the presence of motion only at a particular stereoscopic depth from the imagers. The second three-chip system uses two receivers to simultaneously compute a linear and polar topographic mapping of the image plane, resulting in information about image translation, rotation, and expansion. These three-chip systems demonstrate the modularity and flexibility of the multi-chip neuromorphic approach.
Current trends in therapeutic termination of pregnancy

Abstract The experience of The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, with therapeutic termination of pregnancy in the years 1953–1964 is reviewed. In this interval, the over-all incidence of therapeutic termination of pregnancy rose from 61 to 99 per 10,000 deliveries. While the incidence of therapeutic termination for medical indications (12 per 10,000 deliveries) and for “genetic” indications (18 per 10,000 deliveries) remained stable, there has been an increasing incidence for psychiatric indications (from 24 to 56 per 10,000 deliveries). Where the indications for therapeutic termination of pregnancy were clearly defined (as in medical or psychiatric cases), there was no difference in incidence between ward and private patients. In areas where psychoemotional and/or social aspects of a disease process weighed heavily in the recommendation for therapeutic termination of pregnancy (as with “genetic” indications or in cases of malignancy), there was a significant and consistent difference in incidence in favor of the private over the ward patient.
Little evidence for the effectiveness of chemiluminescence and autofluorescent imaging devices as oral cancer screening adjuncts.

Little evidence for the effectiveness of chemiluminescence and autofluorescent imaging devices as oral cancer screening adjuncts
The multivariable circle criterion for switched continuous systems

Traditional developments of the multivariable circle criterion have assumed continuity of the nonlinearity. This paper shows that the stability results of the multivariable circle criterion are valid for systems described by differential inclusions. This result is motivated by examining the control of a one-dimensional actuator array system in which the contact state between each actuator and the manipulated object is allowed to switch between slip and no-slip contact. The stability results are verified through simulation.
ECONOMIES OF SCOPE FOR MICROFINANCE: DIFFERENCES ACROSS OUTPUT MEASURES

In banking, scope economies of mobilizing deposits and lending are often estimated, while consideration of the same measures for microfinance institutions (MFI) is still in its infancy. An open issue remains regarding what characterizes an output of an MFI. Moreover, depending on the output used, do estimated scope economies differ? We use a novel data set for over 800 MFI across more than 70 countries to estimate economies of scope. Our findings suggest that statistical differences arise between estimates of scope economies. However, our qualitative findings indicate that both of these measures provide similar overviews of the landscape of scope economies for MFI.
Chapter 3 The Aspidosperma Alkaloids

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses isolation of new monomeric Aspidosperma alkaloids and those of Melodinus, Tabernaemontana, and Ochrosia. This is followed by successive discussions of the chemical and extensive synthetic reactions carried out on these alkaloids. Finally, the recent use of X-ray crystallography and 13 C NMR techniques in the structure elucidation of these alkaloids is summarized. Several reviews are pertinent to the discussion. The Swiss group has discussed a different approach to the classification of indole alkaloids along biogenetic grounds and has described the biogenetic routes in fascinating detail. In a complementary review, this author has discussed comprehensively the biosynthetic experimentation on monoterpenoid indole alkaloids. In addition, Kapil and Brown have reviewed the closely related area of nitrogenous glycosides in this volume. Gabetta has summarized the indole alkaloids isolated between 1968 and mid-1972, and Aliev and Babaev have discussed the physical properties of the many Aspidosperma-type alkaloids isolated from Vinca species.
Sovereign defaults and expropriations : empirical regularities

This paper uses a large cross-country dataset to empirically examine factors associated with sovereign defaults on external private creditors and expropriation of foreign direct investments in developing countries since the 1970s. In the long run, sovereign defaults and expropriations are likely to occur in the same countries. In the short run, however, these events are uncorrelated. Defaults are more likely to occur following periods of rapid debt accumulation, when growth is low, and in countries with weak policy performance, and defaults are not strongly persistent over time. In contrast, expropriations are not systematically related to the level of foreign direct investment, to growth, or to policy performance. Expropriations are however less likely under right-wing governments, and are strongly persistent over time. There is also little evidence that a history of recent defaults is associated with expropriations, and vice versa. The paper discusses the implications of these findings for models that emphasize retaliation as means for sustaining sovereign borrowing and foreign investment in equilibrium, as well as the implications for political risk insurance against the two types of events.
THE EFFECTS OF STRESS, ADRENAL AND ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIC HORMONES ON THE CIRCULATING EOSINOPHILS OF MICE

The eosinophil cell of the blood was first described over 100 years ago (Wharton Jones, 1846), and since then has been the subject of many morphological, cytological, and physiological investigations. However, despite the vast array of publications and reviews, the actual function of this cell in health or disease still eludes the investigator (Kirk, 1942; Bethell, Sturgis, Rundles and Meyers, 1946). A number of comprehensive studies have been made during the last 17 years but most of the investigations were carried out either in man or the guinea pig. Work in other animals seems to have been chiefly of a tabulative and descriptive nature (Scarborough, 1930). In man, an increase in the number of circulating eosinophils has been correlated with allergy, parasitic infection, skin diseases, and a number of other disorders. In the guinea pig the eosinophils are associated with foreign protein reactions such as anaphylaxis and immunity. (For extensive references and reviews see: Schwarz, 1914; Ringeon, 1938; R...
Quantitative compensation by lateral motor column neurons in response to four functional hindlimbs in a frog tadpole

An analysis of the lateral motor columns of a frog tadpole with 4 functional unilateral hindlimbs revealed a 58% increase in the number of neurons on the overloaded side as compared to the control side of the spinal cord. An accompanying, apparently selective, increase in the number of very large neurons suggests that spinal motor centers respond to peripheral overload through a variable combination of neuronal number and size in providing for adequate innervation.
Serrated lesions of the appendix frequently harbor KRAS mutations and not BRAF mutations indicating a distinctly different serrated neoplastic pathway in the appendix

Appendiceal serrated polyps often morphologically resemble their colorectal counterparts and most pathologists employ colorectal diagnostic terminology when evaluating appendiceal serrated lesions. We analyzed 132 appendiceal lesions for mutations in the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway in an attempt to (1) determine the frequency of these mutations in appendiceal serrated lesions and (2) correlate the histopathologic features with molecular alterations. The study group of appendiceal serrated lesions (n = 46) was divided into a non-dysplastic group (28/46, subclassified as 7 hyperplastic polyps and 21 sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/P) using colorectal diagnostic terminology) and dysplastic group (18/46, subclassified as 9 SSA/Ps with cytological dysplasia, 7 traditional serrated adenomas, and 2 adenomas with prominent serrations). Appendiceal non-serrated dysplastic lesions (n = 86) comprised the control group. Of the 123 lesions analyzed, KRAS mutations were identified in 64 (52%) appendiceal lesions. No significant difference in the presence of KRAS mutations were identified between serrated non-dysplastic lesions (13/25, 52%), serrated dysplastic lesions (7/14, 50%) and the control group of non-serrated dysplastic lesions (44/84, 52%) (P = 1.0). Importantly, KRAS mutations were identified in lesions that were histologically identical to colorectal hyperplastic polyps (2/6, 33%), SSA/Ps (11/19, 58%), and SSA/Ps with cytological dysplasia (4/7, 57%). Of the 126 lesions tested, BRAF V600E mutations were identified in only 5 (4%) appendiceal lesions. Our results indicate that serrated lesions of the appendix often harbor KRAS mutations rather than BRAF mutations and suggest that the serrated pathway in the appendix is likely different than in the colon and rectum.
Association of Fibrinogen and Coagulation Factors Vll and VIII with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Elderly The Cardiovascular Health Study

The cross-sectional correlates of three hemostatic factors--fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII--were examined in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a population-based cohort study of 5,201 subjects over age 65 years. Subjects were recruited in 1989-1990 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; Sacramento County, California; Washington County, Maryland; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In multivariate linear regression models, cardiac risk factors significantly associated with fibrinogen were current smoking, race, lipids, and white blood count. In women, alcohol use, obesity, physical activity, and insulin level were also significant, while in men hypertension was correlated. The significant correlates of factor VII were lipids and white blood count in men and estrogen use, alcohol use, race, lipids, insulin level, white blood count, and obesity in women. The independent correlates of factor VIII were insulin, glucose, and race in both sexes; low density lipoprotein cholesterol, white blood count, and diuretic use in men; and alcohol use in women. In multivariate models, factors known to be modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease accounted for more of the population variance of these hemostatic factors in women than in men, especially for factor VII. The hemostatic factors may mediate some effects of risk factors on disease, and this should be considered in longitudinal studies.
Gene regulation by riboswitches.

Riboswitches are complex folded RNA domains that serve as receptors for specific metabolites. These domains are found in the non-coding portions of various mRNAs, where they control gene expression by harnessing allosteric structural changes that are brought about by metabolite binding. New findings indicate that riboswitches are robust genetic elements that are involved in regulating fundamental metabolic processes in many organisms.
Shalt2: a symmetric machine translation system with conceptual transfer

Shalt2 is a knowledge-based machine translation system with a symmetric architecture. The grammar rules, mapping rules between syntactic and conceptual (semantic) representations, and transfer rules for conceptual paraphrasing are all bi-directional knowledge sources used by both a parser and a generator.
Positional distribution of fatty acids in triacylglycerols from subcutaneous adipose tissue of pigs fed diets enriched with conjugated linoleic acid, corn oil, or beef tallow.

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary beef tallow, corn oil, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on the distribution of fatty acids among positions within triacylglycerols. Crossbred barrows (n=6 per treatment group) received diets containing 1.5% beef tallow, 1.5% corn oil, or 1.5% CLA for 5 weeks. Subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were obtained immediately postmortem. The fatty acid composition was determined for the sn-2 positions of the triacylglycerols by digestion with Rhizopus arrhizus lipase. Fatty acids in the sn-1/3 position were calculated from these data. Feeding CLA increased (P
PEPSIN INHIBITOR IN PITUITARY EXTRACTS

THIS paper reports the presence in pituitary extracts of a material which inhibits the milk clotting activity of crystalline pepsin. The inhibitor was found concentrated in commercial preparations of thyrotropin, with increased inhibitor activity present in preparations most potent with respect to thyrotropin activity. Recently, at this institution, a chromatographic method for the partial purification of thyrotropin was developed, and a further fractionation by counter-current distribution has also been accomplished (1, 2). Assays of samples made available to us from these fractionation procedures provide strong evidence that the pepsin inhibitor is a separate entity from material causing stimulation of P32-uptake in chick thyroids. Details of the method used for assaying pepsin inhibition are presented.
An elementary proof of the completeness of PDL

Abstract We give an elementary proof of the completeness of the Segerberg axions for Propositional Dynamic Logic.
A State Space Analysis of LCI Fed Synchronous Motor Drives in the Steady State

The steady-state performance of a load-commutated in-verter (LCI) fed synchronous motor drive is computed by means of a digital computer-based state space solution of the synchronous machine equations. The computer solution permits accurate calculation of current, voltage, and torque waveforms under the assumptions of constant shaft speed and constant dc link current. Steady-state operating points are characterized by the firing angle, commutation overlap angle, and the ratio of average field current to dc link current. The two angles are specified as input to the program, and the ratio of field current to dc link current is calculated. In this way, a solution is guaranteed to exist for a given operating point. The symmetry of steady-state operation is exploited to calculate the appropriate boundary conditions for a given operating point directly, without the need to perform iterative calculations . Sample calculations for a 4500-hp LCI drive are presented, showing voltage, current, and torque waveforms, and steady-state performance characteristics with constant commutation margin angle. Consortium (WEMPEC) and in part by General Electric.
Pressure dependence of the ac stark shifts in nitric oxide: resonant multiphoton spectroscopy without space charge

Abstract Measurements of ac Stark shifts and broadening have been made on several multiphoton resonant rotational-vibronic levels in nitric oxide (NO). The levels and laser wavelengths are carefully chosen so that the number of ions produced can be kept low and the complication due to space charge can be avoided. It is found that the ac Stark effects are independent of the pressure.
Synthesis of a mitomycin C–lexitropsin hybrid

Abstract We have constructed hybrid drugs where mitomycin C is linked to the N -methylpyrrole carboxamide framework present in lexitropsins. The coupling reactions leading to these products are efficient and the yields are very high. An interesting spectroscopic feature of these hybrids is the red shift observed in the UV–vis spectrum. Although DFT calculations indicate the possible existence of complexes formed during the coupling reactions, these complexes were not detected. The only species produced and isolated were the mitomycin C-mono- and bis- N -methyl pyrrole conjugates.