cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding Charge Transfer Dynamics in QDs-TiO2 Nanorod Array Photoanodes for Solar Fuel Generation

Abstract Harvesting light to drive water splitting for hydrogen generation is an attractive approach to satisfy the urgent energy demands. The design and fabrication of photoelectrode materials that are able to harvest sunlight is an important scientific undertaking. In this study, a two-quantum-dot (QD) layer is developed to decorate one-dimensional TiO 2 nanorod arrays, which are subsequently utilized as photoanodes to harvest the wide-spectrum sunlight for water splitting. The QD-coated TiO 2 nanorod arrays extend the light absorption range from the UV into the visible region yielding increased solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies. Transient photocurrent decay measurements demonstrate that the multi-layer CdSe-CdS QDs deposited onto the TiO 2 nanorod arrays result in a stepwise band alignment that not only improves the hole extraction but also facilitates electron injection from the QDs to TiO 2 rods. Moreover, the multi-heterojunction photoanode introduces interfacial states that act as recombination centers to trap the photogenerated electrons.
Prolonged duration of apnea test during brain death examination in a case of intraparenchymal hemorrhage.

Objective:Apnea test is required as part of the brain death examination. The duration of the apnea test is variable but typically requires 8–10 min. Prolonged apnea tests have been reported in the ...
Using Mixed Reality for electrical construction design communication

Abstract Building Information Modeling (BIM) techniques have enabled the construction industry to realize various benefits. However, most projects still rely on 2D drawings to communicate the 3D BIM content to construction personnel. While Mixed Reality (MR) could theoretically be the primary means of communicating BIM content to onsite personnel in 3D, there is not currently a thorough understanding of how this might impact the construction performance of industry practitioners. This paper explores this topic by examining the field of electrical construction. It addresses research questions related to: MR's influence on the productivity and quality of electrical conduit construction; and the effects of an industry practitioner's background on his or her performance using MR. To address these topics, a quasi-experiment was conducted that compares the performance of eighteen electrical construction personnel who were tasked with building similar conduit assemblies using traditional paper and MR. Participants completed pre- and post-activity questionnaires to provide their perceptions of the experience. The results suggest that MR enabled: a significantly higher productivity rate; reduced the time required to understand the design; led to fewer errors during the assembly process; and increased the number of accurately constructed conduits as compared to the conduits constructed using traditional paper. Additionally, nearly all participants agreed that MR is easy to use, but most still felt that they would prefer to use paper plans for design communication. The findings of this work were noteworthy because many of the participants had substantial prior experience constructing conduit using paper plans, yet they still performed the task better and faster using MR. While the small sample size limits the extent to which these findings can be generalized, the contribution of this work is in demonstrating, as a proof-of-concept, that MR can be a viable option for communicating existing BIM content to current industry practitioners and that it can offer advantages that are not currently observed through the use of a paper-based communication methods.
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma: Factors predictive of adverse outcomes

Background Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) encompasses rare neoplasms that can arise either in the dermis or in the subfascial soft tissue. The behavior of UPS ranges from indolent to aggressive, but data predicting outcomes are limited. Objective Identify predictors of poor outcomes by analyzing a large collection of UPS cases. Methods We evaluated all available cases of UPS (including those termed atypical fibroxanthoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, pleomorphic dermal sarcoma, and subfascial UPS) across 3 tertiary care centers. Results Among the 319 patients, 45 experienced recurrence, 33 experienced metastasis, and 96 died of any cause. Risk factors for recurrence were clinical tumor size larger than 5 cm and invasion beyond subcutaneous fat. Risk factors for distant metastases were tumor site, tumor size larger than 2 cm, invasion beyond subcutaneous fat, and lymphovascular invasion. Risk factors for overall mortality were age, immunosuppression, tumor size larger than 2 cm, and lymphovascular invasion. History of skin cancer was associated with a lower risk of recurrence and metastasis. Limitations This was a retrospective study. Conclusions Using the unbiased approach of pooling all UPS cases regardless of terminology, we identified clinical and histologic factors predicting poor outcomes. We propose subcategorization of UPS (into superficial versus deep UPS), which is consistent with the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging of soft-tissue sarcoma.
Rational-Emotive Therapy in Groups

Rational-emotive therapy (RET) as group psychotherapy began almost as early as individual RET. In 1955, Albert Ellis, who had been trained as a psychoanalyst and who already was well known as a sex and marriage counselor, became dissatisfied with the results he obtained from employing psychoanalytic principles. Therefore, he (Ellis, 1962) took the bold step of directly confronting patients with their self-defeating philosophies, of actively arguing against their ideas, and of assigning behavioral and cognitive homework for them to practice their newly adopted ways of thinking and acting.
Bored Point Seekers

Social interaction patterns of predetermined student resistance to Mr. Glass’s uncompromising overreliance on suspension developed in a classroom climate with coercive cultural power at play. Predetermined student resistance of coercive classroom culture, norms, and values resulted in social interactions patterns that enabled Mr. Glass to teach language arts in an orderly climate.
Hemispheric Differences in Evoked Potentials to Relevant and Irrelevant Visual Stimuli

Since the early days of averaging evoked potentials (EPs) in man, the importance of cognitive variables, as well as stimulus variables, has been recognized (e.g., Chapman and Bragdon, 1964). Using an experimental design which involves processing number and letter stimuli, we have been studying EP effects related to a variety of cognitive operations (Chapman, 1965, 1966, 1969a, 1969b, 1973, 1974a, 1974b, 1977, in press; Chapman et al., in press (a); Chapman et al. in press (b). Most of our analyses have been for the CPZ scalp location (recorded monopolar on the midline one-third of the distance from Cz to Pz; reference was linked ear- lobes). It is of interest to study the cognitive effects at other sites, with a particular focus on the question of hemispheric differences and parietal-occipital differences.
Utilization of Valproate: Extent of Inpatient Use in the New York State Office of Mental Health

Objective: To describe the extent and type of use of valproate among hospitalized psychiatric patients. Method: A database containing patient information and drug prescription information for every in-patient within the adult civil facilities of the New York State Office of Mental Health was queried. Results: In 1994, 2,888 of 18,668 in-patients received valproate (15.5%). In 1996, 4,247 of 12,444 in-patients received valproate (34.1%). In 1996, approximately 50% of all patients diagnosed as bipolar or schizoaffective, and 28% of all patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, received valproate. Once started on valproate, over 90% remained on it after 2 weeks, with no difference found in the discontinuation rates between valproic acid or divalproex sodium at the end of the initial 14 day period. Patients received valproate for approximately two-thirds of their hospital stay, at a mean dose of 1400 mg/day. 95% also received concomitant antipsychotics, and 20% received concomitant lithium. Use of lithium and carbamazepine was less in 1996 than in 1994, but the magnitude of this change was much less than the increase in utilization of valproate. Conclusions: From 1994 to 1996 valproate use has more than doubled, and it is being used widely in patients with schizophrenia, an off-label indication for which there is only anecdotal support in the literature. Given the lack of difference in early discontinuation rates, there are probably no dramatic differences in side effects for the two preparations of valproate.
From the Lunch Table, to the Family Table: A Grounded Theory Approach to Understanding Urban Adolescents' Experiences of Food Culture Mismatch between School and Home Environments.

Based on a participatory action research project in New York City from 2012 to 2014, our study compares the experience of black and Latino adolescents between their school and home food environments. Following a photovoice approach, adolescents participated in a “food justice” curriculum, photographed foodscapes, and conducted photo-elicited interviews. Using a grounded theory approach, we found that adolescents had mismatched experiences between school and home food environments under two conditions: sensory-emotional and sociopolitical. Mismatch suggested psychological and behavioral consequences, including skipping or wasting school lunch entrees and consuming energy-dense, nutrient-poor snack foods. We named this middle-range substantive theory food culture mismatch.
Abstract WP351: Lung-Specific Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase Blocks Neutrophil-Mediated Toxicity in Brain Ischemia-Reperfusion

Introduction: Tissue damage and neuroinflammatory responses associated with cerebral ischemia trigger a systemic immune response that exacerbates brain injury during reperfusion and adversely influ...
Could Nanocomposites Continue the Success of Halide Perovskites

Halide perovskites have shown great potential for next-generation optoelectronics. Despite the high efficiency of devices achieved in the laboratory, instability in long-term device operation stall...
Predicting sexual behaviors from mid-adolescence to emerging adulthood: The roles of dating violence victimization and substance use.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to determine whether dating violence victimization (psychological, physical, and sexual) and substance use (alcohol and marijuana) predicted sexual behaviors that increase risk for poor outcomes from ages 15–19. Adolescents (N = 1042; 56% female) were recruited from high schools in Southeast Texas in 2010 and followed annually for six years. The mean age of the sample at baseline was 15.09 (SD = 0.79). Participants primarily identified as Hispanic (31.4%), White (29.4%), and Black/African American (27.9%). Participants completed measures of dating violence victimization, substance use, and sexual behaviors annually. We examined unique and interactive associations between substance use and dating violence victimization with sexual behaviors that increase risk for poor outcomes. Multilevel modeling demonstrated that, when examining predictors simultaneously, marijuana use and psychological victimization predicted sexual behaviors over time for males. For females, marijuana use, and physical and psychological victimization all predicted sexual behaviors over time, with marijuana exerting the strongest effect, particularly among females who also used alcohol. Prevention efforts for adolescent sexual behaviors that increase risk for poor outcomes should include a focus on reducing substance use, particularly marijuana, and the effects of dating violence victimization.
Pseudo-pulseless electrical activity in the emergency department, an evidence based approach.

Abstract Introduction A great deal of the literature has focused specifically on true pulseless electrical activity (PEA), whereas there is a dearth of research regarding pseudo-PEA. This narrative review evaluates the diagnosis and management of patients in pseudo-PEA and discusses the impact on emerging patient outcomes. Discussion Pseudo-PEA can be defined as evidence of cardiac activity without a detectable pulse. Distinguishing pseudo-PEA from true PEA is important for emergency physicians as the prognosis and management of these patients differ. POCUS is the tool most commonly used to diagnose pseudo-PEA and there are varying treatment strategies to manage these patients. Identifying patients in pseudo-PEA can help guide resuscitation decisions, and ultimately impact emergency response systems, patients, and families. Conclusions The incidence of pseudo-PEA is increasing. Effective care of these patients begins with early diagnosis of this condition and immediate treatment to warrant the greatest chance of survival. There is a need for further prospective studies surrounding pseudo-PEA as evidenced by the lack of research in the current literature.
Spatial and temporal variation in the value of solar power across United States electricity markets

Abstract The cost of utility-scale photovoltaics (PV) has declined rapidly over the past decade. Yet increased renewable electricity generation, decreased natural gas prices, and deployment of emissions-control technology across the United States have led to concurrent changes in electricity prices and power system emissions rates, each of which influence the value of PV electricity. An ongoing assessment of the economic competitiveness of PV is therefore necessary as PV cost and value continue to evolve. Here, we use historical nodal electricity prices, capacity market prices, marginal power system emissions rates of CO 2 and air pollutants, and weather data to model the energy, capacity, health, and climate value of PV electricity at over 10 000 locations across six U.S. Independent System Operators (ISOs) from 2010 to 2017. On the energy and capacity markets, transmission congestion in some locations and years results in PV revenues that are more than double the median across the relevant ISO. While the marginal public health benefits from avoided SO 2 , NO x , and PM2.5 emissions have declined over time in most ISOs, monetizing the health benefits of PV generation in 2017 would increase median PV energy revenues by 70% in MISO and NYISO and 100% in PJM. Given 2017 PV costs, electricity prices, and grid conditions, PV breaks even at 30% of modeled locations on the basis of energy, capacity, and health benefits, at 75% of modeled locations with the addition of a 50 $/ton CO 2 price, and at 100% of modeled locations with a 100 $/ton CO 2 price. These results suggest that PV cost decline has outpaced value decline over the past decade, such that in 2017 the net benefits of utility-scale PV outweigh the cost at the majority of modeled locations.
Wireless Sensor Network Utilizing Flexible Nitrate Sensors for Smart Farming

Smart Farming represents the application of modern IoT networks into agriculture, leading to what can be called a Third Green Revolution. This paper describes a fully customized hardware platform, with a novel network structure enabled by LoRa and ANT radios, that aims for a low-cost, low power and long range wireless sensor network for smart farming. The hybrid network structure was demonstrated in the Lab and the LoRa portion of the network was tested by deploying four modules across an agricultural site, with data collected over a six months period. The hardware was tested by integrating fabricated nitrate sensors as well as commercially available soil and temperature sensors into the modules. The data collected were made accessible to both researchers and farmers through the cloud.
Bariatric Surgery Outcomes in Patients with Prior Solid Organ Transplantation: an MBSAQIP Analysis

Obesity is a risk factor for poor patient outcomes after organ transplantation (TXP). While metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is safe and effective in treating severe obesity, the role of MBS in transplant patients continues to evolve. A retrospective analysis was performed of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients in the 2017 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality and Improvement Project (MBSAQIP) database. Propensity and case-control matching, and multivariable logistic regression were performed for 30-day post-operative outcomes. A total of 336 transplant patients were compared with 157,413 patients without transplant. Propensity and case-control matching reveal no significant differences in mortality (p > 0.2). However, case-control matching revealed longer operative time (104 min versus 76 min, p < 0.001), increased length of stay (2 days versus 1 day, p < 0.05), perioperative transfusions (2% versus 0.22%, p = 0.009), and leak rates (2.2% versus 0.55%, p = 0.02) in the transplant cohort. On multivariable regression analysis, prior transplantation was associated with higher rates of overall (OR 1.6, p = 0.007) and bariatric-related morbidity (OR 1.78, p = 0.004), leak (OR 3.47, p = 0.0027), and surgical site infection (OR 3.32, p = 0.004). Prior transplantation did not predict overall (p = 0.55) nor bariatric-related mortality (p = 0.99). MBS in prior solid organ transplantation patients is overall safe, but is associated with increased operative time and length of stay, as well as higher rates of some post-operative morbidity.
Energetics of Fish Spermatozoa

Fish spermatozoa need to perceive a signal from the external milieu so as to activate their motility. The osmolarity and/or ionic composition of the marine or freshwater surrounding fish control the activation of fish sperm flagella at spawning. Flagella motility is energy dependent and the amount of energy stored in the spermatozoon prior to its activation is a main factor that will sustain their vigorous motility but for only a short period (one to several minutes) in fish until partial exhaustion of this energy stops motility. Storage of energy mostly results from mitochondrial respiration that generates ATP. Energy metabolism also involves other compounds such as creatine–phosphate that contribute to the maintenance of the intracellular energy level in connection with ATP. In few species, especially internally fertilizing ones, part of the energy comes from glycolysis. For efficient motility of swimming fish spermatozoa, the ATP usage (chemical hydrolysis) is mainly balanced by the physical power developed by the flagellum against viscosity forces: this balance sheet is also discussed in this chapter. The rest of ATP consumption is needed by fish spermatozoa for “house-keeping” tasks such as maintaining the ionic balance across the cell membrane as example.
Vulnerabilities and Resistances in Transit: Narratives of Central American Colonial Transmigrants

I explore the vulnerability of undocumented Central American migrants in transit through Mexico to the U.S. I adopt Susan Bibler Coutin’s definition of “transit” as the length of time and the space in which migrants experience most acutely the lack of state protection and are the most vulnerable to bodily aggressions. The War on Drugs is depicted in novels through the securitization/militarization of borders and a necropolitics for the control of clandestine migration businesses. Alejandro Hernandez, Antonio Ortuno, and Emiliano Monge’s protagonists are racialized as subjects without rights, and their identities are transformed into deportable lives or commodities for trafficking and forced recruitment. These characters improvise survival tactics and negotiate their mobility within borders and vis-a-vis state agents, non-state actors, and Mexican citizens.
Beyond Good Intentions: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Teaching Tolerance’s ‘Teaching The New Jim Crow: A Teacher’s Guide’

This paper uses critical discourse analysis to examine the alignment between the stated goals and the discursive implications in a scripted curriculum published by Teaching Tolerance, a progressive...
Diversity, Distribution and Habitat Use of Freshwater Crayfish in the Upper Appomattox River Basin, Virginia

The Appomattox River basin in Virginia is a poorly understood system for freshwater crayfish diversity and distribution. We sampled 36 locations in the upper Appomattox basin for crayfish and noted general habitat characteristics. The following 7 species of crayfish were discovered in the system belonging to 4 genera: Cambarus cf. acuminatus, Cambarus bartonii bartonii (Common Crayfish), Cambarus longulus (Atlantic Slope Crayfish), Lacunicambarus diogenes (Devil Crayfish), Procambarus acutus (White River Crayfish), Creaserinus fodiens (Digger Crayfish), and invasive Procambarus clarkii (Red Swamp Crayfish). Native C.cf. acuminatus dominates the upper Appomattox region, having a wider distribution and higher relative abundance compared to other species in the basin. All other taxa demonstrated relatively limited distributions and low abundance. The least encountered species were the 2 primary burrowing species, Devil Crayfish and Digger Crayfish, which exclusively used shallow seasonal pools during the spring breeding season. We report range extensions for C. cf. acuminatus, Atlantic Slope Crayfish, Common Crayfish, Devil Crayfish, Digger Crayfish, and Red Swamp Crayfish, and recommend additional surveys to improve our understanding of the diversity and distribution of crayfish in the Appomattox River basin. Furthermore, we recommend monitoring of the Briery Creek and Sandy River systems to assess the extent and severity of the Red Swamp Crayfish invasion. Additionally, we urge a systematic study to resolve the taxonomic uncertainty of a potentially new Creaserinus species in the Appomattox River basin.
Social Disparities and Food Environment Determinants of Food Insecurity Among Graduate Students in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic is worsening food insecurity and exacerbating social disparities. This study investigated the pandemic's impact on food insecurity, disparities, and determinants among graduate students at Purdue University, a public research university.
ESD Stress Effect on Failure Mechanisms in GaN-on-Si Power Device

This paper reports investigation of failure mechanisms of GaN-on-Si power device under electrostatic discharge (ESD) stress using on-wafer transmission-line pulse (TLP) testing. Hot-hole injections under the gate and filament formation in the buffer layer are examined by monitoring the threshold voltage (Vth) and on-resistance (Ron) subjected to a floating gate or an off-state gate voltage. Distinct and continued degradation has been observed after the ESD stress is removed indicating a slow de-trapping process due to deep-level buffer traps. Finally, 2D device simulation is used to probe the physical insight into failure mechanisms.
Unemployment and the Transition From Separation to Divorce

Informal marital separation often quickly leads to divorce, but can become long-lasting, especially among disadvantaged populations. In this study, we focus on the timing of divorce after separating and examine how unemployment before or during separation affects this pivotal moment in the divorce process. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 Cohort (N = 2,219), we track unemployment before and during separation and show that men’s unemployment during separation, rather than women’s, reduces the likelihood of divorce, independent of preseparation unemployment and other characteristics. For men, unemployment during a marital separation prolongs the divorce process, creating an extended period of uncertainty in marital relationships on the brink of dissolution. We discuss the gendered relationship observed between employment status during an informal separation and an estranged couple’s decision to complete the divorce process.
Ribosomal RNA gene sequencing for early diagnosis of Blastomyces dermatitidis infection

Prompt detection and identification of fungal pathogens at the genus and species level is critical in order to provide timely antifungal therapy. Here, we highlight the vital role of molecular diagnostics in achieving a fast and definitive diagnosis of disseminated blastomycosis in a diabetic patient presenting as a brain mass initially thought to be tumoral in nature. A broad-range PCR amplification and sequencing of the fungal ribosomal RNA genes on brain biopsy tissue obtained during elective craniotomy revealed a final microbial identification of Ajellomyces dermatitidis (telemorph of Blastomyces dermatitidis).
Effects of amoxicillin treatment on the salivary microbiota in children with acute otitis media

Amoxicillin is a first-line antibiotic treatment for acute otitis media in children and one of the most commonly used antibiotics for human bacterial infections. We investigated changes in salivary bacterial communities among children treated with amoxicillin for acute otitis media (n = 18), using a culture-independent approach based on pyrosequencing of the V3 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The control group consisted of children with acute otitis media who were not given antibiotics (n = 15). One species-level phylotype assigned to the genus Streptococcus was identified across all (n = 99) saliva samples. Two additional species-level phylotypes from the genera Gemella and Granulicatella were shared by all (n = 45) samples of control subjects. Amoxicillin treatment resulted in reduced species richness and diversity, and a significant shift in the relative abundance of 35 taxa at different ranks from phylum to species-level phylotype. At the phylum level, prevalence of TM7 and Actinobacteria decreased at the end of treatment, whereas Proteobacteria had a higher relative abundance post-treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that samples from the same control subject taken over time intervals tended to cluster together. Among antibiotic-treated subjects, samples taken before and at the end of amoxicillin treatment formed two relatively well-separated clusters both of which greatly overlapped with samples taken about 3 weeks post-treatment. Our results point to a substantial but incomplete recovery of the salivary bacterial community from the antibiotic about 3 weeks after the end of treatment.
Representing the Unrepresented in Class Action Settlements

Class actions are important and useful both to deter wrongful conduct and to provide compensation for injured plaintiffs. In complex cases, however, the existing class action structure falters. In this article, Messrs. Wolfman and Morrison argue that in "settlement class actions" the current class action rules do not adequately protect class members whose interests do not coincide with those of the class representatives and the class attorneys. Through a survey of recent, prominent settlement class actions, the authors show that the current system does not fairly treat subgroups in a class with respect to matters as diverse as future injury, fee distribution, applicable law, and timing of payments. In response to these problems and others, Messrs. Wolfman and Morrison ultimately urge the adoption of amendments to the class action rules to handle settlement class actions. The effect of these amendments would be twofold: first, to ensure that "unrepresented" class members would be represented by counsel who would have adequate opportunity to champion their interests; and second, to allow a judge handling a settlement class action to evaluate the substantive provisions of a proposed settlement, and to impose or reject certain terms in order to assure fairness within the class, as well as between the class and defendants.
A retrospective study of capecitabine/temozolomide (CAPTEM) regimen in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) after failing previous therapy.

Context Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are notoriously resistant to currently available chemotherapy agents. Preclinical data has suggested synergy between temozolomide and capecitabine. Objective To report a retrospective data on the efficacy and safety of capecitabine and temozolomide (CAPTEM regimen) in patients with metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) who have failed prior therapies. Methods We reviewed the medical records of 7 patients with metastatic pNETs who had had progressive cancer prior to treatment despite therapy, including long-acting release octreotide (60 mg/month), chemotherapy and hepatic chemoembolization. Capecitabine was administered at a flat dose of 1,000 mg orally twice daily on days 1-14 and temozolomide 200 mg/m2 was given in two divided doses daily on days 10-14 of a 28-day cycle. Tumor assessments were repeated every two cycles and serum tumor markers were measured every cycle. Response to treatment was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) parameters, and toxicity was graded using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 3.0. Results Among 7 patients treated, three patients achieved a partial response, and two patients had stable disease. Total response rate was 43%, and clinical benefit (responders and stable disease) was 71%. Median duration of response was 8 months (range: 4-12 months). Grade 3 and 4 toxicities included grade 3 thrombocytopenia in one patient and grade 3 fatigue in one patient. The most common toxicities were grade 1 and 2 neutropenia, grade 1 fatigue, grade 1 and 2 hand-foot syndrome. Conclusions Our retrospective study showed that modified CAPTEM regimen was well-tolerated and produced comparable response to historical data in neuroendocrine tumors, including pNETs. Our study is unique as it only included patients with pNETs. Further prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the combination of CAPTEM regimen with targeted therapies in pNETs. Image: Schema of CAPTEM regimen.
Resting pressure patterns in the nonpregnant human uterus.

Abstract Intrauterine resting pressure has been observed by the open-end catheter technique 87 times in 26 cycles of 2 nonpregnant women. In normal cycles, the intrauterine resting pressure was substantially elevated during cycle days 10 through 22. No elevation in intrauterine resting pressure was observed during “gestagen treatment” cycles. In normal cycles there was a predictable relationship between the intrauterine resting pressure and the frequency and amplitude of contractions. The pattern of the midcycle elevation appears to follow that previously reported for estrogen excretion.
Guidelines for mandated documents: Law enforcement and intimate partner violence survivors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present findings on the efficacy of documents that US police are required to provide to domestic violence survivors, specifically intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors. Triangulating data from survivors, shelter staff, and law enforcement officers across four stages of IPV experiences, this national study identifies priorities among essential information needs and proposes information guidelines for law enforcement. Design/methodology/approach – A nationally distributed, 13-item, e-mail questionnaire was submitted to a stratified sample (ten largest, median, and smallest) of law enforcement agencies in all 50 states. Domestic violence shelters in each of the 1,500 cities were similarly recruited; survivors were recruited indirectly via shelter staff. The questions were clustered in terms of four common situations. Responses from 839 individuals were obtained, self-identified as police officers (481), shelter staff (263), and IPV survivors (95). Findings – Docu...
Ergonomics and the older worker : an overview

Abstract Several studies have shown that an individual's capacity for physical and mental work tends to decrease with advancing age. Different capacities begin to deteriorate at different ages and at different rates. However, important bench marks appear to occur in the twenties, forties, and sixties. Ergonomics is the science of fitting the task to the worker. It offers the potential of compensating for the decrease in an individual's functional capacities that occur with age through appropriate job design. Without proper ergonomic job design, older workers could well find themselves at a disadvantage due to compromised productivity and health. This overview will cover the history of ergonomics and its importance in workplace design. The effects of age-related declines on various physical and mental capacities will be reviewed and ergonomic recommendations to accommodate these declines will be presented. To remain competitive in an international marketplace the skills and knowledge of the older worker mu...
A constraint programming approach to the multiple-venue, sport-scheduling problem

In this paper, we consider the problem of scheduling sports competitions over several venues which are not associated with any of the competitors. A two-phase, constraint programming approach is developed, first identifying a solution that designates the participants and schedules each of the competitions, then assigning each competitor as the "home" or the "away" team. Computational experiments are conducted and the results are compared with an integer goal programming approach. The constraint programming approach achieves optimal solutions for problems with up to sixteen teams, and near-optimal solutions for problems with up to thirty teams.
Female Military Veterans: Crime and Psychosocial Problems

The Global War on Terror (GWOT) has changed the face of America's military service person. Traditionally, women have served in all capacities short of a direct combat role. The GWOT has taken a dramatic toll on our military men, women, and families. This descriptive sample examines 91 female veterans in U.S. correctional settings. Female veterans are examined as a unique subgroup of the general corrections population based upon veteran's status, gender, military experiences, and service-related injuries coupled by penal treatment needs, pre-release planning, and services. The findings suggest that solutions to female veteran offenders need to address multiple psychosocial problems and risk factors. Preventative measures, like outreach, promote pro-social behavior, reduce recidivism, increase service utilization, and enhance community reintegration.
Do female hyaenas choose mates based on tenure

Arising from: O. P. Honer et al. , 798–801 (2007)10.1038/nature06040 ; Honer et al. reply In their investigation into whether female mate-choice drives male dispersal, Honer et al.1 argue that female spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) prefer mates whose tenure in the social group is less than the females’ age, to avoid paternal incest, and suggest that male dispersal reflects this preference. However, we are not persuaded that females choose mates on the basis of tenure because Honer et al.1 overlook the alternative hypothesis that dispersal status itself is important in female mate-choice2,3, such that females prefer immigrants over natal males. Like mate-choice based on tenure, choice based on dispersal status reduces the risk of incest.
Oligodendroglioma: An analysis of the value of radiation therapy

The role of radiation therapy in the treatment of supratentorial oligodendrogliomas is controversial. To evaluate the role of radiation therapy, the Duke University Medical Center series was retrospectively analyzed. Clinical history, radiation dosages, and pathologic materials were reviewed. Seventy-one patients were identified as having histologically proven oligodendroglioma. Analysis of the patient population demonstrated it to be similar in all major parameters to other populations previously reported in the literature. Multivariate statistical analysis of the demographic, clinical and radiographic variables of these patients showed that a poorer prognosis was associated with persons of increased age (P = 0.052) and black persons (P = 0.014), and in those with papilledema (P = 0.07), hemiparesis (P = 0.001), intellectual deficits (P = 0.0002), and necrosis (P = 0.041). All patients had a surgical procedure as first treatment while 18 and three patients, respectively, underwent a second and third surgical procedure. Thirty-seven patients had a subsequent course of radiotherapy. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis comparing the patients treated with surgery alone those treated with surgery plus radiotherapy revealed no significant population or prognostic differences between the groups. The median times until clinical deterioration were 39 versus 27 months, the median times until documented tumor recurrence were 27 versus 28 months and the median survival times were 4.5 versus 5.2 years, for nonirradiated versus irradiated patients. These data, from a large and rigidly evaluated population, demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the symptom-free interval, time until tumor recurrence, or survival between the groups nor did radiation appear beneficial to any subgroup evaluated. The results suggest the need for a prospective clinical trial to evaluate the true role of radiation therapy in the treatment of this tumor.
Foreign subsidiaries’ learning from local environments: An empirical test

Abstract and Key Results This study examines antecedent factors that influence foreign subsidiaries’ innovation through learning from local environments, which in turn influences their knowledge contribution back to the headquarters. We argue that subsidiary local embeddedness, subsidiary top management team heterogeneity, and MNC corporate entrepreneurial culture are the key enablers for subsidiaries to learn and innovate in the local environments. The findings support that the learning and innovation of U.S.-based subsidiaries are significantly influenced by their local embeddedness, their top management team heterogeneity, and the corporate entrepreneurial culture of their parent company, along with the control variables including subsidiary size and the internationalization of parent company.
Nonpalpable breast lesions: biopsy methods and patient management

Mammography has become a major, if not the best available, diagnostic tool for the early detection of breast cancer. Screening has progressed substantially from the anecdotes of physicians in the early 1970s, that is, the assumption that "if I can't feel it, it's not there." Although controversy continues regarding the earliest age at which screening mammography truly lowers the death rate from breast cancer, the fact that mammography detects breast cancer years before it might be discovered as a mass in the breast cannot be challenged. Mammographic techniques have improved to the point at which smaller and smaller areas of suspicion can be identified, and mammographers have gained greater experience in the interpretation of these minute radiographic abnormalities. The ability to detect these changes has inevitably led to an increase in procedures designed to explain them. The incurred costs, both emotional and economic, of patient recalls for positive mammographic findings are considerable. Regardless of whether the physician practices medicine as a patient advocate or exercises politically correct and cost-effective mandates, the management of nonpalpable breast lesions requires the correlation of cognitive and procedural skills and cooperation among physicians and reflects the technical achievements of contemporary medicine.
Organophosphorous pesticide breakdown products in house dust and children’s urine

Human exposure to preformed dialkylphosphates (DAPs) in food or the environment may affect the reliability of DAP urinary metabolites as biomarkers of organophosphate (OP) pesticide exposure. We conducted a study to investigate the presence of DAPs in indoor residential environments and their association with children's urinary DAP levels. We collected dust samples from homes in farmworker and urban communities (40 homes total, n=79 samples) and up to two urine samples from resident children ages 3-6 years. We measured six DAPs in all samples and eight DAP-devolving OP pesticides in a subset of dust samples (n=54). DAPs were detected in dust with diethylphosphate (DEP) being the most frequently detected (≥60%); detection frequencies for other DAPs were ≤50%. DEP dust concentrations did not significantly differ between communities, nor were concentrations significantly correlated with concentrations of chlorpyrifos and diazinon, the most frequently detected diethyl-OP pesticides (Spearman ρ=-0.41 to 0.38, P>0.05). Detection of DEP, chlorpyrifos, or diazinon, was not associated with DEP and/or DEP+diethylthiophosphate detection in urine (Kappa coefficients=-0.33 to 0.16). Finally, estimated non-dietary ingestion intake from DEP in dust was found to be ≤5% of the dose calculated from DEP levels in urine, suggesting that ingestion of dust is not a significant source of DAPs in urine if they are excreted unchanged.
Quantitative determination of naltrexone and naltrexone prodrugs by electron-capture gas-liquid chromatography.

Abstract An electron-capture gas chromatographic method has been applied to the determination of eleven ester and ether derivatives of naltrexone believed to act as prodrugs. Standard analytical curves are presented for all prodrugs and quantitation is shown to be possible from 10 ng to 1.5 μg of each compound. Ester derivatives of naltrexone are hydrolyzed to naltrexone prior to analysis as the perfluoroalkyl esters. Analysis of synthetic mixtures of these with naltrexone demonstrated that quantitation by difference measurements is possible with naltrexone-derivative ratios from 4:1 to 1:10. Ether derivatives are analyzed without hydrolysis. This method is applicable to biological fluids as well as aqueous solutions.
Preparation and characterization of fusion processed solid dispersions containing a viscous thermally labile polymeric carrier

Abstract The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of hydroxypropyl and methoxyl substituted cellulose ethers to stabilize supersaturated concentrations of itraconazole (ITZ), a poorly water-soluble weak base, after an acid-to-neutral pH transition. A secondary aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of fusion processes on polymer stability and molecular weight. Polymer screening studies showed that stabilization of ITZ supersaturation was related to the molecular weight of the polymer and levels of hydroxypropyl and methoxyl substitution. METHOCEL™ E50LV (E50LV), which is characterized as having a high melt viscosity, was selected for solid dispersion formulation studies. Hot-melt extrusion processing of E50LV based compositions resulted in high torque loads, low material throughput and polymer degradation. KinetiSol ® Dispersing, a novel fusion based processing technique, was evaluated as a method to prepare the solid dispersions with reduced levels of polymer degradation. An experimental design revealed that polymer molecular weight was sensitive to shearing forces and high temperatures. However, optimal processing conditions resulted in significantly reduced E50LV degradation relative to HME processing. The technique was effectively utilized to prepare homogenous solid solutions of E50LV and ITZ, characterized as having a single glass transition temperature over a wide range of drug loadings. All prepared compositions provided for a high degree of ITZ supersaturation stabilization.
Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among low-income, African American women with a history of intimate partner violence and suicidal behaviors: Self-esteem, social support, and religious coping

There is a dearth of research on risk/protective factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among low-income African American women with a history of intimate partner violence (IPV), presenting for suicidal behavior or routine medical care in a large, urban hospital. We examined self-esteem, social support, and religious coping as mediators between experiences of child maltreatment (CM) and IPV and symptoms of PTSD in a sample (N = 134) of low-income African American women. Instruments used included the Index of Spouse Abuse, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Taylor Self-Esteem Inventory, the Multidimensional Profile of Social Support, the Brief Religious Coping Activities Scale, and the Davidson Trauma Scale. Both CM and IPV related positively to PTSD symptoms. Risk and resilience individual difference factors accounted for 18% of the variance in PTSD symptoms over and above IPV and CM, with self-esteem and negative religious coping making unique contributions. Both variables mediated the abuse-PTSD symptom link. In addition, we tested an alternate model in which PTSD symptoms mediated the relationship between abuse and both self-esteem and negative religious coping.
Production Paradigms and Paradoxes

Paradigms convey notions of fixed prescribed practices and examples that offer solutions to deal with the vagaries of human organizations and behavior. To define something as a paradigm freezes a sometime evanescent concept and fixes it with a phrase that enhances popular understanding and adoption. Paradigms offer a simplicity and degree of standardization to ideas that often become cliches, and, as such, inevitably entrain paradoxes. The world of production and manufacturing consists of multiple complex enterprises, industries, organizations, processes, relationships and cultures. There are many contradictions, contrasts, and dichotomies that change with time. This paper endeavors a historic and philosophic essay on some of the origins and paradoxes that surround our currently recommended production systems practices.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Characterization of Osf1, an Osteoblast-specific Transcription Factor Binding to a Critical cis-acting Element in the MouseOsteocalcin Promoters

To elucidate the mechanisms of osteoblast-specific gene expression we are studying the regulation ofosteocalcin, the most osteoblast-specific gene. Previous studies of OG2, one of the two mouse osteocalcin genes, identified two osteoblast-specific cis-acting elements, OSE1 and OSE2, the latter being the binding site of Cbfa1, the only osteoblast-specific transcription factor known to date. Here we show that OSE1 is a cis-acting element as important as OSE2 for the osteoblast-specific expression of OG2 in cell culture and transgenic mice. We also show that OSE1 is present in the promoter of several osteoblast-specific genes including Cbfa1 itself. These biological features demonstrate the importance of OSE1 and led us to further characterize this site and the factor binding to it, provisionally termed Osf1. We first defined the core OSE1 sequence, 5′-TTACATCA-3′, which is necessary and sufficient for Osf1 binding to DNA. This sequence has no strong homology to any known transcription factor-binding sites. As a first step in identifying Osf1, we performed an analytical purification of this protein using nuclear extracts from two different osteoblastic cell lines. We purified Osf1 to homogeneity through a five-step procedure including a renaturation experiment and found that its apparent molecular mass is 40 kDa. In conclusion, this study indicates the existence of multiple osteoblast-specific cis-acting elements of equal importance in controlling OG2promoter activity and provides the first biochemical characterization of Osf1, a novel osteoblast-specific transcription factor.
Effects of Temperature and pH on the Degradation of Poly(lactic acid) Brushes

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) brushes were prepared through surface initiated ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide. Their degradation (depolymerization) was characterized by tracking their ellipsometric thickness as a function of time by repeated emersion from buffered, aqueous solutions. The pH and temperature both had a large effect on the rate of degradation. PLA brushes do not degrade in a manner similar to that of bulk PLA. Several experiments were performed, the results of which suggest that intramolecular transesterification (backbiting) was the pathway for the degradation of the PLA brush in basic, aqueous solution, similar to what has been observed for the depolymerization of PLA oligomers in basic solution. The PLA brushes degrade very slowly in acidic solution. This behavior is similar to the degradation of PLA oligomers in acidic solution.