cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stress, Depression, and Drug Use Among Aging Mexican American Men Living in the Barrio

Residing in Mexican American barrios might place individuals at heightened risk for chronic financial and acute stress, which are associated with adverse mental health outcomes. Stressors could be exacerbated for substance users. This research explores relations between chronic financial stress, acute stress, and depressive symptomatology among aging Mexican American heroin and other drug-using men. A prospective cohort study and field-intensive outreach methodology were used to recruit 227 men for in-depth interviews. Participants were categorized into depressed and nondepressed groups based on symptomatology measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Chronic financial stress (i.e., poverty) and acute stress (i.e., Life Events Questionnaire) associated with depressive symptomatology were tested using logistic regression. Findings suggest scores of depressive symptoms among substance users are highly related to chronic financial stress. Community-level interventions targeting chr...
Glass composites reinforced with silicon-doped carbon nanotubes

Abstract Glass composite reinforcement by addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is limited due to generally poor load transfer between the matrix and “slippery” reinforcing element. Using computational methods, here we investigate how this load transfer challenge can be overcome by doping the CNT walls with silicon atoms, to create a novel high performance glass composite reinforced with such silicon-doped CNTs (Si-CNTs). It is shown, from first-principles density functional calculations, how silicon dopants in the CNTs should covalently bind with oxygen atoms from the SiO2-glass, resulting in strong interfacial bonding and effective load transfer between the CNTs and the matrix. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of this new Si-CNTs reinforced glass composite reveal both ∼10 times increase of the interfacial traction and up to 60% increase of the Young's modulus. A modified shear-lag model is derived, for predicting the composite's Young's modulus, for finite-length CNTs in matrices, as a function of the interfacial strength, the CNT aspect ratio, and the silicon-dopant concentration. The model can also be extended to other similar short-fiber composites.
A Pluralist Notion of Truth for Metaphysical Points of View

This chapter centers on two different but related problems. First, it focuses in clarifying why the discussion about metaphysical points of view cannot be considered as a merely verbal dispute. To do so, I distinguish between verbal disputes and merely verbal disputes, and show that, besides the illusion that the dispute about the existence of metaphysical points of view seems to be based upon the different terminology employed by different points of views to represent the world, this is not the case because a substantial deeper dispute is in place, one that requires meta-linguistic negotiation. Second, the chapter shows how, if metaphysical points of view and indeterminacy are considered as fundamental, the language employed to differently represent the ways the world might be actually capture the changing and conflicting shifting reality that the world is, being the nexus between metaphysical and epistemic points of view.
Dmrg Studies of Stripes and Pairing in the t-J Model

We summarize recent density matrix renormalization group studies of stripes and pairing in the t-J model. These results imply that the ground state of this model is striped, with weak pairing. However, with the introduction of a next nearest neighbor hopping t’, the stripes are destabilized, and a strongly paired state can arise.
The Physico-Chemical, Antigenic, and Functional Heterogeneity of Human Serum Amyloid A

In the present study we attempted to develop a rapid method to isolate serum amyloid A isomers (SAA is.) and to determine whether this physicochemical heterogeneity corresponds to an antigenic and functional one. Pure human low molecular SAA (SAAL) was prepared from the serum of 6 patients (pts.) using standard techniques. Preparative isoelectric focusing in agarose/sephadex gels was used to separate SAAL is. Monoclonal antibodies (m. abs.) to SAAL and to AA were prepared by hybridization of P3XU-1 nonsecretory murine myeloma cells with murine spleen cells from Ba1b/c mice immunized with pooled SAAL and AA respectively. Four distinctly migrating SAAL isomers with PI’s of 4.9, 5.8, 6.6, and 7.2 were isolated from 6 pts. while only three isomers were separated from the pt. with myasthenia gravis. Four m. abs. to SAAL, one to AA, six m. abs. to SAAL-2 is. and one to SAAL-1 is. were generated in murine ascitic fluid. Dishes coated with the four human SAA is., human AA, various mammalian and human proteins as well as with serum from 31 pts. with metastatic Ca. and 23 pts. with inflammatory diseases (ID) were reacted with the m. abs. The amount of binding was determined using 125I labelled goat antimouse serum. The m. abs. to SAA were found specific for human SAA recognizing two different patterns in relationship to the intensity of binding to SAA is. One of them (7A2-43) had a greater affinity for SAA from pts with ID, while the other (5A6-5) reacted stronger with SAA from pts with metastatic Ca. In addition, the m. ab. 7A2-43 consistently blocked SAA suppression of IgG production by human B lymphocytes while three others (4C1-1, 103-1, and 1A1-5) blocked SAA inhibition of EAC rosetting. Thus, it appears that the m. abs. to SAA are able to distinguish at least two antigenically different SAA is. which appear to also have different functions and to circulate in the serum at different levels in distinct pathogenetic states.
Supine plasma NE predicts the pressor response to droxidopa in neurogenic orthostatic hypotension

Objective To test whether the plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE) in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) predict their pressor response to droxidopa. Methods This was an observational study, which included patients with nOH. All patients had standardized autonomic function testing including determination of venous plasma catecholamine levels drawn through an indwelling catheter while resting supine. This was followed by a droxidopa titration with 100 mg increments in successive days until relief of symptoms, side effects, or the maximum dose of 600 mg was reached. No response was defined as an increase of Results We studied 20 patients with nOH due to Parkinson disease, pure autonomic failure, multiple system atrophy, or autoimmune autonomic neuropathies. Their supine plasma NE levels ranged from 44 to 850 pg/mL. Lower supine plasma NE levels were associated with greater pressor effect 1 hour after dose (R 2 = 0.49) and higher standing BP (R 2 = 0.45). Patients with no pressor response to droxidopa had higher NE levels (382 ± 100 vs 115 ± 20 pg/mL, p = 0.0014). A supine NE level of p = 0.0023). Conclusions In patients with nOH, lower supine resting plasma NE levels are associated with a greater pressor effect of droxidopa treatment. This finding should help identify patients with nOH most likely to respond to standard doses of droxidopa. Classification of evidence This study provides Class I evidence that lower supine plasma NE levels accurately identify patients with nOH more likely to have a greater pressor effect from droxidopa.
How Does Motivation Modulate the Operation of the Mentalizing Network in Person Evaluation

The mentalizing network is theorized to play a central role in making sense of people (compared with nonsocial targets), but is its involvement affected when we make sense of people in a nondispassionate manner (e.g., favoritism toward others on the basis of group membership)? First, mixed findings and small samples have prevented strong conclusions about whether intergroup evaluation increases or decreases activation regions associated with the mentalizing network. Second, little is known about the psychological mechanism underlying mentalizing network activation shaped by ingroup versus outgroup evaluations. Psychological models suggest two hypotheses that can be challenging to disentangle with self-report: Ingroup trait evaluations may benefit from a priori expectations and/or preferential evidence accumulation. Therefore, the current study (n = 50) drew on a combination of drift diffusion modeling and fMRI to examine how group membership affects the engagement of the mentalizing network for trait evaluation and whether group-differentiated activation is associated with a priori expectations and/or preferential evidence accumulation. Outgroup trait evaluations engaged dorsomedial pFC activation, whereas ingroup trait evaluations engaged ventromedial pFC activation as well as other regions associated with mentalizing such as precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex, and right TPJ. Furthermore, the ventromedial pFC and posterior cingulate cortex activation was associated with differential expectations applied to ingroup trait evaluation. The current findings demonstrate the importance of combining motivational factors, computational modeling, and fMRI to deepen our understanding of the neural basis of person evaluation.
Impact of variable rate nitrogen and reduced irrigation management on nitrate leaching for potato.

Nitrogen (N) loss from cropping systems has important environmental implications, including contamination of drinking water with nitrate. A 2-yr study evaluated the effects of six N rate, source, and timing treatments, including a variable rate (VR) N treatment based on the N sufficiency index approach using remote sensing, and two irrigation rate treatments, including conventional and reduced rate, on nitrate leaching, residual soil nitrate, and plant N uptake for potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Russet Burbank) production in 2016 and 2017 on a Hubbard loamy sand. Nitrate leaching losses measured with suction-cup lysimeters varied between 2016 and 2017 with flow-weighted mean nitrate N concentrations of 5.6 and 12.8 mg N L-1 , respectively, and increased from 7.1 to 10.4 mg N L-1 as N rate increased from 45 to 270 kg N ha-1 . Despite reductions in N rate of 22 and 44 kg N ha-1 in 2016 and 2017, respectively, for the VR N treatment, there was no significant difference in nitrate leaching compared with the existing N best management practices (BMPs). Reducing irrigation rate by 15% decreased nitrate leaching load by 17% through a reduction in percolation. Residual soil nitrate N in the top 60 cm across all treatments (7.9 mg N kg-1 ) suggests a risk for nitrate leaching during the nongrowing season, and plant N uptake did not explain yearly variation in nitrate leaching and residual soil nitrate. Although existing N BMPs are effective at controlling N losses, development of alternative practices is needed to further reduce the risk of groundwater contamination.
Analysis of CYP21A2 gene mutation and phenotype in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Objective To investigate the spectrum of CYP21A2 gene mutation and the correlation between genotype and phenotype in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency in Tianjin and surrounding areas. Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples of the proband. Locus-specific PCR, direct sequencing of PCR amplification products, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification were applied to detect pathogenic gene CYP21A2 and the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes was analyzed. Results (1) Of 35 patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, 25 were classified as salt-wasting phenotype and 10 were simple virilizing phenotype. (2) 69 mutant alleles were detected in a total of 70 alleles in 35 patients. Only one mutant allele was detected in one patient. Two mutant alleles were detected in all other patients, with the mutation detection rate 98.6%. (3) A total of 6 types of mutations were detected, of which c. 293-13C /A>G (I2G) was the most common, accounting for 57.1% (40/70), followed by 18.6% (13/70) for large gene deletion or conversion, and 14.3% (10/70) for p. I173N. In addition, a novel mutation, c. 949C>T (p.R317X), which has not been reported previously, was detected as a pathogenic mutation. (4) Correlation analysis of genotype and phenotype in 35 children showed that the phenotype predicted by genotype was consistent with the actual salt-wasting phenotype in 31 children, and those in three children were inconsistent with the actual clinical phenotype. Conclusion The mutation characteristics of CYP21A2 gene in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency in Tianjin and surrounding areas are slightly different from those reported in other regions in China. A mutation c. 949C>T has not been reported, which enriches the mutation spectrum of CYP21A2 gene and provide the foundation for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis. Key words: 21-Hydroxylase deficiency; CYP21A2 gene; Mutation
Changes in the rheology of nano-structured suspensions by adsorption of the protein α-lactalbumin on the surface of silica particles

A rheological phenomenon associated to the adsorption of a soluble protein in the surface of silica nanoparticles is reported along the mechanisms that could explain it. Rheological behavior and structural relaxation of hydrophilic fumed silica suspensions in the absence and presence of α-lactalbumin were studied at pH values 2, 4, and 6 using rheological tests and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The addition of α-lactalbumin caused an increase in viscosity and elasticity of the samples at pHs 2 and 4, whereas an opposite effect was observed at pH 6. Structural relaxation of the nanoparticles forming the suspensions slowed down upon protein addition at pHs 2 and 4 but did not change significantly at pH 6. Changes in rheological properties and structural relaxation were attributed to electrostatic interactions induced by the changes in the silica surface charges at the different pH studied; also by perturbation of the short-range interactions (pH 2), protein bridging (pH 4) and better dispersion of particles (pH 6).
Graph-like Distributions and Types in Ultrapowers

We study types that appear in ultraproducts that have distributions which can be thought of as a sequence of graphs. The property of having distributions that are captured by graphs is motivated by a commonality of $\mathrm{SOP}_2$-types and types corresponding to pre-cuts in ultrapowers of linear orders. Through this study, we come to a simple set-theoretic description of the distributions for these types and to a new description of good ultrafilters in terms of the difference between "small" external complete subgraphs and internal complete subgraphs in ultraproducts of particular families of finite graphs arising from the comparability relation on the complete binary tree or the intersection of intervals in an infinite linear order.
Impact of PTRIA (Patient Test Result Information Act) on patient follow up management.

Abstract Objective We aim to study if direct patient notification in accordance with the Patient Test Results Information Act (Act 112) in Pennsylvania leads to decreased loss to follow up and prompt management of actionable imaging findings. Methods For this IRB-approved study, radiology reports were randomly identified using the Nuance mPower™ search engine. The actionable finding group (prior to Act-112) contained 300 patients for which a voice notification was sent by radiologists to alert ordering physicians about significant imaging findings. The PTRIA group (after Act-112) contained 300 patients who were mailed a standardized letter one day after the final report was issued. The electronic medical records were reviewed to evaluate how patients were managed. Results There was no difference in loss to follow up rates and time to follow up completion between the two groups. In both groups, 34% of patients were lost to follow up in transition of care from generalists to specialists; 24% cases were lost to follow up when imaging findings were not in the area of the initial ordering provider expertise. Conclusion The goal of Act 112 is to increase patients' role in the timely management of their significant medical conditions and prevent medical errors, specifically loss to follow up. Our study suggests that presumed patients' awareness does not contribute to improved follow up rates or decreased time to a follow up visit. 13% of patients are lost to follow up in both groups. A tracking system is required to prevent delayed management of the significant findings.
Epidemiology of Heart Failure Stages in Middle-Aged Black People in the Community: Prevalence and Prognosis in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Background Black individuals have a higher burden of risk factors for heart failure (HF) and subclinical left ventricular remodeling. Methods and Results We evaluated 1871 Black participants in the...
Unequal Local Progress Towards Healthy People 2020 Objectives for Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease Mortality.

Background and Purpose: Healthy People establishes objectives to monitor the nation’s health. Healthy People 2020 included objectives to reduce national stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) mort...
The treatment of pinworm infection (Enterobiasis): A comparative study of three oxyuricides

Summary 1. The percentage of cures withpiperazine, 85 per cent, obtained in this series of forty-seven patients compares very favorably with the cures obtained with Terramycin and gentian violet. Since the syrup of piperazine used in this study was easy to take, well tolerated, and, we are assured, can be made available inexpensively, we are of the opinion that of the nine oxyuricides that we have tested to date, piperazine hexahydrate * comes the closest to our standard of an ideal oxyuricide. 2. We have been able to confirmthe study of White and Standen, as reported in the English literature, that piperazine hexahydrate is a non-toxic, safe, and effective oxyuricide. 3. The 7 per cent cures obtained with dehydrated garlic powder in this series of fifty-eight infected children was the lowest of all the oxyuricides we have tested to date. 4. However, because of the ancient reputation of garlic as a “popular remedy” for pinworm infection substantiated in part by medical research, and because of the possibility of some error in our garlic study, we are of the opinion that garlic should be tried again both by us and other groups after some of the details of dehydrated garlic powder dosage have been confirmed. The complete lack of toxicity and the low cost of dehydrated garlic powder would make it, in our opinion, an ideal oxyuricide if repeated studies could confirm the high cure rates obtained by other researchers. 5. Terramycin in a reduced doseof 5 mg. per pound of body weight cured only 38 per cent of fifty-nine infected children. This dose, one-half of the dose we reported on in an earlier study, apparently is not enough to produce an effective cure rate.
Data assimilation in support of tropical ocean circulation studies

Abstract The assimilation of data into tropical ocean models is an active area of research for a variety of reasons. The deterministic nature of the tropical ocean circulation, the rapid time scale at low latitudes, the two-layer approximation, the non-local impact of assimilated data, the increased quantity of in situ data obtained as part of the TOGA Program, and the important role played by the tropics in short-term climate prediction have stimulated data assimilation in tropical oceanography. This paper describes the extent of the approaches in data assimilation supporting tropical ocean circulation studies. Data assimilation efforts in the tropics encompass initialization experiments, observing system simulation experiments, estimation of model parameters, and real-time analyses for the tropical Pacific Ocean. The data that are most frequently assimilated are observations of the vertical structure of temperature and sea level height. Observations of sea level and thermocline depth are normally assimilated into reduced-gravity models with the more advanced assimilation schemes such as the Kalman filter and the adjoint method. The effect of the data usually increases the amplitude of the variability in the model. Four-dimensional temperature observations are used to constrain primitive equation, general circulation models via optimal interpolation and successive correction methods. The principal influence of the assimilated data is to eliminate systematic biases in the model temperature fields.
Analysis of world cocoa production trends and their production share coefficients (1975-1996)

World cocoa production trend is influenced by a number of domestic policies, which in turn impact on permanent production shares of producing countries. Overtime, this trend will affect these countries foreign earnings capacities. It is on this basis, that this study attempts to analyze cocoa production trends as well as determining the sources of the world cocoa production growth trends between 1975 and 1996. A linear regression function, of the terminal and initial year production shares was first estimated to obtain the B1 coefficient which was further decomposed into its correlation coefficient and standard deviation. The results show that on the average, the world cocoa production trend and the contributions of the seven leading producers have all been on the increase. The permanent cocoa production share trends on a country-by-country basis show slightly different results. For instance, while the permanent production share for Ivory Coast was on the increase, those of Brazil and Ghana were on the decline. From the decomposed coefficient, the overall result shows that the large (major) producers had expanded their production shares among the leading producers and the new cocoa entrants as well as the relatively small ones. The countries, which tended to lose shares among the major producers, were Nigeria and Cameroun even though the trend for Nigeria is changing positively. The sources of world cocoa growth production over the period were from the new small and very large producing countries. In the area of market control, the study found the cocoa export market to be competitive because even the very large cocoa producing countries as a group would be unable to foreclose or influence the world prices. [Niger Agric. J. 33 (2002): 10-16]
Race and Immigration, Then and Now: How the Shift to "Worthiness" Undermines the 1965 Immigration Law's Civil Rights Goals

This essay looks at how far immigration reform has come from the explicit civil rights character of the 1965 immigration law that reshaped America. The optimism surrounding that law’s dismantling of national-origins barriers to immigration proved to be overstated in the intervening decades, as the factors determining an immigrant’s “worth and qualifications” too often became proxies for race. After briefly looking at work done by critical race theorists tracing some of ways race and immigration have long intersected in immigration legal history, the article closely examines modern-day immigration reform proposals, particularly the Senate bill that remains the most complete articulation of the state of political agreement on the role of immigrants present and future. The article suggests that the criteria for worthiness dominating today’s rhetoric of reform are race-neutral in name only; the criteria for the proposed legalization program will exclude millions, and those exclusions particularly affect immigrants of color who will become the new “super-undocumented.” While always present in immigration law’s history, the laudable sounding concept of “worthiness” has become an increasingly powerful concept and sorting device within immigration law, but one that provides a sharp and problematic counterpoint to the egalitarianism envisioned by the civil rights era 1965 immigration law.
A Computer Model of Soft Tissue Interaction with a Surgical Aspirator

Surgical aspirators are one of the most frequently used neurosurgical tools. Effective training on a neurosurgery simulator requires a visually and haptically realistic rendering of surgical aspiration. However, there is little published data on mechanical interaction between soft biological tissues and surgical aspirators. In this study an experimental setup for measuring tissue response is described and results on calf brain and a range of phantom materials are presented. Local graphical and haptic models are proposed. They are simple enough for real-time application, and closely match the observed tissue response. Tissue resection (cutting) with suction is simulated using a volume sculpting approach. A simulation of suction is presented as a demonstration of the effectiveness of the approach.
Developmental regulation of asparagine-linked oligosaccharide synthesis in Dictyostelium discoideum.

Abstract In the preceding report we demonstrated that the expression of two developmentally regulated alpha-mannosidase activities is induced in Dictyostelium discoideum during its differentiation from single-cell amoebae to multicellular organism (Sharkey, D. J., and Kornfeld, R. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 18477-18484). These activities, designated membrane alpha-mannosidase I (MI) and membrane alpha-mannosidase II (MII), were shown to have several properties in common with rat liver Golgi alpha-mannosidases I and II, respectively, suggesting that MI and MII may play a role in the processing of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides in developing D. discoideum. In this study we analyzed the structures of the asparagine-linked oligosaccharides synthesized by D. discoideum at various stages of development to determine the timing and extent of asparagine-linked oligosaccharide processing. Cells were labeled with [2-3H] mannose, and then total cellular glycoproteins were digested with Pronase to generate glycopeptides that were fractionated on concanavalin A-Sepharose. Glycopeptides from each fraction were digested with endoglycosidase H, both before and after desulfation by solvolysis, and the released, neutral oligosaccharides were sized by high pressure liquid chromatography. At early stages of development, D. discoideum contain predominantly large high mannose-type oligosaccharides (Man9GlcNAc and Man8GlcNAc). Some of these are modified by GlcNAc residues attached beta 1-4 to the mannose-linked alpha 1-6 to the beta-linked core mannose (the "intersecting" position), as well as by fucose, sulfate, and phosphate. In contrast, the oligosaccharides found at late stages of development (18-24 h) have an array of sizes from Man9GlcNAc to Man3GlcNAc. These are still modified by GlcNAc, fucose, sulfate, and phosphate, but the percent of larger high mannose oligosaccharides that are modified with GlcNAc in the intersecting position decreases after 6 h of development, in parallel with the decrease in the intersecting GlcNAc transferase activity. Similarly, the changes in the size of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides synthesized during development correlate well with the appearance of MI and MII activities and suggest that these developmentally regulated alpha-mannosidase activities function in the processing of these oligosaccharides. This is supported further by the observation that oligosaccharide processing was inhibited in late stage cells labeled in the presence of either deoxymannojirimycin, an inhibitor of MI, or swainsonine, an inhibitor of MII.
Designing with FinFET technology

Tri-gate fin-FET processes are available, and likely to be the high-performance processes for the foreseeable future at process nodes of 22nm and below. We have investigated the major differences between design using bulk silicon devices and tri-gate processes. Differences do exist for the design engineering teams using the new processes, however, these differences are readily understood and there are no significant hurdles in switching from bulk silicon designs to tri-gate and fin-fet on bulk processes.
Range imaging sensors development at NRC Laboratories

Laser range finders can be used in a variety of geometries to match requirements of applications such as robot vision, inspection, prosthesis fabrication, CAD/CAM, computer graphics, and automatic assembly. A review is presented of the development of five prototypes which have specified advantages for a class of applications. One of these is based on the use of a mask with a conventional TV camera lens, and the others are variations of synchronized laser scanners. Also described is a segmentation technique based on Fourier transformations and a database of 3D images that are made available for computer vision researchers. >
The century of inertial navigation technology

In the early 1930's, visionary engineers and scientists began thinking about practical self-contained systems for the guidance, navigation, and control of aerospace vehicles in inertial space. Starting with the development of the first gyro compass in 1908, this technology was perfected in the race for improved intercontinental ballistic missile accuracy. Since the end of the cold war, the technology has continued to advance with a focus on systems of lower size, weight and power for a given accuracy. Future systems promise to revolutionize guidance, navigation, and control, with complete low cost inertial measurement units as small as 0.03 cubic inches. This paper reviews the history of the innovations and achievements in inertial guidance technology in the 20/sup th/ century, and projects the possibilities into the 21/sup st/ century. The development of inertial guidance technology is traced from its birth to its current broad base application status in aircraft, strategic missiles, satellites, and undersea vehicles.
Optical properties of a bio-inspired gradient refractive index polymer lens

The design, fabrication, and properties of one of a new class of gradient-index lenses are reported. The lens is an f/2.25 GRIN singlet based on a nanolayered polymer composite material, designed to correct for spherical aberration. The light gathering and focusing properties of the polymer lens are compared to a homogeneous BK7 glass singlet with a similar f-number. The modulation transfer function of the polymer GRIN lens exceeded that of the homogeneous glass lens at all spatial frequencies and was as much as 3 times better at 5 cyc/mm. The weight of the polymer lens was approximately an order of magnitude less than the homogeneous glass lens.
A Sample Skill Score for Probability Forecasts

Abstract A sample skill score (SSS), which is based upon a new partition of the probability, or Brier, score (PS) recently described by Murphy, is formulated. The SSS is defined simply as the difference between the PS for the sample relative frequencies, a term in this partition, and the PS for the forecast Probabilities. Thus, the SSS is a natural measure of the “skill” of probability forecasts. In addition, the other two terms in the partition of the PS form a useful partition of the SSS. Specifically, the SSS represents the difference between measures of the resolution and the reliability of such forecasts. The nature and properties of the SSS are examined. In this regard, the SSS is shown to be a strictly proper scoring rule (i.e., the SSS discourages hedging on the part of forecasters. The SSS is a difference skill score and is based upon sample relative frequencies, while the scoring rules used heretofore to measure the “skill” of probability forecasts have been ratio skill scores and have been base...
Potential future applications for the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite II (TDRS II) system

During the conceptual design phases of the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS) II system provision was made for a future service growth (FSG) payload with an undefined mission. The intent of the FSG was to provide a resource for TDRS II applications which would be available to meet a change in requirements for the operational TDRS II system. This paper summarizes the effect of the consideration of potential FSG applications imposed on the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS) II system. The following applications were considered as FSG candidates: An optical 650 Mbps space-to-space link (SSL) coupled to an optical or RF downlink, an RF or optical crosslink to extend the baseline TDRS II system coverage, -zone of exclusion (ZOE) closure, relay for lunar communications either RF or optically, and relay for Martian communications either RF or optically. This paper summarizes work done in the 1990 time frame on the above stated applications. Since then, NASA has sponsored several studies (during phase B of the TDRS II development cycle) of the ZOE closure application of the FSG. The purpose of this paper is to report on the efforts previously considered for the FSG. A previous paper was presented at the 1991 Congress related to the second application above. This paper extends this effort to the four stated applications.
A Lagrangian study of surface pCO2 dynamics in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean

[1] We characterized pCO2 variability on hourly to weekly timescales during the 14-day GasEx-2001 Lagrangian drifter experiment in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Underway pCO2 was recorded at 5 m depth as the ship closely followed a drogued drifter. Dissolved O2 (DO) was measured at 10 and 15 m depths using in situ sensors deployed on the drogue. Diel pCO2 and DO variability is evaluated using a simple model that accounts for air-sea exchange, vertical mixing, heating, and net community metabolism. Mixed-layer depths and local (vertical) entrainment are estimated with the Price Weller Pinkel (PWP) mixed-layer model. The mean observed pCO2 was 472.0 ± 1.8 μatm with a diel increase of 2–6 μatm on most days, near coincident in time with the diel peak in temperature. The biogeochemical model reveals that heating was the primary source of diel pCO2 variability, but net community production and depletion of CO2 in the shallow warm layer due to air-sea gas exchange reduced the heating-driven peak by ∼1–4 and 1–2 μatm each day, respectively. The same model parameterizations also accurately predict the diel DO amplitude. In the model, atmospheric exchange depletes total CO2 and DO in the surface layer, and the depleted water is mixed with the isolated underlying water during nocturnal convection. The 10- and 15-m DO time series corroborate these predicted dynamics. Over the 14-day study, net heating offset the expected ∼14 μatm decrease due to air-sea CO2 exchange and net community production, resulting in a nearly constant mean pCO2. Consequently, net heating acts to sustain high air-sea CO2 fluxes in the upwelled equatorial Pacific water as the water advects westward in the South Equatorial Current.
Contractile properties of skeletal muscle from trained miniature pig.

The isometric contractile properties of thetibialis anterior muscle were measuredin situ in male miniature pigs. The pigs were divided into three groups at 2 mouths of age; one group trained by endurance running, the second group trained by sprint running and the third group served as an unexercised control. After 7 months of training, the endurance group ran continuously for 60 min at 95 m/min and a 5% slope and the sprint group ran ten 60 sec sprints at 198 m/min and a 10% slope, each sprint interspersed with a 1 min rest interval. The mean values for contraction time, one-half relaxation time, twitch tension, tetanus tension and twitch-tetanus ratio were not significantly different (P>0.05) among the three groups. Fatigability was measured by stimulating the muscle preparation for 45 min at a frequency of 4 impulses/sec. Both trained groups maintained a significantly higher (P<0.05) percentage of their maximal twitch tension than the control group over the 45 min period. These results support previous research which suggest that isometric contractile properties of whole, heterogeneous muscle resist change after chronic, physiological exercise programs. However, both types of training produced increased skeletal muscle endurance.
Wine Retail Price Dispersion in the United States: Searching for Expensive Wines?

Similar to other markets in which deviations from Jevons' "law of one price" is the norm rather than the exception, the retail wine market in the United States is characterized by large price dispersions. Drawing on a large sample of retail prices from wine-searcher.com we find an average per-wine coefficient of variation of 23 percent. Some of this is due to differential market conditions, especially state regulations. Our evidence suggests that dispersion also depends positively on price levels, after controlling for consumer, market, and state heterogeneity.
Renal organic anion transport: a comparative and cellular perspective.

A major system for net transepithelial secretion of a wide range of hydrophobic organic anions (OAs) exists in the proximal renal tubules of almost all vertebrates. This process involves transport into the cells against an electrochemical gradient at the basolateral membrane and movement from the cells into the lumen down an electrochemical gradient. Transport into the cells at the basolateral membrane, which is the dominant, rate-limiting step, is a tertiary active transport process, the final step which involves countertransport of the OA into the cells against its electrochemical gradient in exchange for alpha-ketoglutarate moving out of the cells down its electrochemical gradient. The outwardly directed gradient for alpha-ketoglutarate is maintained by metabolism ( approximately 40%) and by transport into the cells across both the basolateral and luminal membranes by separate sodium-dicarboxylate cotransporters ( approximately 60%). The inwardly directed sodium gradient driving alpha-ketoglutarate uptake is maintained by the basolateral Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, the primary energy-requiring transport step in the total tertiary process. The basolateral OA/alpha-ketoglutarate exchange process now appears to be physiologically regulated by several factors in mammalian tubules, including peptide hormones (e.g., bradykinin) and the autonomic nervous system acting via protein kinase C (PKC) pathways and epidermal growth factor (EGF) working via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.
Barriers and Potential Solutions to Increasing Immunization Rates in Adolescents

The creation of the adolescent vaccine platform presents both opportunities and challenges. Many of the barriers to vaccinating adolescents are similar to those of vaccinating younger children. However, adolescents have additional issues, such as their rapidly changing emotional and cognitive development, which can shape their immunization receptivity. Adolescents' lower rates of contact with the healthcare system for both acute and preventive health care result in fewer immunization opportunities. Potential solutions to increase adolescent immunization rates include the following: first, further development of computerized immunization information systems that contain the complete immunization history and flag recommended immunizations. Second, widely adopting a single state middle/high school mandate for the adolescent immunization platform to bring adolescents in for immunizations, which could result in the fulfillment of all recommended immunizations. Finally, implementing proposed financing changes to better apply Vaccines for Children coverage, reimbursement and administration fees in the public sector, and changes to private health insurance plans coverage.
Analog of the Michel Parameter for Neutrino-Electron Scattering: A Test for Majorana Neutrinos

It is shown that the ratio of forward to backward scattering cross sections plays the same role for neutrino-electron scattering as does the original $\ensuremath{\rho}$ parameter for muon decay. Values of the ratio greater than 2 imply that the neutrino is a Dirac particle and that the tensor interaction is present in the effective Hamiltonian; values less than 2 do not exclude the Majorana case.
Does sildenafil citrate affect myometrial contractile response to nifedipine in vitro

Objective We sought to test the hypothesis that sildenafil citrate (SC) at low concentrations potentiates the tocolytic effects of nifedipine in vitro. Study Design Myometrial biopsies were obtained from 22 term nonlaboring women undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery. Tissue strips were suspended in organ chambers for isometric tension recording, and incubated for 30 minutes with either SC at 231 ng/mL or solvent. The effects of cumulative doses (10–10 to 10–5 mol/L) of nifedipine on spontaneous and oxytocin-induced uterine contractility were then determined. Areas under the contraction curve were compared using 1-way analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc test (significance: P Results Nifedipine significantly inhibited spontaneous and oxytocin-induced myometrial contractility. Preincubation with SC increased response to nifedipine and significantly potentiated its inhibitory effect at 10–8 mol/L, without affecting oxytocin-induced contractile response. Conclusion At concentrations within a therapeutic window, SC increases myometrial sensitivity to nifedipine.
Stratified polymorphism and primitive recursion

Natural restrictions on the syntax of the second-order (i.e., polymorphic) lambda calculus are of interest for programming language theory. One of the authors showed in Leivant (1991) that when type abstraction in that calculus is stratified into levels, the definable numeric functions are precisely the super-elementary functions (level E4 in the Grzegorczyk Hierarchy). We define here a second-order lambda calculus in which type abstraction is stratified to levels up to ωω, an ordinal that permits highly uniform (and finite) type inference rules. Referring to this system, we show that the numeric functions definable in the calculus using ranks < ωl are precisely Grzegorczyk's class El+3 (l g 1). This generalizes Leivant (1991), where this is proved for l = 1. Thus, the numeric functions definable in our calculus are precisely the primitive recursive functions.
Influence of urethane on subcutaneous carcinogenesis by "Teflon" implants.

FEW investigations have been made concerning possible interactions between plastics or other apparently inert carcinogens and chemical carcinogens. Kogan1 injected 9, 10-dimethylbenzanthracene subcutaneously into rats implanted with ‘Cellophane’ films; but no effect was observed on the incidence of tumours growing at the implant site.
Mary B. Walker, M.D. and the pioneering use of prostigmin to treat myasthenia gravis

In an era when women were not admitted to the University of Edinburgh and when England's first female physician (Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, 1836–1917) had to venture to Paris, France, to earn her M.D. in 1870, the career of Mary Broadfoot Walker (Figure 1) (1888–1974) stands out for truly remarkable achievement. She is credited with making the most significant discovery in medical therapeutic within the British empire.
Toward 1992: Utilitarianism as the ideology of Europe

(1993). Toward 1992: Utilitarianism as the ideology of Europe. History of European Ideas: Vol. 16, No. 4-6, pp. 487-494.
Interscalene Perineural Catheter Placement Using an Ultrasound-Guided Posterior Approach

Background and Objectives: The posterior approach to the brachial plexus-or cervical paravertebral block-has advantages over the anterolateral interscalene approach, but concerns regarding "blind" needle placement near the neuraxis have limited the acceptance of this useful technique. We present a technique to place an interscalene perineural catheter that potentially decreases neuraxial involvement with the use of ultrasound guidance. Methods: A 55-year-old man scheduled for total shoulder arthroplasty underwent placement of an interscalene perineural catheter. The posterior approach was selected to avoid the external jugular vein and anticipated sterile surgical field. Under in-plane ultrasound guidance, a 17-gauge insulated Tuohy-tip needle was inserted between the levator scapulae and trapezius muscles, and guided through the middle scalene muscle, remaining less than 2 cm below the skin throughout. Deltoid and biceps contractions were elicited at a current of 0.6 mA, and a 19-gauge stimulating catheter was advanced 5 cm beyond the needle tip, without a concomitant decrease in motor response. Results: The initial 40 mL 0.5% ropivacaine bolus via the catheter resulted in unilateral anesthesia typical of an interscalene block; and subsequent perineural infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine was delivered via portable infusion pump through postoperative day 4. Conclusions: Continuous interscalene block using an ultrasound-guided posterior approach is an alternative technique that retains the benefits of posterior catheter insertion, but potentially reduces the risk of complications that may result from blind needle insertion.
Rectal Sensation Test Helps Avoid Pain of Apical Prostate Biopsy

ABSTRACTPurpose: Apical cores obtained during transrectal prostate biopsy are associated with greaterpain than cores obtained from the remainder of the gland. We present a method to minimize this pain.Materials and Methods: During 30 consecutive apical biopsies the needle was purposefully placed above all rectal pain fibers, which are anatomically present only below the dentate line. All patients received a periprostatic nerve block prior to biopsy. The patient was asked if he felt the sharp sensation of the needle as it was placed lightly against the rectal mucosa when the needle was aimed at apex (the rectal sensation test). If so, the needle was advanced cranially 2 to 3 mm or until he could no longer detect its light touch. The probe handle was then rotated dorsally, pulling the rectal mucosa downward until the needle was again aimed at the apex. Patients were asked to report a visual analog pain score for each biopsy. These results were compared to those obtained when doing 30 consecutive apical biop...
Preserving cognition through an integrated cognitive stimulation and training program.

Background: Cognitive decline leads to disability and increased health care expenditures. Methods: Effectiveness of an intervention to stimulate multiple cognitive domains was determined using a format combining traditional and computer-based activities (Integrated Cognitive Stimulation and Training Program), 45 minutes a day, 2 days a week, for 6 weeks. Nonimpaired, mildly, and moderately-impaired participants > age 65 (n = 32) were randomly allocated into a control or experimental group. Using a repeated measures design participants were tested again postintervention and at 8 weeks follow-up. Results: Statistically significant improvement on Dementia Rating Scale scores occurred for mildly and moderately impaired treatment participants (n = 15). Statistical significance was demonstrated on subscales of the WMS-III: Logical Memory I and Logical Memory II. Conclusion: Blending computer-based with traditional cognitive stimulation activities shows promise in preserving cognitive function in elders. Future ...
Reactions of coordinated molecules XXXIV. The crystal and molecular structure of [fac-(OC)3Re(CH3CO)3]BBr and further refinement of the molecular structure of [fac-(OC)3Re(CH3CO)3]BCl☆

Abstract The X-ray molecular structural determinations of [fac-(OC)3Re(CH3CO)3]BX, where X is Cl or Br, are reported. Both structures reveal that the triacetylrhenato ligand acts as a trioxygen, vicinal, bifurcated chelating ligand of ca. C3ν symmetry when coordinated to a boron atom. Further refinement of the chloride structure using a non-unitary intensity weighting scheme affords smaller estimated standard deviations and a slightly asymmetrical, localized electronic structure within the tridentate rhenato ligand. The structure of the bromide complex, as determined from a larger data set than that used for the chloride compound, indicates a symmetrical coordination of the triacetylrhenato ligand.