cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mobility performance in glaucoma

PURPOSE. To determine whether glaucoma affects mobility performance and whether there is a relationship between mobility performance and stage of disease as estimated from vision‐function measures. METHODS. The mobility performance of 47 glaucoma subjects was compared with that of 47 normal‐vision subjects who were of similar age. Mobility performance was assessed by the time required to complete an established travel path and the number of mobility incidents. The subjective assessment of falling and fear of falling were also compared. Vision function was assessed by measures of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, monocular automated threshold perimetry, and suprathreshold; binocular visual fields were assessed with the Esterman test. RESULTS. The glaucoma subjects walked on average 10% more slowly than did the normal‐vision subjects. The number of people who experienced bumps, stumbles, or orientation problems was almost twice as high in the glaucoma group than the normal‐vision group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The difference between groups also was not significant with respect to the number of people who reported falling in the past year (38% for the glaucoma group and 30% for the normal‐vision group) or a fear of falling (28% for the glaucoma group and 23% for the normal‐vision group). The visual fields assessed with a Humphrey 24-2 test were more highly correlated with walking speed in glaucoma than the visual fields scored by the Esterman scale or than visual acuity or contrast sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS. Glaucoma is associated with a modest decrease in mobility performance. Walking speed decreases with severity of the disease as estimated by threshold perimetry. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1999;40:2803‐2809)
Consumer Confidence and Asset Prices: Some Empirical Evidence

We explore the conditional version of the CAPM and the CCAPM using the methodology of Lettau and Ludvigson (2001). As a conditioning variable, we use the Index of Consumer Sentiment from the University of Michigan. The ability of the confidence index to explain the cross-section of the 25 Fama-French portfolios is comparable to that of the consumption-to-wealth ratio advocated by Lettau and Ludvigson, or the default spread employed by Jagannathan and Wang (1996). As suggested by further analysis, the improved cross-sectional performance is related to the fact that the conditional market betas of small stocks are significantly more sensitive to the business cycle than those of large stocks.
Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis During the Differentiation of Sporangia in the Water Mold Achlya

The role of ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis in the development of sporangia in the saprolegniaceous mold Achlya was studied. Methods were developed for growing and treating large populations of mycelia so that the hyphal tips would differentiate into sporangia with considerable synchrony. Under the starvation conditions imposed for the differentiation of sporangia, net RNA, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and protein synthesis ceased. However, incorporation of radioactive precursors into RNA continued at a high rate throughout the period of differentiation, showing that the enzymatic mechanism for RNA synthesis was still in an active state. Actinomycin D inhibited the differentiation of sporangia and the incorporation of labeled precursors into RNA. The level of actinomycin used did not inhibit the normal outgrowth and branching of the mycelia that occurred during differentiation. Thus, DNA-dependent RNA synthesis was required for the differentiation of sporangia. Sucrose gradient analysis of newly synthesized RNA showed that only the ribosomal and soluble fractions of RNA were labeled during vegetative growth. During the differentiation of sporangia, ribosomal and soluble RNA fractions were also labeled, and, in addition, a heterodisperse fraction of labeled RNA which was heavier than ribosomal RNA appeared; this fraction was not evident in the newly synthesized RNA from vegetative mycelia.
Periodic systems with drift. I. Modeling and identification

This paper proposes a harmonic-like decomposition to represent periodic systems with drift in either the period itself or the inter-period behavior, or both. The system is decomposed into two factors: a memoryless system-meant to represent the instantaneous period-and a slowly time varying system-meant to represent any drift in the inter-period behavior. The factorization is appropriate for real-time applications since it allows for on-line period updating. A general structure for real-time identification based on the proposed decomposition is also discussed.
Parsing arabic dialects

The Arabic language is a collection of spoken dialects with important phonological, morphological, lexical, and syntactic differences, along with a standard written language, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Since the spoken dialects are not officially written, it is very costly to obtain adequate corpora to use for training dialect NLP tools such as parsers. In this paper, we address the problem of parsing transcribed spoken Levantine Arabic (LA).We do not assume the existence of any annotated LA corpus (except for development and testing), nor of a parallel corpus LAMSA. Instead, we use explicit knowledge about the relation between LA and MSA.
Value of perinatal autopsy

Abstract Objective: To determine how often a perinatal autopsy identified the cause of death, and how frequently this information changed recurrence risk estimates or altered parental counseling. Methods: We reviewed all autopsies of fetal stillbirths and briefly viable neonates performed by one perinatal pathologist at the University of Alabama Hospital from 1992 to 1994. Results: Four hundred sixteen fetal and early neonatal deaths occurred at our hospital from January 1, 1992, to June 1, 1994. Consent for an autopsy examination was granted for 139 of these (33%), and all autopsies were performed by a single perinatal pathologist. Abnormalities likely to be the cause of death were identified in 130 of 139 cases (94%). Ninety-one subjects did not have structural anomalies: In 14 cases autopsy revealed previously unsuspected pathology that altered parental counseling; in 68 cases autopsy findings were consistent with the clinical obstetrical diagnosis; and in nine cases the cause of death could not be identified. Forty-eight subjects were anomalous. Thirty-seven of these (79%) had been evaluated by antenatal ultrasonography, and autopsy identified additional abnormalities in 51% (19 of 37). In the 11 deaths evaluated neonatally, a previously unsuspected diagnosis likely to be the cause of death was identified in three. Overall, autopsy findings changed recurrence risk estimates and/or parental counseling in 36 of 139 cases (26%). Conclusion: The cause of fetal or perinatal death was determined by autopsy in 94% of cases in our series. Counseling and recurrence risk estimates were altered by autopsy findings in 26%.
Preparing Special Educators for Mainstreaming An Emphasis Upon Curriculum

The importance of knowledge of curriculum to the success of mainstreaming is explored in this article. The concepts of explicit, hidden, and absent curricula are discussed relative to curricular adaptations that may be necessary to educate handicapped students effectively in the regular classroom. Various issues pertaining to the handicapped and their potential effects upon curriculum implementation are also explored. In addition, a "Curriculum Adaptation Guide" is presented to assist educators in selecting and adapting the most appropriate curricular elements when such adaptations appear necessary. This article emphasizes the concept that special educators should ensure that they are fully knowledgeable about the curriculum in mainstreamed classrooms in order to provide effective assistance to handicapped students and their regular class teachers. Several important curricular topics pertaining to the training of special educators are also presented.
Concept Formation Skills in Long-Term Cochlear Implant Users

This study investigated if a period of auditory sensory deprivation followed by degraded auditory input and related language delays affects visual concept formation skills in long-term prelingually deaf cochlear implant (CI) users. We also examined if concept formation skills are mediated or moderated by other neurocognitive domains (i.e., language, working memory, and executive control). Relative to normally hearing (NH) peers, CI users displayed significantly poorer performance in several specific areas of concept formation, especially when multiple comparisons and relational concepts were components of the task. Differences in concept formation between CI users and NH peers were fully explained by differences in language and inhibition–concentration skills. Language skills were also found to be more strongly related to concept formation in CI users than in NH peers. The present findings suggest that complex relational concepts may be adversely affected by a period of early prelingual deafness followed by access to underspecified and degraded sound patterns and spoken language transmitted by a CI. Investigating a unique clinical population such as early-implanted prelingually deaf children with CIs can provide new insights into foundational brain–behavior relations and developmental processes.
Health status of African Americans.

Abstract The health status of African Americans identifies a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and sexually transmitted infections when compared with Whites. However, more research is needed to identify socioeco-nomic variables and to establish needed health programs. The vestiges of early 20th century traditions of substandard housing and inadequate nutrition for African Americans are still apparent in many communities today. Most health care professionals are not educated and trained to be culturally sensitive. The struggle against the prevalence of diseases in African Americans must incorporate cultural sensitivity, community organization and empowerment. The need for a universal system of health insurance coverage is of utmost importance. The elimination of health disparities among African Americans requires a national effort, the involvement of public and private sectors, individuals and communities.
A GENERALIZATION OF THE CONGRUENT NUMBER PROBLEM

We study a certain generalization of the classical Congruent Number Problem. Specifically, we study integer areas of rational triangles with an arbitrary fixed angle θ. These numbers are called θ-congruent. We give an elliptic curve criterion for determining whether a given integer n is θ-congruent. We then consider the "density" of integers n which are θ-congruent, as well as the related problem giving the "density" of angles θ for which a fixed n is congruent. Assuming the Shafarevich–Tate conjecture, we prove that both proportions are at least 50% in the limit. To obtain our result we use the recently proven p-parity conjecture due to Monsky and the Dokchitsers as well as a theorem of Helfgott on average root numbers in algebraic families.
THE MODIFIED SUTURE BETWEEN SEGMENTS 8 AND 9 ON THE FIRST ANTENNA OF SOME CALANOID COPEPODS

During my study of calanoid copepods collected by M/V "Theodore N. Gill" (Bowman, 1971), I noticed a high frequency of broken 1st antennae (A-l) in adult females of Paracalanus indicus and P. quasimodo. The break occurred almost without exception at the suture between segments 8 and 9. Examination of this suture in specimens with unbroken A-l revealed striking differences, described later, between this suture and other A-l sutures. I then examined representatives of most families of calanoids, excluding those in which segments 8 and 9 are fused, and found a modified 8-9 suture in the following: Calanidae (genera as in Bradford & Jillett, 1974)
An examination of the H/D isotope substitution effect on selectivity and activity in the cavitating ultrasound hydrogenation of aqueous 3-buten-2-ol and 1,4-pentadien-3-ol on Pd-black

An H/D isotope effect study of the (H2 versus D2) hydrogenation of the aqueous substrates 3-buten-2-ol (3B2OL) and 1,4-pentadien-3-ol (14PD3OL) was performed using Pd-black catalyst. Either H2O or D2O solvents were employed (for alcohol H/D isotope substitution). Two experimental processing conditions of cavitating ultrasound (CUS) and stirred/silent (SS) methods were used. Products formed include 2-butanol and 2-butanone for the former, and 3-pentanol and 3-pentanone for the latter. The observed selectivity and pseudo-first order reaction rate coefficients (e.g., activity) to these products enabled a mechanistic interpretation of the various reaction conditions to be proposed. Experiments utilized a 50 mL batch reactor maintained at 298 K, employed 5.4 atm of H2 or D2 gas, while seven aliquots were collected during the course of the reaction. We have utilized 1-propanol as an inert dopant in all experiments to enable the rapid onset of cavitation in the CUS systems as described earlier [R.S. Disselkamp et al., J. Catal., 227, 552 (2004)]. The following conclusions were noted. First, the activity of the CUS compared to SS processing were ~100-fold larger. Second, variable catalyst loading experiments for stirred/silent D2 hydrogenation processing indicated that mass transfer of hydrogen gas to the Pd-surface played a role such thatmore » higher catalyst loading reduced surface D-atom concentrations and reduced saturated alcohol formation (e.g., via reduced H-addition to surface alkyl radicals). Third, for CUS processing the ketone selectivities for experiments employing water compared to D2O indicated that 3B2OL were twice as large, whereas for 14PD3OL they were comparable. This suggests, somewhat surprisingly, that for 3B2OL enol tautomerization to ketone is a slow, and possibly rate-controlling, process. Finally, again for CUS processing, the similarity in ketone selectivities (all ~17%) for H2 compared to D2 hydrogenation for both 3B2OL and 14PD3OL suggest that both H/D isotopes have rapid surface diffusion and hence give rise to nearly equal selectivies. Restated, the thermal or cavitating ultrasound activation is much greater than the surface H/D diffusion barrier.« less
Image quality characteristics of a novel film/screen system for mammography

The characteristics of a novel, very high resolution film/screen system for mammography are compared with those of a conventional film/screen system for mammography. The image quality characteristics of these systems are measured in terms of Wiener spectra, MTF and sensitometry. These parameters then determine the signal-to-noise (SNR) transfer properties of these systems in terms of the contrast transfer function (CTF), the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) and the noise equivalent quantum efficiency (NEQ). Furthermore, the SNR transfer characteristics are modeled and rationalized by means of the light scattering properties of the intensifying screens and the scintillation spectra of the phosphor. The new system displays superior SNR properties ascribable to its x-ray absorption attributes and the light scattering properties of the phosphor coating.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
BEHAVIOR OF REGGE POLES IN A POTENTIAL AT LARGE ENERGY

Following Mandelstam's suggestion, we consider a potential which can be expanded in a power series in $r$, beginning with $\frac{1}{r}$. Then at large energy (positive or negative) there will be Regge poles at all negative integral values of $l$. If the $\frac{1}{r}$ term is absent in the expansion of the potential, the pole at $l=\ensuremath{-}1$ will be absent. Generally, if ${r}^{2n\ensuremath{-}1}$ is the first nonvanishing odd power term in the potential expansion, the poles at $\ensuremath{-}1, \ensuremath{-}2, \ensuremath{\cdots}, \ensuremath{-}n$ are absent. If the potential expansion contains only even non-negative powers of $r$, there will be no Regge poles at finite negative $l$ in the limit of large energy. If the potential behaves as $\ensuremath{-}\frac{a}{{r}^{2}}$ at small $r$, the scattering amplitude has a cut in the $l$ plane from $\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}\ensuremath{-}{a}^{\frac{1}{2}}$ to $\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}+{a}^{\frac{1}{2}}$, and the Regge poles are no longer located at negative integers at large energy. For finite energy, it is shown that a pole at a positive integer or half-integer $l$ implies another pole at $\ensuremath{-}l\ensuremath{-}1$ but that the residues at these poles are, in general, different from each other.
Spatial Extent and Modeling Intracity Truck Crashes

This paper focuses on examining the role spatial extent in capturing off- and on-network characteristics and developing macro-level intracity truck crash estimation models. A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based method was developed to identify intracity truck crash zones, capture spatial data within 0.25-, 0.5- and 1-mile buffers for each selected zone, and examine relationships between demographic, socio-economic, land-use, and on-network characteristics and intracity truck crashes. Non-linear truck crash estimation models (Negative Binomial with log-link) were then developed using selected independent variables that are not correlated to each other. The working of the method and development of models is illustrated using 2008 data for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina located in the United States. Spatial characteristics extracted using 0.5-mile buffer width was observed to provide more statistically meaningful results to model intracity truck crashes. They were found to be positively correlated to industrial areas and areas with large residential lots but negatively correlated to densely populated areas. Zones with a median and inadequate turning radius seem to be more prone to intracity truck crashes. The method and findings from this research assists practitioners to proactively identify potential high risk areas, to understand the role of various factors on intracity truck crashes, and to develop plans to enhance safety.
An examination of innervation zone movement with increases in isometric torque production

Objective To determine, with more precision than in previous investigations, if the innervation zone (IZ) for the biceps brachii can move with increases in isometric torque, and if so, whether or not that movement is influenced by differences in joint angle. Methods Twenty-three participants (mean age = 21.7 years) performed isometric contractions of the forearm flexors at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of their maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) at three separate elbow joint angles (90, 120, and 150°). During each contraction, 16 channels of bipolar surface electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from the biceps brachii using a linear electrode array. For each joint angle, movement of the IZ with increases in torque was identified by a change in the EMG channel that was over the IZ. Results For each joint angle, the IZ shifted proximally (2.3 channels) with increases in torque from 20 to 100% MVC. With an interelectrode distance of 2.5 mm, this 2.3-channel shift reflects a 4.5–7.0 mm movement of the IZ. Conclusion The IZ shifts proximally 4.5–7.0 mm with increases in isometric torque, independent of joint angle. Significance These findings suggested that if isometric contractions are performed at different torque levels, the electrodes should be placed at least 7 mm from the IZ.
Time-resolved IUE studies of cataclysmic variables. I - Eclipsing systems IP Peg, PG 1030+590, and V1315 Aql

IUE time-resolved spectra of the high-inclination cataclysmic variables IP Peg, PG 1030+590, and V1315 Aql are analyzed in order to determine the characteristics of the disk, hotspots, and white dwarfs. The UV continuum flux distributions are generally flatter than systems of low inclination and high mass-transfer rate, and the white dwarfs/inner disk appear to be relatively cool (15,000-19,000 K) for their orbital periods, possibly because the boundary layers are blocked from view. The continuum fluxes increase at spot phases, with the spot providing the dominant flux in IP Peg. The spot temperatures range from hot (20,000 K) in IP Peg, and perhaps in PG 1030+590, to cool (11,000 K) in V1315 Aql. The C IV emission lines show slightly larger decreases at spot phases than during eclipse, which implies an extended stream area.
Elucidation of size patterning in phytolith assemblages by field-flow fractionation

Shape frequency distributions of phytolith assemblages have provided information for paleoecological reconstruction. Currently, there are no accepted methods for investigating corresponding patterning in phytolith sizes. Outlined here is a high-resolution analytical technique for characterizing size distributions, using flow-programmed field-flow fractionation. Results indicate discrete size distributions in different ecological contexts.
Community responses to disasters: a foundation for recovery

Disaster recovery programs and policies are becoming even more important with the increase in numbers and frequencies of disasters and their widespread damage. This special issue examines approache...
Plagiarism in computer science courses

Plagiarism of computer programs has long been a problem in higher education. Ease of electronic copying, vague understanding by students as to what constitutes plagiarism, increasing acceptance of plagiarism by students, lack of enforcement by instructors and school adminstrators, and a whole host of other factors contribute to plagiarism. The first step in curbing plagiarism is prevention, the second (and much less preferable) is detection. History files and software metrics can be used as a tool to aid in detecting possible plagiarism. This paper gives advice concerning how to deal with plagiarism and with using software monitors to detect plagiarism.
Expression of human thyroid peroxidase in insect cells using recombinant baculovirus

The baculovirus expression system was used to overexpress recombinant human thyroid peroxidase. Sf-9 cells infected with the recombinant virus AcMNPV-hTPO synthesized hTPO protein (hTPO-bac) immunogenic on Western blots when probed with either rabbit anti-TPO peptide sera or pooled human anti-TPO sera (MS12/89). hTPO-bac was a major constituent of the membrane fraction from the infected cells, constituting 14.9% and 10.1% of the 1% deoxycholate-soluble and insoluble fractions, respectively, as judged by densitometry. Recombinant hTPO-bac was extracted from cellular membranes with 1% deoxycholate and partially purified by Sepharose 6B column chromatography. Specific immunoreactivity of MS12/89 to hTPO-bac on microtiter plates was seen using ELISA. Detergent extract from wild-type virus-infected Sf-9 cells was used as background control antigen; no specific reactivity to either hTPO-bac or control antigen was seen with control sera. To determine antigenic potency, MS12/89 was incubated with increasing concentrations of various preparations of hTPO antigen and with ovalbumin as control. The capacity of the partially purified hTPO-bac to immunoneutralize human anti-hTPO standard at 50% inhibition of binding was 0.01 U/microgram hTPO-bac (NIBSC Units), compared with 0.5 U/microgram and 0.06 U/microgram for natural hTPO and CHO-hTPO, respectively. When ELISA was performed using clinical samples of human sera to detect hTPO autoantibodies, results using hTPO-bac correlated well with those using hTPO from Graves' thyroid tissue (r = 0.85, p = 0.02) and those using recombinant hTPO from Chinese hamster ovary cells (hTPO-CHO) (r = 0.85, p = 0.02).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Modelling the dust grains around the peculiar Be star HD 45677

Numerical radiative transfer models are used to study circumstellar dust grains around the peculiar Be star HD 45677. The modeling technique is to fit the observed far-ultraviolet through far-infrared energy distribution with the energy distributions predicted for a spherical dust shell around a luminous hot star. Such a simultaneous multi-wavelength study makes it possible to strengthen constraints on dust-grain properties. It is found that the observations can be fitted with the emergent spectrum of a spherical shell consisting of a graphite-silicate mixture. The grain-size distribution is similar to that for diffuse cloud dust, but the circumstellar dust contains large grains with a maximum size of about 1 micron. This result is consistent with a scenario in which HD 45677 is a young stellar object (100 Myr or less), with the dust shell being a fossil of the molecular cloud left over from star formation.
Linear systems analysis approach to inlet-bay systems

Fluctuating water levels in tidal inlet-bay systems are investigated by comparison of bay water levels resulting from a linearization of the combined continuity and integrated equation of motion to bay water levels from a numerical model with the complete non-linear equation terms. In this approach a linearized friction factor is computed using results from the non-linear model. The present paper addresses the possibility of utilizing this alternate approach to assessment of water level elevation changes in the bay for realistic tides consisting of a number of harmonic components.
Behavioral assessment of temporal summation in the rat: sensitivity to sex, opioids and modulation by NMDA receptor antagonists

Rationale Temporal summation of pain reflects a perceived increase in nociceptive sensitivity following repeated noxious stimulation that can last for ∼15 s–2 min. This short-lasting change in nociceptive sensitivity has been used as a model to examine factors that influence the central processing of pain and the mechanisms underlying some chronic pain conditions.
The effect of particle solubility on the strength of nanocrystalline agglomerates: Boehmite

Abstract Nanosized powders readily agglomerate during processing and handling. The strength of the interparticle bonds can dramatically affect the strength of the agglomerates and subsequent consolidation. This paper focuses on the origin of agglomerate strength for
Characterization and analysis of new catalysts for a direct ethanol fuel cell.

A direct ethanol fuel cell offers an attractive, fairly high density, energy source, if an electrochemical system can be developed that efficiently carries out the 12-electron oxidation of ethanol to carbon dioxide and water. To that end, new catalyst systems must be developed along with fuel cell operating conditions that encourage the complete oxidation of ethanol, as opposed to the presently available platinum on carbon systems that tend to produce acetaldehyde (two-electron oxidation) or acetic acid (four-electron oxidation) products. It is found that a composite nanoparticulate catalyst containing platinum and tin oxide or platinum indium tin oxide allows the partial conversion of ethanol to its 12-electron oxidation products. Catalysts of this type can be formed using a modified polyol process. Elevation of the operating temperature of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell using the indicated catalysts to 130 °C facilitates the production of carbon dioxide and provides an improved current−voltage res...
On the morphology of viral capsids: elastic properties and buckling transitions.

The morphology of icosahedral viruses ranges from highly spherical to highly faceted, and for some viruses a shape transition occurs during the viral life cycle. This phenomena is predicted from continuum elasticity, via the buckling transition theory by Nelson (Phys. Rev. E 2003, 68, 051910), in which the shape is dependent on the Foppl-von Karman number (γ), which is a ratio of the two-dimensional Young's modulus (Y) and the bending modulus (κ). However, until now, no direct calculations have been performed on atomic-level capsid structures to test the predictions of the theory. In this study, we employ a previously described multiscale method by May and Brooks (Phys. Rev. Lett. 2011, 106, 188101) to calculate Y and κ for the bacteriophage HK97, which undergoes a spherical to faceted transition during its viral life cycle. We observe a change in γ consistent with the buckling transition theory and also a significant reduction in κ, which facilitates formation of the faceted state. We go on to examine many capsids from the T = 3 and 7 classes using only elastic network models, which allows us to calculate the ratio Y/κ, without the expense of all-atom molecular dynamics. We observe for the T = 7 capsids, there is strong correlation between the shape of the capsid and γ; however, there is no such correlation for the smaller T = 3 viruses.
Quantity and fatty acid composition of lipid synthesized by Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus uberis.

Abstract Evidence is presented that the lipid synthesized by recently isolated strains of Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus uberis contained higher percentages of 16- and 18-carbon monoenoic acid(s) than that synthesized by strains from the stock culture collection. The strains of S. agalactiae did not synthesize appreciable quantities of lactobacillic acid, whereas the strains of S. uberis resembled the lactic streptococci in this respect.
Contraceptive Provision in the VA Healthcare System to Women Who Report Military Sexual Trauma

Background: Women Veterans who suffered military sexual trauma (MST) may be at high risk for unintended pregnancy and benefit from contraceptive services. The objective of this study is to compare documented provision of contraceptives to women Veterans using the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health system who report or deny MST. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included women Veterans aged 18–45 years who served in Operation Enduring or Iraqi Freedom and had at least one visit to a VA medical center between 2002 and 2010. Data were obtained from VA administrative and clinical databases. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression were conducted to evaluate the association between MST, ascertained by routine clinical screening, and first documented receipt of hormonal or long-acting contraception. Results: Of 68,466 women Veterans, 13% reported, 59% denied and 28% had missing data for the MST screen. Among the entire study cohort, 30% of women had documented receipt of a contraceptive method. Women reporting MST were significantly more likely than those denying MST to receive a method of contraception (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.18) including an intrauterine device (odds ratio [OR] 1.29, 95% CI 1.17–1.41) or contraceptive injection (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05–1.29). Women who were younger, unmarried, seen at a women's health clinic, or who had more than one visit were more likely to receive contraception. Conclusions: A minority of women Veterans of reproductive age receive contraceptive services from the VA. Women Veterans who report MST, and particularly those who seek care at VA women's health clinics, are more likely to receive contraception.
Ca2+ causes release of myosin heads from the thick filament surface on the milliseconds time scale.

Abstract We have used electron microscopy to study the structural changes induced when myosin filaments are activated by Ca 2+ . Negative staining reveals that when Ca 2+ binds to the heads of relaxed Ca 2+ -regulated myosin filaments, the helically ordered myosin heads become disordered and project further from the filament surface. Cryo-electron microscopy of unstained, frozen-hydrated specimens supports this finding, and shows that disordering is reversible on removal of Ca 2+ . The structural change is thus a result of Ca 2+ binding alone and not an artifact of staining. Comparison of the two techniques suggests that negative staining preserves the structure induced by Ca 2+ -binding. We therefore used a time-resolved negative staining technique to determine the time scale of the structural change. Full disordering was observed within 30 ms of Ca 2+ addition, and had started to occur within 10 ms, showing that the change occurs on the physiological time scale. Comparison with studies of single heavy meromyosin molecules suggests that an increased mobility of myosin heads induced by Ca 2+ binding underlies the changes in filament structure that we observe. We conclude that the loosening of the array of myosin heads that occurs on activation is real and physiological; it may function to make activated myosin heads freer to contact actin filaments during muscle contraction.
Targeted therapies: Optimal first-line therapy for NSCLC with EGFR mutations

Activating mutations in EGFR are characteristic of patients with lung cancer who have high sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as gefitinib and erlotinib. The randomized IPASS study by Mok and colleagues confirmed that patients with EGFR mutations have a higher response rate, longer progression-free survival and improved quality of life when treated with first-line gefinitib instead of chemotherapy.
Hollow fiber membrane modules

Hollow fiber membrane modules are used in a wide range of separation applications. Module design is critical to optimizing process performance. The state-of-the-art in fiber bundle and module manufacture is reviewed emphasizing industrial practice as reflected by the patent literature. Sources of non-ideal module performance are identified that arise from non-uniform module flows. Efforts to quantify these effects and evaluate design alternatives to improve performance are reviewed. Despite this work, gaps in understanding the relationship between design and performance still exist.
The 2s atomic level in muonic 140Ce

Abstract We have observed the 2s → 2p and the 3p → 2s muonic X-ray doublets in 140Ce. Assuming a two-parameter Fermi distribution we find our data are best fit by allowing a 5.4 ± 0.7 keV shift downward in the 1s 1 2 level in reasonably good agreement with the theoretical calculations for nuclear polarization. The sensitivity of our results to a three-parameter Fermi distribution is explored.
The effect of surgical level on self-reported clinical outcomes after minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: L4-L5 versus L5-S1.

Objective The anatomic and biomechanical aspects of the L5-S1 level present unique operative challenges compared with the L4-L5 level. However, it has not been determined if self-reported outcomes and complications are different between patients treated with a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion at these specific levels. Methods There were 36 consecutive patients identified who were treated with a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedure. Surgical indications included spondylolisthesis (grade 1 or 2) and degenerative disk disease with associated clinical symptoms. Patients completed a visual analog scale (VAS) for their back and leg and Oswestry Disability Index preoperatively and postoperatively. Outcomes were compared between patients with L4-L5 involvement and patients with L5-S1 involvement. In all patients, fusion was evaluated by dynamic view flexion and extension views at 1 year. In all patients with indeterminate results or incomplete imaging, computed tomography was performed to evaluate for bridging bone and stable hardware positioning. Results The surgical indications between the 2 groups were similar (χ 2 = 0.089, df = 2, P = 0.956). There was no significant difference in mean operating time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay ( P = 0.937, 0.627, and 0.587). There was no significant difference in the long-term postoperative questionnaire results ( P = 0.819 for VAS [back], 0.626 for VAS [leg], and 0.962 for Oswestry Disability Index) or the mean preoperative to postoperative change in Cobb angle ( P = 0.626) between the 2 groups. Two complications, one in each group, were a rash from an antibiotic and postoperative nausea. Conclusions Despite differences in biomechanics and unique anatomic challenges at the L5-S1 interspace, there is no difference in self-reported outcomes for patients treated with minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion at the L4-L5 level compared with the L5-S1 level.
Getting the Floor: Motive-Consistent Strategy and Individual Outcomes in Multi-Party Negotiations

Social motives influence negotiators’ actions and reactions. In this study we proposed that social motives moderate the relationship between persistence in the use of integrative or distributive negotiation strategy and individual outcomes in 33 four-person mixed-motive negotiations. Cooperative negotiators who persisted in using integrative strategy achieved higher outcomes than those who did not persist. Persistence in the use of integrative strategy did not pay off for individualistic negotiators in this multi-party setting. We theorized that this pattern of results was due to cooperative and individualistic negotiators using strategy differently. We found that cooperative negotiators used more motive-consistent integrative strategy and less motive-inconsistent distributive strategy than individualistic negotiators, whose pattern of strategy use was consistent with their self-interested motives, providing evidence for our motive consistency theory.
Drosophila P element integration in the mouse.

Abstract A recombinant plasmid containing the Drosophila melanogaster P element transposon was microinjected into mouse zygotes. Dot-blot analysis indicated that one of the newborns contained a single copy of the microinjected DNA per haploid mouse genome equivalent; two other newborns had integrated multiple copies of the P element construct. Southern mapping revealed that the entire plasmid, including both pBR322 sequences and P element sequences, had integrated in each of the three animals. In the two mice carrying multiple copies of the microinjected DNA, the copies appear to be linked in a tandem head-to-tail array. Therefore, in each of the three newborns integration of P element sequences has occurred by a mechanism which is distinct from that observed when the same plasmid is injected into Drosophila embryos. Analysis of DNA from the offsring of one of the transgenic mice showed no indication of transposition of P element sequences.
Low-energy collision-induced fragmentation of negative ions derived from diesters of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids made with hydroxybenzoic acids.

Diesters of ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid (salicylic acid) made with glutaric, adipic, and pimelic acids are the monomers of some potential drug candidates for aspirin patches. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra of negative ion derived from these compounds show a 120-Da ‘neutral loss’ specific to the ortho isomers. In contrast, the anions derived from diesters of meta- and para-hydroxybenzoic acids show a 138-Da loss for an elimination of elements of hydroxybenzoic acid by a charge-remote mechanism. Deuterium labeling studies confirmed that the hydrogen atom transferred for hydroxybenzoic acid loss originates specifically from the α position of the dicarboxylic acid moiety. Although all spectra showed a peak at m/z 137, a charge-mediated process specific for the ortho compounds renders it the most prominent peak in the spectra of ortho compounds. Appropriate deuterium labeling experiments demonstrated that the hydrogen atom transferred for the formation of the m/z 137 ion in ortho compounds is specifically derived from the α position of the dicarboxylic acid moiety. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The rôle of indole-3-acetic acid accumulation by alpha methyl tryptophan-resistant mutants of Pseudomonas savastanoi in gall formation on oleanders

Abstract Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) accumulates in the culture medium of wild-type isolates of Pseudomonas savastanoi, the olive and oleander knot pathogen, and has been implicated as a factor in gall formation. Mutants of P. savastanoi were obtained by selecting for resistance to α-methyl tryptophan (MT), an analogue of tryptophan, which in other bacteria is known to be a feedback inhibitor of anthranilate synthetase, a regulatory enzyme in the tryptophan biosynthetic pathway. Thus, MT-resistant mutants may exhibit altered synthesis of tryptophan and/or IAA which is a product of tryptophan metabolism. The mutants we selected either failed to accumulate IAA or accumulated about twice the quantity accumulated by wildtype parent isolates. Mutants which did not accumulate IAA lacked tryptophan oxidative decarboxylase activity in cell-free preparations. All parent and mutant isolates exhibited similar growth patterns when infiltrated into oleander leaves. However, dissimilar symptom development was observed on oleanders inoculated with these isolates. Isolates that accumulated IAA caused formation of galls, while those which did not accumulate IAA failed to incite gall formation.
A 12.4-mW 4.5-Gb/s Receiver With Majority-Voting 1-Tap Speculative DFE in 0.13- $\mu\hbox{m}$ CMOS

This brief presents a majority-voting 1-tap speculative decision-feedback equalization (DFE) architecture wherein the current-mode-logic (CML) selector after the slicers is replaced with a CML majority voter with two instead of three transistors in the stack, thereby resulting in improved speed and increased voltage headroom (or lower supply voltage operation). Compared with the traditional CML selector, the majority voter shows around 50% delay reduction at the same bias conditions and 25% reduction in supply. A receiver with the proposed majority-voting DFE is implemented in 0.13- μm CMOS process. With the DFE enabled, the receiver is able to equalize a 20-in channel over an FR4 board with 22-dB Nyquist loss at 4.5 Gb/s. The whole receiver core occupies 0.14 mm2 and consumes 12.4 mW.
Propagation of a Tropical Cyclone in a Meridionally Varying Zonal Flow: An Energetics Analysis

Abstract Tropical cyclone propagation (the beta drift) is driven by a secondary circulation associated with axially asymmetric gyres (beta gyres) in the vicinity of the cyclone center. In the presence of the beta effect, the environmental flow may interact with the symmetric circulation and beta gyres of the cyclone, affecting the development of the gyres and thereby the cyclone propagation. An energetics analysis is carried out to elucidate the development mechanism of the beta gyres and to explain variations in propagation speed of a barotropic cyclone embedded in a meridionally varying zonal flow on a beta plane. Two types of zonal flows are considered: one with a constant meridional shear resembling those in the vicinity of a subtropical ridge or a monsoon trough, and the other with a constant relative vorticity gradient as in the vicinity of an easterly (westerly) jet. Zonal flow with a constant meridional shear changes the generation rate of the gyre kinetic energy through an exchange of energy dire...
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and Parkinson's disease in a population with high ultraviolet radiation exposure.

Abstract Introduction A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been reported in Parkinson's disease (PD). Epidemiologic studies examining variability in genes involved in vitamin D metabolism have not taken into account level of exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We examined whether exposure to UVR (as a surrogate for vitamin D levels) and variations in the vitamin D receptor gene ( VDR) are associated with PD. Methods Within a geographical information system (GIS) we linked participants' geocoded residential address data to ground level UV data to estimate historical exposure to UVR. Six SNPs in VDR were genotyped in non-Hispanic Caucasian subjects. Results Average lifetime UVR exposure levels were >5000Wh/m 2 , which was higher than levels for populations in previous studies, and UVR exposure did not differ between cases and controls. Homozygotes for the rs731236 TT (major allele) genotype had a 31% lower risk of PD risk (OR=0.69; 95% CI=0.49, 0.98; p=0.04 for TT vs. TC+CC). The rs7975232 GG (minor allele) genotype was also associated with decreased risk of PD (OR=0.63; 95% CI=0.42, 0.93; p=0.02 for GG vs. TG+TT). The association between PD risk and a third locus, rs1544410 (BsmI), was not statistically significant after adjustment for covariates, although there was a trend for lower risk with the GG genotype. Conclusions This study provides initial evidence that VDR polymorphisms may modulate risk of PD in a population highly exposed to UVR throughout lifetime.
Characterizing the resolution and accuracy of a second-generation traveling-wave ion mobility separator for biomolecular ions

High-accuracy, high-resolution ion mobility measurements enable a vast array of important contemporary applications in biological chemistry. With the recent advent of both new, widely available commercial instrumentation and also new calibration datasets tailored for the aforementioned commercial instrumentation, the possibilities for extending such high performance measurements to a diverse set of applications have never been greater. Here, we assess the performance characteristics of a second-generation traveling-wave ion mobility separator, focusing on those figures of merit that lead to making measurements of collision cross-section having both high precision and high accuracy. Through performing a comprehensive survey of instrument parameters and settings, we find instrument conditions for optimized drift time resolution, cross-section resolution, and cross-section accuracy for a range of peptide, protein and multi-protein complex ions. Moreover, the conditions for high accuracy IM results are significantly different from those optimized for separation resolution, indicating that a balance between these two metrics must be attained for traveling wave IM separations of biomolecules. We also assess the effect of ion heating during IM separation on instrument performance.
Identifying user traits by mining smart phone accelerometer data

Smart phones are quite sophisticated and increasingly incorporate diverse and powerful sensors. One such sensor is the tri-axial accelerometer, which measures acceleration in all three spatial dimensions. The accelerometer was initially included for screen rotation and advanced game play, but can support other applications. In prior work we showed how the accelerometer could be used to identify and/or authenticate a smart phone user [11]. In this paper we extend that prior work to identify user traits such as sex, height, and weight, by building predictive models from labeled accelerometer data using supervised learning methods. The identification of such traits is often referred to as "soft biometrics" because these traits are not sufficiently distinctive or invariant to uniquely identify an individual---but they can be used in conjunction with other information for identification purposes. While our work can be used for biometric identification, our primary goal is to learn as much as possible about the smart phone user. This mined knowledge can be then be used for a number of purposes, such as marketing or making an application more intelligent (e.g., a fitness app could consider a user's weight when calculating calories burned).