cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parenting style moderates the effects of exposure to natural disaster-related stress on the neural development of reactivity to threat and reward in children

Little is known about the effect of natural disasters on children's neural development. Additionally, despite evidence that stress and parenting may both influence the development of neural systems underlying reward and threat processing, few studies have brought together these areas of research. The current investigation examined the effect of parenting styles and hurricane-related stress on the development of neural reactivity to reward and threat in children. Approximately 8 months before and 9 months after Hurricane Sandy, 74 children experiencing high and low levels of hurricane-related stress completed tasks that elicited the reward positivity and error-related negativity, event-related potentials indexing sensitivity to reward and threat, respectively. At the post-Hurricane assessment, children completed a self-report questionnaire to measure promotion- and prevention-focused parenting styles. Among children exposed to high levels of hurricane-related stress, lower levels of promotion-focused, but not prevention-focused, parenting were associated with a reduced post-Sandy reward positivity. In addition, in children with high stress exposure, greater prevention-focused, but not promotion-focused, parenting was associated with a larger error-related negativity after Hurricane Sandy. These findings highlight the need to consider contextual variables such as parenting when examining how exposure to stress alters the development of neural reactivity to reward and threat in children.
Airport management perspectives on aviation biofuels: drivers, barriers, and policy requirements in the US Pacific Northwest

This study explores perspectives of airport management on aviation biofuels in the Pacific Northwest of the USA by administering an online survey of airport managers in FAA certified airports in the region. Respondents provided their opinions on factors important for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development in the Pacific Northwest, including perceptions of various potential drivers and barriers to scale-up in the region. Most respondents indicated that policy certainty to attract capital, higher oil prices, and technology breakthroughs are required for a viable industry, and they also indicated that government intervention is important to ensure successful adoption and implementation. Respondents indicated that aviation biofuel tax credits, a system to issue and trade sustainable biofuel certificates, and fuel sustainability certification criteria are required policies/protocol to ensure viability. We suggest that a regional approach to examining barriers, drivers, and policy requirements provides more nuanced perspectives regarding key SAF development and scale-up issues.
In Vivo Models of Oncoproteins Encoded by Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus.

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a human oncogenic virus. KSHV utilizes its proteins to modify the cellular environment to promote viral replication and persistence. Some of these proteins are oncogenic, modulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, genome stability, and immune responses, among other cancer hallmarks. These changes can lead to the development of KSHV-associated malignancies. In this Gem, we focus on animal models of oncogenic KSHV proteins that were developed to enable better understanding of KSHV tumorigenesis.
Changes in Use of Postacute Care Associated With Accountable Care Organizations in Hip Fracture, Stroke, and Pneumonia Hospitalized Cohorts.

Objective:To examine changes in more and less discretionary condition-specific postacute care use (skilled nursing, inpatient rehabilitation, home health) associated with Medicare accountable care organization (ACO) implementation.Data Sources:2009–2014 Medicare fee-for-service claims.Study Design:D
Symposium Forward: The Market for User Data

Two decades ago, scholars and writers wondered whether online tech companies would ever find a sustainable business model. It appears, however, that, even at that time, some savvy entrepreneurs were on to something. DoubleClick, which is now owned by Alphabet, for example, had already developed techniques to track users’ web browsing activity across their hundreds of affiliated sites. There, of course, was nothing novel in the idea of an advertising-based business model; advertising has defined the political economy of the media and communications industry at least since the nineteenth century. But, at the turn of the century, it was not evident to anyone but just a relatively few scholars and entrepreneurs in the start-up world that targeted behavioral advertising would have purchase in the networked information economy. Today, companies have been refining the advertising-based business model. They have been developing ever more powerful algorithmic processes for harvesting, trading on, and exploiting personal consumer data for advertisers. These computational techniques have empowered firms to collect extraordinary amounts of consumer data, anticipate consumer preferences based on that data, and microtarget advertising to individual users based on those predictions. It is all a marketer’s dream. And, if click-through rates are to be believed, consumers are sold.
Novel Germline Mutations in DNA Damage Repair in Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesotheliomas.

Abstract Introduction Although next-generation sequencing (NGS) has brought insight into critical mutations or pathways (e.g., DNA damage sensing and repair) involved in the etiology of many cancers and has directed new screening, prevention, and therapeutic approaches for patients and families, it has only recently been used in malignant pleural mesotheliomas (MPMs). Methods We analyzed the blood samples from patients with MPM using the NGS platform MSK-IMPACT to explore cancer-predisposing genes. The loss-of-function variants or pathogenic entries were identified, and clinicopathologic information was collected. Results Of 84 patients with MPM, 12% (10 of 84) had pathogenic variants. Clinical characteristics were similar between cohorts, although patients with germline pathogenic variants were more likely to have more than two first-degree family members with cancer than those without germline mutations (40% versus 12%; Fisher’s exact test, p Conclusions Our study lends further support for the role of aberrations in DNA damage repair genes in the pathogenesis of MPMs and suggests that targeting the members of these pathways for screening and treatment warrants further study.
Wait-time for hysterectomy and survival of women with early-stage cervical cancer: A clinical implication during the coronavirus pandemic.

Abstract Objective A global pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has created unique challenges to providing timely care for cancer patients. In early-stage cervical cancer, postponing hysterectomy for 6–8 weeks is suggested as a possible option in the Covid-19 burdened hospitals. Yet, literature examining the impact of surgery wait-time on survival in early-stage cervical cancer remains scarce. This study examined the association between surgery wait-time of 8 weeks and oncologic outcome in women with early-stage cervical cancer. Methods This is a single institution retrospective observational study at a tertiary referral medical center examining women who underwent primary hysterectomy or trachelectomy for clinical stage IA-IIA invasive cervical cancer between 2000 and 2017 (N = 217). Wait-time from the diagnosis of invasive cervical cancer via biopsy to definitive surgery was categorized as: short wait-time ( Results In a weighted model (median follow-up, 4.6 years), women in the long wait-time group had DFS (4.5-year rates, 91.2% versus 90.7%, hazard ratio [HR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–2.59, P = 0.818) and OS (95.0% versus 97.4%, HR 1.47, 95%CI 0.50–4.31, P = 0.487) similar to those in the short wait-time group. Three studies were examined for meta-analysis, and a pooled HR for surgery wait-time of ≥8 weeks on DFS was 0.96 (95%CI 0.59–1.55). Conclusion Our study suggests that wait-time of 8 weeks for hysterectomy may not be associated with short-term disease recurrence in women with early-stage cervical cancer.
The burden of hypertension in Ecuador: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hypertension is a major risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, which occurrence has increased consistently worldwide. With this in mind, this review was designed to evaluate the prevalence of hypertension in Ecuador. We systematically searched publications in Medline, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Database, and Ibero-America electronic databases for articles published through September 2019 and reporting the prevalence of hypertension in Ecuador. Selected data were subjected to meta-analysis, and pooled prevalence and their 95% (95% CI) were calculated. Seventeen articles have been selected according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the study. The overall estimate of the pooled prevalence of hypertension was 35.8% (CI: 31.3-38.4). Most importantly, the prevalence of hypertension increased markedly with age and obesity. Pooled estimates for the four age subdivisions ( 50 and ≤60 years) and (>60 years) were 9.4% (CI: 7.3-11.5), 22.0% (CI: 19.0-25.0), 26.1% (22.2-30.0) and 48.7% (CI: 45.4-52.0), respectively. Moreover, the pooled estimate of subjects with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (57.7%, CIs: 45.6-69.8) was markedly higher than those with BMI < 30 kg/m2 (30.4%, CI: 23.3-38.4). Although limited, available data reported higher rates of hypertension in Afro-Ecuadorians than other ethnicities. This study underlines a high prevalence of hypertension in adults nationwide, but mostly in elderly and obese individuals. The magnitude of this burden emphasizes the need for robust and targeted interventions to control hypertension, and ultimately reverse the trend of cardiovascular diseases.
Underrecognized Patterns of High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion on ThinPrep Preparations.

Objectives To identify less readily identifiable patterns of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in negative human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive Papanicolaou (Pap) tests on ThinPrep preparations. Methods Of all HPV-positive Pap tests that were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) from July 2013 to June 2018, those with HSIL on subsequent histology within 6 months were identified. ThinPrep slides from the latter group (group 1) and from NILM HPV-negative Pap tests with negative follow-up (group 2) were reviewed independently by 4 participants. Group 1 cases were then reviewed together for consensus and with the ThinPrep Imaging System (TIS). Any discrepancies from the original interpretation were recorded. Results The study cohort included 57 cases each in groups 1 and 2. On final review of group 1 cases, 17 (29.8%) were classified as NILM or unsatisfactory. Of the remaining, 4 cases revealed rare abnormal cells not flagged by the TIS in the fields of view. In the 36 cases (63.1%) with screening or interpretative errors, the key cytologic findings accounting for major discrepancies included atypical metaplastic cells, atypical repair, rare syncytial groups, and atypical immature metaplastic cells. Conclusions There are 3 main underrecognized patterns of HSIL in cervical cytology: atypical metaplastic cells, atypical repair, and rare syncytial groups.
Acute macular neuroretinopathy associated with acute promyelocytic leukemia

Abstract Purpose To describe the first reported case of acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) associated with acute promyelocytic leukemia in a young Asian-Indian male. Observations We review the clinical and multimodal imaging findings in our patient that are characteristic of AMN. Conclusions and importance Ophthalmologists should be aware of the association of leukemia with AMN and consider hematologic work-up when assessing patients with AMN without the prototypical history or risk factors.
Introduction: Art Cinema and the Aesthetics of Crisis

This chapter traces the crisis characteristics of art cinema throughout its history and assesses the capacity of this mode of filmmaking to meaningfully intervene in a crisis situation. There is an analysis of the crisis tendencies of the neoliberal period and the strategies of legitimation used to consolidate neoliberal rule. Through an engagement with theories of Brechtian estrangement and Russian Formalist defamiliarization, this chapter proposes an aesthetics of crisis that can foreground the displacements at the heart of neoliberal crisis management. There is also a discussion of the way contemporary auteurs are revising art cinema conventions in order to address the various social, political and cultural crises generated by neoliberalism. The chapter concludes with summaries of the remaining chapters and an overview of the book’s overall structure.
Regression and Correlation

Most people are acquainted with linear relationships. If a salesperson is paid $2000 a month plus a commission of 5 percent of sales, monthly income can he expressed as $$Y = \$ 2000 + 0.05X$$ , where X is the sales for the month. If no sales occur, X = 0 and Y = $2000; if sales are $20,000, then Y = $2000 + 0.05($20,000) = $3000. What we have here is a mathematical relationship expressing an agreement about compensation.
Change in Physical Performance Correlates with Decline in Quality of Life and Frailty Status in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation with and without Chemotherapy.

Patient-reported quality of life (QoL) metrics, frailty status, and physical functioning are emerging concepts in head and neck cancer (HNC) with implications on both treatment decision-making and prognosis. The impact of treatment-related functional decline on QoL and frailty has not been well-characterized in HNC and was the focus of this investigation. Methods: Patients who underwent radiation therapy for HNC from 2018 to 2020 were evaluated as a prospective observational cohort. Functional decline, QoL, and the frailty phenotype were measured via the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) qlq-C30, and Fried Frailty index, respectively. Results: A total of 106 HNC patients were included, 75 of which received concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) and 31 received radiation alone, both with and without surgery. There was a decrease in SPPB overall (p < 0.001) from the beginning to the end of treatment in the CCRT group but not the radiation group (p = 0.43). Change in overall SPPB points following treatment correlated with the decline in physical QoL for both groups (p < 0.05) as well as transition frail status in the CCRT group (p < 0.001) with a trend in the radiation group (p = 0.08). Conclusions: Change in SPPB correlates with QoL and transition to frailty status in patients undergoing definitive CCRT for HNC with similar trends in those receiving radiation alone. Decline in SPPB could potentially be useful in identification of those who may benefit from rehabilitation in future studies.
Trends in infants born at low birthweight and disparities by maternal race and education from 2003 to 2018 in the United States.

Understanding current levels, as well as past and future trends, of the percentage of infants born at low birthweight (LBW) in the United States is imperative to improving the health of our nation. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine recent trends in percentage of LBW, both overall and by maternal race and education subgroups. Studying disparities in percentage of LBW by these subgroups can help to further understand the health needs of the population and can inform policies that can close race and class disparities in poor birth outcomes. Trends of percentage of LBW in the U.S. from 2003 to 2018, both overall and by race/ethnicity, and from 2007 to 2018 by education and race by education subgroups were analyzed using CDC WONDER Natality data. Disparities were analyzed using between group variance methods. Percentage of LBW experienced a significant worsening in the most recent 5 years of data, negating nearly a decade of prior improvement. Stark differences were observed by race/ethnicity and by education, with all subgroups experiencing increasing rates in recent years. Disparities also worsened over the course of study. Most notably, all disparities increased significantly from 2014 to 2018, with annual changes near 2–5%. Recent reversals in progress in percentage of LBW, as well as increasing disparities particularly by race, are troubling. Future study is needed to continue monitoring these trends and analyzing these issues at additional levels. Targets must be set and solutions must be tailored to population subgroups to effectively make progress towards equitable birth outcomes and maternal health.
Observation of the therapeutic effect and prognosis analysis of Yiqijiebiao prescription for the treatment of children with influenza B

OBJECTIVE To observe the efficacy of Yiqijiebiao prescription in treating children with influenza B infection (flu). METHODS A total of 120 children with influenza B infection who were treated at the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Clinic of Tianjin Children's Hospital from October to December 2019 were enrolled. According to different treatments, the children were divided into Yiqijiebiao prescription treatment group and Western medicine treatment control group, with 60 cases in each group. Yiqijiebiao prescription treatment group was orally given Yiqijiebiao prescription plus and minus treatment (composition: perilla leaf, kudzu root, Bupleurum, Qing Pinellia, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi each 6 g, tangerine peel, nepeta panicle, Divaricate Saposhniovia root, praecupura, almond, ginseng, platycodon, roasted licorice each 4 g, add plaster and cooked rhubarb for dry stools, add pre-bait, honey loquat leaves for severe cough, add Angelica dahurica and flos magnoliae for runny nose), take 1 dose a day, twice a day; Western medicine treatment control group was orally given Ribavirin, 10 mg/kg each time, 3 times a day. After 7 days of treatment, the changes in clinical symptoms, laboratory results and clinical efficacy of the two groups were observed, and the changes in prognostic indexes of the two groups were analyzed. RESULTS The numbers of children with normal body temperature and improved or partially improved symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and runny nose in the Yiqijiebiao prescription treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (normal body temperature: 49 cases vs. 44 cases, cough relieved: 33 cases vs. 25 cases, sore throat relieved: 27 cases vs. 23 cases, runny nose relieved: 47 cases vs. 42 cases, all P < 0.05). The numbers of children whose nasopharyngeal swabs with influenza B virus antibody (IBV-Ag) turned negative and serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the normal reference value range (< 10 mg/L) were significantly higher than those in Western medicine treatment control group (IBV-Ag negative: 36 cases vs. 31 cases, SAA in the normal reference value range: 49 cases vs. 46 cases, CRP in the normal reference value range: 50 cases vs. 46 cases, all P < 0.05). The total effective rate of Yiqijiebiao prescription treatment group after treatment was significantly higher than that of control group [81.67% (49/60) vs. 75.00% (45/60), P < 0.05]. The numbers of children with constipation, loss of appetite and diarrhea in the Yiqijiebiao prescription treatment group were significantly less than those in the control group (constipation: 11 cases vs. 14 cases, loss of appetite: 8 cases vs. 11 cases, diarrhea: 6 cases vs. 8 cases, all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Yiqijiebiao prescription can significantly improve the clinical symptoms and laboratory results of children with influenza B infection and increase the total effective rate, and have a definite effect.
When near Is Far and Far Is Near: Physical and Constructed Dimensions of Geography and Their Implications for Inward FDI Performance

Building on a sociology theory of space, we conceptualize physical geography as separated from its constructed connotations and suggest that the impact of geographic location on countries’ attraction for foreign direct investment (FDI) is contingent upon their constructed qualities – that is, their unilateral characteristics and connectivity to other countries. Quantile regression analyses confirm these predictions and show notable variations across the distribution of FDI. The findings show that geography is not destiny and should rather be treated as an endogenous country characteristic whose consequences for FDI are subject to actions of policymakers and firms. Subsequent analyses show that the level of economic development affects the relationships between the physical and constructed consequences of geography on FDI, introducing significant differences between developed and developing countries. We outline the role for policy in shaping the contingencies that affect the relationships between geographic location and FDI.
Trainee-Led Quality Improvement Project to Improve Fertility Preservation Counseling for Patients With Cancer.

PURPOSE:Oncofertility counseling regarding the reproductive risks associated with cancer therapy is essential for quality cancer care. We aimed to increase the rate of oncofertility counseling for ...
Tetrahydrobiopterin Ameliorates the Exaggerated Exercise Pressor Response in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

CKD patients have an exaggerated blood pressure (BP) response during rhythmic handgrip exercise (RHG 20%). Nitric Oxide (NO) levels increase substantially during exercise and help prevent excessive hypertension; therefore, reduced NO bioavailability may be one factor contributing to the exaggerated exercise pressor response, since CKD is characterized by decreased NO bioavailability. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for nitric oxide synthase that has been shown to increase NO bioavailability in experimental models of CKD. Therefore, we hypothesized that BH4 may ameliorate the exaggerated increase in BP during RHG 20%. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, we tested the effects of 12 weeks of oral BH4 treatment versus placebo on BP and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) responses during RHG 20% in CKD. At baseline, CKD patients (N=32) had significantly higher BP responses, but equicovocal MSNA responses during RHG 20% compared to Controls without CKD (N=10). The...
Variables in the Laboratory Diagnosis of Fabry's Disease by Measurement of Methylumbelliferyl-α-Galactosidase Activity

Assay of methylumbelliferyl-α-galactosidase activity (MUM-α-Galase) in plasma reflects the activity of ceramide trihexosidase and (or) ceramide digalactosidase, which are deficient in Fabry's disease. Intending to institute this assay routinely, we have evaluated substrate stability and concentration, sample stability, heat-inactivation conditions, and normal values. The heat-labile isoenzyme(s) deficient in plasma from patients with Fabry's disease must either be assayed immediately after sampling or the plasma must be stored at or below -50 °C. This heat-labile fraction can be inactivated by incubating a plasma aliquot at 45 °C for 45 min. Normal adult ranges for total and heat-labile MUM-α-Galase are 8.9-31.7 and 7.4-27.4 nmoles of MUM per hour per milliliter of EDTA-treated plasma.
Studies of sintering of coal ash relevant to pulverised coal utility boilers: 2. Preliminary studies of compressive strengths of fly ash sinters

Abstract The development of strength of pellets of fly ash with sintering temperature was investigated. Pellets heated below the shrinkage or electrical (Raask) sinter point did not develop strength over several hours. Hot crushing of pellets above the sinter point gave plastic deformation, presumably due to liquid on the particle surfaces. Cooling below the sinter point before crushing gave the same strength as crushing at room temperature, showing strength was due to solidification. Strength as a function of heat treatment temperature (1 h duration) above the sinter point went through a maximum, indicating that liquid is removed at higher temperature. SEM analysis of the cold pellets showed glassy sintering at conditions of maximum strength, and crystallization of mullite as strength decreased with higher heat treatment temperatures. Results suggest that iron silicate compositions increased the maximum sinter strength more than sodium silicate compositions. Water washing of fly ash reduced maximum strength. Addition of Na20 or surface films of sodium carbonate to a synthetic mineral mixture reduced the sinter point and led to strength development at lower temperatures: however, too high additions reduced the maximum strength.
Characteristics of frail older adult drivers

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of driving in older adults with mild to moderate physical frailty and to compare characteristics of current frail older adult drivers with those of former drivers in the sample. DESIGN: Retrospective study of frail older adults enrolled in randomized trials of exercise and hormone replacement therapy. SETTING: Urban, academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eighty-three sedentary community-dwelling men and women aged 75 and older with mild to moderate physical frailty, as defined by two of the following three criteria: modified Physical Performance Test (PPT) score between 18 and 32, peak oxygen uptake (VO2) between 10 and 18 mL/kg per minute, and self-report of difficulty or assistance with one activity of daily living (ADL) or two instrumental ADLs. Participants were classified as current or former drivers. MEASUREMENTS: Demographic characteristics, medical diagnoses, medication use, modified PPT score, and psychometric tests. RESULTS: The majority (85%) of the participants were drivers. Former drivers were more likely to be older, be female, reside in congregate independent living for the elderly, have a higher incidence of arthritis and congestive heart failure, take sedating medications, have lower total ADL scores, have lower VO2 peak scores, and have more impairment on tests of cognition and physical strength, although only age, type of residence, and grip strength were independent predictors of driving cessation in the regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Despite the presence of physical frailty, many older adults choose to continue to drive. Further studies are needed to better understand the driving behaviors of frail older adults and explore opportunities for optimizing driving abilities. Language: en
Straight is the Gate: Capital Clemency in the United States from Gregg to Atkins

This Article will examine executive clemency decisions in capital cases, from 1977, the year of the first execution after the Supreme Court sanctioned the resumption of executions in Gregg v. Georgia, until June of 2002, when Atkins v. Virginia was decided. The power of the executive to grant clemency to a capital defendant can be viewed as a gateway -- one last chance to be spared capital punishment. The gateway to clemency has been exceedingly narrow in this quarter century era of capital punishment. Perhaps surprisingly, it has been very narrow indeed for the three classes of capital prisoners who are the focus of this Beyond Atkins Symposium, and who might be expected to be particularly suitable candidates for clemency, i.e., juveniles, the mentally retarded, and the mentally ill. Clemency decisions are of course fraught for those at the threshold of execution, but they are also fraught for governors and Presidents charged with deciding clemency. This Article will also explore the narrow path the decision makers walk as they confront the moral and political risks the clemency power entails.
Electron microscopic observations on monoamine-containing brain stem neurons in normal drug-treated rats.

Brain stem nuclei whose neurons contain monoamines have been surveyed by Dahlstrom and Fuxe ('64), using a fluorescence histochemical method. There was a diffuse fluorescence of the perikarya in these regions, with increases in catechol amine and 5-hydroxytryptamine fluorescence after administration of dihydroxyphenylanine and pargyline, respectively. The perikarya of the locus coeruleus, nucleus dorsalis raphes and the region lateral to the nucleus interpeduncularis where numerous monoamine-containing neurons are located, have been examined by electronmicroscopy and found not to be distinctive, except for small numbers of granular vesicles scattered in the cytoplasm. When three normal rats were compared with three given pargyline, no significant increase in the number of granular vesicles occurred in the nucleus dorsalis raphes. Thus the small number of granular vesicles does not seem to correlate with the diffuse fluorescence of these perikarya, nor does the small change in the number of granular vesicles seem to correlate with the profound increase in fluorescence after pargyline administration. It is therefore concluded that the monoamine contained in these perikarya is not located exclusively, if at all, in vesicles either of the granular or nongranular type.
The Relationship of Age on Ability of Hens to Maintain Egg Shell Calcification When Stressed with Inadequate Dietary Calcium

Abstract Two experiments were conducted comparing the ability of young and old hens to maintain egg shell calcification when stressed with inadequate dietary calcium. In Experiment 1, 90 young hens and 90 old hens were divided into three equal groups and fed a diet containing 3.00%, 1.75%, or 1.00% calcium. Egg weight, specific gravity, and shell weight were determined on all eggs laid during the 4-day experiment. Feed consumption and serum calcium were determined by treatment. Experiment 2 was conducted similar to Experiment 1, except eggs were collected for 5 days. Samples of feces and bone were obtained on the fifth day and analyzed for minerals. The results of both experiments demonstrated that the old hens were able to maintain egg specific gravity, egg shell weight, egg weight, egg production, and serum calcium as well or better than young hens when both were stressed for short periods with diets that contained inadequate dietary calcium. Feed consumption was not significantly reduced by dietary calcium deficiency during this brief experimental period. Percent calcium, sodium, magnesium, and manganese in the feces were significantly reduced in hens (young and old) when fed diets containing 1.75 or 1.00% calcium. Tibia weight and ash were significantly reduced in young and old hens by decreasing the dietary calcium. It was concluded that the decline in shell quality with hen age is not due to a decline in the hen’s ability to absorb calcium or utilize skeletal calcium.
Gemfibrozil predictably lowers triglycerides but does not significantly change plasminogen activator inhibitor activity in hypertriglyceridemic patients with a history of thrombosis

Abstract Impaired fibrinolysis due to high plasminogen activator inhibitor levels is present in patients with a variety of thrombotic diseases. Plasminogen activator inhibitor levels correlate with triglyceride levels and are elevated in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Treatment of asymptomatic hypertriglyceridemic patients with diet or medication results in improvement of fibrinolytic parameters. To determine if similar improvements in fibrinolysis occur during treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in patients with a history of venous thrombosis and impaired fibrinolysis due to high plasminogen activator inhibitor levels, 5 patients were given gemfibrozil. Triglyceride levels and fibrinolytic response to venous occlusion were determined before and after 30 days of treatment. Gemfibrozil therapy resulted in a predictable decrease in triglyceride levels in all patients, a reduction that was statistically significant (p=0.04). There was no significant change in fibrinolytic variables during gemfibrozil therapy. Independent factors appear to control the plasminogen activator inhibitor and triglyceride levels in patients with a history of venous thrombosis.
Assignment of the gene locus for human α-l-fucosidase to chromosome 1 by analysis of somatic cell hybrids

The α-l-fucosidases (EC 3.2.1.51) from human and mouse cells could be separated by isoelectric focusing of neuraminidase-treated cell extracts in acrylamide slab gels. Fourteen hybrid clones derived from the fusion of mouse and human cultured fibroblasts and 37 hybrid clones derived from the fusion of human long-term lymphoid lines with mouse RAG cells were tested for expression of human α-l-fucosidase. A strong correlation between the expression of the human enzyme and the presence or absence of human chromosome 1 was found. The presence of human α-l-fucosidase in clones scored as positive by isoelectric focusing was confirmed by Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion against IgG from rabbits immunized with purified human α-l-fucosidase. It is concluded that the structural gene locus for human α-l-fucosidase is located on chromosome 1.
Medium Propagation Effects in High-Order Harmonic Generation of Ar

High-order harmonic generation (HHG) is an extreme nonlinear optical process in which an intense ultrafast infrared laser light is efficiently converted to an ultrafast coherent extreme ultraviolet (XUV) or soft X-ray light. As discussed in Chap. 1, HHG has been widely studied for its potential as a short-wavelength light source [1], or the production of ultrashort light pulses [2]. It has also been shown to extract the information of atomic structure [3] or to image the molecular structure with sub-Angstrom precision in space and sub-femtosecond precision in time [4–7]. HHG process in single-atom response level can be intuitively understood in terms of the semiclassical “three-step” model [8, 9]. However, the laser field interacts with a macroscopic medium, and high harmonics from all atoms are generated coherently, a full description of experimentally observed harmonic spectra requires the treatment of the nonlinear propagation of fundamental laser beam together with high harmonics in the medium. As discussed in Chap. 2, the most accurate way to obtain the microscopic single-atom induced dipole is to solve the time-dependent Schrodinger equation (TDSE) numerically. Since this approach is quite time consuming and the calculations have to be carried out for hundreds of laser peak intensities in order to describe the nonuniform laser distribution inside a focused laser beam, this is rarely done in existing studies including the macroscopic propagation effect of HHG [10]. Instead, much simpler strong-field approximation (SFA) [11] is often used to calculate the single-atom induced dipole. Despite this limitation, the temporal and spatial properties of HHG observed experimentally have been reasonably understood from such SFA-based calculations. On the other hand, in a few examples, macroscopic HHG spectra obtained using TDSE-calculated induced dipoles do show significant quantitative discrepancies compared to SFA-based calculations [12, 13], and such studies have been limited to a few atomic gases only.
Peer Leadership of Small Research Teams in Two Introductory Psychology Classes

Elected peer leaders are high achievers and producers of group cohesion, but they show some unexpected personality traits.
Removing Mixture Noise from Medical Images Using Block Matching Filtering and Low-Rank Matrix Completion

Denoising as one of the most significant tools in medical imaging was studied widely in the literature. However, most existing medical image denoising algorithms have assumed the additive white Gaussian noise. In this work, we propose an efficient medical image denoising method that can handle a noise mixture of various types. Our method is based on block matching filtering and low-rank matrix completion as follows. A noisy slice is processed in blockwise manner and for each processed block we find similar blocks in other slices. The similar blocks then will stack together and unreliable pixels will remove using fast matrix completion method [1]. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm in removing the mixed noise through the results. Our results also proved the effectiveness of our algorithm in removing noise from regular structures. We also compare with other denoising technique using matrix completion. Our method results in comparable performance with significantly lower computation complexity.
Effect of braze processing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of SCS-6/beta21S titanium matrix composites

An investigation is conducted of the effects of braze processing on the microstructure and tensile properties of SiC fiber-reinforced Ti-15Mo-2.7Nb-3Al-0.25Si-matrix composite (TMC) laminates; the brazing alloy was the commercial Ti-15Cu-15Ni, in both its conventional and metglass forms. Tensile tests conducted at room temperature, 1200 F, and 1500 F showed that the braze processes (1) had little effect on tensile properties, and (2) appeared to degrade neither the reinforcing fibers not the fiber/matrix interfacial bondline.
SPEEDIE: a profile simulator for etching and deposition

SPEEDIE is a new physically based profile simulator for dry etching and LPCVD. It calculates angular and energy distributions of ions and fast neutrals using a Monte Carlo (MC) simulator for ion sheath transport. Fluxes at each point on the profile can be calculated using either MC or analytical methods which consider 3-D transport by molecular flow surface diffusion and adsorption/re-emission. Etch rates are determined using a choice of etch models while LPCVD uses a sticking coefficient model. A modified string algorithm which allows simultaneous etching and deposition is used to move the surface. Examples which match experiments are given for sloped oxide etching and oxide filling of trenches and vias.
Some queuing problems in machine maintenanc

This paper discusses some queuing problems that arise in the context of the maintenance of a group of machines, each of which is operated intermittently and all of which are subject to several kinds of malfunctions. A general formulation of this problem is made and the general method of solution indicated. A class of solutions in form suitable for direct computations is given. As a special case, a solution is given to the case of mj repairmen of type j, j = 1, …, k for a group of fully utilized machined.
The people/promise tracker: preliminary description

Abstract : True automation in the office comes when the initiation of activities is aided by the system rather than the system merely serving as a passive tool to assist when the person asks. In this vein, it has been built upon the SCOOP and SEED database systems an office automation system which keeps track of the promises made to people, and vice versa.
Universality classes of second-order dynamical phase transitions

The long-time asymptotic properties of numerous dynamical lattice models are described by rich phase diagrams. A suggestive pattern is observed about the universality class of second-order phase transitions in such systems: if the transition occurs from (or into) a single absorbing state (where the order parameter is then zero) then it belongs to the same universality class as directed percolation and Reggeon field theory (RFT). This has been conjectured to be always true for one-component systems by Grassberger and also by Janssen. Grinstein, Lai, and Browne have argued for a possible generalization of this rule to multicomponent systems. I present an example of a one-component lattice model where the second-order transition about a single absorbing state is not in the RFT universality class, thus violating even the weaker conjecture of Grassberger and Janssen.
Agenesis of tibia with bifid femur, congenital heart disease, and cleft lip with cleft palate or tracheoesophageal fistula: Possible variants of Gollop-Wolfgang complex

Two patients with bifurcation of one femur, ipsilateral absence of tibia and one partially formed tibia, or bilateral absent tibiae, club feet with normal or nearly normal digits, congenital heart disease and, in one case, tracheoesophageal fistula; in the second, cleft lip and cleft palate and enlarged head with increased fluid and lissencephaly, are described. These appear to be unique combinations of defects but overlap with the Gollop-Wolfgang complex is present, particularly with the case of possible Gollop-Wolfgang described by Raas-Rothschild et al.
Paleobiology and systematics of canids and hominids

The paleobiology and systematics of Canis lupus (wolf) and Canis latrans (coyote) are reviewed to develop a model for interpreting the paleobiology and systematics of early hominids of the genus Australopithecus. The following points are made. (1) The genus Canis is the animal population that provides the best ecological-behavioral model for early hominids; hence, variation in Cdnis can be used to interpret variation in early hominids. (2) Coyotes and wolves are considered good biological species; given the right conditions, however, they form viable hybrid populations. Implications for the concept of the species are discussed. (3) It is hypothesized that, similarly, A. robustus and A. africanus represent good biological species. Though they normally avoided each other, under certain unusual circumstances they also probably hybridized. By avoiding competition with each other and by maintaining relatively narrow niches, they were able to coexist and evolve separately, for the most part. (4) The earliest hominid species, like coyotes and wolves, represent slightly different variations on the same behavioral-ecological pattern and should be included within the same genus.
Stability Analysis of Finite-Difference Approximations of Elastic Wave Equations

In this article we develop new and very general techniques for the analysis of the stability properties of finite-difference approximations of elastic wave equations, as used in solids and liquids. It is shown that if certain common conditions are satisfied, then the time dependence of every permitted grid mode in any of these formulations can be related to a single time-independent eigenvalue. It is further shown that only a few (generally two or three) modes are relevant to stability and that for these modes the values of the time-independent eigenvalue can be determined by simple numerical experiments. These results permit a simple and thorough analysis of stability to be undertaken, both as a preliminary to making measurements using a particular formulation and as a means of comparing different formulations. The analysis is validated, and its application is demonstrated using two examples, taken from a new twin-grid formulation for the solid–liquid interface and from the Composed Approximation for a solid free surface.
Examining Bacterial Cell Interactions using Atomic Force Microscopy

Given the prevalence of bacterial biofilms in both native and engineered environments, our understanding of their interactions with both other bacteria and abiotic surfaces is quite limited. In this research we use an AFM to analyze the interactions of bacteria such as E. coli and a saprophytic, biofilm forming variant of B. bacteriovorus with other bacteria and chemically characterized surfaces. Tipless AFM cantilevers were left unmodified (Si3N4), or coated with a monolayer of E. coli. These cantilevers were then used to collect force curves on biofilms of B. bacteriovorus and E.coli as well as chemically characterized surfaces such as mica, silicon, and poly-L-lysine-coated glass. The greater the cantilever's contact time with the surface, the more force and energy was required to retract from the surface. E. coli-coated cantilevers had more adhesion to B. bacteriovorus biofilms than to E. coli biofilms, but even E. coli - B. bacteriovorus interaction paled in comparison to adhesion between E. coli biofilms and abiotic surfaces. Further results probing biofilms with cantilevers that have been chemically modified with acid or amine groups will be presented.
Empirical Evidence Relating Aircraft Age and Operating and Support Cost Growth

Abstract Since the mid-1990's, senior Air Force leaders have pointed to an aging fleet for justification to procure new aircraft. They believe rising Operating and Support (O&S) costs are inhibiting new investments and leading the Air Force into a ‘death spiral’ (Tirpak 2006). Using 11 years of data from the Air Force Total Ownership Cost (AFTOC) database, this study investigates the relationship between aircraft age and ownership Cost Per Flying Hour (CPFH) cost growth from seventy four different airframes in the Air Force's inventory. The analysis reveals that cost growth follows a ‘bathtub’ curve where the burn-in, steady-state, and end-life display cost growth rates of 6.6%, 3.1%, and 6.9% respectively. Furthermore, the variability associated with this increase follows the same functional form as the cost growth. This research suggests that very young and very old aircraft exhibit significantly higher levels of cost growth and variability, but the magnitude of the cost growth and variability for old a...
European Research Momentum

L ast year, a Science Editorial (29 August 2003) surveyed recent developments in European science and research policy. It highlighted the call for a restructuring that would double support for science, with a renewed focus on basic research, better priority-setting, regional centers of excellence,
Optimized image sampling for view and light interpolation

Accurate virtual reconstruction of real world objects has long been a desired goal of image-based computer graphics. Usually this involves a lengthy capture process where an object is photographed from different viewpoints and illumination conditions. Using this collection of input images, we can now re-render the object from any viewing angle or lighting condition. However, acquiring a dense sampling of both the lighting and view space is time consuming. We carry out an analysis on this combined lighting and view space to find the optimal sampling given a restricted image budget. We also analyze the order of interpolation and find that improved results are obtained by interpolating first in viewpoint and second in lighting, the reverse of the usual order.
Optimal Adapter Creation for Process Composition in Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Communication

A key issue in process-aware e-commerce collaboration is to orchestrate business processes of multiple business partners throughout a supply chain network in an automated and seamless way. Since each partner has its own internal processes with different control flow structures and message interfaces, the real challenge lies in verifying the correctness of process collaboration, and reconciling conflicts in an automated manner to make collaboration successful. The purpose of business process adaptation is to mediate the communication between independent processes to overcome their mismatches and incompatibilities. The goal of this article is to develop and compare efficient approaches of optimal adapter (i.e. one that minimizes the number of messages to be adapted) creation for multiple interacting processes under both synchronous and asynchronous communication. We start with an analysis of interactions of each message pair, and show how to identify incompatible cases and their adaptation elements for both types of communication. Then, we show how to extend this analysis into more general cases involving M messages and N processes (M, N > 2). Further, we present optimal adapter creation algorithms for both scenarios based on our analysis technique. The algorithms were implemented in a Java-based prototype system, and results of two experiments are reported. We compare and discuss the insights gained about adapter creation in these two scenarios.