cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of industrial back supports on physiological demand, lifting style and perceived exertion

Abstract The industrial back support has seen widespread and increasing use in manual material handling activities in recent years. This paper reports the results of a laboratory investigation in which subjects performed manual lifting of 7 and 14 kg loads at frequencies of 3, 6, and 9 lifts/minute. The six lifting task combinations were repeated under both with-support and without-support conditions while a total of 17 physiological, kinematic, and psychophysical variables were recorded. Based upon analysis, several general conclusions were reached: (1) with the exception of blood pressure, industrial back supports did not affect physiological responses, including energy expenditure, during lifting; (2) significant increases in blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) while wearing a back support may present long-term health concerns for some worker populations; (3) lifting style in the sagittal plane was not altered by the support; and (4) subjects did not perceive less effort in lifting with a back support versus without. Overall, these results suggest that the demands of lifting are not reduced with the use of an industrial back support. The lack of rationale for the use of these devices based upon ergonomic criteria should call into question the continued prescription of the devices under the presumption of hazard control.
Early prediction of cerebral palsy after neonatal intensive care using motor development trajectories in infancy

Abstract Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients are at high risk for developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy (CP). Early identification of CP is essential to effective rehabilitation, but diagnosis is often delayed, especially in preterm infants. We hypothesized that through the longitudinal evaluation of motor trajectories in the NICU follow-up clinic, we could distinguish infants who develop CP by 3 years of age. Study design and subjects This was a retrospective study of 606 patients in the NICU Follow-up Clinic at Vanderbilt University with birth weight Outcomes measures Assessments included neurologic exams, the Developmental Assessment of Young Children (DAYC), the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) and the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale. Results A decrease in DAYC scores between 6 and 12 months was present in preterm and term infants later diagnosed with CP, but not in children without CP (− 23 vs. + 1.5, p Conclusion Standardized assessments of motor milestones quantitatively predict the risk of CP in former NICU patients by 12 months, allowing for timely diagnosis, counseling and therapy in high-risk infants.
Efficacy of Deslorelin Acetate (SucroMate) on Induction of Ovulation in American Quarter Horse Mares

Equine clinicians rely on ovulation induction agents to provide a timed ovulation in mares for optimal breeding management. Numerous studies have been performed on the efficacy of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to induce ovulation in the mare, but limited clinical data are available for the new deslorelin acetate product SucroMate. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of SucroMate (deslorelin) in comparison with hCG to induce ovulation. American Quarter horse mares (n = 256) presented to Colorado State University for breeding management were used in this study. Mares received either deslorelin or hCG when a follicle ≥35 mm was detected by transrectal ultrasound in the presence of uterine edema. Ultrasonographic examinations were subsequently performed once daily until ovulation was detected. Deslorelin was administered to 138 mares during168 estrous cycles, and hCG was given to 118 mares during 136 estrous cycles. Mares administered deslorelin had a similar (P < .05) higher ovulation rate (89.9%) within 48 hours following drug administration than mares administered hCG (82.8%). There are no effects of season or age on ovulation rates in either treatment group. Twenty-one mares administered deslorelin and 11 mares administered hCG were monitored by transrectal ultrasound every 6 hours to detect ovulation as part of a frozen semen management program. Average intervals from deslorelin or hCG administration to ovulation were 41.4 ± 9.4 and 44.4 ± 16.5 hours, respectively. Results of this study indicate that SucroMate is effective at inducing a timed ovulation in the mare.
Counseling dropout relative to client attractiveness, disturbance, and expected number of sessions

Abstract Participants were 12 counseling center psychologist and thir 257 college-student clients. Immediately after intake, clients indicated whether or not they would make an additional appointment, their reasons for not making another appointment, and the estimated number of sessions they would attend. Counselors rated clients' attractiveness and disturbance and estimated the number of sessions they would have with each client. Clients who did not make a second appointment were generally satisfied with the help they received in one session. Client estimates were more predictive than counselor estimates of actual number of sessions. Relative to less attractive and disturbed clients, more attractive and disturbed clients made and kept post-intake appointments.
Geochemical evolution of solutions derived from experimental weathering of sulfide-bearing rocks

The chemical composition of natural waters is affected by the weathering of geologic materials at or near the surface of the Earth. Laboratory weathering experiments of whole-rock sulfide rocks from the Shoe-Basin Mine (SBM) and the Pennsylvania Mine (PM) from the Peru Creek Basin, Summit County, Colorado, indicate that the mineral composition of the sulfide rocks, changes in pH, the duration of the experiment, and the formation of sorbents such as Fe and Al oxyhydroxides affect the chemical composition of the resulting solution. Carbonate minerals in the rock from SBM provide buffering capacity to the solution, contribute to increases in the pH and enhance the formation of Fe and Al oxyhydroxides, which sorb cations from solution. The final solution pH obtained in the experiments was similar to those measured in the field (i.e., 2.8 for PM and 5.0 for SBM). At PM, acidic, metal-rich mine effluent is discharged into Peru Creek where it mixes with stream water. As a result, the pH of the effluent increases causing Fe and Al oxyhydroxide and schwertmannite to precipitate. The resulting solids sorb metal cations from the water thereby improving the quality of the water in Peru Creek.
IMS-MS and IMS-IMS Investigation of the Structure and Stability of Dimethylamine-Sulfuric Acid Nanoclusters

Recent studies of new particle formation events in the atmosphere suggest that nanoclusters (i.e, the species formed during the early stages of particle growth which are composed of 101–103 molecules) may consist of amines and sulfuric acid. The physicochemical properties of sub-10 nm amine-sulfuric acid clusters are hence of interest. In this work, we measure the density, thermostability, and extent of water uptake of <8.5 nm effective diameter dimethylamine-sulfuric (DMAS) nanoclusters in the gas phase, produced via positive electrospray ionization. Specifically, we employ three systems to investigate DMAS properties: ion mobility spectrometry (IMS, with a parallel-plate differential mobility analyzer) is coupled with mass spectrometry to measure masses and collision cross sections for <100 kDa positively charged nanoclusters, two differential mobility analyzers in series (IMS–IMS) are used to examine thermostability, and finally a differential mobility analyzer coupled to an atmospheric pressure drift ...
Cohort differences in the marriage-health relationship for midlife women.

Abstract The present study aimed to identify potential cohort differences in midlife women's self-reported functional limitations and chronic diseases. Additionally, we examined the relationship between marital status and health, comparing the health of divorced, widowed, and never married women with married women, and how this relationship differs by cohort. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we examined potential differences in the level of functional limitations and six chronic diseases in two age-matched cohorts of midlife women in the United States: Pre-Baby Boomers, born 1933–1942, N = 4574; and Early Baby Boomers, born 1947–1956, N = 2098. Linear and logistic regressions tested the marital status/health relationship, as well as cohort differences in this relationship, controlling for age, education, race, number of marriages, length of time in marital status, physical activity, and smoking status. We found that Early Baby Boom women had fewer functional limitations but higher risk of chronic disease diagnosis compared to Pre-Baby Boom women. In both cohorts, marriage was associated with lower disease risk and fewer functional limitations; however, never-married Early Baby Boom women had more functional limitations, as well as greater likelihood of lung disease than their Pre-Baby Boom counterparts (OR = 0.28). Results are discussed in terms of the stress model of marriage, and the association between historical context and cohort health (e.g., the influence of economic hardship vs. economic prosperity). Additionally, we discuss cohort differences in selection into marital status, particularly as they pertain to never-married women, and the relative impact of marital dissolution on physical health for the two cohorts of women.
Phosphate and calcium are required for TGFβ‐mediated stimulation of ANK expression and function during chondrogenesis

The expression of ANK, a key player in biomineralization, is stimulated by treatment with TGFbeta. The purpose of this study was to determine whether TGFbeta stimulation of ANK expression during chondrogenesis was dependent upon the influx of calcium and phosphate into cells. Treatment of ATDC5 cells with TGFbeta increased ANK expression during all phases of chondrogenic differentiation, particularly at day 14 (proliferation) and day 32 (mineralizing hypertrophy) of culture. Phosphate uptake studies in the presence and absence of phosphonoformic acid (PFA), a competitive inhibitor of the type III Na(+)/Pi channels Pit-1 and Pit-2, indicated that the stimulation of ANK expression by TGFbeta required the influx of phosphate, specifically by the Pit-1 transporter, at all phases of differentiation. At hypertrophy, when alkaline phosphatase is highly expressed, inhibition of its activity with levamisole also abrogated the stimulatory effect of TGFbeta on ANK expression, further illustrating that Pi availability and uptake by the cells is necessary for stimulation of ANK expression in response to TGFbeta. Since previous studies of endochondral ossification in the growth plate have shown that L-type calcium channels are essential for chondrogenesis, we investigated their role in the TGFbeta-stimulated ANK response in ATDC5 cells. Treatment with nifedipine to inhibit calcium influx via the L-type channel Cav1.2 (alpha(1C)) inhibited the TGFbeta stimulated increase in ANK expression at all phases of chondrogenesis. Our findings indicate that TGFbeta stimulation of ANK expression is dependent upon the influx of phosphate and calcium into ATDC5 cells at all stages of differentiation.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia: a cause of ventricular tachycardia in children with apparently normal hearts.

Abstract Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD), a cardiomyopathy with hypokinetic areas limited to the wall of the right ventricle (RV), has been recently described as a cause of recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) in young adults with an otherwise normal heart. We reviewed 26 cases of recurrent VT in children and found 10 patients with no clinically recognizable abnormality aside from the dysrhythmia. Three of these 10 patients had ARVD. These three patients were initially seen at 1, 12, and 14 years of age with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and/or VT. Sustained VT occurred spontaneously or during stress testing. The PVCs and the VT were of left bundle branch block contour, suggesting RV site of origin. The diagnosis of ARVD was based on wall motion abnormalities of the RV demonstrated angiographically. We suggest that ARVD could be a significantly common cause of VT in children with an apparently normal heart.
[3H]8-OH-DPAT labels a 5-HT site coupled to inhibition of phosphoinositide hydrolysis in the dorsal raphe.

Abstract The present study was undertaken to compare the properties of the [3H]8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin) binding site in the dorsal raphe nucleus with the hippocampal 5-HT1A receptor. In both tissues inclusion of 1 mM Mg2+ enhanced specific [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding, while 1 mM GTP decreased radioligand binding. [3H]8-OH-DPAT appears to bind to a single population of binding sites in both the hippocampus and the dorsal raphe nucleus, although the Kd for the radioligand at the dorsal raphe site was five times that observed at the hippocampal 5-HT1A receptor. Similarly, although 5-HT and selective 5-HT1A receptor ligands displayed high affinity for the [3H]8-OH-DPAT binding site in the dorsal raphe nucleus, the affinity at the dorsal raphe site was less than that observed at the hippocampal 5-HT1A receptor. 8-OH-DPAT inhibited forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity in the hippocampus, but did not alter enzyme activity in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Conversely, 8-OH-DPAT inhibited the accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates in the dorsal raphe nucleus, but not in the hippocampus. An inhibition of phosphoinositide hydrolysis in the dorsal raphe nucleus also was found with the putative 5-HT1A receptor selective ligands, flesinoxan and gepirone. However, addition of another putative 5HT1A receptor selective ligand, buspirone, did not alter the generation of [3H]inositol phosphates, but blocked the inhibitory effect of 8-OH-DPAT on phosphoinositide hydrolysis. These studies demonstrate that the 8-OH-DPAT binding site in the dorsal raphe nucleus displays a binding profile which is similar to the hippocampal 5-HT1A receptor, but unlike this 5-HT1A receptor the binding site in the dorsal raphe nucleus is negatively coupled to phosphoinositide turnover.
The Relationship Between Serial Murder and the American Tourism Industry

Abstract Serial murder is a serious national problem, with substantial implications for tourism. In general, serial murder depresses business activity, with one important partial exceptiontourism. The present study analyzes the relationship between serial killing and public travel and tourism associated with such criminal activity. It was found that serial murder is a quantitatively significant criminal conduct, and it is increasing. The general pattern of public response to serial murder includes reduced shopping and tourism behavior, due to fear. However, serial murder also stimulates public interest in visiting serial crime sites, and numerous cases of such travel and tourism have been caused by serial murder, as documented in the present study. Typical serial murder tourism activity includes travel, sightseeing, entertainment, dining, refreshments, lodging, photo-opportunities, and the acquisition of souvenirs. Wound culture theory may explain this type of tourist behavior, which falls within the emer...
Available phosphorus status of an acid soil treated with sewage sludge and farm manure

Anaerobically digested sewage sludge at 11.2, 33.6, and 67.2 metric tons/ha and farm manure at 6.7, 20.2, and 40.4 metric tons/ ha rates were applied annually for two consecutive years to an acid B...
Escape from a Metastable State

Many important processes in science involve the escape of a particle over a barrier. In this review, we report, extend, and interpret various theories of noise-activated escape. We discuss the connection between many-body transition state theory and Kramers' original diffusive Brownian motion approach (both in one-and multidimensional potential fields) and emphasize the physical situation inherent in Kramers' rate for weak friction. A rate theory accounting for memory friction is presented together with a set of criteria which test its validity. The complications and peculiarities of noise-activated escape in driven systems exhibiting multiple, locally stable stationary nonequilibrium states are identified and illustrated. At lower temperatures, quantum tunneling effects begin to play an increasingly important role. Early approaches and more recent developments of the quantum version of Kramers approach are discussed, thereby providing a description for dissipative escape at all temperatures.
10-Gb/s WDM optically-connected memory system using silicon microring modulators

We report on the first silicon photonic modulator-based optically-connected memory system. An FPGA-based processor generates a 4×2.5-Gb/s WDM memory link via an array of silicon microring modulators, achieving error-free (BERs<;10-12) performance using several standard line coding schemes.
Successful Expansion of an Underexpanded Stent by Rotational Atherectomy

The current routine use of intracoronary stents in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has significantly reduced rates of restenosis, compared with balloon angioplasty alone. On the contrary, small post-stenting luminal dimensions due to undilatable, heavily calcified plaques have repeatedly been shown to significantly increase the rates of in-stent restenosis. Rotational atherectomy of lesions is an alternative method to facilitate PCI and prevent underexpansion of stents, when balloon angioplasty fails to successfully dilate a lesion. Stentablation, using rotational atherectomy to expand underexpanded stents deployed in heavily calcified plaques, has also been reported. We report a case via the transradial approach of rotational-atherectomy–facilitated PCI of in-stent restenosis of a severely underexpanded stent due to a heavily calcified plaque. We review the literature and suggest rotational atherectomy may have a role in treating a refractory, severely underexpanded stent caused by a heavily calcified plaque through various proposed mechanisms.
Triiodothyronine stimulation of in vitro growth and maturation of embryonic chick cartilage.

We studied the direct effect of T3 on cartilage growth and maturation in vitro. Pelvic cartilages from 9-day-old chick embryos were incubated in a serum-free organ culture system which supported cartilage growth over a 5-day interval. The addition of T3 (15 nM) to the medium increased cartilage wet weight (100%), dry weight (77%), length (35%), and total soluble protein (67%) over 3 days compared to cartilage incubated in medium alone. The DNA content was only slightly increased (2%) by T3 over this interval. T3 stimulated the same parameters of growth similarly after 5 days of incubation. In addition, T3 increased the incorporation of [14C]leucine into protein (82%) and 35SO4 into proteoglycan (53%). A dose-dependent increase in cartilage wet weight was seen with T3 (0.0015-15 nM) over 3 days of incubation. Cartilage incubated with T3 demonstrated microscopic changes in maturation, with development of large numbers of hypertrophied chondrocytes, and biochemical evidence of maturation, with increased alka...
Determining optimum harvest time for guayule latex and biomass

Abstract Guayule ( Parthenium argentatum Gray) is a perennial shrub native to the Chihuahuan Desert of Northern Mexico and the Big Bend area of southwest Texas. One of the most valuable products from guayule is its hypoallergenic latex. However, little research has been done on the optimum harvest time for latex concentration and yield. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum harvest time during the growth cycle for latex content, plant biomass, and latex yield of guayule. Treatments consisted of three guayule lines (11591, AZ3, and G7-11TC) harvested every other month for 2 years. Plants were transplanted on 4 April 1995 at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center, Maricopa, Arizona. Harvesting began in March 1998 and continued every other month through January 2000. Samples were analyzed for latex concentration and total biomass. Latex yields were calculated as the product of the latex concentration times the dry plant biomass. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Results varied among lines and harvest dates. There appears to be enough differences among lines that planting lines selected for different optimum harvest dates would allow growers to spread the optimum harvest time throughout most of the year. This would also benefit processors by allowing them to reduce their production costs by spreading the harvest over several months instead of only a few months. More research must be done to determine whether specific environmental factors can be associated with the optimum harvest time and line specific harvesting guides such as growing degree days or other methods for determining optimum harvest date can be utilized in guayule.
Atmospheric stability class determinations on a 481-meter tower in Oklahoma

Abstract Data from seven heights on a 481-m tower in Oklahoma are analyzed to show the variation of stability with height and time. Wind direction fluctuations at the various heights are analyzed to determine the stability class associated with horizontal dispersion and the temperature difference between pairs of heights are analyzed to determine the class associated with vertical dispersion. The Oklahoma results are compared to previously reported results obtained on a 367-m tower in South Carolina. The results from the two widely separated sites corroborate one another. The two classifying techniques at both sites show that there is a marked increase in stability a little above 100m. This result indicates that dispersion estimates for effluents from stacks taller than 100 m could readily be in error when based on observations below 100 m; the observations at the lower heights would indicate more rapid dispersion than would be indicated at effluent height.
SU‐E‐T‐251: Prototype QA Device for HDR Source Position Simulator

Purpose: Design and build prototype device to perform baseline and ongoing, monthly, tests of resistance‐tolerant, smooth, dummy HDR source, position‐measurements under controlled conditions. Methods: Seven helical loops of Nucletron‐compatible catheter were wound onto the surface of a 10″ long, polyethylene tube which was 1.875″ diameter. A Nucletron HDR transfer tube could be connected between a Source Position Simulator and the entrance, 1st top helical loop end (Figure 1). Results: The 2010 SPS was attached via the transfer tube to the SPS QA prototype. The SPS wire was advanced smoothly from the start position (1030mm) to the maximum extension at 1469mm (using the advance yellow edge of the SPS marker). There was minimal cumulative resistance braking of the wire source thru the last 50mm before that max point at 1469mm. Next, the older, heavily‐used, 2004 SPS was attached via the transfer tube to the SPS QA prototype device. This SPS wire would not advance to the limit smoothly. Actually it met some modest resistance at around 1152mm (identical to the conditions of the Medical Event). The SPS wire was more firmly pushed through that zone of resistance and advanced, with increasing resistance to about 1262mm before the decision was made not to push more firmly. Conclusion: It is possible, using cumulative resistance at increased path lengths in the helical catheter, to objectively measure a distance‐to‐stop. Any motion that is not pushably‐smooth and meets any resistance short of the max finish at 1469mm indicates the beginning of damage. That signal should suffice to warn that ‘it is time’ to refurbish or replace the SPS. Results show a proper range of cumulative resistance‐induced retardation of the pushing motion of the wire thru the full motion range in QA simulation. The clinical condition of use of an SPS is accurately emulated in this device.
Effects of Benzalkonium Salts on G-protein-Mediated Processes and Surface Membranes: Relevance to Microbial- and Chemical-Induced Diseases

AbstractBenzalkonium salts comprise a group of positively charged surface-active alkylamine biocides with the general formula alkyldi-methylbenzylammonium chloride or bromide. They interact with guanine nucleotide triphosphate-binding proteins (G proteins), thereby affecting signal transduction in a variety of cell types and processes. The present report reviews the known and potential basic science research and clinical applications and manifestations of benzalkonium salts. Benzalkonium salts have antiproliferative effects on a variety of cells (including T cells) through G-protein-dependent pathways, affect cytokine gene expression (downregulate tumor necrosis factor expression), and are also effective bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal agents with multisite (direct and immunologically-mediated) inhibitory activity against many pathogens, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), papillomavirus, and herpesviruses. Therefore, benzalkonium salts not only appear to be effective as disinfectant...
Global imbalances and exchange rate adjustment

Abstract An eventual adjustment of the outsized US current account deficit is likely to have significant impact on global exchange rates unless it occurs only over a very long period. Policy responses aimed at reducing the risk of a recession are warranted, but they will not necessarily avoid the exchange rate adjustment.
Religion, Advocacy Coalitions, and the Politics of U.S. Public Schooling:

Employing the Advocacy Coalition Framework to ground the analysis, this article begins with an historical overview of the US Protestant Right and its involvement with the politics of public schooling. It then moves to a discussion of a few current legal and policy issues (intelligent design, evolution, the Kansas state board of education, school prayer, and prayers offered at commencement), and how Protestant Right groups, at the local, state, and national levels, have played key roles in shaping the debates, and in some cases, the litigation. The article then turns to a brief discussion of the role of Protestant Right in the confirmation process of Supreme Court nominees John Roberts, Harriet Miers, and Samuel Alito. This article concludes with a discussion of the Protestant Right, the changing religious demography of the US, advocacy coalitions and where the politics of religion and public schooling may be moving.
Matters of accuracy and conventionality: prior accuracy guides children's evaluations of others' actions.

Studies show that children trust previously reliable sources over previously unreliable ones (e.g., Koenig, Clement, & Harris, 2004). However, it is unclear from these studies whether children rely on accuracy or conventionality to determine the reliability and, ultimately, the trustworthiness of a particular source. In the current study, 3- and 4-year-olds were asked to endorse and imitate one of two actors performing an unfamiliar action, one actor who was unconventional but successful and one who was conventional but unsuccessful. These data demonstrated that children preferred endorsing and imitating the unconventional but successful actor. Results suggest that when the accuracy and conventionality of a source are put into conflict, children may give priority to accuracy over conventionality when estimating the source's reliability and, ultimately, when deciding who to trust.
Effects of gestational plane of nutrition and selenium supplementation on mammary development and colostrum quality in pregnant ewe lambs.

To examine effects of nutritional plane and Se supplementation on colostrum quality and mammary development, individually fed, pregnant Rambouillet ewe lambs were allotted randomly to 1 of 6 treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. Main ef- fects included dietary Se level, which began at breeding (d = 0) (adequate Se (9.5 µg/kg of BW) vs. high Se (81.8 µg/kg of BW)), and plane of nutrition, which began at d 50 of gestation (60% (RES), 100% (CON), and 140% (HIGH) of requirements). Upon parturition, lambs were immediately separated from dams and weighed. Three hours after lambing, colostrum yield was determined, and samples were obtained for components and immu- noglobulin G (IgG) analysis. Ewes were slaughtered within 24 h of parturition, and mammary tissues were collected for determination of alveolar secretory epithe- lial cell proliferation index and luminal area. Gestation length was reduced (P < 0.01) in HIGH ewes compared with RES and CON ewes. Although birth weights were reduced (P < 0.01) in RES and HIGH compared with CON ewes, there was little effect of diet on placental size. Mammary gland weight was reduced (P ≤ 0.05) in RES compared with CON and HIGH, which were simi- lar. However, when expressed as grams per kilogram of BW, mammary gland weight in HIGH ewes was less (P = 0.03) compared with RES and CON. Colostrum weight and volume were reduced (P < 0.01) in RES and HIGH ewes compared with CON. Although colostrum IgG concentration was greater in RES ewes compared with CON and HIGH, total IgG was lower (P ≤ 0.06) in RES and HIGH compared with CON ewes. The per- centage of alveolar cells proliferating was increased (P < 0.04) in HIGH compared with RES ewes, with CON being intermediate. Percentage of alveoli luminal area per unit tissue area was increased (P = 0.04) in RES compared with HIGH and CON ewes, which did not differ. Selenium had no effect (P ≥ 0.15) on mammary gland weight, colostrum quantity, or IgG concentration in pregnant ewe lambs. Improper nutrition from mid to late pregnancy in ewe lambs altered colostrum qual- ity and quantity and reduced offspring birth weight, which may have negative implications for lamb health and survival during the early postnatal period.
A manually retargeted automatic descent and landing system for LM.

Manual steering problem and function of lunar module /LM/ manual hybrid guidance system, with automatic guidance system produced trajectory
Procedural paternalism in competency determination.

In recent years, the competency of patients to refuse life-sustaining treatment has been widely discussed. Generally, competence has been recognized to be a legal concept, holding that the patient is presumed competent unless a court declares the person incompetent and designates a guardian. It has been noted, however, that clinical medical practice often diverges markedly from this standard. Some authors have suggested that in many cases the implicit medical presumption may be that many persons, particularly the aged, are presumed incompetent to refuse treatment until they demonstrate to their physician's satisfaction that they are competent. This gap between legal theory and medical practice presents numerous difficulties to both legal and medical professionals seeking to accommodate the competing values of patient self-determination and best interests. This paper will present and discuss a case exemplifying a particular problem that can arise in the competency evaluation process.
Performance satisfaction as a function of the difference between expected and reported performance at five levels of reported performance.

Abstract It was hypothesized that the satisfaction associated with performance is affected less by the comparison of reported performance to expected performance when high or low performance is reported than when average performance is reported. The hypothesis was supported. The results were discussed in relation to the internal and external standards described as part of a subject's frame of reference by the Traditional Model of job satisfaction ( Smith, Kendall, & Hulin, 1969 ).
Intradermal Inoculation With Heptavax-B: Immune Response and Histologic Evaluation of Injection Sites

The high cost of hepatitis B vaccine has limited its widespread use. Low-dose, intradermal injections of vaccine represent one option for reducing the cost. In this study, 92 nonimmune medical students were given three 0.1-mL intradermal injections of Heptavax-B containing 2 micrograms of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at 0, 1, and 6 months. By 6 months, 90% of the subjects had developed protective levels of antibody to HBsAg (greater than or equal to 10 mIU/mL). Follow-up at 1 year showed a geometric mean concentration of antibodies to HBsAg of 396 mIU/mL for the group, and 95% had levels of antibody to HBsAg greater than or equal to 10 mIU/mL. A level of antibody to HBsAg of greater than 100 mIU/mL also was observed in more than 75% of subjects. Side effects included induration of the inoculation site in 18% at 6 months, which disappeared by 12 months, and macules that persisted at 1 year in 63%. The administration of hepatitis B vaccine intradermally is an attractive, low-cost alternative in the United States, where universal vaccination of preschool children or adolescents is being contemplated, and where booster doses are being considered.
Directed supramolecular assembly of infinite 1-D M(II)-containing chains (M = Cu, Co, Ni) using structurally bifunctional ligands.

The directed assembly of six different M(II) complexes (M = Cu, Co, and Ni) into infinite chains has been achieved by combining anionic chelating ligands (for controlling the coordination geometry) with bifunctional ligands containing a metal-coordinating pyridyl moiety and a self-complementary hydrogen-bonding moiety. Six crystal structures are presented, and in each case, the chelating acac ligand occupies the four equatorial coordination sites leaving room for the bifunctional ligand to coordinate in the axial positions. The supramolecular chemistry, which organizes the coordination complexes into the desired infinite 1-D chains, is driven by a combination of N−H···N and N−H···O hydrogen bonds.
Frequent associations between CTL and T-Helper epitopes in HIV-1 genomes and implications for multi-epitope vaccine designs

Epitope vaccines have been suggested as a strategy to counteract viral escape and development of drug resistance. Multiple studies have shown that Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte (CTL) and T-Helper (Th) epitopes can generate strong immune responses in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1). However, not much is known about the relationship among different types of HIV epitopes, particularly those epitopes that can be considered potential candidates for inclusion in the multi-epitope vaccines. In this study we used association rule mining to examine relationship between different types of epitopes (CTL, Th and antibody epitopes) from nine protein-coding HIV-1 genes to identify strong associations as potent multi-epitope vaccine candidates. Our results revealed 137 association rules that were consistently present in the majority of reference and non-reference HIV-1 genomes and included epitopes of two different types (CTL and Th) from three different genes (Gag, Pol and Nef). These rules involved 14 non-overlapping epitope regions that frequently co-occurred despite high mutation and recombination rates, including in genomes of circulating recombinant forms. These epitope regions were also highly conserved at both the amino acid and nucleotide levels indicating strong purifying selection driven by functional and/or structural constraints and hence, the diminished likelihood of successful escape mutations. Our results provide a comprehensive systematic survey of CTL, Th and Ab epitopes that are both highly conserved and co-occur together among all subtypes of HIV-1, including circulating recombinant forms. Several co-occurring epitope combinations were identified as potent candidates for inclusion in multi-epitope vaccines, including epitopes that are immuno-responsive to different arms of the host immune machinery and can enable stronger and more efficient immune responses, similar to responses achieved with adjuvant therapies. Signature of strong purifying selection acting at the nucleotide level of the associated epitopes indicates that these regions are functionally critical, although the exact reasons behind such sequence conservation remain to be elucidated.
Distribution sensitivity in a highway flow model

We examine a model of traffic flow on a highway segment, where traffic can be impaired by random incidents (usually, collisions). Using analytical and numerical methods, we show the degree of sensitivity that the model exhibits to the distributions of service times (in the queueing model) and incident clearance times. Its sensitivity to the distribution of time until an incident is much less pronounced. Our analytical methods include an M-Gt-∞ analysis (Gt denotes a service process whose distribution changes with time) and a fluid approximation for an M-M-c queue with general distributions for the incident clearance times. Our numerical methods include M-PH2-c-K models with many servers and with phase-type distributions for the time until an incident occurs or is cleared. We also investigate different time scalings for the rate of incident occurrence and clearance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain Mapping Biomarkers of Socio-Emotional Processing in Schizophrenia

The Cognitive Neuroscience Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (CNTRICS) initiative has formed with the expressed intent of identifying constructs and paradigms that would identify biomarkers of psychosis. The manipulation of these biomarkers would serve as targets for treatment interventions. The second phase of CNTRICS consisted of critical discussions evaluating brain mapping (functional neuroimaging and brain electrical activity) paradigms as biomarkers to measure specific constructs. Among the constructs identified in, CNTRICS I was socio-emotional processing, specifically focused on affect recognition. Here, we provide a critical appraisal of the ability of candidate socio-emotional tasks to identify putative biomarkers and recommendations for future directions in this rapidly moving research domain.
Two small enzyme isoforms mediate mammalian mitochondrial poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) activity

Abstract Poly(ADP-ribose)glycohydrolase (PARG) is the major enzyme capable of rapidly hydrolyzing poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) formed by the diverse members of the PARP enzyme family. This study presents an alternative splice mechanism by which two novel PARG protein isoforms of 60 kDa and 55 kDa are expressed from the human PARG gene, termed hPARG60 and hPARG55, respectively. Homologous forms were found in the mouse (mPARG63 and mPARG58) supporting the hypothesis that expression of small PARG isoforms is conserved among mammals. A PARG protein of ∼ 60 kDa has been described for decades but with its genetic basis unknown, it was hypothesized to be a product of posttranslational cleavage of larger PARG isoforms. While this is not excluded entirely, isolation and expression of cDNA clones from different sources of RNA indicate that alternative splicing leads to expression of a catalytically active hPARG60 in multiple cell compartments. A second enzyme, hPARG55, that can be expressed through alternative translation initiation from hPARG60 transcripts is strictly targeted to the mitochondria. Functional studies of a mitochondrial targeting signal (MTS) in PARG exon IV suggest that hPARG60 may be capable of shuttling between nucleus and mitochondria, which would be in line with a proposed function of PAR in genotoxic stress-dependent, nuclear–mitochondrial crosstalk.
Monte Carlo Methods for Reliability Evaluation of Linear Sensor Systems

A linear sensor system is defined as a sensor system in which the sensor measurements have a linear relationship to source variables that cannot be directly measured. Evaluation of the reliability of a general linear sensor system is a #P problem whose computational time increases exponentially with the increment of the number of sensors. To overcome the computational complexity, Monte Carlo methods are developed in this paper to approximate the sensor system's reliability. The crude Monte Carlo method is not efficient when the sensor system is highly reliable. A Monte Carlo method that has been improved for network reliability, known as the Recursive Variance Reduction (RVR) method, is further adapted for the reliability problem of linear sensor systems. To apply the RVR method, new methods are proposed to obtain minimal cut sets of the linear sensor system, particularly under the conditions where the states of some sensors are fixed as failed or functional. A case study in a multistage automotive assembly process is conducted to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methods.
End user programming in an industrial research and development group

This paper presents partial results from a case study of a full application of end user programming in an industrial product Research & Development (R&D) organization. Scientists and engineers developing large industrial machines built all application software, with programmers (including the author) in a support role In interviews, the project team and its managers described a sophisticated and complex integration of programming into their work activities, similar to those described in other end user programming environments.
Cellular Distribution of Constitutively Active Mutant Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)/PTH-Related Protein Receptors and Regulation of Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate Signaling by β-Arrestin2

PTH promotes endocytosis of human PTH receptor 1 (PTH1Rc) by activating protein kinase C and recruitingβ -arrestin2. We examined the role of β-arrestin2 in regulating the cellular distribution and cAMP signaling of two constitutively active PTH1Rc mutants, H223R and T410P. Overexpression of aβ -arrestin2-green fluorescent protein (GFP) conjugate in COS-7 cells inhibited constitutive cAMP accumulation by H223R and T410P in a dose-dependent manner, as well as the response to PTH of both mutant and wild-type PTH1Rcs. The cellular distribution of PTH1Rc-GFP conjugates, fluorescent ligands, and βarrestin2-GFP was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy in HEK-293T cells. In cells expressing either receptor mutant, a ligand-independent mobilization ofβ -arrestin2 to the cell membrane was observed. In the absence of ligand, H223R and wild-type PTH1Rcs were mainly localized on the cell membrane, whereas intracellular trafficking of T410P was also observed. While agonists promoted β-arrestin2-mediated endocytosis of b...
Rett syndrome: Studies of 13 affected girls

This is a presentation and discussion of clinical and laboratory data obtained on 13 girls with Rett syndrome, a progressive neurological disorder. The condition is thought to be far more prevalent than earlier reported. Family history in one patient showed presence of abnormal hand movements, increasing spasticity and psychomotor retardation in a paternal great grandaunt who died at 7 years. In the absence of chromosomal or biochemical markers, the characteristic disorder of hand movements can be used to distinguish this entity from other mental retardation, cerebral palsy and autism conditions. This report addresses the uniformity of clinical expression and highlights the differences between autism and Rett syndrome. Precocious puberty and respiratory alkalosis were not found in our patients. Feeding disorders were commonly present, and are often difficult to manage. The importance of diagnosis is emphasized as it influences long term management.
Dimethyl fumarate for treating relapsing multiple sclerosis

Introduction: Outcomes of two large double-blind placebo-controlled studies of oral dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in multiple sclerosis (MS) provided the basis for its marketing approval as Tecfidera® by the US FDA in early 2013 and the European Medicines Agency in February 2014. The safety of DMF is complemented by experience in the use of an oral mixture of fumaric acid esters, including DMF for psoriasis (Fumaderm®; DMF and monoethyl fumarate [DMF-MEF]) licensed in Germany in 1994.Areas covered: This article reviews the pivotal trials leading to the approval of DMF for MS and the pharmacological literature related to the extensive use of oral fumaric acid esters for psoriasis over the last quarter century. Anecdotal reports of serious adverse reactions to DMF-MEF are also reviewed in this report.Expert opinion: DMF is generally safe and well tolerated. Flushing and gastrointestinal side effects are relatively common for the approved DMF dose but are ordinarily mild and self-limited. No increase in malignanci...
Quantification in Correlatives

The chief characteristic which sets apart the correlative construction from more familiar kinds of relativization is the position of the relative clause. Typically, the relative clause in a correlative construction appears at the beginning or the end, as seen in the following examples from Hindi: (1) jo laRkii khaRii hai, vo lambii hai which girl standing is, she tall is (2) vo laRkii lambii hai, jo khaRii hai that girl tall is, who standing is “The girl who is standing is tall.”
Dietary soy and tea combinations for prevention of breast and prostate cancers by targeting metabolic syndrome elements in mice

Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is high and is increasing in parallel with increasing incidences of breast and prostate cancers. The combination of soy with tea was shown to have synergistic effects on preventing breast and prostate tumors, but the effects of soy and tea combinations on metabolic syndrome-related elements have not been investigated. Objective: We aimed to determine the effects of soy and tea components, alone and in combination, on abdominal adipose mass and serum concentrations of adipokines, growth factors, and sex hormones in male and female mice. Design: Male and female FVB/N mice were treated with soy, tea components, or both. Food intake and body weight were monitored weekly. At the end of the experiment, abdominal white adipose tissue was weighed, and serum concentrations of biomarkers were measured. Results: Whole teas, but not the tea polyphenol extracts, significantly reduced abdominal white adipose tissue by 43- 60% in female mice and by 65-70% in male mice. The combination of soy phytochemical concentrate and green tea reduced serum insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations in both male and female mice in a synergistic manner. The soy phytochemical concentrate and tea combinations reduced serum estrogen concentrations in female mice in a synergistic manner. Soy phytochemical concentrate and teas also significantly reduced serum leptin concentrations in both male and female mice and testosterone concentrations in male mice. Conclusion: Further research is warranted to investigate whether soy and tea combinations may prevent breast or prostate cancer in a synergistic manner in part by alleviating metabolic disorders.
Effect of Clinical History on Diagnostic Accuracy in the Cytologic Interpretation of Bronchial Brush Specimens

There has been little study of the effect of clinical history on pathologic diagnostic accuracy. Five pathologists retrospectively examined 97 bronchial brush specimens with and without clinical historic information. Forty-nine patients had a biopsy-proven malignant lesion, and 48 had a benign lesion. Diagnostic accuracy with and without history for each pathologist was determined with likelihood ratios and receiver operating characteristic curves. The overall diagnostic accuracy with and without history was 0.84 and 0.76, respectively. The average negative predictive value of a benign diagnosis decreased from 89.2% (with history) to 74.0% (without history). Overall, the cytopathologists were more reluctant to make a definitive malignant diagnosis without history compared with history. The average positive predictive value of a malignant diagnosis with and without history was almost identical. The absence of history leads to lower diagnostic accuracy in the cytologic interpretation of bronchial brush specimens partly because pathologists underdiagnose malignant lesions.
Distributed file sharing: barbarians at the gates?

Will the MP3 format and Napster's distributed file sharing bankrupt music publishers or help them reach even more consumers? Given technology's relentless pace, a Palm X or Nokia 3G phone may become the ultimate MP3 platform of choice. The author is putting his money on a closed, Web-based system, however. Regardless, with AOL/Time Warner - the world's largest media/Internet/cable/browser/e-mail company - in this race, we should be guaranteed an exciting ride.