cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing procedural skills training in pediatric residency programs.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to assess the opinions of pediatric program directors regarding procedural skills training of pediatric residents. METHODS. We developed a survey based on the Residency Review Committee9s guidelines for procedural training. It included items about the importance of 29 procedures encountered in pediatric training, estimates of residents9 competence in performing them, and the teaching of procedural skills. The survey was sent to members of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors. The primary outcome was the perceived importance for residents to achieve competence in these procedures, rated on a 10-point Likert scale. Secondary outcomes included perception of resident competence to perform procedures and educational methods used by respondents for teaching procedural skills. Associations between demographic characteristics and perceived importance or competence were also assessed. RESULTS. Surveys were sent to 139 programs, and 112 responded. Thirteen procedures were rated 8 or higher by >75% of program directors. Seven skills that were prioritized by the Residency Review Committee did not achieve this level of consensus. Respondents reported that many residents failed to achieve competence by the end of training in 9 of 13 procedures that they rated as very important, including venipuncture, neonatal intubation, and administering injections. Residents who perform the majority of venipunctures and intravenous catheter placements at their institutions were more likely to be judged competent in performing these skills than residents who do not. CONCLUSIONS. The Residency Review Committee9s list of procedures does not necessarily reflect the opinions of pediatric program directors on the most essential skills for trainees. Many residents may not develop competence in several important procedures by the end of residency, most notably vascular access and life-saving skills. A more robust and standardized method is needed for teaching procedural skills and for documenting competence.
2-bromo-3-methyl-2-butenoic acid (2-bromosenecioic acid).

The title compound, C5H7BrO2, crystallized in space group P\overline{1}. Molecules are linked to form normal centrosymmetric hydrogen-bonded dimers with O⋯O 2.625 (4) A. The carboxyl H and O atoms are ordered, but the H atoms of both methyl groups are disordered. The Br and C atoms lie very nearly in a plane which makes a dihedral angle of 30.0 (1)° with the carboxyl group plain.
Activated microglia in human retinitis pigmentosa, late-onset retinal degeneration, and age-related macular degeneration ☆

Many gaps exist in our knowledge of human retinal microglia in health and disease. We address the hypothesis that primary death of rod photoreceptors leads to activation of resident microglia in human retinas with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD), or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Regions of ongoing photoreceptor cell death were studied by immunocytochemistry with microglia- and other retinal cell-specific markers. In normal human retinas, quiescent microglia were small, stellate cells associated with inner retinal blood vessels. In retinas with RP, L-ORD, or AMD, numerous activated microglia were present in the outer nuclear layer in regions of ongoing rod cell death. These microglia were enlarged, amoeboid cells that contained rhodopsin-positive cytoplasmic inclusions. We conclude that activated microglia migrate to the outer nuclear layer and remove rod cell debris. In other central nervous system diseases such as stroke, activated microglia phagocytose debris from the primary injury and also secrete molecules that kill nearby normal neurons. By analogy with these diseases, we suggest that microglia activated by primary rod cell death may kill adjacent photoreceptors. Activated microglia may be a missing link in understanding why initial rod cell death in the human diseases RP, L-ORD, and AMD leads to death of the cones that are critical for high acuity daytime vision.
Mechanical Characterization of Biomaterialsa

Experimental testing and computational modeling are two useful tools for mechanical characterization of biomaterials, providing insight into material stresses and strains and the possibility of mechanical failure and fatigue. Another interesting issue to consider, however, is tissue response to mechanical stress and strain and incorporation of that knowledge into design to create materials that form mechanically effective tissue-material interfaces in vivo. Experimental testing, computational modeling, and tissue response to stress and strain are discussed in the context of enhancing biomaterial design.
Bioethics in a global village

It is no secret that bioethics outside of North America has been growing rapidly in recent years, as is attested to by the number of new bioethics centers, departments, organizations and journals t...
Buckwheat pillow-induced asthma and allergic rhinitis

Background Immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated hypersensitivity is a mechanism suggested to explain adverse reactions to buckwheat. This is the first reported case in the United States of a person who developed asthma and worsening allergic rhinitis after exposure to a buckwheat pillow. Objective To describe a patient who developed asthma and worsening allergic rhinitis after exposure to a buckwheat pillow and to provide evidence that the adverse reaction was IgE-mediated. Methods The patient underwent skin prick and ImmunoCAP testing (Pharmacia Diagnostics, Kalamazoo, MI) to buckwheat as well as skin prick testing to several environmental allergens. Results The patient showed a 4+ skin prick test response to buckwheat. He also showed 4+ positive skin prick responses to multiple trees, grasses, and weeds, Alternaria , Helminthosporium , dog, and histamine control and was 3+ positive to house-dust mites, Penicillium , Aspergillus , cat, and feather mix. His negative control was negative. His ImmunoCAP test for buckwheat-specific IgE was class 4, or strongly positive. He had normal spirometry values. Performance of house-dust mite avoidance measures did not result in improvement of the patient's symptoms. Removal of the patient's two buckwheat pillows resulted in resolution of his asthma and improvement of rhinitis symptoms. Conclusions The positive skin prick and ImmunoCAP test to buckwheat along with the positive clinical response to buckwheat pillow elimination support an IgE-mediated mechanism in explaining our patient's buckwheat pillow-induced asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Microwave spectrum and conformational stability of isopropyl carboxaldehyde

Abstract The microwave spectrum of isopropyl carboxaldehyde has been investigated from 26.5 to 40 GHz. The a-type R-branch transitions have been assigned for both the low energy gauche and high energy trans conformers. For the ground vibrational state of the gauche conformer the rotational constants are A = 7494.39 ± 0.21, B = 4107.45 ± 0.01, and C = 2980.74 ± 0.01 MHz. The ground state rotational constants for the trans conformer are A = 7706.75 ± 0.35, B = 3736.52 ± 0.02, and C = 2815.15 ± 0.01 MHz. From an analysis of the Stark effect the respective dipole moment components were determined for each conformer. From a temperature study of the Raman spectrum of the gas, the value of ΔH has been experimentally determined.
Medical Conditions Differentially Affect the Development of IADL Disability: Implications for Medical Care and Research

Using The Longitudinal Study of Aging, we determined the independent effects of nine self-reported medical conditions on the likelihood of developing specific instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) disabilities at three points in time. We controlled for demographic factors and self-reported health status. The various medical conditions differentially affect each specific IADL disability, and each IADL disability has its own set of predictors which, in general, do not vary over time. The differential effects of thse predictors need to be taken into consideration by researchers, clinicians, and policymakers when studying disability and when implementing and evaluating programs to reduce disability.
Leveraging service-oriented architecture to extend a legacy commerce system

Among the many challenges faced by businesses that maintain legacy software systems is the integration of those systems with external data sources, which are often other software systems developed and maintained by otherwise unrelated entities. Leveraging service oriented-architecture (SOA) provides a method by which the business value of a legacy system can be extended without the expensive alternative of reengineering or of complete replacement of the software. This paper describes a particular implementation that used a SOA approach to enhance and extend the functionality of a mature, complex multi-channel commerce enterprise system. The implementation linked the legacy enterprise system of a multi-channel merchant with that of an international shipping company that provides a service for electronic shipping label requests. The goal was to further automate the process of shipping and tracking of purchased products returned by customers of the merchant.
Acute congestive heart failure: pathophysiological alterations

The goal of a healthy heart is to transfer blood coming to the ventricles from the low pressure venous system into the high pressure arterial system. In acute congestive heart failure (CHF), impaired cardiac function leads to failure to empty venous reservoirs and therefore to reduce delivery of blood into the arterial circulation (Michaelson 1983). Once heart failure occurs it has a high mortality rate. According to the Framingham Heart Study, 50% of patients with New York Heart Association class II or III heart failure died within 5 years. With class IV patients, 50% survived less than 1 year (Cupples 1987). The purpose of this article is first to define acute CHF. Secondly, the pathophysiological alterations that occur as a result of strained and misdirected compensatory mechanisms will be discussed to help critical care nurses to recognise why certain patients are at risk of developing acute CHF.
Grade II astrocytomas are subgrouped by chromosome aberrations

Grade II astrocytoma is defined as a low-grade tumor, yet patients have a wide range of survival and tumors can quickly progress to high-grade astrocytoma/glioblastoma. Previous studies using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) failed to demonstrate frequent copy number aberrations (CNA) in these tumors. This may be related to technical difficulties because infiltrating astrocytic tumors are often intermixed with normal brain tissue. We developed methods to exclude most normal tissue and use small amounts of DNA for CGH by microdissecting small regions of tumor from paraffin sections and amplifying extracted DNA using degenerate oligonucleotide-primed polymerase chain reaction (DOP-PCR). Using this method, we examined 30 grade II astrocytoma cases. We found CNA in 25 cases (83%), with a mean of two CNA per case. The most frequent CNA were gains on 7q (12 cases), 5p (5 cases), 9 (5 cases), and 19p (3 cases), and losses on 19q (7 cases), 1p (6 cases), and Xp (3 cases). Gain on 7q and losses on 1p/19q were mutually exclusive. This is the first report on the genetic characterization of low-grade astrocytomas using CGH from microdissected and formalin-fixed tissue. The comparatively large number of cases in this study allows us to suggest that these tumors are genetically subgrouped.
TARGET LIPID PROFILE AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AMONG MULTIETHNIC POPULATION

Data on target lipid levels and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events is limited, especially from a relatively low risk multiethnic population. We performed post-hoc analyses of the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) study comprising of participants free of clinical CVD at baseline
A stimulator for studies of mechanical nociception based upon a commercially available translation table

We have developed a mechanical stimulator that can be used for studies of sensory physiology, psychophysics and tissue mechanics. The stimulator operates in either displacement or force-servo modes. It surpasses other available stimulators in respect to displacement range, measurement sensitivity and cost, and it can be easily assembled from parts that are commercially available.
Digital archives: Don't let copyright block data mining.

Matthew L. Jockers, Matthew Sag and Jason Schultz explain why humanities scholars have pitched in to the Authors Guild v. Google lawsuit.
Political Systems vs. Management Systems in Collegiate Organizations

The emergence of the information age is necessitating that political systems, which govern collegiate organizations with bureaucracy, be replaced with management systems that employ “third wave” principles to produce a zenith of pedagogical productivity.
Co-expression of hepatitis B virus antigens by a non-defective adenovirus vaccine vector.

Adenovirus type 7 vaccine strain was engineered to express foreign antigens from both the E 3 early promoter in the E 3 region and the major late promoter inserted between the E 4 region and the right inverted terminal repeat. This multiple expression vector was used to express hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg), hepatits B e antigen (HBeAg), and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The gene inserted in the E 3 region was derived from the core gene of the hepatitis B virus genome. When the precore region was present, an immunoreactive group of proteins with molecular weights ranging from 15,000 to 19,000 was secreted into the media. Velocity sedimentation centrifugation of media and lysates from cells infected with recombinants containing the core gene with the precore region resulted in peaks of HBeAg at the top of the gradient where authentic HBeAg should be found. In addition to the core gene in the E 3 region, the surface antigen gene of hepatitis B virus was inserted behind the major late promoter in the E 4 region resulting in an adeno-hepatitis recombinant virus capable of expressing both the core gene and the HBsAg cells. Cells infected with the adeno-hepatitis recombinants could also be stained with peroxidase-conjugates after reacting to antibody against HBcAg. Inoculation of dogs with the recombinant viruses which contained the core gene, with and without the precore sequence, resulted in a significant antibody response to HBcAg/HBeAg. The dogs also produced a significant antibody response to HBsAg as well as neutralizing antibody to adenovirus.
Prostatic androgen receptor and plasma testosterone levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats by streptozotocin (STZ) administration. Following STZ injection, plasma glucose levels in the treated rats were significantly elevated from values of untreated controls. Over the experimental period (140 days) plasma testosterone (T) levels, prostatic nuclear androgen receptor (AR) contents and prostatic weights declined with increasing age in the rats. The declines in both STZ-treated and untreated rats were similar in manner and no notable differences were discerned in the data obtained from the two groups. On the contrary, prostatic cytosolic AR contents in untreated rats remained unchanged with advancing age, but was reduced to 50% of normal control values in diabetic rats following STZ treatment. Correlation analyses revealed that prostatic nuclear AR contents correlated positively with plasma T levels while prostatic cytosolic AR contents correlated negatively with plasma glucose levels. These data support former claims that prostatic nuclear AR content is dependent on circulating T level and suggest a possible link between prostatic cytosolic AR content and plasma glucose concentrations.
Advances in liquid crystals for gray-scale applications

Chiral smectic A electroclinic liquid crystalline materials are prime candidates for electrooptic applications because of their gray scale capability and fast dynamic response. The evolution of this technology greatly depends on the development of chiral smectic A materials with large induced tilt angles, field-independent fast switching times and a broad operating temperature range. We report in this paper the physical properties of a series of liquid crystal materials. Features of this series of materials are broad smectic A phase range and large induced tilt angles. Such large electroclinic coefficients make these materials good candidates of the development of silicon based reflective displays. Comparison of the electrooptic performance of the materials in SmA mesophase will be discussed.
Titanium middle ear prostheses in staged ossiculoplasty: does mass really matter?

Abstract Objectives Several articles have demonstrated the efficacy of titanium middle ear prostheses. Our study compares the results of 2 brands of titanium implants that differ in design and weight to assess potential benefit of one over the other. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of prostheses mass based on the stiffness vs mass curve of acoustic transfer between 2 different brands of titanium implants. Study design A retrospective study was done for this article. Methods A chart review was conducted including the postoperative results, complications, and audiometric data for 34 patients with titanium middle ear implants (21 Tuebingen VARIO prostheses [Kurz Co, DuBlingen, Germany] and 13 Micron Monolithic prostheses [Gyrus ENT, Bartlett, TN]) with an average follow-up of 19 months. Both total and partial prostheses were included. Average postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) and average improvement in ABG was compared between the groups. Results There was a considerable variability in the postoperative results with both implants. Both the Kurz prostheses (group A) and the Gyrus prostheses (group B) demonstrated an average postoperative ABG of less than 25 dB (23.2 and 21.3 dB). There was no significant difference between the groups. Both groups also demonstrated an improvement in average ABG (preoperative minus postoperative ABG), 9.6 and 11.2 dB. There was no significant difference between the 2 prosthesis types in the frequency-specific ABG (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz). Both groups demonstrated maximal resonant frequency at 2000 Hz. The extrusion rates (5% and 8%) were comparable between the groups. Conclusion Factors other than the prosthesis design (eg, surgical technique, fibrosis, retraction, and cholesteatoma) primarily determine hearing results after staged ossiculoplasty. The differences we noted in frequency-specific hearing improvement do not demonstrate that the mass of the prostheses plays a significant role in outcome.
Numerical Modeling of a Post & Dome Snap-Fit Feature

Snap-fits are often designed using guides that rely on classic beam theory, with the basic assumption that the beam undergoes small rotations and displacements. This is a poor assumption, for they typically experience both large rotations and displacements due to loading offset from the neutral axis and axial loading. This paper investigates the performance of the post & dome feature, establishes its nomenclature, and derives the equations needed to intelligently design different variations of it. The post & dome feature was selected for analysis because it is a high performance snap-fit that is self-datuming and can withstand some shear loading in addition to retention. The design equations were generated in three steps. First, an experimental array was created using a design of experiments approach. Finite element methods and multiple regression techniques were used in lieu of beam equations models for each of the trials in the experimental array. Finally, response surface methods were used to develop response curves based on the performance data generated by the finite element models. Sensitivity data was plotted for both the main effects and selected variable interactions. The traditional benchmarks for defining high performance snap-fits are retention strength, insertion force, and insertion strain. This paper uses an expanded definition of these benchmarks that also includes locking ratio (the ratio of retention force to insertion force).
GENETIC DISSECTION OF SUSCEPTIBILITY TO AUDIOGENIC SEIZURES IN INBRED MICE

Abstract Mice of some inbred strains, such as 21-day-old DBA/2J mice, have generalized convulsions when exposed to intense auditory stimulation. Analysis of susceptibility to audiogenic seizures in BXD recombinant inbred strains has demonstrated the influence of at least three loci. One locus, Asp-1, is located on chromosome 12 between Ah and D12Nyu1; another locus, Asp-2, is on chromosome 4, tightly linked to b. Here we report evidence that Asp-2 is located within an 8-centimorgan segment distal to b and that Asp-3 is linked to Mtv-1 on chromosome 7. We also present evidence that these three loci account for most of the heritable variation in susceptibility to audiogenic seizures in crosses of DBA/2J and C57BL/6J mice and that susceptibility to audiogenic seizures is influenced by genomic imprinting. Thus, genomic imprinting may complicate linkage and mapping studies and should be considered in analyses of complex modes of inheritance.
Isothermal vapor phase epitaxy of mercury cadmium telluride

Abstract : A model is presented for the thermodynamic and kinetic basis of isothermal vapor phase epitaxy (ISOVPE) of mercury cadmium telluride. Growth is the result of a combination of transport of Te2 and Hg from the source to the substrate and interdiffusion between Hg and Cd in the growing layer. Using a Te-rich mercury cadmium telluride source, it is possible to fix the surface composition of the growing layer. The observed effects of time, source to substrate spacing, temperature, and mercury overpressure are explained using the model.
Cloning of a novel four repeat protein related to voltage‐gated sodium and calcium channels

Cloning has led to the discovery of more ion channels than predicted by functional studies, yet there remain channels that have not been cloned. We report the cloning of a novel protein that contains the four domain structure found in voltage-gated Ca2+ and Na+ channels. Phylogenetic relationships suggested that the protein might have diverged from an ancestral four repeat channel before the divergence of Ca2+ and Na+ channels. Northern blot analysis showed that mRNA transcripts encoding the protein are expressed predominantly in the brain, moderately in the heart, and weakly in the pancreas. Despite extensive expression attempts, currents from the putative channel were not detected. Based on its sequence, we propose that the novel protein might be a voltage-activated cation channel with unique gating properties.
Viscosity prediction of CRM binders using artificial neural network approach

The primary objective of this study was to develop a series of artificial neural network (ANN) models to predict the viscosity values of crumb rubber-modified (CRM) binders using four input variables: asphalt binder source, rubber size, mixing duration and rubber content. The results indicated that ANN-based models are effective in predicting the viscosity values of CRM binders regardless of rubber type and can easily be implemented in a spreadsheet. In addition, the developed ANN model can be used to predict viscosity values of other types of CRM binders. Furthermore, the results also show that asphalt binder source, rubber size and rubber content are the most important factors in the developed ANN models while the mixing duration is relatively unimportant. The sensitivity analysis of input variables indicated that the viscosity changes significantly with changes in asphalt binder source, rubber size and rubber content.
The effect of peptide surface density on mineralization of a matrix deposited by osteogenic cells.

The density of Arg-Gly-Asp-containing peptides covalently grafted to solid materials has been shown to affect adhesion, spreading, and focal contact formation. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of ligand density on mineralization of the extracellular matrix deposited by osteoblasts. In particular, RGD-modified quartz surfaces with ligand densities varying over two orders (0.01–3.6 pmol/cm2) of magnitude were prepared to assess the long-term function of osteoblasts on peptide-derivatized surfaces. After 3 weeks in culture, surfaces modified with a 15 amino acid peptide (Ac-Cys-Gly-Gly-Asn-Gly-Glu-Pro-Arg-Gly-Asp-Thr-Tyr-Arg-Ala-Tyr-NH2) at a density ≥0.62 pmol/cm2 significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced mineralization compared with a RGD surface density of 0.01 pmol/cm2, RGE surfaces, or clean surfaces adsorbed with serum proteins. These results suggest that regulation of the surface density of adhesive ligands on biomaterial surfaces is a critical determinant in a strategy to alter the degree of extracellular matrix maturation in contact with solid surfaces (e.g., implants). Further studies are required to elucidate the intracellular signal transduction pathways that mediate long-term matrix mineralization through the initial engagement of these adhesive ligands. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 52, 595–600, 2000.
Perioperative management and preoperative assessment of neurologic diseases

Frequently, the practicing neurologist is called to evaluate and render an expert opinion on challenging aspects during the peri- and postoperative care of patients with neurologic diseases. How should a patient who has Parkinson’s disease be treated during the perioperative period? Can anticoagulation be used for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis after a neurosurgical procedure or an intracerebral catastrophe? How should patients with neuromuscular diseases be assessed and managed perioperatively? What is the neurologist to do when confronted with the problem of the ‘‘difficult to extubate’’ patient? How should the neurologist assess and treat the acute confusional state in the postoperative neurologic patient? What should the neurologist know about the pulmonary evaluation of the neurologic patient? What abnormal involuntary movements may occur in the postoperative and intensive care setting and how should they be treated? What ethical issues may confront the neurologist in treating patients with major neurologic illnesses? These are some of the questions I am hoping we can answer with this issue of the Neurologic Clinics. We formulated the topic of perioperative neurology in hopes of encompassing both the presurgical assessment and perioperative care of the neurologic patient. We begin with an overview of the most common disorders that practicing neurologists may be requested to evaluate, followed by a more in-depth review of perioperative issues confronted by the treating physician. We end with the study of the most complex ethical questions faced by the neurologist
The Pathophysiology of Biliary Epithelia

The morbidity and mortality from chronic biliary diseases (i.e., the cholangiopathies) remains substantial. End-stage liver disease from biliary causes of cirrhosis (e.g., primary biliary cirrhosis [PBC], and primary sclerosing cholangitis) account for approximately one third of patients referred for liver transplantation. A single-topic conference sponsored by the American Association for the Studies of Liver Diseases entitled "The Pathobiology of Biliary Epithelia" brought together investigators to review the status of the field of cholangiocyte pathobiology, identify new areas of interest, and propose future directions. This information was presented in 6 sessions: "Structural and Functional Characteristics of the Bile Duct System," "Biological Topics from Nonbiliary Epithelia," "Malignant Transformation of Cholangiocytes," "Cholangiocyte Proliferation and Death," "Transport Mechanisms in Bile Duct Epithelia," and "Pathobiology of Biliary Epithelia." In the 7 years since the first symposium on this topic, major advances have been made in our understanding of ductal bile formation, including, greater insight into the hormones, intracellular signaling mechanisms, and effector proteins responsible for bile secretion and absorption. More sophisticated imaging technologies have increased our understanding of the polarity of cholangiocytes, their embryology and ultrastructural anatomy, and in vivo human secretory responses to current medical therapy. Information on mediators of inflammation permeated many sessions, having potentially important roles in malignant transformation of cholangiocytes, cholangiocyte apoptosis, fluid and electrolyte transport, and have begun to be specifically characterized for certain biliary diseases, e.g., acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cholangiopathy and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).
Floquet-Markovian description of the parametrically driven, dissipative harmonic quantum oscillator

Using the parametrically driven harmonic oscillator as a working example, we study two different Markovian approaches to the quantum dynamics of a periodically driven system with dissipation. In the simpler approach, the driving enters the master equation for the reduced density operator only in the Hamiltonian term. An improved master equation is achieved by treating the entire driven system within the Floquet formalism and coupling it to the reservoir as a whole. The different ensuing evolution equations are compared in various representations, particularly as Fokker-Planck equations for the Wigner function. On all levels of approximation, these evolution equations retain the periodicity of the driving, so that their solutions have Floquet form and represent eigenfunctions of a nonunitary propagator over a single period of the driving. We discuss asymptotic states in the long-time limit as well as the conservative and the high-temperature limits. Numerical results obtained within the different Markov approximations are compared with the exact path-integral solution. The application of the improved Floquet-Markov scheme becomes increasingly important when considering stronger driving and lower temperatures.
Treands in illegitimacy among five english-speaking populations: 1940–1980

This study considers the age pattern of illegitimate fertility in the white and nonwhite populations of the US with specific references to other English-speaking populations. The time period is approximately 1940-1980; the comparative populations are those of Canada England Wales and Australia. It is established via both visual inspection of rates and analysis-of-variance procedures that 1) trends in illegitimacy rates have been extremely similar over time among both US whites and nonwhites as well as elsewhere in the developed English-speaking world; 2) these trends occur in a period-specific pattern; and 3) within the various populations the age pattern of illegitimacy rates is fairly constant. Differences among populations in rates of illegitimacy inhere in both the overall level of these rates and the shape of the age-specific curves. Between 1980 and 1983 illegitimacy rates for US whites for all ages were on the increase continuing a trend that teenage illegitimacy aside began in the late 1970s. Very large absolute changes in rates of illegitimacy over time have occurred among older Australians and US nonwhites aged 20 and above. Relative levels of illegitimacy at ages under 25 are highest in the US and lowest in Australia and England and Wales with Canada in the middle; this pattern is reversed with reference to relative levels at ages 30 and above. Illegitimacy rates for Australian women increased during the same period of rapid marital fertility decline. The recent stable or increasing illegitimacy rates to women aged 25-34 in Canada England Wales and the US (whites) during a period of very low marital fertility also suggest that childbearing by these older unmarried women is not the result of ignorance or unavailability of birth control.
Soy Food Consumption and Lung Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis Using a Common Measure Across Studies

A published meta-analysis pooled individual studies by using the study-specific odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR) for the highest vs. lowest category of soy or isoflavone intake from each study, but it should be problematic to make comparison between studies/populations for lung cancer risk as the quantiles are so different from different studies/populations. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the association between exposure of estimated daily soy protein intake in grams and lung cancer risk. We extracted ORs or RRs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), converted them to the estimated ones for daily soy protein intake and pooled them using fixed or random effects models from 11 epidemiologic studies. Overall, the inverse association between daily grams of soy protein intake and risk of lung cancer was borderline statistically significant (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96 to 1.00); the inverse association was statistically significant in nonsmokers (OR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.93 to 0.99) and stronger...
Influence of mastitis on properties of milk. VI. Buffer capacity.

Abstract The effect of mastitis on the buffer capacity of milk was investigated with individual quarter samples. Buffer capacity was calculated in the acid range from titration curves. The maximum (dB/dpH = 0.032) was the same for both Wisconsin Mastitis Test positive (WMT > 20 mm) and negative (WMT
Susceptibility analysis of complex infrastructure targets

Previously, the authors explored the use of hybrid functional models to find failure modes of simple infrastructure models. Pulsed excitation was shown to be effective in causing failures in simple oscillators and related simple models, using the energy of the circuit to bring about the failure. A simple SCADA system was used as a practical example of these failure models in infrastructure systems. In this paper, we extend this technique to clusters of SCADAs (as might be used in real systems). The first demonstration shows that unwanted excitation of odd functional resonance modes can cause failure of one of these clusters. Finally, functional failures in complex interconnects between the SCADA units can cause system failure.
Drug Court Effectiveness: A Matched Cohort Study in the Dane County Drug Treatment Court

Drug treatment courts (DTCs) are widely viewed as effective diversion programs for drug-involved offenders; however, previous studies frequently used flawed comparison groups. In the current study, the author compared rates of recidivism for drug court participants to rates for a traditionally adjudicated comparison group matched on potentially important characteristics. The Wisconsin Circuit Court database was searched for individuals with drug-related charges during the period from 2004–2006. Of the resulting data set, 137 DTC participants were identified. These DTC participants were then matched on age, gender, ethnicity, and criminal history to traditionally adjudicated individuals (non-DTC, n = 274). Kaplan-Meier curves of time to new crime were compared for the two main study groups and for potentially important subgroups. The DTC group demonstrated longer time to new crime (p = 0.028). Reductions in recidivism for DTC versus non-DTC were enhanced for women, older individuals, minorities, and those ...
Studies on cytokinesis in neuroblasts of the grasshopper, Chortophaga viridifasciata (De Geer) II. The role of the mitotic apparatus in cytokinesis

Abstract 1. 1. The role of the mitotic apparatus in cytokinesis was studied by shifting or rotating the mitotic apparatus with a microneedle at different mitotic stages. 2. 2. The middle part of the interzonal region appears to play an important role in cytokinesis. 3. 3. The cleavage furrow can be formed anywhere on the cell surface. 4. 4. At late anaphase, the furrow region of the cell surface is tightly attached to the middle part of the spindle body. 5. 5. The position of the spindle body determines the relative volume of the resulting daughter cells. Neither the particular pole nor the particular group of daughter chromosomes determines the polarity of the neuroblast of grasshopper. 6. 6. The volume of the cytoplasm of daughter cells governs nuclear size and shape. If the daughter cells contain approximately the same amount of cytoplasm, neuroblast type nuclei are formed in both of them.
US Government Computer Penetration Programs and the Implications for Cyberwar

The US Department of Defense was the driving force behind the development of sophisticated computer penetration methodologies. By analyzing the security of the nation's time-sharing computer systems, security analysts developed an expert understanding of computer penetration. Eventually, the US and its intelligence agencies utilized computer penetration techniques to wage offensive cyberattacks.
Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy: need to reconsider name and definition.

Twenty-three infants with diminished levels of one or more immunoglobulin isotypes, intact antibody producing capacity, and a generally benign clinical course were initially diagnosed as having transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy. Prospective evaluation of these infants, including seven to age 60 months, revealed that acquisition of normal immunoglobulin levels was often delayed beyond infancy. In some cases the diminished immunoglobulin levels were a prodrome of selective IgA deficiency. These children seemed to experience frequent sinopulmonary infections early in life, but fewer with age. None of these children received exogenous gammaglobulin. The designation of transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy is a misnomer, and the diagnosis, even if accepted, can be made only in retrospect. The alternative designation hypogammaglobulinemia of early childhood is suggested, to which can be added “with recovery” or “with development of other dysgammaglobulinemia”, depending on the eventual phenotype observed.
Intrasplenic implantation of multiple pellets of estrogenic steroids.

SummaryIf a sufficient number of estrogen pellets are implanted intrasplenically in spayed female rats, prolonged periods of estrous are produced. The number of pellets required depends upon the relative activity of the estrogen and its rate of absorption.
Suboxic trace metal geochemistry in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific

Abstract We analyzed Al, Ti, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ba, Cd, U, Mo, V, and Re in water column, settling particulate, and sediment (0 to 22 cm) samples from the intense oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) of the eastern tropical North Pacific near Mazatlan, Mexico. The goal was to determine how the geochemistry of these elements was influenced by suboxic water column conditions and whether the sediments have a unique “suboxic” geochemical signature. The water column was characterized by a Mn maximum, reaching ∼8 nmol kg−1 at 400 m. Concentrations of Cu, Ba, Cd, Mo, Re, U, and V were unaffected by the low O2 conditions and were comparable to those of the open ocean. Sinking particles were composed of lithogenic particles of detrital origin and nonlithogenic particles of biogenic origin. Al, Ti, and Fe were mostly (at least 79%) lithogenic. About 75% of the Mn was nonlithogenic. Significant amounts (at least 58%) of Cu, Ba, Cd, and Mo were nonlithogenic. Sediment geochemistry varied across the continental shelf and slope. Cadmium, U, and Re have prominent maxima centered at 310 m, with 12.3 ppm, 10.9 ppm, and 68.3 ppb, respectively, at the core top. High values of Mo (averaging 6.8 ppm) and V (averaging 90 ppm) are seen in OMZ surface sediment. Additional down-core enrichment occurs for all redox-sensitive elements in the top 10 cm. For U, Mo, V, and Re, surface sediments are a poor indicator of metal enrichment. Comparison of the nonlithogenic composition of sediments with sinking particles suggests that direct input of plankton material enriched in metals makes a significant contribution to the total composition, especially for Cd, U, and Mo. We evaluated Re/Mo and Cd/U ratios as tracers for redox environments. Rhenium and Mo concentrations and Re/Mo ratios do not lead to consistent conclusions. Concurrent enrichments of Re and Mo are an indicator of an anoxic depositional environment. In contrast, high Re/Mo ratios are an indicator of suboxic conditions. Cadmium is enriched in surface sediments, while U has considerable down-core enrichment. The concentrations of Cd and U and the Cd/U ratio do not follow patterns predicted from thermodynamics. Though the water column is suboxic, these four redox-sensitive elements indicate that the sediments are anoxic. The implication for paleostudies is that a trace metal sediment signature that indicates anoxic conditions is not necessarily attributable to an anoxic water column.
Phospholipid transfer between phosphatidylcholine-taurocholate mixed micelles

The transfer of fluorescent-labeled N-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)phosphatidylethanolamine (N-NBD-PE) between phosphatidylcholine-taurocholate mixed micelles was measured by monitoring the increase in fluorescence as N-NBD-PE, initially contained in mixed micelles at self-quenching concentrations, was diluted into unlabeled mixed micelles. The half-times for transfer of a homologous series of N-NBD-PEs differing in saturated acyl chain length from 11 to 16 carbons increased with acyl chain length from 4 to 35 s. The half-times for transfer of the same N-NBD-PEs between phosphatidylcholine vesicles without taurocholate were 200-6000 times slower than those between the mixed micelles. A kinetic analysis of initial transfer rate data was used to determine the mechanistic model that best described the data. According to this analysis, the increased rate of intermicellar phospholipid transfer relative to that of intervesicular transfer is a result of (1) exchange between micelles during transient micelle collisions which is not observed between vesicles and (2) an increased rate of monomer diffusion due to a faster rate of phospholipid dissociation from mixed micelles into the water phase than from vesicles. The relative significance of dissociation from mixed micelles into the water phase than from vesicles. The relative significance of collision-dependent versus monomer diffusion transfer increases with acyl chain length and hydrophobicity.
INSTITUTIONAL OWNERSHIP, CORPORATE SOCIAL PERFORMANCE, AND FIRMS' FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

This study examined the relationship between institutional investors and corporate social performance. Using corporate social performance data from the Fortune database, we demonstrated that instit...
Full-duplex self-interference mitigation performance in nonlinear channels

In-band (cochannel) full-duplex multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radios with antenna reuse employ an array of antennas to provide potentially significant improvements in radio throughput and in network latency. Each antenna transmits and receives simultaneously. One of the most significant challenges is the mitigation of the radio's self-interference. While there are a variety of issues that limit self-interference mitigation, here we focus on low-order nonlinearities. We employ a temporal mitigation strategy, expressed as a projection operator, that includes the effects of the nonlinearities. We also discuss extensions to the approach for passband (RF) mitigation. To simplify the discussion, we assume quasistatic flat-fading channels.
Intermediate filaments and lipoprotein cholesterol

The ability of cells to utilize cholesterol derived from lipoprotein is important in plasma membrane biosynthesis, steroidogenesis and the regulation of sterol synthesis. While the endocytosis of lipoprotein-derived cholesterol has been well characterized, the subsequent events that mediate its post-lysosomal intracellular transport are not understood. Recent studies have suggested that vimentin-type intermediate filaments may have a role in cholesterol transport. The mechanism by which vimentin filaments affect this process is not known, but future studies promise to provide new insights into both the post-lysosomal transport of cholesterol and the intracellular functions of intermediate filaments.
Pilot study demonstrating potential association between breast cancer image-based risk phenotypes and genomic biomarkers

Purpose: In this pilot study, the authors examined associations between image-based phenotypes and genomic biomarkers. The potential genetic contribution of UGT2B genes to interindividual variation in breast density and mammographic parenchymal patterns is demonstrated by performing an association study between image-based phenotypes and genomic biomarkers [single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes]. Methods: This candidate-gene approach study included 179 subjects for whom both mammograms and blood DNA samples had been obtained. The full-field digital mammograms were acquired using a GE Senographe 2000D FFDM system (12-bit; 0.1 mm-pixel size). Regions-of-interest, 256 × 256 pixels in size, selected from the central breast region behind the nipple underwent computerized image analysis to yield image-based phenotypes of mammographic density and parenchymal texture patterns. SNP genotyping was performed using a Sequenom MassArray System. One hundred twenty three SNPs with minor allele frequency above 5% were genotyped for the UGT2B gene clusters, and used in the study. The association between the image-based phenotypes and genomic biomarkers was assessed with the Pearson correlation coefficient via thePLINK software, and included permutation and correction for multiple SNP comparisons. Results: From the phenotype-genotype association analysis, a parenchyma texture coarseness feature was found to be correlated with SNP rs451632 after multiple test correction for the multiple SNPs (p = 0.022). The power law β, which is used to characterize the frequency component of texture patterns, was found to be correlated with SNP rs4148298 (p = 0.035). Conclusions: The authors’ results indicate that UGT2B gene variation may contribute to interindividual variation in mammographic parenchymal patterns and breast density. Understanding the relationship between image-based phenotypes and genomic biomarkers may help understand the biologic mechanism for image-based biomarkers and yield a future role in personalized medicine.
Automatic parking lot occupancy computation using motion tracking

Nowadays it is very hard to find available spots in public parking lots and even harder in public facilities such as universities and sports venues. A system that provides drivers with parking availability and parking lot occupancy will allow users find a parking space much easier and faster. This paper presents a system for automatic parking lot occupancy computation using motion tracking. Methods for complexity reduction are presented. The system showed approximately 96% accuracy in determining parking lot occupancy. We showed that by optimizing the resolution and bitrate of the input video, we can reduce the complexity by 70% and still achieved over 90% of accuracy. The results showed that high quality video is not necessary for the proposed algorithm to obtain accurate results.