cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moving Toward Patient‐Centered Care: Women's Decisions, Perceptions, and Experiences of the Induction of Labor Process

Background: Patient preferences and clinician practices are possible causative factors to explain the increase in induction of labor, but scientific studies that demonstrate this link are limited. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that influence inductions from the perspective of women. Methods: A qualitative investigation using grounded theory methodology was conducted. Women were interviewed preinduction and postinduction. Analysis of the interviews was conducted using constant comparison to identify codes, categories, and themes. Through this process the complex intersection between women, their clinician, and the application of evidence-based care in clinical practice was explored. Results: Five major themes from the preinduction interview were identified; safety of baby, women's trust in their clinician, relief of discomfort and/or anxiety, diminish potential or actual risk, and lack of informed decision making. Five major themes were identified from the postinduction interview; lack of informed decision making, induction as part of a checklist, women's trust in their clinician, happy with induction, and opportunities to improve the experience. Conclusions: Lack of informed decision making was cited as a barrier to optimal care. This study has important implications for patient-centered research and clinical care, requiring the inclusion of women and the salient concepts of care that they identify. (BIRTH 41:2 June 2014)
Benefits of kin association: related and familiar zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio) show improved growth

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae prefer the olfactory cues of kin to non-kin. We examined the potential benefits of kin preference by comparing growth rate, shoaling, and aggressive behavior in juvenile zebrafish housed in groups of either familiar kin or unfamiliar non-kin. Over an observation period of 5 days, the animals grew 33% more in kin groups; however, neither shoaling nor the frequency of aggressive interactions was different in groups of related versus unrelated individuals. Shoaling behavior increased with increasing observation time and increasing age, while aggressive behavior remained the same. We conclude that associating with kin probably creates a less stressful environment that allows for higher growth rates, which can lead to higher direct fitness based on increased survival and earlier reproduction. Kin recognition leading to kin-structured groups may therefore be under positive selection.
Longitudinal changes associated with improvement in chronic fatigue patients

Tertiary care patients with chronic fatigue were followed for 2.5 years to determine if changes in physical and psychological status were associated with improvements in chronic fatigue, physical functioning, and return to work. Results indicated that improvement in psychological symptoms, DSM-III-R disorders, physical examination signs, and changes in whether the patient continued to meet criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) were associated with recovery from fatigue, improved functioning, and return to work. Patients who never met CFS criteria or only met criteria at the initial assessment, reported improved physical functioning. Patients whose psychiatric disorders and physical examination signs were still present at a mean follow-up time of 2.5 years were more likely to have persistent fatigue and work disability. Loss of physical examination signs was a significant independent predictor of improved functioning and return to work. These results suggest that psychiatric status, as well as physical status, are associated with recovery from chronic fatigue.
U(2)-like flavor symmetries and approximate bimaximal neutrino mixing

Models involving a U(2) flavor symmetry, or any of a number of its non-Abelian discrete subgroups, can explain the observed hierarchy of charged fermion masses and Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa angles. It is known that a large neutrino mixing angle connecting second and third generation fields may arise via the seesaw mechanism in these models, without a fine-tuning of the parameters. Here we show that it is possible to obtain approximate bimaximal mixing in a class of models with U(2)-like Yukawa textures. We find a minimal form for Dirac and Majorana neutrino mass matrices that leads to two large mixing angles, and show that our result can quantitatively explain atmospheric neutrino oscillations while accommodating the favored, large-angle Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein solution to the solar neutrino problem. We demonstrate that these textures can arise in models by presenting a number of explicit examples.
Electron transfer rates on electrodes containing surface bonded molecules

Abstract The presence of covalently attached alkylsilyl derivatives on SnO 2 electrode surfaces is found to render the electrochemical reactions of phenothiazine and benzoquinone in acetonitrile quasi-reversible. The magnitude of this effect is estimated for various silyl derivatives by comparing the heterogeneous standard rate, constants, k s , obtained by applying Nicholson's treatment to the measured cyclic voltammograms. The presence of the surface groups reduces the reaction rate by several orders of magnitude.
Section analysis with irregular tools and arbitrary draw-in conditions for numerical simulation of sheet forming

Abstract Section analysis for numerical simulation of sheet forming with arbitrary draw-in and irregular tool shapes was investigated. This approach represents an alternative procedure to fully 3-D analysis and can be useful for the design of complex stampings, whenever plane-strain conditions are even approximately fulfilled. Prompted by difficulties in robust and accurate simulation of highly-nonlinear draw-in processes involving significant relative movements of the sheet material along curved tools, the “CFS” formulation was adopted for section analysis and a FEM code was developed. The computer program was successfully used for simulation of several forming operations including a benchmark problem with a known, exact analytical solution as well as die-tryout of a typical automotive panel and complex deep-drawing processes with reversed directions of material flow. The accuracy, robustness and time effectiveness are documented and reported in comparison to other, previously-used formulations. The significant influence of friction on the qualitative behavior of the process, when forming with irregular tools, is studied. The key point of the CFS formulation utilized for this numerical study lies in Consistent linearization of the Full Set of governing relations including frictional contact equations. This results in a quadratic rate of convergence of the Newton-Raphson algorithm and improved robustness. Updated Lagrangian, implicit incremental kinematics is used. A rigid-viscoplastic material model with Hill's normalanisotropic yield condition and rate-sensitive hardening law is assumed, along with the Coulomb friction model. A highly efficient plane-strain, plane-stress, constant-strain element, with arbitrarily large strains and rotations, is adopted.
High-Lift System for a Supercritical Airfoil: Simplified by Active Flow Control

Active flow control wind tunnel experiments were conducted in the NASA Langley Low-Turbulence Pressure Tunnel using a two-dimensional supercritical high-lift airfoil with a 15% chord hinged leading-edge flap and a 25% chord hinged trailing-edge flap. This paper focuses on the application of zero-net-mass-flux periodic excitation near the airfoil trailing edge flap shoulder at a Mach number of 0.1 and chord Reynolds numbers of 1.2 x 10(exp 6) to 9 x 10(exp 6) with leading- and trailing-edge flap deflections of 25 deg. and 30 deg., respectively. The purpose of the investigation was to increase the zero-net-mass-flux options for controlling trailing edge flap separation by using a larger model than used on the low Reynolds number version of this model and to investigate the effect of flow control at higher Reynolds numbers. Static and dynamic surface pressures and wake pressures were acquired to determine the effects of flow control on airfoil performance. Active flow control was applied both upstream of the trailing edge flap and immediately downstream of the trailing edge flap shoulder and the effects of Reynolds number, excitation frequency and amplitude are presented. The excitations around the trailing edge flap are then combined to control trailing edge flap separation. The combination of two closely spaced actuators around the trailing-edge flap knee was shown to increase the lift produced by an individual actuator. The phase sensitivity between two closely spaced actuators seen at low Reynolds number is confirmed at higher Reynolds numbers. The momentum input required to completely control flow separation on the configuration was larger than that available from the actuators used.
Production and properties of dipole-bound negative ions

Abstract The properties of dipole-bound CH 3 CN − ions formed in collisions between K( n p) Rydberg atoms and CH 3 CN molecules are investigated. The data show that rotationally excited target molecules can form dipole-bound ions. Studies of electric-field-induced detachment point to an electron binding energy of ≈ 11 meV and demonstrate that the characteristics of this process are not strongly dependent on the rotational state of the ion. Measurements also reveal that the weakly bound electron can be removed by collisions with CH 3 CN, with other polar targets, and with SF 6 , and possible mechanisms for this are discussed.
Permanent personhood or meaningful decline? Toward a critical anthropology of successful aging

The current North American successful aging movement offers a particular normative model of how to age well, one tied to specific notions of individualist personhood especially valued in North America emphasizing independence, productivity, self-maintenance, and the individual self as project. This successful aging paradigm, with its various incarnations as active, healthy and productive aging, has received little scrutiny as to its cultural assumptions. Drawing on fieldwork data with elders from both India and the United States, this article offers an analysis of cultural assumptions underlying the North American successful aging paradigm as represented in prevailing popular and scientific discourse on how to age well. Four key themes in this public successful aging discourse are examined: individual agency and control; maintaining productive activity; the value of independence and importance of avoiding dependence; and permanent personhood, a vision of the ideal person as not really aging at all in late life, but rather maintaining the self of one's earlier years. Although the majority of the (Boston-area, well-educated, financially privileged) US elders making up this study, and some of the most cosmopolitan Indians, embrace and are inspired by the ideals of the successful aging movement, others critique the prevailing successful aging model for insufficiently incorporating attention to and acceptance of the human realities of mortality and decline. Ultimately, the article argues that the vision offered by the dominant successful aging paradigm is not only a particular cultural and biopolitical model but, despite its inspirational elements, in some ways a counterproductive one. Successful aging discourse might do well to come to better terms with conditions of human transience and decline, so that not all situations of dependence, debility and even mortality in late life will be viewed and experienced as "failures" in living well.
Degenerative Evolution and Functional Diversification of Type-III Secretion Systems in the Insect Endosymbiont Sodalis glossinidius

Sodalis glossinidius, a maternally transmitted endosymbiont of tsetse flies, maintains two phylogenetically distinct type-III secretion systems encoded by chromosomal symbiosis regions designated SSR-1 and SSR-2. Although both symbiosis regions are closely related to extant pathogenicity islands with similar gene inventories, SSR-2 has undergone novel degenerative adaptations in the transition to mutualism. Notably, SSR-2 lacks homologs of genes found in SSR-1 that encode secreted effector proteins known to facilitate the host cell cytoskeletal rearrangements necessary for bacterial entry and uptake into eukaryotic cells. Also, as a result of relaxed selection, SSR-2 has undergone inactivation of genes encoding components of the type-III secretion system needle substructure. In the current study, we used quantitative PCR to determine the expression profiles of ysaV (SSR-1) and invA (SSR-2) transcripts when S. glossinidius infects an insect cell line, and we used an invasion assay to characterize the phenotype of an S. glossinidius mutant that lacks the ability to produce an OrgA protein that is required for function of the SSR-2 secretome. Whereas SSR-1 is required for bacterial invasion of host cells and ysaV is expressed when bacteria contact host cells, SSR-2 is required for bacterial proliferation after entry, and invA is only expressed in the intracellular stage of infection. These results demonstrate that degenerative genetic adaptations in SSR-2 have promoted functional diversification of the Sodalis SSR-2 type-III secretion system.
Dementia and risk of adverse warfarin-related events in the nursing home setting

Abstract Background Little attention has been focused on the safety of medications administered to treat non illnesses in nursing home residents with dementia. It is unclear whether this population is at increased risk of adverse drug events. Objectives To test the hypotheses that in nursing home residents with dementia prescribed warfarin have less time in therapeutic range and a higher incidence of nonpreventable and preventable adverse warfarin events compared to nursing home residents without dementia after controlling for facility and patient characteristics. Methods A prospective cohort embedded in a clinical trial of nursing home residents prescribed warfarin in 26 nursing homes in Connecticut was observed for up to 12 months. The primary outcome measures included adverse warfarin events (AWEs) (injuries resulting from warfarin use), potential AWEs (INR [international normalized ratio] >4.5 and management error), and AWE preventability based on physician reviews of medical record abstractions. Potential confounders included nursing home structural characteristics (eg, number of beds and for-profit status), nursing staff time, and nursing home regulatory deficiencies (pharmacy, administrative, quality of care, and all other deficiencies). Multivariable Poisson regression analysis was used to determine the independent association of dementia with potential and preventable AWEs using generalized estimating equations to account for clustering within nursing homes. Results Residents with dementia had no difference in the number of INR monitoring tests or percentage of days in the therapeutic range, but did have an increased risk of AWEs (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–1.82), and preventable or potential AWEs (adjusted IRR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.06–1.76) after adjustment for patient characteristics, nursing home quality, and case mix. Greater nursing staff time was protective for preventable and potential AWEs (adjusted IRR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48–0.90) but not for nonpreventable AWEs. Conclusion A diagnosis of dementia was associated with increased risk of nonpreventable and preventable or potential AWEs. Greater nursing staff time was associated with lower risk of preventable AWEs. These findings have implications for quality-of-care reporting and patient safety.
The response of gastric pH and motility to fasting and feeding in free swimming blacktip reef sharks, Carcharhinus melanopterus

In many fish and reptiles, gastric digestion is responsible for the complete breakdown of prey items into semi-liquid chyme. The responses of the stomach to feeding and to periods of fasting are, however, unknown for many lower vertebrates. We inserted data loggers into the stomachs of free-swimming captive adult blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) to quantify gastric pH, motility and temperature during fasting and following ingestion of food. Gastric acid secretion was continuous, even during long periods of fasting, with a mean pH of 1.66±0.40 (±1 SD) when the stomach was empty. Stomach contractions were greater following meals of mackerel than for those of squid. Gastric motility following feeding on mackerel, was positively influenced by ambient temperature, and followed a quadratic relationship with meal size, with maximum motility occurring after meals of 0.8–1.0% body weight. Diel changes in gastric motility were apparent, and were most likely caused by diel changes in ambient temperature. Gastric digestion in blacktip reef sharks is affected by both biotic and abiotic variables. We hypothesize that behavioral strategies adopted by sharks in the field may be an attempt to optimize digestion by selecting for appropriate environmental conditions. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
State Delegate Selection Rules for Presidential Nominations, 1972–2000

Scholars have devoted considerable attention to the consequences of delegate selection rules for presidential nominations, yet few have sought an explanation for the variance in these rules across the states and over time. In this article, we ask why state party elites would open their processes of delegate selection to a large and potentially ideologically diverse constituency by holding primary elections rather than caucuses. We develop an account of endogenous institutional choice that suggests elites ought to be increasingly likely to open their delegate selection rules as the ideological nature of the party and the state's electorate converge. We test this claim using a new data set on Democratic Party selection rules between 1972 and 2000 and find that the degree of ideological convergence is a strong predictor of state party choices to open the process of delegate selection. These results provide additional support for general theoretical claims that characterize political institutions as fundament...
Exploring the Psychosis Functional Connectome: Aberrant Intrinsic Networks in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Intrinsic functional brain networks (INs) are regions showing temporal coherence with one another. These INs are present in the context of a task (as opposed to an undirected task such as rest), albeit modulated to a degree both spatially and temporally. Prominent networks include the default mode, attentional fronto-parietal, executive control, bilateral temporal lobe, and motor networks. The characterization of INs has recently gained considerable momentum, however; most previous studies evaluate only a small subset of the INs (e.g., default mode). In this paper we use independent component analysis to study INs decomposed from functional magnetic resonance imaging data collected in a large group of schizophrenia patients, healthy controls, and individuals with bipolar disorder, while performing an auditory oddball task. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share significant overlap in clinical symptoms, brain characteristics, and risk genes which motivates our goal of identifying whether functional imaging data can differentiate the two disorders. We tested for group differences in properties of all identified INs including spatial maps, spectra, and functional network connectivity. A small set of default mode, temporal lobe, and frontal networks with default mode regions appearing to play a key role in all comparisons. Bipolar subjects showed more prominent changes in ventromedial and prefrontal default mode regions whereas schizophrenia patients showed changes in posterior default mode regions. Anti-correlations between left parietal areas and dorsolateral prefrontal cortical areas were different in bipolar and schizophrenia patients and amplitude was significantly different from healthy controls in both patient groups. Patients exhibited similar frequency behavior across multiple networks with decreased low frequency power. In summary, a comprehensive analysis of INs reveals a key role for the default mode in both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Up Close and Personal: Investor Sophistication and the Disposition Effect

This paper analyzes the trading records of a major discount brokerage house to investigate the disposition effect, the tendency to sell stocks that have appreciated in price (winners) sooner than stocks that trade below the purchase price (losers). In contrast to previous research that has demonstrated the disposition effect by aggregating across investors, our main objective is to identify differences in the disposition bias across individuals and explain this in terms of underlying investor characteristics. Building on the findings in experimental economics and social psychology, we hypothesize that differences in investor literacy about financial markets and trading frequency are responsible in part for the variation in individual disposition effect. Using demographic and socioeconomic variables as proxies for investor literacy, we find empirical evidence that wealthier individuals and individuals employed in professional occupations exhibit a lower disposition effect. Consistent with experimental economics, trading frequency also tends to reduce the disposition effect. We provide guidelines for investment advisors, regulators, and investment communities to utilize our findings and help investors make better decisions.
Avian fissura prima: differential accumulation of extracellular matrix at a fold.

Extracellular matrix components that flank the fissura prima, a primary surface infolding of the cerebellum in birds and mammals, were examined in the embryonic chick using light and transmission electron microscopy. Cerebella dissected from Day 10 embryos were perfused with a paraformaldehyde-glutaraldehyde-tannic acid primary fixative and sectioned in the sagittal plane through the mid-vermis. Ultrastructural analysis revealed a distinct, continuous basal lamina separating the organ parenchyma (epithelia) from pia mater (mesenchyme) at the fissure surface (arbitrarily labeled; fissure floor, folia wall, and folia apex). The basal lamina was significantly thicker (P < 0.001) at the fissure floor compared to that found at the folia wall, which was significantly thicker (P < 0.001) than that observed at the folia apex. Folds in the basal lamina were observed exclusively at the fissure floor. Surface-associated collagen fibrils were distributed in an aligned, relatively dense manner at the fissure floor, compared with fibrils observed in various orientations and widely separated or absent at the folia wall and folia apex. Metachromasia was more pronounced in the fissure floor than in either the folia wall or folia apex in methylene blue-stained tissue sections. Together, the thicker, folded basal lamina and densely aligned collagen fibrils at the fissure floor provide a chemical rationale for this color change. These findings suggest that the differential accumulation of extracellular matrix at the fissura prima is positioned to play a structural and/or biochemical role in the maintenance of this fold. J. Morphol. 262:780–790, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An NMR investigation of the importance of intramolecular hydrogen bonding in determining the conformational equilibrium of ethylene glycol in solution.

Although conformational analysis by NMR of ethylene glycol indicates generally strong preferences for the gauche conformation in solvents ranging from water to chloroform, the bulk of the NMR evidence indicates that intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl groups is unlikely to be a significant factor in determining that preference, except possibly in fairly non-polar solvents. The ‘gauche effect’ is clearly very important, especially in aqueous solution.
Old World Arenavirus Infection Interferes with the Expression of Functional α-Dystroglycan in the Host Cell

α-Dystroglycan (α-DG) is an important cellular receptor for extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins as well as the Old World arenaviruses lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and the human pathogenic Lassa fever virus (LFV). Specific O-glycosylation of α-DG is critical for its function as receptor for ECM proteins and arenaviruses. Here, we investigated the impact of arenavirus infection on α-DG expression. Infection with an immunosuppressive LCMV isolate caused a marked reduction in expression of functional α-DG without affecting biosynthesis of DG core protein or global cell surface glycoprotein expression. The effect was caused by the viral glycoprotein (GP), and it critically depended on α-DG binding affinity and GP maturation. An equivalent effect was observed with LFVGP. Viral GP was found to associate with a complex between DG and the glycosyltransferase LARGE in the Golgi. Overexpression of LARGE restored functional α-DG expression in infected cells. We provide evidence that virus-induced down-modulation of functional α-DG perturbs DG-mediated assembly of laminin at the cell surface, affecting normal cell–matrix interactions.
A study of chlorine behavior in a simulated fluidized bed combustion system

Fluidized bed combustion techniques have been widely used throughout the world in an effort to reduce sulfur oxide emissions, especially from burning high-sulfur coal. However, in the utilization of FBC systems for co-firing high chlorine coals with municipal solid waste (MSW) there are some concerns about the possible emission of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). PCDD/Fs may be produced from the reaction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and molecular chlorine under relatively low combustion temperature conditions. In oxygen-rich conditions during combustion molecular chlorine can be formed through the Deacon Reaction when the temperature is around 600°C. It is also likely that chloride might affect the detailed chemistry of desulfurization in FBC processes. In order to better understand the behavior of chlorine in an FBC system during combustion processes, a comprehensive study was carried out in a simulated FBC system with an on-line feeder at Western Kentucky University. Conditions used simulated the flue gas and operating conditions of an FBC system. Optimum operating conditions to suppress HCl, Cl2 and SOx emissions from FBC systems were determined. A better understanding of the chlorine behavior during combustion will help in controlling possible PCDD and PCDF formation and reducing corrosion in FBC systems. The test results indicated that the formation of molecular chlorine is favored at temperatures above 600°C, in oxygen-rich atmospheres, and in relatively high HCl concentrations. The reaction temperature plays a key role in the capture of HCl. The optimum combustion conditions for controlling PCDD/Fs formation in FBC systems is to maintain combustion temperature around 850°C in the bed area, 600°C in the freeboard area, low oxygen concentrations in the flue gas and enough residence time for fine particles in the freeboard.
A maximum likelihood approach to least absolute deviation regression

Least absolute deviation (LAD) regression is an important tool used in numerous applications throughout science and engineering, mainly due to the intrinsic robust characteristics of LAD. In this paper, we show that the optimization needed to solve the LAD regression problem can be viewed as a sequence of maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) of location. The derived algorithm reduces to an iterative procedure where a simple coordinate transformation is applied during each iteration to direct the optimization procedure along edge lines of the cost surface, followed by an MLE of location which is executed by a weighted median operation. Requiring weighted medians only, the new algorithm can be easily modularized for hardware implementation, as opposed to most of the other existing LAD methods which require complicated operations such as matrix entry manipulations. One exception is Wesolowsky's direct descent algorithm, which among the top algorithms is also based on weighted median operations. Simulation shows that the new algorithm is superior in speed to Wesolowsky's algorithm, which is simple in structure as well. The new algorithm provides a better tradeoff solution between convergence speed and implementation complexity.
Postpollination nectar reabsorption in the African epiphyte Aerangis verdickii (Orchidaceae).

Nectar reabsorption in flowering plants seems to be a rare phenomenon and to our knowledge it has not been reported previously in the Orchidaceae. In this study we present data that show statistically significant differences in nectar sugar concentrations before and after pollination. Virgin flowers of the African epiphytic orchid Aerangis verdickii showed mean sugar concentrations in the nectar of 14.4 and of 18.3% in 1994 and 1995, respectively (sucrose mass by mass equivalent). Sugar concentration in nectar from naturally pollinated flowers had a mean of 3.2 and of 8.7% for the same period. In an experiment in the wild 60 flowers were protected against nectar theft by the ants. Half of those flowers were hand-pollinated. Control (virgin) flowers had nectar with a mean value of 13.8%, while flowers measured 48 h after pollination had a mean sugar concentration of 4.3%. The mean volume of nectar based on measurements of 23 virgin flowers from nine different plants was 19 mL. We estimated an average energy value for the nectar produced of 684 J per plant per season. At the study site, over 60% of the unmanipulated flowers were robbed of all their nectar by arboreal ants, Polyrachis spp. (Formicinae). The adaptive significance of nectar reabsorption for A. verdickii is probably a function of the environmental stresses to which it has been exposed and the relative costs of nectar production.
Botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of migraine

Migraine is a common and debilitating disorder that often requires prophylactic therapy, particularly for those migraine patients who meet the diagnostic criteria for chronic daily headache (chronic migraine). Existing prophylactic treatments for migraine are inadequate for many patients due to their modest efficacy and/or systemic side effects. Alternative treatment strategies are needed, particularly in those with chronic migraine. Botulinum toxin type A is a locally injected protein complex that has been investigated as a treatment for episodic migraine and chronic daily headache. A systematic series of controlled trials has led to the identification of a subset of migraineurs with chronic daily headache who obtain demonstrated benefits of botulinum toxin type A over placebo that is maintained with repeated treatments.
Physical Properties of Cream Reformulated with Fractionated Milk Fat and Milk-Derived Components

Emulsifying properties of milk-derived components influence the physical characteristics of reformulated creams. Fractionated butter oils with different melting ranges (low-melt: 10 to 25°C; medium-melt: 25 to 35°C) were recombined into fluid dairy systems using skim milk, or sweet buttermilk and butter-derived aqueous phase to manufacture 20% milk fat creams. Separation temperature (49°C or 55°C) in obtaining emulsifying components was examined for its effect on physical properties of pasteurized reformulated creams. Rate of creaming, viscosity, feathering, and sensory characteristics of reformulated and natural creams stored at 3.3°C were evaluated over a 13-d period. Creaming rate of reformulated and natural creams was unaffected by formulation and was most influenced by duration of storage. Melting characteristics of butter oils influenced viscosity at some shear rates. With the exception of natural cream, all formulations were consistent in apparent viscosity during the 2-wk storage period. All creams feathered in a pH range of 4.70 to 5.20 and were classified as moderately stable to slightly unstable. All reformulated and natural creams met sensory quality specifications with the exception of creams formulated with skim milk and lower melting range butteroil. Creams formulated with buttermilk, butter-derived aqueous phase, and lower-melting range butter oil most closely mimicked natural creams with regard to sensory quality and viscosity.
Cytology of Morcellated Renal Specimens: Significance in Diagnosis and Dissemination

ABSTRACTPurpose: Controversy surrounds the process of morcellation for retrieving laparoscopically removed specimens. The inability to assess tumor stage, increased difficulty in pathological examination and the potential for tumor spillage are cited as significant disadvantages of the technique. We examined cytological findings in bag washings after laparoscopic nephrectomy for benign and malignant diseases.Materials and Methods: We prospectively obtained cytology washings from the retrieval bag after laparoscopic nephrectomy and manual morcellation. In 22 consecutive cases after specimen fragmentation in a LapSac (Cook Urological, Spencer, Indiana) the bag was thoroughly irrigated with 30 cc normal saline. This wash was then processed by ThinPrep (Cytyc Corp., Marlborough, Massachusetts) and stained with Papanicolaou stain. Standard pathological examination of the morcellated specimen was performed to determine renal histology.Results: The histological diagnosis was clear cell renal carcinoma in 10 case...
On the Fourier Transform of Finite Chirps

In this letter, closed-form expressions for the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) of a finite chirp are derived. It is shown that when the normalized chirp rate is coprime with the chirp length, then the DFT of a finite chirp is again a finite chirp with magnitude, chirp rate, and carrier frequency appropriately scaled. In particular, when the normalized chirp rate is of unit value, then the DFT of a finite chirp is the same chirp, up to a complex scaling factor. Conversely, when the normalized chirp rate has a common factor with the chirp length, then the support of the DFT of a finite chirp is equal to the ratio of chirp length and the common factor. Among other things, results given here complement certain results, obtained by Janssen, on the computation of time-continuous chirps with rational sweep rates
Organizational exit pressures and role stress: Impact on mental health

Summary Hypotheses regarding role stress, chronic burden and two forms of vulnerability to mental health symptoms are tested in a longitudinal sample of 590 caregivers working in group homes for the mentally ill. In addition, an organizational exit pressure hypothesis is offered. Measures of exit pressure are identified and incorporated into predictive models of stress and mental health. Exit pressures affect somatization directly and interact with role ambiguity to affect subsequent levels of anxiety and somatization. The results suggest that selection pressures in and out of social settings should be conceptualized as part of models of stress and mental health.
Dextran Polymer Hemostatic Dressing Improves Survival in Liver Injury Model

Background Improvements in early hemorrhage control could result in morefavorable outcomes. Several advanced hemostatic dressings are available; however, none meets the ideal characteristics defined by the United States Army. We studied the effects of a new dextran polymer hemostatic dressing on survival, blood loss, and blood pressure in a swine model of severe liver injury. Methods We randomized 12 Yorkshire swine to treatment with either standard laparotomy pads or laparotomy pads coated with a dextran polymer (Bloxx). These dressings are visually identical, and investigators were not informed of the dressing assignment. We transected the left medial lobe of the liver in the anesthetized swine with a large knife, applied dressings immediately, and held pressure for 7 min. The animals received a weight-based maintenance crystalloid infusion without further resuscitation. Endpoints were blood loss, blood pressure, early mortality (120 min), and tissue histology. Results Baseline and pre-injury characteristics were similar between all animals. Three of six animals in the control group survived for 2 h while all six animals treated with Bloxx survived (P = 0.05). Similarly, animals in the Bloxx group experienced less blood loss (10.4 ± 8.8 mL/kg versus 28.3 ± 13.0 mL/kg, P = 0.025) and higher post-injury blood pressure than the control group. Bloxx was not associated with macroscopic or microscopic tissue damage. Conclusions Bloxx is superior to standard laparotomy sponges in this model of lethal liver injury. Further study of this dressing is warranted to determine its potential for use in civilian and military trauma.
Exploiting Ontologies for Search Result Diversification

We report our systems and experimental results in the diversity task of web track 2012. Our goal is to exploit the structured data, i.e., the ontologies, as well as unstructured data for search result diversification. We use two strategies in the diversification systems. The first strategy combines the ontology and unstructured data to extract integrated subtopics. It then uses the coverage based diversification function to diversify documents based on the integrated subtopics. The second strategy exploits the structure information in the ontology for diversification. We use a structural diversification to diversify documents based on the structural relationships of their subtopics in the ontology.
Effects of nicotine on proliferation and extracellular matrix production of human gingival fibroblasts in vitro

Normal function of gingival fibroblasts is essential for maintenance of the gingival extracellular matrix (ECM), but under inflammatory conditions in gingival tissue which may occur with tobacco use, they can also act in its destruction. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of nicotine, a major component of tobacco, on gingival fibroblast proliferation, the production of fibronectin (FN), and the production and breakdown of type I collagen to elucidate its role in periodontal destruction associated with its use. A human gingival fibroblast strain derived from a healthy individual with non-inflamed gingiva was used in this study. Nicotine at concentrations > 0.075% caused cell death, and at 0.075% and 0.05% it caused transient vacuolization of the fibroblasts. At concentrations of 0.001% to 0.075%, nicotine significantly inhibited proliferation (P or = 0.05% (P or = 0.025% significantly increased collagenase activity (P < or = 0.008), using [3H]-gly and [14C]-pro-labeled type I collagen gels as substrate. The results show that, in vitro, nicotine inhibits the growth of gingival fibroblasts and their production of FN and collagen, while also promoting collagen breakdown. This suggests that nicotine itself may augment the destruction of the gingival ECM occurring during periodontal inflammation associated with smokeless tobacco use.
An Archaeological Perspective on the Andean Concept of Camaquen: Thinking Through Late Pre-Columbian Ofrendas and Huacas

Ethnohistoric sources suggest that the indigenous inhabitants of Andean South America saw both people and things as animated or enlivened by a common vital force (camaquen). In approaching the subject of camaquen archaeologically, I attempt to place objects and their materiality at the analytical centre, rather than the normally privileged ethnohistoric or ethnographic data, in order to see what new insights into the nature of Pre-Columbian ontologies might be gained from ‘thinking through things’. In this, I follow recent theories premised on the idea that the traditional segregation of concepts and things may hinder understanding of alternative worlds. The study focuses specifically on the arrangements, relationality and referentiality between and among objects found in sacred and offering contexts dating to the Inca period.
Adopt Health Information Technology Systems Now! But in what Sequence?

The question is familiar to many of us. Numerous systems designed to improve the medication-use process are presented to pharmacists, but what is the best sequence for implementing these technologies? This month we look at opinions from chief information officers of health systems on the question of the sequence of information technology system adoption. We also provide our perspectives on this question.
The relevance of clinical balance assessment tools to differentiate balance deficits

Control of balance is complex and involves maintaining postures, facilitating movement, and recovering equilib- rium. Balance control consists of controlling the body center of mass over its limits of stability. Clinical balance assessment can help to assess fall risk and/or determine the underlying reasons for balance disorders. Most func- tional balance assessment scales assess fall risk and the need for balance rehabilitation but do not differentiate types of balance deficits. A system approach to clinical bal- ance assessment can differentiate different kinds of bal- ance disorders and a physiological approach can deter- mine underlying sensorimotor mechanisms contribut- ing to balance disorders. Objective measures of balance using computerized systems and wearable inertial sensors can bring more sensitive, specific and responsive bal- ance testing to clinical practice.
SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF DENITRIFICATION POTENTIAL AND RELATED SOIL PROPERTIES IN CREATED, RESTORED, AND PAIRED NATURAL WETLANDS

ABSTRACT To gain a better understanding of the spatial patterns of denitrification potential and related soil properties in created (CW), restored (RW), and natural wetlands (NWs), four CW/RW-NW pairs in North Carolina, USA were sampled. These site pairs spanned a range of hydrogeomorphic (HGM) settings common in the Coastal Plain. It was hypothesized that denitrification enzyme activities (DEAs) and related soil properties of CW/RWs would have less spatial variability than DEAs and soil properties of NWs, as prior land-use and mitigation activities tend to homogenize soil properties. Cochran's C tests indicated that variances were significantly lower in CW/RWs than in NWs for most soil properties, and that for nitrate (NO3-N), variances were significantly lower in CW/RWs across all HGM settings. Interpolated maps of the soil properties revealed homogeneous distributions of NO3-N across the CW/RW plots compared to much more heterogeneous distributions of NO3-N across the NW plots. Multiple stepwise regres...
Fibers Caught in the Knuckles of the Forming Wires: Experimental Measurements and Physical Origins of the Force of Peeling in the Hydroentanglement Process

In hydroentanglement process, very fine water jets with high pressure impinge on the fiberweb, which is supported by forming wires. The impact of the jets causes fiber entanglement in the fiberweb and produces an integrated fabric with desired performance, texture, and appearance similar to the forming wires. It is important that at the end of the process, the fiberweb can be easily separated from the forming wires. In this paper, the force of peeling required for the separation of the wet, hydroentangled fabric from the forming wires is measured experimentally. A set of experimental trials was conducted to investigate the effects of the jet pressure, fiberweb basis weight, and forming wires mesh size on the peeling force. Visualizing fibers caught in the knuckles of the forming wires under magnification reveals physical mechanisms leading to the formation of the peeling force.
Design, experimentation and computerized automated data analysis of synergistic drug combinations against xenograft tumors by Taxotere and T900607

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 4944 Quantitative determination of synergistic/antagonistic combinations of antitumor agents in vitro in terms of isobologram and combination index (CI) is relatively easy to be carried out using computer simulation. However, drug combination against xenograft tumor is frequently complicated by variability, experimental size, experimental optimization and cost. This paper demonstrates how to overcome these difficulties by using microtubule targeting antitumor agents, Taxotere (TXT) and [T900607][1] (T607), as examples and using the median-effect principle (Chou) and the CI method (Chou-Talalay). We have succeeded in quantitative determination and antitumor synergism of these two drugs without enhancement of toxicity. This conclusion is reached with i) constant ratio combination (diagonal scheme); ii) previously established optimal conditions (doses, schedule and route) and with determining tumor size and body weight changes; and iii) the use of new computer software “CompuSyn” (Chou & Martin, 2003). In all, only 72 nude mice were used and about 2 months were spent for each experiment. Human colon carcinoma HCT-116 xenografts were implanted on day 0, and i.v. treatment, Q3Dx4 and x3 were started on day 14 with TXT (3, 5, 6, 7 mg/kg) and/or T607 (15, 25, 30, 35mg/kg) on day 14, 17, 20, 23, 32, 35 and 38, (n=6). Computerized analysis indicates that synergism (CI<1) occurred on day 32 with increasing synergism on D35 as indicated by the Fa-CI plots and the isobologram. Surprisingly, body weight decreases during and after combination treatment were less than those treated with each drug alone. This is considered a rare incidence of mutual protection in toxicity. Computer simulation of dose-reduction index (DRI) indicates that TXT doses can be reduced by 1.8-fold and T607 doses can be reduced by 4.5-fold when compared with each drug alone for a given degree of tumor suppression. Thus, decreases in dose led to decrease in toxicity while not compromising therapeutic effects. In a similar experiment with human mammary carcinoma MX-1 xenografts, T607 (25-35mg/kg) and TXT (7.5-15mg/kg) Q3Dx4, i.v. were given on D7, 10, 13 and 16. Increasing therapeutic synergism was observed on 16, 19 and 21. On D19, T607 (30mg/kg) and TXT (15mg/kg) resulted in 0/6 and 2/4 tumor disappearance, respectively, whereas in combination 5/5 tumor disappearance was observed. These results suggest that in vivo drug combinations can be conducted efficiently and synergy can be quantitatively determined, and that combination of TXT and T-607 for clinical development is warranted. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=GEN&access_num=T900607&atom=%2Fcanres%2F65%2F9_Supplement%2F1167.3.atom
Cancer risks associated with employment in the leather and leather products industry.

Abstract A recent study of relationships between occupation and cancer at Roswell Park Memorial Institute, Buffalo, New York, identified significantly high risks of bladder cancer among men and women with a history of employment in plants manufacturing leather and leather products. Among males, the relative risk increased with duration of employment and remained elevated after adjustment for smoking habits. Among male leatherworkers, significantly increased risks were seen for cancers of the buccal cavity and pharynx and larynx that could not be explained by differences in smoking habits. Malignant lymphomas were also associated with elevated risks among men and women who had worked in the leather industry. Review of processes and agents found in leather manufacture reveals several areas with exposure to potentially carcinogenic materials, including azo and other synthetic dyes that have induced cancer in laboratory animals. Further studies of person employed in the leathermaking and fabrication industrie...