cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unintended pregnancy is a risk factor for depressive symptoms among socio-economically disadvantaged women in rural Bangladesh

Little is known about the relation between unwanted pregnancy and intention discordance and maternal mental health in low-income countries. The study aim was to evaluate maternal and paternal pregnancy intentions (and intention discordance) in relation to perinatal depressive symptoms among rural Bangladeshi women. Data come from a population-based, community trial of married rural Bangladeshi women aged 13–44. We examined pregnancy intentions among couples and pregnancy-intention discordance, as reported by women at enrollment soon after pregnancy ascertainment, in relation to depressive symptoms in the third trimester of pregnancy (N = 14,629) and six months postpartum (N = 31,422). We calculated crude and adjusted risk ratios for prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms by pregnancy intentions. In multivariable analyses, women with unwanted pregnancies were at higher risk of prenatal (Adj. RR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.37–1.87) and postnatal depressive symptoms (Adj. RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.21–1.44) than women with wanted pregnancies. Women who perceived their husbands did not want the pregnancy also were at higher risk for prenatal (Adj. RR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.22–1.65) and postnatal depressive symptoms (Adj. RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.19–1.41). Both parents not wanting the pregnancy was associated with prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms (Adj. RR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.19–1.52; Adj. RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06–1.21, respectively), compared to when both parents wanted it. Adjusting for socio-demographic and pregnancy intention variables simultaneously, maternal intentions and pregnancy discordance were significantly related to prenatal depressive symptoms, and perception of paternal pregnancy unwantedness and couple pregnancy discordance, with postnatal depressive symptoms. Maternal, paternal and discordant couple pregnancy intentions, as perceived by rural Bangladeshi women, are important risk factors for perinatal maternal depressive symptoms.
DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF FETAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN MAJOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Accuracy of fetal echocardiography (FE) is not well defined, and reporting of diagnostic discrepancies (DD) is not standardized. We adapted a categorization scheme used in transthoracic echocardiography and applied it to FE. Retrospective single center study of prenatally diagnosed major structural
Fungal Endophytes in Lolium and Festuca Species

The epichloe endophytes (fungal genera Epichloe and Neotyphodium) are symbionts of many temperate pasture grasses, and are particularly important in Festuca and Lolium species. Many epichloae are known to protect host grasses against a wide range of insects, but some of the anti-insect alkaloids that they produce can negatively affect the health and reproduction of livestock. Here I review the evolutionary relationships and origins of Epichloe and Neotyphodium species, and what is known of the biosynthetic pathways and genetics of protective alkaloids that they produce.
Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Bladder Cancer Survival: Analysis of the California Cancer Registry.

Abstract Purpose To examine the California Cancer Registry (CCR) for bladder cancer survival disparities based on race, socioeconomic status (SES), and insurance in California patients. Patients and Methods The CCR was queried for bladder cancer cases in California from 1988 to 2012. The primary outcome was disease-specific survival (DSS), defined as the time interval from date of diagnosis to date of death from bladder cancer. Survival analyses were performed to determine the prognostic significance of racial and socioeconomic factors. Results A total of 72,452 cases were included (74.5% men, 25.5% women). The median age was 72 years (range, 18-109 years). The racial distribution among the patients was 81% white, 3.8% black, 8.8% Hispanic, 5.2% Asian, and 1.2% from other races. In black patients, tumors presented more frequently with advanced stage and high grade. Medicaid patients tended to be younger and had more advanced-stage, higher-grade tumors compared to patients with Medicare or managed care ( P P P Conclusion An analysis of the CCR demonstrated that black race, low SES, and Medicaid insurance portend poorer DSS. These findings reflect a multifaceted socioeconomic and public health conundrum, and efforts to reduce inequalities should be pursued.
Using Q-Learning for Sequencing Level Difficulties in a Citizen Science Matching Game

Sequencing task difficulty and variety can be a powerful tool for increasing engagement in online citizen science platforms. The abundance of available participant data presents great promise for machine learning oriented approaches to making tasks more engaging for participants. We present a web game for image matching called Tile-o-Scope Grid, and explore using a Q-learning based algorithm to generate a policy for sequencing level difficulties. Recruiting players using Amazon Mechanical Turk, we gathered data to train and evaluate approaches to sequencing level difficulties in Tile-o-Scope Grid. Comparisons of our Q-learning based algorithm with uniform random and greedy baselines suggest potential for using reinforcement learning for citizen science image labeling.
Develop ten security analytics metrics for big data on the cloud

This paper reviews big data security analytics and looks into the big data lifecycle for assessments of big data security challenge in clouds. The paper justifies the reasons to develop big data security metrics. In this paper, we propose ten big data security metrics securing big data on cloud. This paper contributes new knowledge to big data security by tying with right security metrics.
Comparison of the ID Now Influenza A & B 2, Cobas Influenza A/B, and Xpert Xpress Flu Point-of-Care Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests for Influenza A/B Virus Detection in Children.

Early diagnosis of influenza (Flu) is critical for patient management and infection control. The ID Now influenza A & B 2 (ID Now) assay (Abbott Laboratories), Cobas influenza A/B nucleic acid test (LIAT; Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.), and Xpert Xpress Flu (Xpert; Cepheid) are rapid, point-of-care molecular assays for Flu virus detection. The study aim was to compare the performances of these three commercially available Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-waived Flu virus assays. We prospectively enrolled 201 children 97%. These molecular assays had higher sensitivity than did a historical standard-of-care test from the BD Veritor antigen test (Flu A virus, 79.5%; Flu B virus, 66.7%).
Black recipients of oocyte donation experience lower live birth rates compared with White recipients

Abstract Research question Is minority race associated with worse oocyte donation outcomes? Design Retrospective analysis of 926 oocyte recipients who underwent a donor cycle with fresh embryo transfer at a single fertility centre between January 2009 and June 2015. Race was self-reported. To adjust for repeat donors within the sample, mixed models were used to analyse donor parameters and recipient outcomes. The recipient outcome models were adjusted for age, body mass index and primary infertility diagnosis. Results The study consisted of 767 (82.8%) White, 41 (4.4%) Black, 63 (6.8%) Asian and 55 (5.9%) Hispanic women. Compared with White recipients, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for clinical pregnancy was 0.39 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19–0.79) for Black, 0.55 (95% CI 0.31–0.98) for Hispanic and 0.88 (95% CI 0.51–1.53) for Asian recipients. The aOR for live birth was 0.47 (95% CI 0.23–0.98) for Black, 0.58 (95% CI 0.32–1.06) for Hispanic and 0.62 (95% 0.35–1.09) for Asian recipients. A subgroup analysis restricted to cycles with racially concordant donors and recipients showed that the odds of clinical pregnancy and live birth were further reduced among Black recipients, with aOR of 0.28 (95% CI 0.09–0.81) and 0.30 (95% CI 0.09–0.98), respectively. Conclusions Black and Hispanic oocyte donation recipients experience lower clinical pregnancy rates and Black recipients experience lower live birth rates compared with White recipients. Racially discordant donor oocyte cycles involving donors and recipients of different races present an opportunity to further investigate the cause of disparity.
Using Design Alternatives to Learn About Data Organizations

Data that correspond to real-world scenarios can often be organized in several different ways in a database or program. Appreciating the differences between them and choosing an organization that addresses a system's needs are valuable and necessary computing skills. Unfortunately, little of the computing-education literature seems to deal with this topic. In this paper we consider a technique for getting students to engage with this issue, grounded in theories of examples and differences. Instead of presenting a single organization, we present a pair of organizations and ask students to contrast them. Students then interact directly with the two organizations in a reflection step, which is followed by a further round of contrasting. Our data show that even novice college students can handle this task fairly well. They are able to find many crucial differences (especially in terms of access and update operations), but also miss some (especially performance and privacy). These data suggest that this is a useful technique to pursue further, and also point to areas where students may need more instructional support.
Should we build better? The case for resilient earthquake design in the United States:

America seems to have an earthquake investment gap, paying billions more annually on average to recover from earthquakes than it invests to prevent losses beforehand. Two large studies for Federal ...
An Absolute Power, or A Power Absolutely in Need of Reform? Proposals to Reform the Presidential Pardon Power

The presidential pardon power can serve valuable purposes, but the lack of checks on the power invites abuses. This report by Fordham Law School's Democracy Clinic calls for laws and executive orders to curtail misuses of the pardon power. Congress should pass laws banning the president from pardoning himself or herself and issuing pardons for conduct that has not yet occurred. Executive orders should set detailed procedures for considering pardons and require reports to Congress if the president pardons a family member or close associate.
Does Education in Oral Health Competencies in Physician Assistant Education Programs Translate to Delivery of Oral Health Services in Clinical Practice

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which physician assistants (PAs) are educated in oral health competencies and the relationship of education to providing oral health services to patients. METHODS The study was conducted in 2016 by administering an Internet-based survey to a nationwide sample of 2014 graduates of programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. The survey response rate was 12.7% (N = 304). RESULTS More than half of the PAs who received education in oral health in their professional education programs indicated that oral health curricula were either integrated into one or several topical areas in the base curriculum or delivered in stand-alone lectures. The majority of PA respondents rated their educational preparation as good or excellent in helping them provide oral health education to their patients (54.8%), make appropriate referrals to oral health providers (53.7%), and provide preventive oral health services (51.2%), while more than 40% rated their preparation as good or excellent in helping them identify oral diseases, conditions, and intervention strategies. More than one-third (35.7%) of all PA respondents reported that they provided oral health services in their clinical practices. PAs who received instruction in oral health competencies through the PA education curriculum or from other sources were 2.82 times more likely to provide oral health assessment and screening services to their patients (95% confidence interval, 1.19-6.67). The PA respondents' provision of oral health services was also significantly associated with working in primary medicine or urgent care practice specialties but not with the work setting. CONCLUSIONS PAs educated in oral health competencies are more likely to provide such services to patients, especially in primary medicine or urgent care settings.
RESEARCH ARTICLE: Implementation of online assignment submission with instant feedback in a pharmacy course

Objective: To implement online assignment submission with instant feedback in a biopharmaceutics course taught to professional pharmacy students, and to evaluate students’ reception of the activity. Method: Online assignments equipped for immediate grading and feedback were administered on Blackboard to second year pharmacy students. A survey assessing students’ reception of the effectiveness of this method was administered at the end of the semester. Results: Almost all the students (99.1%) agreed or strongly agreed that the online assignments and feedback improved their understanding of the basic concepts in the course. Students (98.8%) also felt that the use of computers in the course was worthwhile, and recommended their continued use. Conclusion: Online assignments with instant feedback offers a readily workable technique that students and this author perceive to have great value for enhancing student understanding in biopharmaceutics and related pharmacy courses.
Power Scalable Angle of Arrival Estimation Using Pilot Design With Orthogonal Subsequences

Energy efficient array processing is critical to implement feasible solutions for directional communication in a mmWave channel. MmWave channels are highly susceptible to blockage and require frequent angle of arrival (AoA) estimation. An AoA estimation solutions with a fully digital architecture offers a low latency, high performance and flexible solution suitable for the stringent requirements of $\mathbf {5}\text{G}$ . However, the large number of high speed converters in a digital receiver are the dominant power consuming elements. Alternative analog or hybrid architectures use fewer high speed converters, but require sweeping measurements to estimate AoAs over the angular space, and thus adds latency to the estimation process. In this paper, we present a variable rate sub-Nyquist decoupling solution that leverages pilot design. The pilot’s subsequence properties allow decoupling the source waveforms at fractions of the Nyquist rate. We leverage this concept to scale power consumption by the converters. We preprocess the received signals at the antenna array with the variable rate sub-Nyquist decoupling algorithm and use a few well known digital estimators for AoA estimation including DEML, KR-MUSIC based two level nested array and coprime filter bank. In addition to scalable power consumption, our research indicates some other benefits of the decoupling, including reduced complexity algorithm implementation and improved performance estimation for the non maximum likelihood estimators.
From the Old to the New World: The Transformation of Kongo Minkisi in African American Art

FROM THE OLD TO THE NEW WORLD: THE TRANSFORMATION OF KONGO MINKISI IN AFRICAN AMERICAN ART By Mary Margaret McCurnin, BFA A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010 Major Director: Babatunde Lawal Professor of Art History Minkisi (sing. nkisi) were sacred objects that housed ancestral spirits and were used for divination, healing and social justice by the Kongo people of Central Africa. When the Kongo were brought as slaves to the New World, they contributed significantly to the development of African American artistic and spiritual culture. In the Caribbean, aspects of minkisi have been retained in the creolized spiritual beliefs of Haitian Vodou, Cuban Palo Monte Mayombe and Brazilian Candomble. In North America, evidence of Kongo influence is apparent in examples of folk art and culture, including quilts, mojo hands, Afro-Carolinian face vessels, memory jugs and burial sites. In the twentieth and twentyfirst centuries, artists appear to have recontextualized elements of minkisi within their work, among these James “Son Ford” Thomas, James Van Der Zee, Betye and Alison Saar, Willie Cole and Renee Stout, creating a link between the Kongo past and the American present.
Interpreting Scenario-Based Design from an Information Systems Perspective

To facilitate the evolution of and to better understand human centered technology development in context of business, managerial, organizational, and cultural contexts, the study of HCI in the MIS discipline is becoming increasingly important. In this paper, we attempt to conflate analytical and design methodologies from the Information Systems and Human Computer Interaction literature. HCI literature acknowledges that people will generally envision scenarios in different ways based on implicit assumptions that orient their interpretations. These assumptions can lead to different design consequences. We propose the use of scenario metadata with scenarios as a method for making these assumptions explicit so that stakeholders, including designers, are more aware of their design assumptions. We structure scenario metadata by leveraging three major constructs from the Information Systems literature: technology, information, and people.
Managing technology: To be or not to be: The test site dilemma

Abstract In the November 1993 issue, Edward R. Johnson contributed a column on the experiences of being an unsuccessful alpha test site. In it he outlined five general lessons. it may seem soon to revisit this question, but in this column Kathy M. Jackson and Irene B. Hoadley draw on several experiences and provide the “nitty gritty” details of the alpha and beta test site experiences. in particular, they contribute to our understanding of the subtle tradeoffs, benefits, and obligations of acting as a test site. As I reread both columns and reflect on current experiences at Carnegie Mellon University, I find myself nodding my head in recognition. Both columns provide a different and complimentary perspective on the experience, and taken together they should be required reading for library managers considering the prospect of testing.—C.B.L.
Variable Default Hierarchy Separation in a classifier system

A learning classifier system (LCS) is a machine learning system that incorporates a production-system framework and a genetic algorithm (GA) for rule discovery (Goldberg, 1989; Holland, 1975). A primary feature of LCSs is their potential to exploit overlapping sets of rules called default hierarchies. Default hierarchies increase rule set parsimony, enlarge the solution set, and lend themselves to graceful refinement by the GA (Holland, Holy oak, Nisbett, & Thagard, 1986). Traditionally, auction-based, specificity-biased credit allocation (CA) and conflict resolution (CR) schemes have been used to encourage default hierarchy formation in an LCS. Analyses presented in this paper suggest that these schemes cannot be expected to perform adequately in arbitrary LCS environments. This paper presents an alternate CA/CR that associates two measures with each classifier in place of the single, traditional strength measure. The first measure is a payoff estimate, which is tuned by the linear-update scheme usually used for strength. The second measure is a priority factor that is tuned to control the outcome of a necessity auction. In the necessity auction the winning classifier pays out the payoff estimate of its nearest competitor, rather than a fraction of its own payoff estimate. Results and analyses are presented that show that this CA/CR scheme can induce variable bid separation that responds to the demands of the LCS environment Additional analyses show that this scheme allows an LCS to adequately exploit a broader class of default hierarchies than traditional schemes. Several avenues are suggested for further study.
The analysis of the proton magnetic resonance spectra of monosubstituted benzenes The ring proton chemical shifts at infinite dilution

Abstract Proton magnetic resonance spectra of 22 kinds of typical monosubstituted benzenes have been completely analyzed as an AA′BB′C spin system, and the precise values of chemical shifts of ring protons are determined at infinite dilution in carbon tetrachloride. The dilution curves for the chemical shifts of each ring proton are obtained. A comparison is made between the chemical shifts of the monosubstituted benzenes and the substituent constants obtained from the chemical shifts of polysubstituted benzenes by application of the additivity rule.
Finite Element Model for Plymouth Tube Processing Using Internal State Variables

The complete manufacturing process of cold drawn welded steel tubing was simulated using a history dependent internal state variable plasticity-damage model. In order to implement the history dependent model, the Internal State Variables (ISV) Plasticity-Damage (DMG) model that has been developed at Sandia National Labs and Mississippi State University was employed for a low carbon steel AISI 1010, which is the alloy used by the partnering tube manufacturing company. Even though the model is performed at the structural scale, the history variables (internal state variables) which are driven by microstructural changes—e.g., dislocation density and grain size—were tracked through the whole sequences, and the history model captured real thermal and mechanical behaviors of the target material. Once the internal state variables were extracted from the simulation, the model showed critical deformation histories that one could not notice with the naked eye, and must therefore be considered for future design of the tubing process.
Planning Algorithms: Planning Under Sensing Uncertainty

The main purpose of Chapter 11 was to introduce information space (I-space) concepts and to provide illustrative examples that aid in understanding. This chapter addresses planning under sensing uncertainty, which amounts to planning in an I-space. Section 12.1 covers general-purpose algorithms, for which it will quickly be discovered that only problems with very few states can be solved because of the explosive growth of the I-space. In Chapter 6, it was seen that general-purpose motion planning algorithms apply only to simple problems. Ways to avoid this were either to develop sampling-based techniques or to focus on a narrower class of problems. It is intriguing to apply sampling-based planning ideas to I-spaces, but as of yet this idea remains largely unexplored. Therefore, the majority of this chapter focuses on planning algorithms designed for narrower classes of problems. In each case, interesting algorithms have been developed that can solve problems that are much more complicated than what could be solved by the general-purpose algorithms. This is because they exploit some structure that is specific to the problem. An important philosophy when dealing with an I-space is to develop an I-map that reduces its size and complexity as much as possible by obtaining a simpler derived I-space. Following this, it may be possible to design a special-purpose algorithm that efficiently solves the new problem by relying on the fact that the I-space does have the full generality. This idea will appear repeatedly throughout the chapter.
Determination of Sulfobromophthalein in Serum

A method for the determination of BSP is presented which eliminates errors due to protein-binding with albumin and artifacts due to bilirubin, hemoglobin, and turbidity. Measurements at two or three wavelengths are thereby reduced to measurement at one wavelength. The method while simplified appears to be accurate, particularly in the low ranges.
The effect of circuit parasitic impedance on the performance of IGBTs in voltage source inverters

In order to reduce power losses and increase system power density, IGBT switching speeds in industrial motor drives continue to increase. These fast switching speeds, combined with high switching frequencies, have increased the interaction between the IGBT and the parasitic circuit impedance. This paper describes the switching behavior of fast switching IGBTs in the presence of parasitic circuit impedance. The sources of the parasitic impedance are identified and include the IGBT chip, power device packaging, physical circuit layout and motor load. The interaction between the power devices and circuit parasitic capacitance is shown to cause output voltage distortion that affects the volt-seconds applied to the motor. Analysis of the current paths and voltage distortion levels is performed as a function of the inverter switching state to predict the IGBT switching behavior. It is also found that parasitic capacitance contributes to an increase in the IGBT power loss and a change in the power loss distribution between the IGBT and diode in a power module.
Loss of transformed phenotype upon senescence of Rous sarcoma virus-infected chicken neuroretinal cells.

Success in obtaining permanent Rous sarcoma virus-infected chicken cell lines has been limited because of a senescence phenomenon. We show that a diminished, transformed phenotype, followed by dramatic morphological changes, precedes senescence. These changes are associated with continued expression of pp60v-src, as well as specific alterations in expression of two possible phosphorylated substrates of pp60v-src. Images
Pediatric Renal Trauma

Urologic trauma is defined as injury to the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, or external genitalia as a result of external force. Nearly half of childhood death between the ages of 1–14 in the United States can be attributed to traumatic incidents. The estimated cost of caring for these children is about 5–7 billion dollars per year in the United States. The social and economic ramifications are vast. After the central nervous system, the genitourinary system is the next most commonly affected by trauma. Fortunately, the majority of injuries are nonlethal and require no operative management.
Acute treatment with pulsed electromagnetic fields and its effect on fast axonal transport in normal and regenerating nerve

The mechanism whereby low-frequency electromagnetic fields accelerate axonal regrowth and regeneration of peripheral nerve after crush lesion is not known. One candidate is an alteration in axonal transport. In this study we exposed unoperated rats for 15 min/day, and rats that had undergone a crush lesion of the sciatic nerve, for 1 hr/day for 2 days, to 2-Hz pulsed electromagnetic fields. To label fast transported proteins, [3H]-proline was microinjected into the spinal cord, and the sciatic nerves were removed 2, 3.5, and 5 hr later. The rates of fast axonal transport were obtained for animals in all groups by counting sequential 2-mm segments of nerves. The following transport rates were found: in unoperated normal sciatic nerve not exposed to PEMF, 373 +/- 14 mm/day; in unoperated normal nerve exposed to PEMF, 383 +/- 14 mm/day; in sham crush nerves not exposed to PEMF, 379 +/- 19 mm/day; in sham crush nerve exposed to PEMF, 385 +/- 17 mm/day; in crushed nerves not exposed to PEMF, 393 +/- 16 mm/day. and in crushed nerves exposed to PEMF, 392 +/- 15 mm/day. The results of these experiments indicate that 1) a crush injury to the sciatic nerve does not alter the rate of fast axonal transport, and 2) low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields do not alter fast axonal transport rates in operated (crush) or unoperated sciatic nerves.
Taxes and stabilization in contemporary macroeconomic models

The role of proportional and procyclic labor income taxes for automatic stabilization with stochastic productivity is analyzed in a contemporary macroeconomic model based on imperfect competition. The importance of short-run nominal wage rigidity for the effectiveness of progressive taxes on labor income for stabilizing output and raising household welfare is examined in a model that yields complete analytical solutions with stochastic output shocks. Increasing the procyclicity of labor income tax rates raises welfare with and without rigid nominal wages in the model economy. With fully flexible prices and wages, a positive covariance between the distortionary tax rate and productivity reduces the volatility of production and employment. This effect disappears under nominal wage rigidity, although progressive taxation can still raise welfare by reducing the distortion caused by a proportional labor tax. With rigid nominal wages and flexible consumer goods prices, payroll taxes levied at rates that rise with output can serve as automatic stabilizers.
The relationship between market sentiment and equity premium: an artificial neural network analysis

This study explores whether market sentiment is significantly related to equity premium levels using the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) framework with both the Conference Board CCI and the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) as market sentiment proxies. Contrary to several studies, our results showed that after controlling for a standard set of fundamental variables, there is little evidence to support a strong direct relationship between market sentiment and equity premium. However, these results agree with other empirical studies that find market sentiment to be a reflection of market fundamentals, which in turn actually affect equity premium levels.
Physical treatments for headache: a structured review.

Background.—Primary headache disorders, especially migraine, are commonly accompanied by neck pain or other symptoms. Because of this, physical therapy (PT) and other physical treatments are often prescribed. This review updates and synthesizes published clinical trial evidence, systematic reviews, and case series regarding the efficacy of selected physical modalities in the treatment of primary headache disorders. Methods.—The National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE), The Cochrane Library, and other sources of information were searched through June 2004 to identify clinical studies, systematic reviews, case series, or other information published in English that assessed the treatment of headache or migraine with chiropractic, osteopathic, PT, or massage interventions. Results.—PT is more effective than massage therapy or acupuncture for the treatment of TTH and appears to be most beneficial for patients with a high frequency of headache episodes. PT is most effective for the treatment of migraine when combined with other treatments such as thermal biofeedback, relaxation training, and exercise. Chiropractic manipulation demonstrated a trend toward benefit in the treatment of TTH, but evidence is weak. Chiropractic manipulation is probably more effective in the treatment of tension-type headache (TTH) than it is in the treatment of migraine. Evidence is lacking regarding the efficacy of these treatments in reducing headache frequency, intensity, duration, and disability in many commonly encountered clinical situations. Many of the published case series and controlled studies are of low quality. Conclusions and Recommendations.—Further studies of improved quality are necessary to more firmly establish the place of physical modalities in the treatment of primary headache disorders. With the exception of high velocity chiropractic manipulation of the neck, the treatments are unlikely to be physically dangerous, although the financial costs and lost treatment opportunity by prescribing potentially ineffective treatment may not be insignificant. In the absence of clear evidence regarding their role in treatment, physicians and patients are advised to make cautious and individualized judgments about the utility of physical treatments for headache management; in most cases, the use of these modalities should complement rather than supplant better-validated forms of therapy.
Isolation of C Reactive Protein and its Effect on Human Lymphocytes in vitro

C REACTIVE protein (CRP) appears in the serum of human and other animal species during acute inflammation. Its amount is related to the severity of inflammatory response, irrespective of its cause. CRP is probably made by normal cells1 and then released locally at the time of injury2. It is not made de novo by injured cells3. Its reaction with C polysaccharide requires divalent cations and is related to the polyanionic nature of this highly phosphorylated carbohydrate4. The kinetics of the reaction are similar to antigen-antibody reactions but CRP is not an immunoglobulin5. Its function is unknown.
Pretransformation effects of localized soft modes on neutron scattering, acoustic attenuation, and Mössbauer resonance measurements

The localized soft mode model of martensitic nucleation is used to predict pretransformation effects of such regions on inelastic neutron scattering, ultrasonic acoustic attenuation and Mossbauer resonance absorption. The theoretical predictions are compared with the available experimental data.
KTP laser therapy for bleeding from chronic radiation proctopathy

Abstract Background: Endoscopic laser photocoagulation is commonly used to treat bleeding from the neovascular lesions of chronic radiation proctopathy. The KTP laser is an Nd/YAG–driven unit that emits light with a wavelength of 532 nm. This wavelength of energy is absorbed by hemoglobin and penetrates tissue to a depth of only 1 to 2 mm. Methods: Twenty-three patients were treated with KTP laser and followed for a median of 29 months (range 5 to 51 months); 21 had received radiation for prostate cancer and 2 for uterine cancer. The median age was 77 years (range 68 to 87 years). A median of 2 sessions (range 1 to 5 sessions) was performed using 4 to 10 Watts of power and a median energy of 816 Joules per session (range 204 to 2430 Joules). Results: After treatment there was a significant reduction in the frequency ( p = 0.0005) of bleeding, increase in hematocrit level ( p p = 0.01), and a reduction in use of health care resources ( p Conclusions: KTP laser photocoagulation is a safe and effective therapy for bleeding from chronic radiation proctopathy that improves activities of daily living and reduces use of health care resources. (Gastrointest Endosc 2000;52:353–7.)
A Phylogenetic Analysis of Geese and Swans (Anseriformes: Anserinae), Including Selected Fossil Species

A phylogenetic analysis of modern and selected fossil geese and swans was performed using 165 characters of the skeleton, trachea, and natal and definitive integument. Five shortest trees were found (length = 318; consistency index for informative characters = 0.634), which differed only in details of relationships among three species of Branta. The trees supported (1) iCnemiornis as sister group to other taxa analyzed; (2) a sister group relationship between the moa-nalos of Hawaii and other geese and swans; (3) Cereopsis as sister group of Anser, Branta, Coscoroba, and Cygnus (contra Livezey, 1986, Auk 103:737-754); (4) monophyly of Anser, Branta, and iGeochen and confirmation of generic monophyly of each; and (5) Coscoroba as sister group to Cygnus. Selective exclusion of fossil taxa from the analysis variably affected inferred relationships and had substantial impacts on computational efficiency. Some nodes were not robust to boot- strapping: (1) nodes relating species groups within Anser, Cygnus, and iThambetochen and (2) the node uniting Anser, Branta, Coscoroba, and Cygnus relative to Cereopsis. Bremer (decay) indices indicated similar differences in relative support for nodes. Skeletal characters were comparatively important in establishing higher order relationships, whereas integumentary characters were crit- ical for lower order inferences. Constrained analyses revealed that other proposed phylogenetic hypotheses entailed variable penalities in parsimony. The shortest tree(s) was considered with respect to selected ecomorphological attributes (e.g., body mass, sexual size dimorphism, clutch size) and biogeography, and a revised phylogenetic classification of the geese and swans is pro- posed. (Anseriformes; Anserinae; cladistics; comparative analysis; fossils; geese; morphology; swans; waterfowl.)
Developing and Testing a 3D Video Game for Construction Safety Education

Construction safety education has mostly relied on one-way transference of knowledge from instructors to students through traditional lectures and media such as textbooks. However, we argue that safety knowledge could be more effectively acquired in experiential situations. The authors have developed a 3D video game where students learn by themselves about safety issues in a virtual construction site. Students, who assume the roles of safety inspectors in the game, explore a virtual site to identify potential hazards and learn from the feedback provided by the game as a result of their input. This paper reports on the game design and development process as well as a preliminary assessment of the game's effectiveness. The preliminary assessment was conducted on five students and the results suggested a positive outlook as well as areas for improvement. Further work to improve the game includes incorporating additional violation scenarios, adding new game features to enrich the game experience, and providing enhanced pedagogical opportunities.
Effect of radiofrequency current on previously implanted pacemaker and defibrillator ventricular lead systems.

We compared the response of endocardial lead systems to radiofrequency (RF) current delivered during atrio-ventricular junction ablation (AVJA) for atrial fibrillation with uncontrolled ventricular rate in 107 patients. The mean age was 67 ′ 11 years and the mean ejection fraction 42 ′ 15%. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the type of ventricular lead present at the time of ablation: a previously implanted defibrillator lead (group 3, n = 13), a previously implanted pacemaker lead (group 2, n = 46) or a temporary lead (group 1, n = 48), which was subsequently followed by a permanent lead implantation. During AVJA, a median of 5 RF applications (44 ′ 8 W) were given via 4-5-mm electrodes. All but 1 patient had right-sided lesions, while 6 patients also had left sided lesions. Ventricular pacing thresholds were evaluated immediately pre- and post-ablation at 24 hours and at 1 to 3 months. Increases in ventricular pacing voltage thresholds were noted in all 3 groups over time, with the greatest mean increase in group 3 patients: Pre Post 24-hr 1-3 mo Group 3 0.72 ′ 0.44 1.32 ′ 1.96 2.21 ′ 2.86 1.44 ′ 1.56 Group 2 0.59 ′ 0.51 0.68 ′ 0.55 0.97 ′ 1.35 0.83 ′ 0.53 Group1 NA 0.49 ′ 0.17 0.57 ′ 0.18 0.78 ′ 0.37 A greater than 2-fold increase in pacing thresholds was observed only with previously implanted leads, usually within the first 48 hours. It occurred significantly more often in patients with group 3 (6/13 [46%]) compared to group 2 (6/46 [13%], odds ratio 7.6, P = 0.006). A progressive rise in pacing threshold required lead revision in 2/13 group 3 patients (15%) and 2/46 group 2 patients (4%). While RF current has only minor effects on pacing threshold in most patients with previously implanted ventricular lead systems, clinically important alterations requiring device reprogramming or lead revision may occur. Group 3 are significantly more vulnerable to RF current, though the mechanisms are unclear. Group 1 during AVJA, followed by permanent lead implantation appears advisable. Pts with a previously implanted group 3 who require AVJA should be monitored closely.
Co-occurring Health-Related Behavior Pairs in College Students: Insights for Prioritized and Targeted Interventions

BackgroundResearch on strategies for addressing multiple health-related behaviors (HRBs) in one intervention are needed because resources are sparse and clarification is needed regarding the relationship between multiple HRBs.PurposeDetermine undergraduate students' health behavior co-occurring pairs of smoking cigarettes (SC), alcohol consumption (AC), smoking marijuana (SM), physical activity (PA), and fruit and vegetable consumption (FV) and identify the characteristics of the pairs.MethodsNine hundred and twenty-eight undergraduate students enrolled in a health and wellness course were surveyed. A combination of phi statistical test and logistic regression identifies behavior pairs and the variations of paired behaviors by sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsFive of the 10 pair combinations had a relationship (P < .01): SC&AC, AC&SM, SC&SM, SC&PA, and PA&FV. Males were more likely to practice risky SC&AC, SC&SM, and AC&SM behaviors, and females were more likely to practice risky PA&FV.DiscussionIn...
Tolerability and safety of high daily doses of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in healthy young men

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an experimental technology that involves a powerful magnetic pulse applied to the scalp, which is sufficient to cause neuronal depolarization. Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been used in treatment studies for psychiatric disorders, primarily unipolar depression, and as a tool to map brain function. Although thousands of rTMS sessions have been given with few side effects, rTMS can produce serious adverse effects such as an unintended seizure. Safety guidelines for frequency, duration, and intensity of rTMS have aided in the prevention of such adverse side effects. However, the total dose (number of stimuli) able to be delivered safely to human subjects within a day or within a week has not been established. For example, previous rTMS studies as a treatment for depression consisted of delivering 800 to 3,000 magnetic pulses per day, with 8000 to 30,000 magnetic pulses over 2 to 3 weeks. This study examined whether high doses of rTMS within a day or over a week would produce significant side effects. As part of a study to examine rTMS effects in sleep deprivation, we exposed healthy men to 12,960 magnetic pulses a day for up to 3 days in 1 week. This equals 38,880 magnetic pulses over 1 week, which is likely one of the largest exposures of TMS to date. Despite this intense treatment regimen, we failed to produce significant side effects. Doses of up to 12,960 pulses per day appear safe and tolerable in healthy young men.
Understanding the role of haptic feedback in a teleoperated/prosthetic grasp and lift task

Achieving dexterous volitional control of an upper-limb prosthetic device will require multimodal sensory feedback that goes beyond vision. Haptic display is well-positioned to provide this additional sensory information. Haptic display, however, includes a diverse set of modalities that encode information differently. We have begun to make a comparison between two of these modalities, force feedback spanning the elbow, and amplitude-modulated vibrotactile feedback, based on performance in a functional grasp and lift task. In randomly ordered trials, we assessed the performance of N=11 participants (8 able-bodied, 3 amputee) attempting to grasp and lift an object using an EMG controlled gripper under three feedback conditions (no feedback, vibrotactile feedback, and force feed-back), and two object weights that were undetectable by vision. Preliminary results indicate differences between able-bodied and amputee participants in coordination of grasp and lift forces. In addition, both force feedback and vibrotactile feedback contribute to significantly better task performance (fewer slips) and better adaptation following an unpredicted weight change. This suggests that the development and utilization of internal models for predictive control is more intuitive in the presence of haptic feedback.
Measuring State Highway Sustainability: Taking the Fiscal Dimension Into Account

Sustainability is vital to the future of America’s transportation infrastructure. Achieving a sustainable highway system contributes to overall transportation development. This article focuses on the development of a sustainability index that can be used to measure and benchmark state highway transportation systems. The index was derived from a principal components analysis (PCA) of 2007 U.S. state highway systems data. Seventeen variables measuring four dimensions of highway sustainability were utilized to derive a composite index. This study finds a wide variation in highway sustainability across the U.S. states and regions. The PCA-based index provides a simple and robust measure of state highway sustainability, enables benchmarking and tracking state highway performance, and helps states identify viable strategies for addressing the challenges toward a sustainable highway transportation system.
Insulin Regulates Fusion of GLUT4 Vesicles Independent of Exo70-mediated Tethering

Insulin regulates cellular glucose uptake by changing the amount of glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) in the plasma membrane through stimulation of GLUT4 exocytosis. However, how the particular trafficking, tethering, and fusion steps are regulated by insulin is still debated. In a 3T3-L1 adipocyte cell line, the Exocyst complex and its Exo70 subunit were shown to critically affect GLUT4 exocytosis. Here we investigated the effects of Exo70 on tethering and fusion of GLUT4 vesicles in primary isolated rat adipose cells. We found that Exo70 wild type was sequestered away from the plasma membrane in non-stimulated cells, and its overexpression had no effect on GLUT4 trafficking. The addition of insulin increased the amount of Exo70 in the vicinity of the plasma membrane and stimulated the tethering and fusion of GLUT4 vesicles, but the rates of fusion and GLUT4 exposure were not affected by overexpression of Exo70. Surprisingly, the Exo70-N mutant induced insulin-independent tethering of GLUT4 vesicles, which, however, did not lead to fusion and exposure of GLUT4 at the plasma membrane. Upon insulin stimulation, the stationary pretethered GLUT4 vesicles in Exo70-N mutant cells underwent fusion without relocation. Taken together, our data suggest that fusion of GLUT4 vesicles is the rate-limiting step regulated by insulin downstream of Exo70-mediated tethering.
[3H]WIN 35,428 binding to the dopamine uptake carrier. I. Effect of tonicity and buffer composition

Abstract In the present study, the dopamine transporter on rat striatal membranes was labeled with [3H]WIN 35,428 (2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-fluorophenyl)-tropane), and its binding state or form was manipulated by changing tonicity and buffer composition. Binding to P2 membranes was enhanced by the presence of sucrose in the assay. This effect was not due solely to factors relating to tonicity because creation of isotonicity by dextrose or N- methyl- d -glucamine was less effective, and an increase in binding by sucrose was also observed in assays that were already isotonic by a mixture of sodium phosphate and NaCl. Under the latter conditions, fructose and mannose were equally effective as sucrose. Other important factors were the presence of sodium phosphate in the homogenizing buffer and the presence of sucrose during resuspension of the membranes. When P2 membranes were prepared from homogenates in 0.32 M sucrose, the effect of sucrose in the polytronning step or in the binding assay was restricted to a decrease in the Kd of the main binding component.
Humic substances from seawater

SINCE the first spectroscopic observation of humic substances in seawater1, it has been presumed that they constitute a considerable fraction of the dissolved organic matter in the sea2–4. Base-soluble organics were first isolated from seawater in 1958 (ref. 5), but the chemical composition and source of these materials has remained speculative and controversial3,6–9. We here present evidence that humic substances in the Sargasso Sea display bulk characteristics which differ from those of humics from coastal waters and especially from those of humic substances isolated from soils and marine sediments.