cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Seasonal Atlantic Basin Accumulated Cyclone Energy from 1 July

AbstractThe Tropical Meteorology Project at Colorado State University currently issues seasonal forecasts for Atlantic basin hurricane activity in early April, June, and August. This paper examines the potential for issuing an additional seasonal forecast on 1 July, using a two-predictor forecast model. The two predictors are selected from the ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) and explain over 60% of the cross-validated variance in post–30 June accumulated cyclone energy over the hindcast period from 1979 to 2012. The two predictors selected are May–June-averaged 2-m temperatures in the eastern tropical and subtropical Atlantic along with May–June 200-mb zonal winds in the tropical Indian Ocean. The May–June-averaged 2-m temperatures are shown to strongly correlate with August–October 2-m temperatures in the main development region, while the 200-mb zonal wind flow over the tropical Indian Ocean is shown to strongly correlate with El Nino–Southern Oscillation. In addition, each predictor is shown to...
Do natural areas in urban landscapes support successful reproduction by a group of conservation priority birds

If conservation priority birds are to persist in an increasingly anthropogenically altered world, suitable habitat must be created or preserved in potentially unsuitable landscapes. While natural areas in urban environments may provide habitat for declining groups of birds, little is known about effects of urbanization on the reproductive success of birds, such as grassland birds, that are typically thought to be associated with more rural landscapes. While typical conservation efforts have focused on conserving large patches of grassland in landscapes containing minimal amounts of woody vegetation and development, the assumption that habitat located in developed landscapes is of poor quality has not been tested and may wrongly devalue grasslands located in an urban matrix. To examine the influence of development on habitat quality for grassland birds, we studied grassland bird nest predation and brood parasitism in patches of varying size along an urbanization gradient in northeastern Illinois. Because nest predation is the primary cause of reproductive failure and a potentially limiting factor for grassland bird populations, we used miniature video cameras to identify predators at a subset of nests. From 2012 to 2013, we monitored 432 nests of 16 grassland bird species. Nest predation rates decreased with urbanization in the landscape as did probability of brood parasitism. We filmed 44 nests and documented 19 predation events. We found that coyotes Canis latrans, white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus and thirteen-lined ground squirrels Ictidomys tridecemlineatus were important nest predators in our study system. Contrary to prior assumptions, our results suggest that grasslands located in urban landscapes may provide habitat of equal or greater quality than many rural grasslands.
Transdermal testosterone gel improves sexual function, mood, muscle strength, and body composition parameters in hypogonadal men

Testosterone (T) therapy for hypogonadal men should correct the clinical abnormalities of T deficiency, including improvement of sexual function, increase in muscle mass and strength, and decrease in fat mass, with minimal adverse effects. We have shown that administration of a new transdermal T gel formulation to hypogonadal men provided dose proportional increases in serum T levels to the normal adult male range. We now report the effects of 180 days of treatment with this 1% T gel preparation (50 or 100 mg/day, contained in 5 or 10 g gel, respectively) compared to those of a permeation-enhanced T patch (5 mg/day) on defined efficacy parameters in 227 hypogonadal men. In the T gel groups, the T dose was adjusted up or down to 75 mg/day (contained in 7.5 g gel) on day 90 if serum T concentrations were below or above the normal male range. No dose adjustment was made with the T patch group. Sexual function and mood changes were monitored by questionnaire, body composition was determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and muscle strength was measured by the one repetitive maximum technique on bench and leg press exercises. Sexual function and mood improved maximally on day 30 of treatment, without differences across groups, and showed no further improvement with continuation of treatment. Mean muscle strength in the leg press exercise increased by 11 to 13 kg in all treatment groups by 90 days and did not improve further at 180 days of treatment. Moderate increases were also observed in arm/chest muscle strength. At 90 days of treatment, lean body mass increased more in the 100 mg/day T gel group (2.74 6 0.28 kg; P 5 0.0002) than in the 50 mg/day T gel (1.28 6 0.32 kg) and T patch groups (1.20 6 0.26 kg). Fat mass and percent fat were not significantly decreased in the T patch group, but showed decreases in the T gel groups (50 mg/day, 20.90 6 0.32 kg; 100 mg/day, 21.05 6 0.22 kg). The increase in lean mass and the decrease in fat mass were correlated with the changes in average serum T levels attained after transdermal T replacement. These beneficial effects of T replacement were accompanied by the anticipated increases in hematocrit and hemoglobin but without significant changes in the lipid profile. The increase in mean serum prostate-specific antigen levels (within the normal range) was correlated with serum levels of T. The greatest increases were noted in the 100 mg/day T gel group. Skin irritation was reported in 5.5% of subjects treated with T gel and in 66% of subjects in the permeationenhanced T patch group. We conclude that T gel replacement improved sexual function and mood, increased lean mass and muscle strength (principally in the legs), and decreased fat mass in hypogonadal men with less skin irritation and discontinuation compared with the recommended dose of the permeation-enhanced T patch. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 85: 2839 ‐2853, 2000)
Jurisdictional spillover effects of sprawl on injuries and fatalities

There is a considerable literature on the relationship between sprawl and accidents. However, these studies do not account for the spatially correlated effects of sprawl on accidents. In our analysis of 122 jurisdictions in Southeast Michigan, we use a Bayesian spatial autoregressive model to estimate how injuries and fatalities in one jurisdiction are associated with sprawl in that jurisdiction and sprawl in neighboring jurisdictions; we also correct for heteroskedasticity in the data. Using principal component analysis, we create a sprawl index from five underlying land use characteristics. Our results show that the number of injuries and fatalities in a jurisdiction increases with the magnitude of sprawl in neighboring jurisdictions. We believe that this is because more drivers per capita in sprawled jurisdictions traverse similarly sprawled neighboring jurisdictions for daily activities. Furthermore, driving habits attuned to less defensive driving in sprawled jurisdiction are transferred to similarly designed neighboring jurisdictions, contributing to accidents in the latter.
Static test compaction for delay fault test sets consisting of broadside and skewed-load tests

Test sets that consist of both broadside and skewed-load tests provide improved delay fault coverage for standard-scan circuits. This paper describes a static test compaction procedure for such mixed test sets. The unique feature of the procedure is that it can modify the type of a test (from broadside to skewed-load or from skewed-load to broadside) if this contributes to test compaction. Experimental results demonstrate that the procedure is able to reduce the sizes of available mixed test sets significantly. Moreover, it modifies the types of significant numbers of tests before including them in the compacted test set.
Influence of culture pH on photo-inhibition of division in Euglena gracilis.

In the dark, growth rates of Euglena gracilis were independent of culture pH between the limits of three to eight. Visible light of moderate intensity inhibited growth rates, with the degree of inhibition being markedly pH dependent. The most severe inhibition was observed at pH 4 to 5, with little or no inhibition at pH 3 or above pH 6.8 at the light intensity used (400 foot-candles).
Poetic Means to Anti-Anorexic Ends

Abstract Narrative therapy locates the problem of eating disorders in cultural discourses rather than the traditional approach of locating the problem in biological, systemic, or psychological metaphors. As a result, the narrative approach to therapy offers many therapeutic possibilities with clients who struggle with anorexia and/or bulimia. This article chronicles my work with a 33-year-old woman, Nannette, who was in the grip of anorexia. Through a narrative practice of externalizing and remembering who she was outside the realm of anorexia, Nannette accessed her creative poetic talents. Writing her poetry created space for Nannette to emancipate herself from anorexic practices. By sharing her poems and our work, I hope to provide the reader with a source of sustenance, hope, and inspiration in fighting anorexia/bulimia.
Base-mediated firmness retention of sweetpotato products.

Sweetpotato strips vacuum-infiltrated with 0.01-0.15M solutions of Na 3 PO 4 , Na 2 CO 3 , NH 4 OH, or NaOH prior to heat processing were firmer than untreated, heat-processed strips. Among the bases Na 3 PO 4 and Na 2 CO 3 were most effective. When base-treated, cooked tissue was adjusted to its normal pH range (5.9-6.2) and reheated, the retention of firmness did not decrease. Using calcium chloride solution in conjunction with base treatment further increased firmness retention. This process was applied on strips but could readily be adapted to other types of sweetpotato products ranging from dice to chunks
Research Summit III Proceedings on Dosing in Children With an Injured Brain or Cerebral Palsy: Executive Summary

Children with brain injuries or cerebral palsy (CP) comprise a large percentage of pediatric clients served by physical therapists. There is no consensus on what the basic parameters should be for different treatment protocols. A very important parameter of intervention that is pivotal for treatment efficacy is dosing. Dosing decisions are complex. To date, the minimum doses for changing structure and function, activity, and participation in children with various disabilities are unknown. This article describes the process and outcomes of a research summit with the goals of: (1) fostering a critical debate that would result in recommendations for the development of large-scale, second-generation research proposals to address thresholds for effective dosing of interventions for children with brain injuries or CP and (2) enhancing the research capacity of pediatric physical therapists through collaborative research networks. The summit brought together an interdisciplinary cadre of researchers (physical therapists, basic and clinical scientists), representatives from funding agencies, and consumers to an intensive 2.5-day think tank. The summit targeted questions of treatment dosage related to 3 areas: practice and neuroplasticity, structure-behavior connections, and clinical trial design. The consensus was that the intervention must demonstrate some evidence of effectiveness before optimal dosing can be investigated. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is used as an example of an intervention that has demonstrated effectiveness and that requires dosing-related research. Summit results, including factors that merit special consideration and recommendations for future dose-related studies, are highlighted. Physical therapy is an important service for children with physical disabilities, particularly those with an injured brain resulting in neuromotor impairments and functional limitations.1 These children typically have multiple health complications that often result in complex functional limitations and require extensive health care, education, and vocational training. The costs of interventions result in substantial financial and social challenges for families and society.2 …
Synthesis of High Aspect Ratio PbBi4Ti4O15 and Topochemical Conversion to PbTiO3‐Based Microplatelets

Perovskite microplatelets of the composition 0.4(Na1/2Bi1/2) TiO3–0.6PbTiO3 (0.4NBT–0.6PT) were synthesized by topochemical conversion of the Aurivillius phase PbBi4Ti4O15 in a NaCl/Bi2O3/PbO flux system. To facilitate morphologic control, we investigate the effects of TiO2 particle size on molten salt growth of the PbBi4Ti4O15 phase. We find that the initial nucleation density and [100] thickness of this phase are controlled by the TiO2 dissolution rate, while the platelet diameter is determined by Ostwald ripening. PbBi4Ti4O15 microplatelets produced using these methods can be converted entirely to a tetragonal perovskite phase (c/a=1.051) while retaining the dimensions of the precursor PbBi4Ti4O15 phase. We propose that the resulting 0.4NBT–0.6PT composition is favored thermodynamically due to the lower free energy of this composition relative to pure PbTiO3. In addition, partial (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 substitution is kinetically favored as it reduces A-site diffusion during the topochemical conversion process.
Exportin 1 (Crm1p) Is an Essential Nuclear Export Factor

Nuclear protein export is mediated by nuclear export signals (NESs), but the mechanisms governing this transport process are not well understood. Using a novel protein export assay in S. cerevisiae, we identify CRM1 as an essential mediator of nuclear protein export in yeast. Crm1p shows homology to importin beta-like transport factors and is able to specifically interact with both the NES motif and the Ran GTPase. A mutation in the shuttling protein Crm1p affects not only protein export, but also mRNA export, indicating that these pathways are tightly coupled in S. cerevisiae. The presented data are consistent with the conclusion that Crm1p is a carrier for the NES-mediated protein export pathway. We propose CRM1 be renamed exportin 1 (XPO1).
The F.C.C.’s attempt to regulate commercial time

Because advertising is the bread‐and‐butter of broadcasting in the United States, any attempt to limit the number and length of commercials is, bound to meet with strong opposition. One such unsuccessful attempt was made by the FCC only four years ago, but already memories of the events and maneuverings that swirled around this proposal are fading. Lawrence D. Longley investigated this topic in connection with his doctoral dissertation on “The Politics of Broadcasting” which is nearing completion at Vanderbilt University. Mr. Longley is instructor in the Department of Government at Lawrence University, Appleton, Wisconsin.
Postprandial lipemia in the elderly involves increased incorporation of ingested fat in plasma free fatty acids and small (Sf 20–400) triglyceride-rich lipoproteins

In the elderly, the rise in postprandial plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations is increased, contributing to their increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We sought to determine the incorporati...
Experiments on eddy-diffusion and suspended-material transportation in open channels

In order to gain further insight into the fundamental mechanics of suspended-material transport by turbulent flow in open channels, a detailed program of studies was undertaken involving the direct measurement of eddy-diffusion coefficients and suspended-material concentrations. This paper outlines the important results of this study, and presents some typical data obtained. The measurements were made In two channels, one being 0.94 foot and the other 2.25 feet in width. For several slopes and water-depths in each channel, data were obtained on the distribution of mean velocity, diffusion-coefficients, and variation of sediment-concentration. The actual sediment-distributions were then compared with the theoretical distributions as calculated from the diffusion-coefficients. It appears that the diffusion-coefficients as measured directly by the method developed in these studies give an accurate indication of the mass-transfer characteristics of the turbulence.
APPLYING SURVEY RESEARCH METHODS TO ACCOUNT FOR DENIED ACCESS TO RESEARCH SITES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

Needs for environmental information have led to more emphasis on surveys that assess changing environmental conditions. In order to obtain biological, physical, and chemical measures of environmental change, it is critical to obtain repeated access to research sites. Use of established survey methodology can improve access rates to private property in order to visit randomly selected research sites. Surveys initiated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) were conducted in 1995 and 1996 in Eastern North Dakota to monitor environmental conditions in prairie wetlands. These surveys required written permission from landowners to access private property. A summary of survey research methods designed to improve access rates to sites on private property is presented. Approximately 20% of the landowners who granted access did so in response to telephone calls after attempts by mail failed. The data show that a disproportionate number of accessible sites were located on non-agricultural lands, particularly in 1996. Owners of sites where agricultural land abutted wetlands tended to deny access. This may introduce bias in the monitoring data. A weighting class adjustment procedure was applied to account for any nonresponse bias resulting from denied access. This procedure deals with the imbalance from denied access and at least partially returns a balance to the collected data.
CNS actions of serotonin on cardiovascular function: nonadrenergic, noncholinergic mechanisms

The present studies investigated the mechanisms mediating the cardiovascular changes induced by intracerebroventricular injection of serotonin (5-HT; 100 nmol) in conscious rats. At 5 min after 5-HT injection, arterial pressure and plasma levels of epinephrine were elevated and heart rate was reduced. The pressor response was abolished either by bilateral adrenalectomy or by pretreatment with chlorisondamine plus vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist. The bradycardic response was attenuated by pretreatment with chlorisondamine or a combination of methylatropine, propranolol, and vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist. At 20 min postinjection, arterial pressure and heart rate were both decreased. The reduction of heart rate at this time point was not blocked by the following pretreatments given alone or in combination: methylatropine, propranolol, vasopressin V1 and V2 receptor antagonists, adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, and chlorisondamine. These results suggest that immediately after intracerebroventricular injection of 5-HT, arterial pressure is elevated through the release of epinephrine and vasopressin and that heart rate is reduced via reciprocal changes in cardiac parasympathetic and sympathetic tone. In contrast, adrenergic, cholinergic, vasopressinergic, purinergic, and angiotensinergic mechanisms do not mediate the bradycardia observed at 20 min postinjection.
The Inhabitable Flesh of Architecture, by Marcos Cruz

(2014). The Inhabitable Flesh of Architecture, by Marcos Cruz. Interiors: Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 393-395.
Anticoagulant and Fibrinolytic Properties of Salivary Proteins from the Leech Haementeria ghilianii

AbstractThe salivary glands of the blood-sucking leech Haementeria ghilianii contain an anticoagulant that not only inhibits the clotting of human and bovine plasma, but also dissolves previously formed fibrin clots. This anticoagulant activity is attributable to an enzyme, for which the name hementin is proposed. Hementin catalyzes the proteolytic degradation of fibrinogen and fibrin, even in the presence of the inhibitors of proteases occurring in human plasma. The enzyme has the same affinity for human fibrinogen and fibrin. In human fibrinogen cleaves the Act chain initially and then the γ chain to yield characteristic fragments of high molecular weight that are different from the fragments resulting from the digestion of fibrinogen by plasmin. The salivary extracts do not contain any appreciable amounts of an activator of human plasminogen or an inhibitor of human or bovine thrombin. Thus, H. ghilianii prevents coagulation of its host blood through a fibrinogenolytic mechanism that is entirely differ...
Comparison of Cytokeratin Expression in Primary and Metastatic Carcinomas: Diagnostic Application in Surgical Pathology

Metastatic poorly differentiated carcinomas often represent diagnostic difficulties in surgical pathology. Therefore, the expression of cytokeratins of different molecular weights (54, 57, and 66 kd) were compared in paraffin sections of 37 primary carcinomas with their lymph node metastases by an avidin-biotin complex (ABC) method, using monoclonal antibodies. The epithelial tumors consisted of 16 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and 17 adenocarcinomas with different degrees of differentiation (well, moderately, or poorly differentiated), a renal cell carcinoma, a hepatocellular carcinoma, a transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, and a carcinoid tumor of the stomach. The primary and metastatic tumors showed the same cytokeratin profiles. All SCCs and their metastases were positive for 57-kd cytokeratin and negative for 54-kd cytokeratin. All adenocarcinomas and their metastases were positive for 54-kd cytokeratin and negative for 66-kd cytokeratin. The extent of reactions varied with the differentiation of the carcinomas, with well-differentiated tumors showing more diffuse staining. Cases of lymphoma, sarcoma, and melanoma were negative for the three types of cytokeratins. The results indicate that identification of different molecular weight cytokeratins may be used to distinguish poorly differentiated SCCs from poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas, even in metastatic tumors. In addition, demonstration of these cytokeratins is useful in substantiating presence and identity of small foci of metastases in lymph nodes.
Analysis on human resources through construction of 19 district and county centers of disease control and prevention in Shanghai in year 2002-2005

[Objective] To evaluate changes of human resources in centers for disease control and prevention of 19 districts and counties in Shanghai in year 2002-2005. [Methods] Using general survey of the 19 districts and counties about the number,academic titles of the professional people,their job description and age. [Results]Staff of 19 district and county centers for disease control and prevention in Shanghai in year 2005 increased by 2.5% as compared with that of year 2002.Specialized personnel of middle level and above accounted for 62.8% or more.Advanced people occupied 0.8%,the deputy high accounted for 5.4%,intermediate 25.8%,assistant 41.6%.In year 2005 the average age of staff was 40.4 years,with average 21.5 years of work experience. [Conclusion] Educational level of people in district centers in Shanghai is a major advantage as compared with that of the country as a whole.Age showed their working experience as in a golden era.Focused on better allocation of the proposed standards and access standards for staff development to attract,retain and stabilize the measures and methods to personnel and optimize the operating mechanism to strengthen the capacity-building of disease control and prevention.
Benzodiazepine and neuroactive steroid combinations in rats: anxiolytic-like and discriminative stimulus effects

Benzodiazepines are effective anxiolytics, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants but unwanted side effects, including abuse potential, limit their use. A possible strategy to increase the therapeutic index of this drug class is to combine benzodiazepines with neuroactive steroids. The present study evaluated the extent to which combinations of benzodiazepines (triazolam, clonazepam) and neuroactive steroids (pregnanolone, ganaxolone) induced additive, supra-additive, or infra-additive effects in an elevated zero maze and a drug discrimination procedure in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 7/group) were placed into an elevated zero maze apparatus following injections of multiple doses of triazolam and pregnanolone, alone and combined, or clonazepam and ganaxolone, alone and combined. These drugs/drug combinations also were evaluated in rats (N = 8) trained to discriminate triazolam (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) from vehicle. Drug interactions were evaluated using isobolographic and dose-addition analysis. In the elevated zero maze, all drugs engendered dose-dependent increases in time spent in the open quadrant when administered alone. Triazolam and pregnanolone, as well as clonazepam and ganaxolone combinations produced additive or supra-additive effects depending on the fixed-proportion that was tested. In triazolam discrimination, all drugs engendered dose-dependent increases in triazolam-lever responding. In combination, triazolam and pregnanolone and clonazepam and ganaxolone produced predominantly additive discriminative stimulus effects, except for one fixed proportion of clonazepam and ganaxolone which had supra-additive effects. Although drug interactions depended on the constituent drugs, the combination tested, and the behavioral endpoint; a combination was identified that would be predicted to result in supra-additive anxiolytic-like effects with predominantly additive discriminative stimulus effects.
A semiparametric multivariate partially linear model: A difference approach

A multivariate semiparametric partial linear model for both xed and random design cases is considered. The xed design case is shown to be, in eect, a semiparametric random eld model. In either case, the model is analyzed us- ing a dierence sequence approach. The linear component is estimated based on the dierences of observations and the functional component is estimated using a multivariate Nadaraya-Watson kernel smoother of the residuals of the linear t. We show that both components can be asymptotically estimated as well as if the other component were known. The estimator of the linear component is shown to be asymptotically normal and ecient if the length of the dierence sequence used goes to innity at a certain rate. The functional component estimator is shown to be rate optimal if the Lipschitz smoothness index exceeds half the dimensionality of the functional component argument. We also develop a test for linear combi- nations of regression coecients whose asymptotic power does not depend on the functional component. All of the proposed procedures are easy to implement. Fi- nally, numerical performance of all the procedures is studied using simulated data.
A direct comparison of exoEarth yields for starshades and coronagraphs

The scale and design of a future mission capable of directly imaging extrasolar planets will be influenced by the detectable number (yield) of potentially Earth-like planets. Currently, coronagraphs and starshades are being considered as instruments for such a mission. We will use a novel code to estimate and compare the yields for starshade- and coronagraph-based missions. We will show yield scaling relationships for each instrument and discuss the impact of astrophysical and instrumental noise on yields. Although the absolute yields are dependent on several yet-unknown parameters, we will present several limiting cases allowing us to bound the yield comparison.
Indicators of Flooding Derived from Aerial Photography in Northern Prairie Wetlands

In this paper, an indicator is defined as some feature of a system that reveals its condition or state. This implies that there is a normal state or multiple states of the system. The presence or absence of an indicator or change in the value of an indicator discloses that the system has deviated from its normal state or that it has changed states, if it has multiple states. For an indicator to be useful, it must be responsive, easy to detect, and specific. An indicator that points to the reason that a system has deviated from its normal state or is in its current state is more useful than a more general indicator that reveals little or nothing about the system other than it has changed.
Experimental control of a hydraulic wind power transfer system under wind and load disturbances

Hydraulic wind power transfer systems deliver the captured energy by the blades to the generators through an intermediate medium i.e. hydraulic fluid. This paper develops a control system for an experimental setup of hydraulic wind power transfer systems. To maintain a fixed frequency electrical voltage by the system, the generator should remain at a constant rotational speed regardless of the wind speed. The fluctuating wind speed from the upstream, and the load variations from the downstream apply considerable disturbances on the system. A controller is designed and implemented to regulate the flow in the proportional valve and as a consequence the generator maintains its constant speed compensating for load and wind turbine disturbances. The control system is applied to the experimental prototype by utilizing MATLAB/Simulink and dSPACE 1104 fast prototyping hardware.
Electrophysiological Characteristics of Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Vitamin B6 Deficiency (P01.138)

OBJECTIVE: To document the electrophysiological characteristics of peripheral neuropathy in patients with pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency. BACKGROUND: It is known that pyridoxine deficiency can be associated with peripheral neuropathy. However, to our knowledge, studies that describe the electrodiagnostic characteristics of peripheral neuropathy in patients with vitamin B6 deficiency are not published in the literature. DESIGN/METHODS: We included patients seen at the Neurology clinic from July, 2011-June, 2012 at University Of Missouri Hospital for 1) complaints of pain, numbness, tingling sensation in upper and/or lower limbs; 2) findings of decreased sensation to vibration, pinprick and/or propioception; 3) EMG/NCS or skin biopsy diagnostic of peripheral neuropathy and 4) low pyridoxine levels. We divided them into 2 groups: Group 1 with only low vitamin B6 and group 2 with vitamin B6 deficiency and other known causes of peripheral neuropathy. All patients had electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) done following standard technique. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were identified: 12 patients in group 1 and 28 patients in group 2. When the EMG and NCS results were compared between both groups; group 1 had less frequency of axonal sensorimotor neuropathy just (1 patient ,1.2%) versus group 2(13 patients, 46.4%). The EMG/NCS results were normal in more patients in group 1 (5 patients, 41.6%) than in group 2 (3 patients,10.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that EMG and NCS results are usually normal in patients with pure pyridoxine deficiency and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, which suggests small-fiber neuropathy as the predominant pattern in these patients. Although skin biopsy was not done in this group, we think that pyridoxine deficiency should be included in the differential diagnosis of small-fiber neuropathy. The presence of other causes of neuropathy does not exclude vitamin B6 deficiency. Disclosure: Dr. Chandrasekaran has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chuquilin Arista has nothing to disclose.
Assessing the adaptation of adolescents’ educational expectations: variations by gender

Though most extant research suggests that educational expectations are adopted early in life and stabilize by adolescence, recent research has begun to challenge this assumption. This study further examines whether and to what degree adolescents’ educational expectations adapt in response to two mechanisms: interpersonal influence and self-reflection. Because educational expectations correlate with gender disparities in academic achievement, this study also examines whether this developmental trajectory varies between boys and girls. Results from a series of path models indicate that educational expectations do adapt, but any meaningful adaptation requires unrealistically large changes in academic performance. Additionally, results show that boys adapt their educational expectations in response to their academic performance more so than girls. These results are discussed in light of current policy efforts that seek to increase educational attainment through adolescents’ educational expectations.
Electro-mechanical analysis of flat radomes for airborne antennas at K/Ka/V-band

The use of monolithic radomes made of Teflon Coated Fiberglass (TSFG) for airborne K/Ka band antennas is considered in terms of mechanical and electrical performance. The range of air pressure acting on the radomes is estimated and corresponding deflections are measured and calculated. It is shown that when an antenna is enclosed with a 5 mil tick TSFG a minor impact on electrical performance below 35 GHz is seen.
Vegetation density estimation in the wild

Remote sensing has revolutionized the efficiency of vegetation mapping, but such techniques remain impractical for mapping some types of flora over relatively limited spatial extents. We propose a deep-learning based framework for automated detection and planar mapping of an epiphytic plant in a forest from geotagged static imagery using inexpensive cameras. Our pipeline consists of two steps: segmentation and spatial distribution estimation. We evaluate several segmentation methods on a novel dataset of roughly 375 outdoor images with per-pixel labels indicating the presence of Spanish moss. We also evaluate the accuracy of the spatial distribution estimates with respect to field measurements by ecologists for Spanish moss.
Influence of rheology and surface properties on morphology of nanofibers derived from islands-in-the-sea meltblown nonwovens

Abstract Melt blowing is the most common technique to directly produce nonwovens from polymeric resins without any demand for extra bonding steps. The relatively low diameter of meltblown fibers, 1–2 μm, makes them superior in separations performance to the competing melt processing technique, spun-bonding. To further decrease meltblown fiber diameter, the islands-in-the-sea approach was investigated in this study. Immiscible blends of a water-soluble polymer, sulfonated poly(ethylene terephthalate) (SP), and hydrophilic polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were meltblown and the SP washed away to produce nanofibers of less than 200 nm diameter. Despite a significant increase in blend drop size upon increasing the minor phase fraction, ϕ, the nanofiber diameter increased only slightly. Thus, we conjecture that nanofiber diameter is mainly controlled by fiber pinch-off, induced by quick stretching during the melt blowing process, rather than being affected by initial drop size. At a high shear viscosity ratio, ηminor/ηmatrix > 3, nanofibers showed a higher level of irregularities, particularly when the polymer flow rate decreased. At ϕ ≥ 0.2 fiber bundling was observed but with nanofibers from PVDF, due to its lower surface energy, compared with PBT, bundling decreased. Our work shows that using polymers with relatively low surface energy, and thus low tendency for coalescence, coupled with low viscosity can result in nonwoven mats of fibers with very low average diameter, low bundling, and an acceptable fiber regularity. With PVDF we achieved a record low average diameter of 36 nm. By using a water-soluble polymer matrix, such as sulfonated poly(ethylene terephthalate), concerns about cost and environmental problems related to chemical solvents are alleviated.
Stress among child protective service workers: Self-reported health consequences

Abstract High levels of stress have been associated with several physical and mental health problems including coronary heart disease, acute myocardial infarctions, poor survival from cardiac events as well as changes in the immune and nervous systems. Among stressful professions, social work, with its focus on difficult to serve populations and modest compensation, has received only limited research attention. There is a substantial gap in the literature on how job-related stress among child welfare workers is related to their health and health habits. This study uses self-reported data from a sample of public child welfare workers (n = 511) to explore the impact of job-related stress and its perceived effect on their health and well-being. Qualitatively, participants mentioned 586 unhealthy habits or behaviors that they attributed to the stress of their positions (e.g. unhealthy eating, substance use, disturbed sleep, lack of exercise, irritability, self-neglect, other troubling behaviors). Additionally, these child welfare professionals described mental health (n = 214 mentions), physical health (n = 160 mentions), and work-life imbalance issues (n = 68 mentions) that they associated to the stress of their positions. Using the qualitative mentions of unhealthy habits by person, a ratio level variable was used to test for mean differences. Findings revealed significant differences in the quantity of unhealthy habits and length of employment at the agency, intention to stay, and self-perception of health. This study makes a first step toward understanding the relationship of job stress and health among child protective service workers. Study findings have potential implications for the high rate of turnover in this field. Policy-makers may need to consider workers' stress and ability to practice self-care as they examine ways to improve retention and protective service outcomes.
The Compatibility of Advertising Regulation and the First Amendment—Another View:

By analyzing the different legal, philosophical, and historical roots of advertising-regulatory law and the First Amendment, this study (a) indicates why advertising's regulatory constraints should...
Nephrolithiasis and Chronic Kidney Disease

Kidney stones cause significant morbidity worldwide. Most stones passed by patients in the US are calcium based. After the initial episode, a metabolic evaluation to search for the underlying causes is recommended. Kidney stones may lead to CKD. The incidence of recurrent stone formation decreases with progressive CKD, however, leading to under-recognition of the relationship. In general, to prevent recurrence of calcium-based stones, dietary modifications to increase fluid intake, reduce salt and animal protein intake, and encourage consumption of an age- and gender-appropriate amount of calcium, preferably from dairy sources and not supplements, is recommended. Restriction of foods rich in oxalate is also important to reduce recurrence rates. Determination of urinary supersaturation and analysis of any passed stones guide treatment. Measures to reduce urinary supersaturation are highly effective in lowering recurrent stone formation. Targeted medical therapy can be initiated once a metabolic abnormality is found. Medications used to prevent stone recurrence are well tolerated and highly effective. Thiazide diuretics are a cornerstone of therapy in patients who form calcium-containing kidney stones. Potassium citrate is also highly effective in reducing recurrent stone formation.
The Effect of Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets on Pain in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective Osteoarthritis is the most prominent form of arthritis, affecting approximately 15% of the population in the United States. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) has become one of the leading causes of disability in older adults. Besides knee replacement, there are no curative treatments for KOA, so persistent pain is commonly treated with opioids, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, these drugs have many unpleasant side effects, so there is a need for alternative forms of pain management. We sought to test the efficacy of a dietary intervention to reduce KOA. Design A randomized controlled pilot study to test the efficacy of two dietary interventions. Subjects Adults 65-75 years of age with KOA. Methods Participants were asked to follow one of two dietary interventions (low-carbohydrate [LCD], low-fat [LFD]) or continue to eat as usual (control [CTRL]) over 12 weeks. Functional pain, self-reported pain, quality of life, and depression were assessed every three weeks. Serum from before and after the diet intervention was analyzed for oxidative stress. Results Over a period of 12 weeks, the LCD reduced pain intensity and unpleasantness in some functional pain tasks, as well as self-reported pain, compared with the LFD and CTRL. The LCD also significantly reduced oxidative stress and the adipokine leptin compared with the LFD and CTRL. Reduction in oxidative stress was related to reduced functional pain. Conclusions We present evidence suggesting that oxidative stress may be related to functional pain, and lowering it through our LCD intervention could provide relief from pain and be an opioid alternative.
An Engineering Learning Community to Promote Retention and Graduation for Community College Students

AbstractThis study explores an intervention for community college engineering students that holds promise for strengthening the production of engineers. While learning communities at four-year univ...
Fecal microbiota and metabolites are distinct in a pilot study of pediatric Crohn's disease patients with higher levels of perceived stress

Stress is associated with increased Crohn's Disease (CD) activity. This pilot study tested whether pediatric patients with CD reporting higher levels of perceived stress exhibited differences in the fecal microbiome and metabolome. The perceived stress scale (PSS) questionnaire was administered within 2 days of collecting a stool sample for microbiome (using 16S rRNA gene sequencing) and metabolome (using NMR metabolomics) analyses. Higher levels of perceived stress were correlated with increased disease activity on the short Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (sPCDAI). Patients with High PSS scores vs. Low PSS scores based on a median split had significantly lower relative abundances of Firmicutes and Anaerostipes, as well as higher relative abundances of Parabacteroides. Fecal alanine and nicotinate were also significantly different in patients with High vs. Low PSS Scores. This pilot study suggests that the fecal microbiome and metabolome differs in pediatric patients with CD and high perceived stress.
The Fissioning of the Modern Family in Utopia- The Real- World Consequences of Political Illusions

Since the mid-20th century, the United States-, like many Europeancountries, -has witnessed dramatic changes in family life, resulting inremarkably low rates for marriage and fertility, remarkably high rates fordivorce, cohabitation, and out-of-wedlock births. To understand these changes the article presents, on the example of literature, ideologies, philosophical trends, and intellectual opinions, which in a particularly destructive way influenced the contemporary condition of the family.
Why Literary Periods Mattered: Historical Contrast and the Prestige of English Studies: by Ted Underwood, Stanford, Stanford University Press, 2013. 216 pp., $24.95, ISBN: 9780804784467 (hardback), 9780804795265 (paperback)

Any medievalist who has read Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe (1819) can attest to a strange experience. The novel depicts a twelfth-century English society riven by the legacy of the Norman Conquest (1066)....
Managing patients with hematological malignancies during COVID-19 pandemic.

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has posed an unprecedented challenge to the health care communities across the globe [1]. As of June 17th, 2020, a total of 8,339,829 confirm...
Introduction to the CACHE 50th Special Section: The Future of Cyber-Assisted Chemical Engineering Education

The five articles in this special section had their origin at a 2019 conference on the Future of Cyber-Assisted Chemical Engineering Education, sponsored by CACHE (Computer Aids for Chemical Engineering Education) as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the non-profit corporation. The proposal founding the Computer Aids for Chemical Engineering Committee was submitted to the NSF on July 14, 1969 and the first official meeting of the CACHE organization was held on November 18, 1969 in Washington DC. From its inception, CACHE (cache.org) has promoted the development and distribution of technology-based materials and software in chemical engineering education through projects applying computational chemical engineering, sponsoring conferences, recognizing outstanding contributions, and providing leadership in chemical engineering education.
Time-independent quantum theory on vibrational inelastic scattering between atoms and open-shell diatomic molecules: Applications to NO + Ar and NO + H scattering.

A full-dimensional rigorous quantum mechanical treatment of non-reactive inelastic scattering of an open-shell diatom [e.g., NO(2Π)] with a structureless and spinless atom is presented within the time-independent close-coupling framework. The inclusion of the diatomic vibrational degree of freedom allows the investigation of transitions between different vibrational manifolds, in addition to those between different rotational, spin–orbit, and Λ-doublet states. This method is applied to the scattering of vibrationally excited NO(2Π) with Ar and H (with its spin ignored). The former has negligible vibrational inelasticity, thanks to the weak interaction between the two collisional partners. This conclusion justifies the commonly used two-dimensional approximation in treating NO scattering with rare gas atoms. The latter, on the other hand, is shown to undergo significant vibrational relaxation, even in the ultra-cold regime, owing to a chemically bonded (HNO) complex on the lowest-lying singlet potential energy surfaces.
The duality structure gradient descent algorithm: analysis and applications to neural networks

The training of deep neural networks is typically carried out using some form of gradient descent, often with great success. However, existing non-asymptotic analyses of first-order optimization algorithms typically employ a gradient smoothness assumption that is too strong to be applicable in the case of deep neural networks. To address this, we propose an algorithm named duality structure gradient descent (DSGD) that is amenable to non-asymptotic performance analysis, under mild assumptions on the training set and network architecture. The algorithm can be viewed as a form of layer-wise coordinate descent, where at each iteration the algorithm chooses one layer of the network to update. The decision of what layer to update is done in a greedy fashion, based on a rigorous lower bound on the improvement of the objective function for each choice of layer. In the analysis, we bound the time required to reach approximate stationary points, in both the deterministic and stochastic settings. The convergence is measured in terms of a parameter-dependent family of norms that is derived from the network architecture and designed to confirm a smoothness-like property on the gradient of the training loss function. We empirically demonstrate the effectiveness of DSGD in several neural network training scenarios.
Medications for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Adults.

In patients with treatment-resistant depression, augmenting therapy with atypical antipsychotics can be effective.