cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Initial and subsequent therapy for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients treated in primary care using data from a vendor-based electronic health record

Background Diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability, and its prevalence is increasing. When diet fails, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prescribed oral hypoglycemics for glycemic control. Few studies have explored initial use or change from initial oral hypoglycemic therapy in the primary care setting. We aimed to describe the utilization of initial oral hypoglycemics among newly diagnosed patients with diabetes from 1998–2009 and changes from initial to subsequent therapy among patients prescribed older oral hypoglycemic agents using electronic health records. Methods This observational cohort study used electronic health records from newly diagnosed patients with T2DM between 1 January 1998 and 31 March 2009 at two large health systems in the USA. Oral hypoglycemics included older (biguanide, sulfonylurea, and thiazolidinedione) and newer agents (incretin mimetic agents, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and D-phenylalanine derivatives). Multinomial regression models were fit to evaluate initial older oral hypoglycemic medication. We used incidence density sampling and conditional logistic regression models to evaluate predictors of regimen change. Results Most patients were treated from the biguanide class of oral hypoglycemics (67%), but there were differences in initial prescribing by age and race. HbA1c (Odds Ratio for HbA1c 7.0–8.9 vs < 7.0, 5.87 [95% Confidence Interval: 3.62–9.52]; Odds Ratio for HbA1c ≥ 9 vs < 7.0, 20.25 [95% Confidence Interval: 8.32–49.29] and Black people (Odds Ratio, 0.29 [95% Confidence Interval: 0.14, 0.60]) versus White people were associated with regimen change in the adjusted analysis. Conclusions Clinical and demographic characteristics influence choice and duration of initial oral hypoglycemic treatment as well as regimen changes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing and optimizing a chronic cyanotic swine model.

Background Pulmonary artery (PA)-left atrial (LA) shunt models in piglets have been described, but technical details critical to limit morbidity/mortality and promote study of chronic cyanosis are lacking. Accordingly, we describe our experience with an optimized technique. Materials and Methods In 25 6- to 8-wk-old Yorkshire piglets, a beveled, 8 mm, polytetrafluoroethylene tube graft was anastomosed to the PA and LA. Systemic pressure was maintained at >60 mmHg. Saturation targets were met by adjusting a Teflon band on the graft and distal PA. The target oxygen saturation (So 2 ) was 85% on a 50% fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio 2 ). If the So 2 was 2 , the graft was constricted to achieve a So 2 ≥ 90% on a 100% Fio 2 and 75%–80% on a 21% Fio 2 . Complications affecting mortality were neutralized with a stepwise strategy to minimize risk. Results Thrombosis, blood loss, and arrhythmia were determinants of survival. Protocol optimization over time increased survival while assuring chronic cyanosis. Survival approached 90%, with a So 2 of 80% to 90%, 3 to 5 wk postoperatively. Complications included bleeding, excessive hypoxemia, uncontrolled shunt flow, arrhythmias, and thrombosis. Conclusions Refinement of surgical technique, shunt adjustment via graft banding, and thrombotic and arrhythmia prophylaxis are the keys to success with this model.
High-Resolution Through-the-Wall Radar Imaging Using Beamspace MUSIC

The MUSIC algorithm is a high-resolution direction finding technique which has been successfully applied to enhance radar imaging in inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR). Although this signal subspace-based method has proven effective when dealing with point targets and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), it may fail to work when directly applied to extended targets or target returns of low SNR. The Beamspace MUSIC (BS-MUSIC), in which the MUSIC algorithm is applied to multiple beams, is capable of locating spatially extended targets in low SNR environments. In this paper, we consider BS-MUSIC as an image formation method for indoor radar imaging problems and sensing through-the-wall applications. We compare BS-MUSIC performance to conventional beamforming and element-space MUSIC. Imaging results, using both synthesized and real data, demonstrate the advantages of the proposed algorithm in depicting targets behind walls.
Differentiating passive from transporter-mediated uptake by PepT1: a comparison and evaluation of four methods.

Background To quantify transmembrane transport of dipeptides by PepT1, passive uptake (non-PepT1 mediated) must be subtracted from total (measured) uptake. Three methods have been described to estimate passive uptake: perform experiments at cold temperatures, inhibit target dipeptide uptake with a greater concentration of a second dipeptide, or use modified Michaelis-Menten kinetics. We hypothesized that performing uptake experiments at pH 8.0 would estimate passive uptake accurately, because PepT1 requires a proton gradient. Our aim was to determine the most accurate method to estimate passive uptake. Methods Caco-2 cells were incubated with various concentrations of glycyl-sarcosine (gly-sar) at pH 6.0 and at 37°C to measure total uptake. Passive uptake was estimated: (1) by incubating Caco-2 cells with varying concentrations of gly-sar at 4°C, (2) in the presence of 50 mM glycyl-leucine, (3) in solution at pH 8.0, or (4) using modified Michaelis-Menten kinetics. PepT1-mediated uptake was calculated by subtracting passive uptake from total uptake. Km, Vmax, and % gly-sar transported by PepT1 were calculated and compared. Results Km, Vmax, and % gly-sar transported by PepT1 varied from 0.7 to 2.4 mM, 8.4 to 21.0 nmol/mg protein/10 min, and 69% to 87%, respectively. Uptakes calculated with cold, 50 mM gly-leu and using modified Michaelis-Menten kinetics were similar but differed significantly from uptake at pH 8.0 (P Conclusions Estimating passive uptake at pH 8.0 does not appear to be accurate. Measuring uptake at cold temperatures or in the presence of a greater concentration of a second dipeptide, and confirming results with modified Michaelis-Menten kinetics is recommended.
Lack of Compartmentalization of HIV-1 Quasispecies Between the Gut and Peripheral Blood Compartments

Compartmental differences in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) between the gut and peripheral blood and within the gut were examined. Biopsy specimens from the colon and ileum and peripheral blood samples were collected from chronically HIV-1–infected individuals. HIV-1 envelope sequences were examined from cell-associated DNA and RNA and virion RNA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed no evidence of compartmentalization of HIV-1 between the gut and peripheral blood and within the gut (colon and ileum). HIV-1 sequences detected in the gut were transcriptionally active and were also found in peripheral blood from matching time points, providing evidence of ongoing virus production in the gut and equilibrium of HIV-1 between the gut and peripheral blood compartments.
Circadian Fluctuations in Liver and Blood Parameters in Rats Adapted to a Nutrient Solution by Oral, Intravenous and Discontinuous Intravenous Feeding

Liver and blood parameters were assessed in 200 g rats fed a fat-free hyperalimentation diet (25% dextrose + 4.25% amino acids) by different techniques. Fifty milliliters of the diet solution were fed by continuous intravenous (i.v. ) infusion, by discontinuous i.v. infusion from 0000 to 1400 hours, or orally by giving the diet at 0000 hours and allowing the rats to drink the entire volume. Results demonstrated that orally and discontinuously i.v. fed rats had similar circadian fluctuations in hepatic weight, glycogen and protein content. In comparison with orally fed rats, average daily levels of these liver parameters showed greater alterations in rats infused on a continuous rather than on a discontinuous basis. Serum urea levels showed circadian fluctuations in orally fed rats while the pat terns were arrhythmic in the two groups fed i.v. Serum total protein con centrations decreased in all groups, which was due primarily to diminished albumin levels. Glucose and insulin concentrations were lower with dis continuous i.v. feeding than with continuous i.v. feeding. It is suggested that under i.v. feeding, discontinuous infusion is tolerated better than is continuous infusion. The hypertonic alimentation diet used in these studies does not support normal albumin levels when fed either orally or intra venously. This may be associated with changes in serum fatty acid levels in relation to the transport function of albumin. J. Nutr. 110: 558-566,
A comparison of rates of aboveground growth and carbon dioxide assimilation by aspen on sites of high and low quality

Summary Net assimilation rates of lo-year-old naturally regenerated bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata Michx.) at two sites in northern Michigan, USA, were compared to test the hypothesis that siterelated differences in aboveground production depends solely on differences in rates of CO2 assimilation. On a leaf weight basis, aboveground production on the better site was over twice that on the poorer site, whereas maximum CO2 assimilation rates on the better site were only 48% higher, leading to a rejection of the hypothesis. Soil respiration rates on the two sites were comparable, suggesting that the difference between sites in aboveground production can be attributed in part to a difference in the proportion of total assimilate allocated belowground.
Ultrasound examination of the irritable hip

We made a prospective study of 111 children with acute hip pain to assess whether ultrasound can replace traditional radiography. An effusion was diagnosed in 71% by ultrasound but in only 15% by radiography. This effusion persisted for a mean of nine days; symptoms lasted for five days. Two patients found to have Perthes' disease had longer-lasting effusion and symptoms. Patients without an effusion had no obvious cause for their pain, so the pressure of an effusion from a transient synovitis does not account for all patients with irritable hips. Patients with an effusion persisting for over 24 days (the mean + 2 s.d. of our series) had more symptoms, a significantly larger effusion and greater limitation of movement. They may be more at risk for avascular necrosis. We found that radiographic examination influenced the immediate management of only two patients, those with Perthes' disease. We therefore propose a protocol of management for irritable hip, using ultrasonography at the first presentation of certain categories of patients. This would reduce the number of early radiographs by 75%.
Physiological Observations During Induced Dyspnea

In 17 iiormal subjects, dyspiiea was induced by exercise at 500 Kg.-M. per minute, with added external airway resistance. Arterial blood gas tensions and p transpulmonary I)reSsure, and pulmonary ventilation were measured iii the control period, at the onset of dyspnea, and at the disappearance of dysp ilea, which followedi cessation of exercise. Close correlation of the symptom with the functions measured was obtained through the use of hand signals by the subject to denote the onset and disappearance of ally unpleas ant sensation. The meaning of the signals was later obtained liv description. Except for a difference in time required for the devel opment of dyspnea, the results were similar whether the subject was exercised in the Su pine or in the 65-degree head-up position. In every instance, while the subjects were breath ing air, at the time of appearance of dyspnea, the arterial oxygen tension had fallen below control, levels, and at the disappearance of the symptom, the oxygen tension had returned to or near the control value. No such correla tion was obtanieci between the symptom mid the other variables measured. Subjects who did not develop dyspnea showed no fall ill arterial oxygen tension. The subjects exer (Ismg while breathing 100 per cent oxygen required longer periods for the development of dyspnea, and six of eight subjects who de veloped clysl)llea while breathing air experi enced partial Or complete relief of dyspnea despite the continuance of exercise when, un known to them, the inspired gas was switched from air to 1.00 Per cent oxygen. These resuggest that dyspnea, under the conditions of these experiments, was related to the sum- mated load of respiratory stimuli. In these experiments, the arterial oxygen tension ap pareritly was the critical variable.
Degradation of Photoluminescence Efficiency in GaAs Under Low Intensity Laser Irradiation

We report temporal measurements of bandgap photoluminescence (PL) from GaAs surfaces under low-intensity CW laser excitation. We have observed slow PL degradation in n-type, p-type and semi-insulating (Cr-doped and LEC-grown) samples, and have fit the data to a simple power law. Calculations indicate a significant contribution from the bulk material, possibly via recombination-enhanced generation or migration of non-radiative centers. The effectiveness of various methods of surface treatment (photowashing, deposition of epitaxial AlGaAs, spin-coating with organic and inorganic sulfide films) has been assessed. One specific technique, involving coating with sodium sulfide, is effective in enhancing the PL efficiency and suppressing the degradation, but these effects are not permanent.
Operation modes and characteristics of the Z-source inverter with small inductance

The Z-source inverter utilizing a unique LC network and forbidden shoot-through states provides unique features, such as the ability to buck and boost voltage with a single stage simple structure. The analysis and control methods provided in the literature are based on an assumption that the inductor is relatively large and the inductor current is continuous and has small ripple. This assumption becomes invalid when the inductance is small in order to minimize the inductor's size and weight for some applications where volume and weight are crucial. Under this small inductance condition, the inductor current becomes high ripple or even discontinuous. As results, the Z-source inverter exhibits new operation modes that have not been discussed before. This paper analyzes these new operation modes and voltage boost relationship of the Z-source inverter under the low inductance and large current ripple condition.
Jacob Boll, Robert T. Hill and the early history of vertebrate paleontology in Texas

Jacob Boll discovered the rich terrestrial fauna of the Texas Permian redbeds. Robert T. Hill mapped and named the Cretaceous formations of north Texas. Both, but especially Boll, supplied fossils ...
Spatio-temporal hierarchical modeling of an infectious disease from (simulated) count data

An infectious disease spreads through “contact” between an individual who has the disease and one who does not. However, modeling the individual-level mechanism directly requires data that would amount to observing (imperfectly) all individuals’ disease statuses along their space-time lines in the region and time period of interest. More likely, data consist of spatio-temporal aggregations that give small-area counts of the number infected during successive, regular time intervals. In this paper, we give a spatially descriptive, temporally dynamic hierarchical model to be fitted to such data. The dynamics of infection are described by just a few parameters, which can be interpreted. We take a Bayesian approach to the analysis of these space-time count data, using Markov chain Monte Carlo to compute Bayes estimates of all parameters of interest. As a “proof of concept,” we simulate data from the model and investigate how well our approach recovers important hidden features.
On the Genericity Properties in Distributed Estimation: Topology Design and Sensor Placement

In this paper, we consider distributed estimation of linear, discrete-time dynamical systems monitored by a network of agents. We require the agents to exchange information with their neighbors only once per dynamical system time-scale and study the network topology sufficient for distributed observability. To this aim, we provide a novel measurement-based agent classification: Type- $\alpha,\beta$ , and $\gamma$ , which leads to the construction of specific graph topologies: ${\cal G}_\alpha$ and ${\cal G}_\beta$ . In particular, in ${\cal G}_\alpha$ , every Type- $\alpha$ agent has a direct connection to every other agent, whereas, in ${\cal G}_\beta$ , every agent has a directed path to every Type- $\beta$ agent. With the help of these constructs, we formulate an estimator where measurement and predictor-fusion are implemented over ${\cal G}_\alpha$ and ${\cal G}_\beta$ , respectively, and show that the proposed scheme leads to distributed observability, i.e., observability of the distributed estimator. In order to characterize the estimator further, we show that Type- $\alpha$ agents only exist in systems with $S$ -rank (maximal rank of zero/non-zero pattern) deficient system matrices. In other words, systems with full $S$ -rank matrices only have Type- $\beta$ agents, and thus, a strongly-connected (agent) network is sufficient for full $S$ -rank systems—by the definition of ${\cal G}_\beta$ above; however strong-connectivity is not necessary, i.e., there exist weakly-connected networks that result in distributed observability. Furthermore, we show that for $S$ -rank deficient systems, measurement-fusion over ${\cal G}_\alpha$ is required, and predictor-fusion alone is insufficient. The approach taken in this paper is structural, i.e., we use the concept of structured systems theory and generic observability to derive the results. Finally, we provide an iterative method to compute the local estimator gain at each agent once the observability is ensured using the aforementioned construction.
Mayfly‐mediated sorption of toxicants into sediments

Experiments were conducted to determine the influence of the burrowing mayfly, Hexagenia limbata, on the movement of dihexylphthalate (DHP) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) from the water column into the sediment. Beakers containing sediment and mayflies were introduced into flow-through aquaria and were sampled at intervals up to 5 d. Sediment was taken from surface and subsurface areas with and without mayflies. The two experiments were run at concentrations of [14C]DHP and [14C]HCB of 0.066 and 0.062 ng/L, respectively. Subsurface sediment without mayflies was uncontaminated. Toxicant concentration, based on area (ng/cm2), was greater at the surface than on the burrow walls for both compounds. Concentration in the bottom of the burrow was greater than that in the middle (5 cm deep) for DHP but similar to that at the middle for HCB. Total mass of DHP in the burrow wall was about equal to the mass on the surface, indicating that mayflies were capable of doubling the amount of DHP sorbed onto a given surface area of sediment. The adsorption of contaminants from water pulsed through mayfly burrows increased the depth of penetration and mass of contaminants in subsurface sediments.
MSORTV imaging of electrotonic conduction in a syncitium: Optical recording of polarization spread in a simple salivary gland

The spread of hyperpolarizing current injected into the salivary gland of the snail Helisoma trivolvis was studied with the technique of multiple site optical recording of transmembrane voltage (MSORTV). Using MSORTV it was possible to monitor simultaneously the spread of current passed by an intracellular microelectrode in up to 124 separate gland regions. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of combining conventional intracellular injection techniques with MSORTV to visualize 2-dimensional current spread in an electrical syncitium.
Role of surface bonding on liquid-crystal alignment at metal surfaces

The alignment of a nematic liquid crystal, 4'-n-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl (5CB), on several smooth metal (Cr, Cu, Ag, and Au) surfaces was observed experimentally. Perpendicular (homeotropic) induced alignment was observed for Cu and Ag boundary layers, whereas parallel alignment was observed for Cr and Au. These differences are discussed in relation to the differences in chemical bonding interactions at the surfaces as described by theoretical calculations performed for the cases of Cu, Cr, and Au. Several differences in orbital interactions, as well as a sensitivity to bonding configurations, are illustrated with the aid of extended H\"uckel calculations on hypothetical organometallic complexes and extended-H\"uckel--tight-binding calculations of the interface for parallel versus perpendicular adsorbate orientations.
Slotting Allowances and Retail Product Variety under Oligopoly

Abstract Slotting fees are lump-sum charges paid by manufacturers to retailers for shelf space. In this letter we examine the strategic effect of slotting allowances on product variety. In a spatial model where consumers each have unit demand for their preferred product variant and retailers jointly select prices and product variety, we show that variety is (1) under-provided without slotting contracts and (2) efficiently supplied under equilibrium slotting fees.
Automatic structuring of programs

A method is described that allows the translation of a traditionally written (unstructured) program into a set of top-down structured, semantically founded, GoTo-free modules. The method reveals noont ly the logic of a given program in a most natural way, but it also reduces code duplication to a minimum. It is further shown how the obtained structured program can be mapped back into a GOTO program in such a way that all GOTOS are backwards branches and their number is minimal. The connection between recursively and iteratively structured programs is demonstrated using the WHILE, DO FOREVER, and multilevel EXIT statements. Extensions of the method show the structuring of source programs containingb lock structures and subroutines.
Synthesis and esterolytic reactions of linear and cross‐linked asymmetric imidazole‐containing polymers

Asymmetric linear and cross-linked imidazole-containing polymers were prepared from 1-[2(S)-methylbutyl]-4-vinylimidazole and 1-[2(S)-methylbutyl]-5-vinylimidazole. The esterolytic reactions of these linear and cross-linked asymmetric polymers with the enantiomeric substrates (R)- and (S)-4-(3-methylpentadecanoyl)-3-nitrobenzoic acid, (R)- and (S)-S, were studied by measuring the pseudo-first order kinetics of the solvolysis of these enantiomeric substrates in the presence of these asymmetric polymers. The linear homopolymers and copolymers of 1-[2(S)-methylbutyl]-4- and 5-vinylimidazole showed hydrophobic and electrostatic effects in the solvolysis of the enantiomeric substrates with these linear asymmetric polymers. Cross-links were introduced into these asymmetric polymers to increase the rigidity and reduce the number of conformations available to the polymer. The reduced conformational mobility was expected to enhance any enantioselectivity in the solvolysis of the enantiomeric substrates with these polymers. Using these cross-linked polymers, hydrophobic interactions were observed in the solvolysis of a series of substrates with increasing alkyl chain length. Also, on changing the polarity of the solvent, a bell-shaped rate profile was observed in the solvolysis of the long chain substrate S. This effect was attributed to a combination of the coiling of the cross-linked polymer chains and hydrophobic interactions with the substrate on changing solvent polarity. Even with the increased rigidity of these cross-linked polymers, no significant enantioselectivity in the solvolysis of the enantiomeric substrates was observed. So, neither the linear nor the cross-linked asymmetric polyvinylimidazoles showed enantioselectivity in the solvolysis of these enantiomeric substrates. In this case, the hydrophobic interactions and the reduced conformational mobility through crosslinking were not strong enough to bring about enantioselectivity in the solvolysis of these enantiomeric substrates.
Eigenvalue analysis of compatible and incompatible rectangular four‐node quadrilateral elements

Exact analytical expressions for the eigenvalues of the elastic stiffness matrix are obtained for the four-node, rectangular, quadrilateral element. A procedure is given for identifying alternative hourglass modes and eigenvalues which render the element incompatible but with non-monotonic convergence assured. A convergence study confirms that for the special case of when the hourglass modes coincide with beam bending the element can serve as a beam element. Analytical expressions are given for the resulting element stiffness matrix.
Fully Depleted SOI RF Switch with Dynamic Biasing

RF switches based on fully depleted (FD) SOI technology are reported for the first time. In a novel biasing circuit, the conventional bias resistor at the gate of the series MOSFET switch is replaced with another FET, which functions as a variable resistor and presents different resistance optimal for the on-and off-state. The low parasitic capacitance of FDSOI improved the switch performance and the dynamic biasing further increased the saturated power. At 5 GHz, a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch with integrated control circuits has 0.75-dB of insertion loss and 39-dB of isolation. The 1-dB-compression power of this dynamically biased SPDT switch approaches 2 W at 5 GHz.
Control of Nonholonomic Mobile Robot Formations: Backstepping Kinematics into Dynamics

In this paper, we seek to expand framework developed to control a single nonholonomic mobile robot to include the control of formations of multiple nonholonomic mobile robots. A combined kinematic/torque control law is developed for leader-follower based formation control using backstepping in order to accommodate the dynamics of the robots and the formation in contrast with kinematic-based formation controllers. The asymptotic stability of the entire formation is guaranteed using Lyapunov theory, and numerical results are provided The kinematic controller is developed around control strategies for single mobile robots and the idea of virtual leaders. The virtual leader is replaced with a physical mobile robot leader and the assumption of constant reference velocities is removed An auxiliary velocity control is developed allowing the asymptotic stability of the followers to be proved without the use of Barbalat's Lemma which simplifies proving the entire formation is asymptotically stable. A novel approach is taken in the development of the dynamical controller such that the torque control inputs for the follower robots include the dynamics of the follower robot as well as the dynamics of its leader, and the case when all robot dynamics are known is considered.
Caregiver Preferences regarding Technology’s Role in Supporting Adolescent Weight Management

Background. Health technology provides a wealth of strategies to address chronic health issues, such as childhood obesity. Few studies have assessed parental preferences regarding use of health technology to support weight management for adolescents. Objective. This study determined caregiver beliefs, attitudes, and practices towards using traditional methods and technology-based health applications to address weight management among overweight adolescents. Methods. Self-administered surveys were distributed to caregivers of children ages 11-18 years in Stony Brook Children's Hospital outpatient offices with a BMI ≥ 85th percentile for age, gender. The data were entered into StudyTrax research platform and analyzed using SAS. Results. N = 114. Mean BMI z-score = 1.95 ± 0.50. Two-thirds (65.8%) of caregivers preferred a weight management program that includes both traditional and technology components. Most parents rated involvement in program development (68.1%), access to content (72.4%) as very important. Those who believed their child's weight was a problem (p = 0.01) were more likely than other parents to prefer a program that combined both traditional and technology components. Conclusions. Parents' perceptions of their child's weight drove preferences about incorporating technology elements into a weight management program. Future weight management programs should incorporate parental content preferences and be tailored to different age groups.
Shape-Based Instance Detection Under Arbitrary Viewpoint

Shape-based instance detection under arbitrary viewpoint is a very challenging problem. Current approaches for handling viewpoint variation can be divided into two main categories: invariant and non-invariant. Invariant approaches explicitly represent the structural relationships of high-level, view-invariant shape primitives. Non-invariant approaches, on the other hand, create a template for each viewpoint of the object, and can operate directly on low-level features. We summarize the main advantages and disadvantages of invariant and non-invariant approaches, and conclude that non-invariant approaches are well-suited for capturing fine-grained details needed for specific object recognition while also being computationally efficient. Finally, we discuss approaches that are needed to address ambiguities introduced by recognizing shape under arbitrary viewpoint.
Sensible Men and Serious Women: Order, Disorder, and Morality in an Italian Community

For over a decade, anthropologists engaged in a vigorous debate regarding the utility, meaning, and explanation of honor and shame in Mediterranean communities. There are competing interpretations regarding these cultural constructions, but no consensus. Partly, this is a result of examining honor and shame as discrete domains deriving from more fundamental conditions.In this paper, I examine, in detail, the ethnography of honor and shame in a central (Tuscany) Italian village. I use these data to contend honor and shame are not encapsulated domains, but are part of a wider and fundamental cognitive framework and world view involving the nature of inter-personal relations, understandings regarding the attributes of human nature and an agonistic perception of the human condition.
ESA 2010 Chapter 12 Quarterly Accounts

This chapter of the new European guidelines on national accounting (ESA 2010) sets out the major principles and characteristics of quarterly national accounts, like seasonal adjustments.
Effects of Extrusion and Expelling on the Nutritional Quality of Conventional and Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor-Free Soybeans

Abstract Two chick growth experiments and a precision-fed cockerel digestibility assay were conducted to evaluate the effect of extrusion and expelling on the nutritive value of conventional (CSB) and Kunitz trypsin inhibitor-free (KFSB) soybeans. In the first experiment, performance of chicks fed CSB or KFSB autoclaved at 121 C was similar to that of chicks fed CSB or KFSB extruded at 138 C. The effect of extrusion temperature on protein quality of the soybeans was evaluated in the second experiment. Eleven corn-soybean diets were formulated to contain one of the following: CSB extruded at 104, 121, 138, or 154 C; KFSB extruded at 104, 121, or 138 C; CSB extruded at 121, 138, or 154 C followed by processing through an expeller; and commercial dehulled solvent-extracted soybean meal (SBM). All diets contained 20% crude protein and the same amount of soybean oil and were fed to chicks from 7 to 21 days of age. The CSB extruded at 104 or 121 C and KFSB extruded at 104 C yielded depressed growth and feed efficiency compared with SBM. Performance of chicks on the other treatments was similar to that of chicks fed SBM. Pancreas weight (as a percentage of BW) decreased as extrusion temperature increased, with the response being greater for CSB. Growth performance was greater and pancreas weights were lower for chicks fed KFSB extruded at 104 or 121 C compared with those of chicks fed CSB extruded at the same temperatures. Expelling improved weight gain and feed efficiency when CSB was extruded at 121 C. A 48-h digestibility assay with cecectomized cockerels indicated that digestibility of amino acids in CSB and KFSB increased as extrusion temperature increased and that digestibilities of amino acids in CSB extruded at 104 or 121 C were lower than those in KFSB extruded at the same temperatures. Results of this study indicated that extrusion of CSB at 138 to 154 C or extrusion of KFSB at 121 to 138 C yields protein quality similar to that of SBM.
A Note on the Beta Hemolytic Streptococci of Air.

Discussion and SumaryAlthough it has been shown recently that the air of hospital wards contains beta hemolytic streptococci of the same serological types as those infecting patients in the same wards5, 6 it should be emphasized that the strains reported on here came from air breathed by the city population at large. Though our findings indicate that group A streptococci are relatively rare in normal air sampled at random, it is of great interest that, by the tests applied, they are indistinguishable from similar organisms isolated directly from disease processes. Furthermore, it should be noted that 88% of the strains in this small series were of the human pathogenic group A.It has been estimated by several investigators7, 8, 9 that group A hemolytic streptococci are present in from 3 to 7% of normal throats. None have reported as high a percentage of group A cultures among the hemolytic streptococci of the throat as was found in this series of air streptococci. It is possible that the percentage of grou...
The Effects of Various Foods and Temperatures on Sexual Maturity of the Drone Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

A study of sexual maturity of the drone honey bee was made to learn reasons for differences in maturity among drones of equal age. Maturity of the drones was judged by the number of spermatozoa in the seminal vesicles and vasa deferentia as determined by an improved counting technique. At 93° F., drones caged without worker bees attained maturity at about the same rate and to the same level as those allowed free flight or caged in a nursery colony. Drone maturity was retarded slightly at 88° F. and seriously at 83° F. At the highest temperature the drones matured normally when fed honey syrup containing pollen or royal jelly (4 percent by weight) or on plain syrup. The retarding effect of the 83° temperature appeared to be offset in part by the presence of royal jelly in the diet.
Simultaneous specific heat and thermal conductivity measurement of individual nanostructures

Fundamental phonon transport properties in semiconductor nanostructures are important for their applications in energy conversion and storage, such as thermoelectrics and photovoltaics. Thermal conductivity measurements of semiconductor nanostructures have been extensively pursued and have enhanced our understanding of phonon transport physics. Specific heat of individual nanostructures, despite being an important thermophysical parameter that reflects the thermodynamics of solids, has remained difficult to characterize. Prior measurements were limited to ensembles of nanostructures in which coupling and sample inhomogeneity could play a role. Herein we report the first simultaneous specific heat and thermal conductivity measurements of individual rod-like nanostructures such as nanowires and nanofibers. This technique is demonstrated by measuring the specific heat and thermal conductivity of single ~600–700 nm diameter Nylon-11 nanofibers (NFs). The results show that the thermal conductivity of the NF is increased by 50% over the bulk value, while the specific heat of the NFs exhibits bulk-like behavior. We find that the thermal diffusivity obtained from the measurement, which is related to the phonon mean free path (MFP), decreases with temperature, indicating that the intrinsic phonon Umklapp scattering plays a role in the NFs. This platform can also be applied to one- and two- dimensional semiconductor nanostructures to probe size effects on the phonon spectra and other transport physics.
Single dose denileukin diftitox does not enhance vaccine-induced T cell responses or effectively deplete Tregs in advanced melanoma: immune monitoring and clinical results of a randomized phase II trial

Depletion of CD25+ Tregs improves anti-tumor immunity in preclinical models. Denileukin diftitox is a recombinant fusion protein of human IL-2 and diptheria toxin fragment that also can kill CD25+ T cells. Prior clinical trials of denileukin diftitox suggested reduction of FoxP3+ Tregs and some clinical responses. To investigate the immunologic effects of denileukin difitox on vaccine-specific immune responses in melanoma, a randomized clinical trial of single dose denileukin diftitox prior to vaccination versus vaccination alone in subjects with HLA-A2+ metastatic melanoma was performed. Treatment included randomization to a 4-peptide vaccine (Melan-A, gp100, MAGE3 and NA17 with GM-CSF emulsified in Montanide) alone or after single dose of denileukin diftitox (18 mcg/kg). Vaccine was given every 2 weeks for 3 doses and, absent clinical progression, continued every 2 weeks. Blood and tumor biopsies were obtained pretreatment and after 3 vaccinations for immunologic assessments. In 17 treated subjects there were no drug-related G3-4 adverse events. One partial response and 8 stable disease were observed in 9 subjects (4 DD: 5 vaccine only) with no impact of denileukin diftitox on time to progression. Total peripheral Tregs were not significantly altered, and in 1 patient biopsy intra-tumoral FoxP3 transcripts were not reduced following denileukin diftitox. ELISA for IL2R-α demonstrated no impact on outcomes by soluble CD25 level. Immune monitoring suggested the development of modest vaccine-specific CD8+ T cell responses in the control group, however immunization efficacy was actually reduced in the denileukin diftitox group. Our results indicate that denileukin diftitox did not effectively deplete Tregs, augment T cell responses, or improve clinical activity in melanoma. Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT00515528; Registered August 9, 2007.
Lasers in cardiology

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death and morbidity in developed nations – in particular, diseases of the coronary arteries are most prevalent. Other main contributors to the CVD death toll include: stroke, high blood pressure, and diseases of non-coronary (peripheral) arteries. Lasers are well suited to diagnose and treat these diseases because of their standard implementation through fiber-optics that can be directly placed in the diseased vessels. The most substantial challenge to implementing lasers in cardiology is to acquire measurements or apply therapeutic treatments through blood flow, and how to clear the blood if necessary. This chapter represents the history of how lasers have been used for studying, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the coronary, cerebral, and peripheral arteries.
Mereological algebras as mechanisms for reasoning about sounds

This paper suggests the use and debates the appropriateness of Mereology for the study of real world sounds. Mereology is a formalism in mathematical logic that describes the universe in terms of parts and the wholes that are formed by the parts. This is in contrast with set theory, within which the universe is described as objects and the groups they belong to. Classification and traditional machine learning fit well into the description of the universe as a set of objects and their associated properties. In the case of sound, however, pieces of sound can extend and morph in time and frequency to form other recognizable sound entities without having clear partitions in the set theoretic sense. Our reasoning is that by treating sounds as composed entirely or parts, and wholes that are formed by parts, it may become easier to formalize the descriptions, mathematical manipulations and real-world interpretations for the universe of sounds. This paper is neither an exhaustive thesis on this subject, nor does it establish any formal system of Mereology for sound. The goal of this paper is to merely show that there are some promising possibilities with existing Mereological formalisms for manipulating the world of sounds differently, and perhaps more easily.
Long-term stability of intracortical recordings using perforated and arrayed Parylene sheath electrodes.

OBJECTIVE Acquisition of reliable and robust neural recordings with intracortical neural probes is a persistent challenge in the field of neuroprosthetics. We developed a multielectrode array technology to address chronic intracortical recording reliability and present in vivo recording results. APPROACH The 2 × 2 Parylene sheath electrode array (PSEA) was microfabricated and constructed from only Parylene C and platinum. The probe includes a novel three-dimensional sheath structure, perforations, and bioactive coatings that improve tissue integration and manage immune response. Coatings were applied using a sequential dip-coating method that provided coverage over the entire probe surface and interior of the sheath structure. A sharp probe tip taper facilitated insertion with minimal trauma. Fabricated probes were subject to examination by optical and electron microscopy and electrochemical testing prior to implantation. MAIN RESULTS 1 × 2 arrays were successfully fabricated on wafer and then packaged together to produce 2 × 2 arrays. Then, probes having electrode sites with adequate electrochemical properties were selected. A subset of arrays was treated with bioactive coatings to encourage neuronal growth and suppress inflammation and another subset of arrays was implanted in conjunction with a virally mediated expression of Caveolin-1. Arrays were attached to a custom-made insertion shuttle to facilitate precise insertion into the rat motor cortex. Stable electrophysiological recordings were obtained during the period of implantation up to 12 months. Immunohistochemical evaluation of cortical tissue around individual probes indicated a strong correlation between the electrophysiological performance of the probes and histologically observable proximity of neurons and dendritic sprouting. SIGNIFICANCE The PSEA demonstrates the scalability of sheath electrode technology and provides higher electrode count and density to access a greater volume for recording. This study provided support for the importance of creating a supportive biological environment around the probes to promote the long-term electrophysiological performance of flexible probes in the cerebral cortex. In particular, we demonstrated beneficial effects of the Matrigel coating and the long-term expression of Caveolin-1. Furthermore, we provided support to an idea of using an artificial acellular tissue compartment as a way to counteract the walling-off effect of the astrocytic scar formation around the probes as a means of establishing a more intimate and stable neural interface.
Refractive index matched visualization and particle image velocimetry measurements of initial breakup of turbulent oil jet

Subsurface oil well blowouts create buoyant, immiscible jets and plumes. Turbulent breaks jets into oil droplets with sizes ranging from several millimeters to sub-microns. The fate of oil droplets...
Investigation of Motivational Interviewing and Prevention Consults to Achieve Cardiovascular Targets (IMPACT) trial.

Abstract Background Patients undergoing cardiovascular (CV) procedures often have suboptimal CV risk factor control and may benefit from strategies targeting healthy lifestyle behaviors and education. Implementation of prevention strategies may be particularly effective at this point of heightened motivation. Methods A prospective, randomized, pilot study was conducted in 400 patients undergoing a nonurgent CV procedure (cardiac catheterization ± revascularization) to evaluate the impact of different prevention strategies. Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 fashion to usual care (UC; group A, n = 134), in-hospital CV prevention consult (PC; group B, n = 130), or PC plus behavioral intervention program (telephone-based motivational interviewing and optional tailored text messages) (group C, n = 133). The primary end point was the Δ change in non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non–HDL-C) from baseline to 6 month. Results The mean age was 64.6 ± 10.8 years, 23.7% were female, and 31.5% were nonwhite. After 6 months, the absolute difference in non–HDL-C for all participants was −19.8 mg/dL (95% CI −24.1 to −15.6, P Conclusions Although non–HDL-C reduction at 6 months following a nonurgent CV procedure was not significant in the overall cohort, an increased uptake in high-potency statins may translate into improved long-term health outcomes and cost reductions.
Reconsidering Selective Conscientious Objection

The United States last had a military draft in 1973, and recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have relied on an all-volunteer military. But with the military stretched thin after more than 15 years of continuous conflict and with the realistic potential for war on the Korean peninsula, the threat of a future draft looms. This Article traces the statutory and judicial evolution of the conscientious objection exemption to the draft. Dating as far back as the colonial era, governing authorities recognized that conscientious scruples may prevent some individuals from serving in combat. Over time, the conscientious objection exemption expanded from members of denominations with recognized pacifist beliefs to individuals of any religion whose religious training and belief prevented them from engaging in combat. During the Vietnam War era, the exemption was further expanded by judicial interpretation to apply not just to those with traditional religious beliefs, but also to humanists who opposed war on purely moral or ethical grounds. The expansion of the conscientious objection exemption ceased, however, with respect to “selective conscientious objectors” – individuals who opposed a particular war, but not all wars. The Supreme Court held in 1971 that selective conscientious objectors did not come within the scope of the draft exemption statute. This Article contends that, if a draft is once again implemented, the 1993 enactment of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act will prevent selective conscientious objectors from having to serve in a war that violates their genuinely-held religious beliefs.
Enhancing treatment of osteoarthritis knee pain by boosting expectancy: A functional neuroimaging study

Abstract Objectives Expectation can significantly modulate pain and treatment effects. This study aims to investigate if boosting patients' expectancy can enhance the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and its underlying brain mechanism. Methods Seventy-four KOA patients were recruited and randomized to three groups: boosted acupuncture (with a manipulation to enhance expectation), standard acupuncture, or treatment as usual (TAU). Each patient underwent six treatments before being debriefed, and four additional treatments after being debriefed. The fMRI scans were applied during the first and sixth treatment sessions. Results We found significantly decreased knee pain in the boosted acupuncture group compared to the standard acupuncture or TAU groups after both six and ten treatments. Resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) analyses using the nucleus accumbens (NAc) as the seed showed rsFC increases between the NAc and the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC)/rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the boosted group as compared to the standard acupuncture group after multiple treatments. Expectancy scores after the first treatment were significantly associated with increased NAc-rACC/MPFC rsFC and decreased knee pain following treatment. Conclusions Our study provides a novel method and mechanism for boosting the treatment of pain in patients with KOA. Our findings may shed light on enhancing outcomes of pharmacological and integrative medicines in clinical settings.
Development of the Vinylogous Pictet–Spengler Cyclization and Total Synthesis of (±)‐Lundurine A

A novel vinylogous Pictet-Spengler cyclization has been developed for the generation of indole-annulated medium-sized rings. The method enables the synthesis of tetrahydroazocinoindoles with a fully substituted carbon center, a prevalent structural motif in many biologically active alkaloids. The strategy has been applied to the total synthesis of (±)-lundurine A.