cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The shannon cipher system with a guessing eavesdropper

We consider a Shannon cipher system in which distortion is allowed at the legitimate receiver. The secrecy metric used is the exponent of the probability that the reconstruction of the source sequence by the eavesdropper is within a distortion level. A single-letter characterization is provided when the message rate is large enough. Under the optimal code, the eavesdropper can do no better than either making a reconstruction blindly or guessing the key first and then reconstructing based on the sequence reconstructed by the legitimate receiver.
Designing Effective Tsunami Messages: Examining the Role of Short Messages and Fear in Warning Response

AbstractAlthough tsunamis have the potential to be extremely destructive, relatively little research on tsunami messaging has taken place. Discovering whether tsunami warning messages can be written in a way that leads to increased protective response is crucial, particularly given the increased use of mobile message services and the role they play in notifying the public of imminent threats such as tsunami and other hazards. The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of designing warning messages for tsunamis that improve upon message style and content used by public alerting agencies to date and to gain insight that can be applied to other hazards. This study tested the impact of tsunami messages that varied in length and content on six message outcomes—understanding, believing, personalizing, deciding, milling, and fear. Relative to the short message, revised messages resulted in significantly more understanding and deciding, known precursors to taking protective action under threat. The ...
Oral health management considerations for patients with sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) can affect many systems in the body including the oral cavity. This necessitates modifications in oral health care management of these patients. The purpose of this paper is to make recommendations for management of SCD patients according to their oral health care needs based on the known findings.
A New IDEA in Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer.

Prospective, randomized trials have clearly established that the relative risk of tumor recurrence or death from colon cancer is approximately 30% lower among patients who receive adjuvant fluorour...
Effectiveness of intermediate-term use of secobarbital

Secobarbital, 100 mg, was evaluated in two separate sleep laboratory drug evaluation studies, each with 4 insomniac patients. In both studies, the effect of secobarbital in inducing and maintaining sleep was evaluated, as well as the effects of the drug on sleep stages. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the results of the two studies could be combined. With short-term drug administration of secobarbital (up to 3 nights), there was an improvement in both sleep induction and sleep maintenance. Total wake time was decreased 43% below baseline and was consistently decreased in each third of the night. With intermediate-term drug administration (2 wk), total wake time was decreased only 14% (not statistically significant). Following drug withdrawal, the degree of sleep difficulty returned to baseline levels. The results indicate that secobarbital 100 mg is effective for short-term use but loses much of its effectiveness with intermediate use and suggest that the drug is of limited value for insomniac patients who require nightly medication beyond a period of 1 wk. With short-term administration, secobarbital induced a slight decrease in rapid eye movement (REM) and slow-wave sleep and a significant increase in stage 2 sleep. With intermediate administration, sleep stage values were similar to baseline levels. Following withdrawal, there was only a minimal increase in REM sleep above baseline levels, a significant increase in stage 3 sleep, and a significant decrease in stage 2 sleep. The rebound increase in stage 3 sleep is similar to that reported following withdrawal of pentobarbital.
The Protestant Critics of Bayle at the Dawn of the Enlightenment

The learned world of the early-eighteenth century encountered a veritable crisis of confidence in man’s ability to know the surrounding world with any degree of certainty. Thinkers who attempted to strengthen or to construct anew the epistemological foundations of human knowledge saw the skepticism of Pierre Bayle as the most dangerous challenge to their project. This paper discusses the ways in which two Huguenot critics of Bayle, Swiss logician Jean-Pierre de Crousaz and Amsterdam theologian David Renaud Boullier, attempted to answer the arch-Pyrrhonist’s skeptical arguments, thereby revealing the dynamics of the interaction between skeptical and rationalist thought in the early Enlightenment.
Break-induced replication sparks CGG-repeat instability

The mechanism underlying CCG-repeat expansions in patients with fragile X premutation is not well understood. Using a new experimental system in mammalian cells, a study in this issue reports that break-induced replication has a role in CGG-repeat instability.
Mars global simulant MGS-1: A Rocknest-based open standard for basaltic martian regolith simulants

Abstract The composition and physical properties of martian regolith are dramatically better understood compared to just a decade ago, particularly through the use of X-ray diffraction by the Curiosity rover. Because there are no samples of this regolith on Earth, researchers and engineers rely on terrestrial simulants to test future hardware and address fundamental science and engineering questions. Even with eventual sample return, the amount of material brought back would not be enough for bulk studies. Many existing Mars simulants were designed 10 or 20 years ago based on a more rudimentary understanding of martian surface materials. Here, we describe the Mars Global Simulant (MGS-1), a new open standard designed as a high fidelity mineralogical analog to global basaltic regolith on Mars, as represented by the Rocknest windblown deposit at Gale crater. We developed prototype simulants using the MGS-1 standard and characterized their basic physical properties, bulk chemistry, spectral properties, and volatile content. The MGS-1 based simulant compares favorably to rover and remote sensing observations from Mars, and offers dramatic improvements over past simulants in many areas. Modest amounts of simulant will be produced by the Center for Lunar & Asteroid Surface Science (CLASS) Exolith Lab to distribute to other researchers. By publishing the mineral recipe and production methods, we anticipate that other groups can re-create the simulant and modify it as they see fit, leading to a more sustainable model for simulant production and the possibility of extending the simulant for different regions on Mars or for different applications.
The Dependent‐Economy Model With Both Traded and Nontraded Capital Goods*

Dynamic versions of the dependent-economy model have been criticized for arbitrarily assuming that capital is either tradable or nontradable, and for choosing either the traded or nontraded sector to be capital intensive. Our model incorporates both types of capital and shows that the relative sectoral intensity of nontraded capital determines the dynamic adjustment of the relative price of nontradables. When the traded sector is intensive in nontraded capital, the saddlepath is flat. When the nontraded sector is intensive in nontraded capital, the saddlepath is negatively sloped. the relative sectoral intensity of traded capital primarily affects current-account dynamics.
Cytotoxic activity and molecular targets of atractylodin in cholangiocarcinoma cells

Objectives To evaluate the cytotoxic activity of atractylodin and its potential effects on heme oxygenase (HO)-1 production, STAT1/3 phosporylation and major NF-κB protein expression in the cholangiocarcinoma-associated cell line CL-6. Methods Standard MTT assay was used for accessing antiproliferative activity on CL-6 cells. Normal human embryonic fibroblast (OUMS) cell was taken as control cell line. Colony formation and wound healing assay were conducted to access the effects of atractylodin on cell proliferation and directional migration activity of CL-6 cells. Western blot was used for evaluating levels of protein expression and phosphorylation. Key findings Atractylodin exhibited selective cytotoxicity towards CL-6 as compared with OUMS with IC50 of 216.8 (212.4-233.8) and 351.2 (345.7-359.5) μm [median (range)], respectively. Exposure to the compound dose-dependently inhibited colony formation ability and decreased wound closure potential of CL-6 cells. Atractylodin treatment suppressed HO-1 production in CL-6 cells. It dose-dependently inhibited STAT1/3 protein phosphorylation and moderately inhibited NF-κB (p50), NF-κB (p52), and NF-κB (p65) protein expression in both dose- and time-dependent manner. Conclusions Atractylodin exerts significant cytotoxic activity against CL-6 cells which may be linked to its suppressive effect on HO-1 production, STAT1/3 phosphorylation and expression of key NF-κB proteins.
High modulus biocomposites via additive manufacturing: Cellulose nanofibril networks as “microsponges”

Abstract For the successful transition of additive manufacturing (AM) from prototyping to manufacturing of structural load bearing parts, feedstock systems with improved mechanical properties are needed. In terms of sustainability and environmental impact, selection of biobased renewable alternatives instead of petroleum-based options is important. Nanocellulose, which gives plants and trees their structural integrity, can offer significant improvements in the mechanical properties of AM polymers, provided that the right fibril morphology, dispersion and adhesion are achieved. In this study, although the interfacial adhesion between the hydrophilic cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and the hydrophobic polylactate matrix was not strong, and the optimal dispersion in individual fibril level was not attained, dramatic improvements in mechanical properties of neat polymer were achieved (up to 80% tensile strength increase, up to 200% elastic modulus increase). An interlocking reinforcing mechanism in which CNF bundles act as “microsponges” was proposed and supported by high resolution electron microscopy images, x-ray computed chromatography scans and thermal and dynamic mechanical behavior. Additively manufactured samples showed significantly higher elastic modulus (7.12 GPa vs. 6.57 GPa at 30 wt % CNF content) and dramatically improved storage modulus (1.72 GPa vs. 0.9 GPa at 30 wt % CNF content) in the printing direction compared to compression molded samples. In conclusion, preparation and 3D-printing of a 100% biobased renewable feedstock material with substantial mechanical property improvements were successfully demonstrated, which can open up new window of opportunities in the AM industry.
Wildflower Establishment in Seedbeds Created from an Industrial Co-product and Co-composted Municipal Waste

Abstract Ten cm (4 in) deep synthetic seedbeds created from co-composted municipal waste (CCMW), an industrial co-product (Iron-Rich material, IRM), CCMW:IRM (1:1, by vol), and surface tilled (2.5 ...
Seizure Rescue Medication Use among US Pediatric Epilepsy Providers: A Survey of the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium.

Objective To assess how pediatric neurologists prescribe home seizure rescue medications to treat acute prolonged seizures and clusters of seizures in children. Study design A brief, email survey was sent to the members of the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium assessing seizure rescue medication prescribing practices for patients of different age groups, cognitive abilities, and seizure type. Survey responses were anonymous. Results Thirty-six respondents (of 76 surveyed; 47% response rate) completed the survey. Rectal diazepam was the most commonly chosen rescue medication for a prolonged convulsive seizure in a severely developmentally delayed 16-year-old (44%) and typical and delayed 7-year-old (44% and 61%, respectively), 3-year-old (78% and 86%, respectively), and 9-month-old (83%) patients. Most responders (69%) indicated that developmentally typical 16-year-olds would be prescribed intranasal midazolam. For clusters of seizures, clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets were the most frequent first-line option in all age groups, except developmentally delayed 3-year-old and 9-month-old children, for whom rectal diazepam was chosen more commonly. Medication dosing generally followed standard dosing guidelines with very few exceptions. Conclusions Rectal diazepam remains the most frequently used rescue medication for prolonged seizures for nearly all age groups, except in developmentally typical teenagers, for whom intranasal midazolam is used more often. Clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets are the most frequently used medication for treatment of clusters of seizures, except in younger patients. Further work is necessary to establish best practices for type and administration route of seizure rescue medications.
Painted origins: inscribed landscape histories in the Fortaleza pictograph style during the Andean, late pre-Hispanic period

ABSTRACTThe headwaters of the Fortaleza River, Ancash, Peru are an understudied area, archaeologically. Seventeenth-century Spanish Colonial accounts from the region describe a general moiety disti...
What Are the Characteristics of Fourth-Year Medical Students With Higher Levels of Resilience?

Introduction Burnout during medical training, including medical school, has gained attention in recent years. Resiliency may be an important characteristic for medical students to have or obtain. The aim of this study was to examine the level of resiliency in fourth-year medical students and whether certain characteristics were associated with students who have higher levels of resiliency. Methods Subjects were fourth-year medical students who completed a survey during a required end-of-year rotation. The survey collected subjects' demographic information including age, gender, race, ethnicity, marital status, and chosen specialty. They were also asked to complete the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and answer questions that assessed personal characteristics. Results The response rate was 92.4%. Most respondents had personal time for themselves after school (92.6%), exercise or participate in physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week (67.2%), were able to stop thinking about medical school after leaving for the day (58.2%), and had current financial stress (51.6%). No differences were noted in demographic information among students across specialty categories. A higher BRS score was associated with being male and having the ability to stop thinking about school. Conclusions BRS scores in medical students are associated with specific demographic characteristics and the ability to stop thinking about school. Addressing the modifiable activities may assist students with increasing their resiliency and potentially decreasing their risk of burnout.
Military Service and Congressional Decision-Making: Self-Selection, Socialization, and the Vietnam Draft Lottery

Research suggests military service influences the policy preferences of elites, including members of the U.S. Congress. These studies have not considered how self-selection may confound these results. I employ vulnerability to the Vietnam draft lottery to consider two mechanisms for the influence of military service on policy preferences: self-selection and socialization. I compare the roll call votes of Representatives across the 94th to 113th Congresses who were eligible for the draft and who served in the military to those who were eligible for the draft but did not serve. There is a significant difference in the roll call voting behavior between these two groups on foreign and defense policy issues. This distinction cannot be explained by self-selection effects alone, indicating military service is transformative and carrying implications for Congressional oversight, the influence of military experience on elite behavior, and how the personal experiences of elites influence their decision-making.
Geography of the Midwestern Multilingual Student: the Possibility of Upward Mobility

Immigrants to the USA continue to grow more diverse by country of origin, and in location of settlement. Newcomers often settle in concentrated patterns, and questions remain about the ability of schools to provide the academic, language, and social resources these students may need for integration into American society. Many school districts in the Midwestern United States have seen an increase in the diversity of children from multilingual backgrounds as the result of immigrant and refugee settlement. Since immigrant groups settle within enclaves, there may be factors relating immigrant language background, school district quality, and upward mobility that are spatially correlated. This article uses geographic weighted regression (GWR) to examine the spatial relationship between multilingual students and indicators of opportunity structure in the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan region. St. Louis was chosen because of its rich history of European immigration, Bosnian refugee resettlement, and intense racial segregation. Results suggest that multilingual students in the St. Louis metropolitan region are spatially concentrated, but only certain language groups are located within school districts that provide resources for possible integration and upward mobility. This analysis demonstrates the importance of examining the local context of settlement for multilingual students and the opportunity structure available to them through their school district.
Quality of Reporting on the Evaluation of Risk Minimization Programs: A Systematic Review

Risk minimization programs are interventions mandated by regulatory agencies to ensure that benefits of pharmaceutical products outweigh risks. Many regulatory agencies require programs be evaluated for effectiveness; however, the quality of evidence has limited the ability to definitively determine if programs improve drug safety. The aim of this systematic review was to assess and describe the current status of reporting on the effectiveness of pharmaceutical risk management programs. Peer-reviewed articles published between January 2012 and December 2018 were selected from three online databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase). Eligible studies reported on effectiveness evaluations of mandated risk minimization measures (beyond labeling) and were written in English. Two reviewers independently examined 2744 titles of articles and 52 full articles were included. Forty-eight sources of gray literature from conference abstract presentations and publicly available regulatory documents were also included. Key opportunities for improvement in reporting included the provision of information regarding (1) selection, design, and testing of risk minimization measures, (2) implementation of programs, (3) process and outcome metrics, including the extent to which programs reached the intended audience, were integrated into the target healthcare settings, or were sustained over time, and (4) burden of the program on the healthcare system and implications for patient access. Gaps in reporting of risk minimization program evaluation studies were identified. Addressing gaps will help build the evidence base regarding risk minimization initiatives, as well as ensure that programs are maximally effective and minimally burdensome on the healthcare system, and do not unduly interfere with patient access to the medicine.
Applications of Compressive Sensing to Surveillance Problems

In many surveillance scenarios, one concern that arises is how to construct an imager that is capable of capturing the scene with high fidelity. This could be problematic for two reasons: First, the optics and electronics in the camera may have difficulty in dealing with so much information; second, bandwidth constraints may pose difficulty in transmitting information from the imager to the user efficiently for reconstruction or realization. This paper is a study of the application of various compressive sensing methods to surveillance problems. It is based largely on the work of [7], with theory and algorithms presented in the same manner. We explore two of the seminal works in compressive sensing and present the key theorems and definitions from these two papers. We then survey three different surveillance scenarios and their respective compressive sensing solutions. The original contribution of this paper is the development of a distributed compressive sensing model.
A 55-year-old COVID-19-positive man managed with self-regulation of high-flow oxygen by high-velocity nasal insufflation therapy

Management of critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients remains both risky and technically challenging. A 55-year-old male COVID-19-positive patient with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), diabetes, and obesity presented with cough and shortness of breath, escalating to requiring high-flow oxygen therapy by high-velocity nasal insufflation. The patient's flow rate and oxygen fraction remained labile throughout much of the hospitalization. This lability required frequent clinician interactions and use of personal protective equipment. The patient was alert and oriented and was instructed on the operation of the high-flow system, specifically the adjustment of both flow rate and oxygen percentage. The patient was instructed to modify oxygen to maintain an SpO 2(peripheral capillary oxygen saturation) target range, and flow rate to address dyspnoea as well as reduction of flow as tolerated when other staff entered the room. The patient was successfully self-regulated for 10 days and was discharged on 2 L/min nasal cannula on day 14 of his illness.
The Influence of Active Hamstring Stiffness on Markers of Isotonic Muscle Performance

Background: Previous research demonstrates hamstring muscle-tendon stiffness (HMTS) influences isometric strength, landing biomechanics and architectural tissue properties. However, the influence on kinetics & kinematics during other modes of strength testing (isotonic dynamometry) has yet to be established. Purpose: Investigate how HMTS influences kinetics and kinematics during a novel isotonic muscle performance test which has never been done for the hamstrings. Previous work using dynamometry has been limited to isometric or isokinetic contractions, so the novelty arises from our custom isotonic protocol which allows quantitative assessment of the stretch-shortening cycle. Methods: Twenty-six recreationally active individuals (15 males, 11 females, 23.8 ± 2.5 years) completed baseline testing for anthropometry and maximum isometric hamstring strength (MVIC). At least 48 h later, subjects completed a measure of HMTS (damped oscillation technique) followed by an isotonic knee flexion test (eccentric velocity 180°/s; concentric torque 25% of MVIC). Separate linear regression models with examination of residuals were conducted between HMTS and each muscle performance variable. Standardized coefficients determined the magnitude of the relationships. Results: Significance was found for all outcome variables tested. HMTS and rate of torque development demonstrated the strongest relationship followed by isotonic concentric peak torque. The weakest relationship observed was with isometric peak torque. Conclusions: These findings build off previous work quantifying HMTS by showing HMTS more strongly relates to dynamic versus static muscle testing and identifies the potential clinical utility of isotonic dynamometry.
Impact of Geometry and Operations on Left-Turn Gap Acceptance at Signalized Intersections with Permissive Indication

Critical and follow-up headways are the foundation for estimating the saturation flow of permissive left-turns at signalized intersections. Current critical and follow-up headways recommended in th...
Predictors and management of relapse to Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma.

Abstract Objective/background Despite the success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (aNHL), some patients still fail treatment, and their prognosis is dismal. Methods We performed a retrospective study of aNHL patients treated with axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) at two Mayo Clinic centers between 2018 and 2020. We evaluated predictive factors, toxicities, and responses to salvage regimens after CAR T-cell therapy. Results Thirty-four patients received axi-cel with a median length of hospitalization of 14 days. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome of any grade occurred in 91% and 41% of patients, respectively. Furthermore, 71% of patients responded to therapy, with 53% achieving a complete response (CR). The CRS grade and absolute lymphocyte count at leukapheresis (ALCLeuk) correlated with CR and overall survival (OS), respectively. After a median follow-up of 6.8 months (interquartile range [IQR] 4.6–14.9), 15 patients (44%) showed progressive disease (PD). Most patients (60%) progressed during the first 3 months and had persistent CD19 tumor expression. Elevated C-reactive protein at baseline increased the risk of PD, whereas elevated ferritin increased PD and mortality risk. Twelve patients received salvage therapy, but only three responded. Median OS of relapsed/refractory patients to axi-cel was 3 months (IQR 1.3–5.1). Conclusion The grade of CRS and ALCLeuk correlated with better outcomes to axi-cel therapy. In addition, elevated inflammatory markers at baseline were associated with PD and shorter survival. Relapses after treatment frequently occur within months after axi-cel infusion; they confer a poor prognosis and create an urgent need for novel and effective treatment options in this patient population.
Staphylococcal Acid Phosphatase: Extensive Purification and Characterization of the Loosely Bound Enzyme

Acid phosphatase of Staphylococcus aureus PS55 was eluted from the surface of these cells with 1.0 m KCl at pH 8.5 by gentle agitation at 25 C and was purified 44-fold (51% recovery) by two cycles of dialysis and gel filtration. The eluted enzyme which had a 280/260 (nm) absorbancy ratio of 0.71 required at least 0.5 m salt solution for solubilization; however, most of the purified product which had a 280/260 (nm) absorbancy ratio of 1.72 was soluble in dilute buffer solution [0.01 m tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane chloride, pH 8.5]. Purified acid phosphatase appeared homogeneous according to the criteria of gel filtration, starch-block electrophoresis, and analytical ultracentrifugation. In a starch block, migration was toward the cathode at pH 8.0. Maximal activity occurred at pH 5.2 to 5.3 and salt concentration had little effect on phosphatase activity up to 1.0 m KCl or NaCl. Progressive loss of enzymatic acitivity occurred at higher salt concentrations. Molecular weight of purified acid phosphatase was estimated to be 58,000.
Collaborative assessment and healing in schools after large-scale terrorist attacks.

The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, DC, as well as the strong possibility of future similar attacks have obliged school crisis responders in our country to rethink usual ways of helping. In planning CISM services in U.S. schools, it now may be practical and necessary to use large-group approaches to assessment and service planning similar to those provided in war-affected nations (Ressler, Tortorici, & Marcelino, 1993). This paper reports on an extension of the CISM approach in schools (Everly & Mitchell, 1999; Johnson, 2000a, 2002; Johnson, Casey, Ertl, Everly, & Mitchell, 1999) as a guide in developing large-scale assessments and action plans. Such actions may be led by school CISM teams in collaboration with school site teams. Examples of collaborative assessment and action planning are included from CISM team and training experiences in New York City, El Cajon and Long Beach, California. Language: en
Molecular mechanisms of nitrogen dioxide induced epithelial injury in the lung

The lung can be exposed to a variety of reactive nitrogen intermediates through the inhalation of environmental oxidants and those produced during inflammation. Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) include, nitrogen dioxide (·NO2) and peroxynitrite (ONOO–). Classically known as a major component of both indoor and outdoor air pollution, ·NO2 is a toxic free radical gas. ·NO2 can also be formed during inflammation by the decomposition of ONOO– or through peroxidase-catalyzed reactions. Due to their reactive nature, RNS may play an important role in disease pathology. Depending on the dose and the duration of administration, ·NO2 has been documented to cause pulmonary injury in both animal and human studies. Injury to the lung epithelial cells following exposure to ·NO2 is characterized by airway denudation followed by compensatory proliferation. The persistent injury and repair process may contribute to airway remodeling, including the development of fibrosis. To better understand the signaling pathways involved in epithelial cell death by ·NO2 or other RNS, we routinely expose cells in culture to continuous gas-phase ·NO2. Studies using the ·NO2 exposure system revealed that lung epithelial cell death occurs in a density dependent manner. In wound healing experiments, ·NO2 induced cell death is limited to cells localized in the leading edge of the wound. Importantly, ·NO2-induced death does not appear to be dependent on oxidative stress per se. Potential cell signaling mechanisms will be discussed, which include the mitogen activated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal Kinase and the Fas/Fas ligand pathways. During periods of epithelial loss and regeneration that occur in diseases such as asthma or during lung development, epithelial cells in the lung may be uniquely susceptible to death. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of epithelial cell death associated with the exposure to ·NO2 will be important in designing therapeutics aimed at protecting the lung from persistent injury and repair.
Bevill and the Aluminum Industry

This paper serves as both a primer and an update on the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) statutes and regulations affecting the aluminum industry in the USA. Specifically, this paper will discuss the affect the Bevill Amendment to RCRA has and continues to have on the industry, particularly the import, mining, refining and primary production of aluminum. The paper will cover the development of the RCRA regulations vis-a-vis the aforementioned up-stream aluminum production processes up to the most recent court decisions on applicability of rules to certain of the Bevill “high volume, low toxicity wastes”.
The Effect of Regular Leisure Physical Activity on Birth Outcomes

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of regular leisure physical activity (RLPA) on two different adverse birth outcomes: timeliness of delivery ( 42 weeks, postterm) and low birth weight (<1500 g, very low; 1500–2499 g, low). Methods: The present sample, consisting of 9089 women, was obtained from the 1988 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey (NMIHS) data. The NMIHS was developed to examine adverse birth outcomes by assessing various maternal characteristics such as demographic, behavioral, and health care factors not found in vital statistics data. Results: The specified adjusted models obtained by logistic regression indicate that women who failed to engage in RLPA before and during their pregnancy were more likely to give birth to a very low birth weight baby [OR = 1.75; 95% CI (1.50, 2.04)] but not to a low birth weight baby [OR = 1.15; 95% CI (0.99, 1.34)] compared with women who remained active before and during pregnancy. Moreover, previously active women who stopped physical activity during pregnancy were more likely to give birth to a low birth weight [OR = 1.28; 95% CI (1.05, 1.56)] or a very low birth weight [OR = 2.05; 95% CI (1.69, 2.48)] baby than women who remained active before and during pregnancy. There was no significant relationship between RLPA and timeliness of delivery. Similar results were found after controlling for maternal medical risk. Conclusions: RLPA during pregnancy had no deleterious effect on birth outcomes among these women. RLPA may also reduce the risk of low birth weight outcomes.
Nonlinear effects of noise on phase-locked cochlear-nerve responses to sinusoidal stimuli

It is well known that, in a cochlear afferent axon with background spike activity, a sinusoidal stimulus (tone) of sufficiently low frequency will produce periodic modulation of the instantaneous spike rate, the alternating half cycles of which comprise excursions above and below the mean background spike rate. It also is known that if the amplitude of the stimulus is sufficiently small, the instantaneous spike rate follows very nearly a sinusoidal trajectory through these positive and negative excursions. For such cases, we define the AC responsiveness of a primary auditory afferent axon to be the amplitude of sinusoidal modulation of the instantaneous spike rate divided by the amplitude of the tone producing that modulation. In the experiments described in this paper, changes in AC responsiveness were followed during and after sudden changes in the background noise level. When the amplitude of the tone was sufficiently small relative to that of the noise, we found that the AC responsiveness can be strongly dependent on the time elapsed since the last change in noise level, while being nearly independent of the amplitude of the tone itself. Under those circumstances, after transitions between noise levels 20 dB apart, we observed changes in AC responsiveness that consistently followed time courses similar to those of the short-term mean (background) spike rate (approximating the adapting response to the noise alone), unfolding over several milliseconds or tens of milliseconds. At the time of the transition between noise levels, there was another change in AC responsiveness, which appeared to be instantaneous; as the noise level increased, the AC responsiveness immediately increased with it. This seemingly paradoxical effect and the similarity of the time courses of AC responsiveness and short-term mean spike rate both are consistent with a simple, descriptive model of spike generation involving the shifting of threshold along a bell curve.
Prognostic Factors for Survival in Melanoma Patients with Brain Metastases

BACKGROUND: One of the most common and deadly complications of melanoma is brain metastases. The outcomes of advanced melanoma patients who developed brain metastases were reviewed to identify significant prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). METHODS: An institutional database of advanced melanoma patients enrolled on clinical trials in the Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology from 1986 to 2004 was reviewed and patients who developed brain metastases were identified. Date of diagnosis, patient age, pattern of brain involvement, timing relative to extracranial metastases, prior response to systemic therapy, and treatments given for brain metastases were assessed as potential prognostic factors for OS. RESULTS: Among 743 melanoma patients enrolled in clinical trials for regional or systemic metastatic disease, 330 (44%) patients developed brain metastases. The median OS after the diagnosis of brain metastases was 4.7 months. Diagnosis before 1996, increased number of parenchymal brain metastases, leptomeningeal involvement, and development of brain metastases after receiving systemic therapy for extracranial metastases were found to be significant prognostic factors for OS. Among patients who received systemic therapy as the initial treatment of brain metastases, patients who previously responded to systemic therapies had longer survival than patients who had not responded. CONCLUSIONS: The era, pattern, and timing of melanoma brain metastases were found to be strongly associated with survival. Previous responsiveness to systemic therapies did not predict better outcomes overall, but it did correlate with improved survival for patients with brain metastases who were treated with systemic therapies. These factors may be used in guiding patient management and for stratifying patients in clinical trials. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
What does the archaeological record mean

Lewis R. Binford, with editorial collaboration by John F. Cherry and Robin Torrence. In Pursuit of the Past: Decoding the Archaeological Record. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1983. 256 pp. Foreword by Colin Renfrew, Acknowledgements, Preface, Notes, Bibliography, Index, 147 Illustrations. $18.50.
Performance comparison of PI and P compensation in average-current-controlled three-phase six-switch boost PFC rectifier

In this paper, it is shown that in the three-phase six-switch boost PFC rectifier with average-current control and unbalanced input-voltage and/or input-current sensing gains, the current controller with proportional (P) compensation exhibits lower total harmonic distortion (THD) and higher power factor (PF) compared with that of proportional and integral (PI) compensation. It is also shown that the P compensation with input-voltage feedforward is effective in improving output-voltage transient response with respect to input-voltage changes only if duty-cycle feedforward is also implemented. Finally, it is shown that zero-sequence-signal (ZSS) injection, in addition to enabling the output-voltage regulation in a wider input-voltage range, also improves the THD of the input currents.
Spatiotemporal Denoising and Clustering of fMRI Data

This paper examines combined spatiotemporal denoising and clustering of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) time series. Most fMRI denoising methods are implemented either in spatial or temporal domain without taking into account both space and time information. In this work, a spatiotemporal denoising method is developed where spatial denoising is implemented by Bayesian shrinkage that uses temporal prior information obtained by statistical testing on all voxel time courses. After the denoising, a set of spatiotemporal features are extracted and characterized by a Gaussian mixture model, which is applied to detect activated areas. The proposed methods have been tested on both synthetic and experimental data, and the results demonstrate their effectiveness.
Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α: Independent and interactive roles in the regulation of lipid metabolism

Purpose of reviewWith the increasing incidence of obesity today, related complications such as diabetes, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis are also becoming major concerns. Since these conditions share a common factor, aberrations in lipid metabolism, understanding the molecular changes that
Influence of growth faults on coastal fluvial systems: Examples from the late Miocene to Recent Mississippi River Delta

Abstract The details of how fluvial systems respond to spatial changes in land-surface subsidence produced by active faulting remain incompletely understood. Here, we examine the degree to which the positioning of individual channels and channel-belts is affected by local maxima in subsidence associated with the hanging walls of growth faults. The channel forms and faults are imaged using a seismic volume covering 1400 km2 of Breton Sound and Barataria Bay in southern Louisiana, USA. We look at the consequences of interactions between channels, channel-belts, and faults in late Miocene to Recent strata. More than fifty individual channels that crossed the traces of active growth faults were examined. Of these channels, only three appear to have been redirected by the faults. There also appeared to be no systematic change in the cross-sectional geometries of channels or channel-belts associated with crossing a fault, though the orientation of the channel-belts appears to be more influenced by faulting than the orientation of individual channels. Seven out of ten mapped channel-belts appear to have been steered by growth faults. We propose that channel belts are more likely to be influenced by faults than individual channels because channel-belts are longer lived features, unlikely to shift their overall position before experiencing a discrete faulting event. In addition, the style of influence in the few cases where an individual channel is affected by a fault is different from that of larger systems. While downstream of a fault channel-belts generally become oriented perpendicular to fault strike, the individual channels are directed along the hanging wall of the fault, running parallel to the fault trace. We relate this to the ratio of the length-scale of fault rollover relative to the channel or channel-belt width. Fluvial-fault interactions with higher values for this ratio are more likely to be carried parallel to the fault trace than systems with lower ratio values.
Slosh dynamics coupled with spacecraft attitude dynamics. I - Formulation and theory

Coupling of slosh dynamics within a partially filled rotating Dewar of superfluid helium II with spacecraft attitude dynamics is investigated in response to the environmental disturbances. These disturbances include 1) lateral impulse, 2) gravity gradient, and 3) g-jitter forces. The purpose of this study is to investigate 1) how helium II fluid slosh dynamics driven by various cases of environmental forces coupled with spacecraft dynamics can affect the bubble deformations and their associated fluid and spacecraft mass-center fluctuations and 2) how spacecraft translational displacement, velocity, and accelerations deviating from normal spacecraft operation are induced by the coupling with slosh dynamics driven by various environmental disturbances. The numerical computation of slosh dynamics is based on the rotating frame, whereas the spacecraft dynamics is associated with the nonrotating frame. The results show that major contributions to the orbital dynamics are driven by the coupling with slosh dynamics. Not considering the effect of slosh dynamics acting on the spacecraft may lead to the wrong results for the development of orbital and attitude control techniques.
Interfacial alkane films.

Adsorbed {ital n}-hexadecane films of thickness {similar to}10, 20, and 40 A are studied at 350 K via molecular-dynamics simulations. In the thickest film periodic oscillations of the density extend {similar to}18 A from the solid-liquid interface, the roughness fluctuations at the liquid-vapor interface are Gaussian, and the density tail is fitted by an error function. Molecules in the first adsorbed layer lie preferentially parallel to the surface exhibiting domains of intermolecular orientational alignment. The diffusion is anisotropic with the component parallel to the surface greatly enhanced in the liquid-vapor region.
Brief Physician Advice for Problem Drinkers-Reply

In Reply. —We appreciate Dr Bradley's comments regarding the differences in hospital days between the intervention and control groups reported in our article. It is important to clarify that the health care utilization data were based on patient self-report. We also collected utilization data from medical records, claims data, and family member corroborative interviews, but we opted to delay presenting this information until the 48-month follow-up of our study is completed in 1998. The issue of multiple comparisons probably is not a factor because the statistical differences between the groups were large, and the total number of outcome variables, based on previous alcohol treatment trials, was 9. Although bias is always a concern, our trial used randomized controlled trial methods, had a large sample size, recruited subjects from community practices, and had high follow-up rates. In addition, the analysis followed intention-to-treat procedures. Bradley also noted the potential bias of patient self-report. Health
Fuel Cell Vehicle Simulation – Part 1: Benchmarking Available Fuel Cell Vehicle Simulation Tools

Fuel cell vehicle simulation is one method for systematic and fast investigation of the different vehicle options (fuel choice, hybridization, reformer technologies). However, a sufficient modeling program, capable of modeling the different design options, is not available today. Modern simulation programs should be capable of serving as tools for analysis as well as development. Shortfalls of the existing programs, initially developed for internal combustion engine hybrid vehicles, are: (i)Insufficient modeling of transient characteristics; (ii) Insufficient modeling of the fuel cells system; (iii) Insufficient modeling of advanced hybrid systems; (iv) Employment of a non-causal (backwards looking) structure; (v) Significant shortcomings in the area of controls. In the area of analysis, a modeling tool for fuel cell vehicles needs to address the transient dynamic interaction between the electric drive train and the fuel cell system. Especially for vehicles with slow responding on-board fuel processor, this interaction is very different from the interaction between a battery (as power source) and an electric drive train in an electric vehicle design. Non-transient modeling leads to inaccurate predictions of vehicle performance and fuel consumption. When applied in the area of development, the existing programs do not support the employment of newer techniques, such as rapid prototyping. This is because the program structure merges control algorithms and component models, or different control algorithms (from different components) are lumped together in one single control block and not assigned to individual components as they are in real vehicles. In both cases, the transfer of control algorithms from the model into existing hardware is not possible. This paper is the first part of a three part series and benchmarks the “state of the art” of existing programs. The second paper introduces a new simulation program, which tries to overcome existing barriers. Specifically it explicitly recognizes the dynamic interaction between fuel cell system, drive train and optional additional energy storage.
Impingement of buoyancy-driven flows at a stratified interface

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and particle-image velocimetry (PIV) are used to study both thermals and plumes impinging on a stratified interface. Data are obtained for a central slice of the flow near the stratified interface. Both the thermal and plume are generated by releasing fresh water at the bottom of a tank filled with two layers of salt water of different densities. Thermals and plumes are studied at Reynolds numbers ranging from 3,000 to 8,000, above the value for the mixing transition, a Schmidt number of about 600, and Richardson numbers from 1 to 22. The Richardson and Reynolds numbers are based on the thermal or plume characteristics (size and vertical velocity) before impingement and the initial density difference across the interface. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is used to determine the maximum penetration height, rebound distance and lateral spreading velocity. The vorticity results obtained from the PIV data reveal the vortical structure near impingement. When the thermal impinges upon the stratified interface, a baroclinic eddy generated at the interface appears to merge with eddies comprising the thermal itself to form a vortex ring. This ring remains near the interface, moving mainly along the lateral or horizontal direction away from the region of impingement. These results suggest that lateral transport is significant for thermals impinging on stratified interfaces, and that ignoring such transport may greatly underestimate overall transport and mixing in such flows.