cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive response by an electrolyte: resilience to electron losses in a dye-sensitized porous photoanode.

Photovoltage and photocurrents below theoretical limits in dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical solar energy conversion systems are usually attributed to electron loss processes such as dye–electron and electrolyte–electron recombination reactions within the porous photoanode. Whether recombination is a major loss mechanism is examined here, using a multiscale reaction–diffusion computational model to evaluate system characteristics. The dye-sensitized solar cell with an I−/I3− redox couple is chosen as a simple, representative model system because of the extensive information available for it. Two photoanode architectures with dye excitation frequencies spanning 1–25 s−1 are examined, assuming two distinct recombination mechanisms. The simulation results show that although electrolyte–electron reactions are very efficient, they do not significantly impact photoanode performance within the system as defined. This is because the solution-phase electrolyte chemistry plays a key role in mitigating electron losses through coupled reactions that produce I− within the photoanode pores, thereby cycling the electrolyte species without requiring that all electrolyte reduction reactions take place at the more distantly located cathode. This is a functionally adaptive response of the chemistry that may be partly responsible for the great success of this redox couple for dye-sensitized solar cells. The simulation results provide predictions that can be tested experimentally.
Regulation of cold-induced thermogenesis by the RNA binding protein FAM195A

Homeothermic vertebrates produce heat in cold environments through thermogenesis, in which brown adipose tissue (BAT) increases mitochondrial oxidation along with uncoupling of the electron transport chain and activation of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Although the transcription factors regulating the expression of UCP1 and nutrient oxidation genes have been extensively studied, only a few other proteins essential for BAT function have been identified. We describe the discovery of FAM195A, a BAT-enriched RNA binding protein, which is required for cold-dependent thermogenesis in mice. FAM195A knockout (KO) mice display whitening of BAT and an inability to thermoregulate. In BAT of FAM195A KO mice, enzymes involved in branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism are down-regulated, impairing their response to cold. Knockdown of FAM195A in brown adipocytes in vitro also impairs expression of leucine oxidation enzymes, revealing FAM195A to be a regulator of BCAA metabolism and a potential target for metabolic disorders.
Radiation-driven flame spread over thermally thick fuels in quiescent microgravity environments

Microgravity experiments of flame spread over thermally thick fuels were conducterd using foam fuels to obtain low density and low thermal conductivity and thus large spread rate (Sf) compared to dense fuels such as polymethylmethacrylate. This scheme enabled meaningful results to be obtained even in 2.2 s drop tower experiments. It was found that, in contrast to conventional understanding, steady spread can occur over thick fuels in quiescent microgravity environments, especally whenm a radiatively active diluent gas such as CO2 is employed. This is proposed to be due to radiative transfer from the flame to the fel surface that can lead to steady spread even when conductive heat transfer from the flame to the fuel bed is negligible, Radiative effects are more significant under microgravity conditions because the flame thickness is larger and thus the volume of radiating combustion products is larger at microgravity. The effects of oxygen concentration and pressure are shown and the transition from thermally thick to thermally thin behavior with decreasing bed thickness is demonstrated. A simple semiquantiative model of radiationdriven flame spread rates is consistent with experimental observations. Radiative flux measurements confirm the proposed effects of diluent type and gravity level. These results are particularly noteworth considering that the International Space Station employs CO2 fire extinguishers; our results suggest that helium may be a better inerting agent on both mass and mole bases at microgravity even though CO2 is much better on a mole basis at earth gravity.
State of Association of Membrane Proteins

The native environment of a membrane protein can be closely simulated by the small micelles formed by appropriate detergents. This permits solubilization of membrane proteins with retention of their native structure and biological activity. Molecular weights and polypeptide chain compositions can then be determined by well-established methods of solution physical chemistry. We have found that some membrane proteins (e.g., cytihrome b5) are monomeric, whereas others are oligomeric. The Ca++-stimulated ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum appears to be a trimer (possibly tetramer) of identical polypeptide chains. Each chain has two very similar halves, which suggests that the trans-membrane portion of this protein consists of six (possibly eight) symmetrically arranged elemetIT, which perhaps create an aqueous channel for the passage of Ca++ ions through the membrane.
Global Think Tanks: Policy Networks and Governance

Global Think Tanks provides a clear description of and context for the global proliferation of think tanks. Whilst these institutions are still relatively new players in global and national politics, they are becoming a significant source of strength in an increasingly transnational and less Western-led world. This work presents an important guide to the factors contributing to the proliferation of think tanks, the present nature of this proliferation, and the future of think tanks at the global, regional, and national level. The book: identifies the forces driving these phenomena by addressing some of the historical and current factors that have dominate policy debates around the world attempts to identify the range of existing global think tanks and a representative group of global public policy networks and conduct detailed profiling of these organizations. extrapolate trends in current think tank research that provide a basis for understanding the impact that think tanks have on policy makers identifies and critique the role of global think tanks and global public policy networks in civil society and analyze the challenges and opportunities facing global think tanks and policy networks. seeks to recommend improvements to think tanks and global public policy networks so that they can continue to contribute to global public policy and serve as a catalyst for civic engagement around the world. Examining the issues that face think tanks on a global scale, this book will be of great interest to all students of international relations and international organizations.
The Impact of an Event-Triggered Video Intervention on Rural Teenage Driving

This study examines the ability of an event-triggered video system to extend parental involvement into the independent driving phase of newly licensed teen drivers. The system provides both immediate feedback and a 20-second video clip, giving the teen driver and their parent the opportunity to review and learn from their mistakes as well as good responses. The event-triggered video system was placed in the vehicles of 25 teen drivers (ages 16-17) for 57 weeks. The first nine weeks established a within-subject baseline; no parental or system feedback was given during this time. During the next 40 weeks, feedback was provided to the teen driver in the form of a blinking LED on the camera and a weekly report card mailed to the parents. The report showed the driver’s weekly and cumulative performance regarding unsafe behaviors and seatbelt use relative to the other participants. The last eight weeks was a second baseline period. Results revealed two distinct groups: one that triggered few events and one that triggered many events. Combining this emerging technology with parental weekly review of safety-relevant incidents resulted in a significant and lasting decrease in events for most of the teens that triggered many events.
Introduction to the Issue

Laura P. Hartman holds the Grainger Chair of Business Ethics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business. Hartman is the past Director of DePaul University's Institute for Business & Professional Ethics, held the Wicklander Chair in Professional Ethics, and was an Associate Professor of Legal Studies and Ethics at DePauVs Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, where she won the University's Excellence in Teaching award and was chair of the University's Public Service Council. Hartman has also served as an adjunct pro fessor at Northwestern's Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Hartman's teaching responsibilities have included Business Ethics, Employment Law, Human Resource Management, Business Law, Antitrust Law, and Corporate Communication and Crisis Management, among other courses. We have chosen our title words wisely, or so it seems. "The Business Ethics Journey." Consider the implications: The journey of business ethics learning and application from the universities to the marketplace is "the travel home from a long distance," "the distance traveled without violating the law," and the making of a "good [hu]man" (modification of original). The conference for which the papers in this volume were originally prepared annually sought to identify the para meters of this journey "home," with a vision of a more ethical world as a result. This first of these annual conferences was held in 1994 at DePaul University, conceived as a natural extension of the basic mission of the three
A Review of “Children & Their Urban Environment: Changing Worlds”

Children &Their Urban Environment explores the role of children in the city and suburbs. The book synthesizes literature from geography, psychology, public health, and planning on children's use an...
Codes of Ethics for Genetics Professionals

The field of genetic research, technology, and application is rapidly advancing. While such advancement provides great promise to evaluate, diagnose and treat medical conditions, there are many ethical and regulatory questions and challenges that must be addressed. In this article, we attempt to highlight both government regulation and professional codes of ethics as they relate to biomedical genetic technology. This article starts by articulating the first genetic code of ethics published in Canada in 1986, as well as other North American organisations, followed by European Union organisations, efforts around the globe and, finally, published guidelines or ethical codes that serve genetic professionals on an international scale. We also highlight that as genetic technology constantly changes, professionals and their ethical guidelines must adapt as well. Key Concepts Molecular biologists, biochemists, informatics professionals, genomicists and clinical researchers as well as clinicians and genetic counsellors are using genetic technology. Government regulation alone is not enough to ensure that this technology is being used appropriately. Many independent and professional organisations are also contributing to this arena. This review for genetic professionals attempts to provide an overview of both comprehensive formal codes and decisions by various bodies that guide ethical medical genetics practices and supplement federal regulations. The spread of genetic technologies around the world is adding to the challenge of adequately addressing the ethical issues raised in various nations and cultures. Keywords: genetic technology; genetic professional; genetic counsellor; code of ethics; direct-to-consumer; incidental findings
The influence of task complexity on knee joint kinetics following ACL reconstruction

Abstract Background Previous research indicates that subjects with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction exhibit abnormal knee joint movement patterns during functional activities like walking. While the sagittal plane mechanics have been studied extensively, less is known about the secondary planes, specifically with regard to more demanding tasks. This study explored the influence of task complexity on functional joint mechanics in the context of graft-specific surgeries. Methods In 25 participants (10 hamstring tendon graft, 6 patellar tendon graft, 9 matched controls), three-dimensional joint torques were calculated using a standard inverse dynamics approach during level walking and stair descent. The stair descent task was separated into two functionally different sub-tasks—step-to-floor and step-to-step. The differences in external knee moment profiles were compared between groups; paired differences between the reconstructed and non-reconstructed knees were also assessed. Findings The reconstructed knees, irrespective of graft type, typically exhibited significantly lower peak knee flexion moments compared to control knees during stair descent, with the differences more pronounced in the step-to-step task. Frontal plane adduction torque deficits were graft specific and limited to the hamstring tendon knees during the step-to-step task. Internal rotation torque deficits were also primarily limited to the hamstring tendon graft group during stair descent. Collectively, these results suggest that task complexity was a primary driver of differences in joint mechanics between anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed individuals and controls, and such differences were more pronounced in individuals with hamstring tendon grafts. Interpretation The mechanical environment experienced in the cartilage during repetitive, cyclical tasks such as walking and other activities of daily living has been argued to contribute to the development of degenerative changes to the joint and ultimately osteoarthritis. Given the task-specific and graft-specific differences in joint mechanics detected in this study, care should be taken during the rehabilitation process to mitigate these changes.
Compressive Brachial Plexopathy After Fixation of a Clavicular Fracture Nonunion: A Case Report.

Clavicular nonunion occurs after nonoperative treatment of clavicular fractures, usually after marked displacement and comminution1,2. Nonunions can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, mechanical irritation, restriction of shoulder movement, weakness, cosmetic deformity, subclavian vein compression, thoracic outlet syndrome, and permanent neurologic deficits. Surgical intervention with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is indicated in the setting of symptomatic nonunion. We report a case of compressive brachial plexopathy after ORIF of a clavicular fracture nonunion. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and she provided consent. A thirty-nine-year-old, right-hand-dominant woman presented seven months after sustaining a displaced right clavicular fracture, which resulted from a fall from a bicycle. She had seen an orthopaedic surgeon one week after the injury; the right arm had been placed in a sling. Because she subsequently became uninsured several weeks after the injury, she had not sought additional care. She presented to us with limited shoulder function and persistent pain at rest and with attempted motion. The medical history was unremarkable, but she smoked half a pack of cigarettes per day. On physical examination, there was gross deformity and tenderness to palpation at the midshaft of the clavicle. Shoulder motion was limited by pain. Neurovascular status was intact. Radiographs of the clavicle demonstrated a widely displaced midshaft clavicular fracture nonunion (Fig. 1). We recommended surgical treatment with ORIF and iliac crest bone graft. Fig. 1 Anteroposterior radiograph of the right clavicle demonstrates an atrophic nonunion of a midshaft clavicular fracture. The patient was placed in the supine position with a 1-L bag of saline solution under the ipsilateral scapula and the head in a neutral position to avoid excessive traction on the brachial plexus. An incision following Langer’s lines was centered over the nonunion site. Dissection …
Corrigendum: Using acoustic data from fishing vessels to estimate walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) abundance in the eastern Bering Sea

Eastern Bering Sea walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) support one of the world’s largest fisheries. Because of walleye pollock’s high recruitment variability and relatively short life span, timely and accurate abundance indices are needed for fisheries management. Walleye pollock are surveyed biennially with an acoustic-trawl (AT) survey and annually with a bottom trawl (BT) survey. The latter tracks the demersal portion of the population using chartered fishing vessels, whereas the AT survey tracks the younger, midwater portion using research vessels and is critical for evaluating prerecruit abundances. Acoustic data collected from commercial fishing vessels conducting the BT survey were analyzed to provide information on midwater walleye pollock abundance at relatively low cost. A retrospective analysis of AT survey data identified a suitable index area to track midwater walleye pollock abundance. The BT survey acoustic data in that area tracked the AT survey abundance and captured its broad spatia...
Deletion vs. epenthesis: Intra- vs. inter-paradigmatic arguments in linguistics

Abstract In this paper, an attempt is made to strengthen the arguments for an epenthesis rule of French liaison given in Klausenburger 1974, and challenged in Churma 1977, by (1) integrating liaison into the whole complex of linking processes, showing how the question of h-aspire can be solved concretely as a result of the epenthesis formulation, and (2) applying the theory of morphologization proposed in Klausenburger 1976a to the history of liaison, thus explaining the diachronic side of the process. In addition, the deletion vs. epenthesis debate is examined within the wider context of the apparent paradigmatic change-over in phonology today.
Interconversion of cortisol and cortisone in the Macaca mulatta.

Die Umwandlung von Kortisol in Kortison und umgekehrt wird nach Injektion von radioaktiven Steroiden bei einem weiblichen Affen (Macaca mulatta) untersucht. Es konnte festgestellt werden, dass im Blut Kortisol relativ rasch in Kortison umgewandelt wurde, wahrend umgekehrt Kortison wesentlich langsamer umgewandelt wird.
Geoid and topography for infinite Prandtl number convection in a spherical shell

Geoid anomalies and surface and lower-boundary topographies are calculated for numerically generated thermal convection for an infinite Prandtl number, Boussinesq, axisymmetric spherical fluid shell with constant gravity and viscosity, for heating both entirely from below and entirely from within. Convection solutions are obtained for Rayleigh numbers Ra up to 20 times the critical Ra in heating from below and 27 times critical for heating from within. Geoid parallels surface undulations, and boundary deformation generally increases with increasing cell wavelength. Dimensionless geoid and topography in heating from below are about 5 times greater than in heating from within. Values for heating from within correlate more closely with geophysical data than values from heating from below, suggesting a predominance of internal heating in the mantle. The study emphasizes that dynamically induced topography and geoid are sensitive to the mode of heating in the earth's mantle.
Intrinsic interspecific competition between the polyembryonic parasitoid Copidosoma floridanum and solitary endoparasitoid Microplitis demolitor in Pseudoplusia includens.

Multiparasitism studies were conducted in the laboratory between the egg-larval polyembryonic parasitoid Copidosoma floridanum (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and the larval endoparasitoid Microplitis demolitor Wilkinson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the mutual host Pseudoplusia includens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Most multiparasitized hosts produced either a C. floridanum brood or died without any parasitoid emergence. Most multiparasitized hosts underwent supernumerary molting; however, multiparasitized hosts that produced a C. floridanum brood exhibited growth characteristics associated with C. floridanum parasitism while multiparasitized hosts that died exhibited growth characteristics more typical of M. demolitor parasitism. Multiparasitized hosts that produced a C. floridanum brood increased in weight, and usually exhibited the behavioral and morphological characteristics associated with initiation of metamorphosis. In contrast, multiparasitized hosts that ultimately died gained little weight and exhibited no characteristics associated with metamorphosis. M. demolitor progeny died in multiparasitized hosts as eggs or first instar larvae, but no direct evidence was found to indicate that physical attack by C. floridanum precocious larvae was responsible for their elimination. Resume Competition interspecifique dans Pseudoplusia includens entre Copidosoma floridanum parasitoide polyembryonnaire et Microplitis demolitor endoparasitoide solitaire Lors de l'etude au laboratoire du multiparasitisme de Pseudoplusia includens Walker (Lepido. Noctuidae) par le parasitoide ovolarvaire polyembryonnaire C. floridanum Ashmead (Hymeno. Encyrtidae) et l'endoparasitoide larvaire M. demolitor Wilkinson (Hymeno. Braconidae), soit les hotes donnent en majorite C. floridanum, soit ils meurent sans que quoi que ce soit emerge. P. includens non parasite presente 5 stades larvaires; les hotes parasites par C. floridanum subissent 5 ou 6 stades avant le developpement complet du parasitoide, et les hotes parasites par M. demolitor muent en stade 5 avant emergence du parasitoide. Par contre, les hotes multiparasites muent en stade 7; ceux qui produisent une couvee de C. floridanum ont presente la croissance caracteristique des hotes parasites par C. floridanum, tandis que les hotes multiparasites qui sont morts avaient presente la croissance caracteristique des hotes parasites par M. demolitor. La plupart des hotes multiparasites desquels C. floridanum a emerge ont augmente de poids et presente les caracteres associes au debut de la metamorphose. La descendance de M. demolitor est morte dans les hotes multiparasites au stade œuf ou chenille du premier stade, mais il n'y avait aucun indice d'attaque physique par des larves de C. floridanum qui auraient ete responsables de leur elimination.
Oxidation Behavior of Co-15wt% Cr Alloy Containing Dispersed Oxides Formed by Internal Oxidation

Abstract Internal oxidation pretreatments of Co-15wt%Cr and Co-15wt%Cr-1 wt% Ti were carried out using a Rhines pack in quartz, in mullite, and in alumina. A dispersion of titanium oxide particles formed in the Ti-containing alloy as a result of the internal oxidation. However, silicon also diffused into all treated specimens when the pretreatments were carried out in quartz or in mullite. The effect of various pretreatments on the subsequent oxidation of these alloys was studied at 1,000°C and compared with that of a Co-15wt%Cr-1wt%Si alloy. The main purpose of this study was to determine the relative effectiveness of the dispersed oxide particles and the contaminated silicon on the selective oxidation of chromium. It was found that the oxidation behaviors of both treated alloys were strongly affected by the degree of silicon contamination. Selective oxidation of chromium to form a nearly continuous protective Cr2O3 scale was achieved with greater than 0.4 wt% silicon. The presence of dispersed particles...
Family Business, Identity Conflict, and an Expedited Entrepreneurial Process: A Process of Resolving Identity Conflict

Drawing on Identity Control Theory (ICT) and the literature on social identity, we offer a model of the dynamics associated with competing family and business identities brought into conflict by “f...
The effect of inhibitors of thyroid monoamine oxidase on the incorporation of iodide into thyroid slice protein

Abstract The effect of a number of ingibitors of thyroid monoamine oxidase on the incorporation of radioactive iodide into the protein of bovine thyroid slices has been studied. Tranylcypromine inhibited the incorporation of iodide into thyroid protein to approximately the same extent as it inhibited the monoamine oxidase activity of the combined mitochondria-microsome fraction isolated from the thyroid slices. All of the substances tested which inhibit thyroid monoamine oxidase activity in vitro also inhibited the incorporation of iodide into thyroid slice protein. Tyramine and phenylethylamine, substrates for thyroid monoamine oxidase, stimulated the incorporation of iodide into protein. This amine-stimulated incorporation of iodide was inhibited by tranyl cypromine. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that thyroid monoamine oxidase plays an important role in the generation of the H2O2 required for thyroxine biosynthesis.
The loss of a valuable dolphin.

Jerry Guo's article “River dolphins down for the count, and perhaps out” (News of the Week, 22 Dec. 2006, p. [1860][1]) revealed no sightings of a baiji dolphin ( Lipotes vexillifer ) during a recent comprehensive survey. If, as expected, this species is truly extinct, then the loss to both the natural and physical sciences is more profound than most realize. This animal is one of only two species of river dolphins (the other being the Ganges river dolphin, Platanista gangetica ) that, although bereft of vision and olfactory sense, are able to migrate, locate prey, and find mates while navigating in a highly dynamic riverine environment ([1][2]). The biology of both species is poorly known. However, insight into their biology could be expected to lead to advancements in acoustic-based sensors, geolocation, and navigation in extreme environments, as well as the development of technologies to assist vision-impaired persons. ![Figure][3] CREDIT: N. GORDON/SURVIVAL/OSF/ANIMALS ANIMALS The loss of this organism highlights the need for unbiased prioritization of conservation biology projects within the scientific community. Broader scientific potential contributions need to be considered in addition to general ecosystem health. Perhaps, other species at risk would receive more attention if the ramifications of their demise were better presented to the public. 1. 1.[↵][4] See . [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.314.5807.1860 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: pending:yes [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1. in text"
Prostaglandin E2 induces receptive behaviors in female Xenopus laevis.

The object of this study was to examine the effects of exogenous and endogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the sexual behavior of female South African clawed frogs, Xenopus laevis. Ticking and leg extension, which communicate sexual unreceptivity to males, were studied in intact, ovariectomized, and ovariectomized-oviductectomized females. Injection of nanomolar amounts of PGE2 into the dorsal lymph sac significantly increased receptivity in intact, ovariectomized, and ovariectomized-oviductectomized females. The onset of the PGE2 behavioral effect occurs within 30 sec to 3 min of injection for intact and ovariectomized females; for ovariectomized-oviductectomized females, the latency period for the effect ranges from 10–20 min. PGE2 induced receptivity in doses as low as 0.03 μg/frog. Injection of the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, indomethacin and flurbiprofen (FBP), blocked chorionic gonadotropin- (HCG-) induced behavioral receptivity, suggesting that endogenous prostaglandin synthesis may have a role in regulating female sexual behavior. Flurbiprofen blockade of HCG-induced receptivity was reversed by PGE2 administration, suggesting that FBP's effects are PG Synthesis-Specific.
Crystalline‐state extrusion of low density polyethylenes

Three low density polyethylenes, one long branched (A) and two linear (B and C), have been solid-state-extruded at several constant temperatures from ambient to 80°C and to draw ratios ⩽ 8. The initial densities and melt indices of A, B, and C are 0.920, 0.920, and 0.935 g/cm3, and 1.9, 0.8, and 1.2, respectively. Melt-crystallized cylindrical billets were extruded through conical dies in an Instron Capillary Rheometer. The linear polymers were found to draw by extrusion more readily than the branched; all three strain-harden. Density, birefringence, tensile, and thermal properties have been evaluated as functions of extrusion temperature and draw ratio. Despite a measured loss via die swell, substantial orientation takes place during solid-state extrusion as evidenced by increases in transparency, birefringence, and tensile modulus (up to 4.5 times that of the original isotropic polymer). Depending on the polymer and the draw temperature, density does go through a minimum or shows a monotonic increase with draw by extrusion. A minimum in modulus is also observed at low draw and at all draw temperatures for all three polymers. The highest tensile moduli achieved are 0.73, 0.46, and 1.5 GPa for A, B, and C, respectively, at their highest draw ratio. The melting point for polymer B decreases with extrusion draw ratio, whereas it remains constant after a small initial drop, for the two others. For all three low density polyethylenes, birefringence increases rapidly with extrusion draw and then levels off at high draw. The birefringence limit is similar for A and B, i.e., 0.046 ± 0.004, but higher for C, i.e., 0.068 ± 0.009. This work extends beyond others in that it studies the effect of short as well as long branches in solid-state extrusion by comparing the linear and long branched LDPE polymers and LDPE with prior evaluations of HDPE.
Do breast‐feeding and other reproductive factors influence future risk of rheumatoid arthritis?: Results from the Nurses' Health Study

Objective To explore the contribution of female hormonal factors occurring prior to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), such as age at menarche, parity, age at first birth, breast-feeding, use of oral contraceptives (OCs), irregular menstrual cycles, and postmenopausal hormone (PMH) use, to the subsequent development of RA in a large female cohort. Methods We studied female reproductive and hormonal risk factors for RA in a cohort of 121,700 women enrolled in the longitudinal Nurses' Health Study. The diagnosis of incident RA (between 1976 and 2002) in 674 women was confirmed by a connective tissue disease screening questionnaire and blinded medical record review for American College of Rheumatology criteria. Sixty percent of the patients with RA were rheumatoid factor positive. The relationship between potential risk factors, including age, age at menarche, parity, age at first birth, total lifetime history of breast-feeding, use of OCs, and irregular menstrual cycles and the multivariate-adjusted risk of RA was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results Using a multivariate model that adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking, parity, and other hormonal factors, we observed a strong trend for decreasing risk of RA with increasing duration of breast-feeding (P for trend = 0.001). For women who breast-fed (compared with parous women who did not breast-feed), the risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were as follows: breast-feeding for ≤3 total months, RR 1.0 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.8-1.2); for 4–11 total months, RR 0.9 (95% CI 0.7–1.1); for 12–23 total months, RR 0.8 (95% CI 0.6–1.0); and for ≥24 total months, RR 0.5 (95% CI 0.3–0.8). Very irregular menstrual cycles were associated with an increased risk of RA (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–2.0). Age at menarche ≤10 years was associated with an increased risk of seropositive RA (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.4) but not significantly associated with risk of RA. Parity, total number of children, age at first birth, and OC use were not associated with an increased risk of RA in this cohort. Conclusion In this large cohort, breast-feeding for >12 months was inversely related to the development of RA. This apparent effect was dose-dependent, with a significant trend toward lower risk with longer duration of breast-feeding. Irregular menstrual cycles and earlier age at menarche increased the risk of RA. Other reproductive hormonal factors were not associated with RA risk.
VLSI implementation of a template subtraction algorithm for real-time stimulus artifact rejection

In this paper, we present very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) implementation of a template subtraction algorithm for stimulus artifact rejection (SAR) in real time with applicability to closed-loop neuroprostheses. The SAR algorithm is based upon an infinite impulse response (IIR) temporal filtering technique, which can be efficiently implemented in VLSI with reduced power consumption and silicon area. We demonstrate that initialization of the memory within the system architecture using the first recorded stimulus artifact significantly decreases system response time as compared to the case without memory initialization. Two sets of pre-recorded neural data from an Aplysia californica are used to simulate the functionality of the proposed VLSI architecture in AMS 0.35 µm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Depending upon the reproducibility in the shape of stimulus artifacts in vivo, the system eliminates virtually all artifacts in real time and recovers the extracellular neural activity with µW-level power consumption from 1.5 V.
Detection of changes in atrial endocardial activation with use of an orthogonal catheter

Abstract The ability of a catheter with an orthogonal electrode configuration to sense differences in the direction of local atrial endocardial activation was tested in 18 consecutive patients with intact retrograde conduction. In all 18, discrimination of anterograde from retrograde conduction at a single atrial site was examined; in 5 of the 18, multiple sites were examined to determine if the discriminatory ability of the catheter was site dependent. The catheter was specially designed with bipoles in the x, y and z directions. A vector was computed for each electrogram during anterograde and retrograde conduction. Electrogram amplitude along the standard bipole was also compared for anterograde and retrograde conduction. Mean electrogram amplitude for the standard bipole was significantly different for anterograde than for retrograde conduction in 17 of 18 patients (mean ± SD 4 ± 1.9 vs. 2.7 ± 1.3 mV; p The orthogonal catheter can be used to sense directional differences in local endocardial activation. The catheter shows promise for discriminating anterograde from retrograde conduction and examining the direction of endocardial activation in the heart during an electrophysiologic examination.
Effects of the electrical resistances of the GDL in a PEM fuel cell

Abstract In most PEM fuel cell models, the electrical resistance of the gas diffusion layers (GDL) is neglected under the assumptions that the GDL electrical conductivity is orders of magnitude higher than the ionic conductivity of the membrane. Recently some modeling efforts have taken the effects of electrical resistance of the GDL into consideration [H. Meng, C.Y. Wang, Electron transport in PEFCs, J. Electrochem. Soc. 151 (2004) A358–A367; B.R. Sivertsen, N. Djilali, CFD-based modeling of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, J. Power Sources 141 (2005) 65–78] and some of the results showed that under certain conditions, this effect was significant enough to alter the characteristics of current density distributions under the gas channels and the land areas. If these results are applicable to real-life fuel cells, the present design criteria and optimization procedures must be significantly changed to incorporate the effect of GDL electrical resistance. To examine this issue closely, a three-dimensional fuel cell model incorporating electron transport in the GDL is developed and employed to investigate the effect of electrical resistance through the GDL. In this model, the anisotropic nature of the GDL is taken into consideration by using different electrical conductivities in the through-plane and in-plane directions. The modeling results show that when realistic electrical conductivities for the GDL are used, the effect of the electrical resistance of GDL is slight and can be neglected for all industrial applications. It is believed that the over-estimations of the GDL resistance were mainly caused by neglecting the anisotropic nature of the GDL and/or lumping the contact resistance indiscriminately into the GDL, thus overestimating the electrical resistance of the GDL in the in-plane direction. Besides taking into consideration of the electrical resistance of GDL, the present model also take into consideration of the electron transport in the catalyst layers. When realistic values of electrical conductivities are used for both the GDL and catalyst layers, there is no significant change in the characteristics of current density distribution across the land and channel.
Biosynthesis of superoxide dismutase and catalase in chemostat culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The effects of oxygen (100%), paraquat (0.5 mM), and copper (0.1 mM) on the growth and the biosynthesis of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, were studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown in glucose-limited chemostat cultures. The effect of dilution rates (D, h−1) on cell mass, glucose consumption, ethanol production, oxygen uptake, and specific activities of SOD and catalase were also investigated at each steady state. SOD was optimally produced at D-values between 0.22 and 0.26 h−1 in the presence of oxygen or paraquat, and at D-values greater than 0.17 h−1 when copper was used. On the other hand, catalase activity decreased with increasing D-values. However, the presence of copper or 100% oxygen repressed catalase activity at low D-values (D 0.22 h−1). We also studied the effect of oxygen concentration on the biosynthesis of SOD and catalase at D=0.1 h−1. The data clearly show that synthesis of SOD and catalase, though correlated with changes in oxygen tension, are independent of one another.
P02-138 Forensic parenting evaluations: challenges inherent in the evaluation of Latin American parents for the USA courts

Most often a mental health professional is consulted by the court in cases involving the Care and Protection of children. Most often judges are interested in learning about the emotional and cognitive strengths and weaknesses of parents to aid in the decision making process. The court is most essentially interested in recommendations that could increase the likelihood of the successful reunification of a family. When reunification is not possible, the expert is often consulted regarding the prospect of successful supervised visits or whether an open adoption is a viable option. The complexity of the cases can exponentially increase when the parent who is being evaluated is a Latin American immigrant. Factors such as a history of trauma and oppression, language barriers, education and literacy issues impact the already complex nature of these cases. Another important factor is the differences in parenting across cultures. As multicultural evaluators for the court we are in a unique position to offer education regarding sociocultural issues, and the impact of the dominant culture on an immigrant family. This presentation aims to illustrate and discuss the challenges inherent in these evaluations and to propose recommendations for improvement of the field.
Epidemiology of polypharmacy among family medicine patients at hospital discharge.

Background: Polypharmacy has been identified as a quality indicator, but no studies have been reported about the epidemiology of polypharmacy among hospital patients at discharge. Methods: Records ...
Stimulus salience and asymmetric forgetting in the pigeon

Pigeons were trained using a symbolic delayed matching-to-sample procedure involving bright versus dim houselight samples. We hypothesized that when sample stimuli differ in salience, increasing the size of the retention interval will affect performance on trials initiated by the more salient sample only. In agreement with this prediction, accuracy following the dim sample did not decline as the retention interval increased, whereas accuracy following the bright sample declined to well below 50% correct. In a second experiment, the less salient (dim) sample from Experiment 1 was arranged as the more salient sample in a sample/no-sample procedure. Accuracy on dim sample trials then declined to well below 50% correct as the retention interval increased, whereas accuracy on no-sample trials remained constant. The results suggest that when sample stimuli differ in salience, pigeons may transform the nominal discrimination task into a detection task in which they respond on the basis of the presence or absence of the more salient sample.
What Makes a Pattern? Matching Decoding Methods to Data in Multivariate Pattern Analysis

Research in neuroscience faces the challenge of integrating information across different spatial scales of brain function. A promising technique for harnessing information at a range of spatial scales is multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. While the prevalence of MVPA has increased dramatically in recent years, its typical implementations for classification of mental states utilize only a subset of the information encoded in local fMRI signals. We review published studies employing multivariate pattern classification since the technique’s introduction, which reveal an extensive focus on the improved detection power that linear classifiers provide over traditional analysis techniques. We demonstrate using simulations and a searchlight approach, however, that nonlinear classifiers are capable of extracting distinct information about interactions within a local region. We conclude that for spatially localized analyses, such as searchlight and region of interest, multiple classification approaches should be compared in order to match fMRI analyses to the properties of local circuits.
Use of MODIS satellite images to investigate the chlorophyll-a concentrations in Lake Okeechobee, Florida

Lake Okeechobee, Florida is the largest freshwater lake in the southeastern U.S. It is a key component in the hydrologic system of south Florida providing water supply for agriculture, the environment, and urban areas Excessive phosphorus loads, from the Okeechobee watershed over the last few decades have led to increased eutrophication of this. Much of the excess phosphorus has been sequestered into the sediments. Sediment water interactions, including diffusive fluxes and sediment resuspension are a source of available phosphorus for phytoplankton. As a consequence, nutrient-enriched lake water have led to phytoplankton blooms. These blooms are quantified by measurement of chlorophyll-a concentrations. While the in-situ water quality monitoring is time-consuming and costly, multispectral remote sensing sensors onboard satellites can detect chlorophyll-a contained in most phytoplankton efficiently. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the use of MODIS/Terra Surface Reflectance 8-Day images to estimate the chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Lake Okeechobee. Using the integrated genetic programming and multiple linear regression models helps the information retrieval for spatial mapping of chlorophyll-a concentrations.
Racial and Economic Demographics of Couples Seeking Infertility Treatment

Over the last two decades, an increasing number of women have sought infertility evaluation. As estimated by the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) in 1995, 6.2 million women reported some form of impaired fecundity and 2.7 million women sought medical services for infertility.1 Increasing public awareness has led to individuals seeking medical treatment for infertility. Recent studies have addressed variables contributing to infertility such as age,1 history of sexually transmitted diseases,2 education,3 income level3, 4 and parity.3 No studies have investigated the effect of race on infertility. The objective of this study was to characterize new infertility patients on the basis of race and economic factors. We hypothesized that significant differences would be found when the demographics, infertility diagnoses, and economic factors of black patients were compared with those of other racial groups.
Laparoscopic and Partial Nephrectomy

Radical nephrectomy is the gold standard curative operation for patients with localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Since its introduction in 1990, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is being increasingly done at numerous institutions worldwide. In the hands of experienced laparoscopic urological surgeons and with adherence to established principles of open radical nephrectomy, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is now a standard of care for patients with T1-3a N0 M0 RCC. Intermediate-term outcome data indicate equivalent cancer-free survival to open radical nephrectomy in such cases. Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is now an established approach for patients with localized RCC when there is a clinically relevant need to preserve renal function. NSS is also indicated in patients with a single, small, unilateral, localized RCC when the opposite kidney is completely normal. The technical success rate with NSS for RCC is excellent, and long-term patient survival free of cancer is comparable with that obtained after radical nephrectomy. We recently reviewed the results of NSS in 107 patients with localized sporadic RCC treated at the Cleveland Clinic before 1988 who were followed up for a minimum of 10 years. Long-term preservation of renal function was achieved in 93% of patients, and the 10-year cancer specific survival rate was 73%. Although open surgical partial nephrectomy remains the gold standard for nephron-sparing treatment of RCC, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is now available in selected cases. The optimal indications for laparoscopic NSS are in patients with a relatively small and peripheral renal tumor. In such cases, laparoscopic NSS is proving to be an effective, minimally invasive therapeutic approach with respect to renal functional outcome, with additional advantages of reduced postoperative narcotic use, earlier hospital discharge, and a faster convalescence. The laparoscopic approach is associated with longer warm renal ischemia time, more major intraoperative complications, and more postoperative urological complications. Continued efforts are required to develop laparoscopic renal hypothermia techniques and to facilitate intrarenal suturing while minimizing the warm ischemia time.
Do Targeted Assassinations Work? A Multivariate Analysis of Israel's Controversial Tactic during Al-Aqsa Uprising 1

We assess the impact of Israel's targeted assassinations policy on rates of Palestinian violence from September 2000, the beginning of Al-Aqsa uprising, through June 2004. Literature concerning the relationship between repression and rebellion suggests four plausible effects of targeted assassinations on insurgents: deterrence, backlash, disruption, and incapacitation. Using differenced and lagged time-series analysis, this article utilizes multiple and logistic regression to evaluate the effect of targeted assassinations on Palestinian violence. It is concluded that targeted assassinations have no significant impact on rates of Palestinian attacks. Targeted assassinations do not decrease rates of Palestinian violence, nor do they increase them, whether in the short or long run. Targeted assassinations may be useful as a political tool to signal a state's determination to punish terrorists and placate an angry public, but there is little evidence that they actually impact the course of an insurgency.
Image Enhancement of FOG-Impaired Scenes with Variable Visibility

Enhancement of images of foggy scenes is being investigated for application to navigational aids. Approaches based on atmospheric scatter models have previously been developed. In most cases, the assumption is made of uniform aerosol suspension leading to models of constant attenuation per unit distance. The paper addresses situations where such an assumption is not valid and proposes an approach for image enhancement when visibility varies with direction. The basis for the development of the approach is provided along with an example of application.