cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Future Directions for Biosecurity

This chapter discusses the likely future of bioweapons development and the research that is needed to counter them. Methods for creating customized pathogens that can evade an immune system or work around a conventional antibiotic are discussed. In addition, emerging trends in synthetic biology are discussed. Biological warfare and bioterrorism are multifaceted problems requiring multifaceted solutions. Fortunately, the same advances in genomic biotechnologies that can be used to create bioweapons can also be used to set up countermeasures against them. We currently have in place sophisticated and well-developed biosecurity and biodefense programs. These programs are essential to countering the asymmetric warfare threat, but they are costly and perishable. Future directions in biosecurity and biodefense may very well be determined by the “next event.” However, the most likely events are those that naturally and accidentally threaten human and animal health through the emergence of novel pathogens and the reemergence of others in light of new environmental or societal factors.
Heparin-Mimicking Polymers: Synthesis and Biological Applications

Heparin is a naturally occurring, highly sulfated polysaccharide that plays a critical role in a range of different biological processes. Therapeutically, it is mostly commonly used as an injectable solution as an anticoagulant for a variety of indications, although it has also been employed in other forms such as coatings on various biomedical devices. Due to the diverse functions of this polysaccharide in the body, including anticoagulation, tissue regeneration, anti-inflammation, and protein stabilization, and drawbacks of its use, analogous heparin-mimicking materials are also widely studied for therapeutic applications. This review focuses on one type of these materials, namely, synthetic heparin-mimicking polymers. Utilization of these polymers provides significant benefits compared to heparin, including enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects as a result of fine-tuning heparin-binding motifs and other molecular characteristics. The major types of the various polymers are summarized...
A survey to determine agreement regarding the definition of centric relation.

Abstract Statement of problem The definition of centric relation (CR) has been both controversial and divisive, with little consensus. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether agreement can be reached on a definition for CR among the Fellows of the Academy of Prosthodontics, the organization that writes the Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms. Material and methods A survey of the Fellows of the Academy of Prosthodontics was conducted at the organization’s annual business meeting. Results Of the 83 eligible Fellows in attendance, 72 responded to the survey, a response rate of 86%. Of those, the 5 responders who did not indicate a preferred definition and the 2 that chose 2 definitions were censored, yielding an analyzable sample of 65 for the definitions. The most common definition received 19 votes, the next 16, and the third 13, with the other 6 definitions receiving from 2 to 5 votes. Some of the variability in definition depended on the era of training. Conclusions Disagreement and confusion continues regarding the definition of centric relation. Some of this disagreement can be explained by training era.
Comparative Safety of Morphine Delivered via Intravenous Route vs. Patient-Controlled Analgesia Device for Pediatric Inpatients

Abstract Context Although patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is an effective pain control modality, there is a lack of large studies on PCA safety in pediatric patients. Objectives This study compared the delivery of morphine either via intravenous route (morphine IV) or via PCA device (morphine PCA) on risk of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and mechanical ventilation (MV) using a large administrative database. Methods We assembled a retrospective cohort of pediatric inpatients between five and 21 years old in 42 children's hospitals between 2007 and 2011 from the Pediatric Health Information System database. After propensity score matching, we created matched cohorts of morphine PCA and morphine IV patients, in both surgical and nonsurgical samples, who were similar on demographic, clinical, and hospital-level factors. We examined if PCA administration was associated with greater likelihood of CPR or MV up to two days after drug administration. Results Surgical and nonsurgical patients administered morphine PCA generally had lower odds of having MV on the baseline day and up to two days after PCA exposure, although these estimates were not statistically significant. Similarly, PCA exposure was associated with about 20%–44% lower odds of same day CPR in both surgical and nonsurgical patients, with a slightly greater reduction in the odds of CPR in the surgical patients. Conclusion In this large pediatric inpatient population, morphine administered via PCA device for surgical and nonsurgical pain was not associated with an increased risk of receiving CPR or MV, and was associated with slightly better safety outcomes than intravenous morphine.
Sensitive performance-based assessment of everyday action in older and younger adults.

ABSTRACTEveryday function is compromised by mild cognitive changes in aging. These changes predict risk for future decline and dementia but remain poorly characterized, largely due to a scarcity of sensitive, objective measures.Twenty-seven younger adults and 25 non-demented older adults completed the Naturalistic Action Test (NAT), a performance-based measure of everyday action involving simple and complex tasks. Performance was coded for overt errors and subtle inefficiencies. Participants also completed self-report functional measures and cognitive tests. Mixed ANOVAs revealed that older adults made more subtle NAT errors with high task demands; groups did not differ in overt errors. Correlations did not reveal significant relations between self-report and NAT errors, but NAT performance was correlated with learning and recall.The NAT provides a promising tool for detecting subtle age-related changes and examining decline across levels of impairment. Self-report may lack sensitivity to subtle changes, ...
Energy confinement and thermal boundary conductance effects on short-pulsed thermal ablation thresholds in thin films

For this paper, single-pulse ablation mechanisms of ultrafast laser pulses ($25\phantom{\rule{0.222222em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ps}$) were studied for thin gold films ($65\phantom{\rule{0.222222em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$) on an array of substrates with varying physical properties. Using time-domain thermoreflectance, the interfacial properties of the thin-film systems are measured: in particular, the thermal boundary conductance. We find that an often used, and widely accepted relation describing threshold fluences of homogeneous bulk targets breaks down at the nanoscale. Rather than relying solely on the properties of the ablated Au film, the ablation threshold of these Au/substrate systems is found to be dependent on the measured thermal boundary conductance; we additionally find no discernible trend between the damage threshold and properties of the underlying substrate. These results are discussed in terms of diffusive thermal transport and the interfacial bond strength.
Long-term outcomes of pediatric intestinal failure

Management of pediatric intestinal failure has evolved in recent decades, with improved survival since the advent of specialized multidisciplinary intestinal failure centers. Though sepsis and intestinal failure associated liver disease still contribute to mortality, we now have growing data on the long-term outcomes for this population. While intestinal adaptation and parenteral nutrition weaning is most rapid during the first year on parenteral support, achievement of enteral autonomy is possible even after many years as energy and protein requirements decline dramatically with age. Intestinal transplant is an option for patients experiencing complications of long-term parenteral nutrition who are expected to have permanent intestinal failure, but outcomes are hindered by immunosuppression-related complications. Much of the available data comes from single center retrospective reports, with variable inclusion criteria, intestinal failure definitions, and follow-up durations; this limits the ability to analyze outcomes and identify best practices. As most children now survive long-term, the focus of management has shifted to the avoidance and management of comorbidities, support of normal growth and development, and optimization of quality of life for these medically and surgically complex patients.
Some characteristics of uric acid uptake by separated renal tubules of the rabbit.

Uric acid is generally believed to be both secreted and reabsorbed by the mammalian renal proximal tubule. The degree to which reabsorption and secretion take place is highly species dependent. Uric acid uptake by slices of rabbit renal cortex has been used by previous investigators as a model of secretory transport of this compound. In 1961, Platts and Mudge (1) demonstrated that uptake of uric acid into rabbit kidney cortical slices is influenced by a variety of factors including hypoxia and the presence of various metabolic substrates and drugs. Berndt and Beechwood (2) subsequently showed that this uptake was pH dependent, and was influenced by the medium concentrations of sodium and potassium. Both groups of investigators obtained uric acid slice to medium ratios of approximately 2.5 indicating concentrative uptake of uric acid.
Temporal Changes in Depression Symptoms in Male and Female Collegiate Student-Athletes

Depression rates in collegiate student-athletes in the literature are varied and inconclusive, and data have only explored depression symptoms utilizing a crosssectional design. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the temporal course of depression symptoms in student-athletes. Student-athletes (N = 93) from a Division II institution completed six administrations of a brief depression symptom screen once every 2 weeks throughout the fall athletic season. Ten (10.8%) student-athletes’ PHQ-9 surveys were red-flagged for moderate to severe depression symptoms at least once throughout the season. A mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant interaction effect for time and sex in depression symptom scores, F(3.69, 335.70) = 10.36, p ≤ .001. The repeated-measures design of this study suggests that there are clinical benefits for screening for depression symptoms in student-athletes at multiple intervals throughout an athletic season.
Robotic Urologic Surgery: How to Make an Effective Robotic Program

In order for hospitals and physicians to remain competitive, continued training and the use of new technology are needed to keep up with the ever evolving health-care world. Robotic surgery is a perfect example of how technology has revolutionized the surgical field. From open to laparoscopic to robotic, surgical equipment has developed in order to improve precision and shorten recovery times. Robotic surgery was developed in part to manage the anatomical challenges of operating in the pelvis and allows for tremor filtering, movement scaling, improved ergonomics, better vision of the operative field, and increased range of motion.
Automated Flowering Time Prediction Using Data Mining and Machine Learning

This paper presents a solution for the predictions of flowering times concerning specific types of flowers. Since flower blooms are necessarily related to the local environment, the predictions (in months), are yielded by using machine learning to train a model considering the various environmental factors as variables. The environmental factors, which are temperature, precipitation, and the length of day, contribute to the chronological order of flowering periods. The predictions are accurate to a fraction of a month, and it can applied to control the flowering times by changing the values of the variables. The result provides an example of how data mining and machine learning presents itself to be a useful tool in the agricultural or environmental field.
The crystal structures of p-halo-N-(p-cyanobenzylidene)aniline and p-cyano-N-(p-halobenzylidene)aniline (halo = bromo and chloro)

p-Bromo-N-(p-cyanobenzylidene)aniline is triclinic, has space group P\(\overline 1\), at 173 K, with a = 7.3892(15), b = 12.087(2), c = 7.0283(14) A, α = 105.24(2), β = 98.11(2), γ = 98.89(2)°, Z = 2, V = 587.4(2) A3. p-Chloro-N-(p-cyanobenzylidene)aniline is triclinic, space group P\(\overline 1\), at 173 K, with a = 7.317(2), b = 12.165(3), c = 6.990(2) A, α = 104.02(2), β = 100.96(2), γ = 100.76(2)°, Z = 2, V = 574.7(3) A3. p-Cyano-N-(p-bromobenzylidene)aniline is orthorhombic, has space group P212121, at 173 K, with a = 10.333(3), b = 4.732(3), c = 23.526(5) A, Z = 4, V = 1150.3(8) A3. p-Cyano-N-(p-chlorobenzylidene)aniline is orthorhombic, has space group P212121, at 173 K, with a = 10.161(2), b = 4.713(2), c = 23.509(5) A, Z = 4, V = 1125.8(4) A3. In the two cyanobenzylidene compounds there are chains of molecules held together by CN······X interactions. The chains form two-dimensional sheets similar to those in the iodo analog, but with a different stacking arrangement between the sheets. In the two halobenzylidene compounds there are no CN······X contacts; rather there are short X······X and C–H······NC contacts.
Gender and Feminist Studies in Economics

Beginning in the mid-1970s, economists concerned with equality for women began to point out the neglect of, and distorted analysis of, half the world's population within mainstream economics. By the early 1990s, voices more critical of the central definition, assumptions, models, and methods of neoclassical economics began to be heard as well. The core of the discipline, it has been argued, is built around masculine-stereotyped notions of autonomy, rationality, and individuality with high value given to theoretical elegance and mathematical precision in method. Meanwhile, the importance of dependence, emotion, social, and familial interconnectedness in economic life, and applied work and qualitative methods, all stereotypically associated with femininity, goes unrecognized. Feminist study in economics currently includes, as major streams, feminist critiques of neoclassical models and methods from social constructivist and postmodern perspectives; studies of labor markets and discrimination; analysis of families and emotional labor; discussion of the interrelation of the market and household sectors; investigation of the gendered impact of public and macroeconomic policy; and exploration of alternative economic paradigms.
Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Tumor Apoptosis with a Caspase-Sensitive Nano-Aggregation Tracer [ 18 F]C-SNAT

Cellular apoptosis is an important criterion for evaluating the efficacy of cancer therapies. We have developed a new small molecule probe ([18F]C-SNAT) for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of apoptosis. [18F]C-SNAT, when activated by caspase-3 and glutathione reduction, undergoes intramolecular cyclization followed by self-assembly to form nano-aggregates in apoptotic cells. This unique mechanism creates preferential retention of gamma radiation signals in targeted cells and thus enables the detection of apoptosis using PET, a sensitive and clinically practical technique. This protocol describes the chemical synthesis, radiolabeling and PET imaging of apoptosis using this probe.
Proteoglycan turnover in the sclera of normal and experimentally myopic chick eyes.

PURPOSE. The turnover of chick scleral proteoglycans from control and form-vision deprived (myopic) eyes was compared in vivo and in explant cultures to determine whether proteoglycan degradation is altered during the development of myopia and to characterize the mechanism of proteoglycan turnover in the sclera. METHODS. Seven-day-old chicks were radiolabeled via an intraperitoneal injection of 35 SO4, and monocular form deprivation was induced 48 hours later. After 1, 2, and 3 weeks of form deprivation, birds were killed, and the amount of 35 SO4-proteoglycans remaining in different scleral regions was measured in control and deprived eyes. Posterior sclera were also radiolabeled in organ culture containing 35 SO4, and radiolabeled scleral proteoglycans were chased into unlabeled medium for 0 to 11 days. 35 SO4-labeled proteoglycans within the scleral matrix and those released into the medium were characterized by Sepharose CL-2B chromatography and western blot analysis. RESULTS. The biological half-life of scleral proteoglycans was significantly shorter within the posterior pole of form-deprived eyes (t1/2 = 7.212 days) compared with the same region of control eyes (t1/2 = 9.619 days; P < 0.001), whereas no differences in turnover rates were seen in the anterior sclera or equatorial sclera. When posterior scleral punches were placed in organ culture, 35 SO 4-labeled proteoglycan turnover rates were similar for control and form-deprived eyes. Chromatographic and western blot analyses indicated that ^80% of the total 35 SO4 within the posterior sclera is incorporated into the aggrecan. Western blot analyses of aggrecan core protein released into the medium by control and form-deprived scleral punches indicated that the core protein was degraded into a series of smaller fragments of MT = 102 to 220 kDa. A specific antiserum (anti-FVDIPEN) detected the presence of a 50-kDa C-terminal aggrecan fragment released into the medium, which was generated by the action of the matrix metalloproteinase gelatinase A and/or stromelysin. CONCLUSIONS. The turnover rate of 35 SO4-labeled scleral proteoglycans is vision dependent and is accelerated in the posterior sclera of chick eyes during the development of experimental myopia. The loss of proteoglycans from the scleral matrix involves proteolytic cleavage at various sites along the aggrecan core protein through the action, at least in part, of gelatinase A and/or stromelysin. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Set. 1998;39:1990 -2002)
Leibniz and the “Modern” in Modern Philosophy

I began this book by stating that its main thesis would be to demonstrate the persistence in Leibniz’s mature philosophy of his premodern theory of individuals and the principle of their individuation, by showing how both theory and principle have their roots in later or “second” scholastic sources of his earliest philosophy. The most influential of these, negatively, were surely the Scotists, while the most influential, positively, were equally surely the nominalists, chief among them Suarez. I submit that I have been able to demonstrate this thesis in detail. In this final chapter I want to explore (a) some of the implications of this reading of Leibniz for scholarship on Leibniz, (b) how we should understand Leibniz to be a “modern” philosopher, and (c) how the “modern” in modern philosophy and the “postmodern” in cultural analysis should be understood. These topics arise naturally from the claim that premodern philosophical ideas and methods persist in — indeed, shape fundamentally — Leibniz’s philosophy.
Endoscopic Surveillance for Polyposis Syndromes

The polyposis syndromes are characterized by the presence of multiple polyps affecting the intestinal lining. The adenomatous polyposes are associated with an elevated risk of gastrointestinal malignancy. The familial hamartomatous polyposes carry a risk of polyp-related complications and may also be associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers. The role of endoscopic screening and surveillance is described in detail for familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and juvenile polyposis.
Sarcoplasmic reticulum and intermediate filament organization in cultured neonatal cardiac muscle cells. Studies with reduced osmium ferrocyanide.

Cardiac muscle cells from 3-day-old rat neonates were cultured for periods of 2 to 56 days. In order to facilitate ultrastructural studies on the organization of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, the cells were prepared for transmission electron microscopy according to a regimen including postfixation in reduced osmium ferrocyanide. The nonjunctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (NJSR) was organized as a loose, fenestrated sleeve around the exterior of bundles of myofilaments and was particularly prominent at the level of the Z line. The only recognizable junctional elements of the sarcoplasmic reticulum were in a peripheral location. Reduced osmium ferrocyanide was also useful in distinguishing intermediate (10nm) filaments, since it understained Z substance, which often obscured these structures. Intermediate filaments were arranged both at the Z line and the intercalated disc, in parallel strands, approximately at right angles to the myofilaments.
Evaluating and Using Medical Evidence in Integrative Mental Health Care: Literature Review, Evidence Tables, Algorithms, and the Promise of Artificial Intelligence

The problem of evidence in medicine is discussed. Criteria are introduced for assigning levels of evidence to CAM modalities. In Western medicine findings from laboratory studies comprise the highest level of evidence for a putative mechanism of action and the relationship between “treatment” and “outcomes.” In contrast, in non-Western systems of medicine “evidence” reflects the values and beliefs of the parent culture. Important differences between quantitative and qualitative evidence are described. Special problems pertaining to literature research on CAM are discussed including how to formulate a question, identifying resources most likely to yield pertinent information on a particular subject, and using methods for optimizing and streamlining literature research. A clearly phrased question is the basis for any literature search. If the question is ambiguous or unfocused important resources will be overlooked, and relevant information will be missed. Valuable web-based resources are identified and practical tips are provided for obtaining current reliable information. Techniques for using prefiltered databases and evidence mapping are reviewed. The concepts of the evidence table and the algorithm are introduced. A methodology is proposed for using these tools when planning integrative mental health care. The accuracy and quality of information put into an algorithm will determine the effectiveness and relevance of clinical solutions generated by it for each unique patient. The optimal integrative care plan for a patient depends on history, symptoms, circumstances, preferences, and financial constraints in the context of locally available health care resources, and the professional judgment and clinical experience of the practitioner. The chapter concludes with a discussion of advances in artificial intelligence (AI) software and AI’s implications for the future of mental health care.
FiFTy: Large-scale File Fragment Type Identification using Neural Networks.

We present FiFTy, a modern file type identification tool for memory forensics and data carving. In contrast to previous approaches based on hand-crafted features, we design a compact neural network architecture, which uses a trainable embedding space, akin to successful natural language processing models. Our approach dispenses with explicit feature extraction which is a bottleneck in legacy systems. We evaluate the proposed method on a novel dataset with 75 file types - the most diverse and balanced dataset reported to date. FiFTy consistently outperforms all baselines in terms of speed, accuracy and individual misclassification rates. We achieved an average accuracy of 77.5% with processing speed of approx 38 sec/GB, which is better and more than an order of magnitude faster than the previous state-of-the-art tool - Sceadan (69% at 9 min/GB). Our tool and the corresponding dataset are available publicly online.
The Patient’s and Patient Family’s Perspective

Open and honest communication between the healthcare provider and the patient is the backbone of patient/family expectations. The patients, family members and their advocates expect a full explanation and understanding of their treatment options and outcomes. Cases are often discussed in the presence of the patient among other healthcare providers without involving the patient. This leads to a disconnection in the patient’s involvement in their own care. By not actively including patients and or their representatives in conversations about their treatment, providers fail to confirm that patients understand the course of treatment, and fail to confirm that the course of treatment is in fact the treatment the patient would choose if fully informed. A rift develops between the patient and the health care system. Involving the patient, family members or advocate in the decision-making conversations and eventual signing of an informed consent form are vital tools for both patient and provider. Understanding the patients’ point of view is essential in fulfilling expectations in health care. The provider should always be thinking “never talk about me without me” when discussing treatment options, complications or expectations. While neither surgeon nor patient welcomes a poor outcome, the tragedy of a poor outcome is amplified when the outcome is a surprise to the patient and patient’s family. It is no wonder that the largest indicator of malpractice suits stem from a surprise outcome or course of events. By using effective and active communication, patients and physicians can collaborate to build a safer healthcare team, and a team that meets its customers’ expectations.
(Dis)enfranchised citizens: informational messaging and Puerto Rican political mobilization

Puerto Ricans are a growing population on the U.S. mainland. They hold a distinctive position in the hierarchy of American citizenship because they are disenfranchised in national elections on the ...
APPLICATION OF GUIDED-NOTE TAKING METHOD WITH HANDOUT IN MATHEMATICS LEARNING FOR GRADE X (TEN) OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SMAN 1 HILIRAN GUMANTI SOLOK

This study aims to see how the application of guided note-taking method with hand out might improve the student’s mathematics learning outcome in SMAN 1 Hiliran Gumanti Solok which are under minimum completeness criteria (KKM). This is due to the limited resources of student learning such as books and the internet because SMAN I Hiliran Gumanti was currently established with limited library book collection and located far away from the internet connection could reach. One way that teachers can do to solve this dilemma and increase the positive learning process for the students is by applying a guided note-taking method accompanied by handout. This research is a quasi-experimental research with a randomized control group only design for its research design. The population for this research is all grade ten students in SMAN I Hiliran Gumanti who are divided into three class namely class X.1, X.2, and X.3. The sampling technique is random sampling after applying the normality and the homogeneity test for the three classes and then randomly select two classes as the sample class by drawing numbers. The drawing selects X.3 as the experimental class and X.1 as the control class. The data obtained from the final test of the two classes are processed and then interpreted. The result shows that the average final test score from the experimental class is higher than the control one, which is 69.7 and 60.5 respectively. The student activities during the learning process also observed and then processed with percentage techniques. The conclusion attained is positive activities during the learning process in the experimental class are increased whereas the negative activities decreased. Lastly, the final test data processing obtained by using a t-test. The result is t-value > t-table (1.794 > 1.654), it shows that the proposed hypothesis is accepted. This means that the application of guided note-taking with handout is successfully rising-up the student’s mathematics score in SMAN I Hiliran Gumanti.
Out-of-pocket cost of screening with breast MRI for women at high risk for breast cancer.

2017Background: The prevention provision of Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates private insurance to waive cost sharing for preventive services with grade A or B recommendations from the US Preventi...
Liraglutide combined with intense lifestyle modification in the management of obesity in adolescents.

Objectives Childhood obesity is a public health concern worldwide, with rates continuing to rise, despite preventive measures. Lifestyle modification remains the mainstay in the treatment of patients with excessive weight, but unfortunately, this is not always successful. Options for medical management of obesity in the paediatric population are limited. Methods Seven adolescents (all girls, mean age 14.9 years) with a body mass index (BMI) above 98th percentile and serious complications secondary to obesity were offered an intense weight management programme. The participants were reviewed by a multidisciplinary team every two weeks for advice and support, and treated with daily subcutaneous injections of liraglutide (dose range 1.2-3.0 mg). Scores for anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results The results showed a significant weight loss over the three months with an average reduction of 5.4 kg (4.2%; 95% CI 1.93-8.78; p=0.0087). The mean drop in BMI was 2.1 kg/m2, which is statistically significant (95% CI 0.973-3.199; p=0.0037). Resolution of complications (raised intracranial pressure and steatohepatitis) was noted following weight loss. Anxiety and depressive symptoms improved over the three-month intervention course, especially features of separation anxiety disorder. Liraglutide was well tolerated by all patients. Conclusions Liraglutide medication, alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team guided lifestyle therapy, is effective and safe in the treatment for excessive weight in adolescents, leading to the reversal of the complications related to obesity and improvement in the psychological symptoms.
Birth outcomes across the spectrum of maternal age: dissecting aging effect versus confounding by social and medical determinants.

BACKGROUND Given the trend of increasing maternal age and associated adverse reproductive outcomes in the US, this study aimed to assess whether this association is due to an independent aging or confounded by sociodemographic, biomedical, or behavioral determinants in a predominantly Black US population. METHODS Data was from 8509 women enrolled in the Boston Birth Cohort. Adverse reproductive outcomes included spontaneous preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, and low birth weight. Covariates included sociodemographic (parity, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, income, receipt of public assistance, nativity); biomedical (obesity, hypertensive disorders, diabetes mellitus); and behavioral (consistent intake of multivitamin supplements, support from father of baby, support from family, major stress in pregnancy, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake). Analysis included Lowess and marginal probability plots, crude and adjusted sequential logistic regression models to examine age-outcome associations and to what degree the association can be explained by the above covariables. RESULT Overall, the study sample had high levels of spontaneous preterm birth (18%), cesarean delivery (33%) and low birth weight (26%). Unadjusted models showed no significant difference odds of spontaneous preterm birth by maternal age but higher odds of cesarean section (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.60, 1.95) and low birth weight (aOR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.28) among women 30 years or older. Adjustment for sociodemographic factors, biomedical conditions and behavioral factors revealed higher odds of spontaneous preterm birth: (aOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.49), cesarean section deliveries (aOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.51, 1.87) and low birth weight (aOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.53). Across all ages, optimal BMI status and consistent multivitamin supplement intake were protective of spontaneous preterm birth and low birth weight. CONCLUSION In this high-risk minority population, we demonstrated that the association between increasing maternal age and adverse pregnancy outcomes was due to an independent aging effect and the presence of confounding by sociodemographic, biomedical, and behavioral factors. Some modifiable risk factors to counteract aging effect, include optimizing BMI and consistent intake of multivitamin supplement. A fundamental change in how care is provided to women, particularly low income Black women, is needed with emphasis on the protective role of optimal nutritional status. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03228875.
Wastewater Nitrogen Contributions to Coastal Plain Watersheds, NC, USA

Nitrogen inputs to coastal watersheds have been linked to eutrophication. However, the role that domestic sources of wastewater play in contributing nitrogen to coastal watersheds is not well known in the southeastern USA. In a yearlong study (2011–2012), nitrogen concentrations were compared in watersheds served by septic systems and a centralized sewer system in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. Surface and groundwater samples from septic systems and sewer watersheds were analyzed for total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), total nitrogen, and nitrogen and oxygen isotopes in nitrate. Groundwater beneath the drainfield and adjacent to streams had median concentrations of TDN at 5.9 and 4.4 mg/L, respectively. Additionally, median groundwater-transported loads of TDN to the stream from septic systems sites (0.6 kg-TDN/year) were significantly greater than sites in sewer watersheds (0.2 kg-TDN/year). Isotopic analyses revealed that effluent from septic systems was the primary source of nitrate in watersheds served by septic systems, while fertilizer and/or soil organic matter were dominant sources of nitrate in sewer watersheds. Nitrogen exported from septic systems contributed to elevated nitrogen concentrations in groundwater and streams throughout the watershed, whereas nitrogen exports from sewers were focused at a single point source and affected surface water concentrations. Based on watershed TDN exports from septic systems minus TDN exports from sewers watersheds, it was estimated that septic systems contributed 1.6 kg TDN/ha/year to watershed exports of TDN. Overall, septic systems and sewers contributed to elevated nitrogen loading and should be considered in nutrient-sensitive watershed management.
A Novel Virtual Reality Tool for Teaching Dynamic 3D Anatomy

A Virtual-Reality-based tool for teaching dynamic three-dimensional anatomy may impart better understanding of bone dynamics during body movement. One application of this teaching tool is radiographic positioning instruction. We propose Augmented Reality, a technology that allows the overlay of graphically generated objects(bones in this case) on the real scenes(body in this case), as a means of visualization for such an application. In this paper we describe the design and the three stages of development of a prototype unit which demonstrates elbow movement. Preliminary results and problems encountered while developing the first stage, are also presented.
Research Involving Human Subjects.

(1979). Research Involving Human Subjects. Research Quarterly. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance: Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 157-163.
The Stiller-Smith Mechanism: A Kinematic Analysis

The Stiller-Smith Mechanism provides a unique approach in the use of the rotational characteristics of the cross-slider link of the elliptic trammel. Establishment of the research need and a historical development of the design concept are presented complete with a detailed kinematic analysis. Successful incorporation of the new mechanism is pictorially presented.
Leptin and the regulation of body weight in mammals

The assimilation, storage and use of energy from nutrients constitute a homeostatic system that is essential for life. In vertebrates, the ability to store sufficient quantities of energy-dense triglyceride in adipose tissue allows survival during the frequent periods of food deprivation encountered during evolution. However, the presence of excess adipose tissue can be maladaptive. A complex physiological system has evolved to regulate fuel stores and energy balance at an optimum level. Leptin, a hormone secreted by adipose tissue, and its receptor are integral components of this system. Leptin also signals nutritional status to several other physiological systems and modulates their function. Here we review the role of leptin in the control of body weight and its relevance to the pathogenesis of obesity.
Relationship between fault tolerance, generalization and the Vapnik-Chervonenkis (VC) dimension of feedforward ANNs

It is demonstrated that fault tolerance, generalization and the Vapnik-Chertonenkis (VC) dimension are inter-related attributes. It is well known that the generalization error if plotted as a function of the VC dimension h, exhibits a well defined minimum corresponding to an optimal value of h, say h/sub opt/. We show that if the VC dimension h of an ANN satisfies h/spl les/h/sub opt/ (i.e., there is no excess capacity or redundancy), then fault tolerance and generalization are mutually conflicting attributes. On the other hand, if h>h/sub opt/ (i.e., there is excess capacity or redundancy), then fault tolerance and generalization are mutually synergistic attributes. In other words, training methods geared towards improving the fault tolerance can also lead to better generalization and vice versa, only when there is excess capacity or redundancy. This is consistent with our previous results indicating that complete fault tolerance in ANNs requires a significant amount of redundancy.
Social Psychological Approaches to Understanding and Preventing Terrorism

Abstract Although social psychologists have had a long-standing interest in intergroup relations and aggression, the attacks of September 11, 2001, and the ongoing threat of terrorism have prompted an exponential increase in the volume and breadth of related scholarship. Over the past several years, a distinct body of research has emerged to address the central questions of (1) who becomes a terrorist, (2) what motivates individuals to engage in terrorism, (3) responses to terrorism, and (4) steps to reduce the threat of terrorism in the future. Recent scholarship has started to adopt an increasingly interdisciplinary perspective, providing a more comprehensive frame of analysis including social, political, historical, cultural, and economic factors.
Radiation Dosimetry Results and Safety Correlations from 90Y-Ibritumomab Tiuxetan Radioimmunotherapy for Relapsed or Refractory Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Combined Data from 4 Clinical Trials

Ibritumomab tiuxetan is an anti-CD20 murine IgG1 κ monoclonal antibody (ibritumomab) conjugated to the linker-chelator tiuxetan, which securely chelates 111In for imaging or dosimetry and 90Y for radioimmunotherapy (RIT). Dosimetry and pharmacokinetic data from 4 clinical trials of 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan RIT for relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) were combined and assessed for correlations with toxicity data. Methods: Data from 179 patients were available for analysis. Common eligibility criteria included
Hammett rho of reactions of MeLi with benzophenones.

Relative rates of reactions of MeLi with benzophenones in diethyl ether at 0 °C that furnish methyldiarylmethanols were determined using slow addition of a MeLi solution to solutions containing an excess of two benzophenones. The additions exhibit a Hammett ρ of 0.94.
Interactions between extracellular stimuli and excitation waves in an atrial reentrant loop.

Introduction: The interactions between extracellular stimuli and excitation waves propagating in a reentrant loop are a complex function of stimulus parameters, structural properties, membrane state, and timing. Here the goal was a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and frequencies of the major interactions between the advancing excitation wave and a single extracellular stimulus, separated from issues of anatomic or geometric complexity. Methods and Results: A modernized computer model of a thin ring of uniform tissue that included a pair of extracellular stimulus electrodes (anode/cathode) was used to model one-dimensional cardiac reentry. Questions and results included the following: (1) What are the major interactions between a stimulus and the reentrant propagation wave, and are they induced near the cathode or near the anode; and, for each interaction, what are the initiating amplitude range and timing interval? At the cathode, the well-known mechanism of retrograde excitation terminated reentry; changes in timing or amplitude produced double-wave reentry or phase reset. At the anode, termination occurred at different cells depending on stimulus amplitude. (2) Relatively how often did termination occur at the anode? For most stimulus amplitudes, termination occurred more often at the anode than at the cathode, although not always at the same cell. (3) With random timing, what is the probability of terminating reentry? Stimulation for 5 msec terminated reentry with a probability from 0% to approximately 10%, as a function of increasing stimulus amplitude. Conclusion: A single extracellular stimulus can initiate major changes in reentrant excitation via multiple mechanisms, even in a simple geometry. Termination of reentry, phase shifts, or double-wave reentry each occurs over well-defined ranges of stimulus amplitude and timing. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. ***-***, October 2003)
Hydriding and Dehydriding Kinetics of Sodium Alanate at Constant Pressure Thermodynamic Driving Forces

A study was done to compare the hydriding and dehydriding kinetics of the first two decomposition steps in NaAlH4. In the first step, NaAlH4 decomposes forming Na3AlH6. In the second step, Na3AlH6 decomposes forming NaH. This comparison was made using a novel procedure in which the ratio of the equilibrium plateau pressure (Pm) to the opposing pressure (Pop), or the N-value, was the same. This represents the first time that such a comparison has been made in a complex hydride displaying two decomposition steps. Since the Gibbs free energy change is proportional to ln(Pm/Pop), it was concluded that these experiments were carried out under constant thermodynamic driving forces. It was found that, under these conditions, the first decomposition step occurs about an order of magnitude faster than the second decomposition step. Experiments were also done to compare absorption and desorption rates for the second decomposition step. It was found that, using the same N-value, the absorption rates were about 20 ti...
The looking time perceptual deprivation effect (PDE): A test of the imitation hypothesis

This experiment tested the hypothesis that the effect of short-term perceptual deprivation on looking time is produced by S’s imitation of the intervals preceding exploration rather than the deprivation encountered during the “depriving” intervals. A 2 by 4 within-Ss design was used in which the duration of the interval preceding free looking trials (2, 15, 28, and 41 sec) was orthogonal to the nature of stimulation during these intervals (either darkness in the experimental chamber or the presentation of a colored slide). No evidence in support of the imitation hypothesis was found. The results indicated that when looking was preceded by a colored slide, no systematic relationship was found between looking time and the duration of the interval preceding looking. The results were interpreted in terms of a theory of exploratory behavior based on the concept of an optimal level of arousal.
Proxy-assisted periodic broadcast with multiple servers

Large scale video streaming over Internet requires a large amount of resources such as server I/O bandwidth and network bandwidth. Periodic broadcast by a central server combined with proxy caching offers a significant reduction of the aggregate network and server I/O bandwidth usage. However, the resources available to a single server are still limited. We propose a system with multiple geographically distributed servers. Multiple servers beside offering increased resources and service availability, allow a further reduction of network bandwidth usage. The challenge is how to use multiple servers efficiently. We first analyze the dependence of the resource requirements on the number and locations of the servers in a proxy-assisted periodic broadcast video delivery system. Based on the character of the dependence, we formulate and solve the problem of video location and delivery in a way that minimizes resource usage.
A multi-functional approach to single-word usage*

Language is conceptualized as a multi-dimensional entity which involves symbolic and cognitive aspects, communicative aspects, and structural-linguistic aspects, both syntactic and semantic. The child's task during acquisition is to become aware of, to understand, and to operate according to convention in these three spheres. Analysis of the single-word production of three children revealed developmental changes in the salience of the three aspects and individual differences in functional styles of language acquisition. Use of the multi-dimensional approach also revealed differences in the relations between language, overt action, and a child's tendency to talk about action. Many differences, particularly in communicative style, were related to differences in parent–child interaction.
The optimum density of sodium channels in an unmyelinated nerve: an analytic treatment

Abstract Propagation of an action potential along an unmyelinated axon is idealized by assuming: (1) that the process of the excitation of conductance changes is confined to a point which propagates, (2) that ahead of this point all conductances are in their resting states, and (3) that behind this point all conductances are in the state they assume during the rising phase of an action potential. These simplifications permit the derivation of an exact analytic relationship for the velocity of propagation; and this relationship specifically includes the effect of gating current. Approximate expressions are then derived for the threshold density of sodium channels, for the optimum density of sodium channels, and for the asymptotic variation of the conduction velocity as the sodium channel density becomes very large.