cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acceptability of a Therapeutic Low-Fat, Vegan Diet in Premenopausal Women

Abstract A quantitative assessment of the acceptability of a low-fat, vegan diet in healthy women was undertaken. A crossover design using a vegan diet and an unrestricted diet, each lasting two menstrual cycles, was used.Three-day dietary records and a quantitative instrument rating diet acceptability and perceived benefits and adverse effects were administered in each phase. Subjects were women with no health problems other than menstrual pain who responded to an advertisement for a community-based study. Of 51 volunteers, 35 completed the study. The vegan diet derived approximately 10% of energy from fat. Participants attended weekly meetings and cooking demonstrations. The main outcome measures were nutrient intake, dietary acceptability, and perceived benefits or adverse effects. Statistical analyses consisted of a Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test for acceptability variables and McNemar's chi-square for benefits and adverse effects. Energy, protein, fat, cholesterol, and calcium intake fell during the vegan phase, whereas fiber intake rose. The acceptability of the vegan diet was no different from that of the unrestricted diet on any acceptability measure, except for effort required. Perceived weight loss and increased energy were frequently reported during the vegan phase. Perceived benefits of a low-fat vegan diet facilitate adherence. For many individuals, diet acceptability is no barrier to its clinical use.
Characterization of P.R. Spring (Utah) tar sand bitumen by the EPR technique: free radicals

Bitumen and its heptane-asphaltene and heptane-petrolene fractions extracted from P.R. Spring (Utah) tar sand have been investigated using EPR at 9.2 GHz. In each case a single, structureless EPR transition is observed at g≈2 due to organic free radicals. From the temperature dependence of the free radical spectrum at 10–300 K, it is argued that, in addition to monoradicals, exchange coupled spins exist in all three fractions which result in a singlet ground and a triplet excited state. The origin of the exchange interaction, which is isotropic, is discussed in terms of the presence of similar heteroatoms in alternate aromatic sheets. The separation, Δ=127 ± 1 cm −1 , between singlet and excited triplet states for all three fractions indicates a similar core structure which is consistent with Pfeiffer and Saal's model for bitumen. Oxygen and/or air causes a reversible enhancement of the free radical signal for asphaltene which is explained in terms of enhanced exchange coupling. An irreversible change in the asphaltene structure is observed to take place on subjecting it to a thermal cycle of 292-500-292 K, indicating a complex reorientation of the structure during cooling.
WE‐E‐108‐11: PET‐Guided Selective Dose Escalation for a Small Animal Tumor Model

Purpose: To develop methods for pre‐clinical validation of PET image‐guided selective dose escalation in IMRT treatment using the Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP, Xstrahl). Methods: Nude mice bearing subcutaneous FaDu human head and neck tumor xenografts were imaged with 18F‐FDG using a Siemens Inveon PET/CT. The PET image was used to create an image‐guided radiation treatment plan treating the entirety of the tumor with a 10Gy uniform radiation dose while sparing as much normal tissue as possible using a 15mm collimator. A dose escalation of 10 Gy was planned to treat the volume of highest FDG uptake within the tumor. To ensure localized dose distribution, the boost was to be delivered using dynamic arc techniques with a 5mm collimator. The isocenters for both fields were recorded on the planning PET image. The following day, the animals were anaesthetized, positioned in the SARRP irradiator, and imaged using on‐board cone‐beam to obtain an image in the treatment position. The planning CT was then deformably registered to the treatment CT using the BRAINSFit b‐spline algorithm in SLICER 3D. Finally, the transform was applied to the planning PET and isocenters for the treatment fields were transferred to the treatment CT while the animal was still under anesthesia. The animal was then irradiated according to the original PET/CT‐guided treatment plan. Results: SARRP allows for selective dose escalation treatments to small animal tumor models. In this study a subcutaneously grown tumor of 12mm in diameter was irradiated to 10Gy. The volume of the tumor characterized by increased FDG uptake received an additional 10Gy in the form of a 5mm‐diameter boost delivered with non‐coplanar arc field. Conclusion: The Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) combined with a dedicated small animal PET/CT scanner enables pre‐clinical validation of PET image‐guided selective dose escalation in IMRT treatment.
Bone Art in the Upper Paleolithic: Regional, Temporal, and Art Class Comparisons:

Using data that range temporally from 35, 000 to 10, 000 years ago and spatially from Britain to Russia, this article examines 2,010 images of large animals engraved on bone-"bone art." Variations ...
Realization of autonomous image-based spacecraft pointing systems : planetary flyby example

ABSTRACT With a new NASA direction to provide space missions that are low-cost, versatile, and yield maximum science return,future planetary exploration will be accomplished by small spacecraft with a minimum number of components tominimize development and operational costs. This has generated a great deal of interest in the development ofautonomous spacecraft technology for these future missions. One of the key research area is the development of anautonomous image-based spacecraft pointing systems where the target position must be measured and estimated on-board. By analyzing image data on-board and using it to update the target estimate, the efficiency of the system willbe greatly improved. In cases of a brief planetary encounter and other asteroid/comet investigation missions, on-board closed loop processing will be essential for maximizing the science return. This paper summarizes our efforts towards the realization of an intelligent autonomous tracking and pointing systemfor space applications. A powerful 3D graphic software testbed has also been developed to simulate a likely scenarioof autonomous tracking and pointing operations during a planetary flyby mission.
Expression of ecdysone receptor is unaffected by pupal diapause in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis, while its dimerization partner, USP, is downregulated

Abstract We have developed partial clones of ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP) from the flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis , using rt-PCR. These clones were used to assess the expression of both genes during pupal diapause. Transcripts of EcR remain present throughout diapause, with levels increasing upon termination. Expression is not uniform during diapause, but shows considerable individual variation. Conversely, transcripts of USP gradually decrease when diapause is initiated and are undetectable 20 days after the onset of diapause. Late in diapause USP transcripts are again evident, and at diapause termination USP is quickly upregulated. These results suggest the possibility that upregulation of USP is involved in preparing the flesh fly to terminate diapause.
Making Large-Scale Models Manageable: Modeling from an Operations Management Perspective

While building complex models is an important part of operations research practice, OR workers have focused too often on modeling's technical aspects instead of making the models manageable, that is, designing them around the ways people will operate them. The issues raised for complex models are different from those most widely discussed for decision support systems because the focus is on models that require a staff to maintain and operate them and on how the staff functions. Operations management provides the tools for thinking about the operations of large complex models; this paper examines some of these tools and shows how they relate to the design and operation of large complex models.
Palynology of Modern Sediments, Gulf of California and Environs: ABSTRACT

Several hundred bottom samples from the Gulf of California, distributed systematically over its entire area, and comparable samples from streams and arroyos in all surrounding areas, have been analyzed for spore and pollen content and for qualitative and quantitative relationships of various groups of these palynomorphs to each other and to other associated organic entities of comparable size. Some of the more conspicuous concentration patterns of these palynormorphs indicate distance from shoreline, current patterns, depth of water, coarseness of sediment, seasonal wind patterns, and some source-vegetation distribution areas. Other distribution patterns are complicated by unidentified factors or combinations of factors among which the principal controlling agency is not discernible. Conspicuous concentrations of spores occur off the months of the major tributary streams, adding evidence to the conclusion that stream transportation plays an important role in spore distribution. Spores from the mainland, particularly from the slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental, reach the Gulf principally by way of the streams because the prevailing winds would not contribute extensively from this direction. A heavy concentration of palynomorphs off LaPaz is due in part to the effects of wind distribution from the tropical vegetation on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula and in part to the interruption of the long-shore currents by the configuration of the structurally controlled southern tip of the peninsula and by the position of some offshore islands. There is generally an increase in total number of palynomorphs seaward from very low amounts in the narrower belt of shallower coastal waters, and then a gradual diminution toward the center of the Gulf. The pollen frequency is less in the very shallow areas and in the very deep basins. Relative frequencies of spores are about the same for the various types of sediments except the coarser types. Some correlation of patterns of palynomorphs and radiolarians is indicated, but there is no clear relation of spore patterns to the distribution of diatoms and some other organisms. End_of_Article - Last_Page 337------------
Calibration and characterization of a low-background chamber in support of hardware-in-the-loop testing and modeling of infrared seekers

The authors have worked in the past year on integration, characterization, and calibration of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory's (JHU/APL's) Infrared Seeker Space Calibration and Test facility, a cryogenic-vacuum chamber designed to test infrared seekers that detect targets against low-radiance backgrounds. The facility includes target-like infrared sources with well-known and controllable radiometric attributes and well-known and controllable size, position, and motion. This paper summarizes the basic facility design, capabilities, concept of operations, current and projected uses, challenges, and lessons learned. It describes the chamber calibration and characterization activities conducted jointly by JHU/APL and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In particular, this includes a description of the calibration and characterization methodology, modeling of the chamber optical path from the chamber target source module to the unit-under-test entrance aperture, ongoing calibration of the target source module at NIST with an absolute cryogenic radiometer, and planned end-to-end calibration of the chamber at JHU/APL using NIST's transfer radiometer and JHU/APL's field spectroradiometer.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Intuition in Organizations: Leading and Managing Productively

The article reviews the book “Intuition in Organizations: Leading and Managing Productively,” by Weston H. Agor.
Low-Vπ high-thermal-stability electro-optic polymer waveguide modulators using the full potenetial of high-μβ chromophores with a DC bias voltage

The full potential of second order nonlinear polymers can be utilized in electro-optic polymer modulators with a DC biased operation scheme to greatly reduce the V (pi ). This technique makes use of the total achievable electro-optic coefficient, which can be more than three times as high as the residual value after the fast partial relaxation following corona or contact poling. As the result of the DC bias and with high (mu) (beta) chromophores, a low V (pi ) of 1.5 V was achieved with 2 cm long birefringent waveguide modulators at the wavelength of 1.3 micrometer. Results of 200 degrees Celsius stability experiment indicate that this scheme also enables electro-optic polymer devices to meet the stability required for high temperature hermetic sealing because the polymer does not need to be poled before device packaging.
On the acoustic boundary condition in the presence of flow

The boundary condition on the acoustic perturbation velocity at an impermeable surface in a flow is considered for the cases in which the surface generates a sound field by vibration or is acoustically deformed by an incident sound field. It is shown that in general the condition is not equivalent to the requirement of continuity of acoustic particle displacement in the direction normal to the unperturbed surface.
Effect of fetal exposure to ultrasound on the development of functional, antigen-specific B lymphocytes in fetal and neonatal BALB/c mice.

Abstract In this study, the influence of fetal exposure to ultrasound on the development of immunocompetence is addressed. Pregnant BALB/c mice were exposed to various intensities of ultrasound ranging from 0.1–3.0 W/cm 2 . B cells from 19 day old fetal livers or 5 and 10 day old neonatal spleens were assessed for the following: (a) differentiation into plasma cells after mitogenic stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS); (b) development and frequency of 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP)-specific B cells, and (c) the ability to produce antibody in response to DNP. Comparison between ultrasound-exposed and sham-treated groups did not reveal any evident differences in the above tests. The results suggest that ultrasound neither hinders nor augments the development of immunocompetent B cells.
Sensor fusion for GNSS denied navigation

We present technologies that are being developed to address the need for a navigation solution in the absence of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) measurements. The navigation system uses sensors such as vision systems, RADARS and LIDARS with feature extraction, matching and motion estimation algorithms. We present experimental results of using scale invariant feature transform, speeded up robust features, and modified Harris feature extraction algorithms and compare the performance. We also present methods to extract lines and planes that can aid in navigation. For motion estimation we present results for visual odometry as well as simultaneous localization and mapping navigation. We experimentally verify the algorithms in both a realtime Linux framework as well as offline. We also present ongoing work in vision integrated navigation in an attitude and heading reference system as well as an extended Kalman filter framework. All the methods we present in this paper are incremental navigation methods.
Alcohol Intake and Risk of Incident Psoriatic Arthritis in Women

Objective. Alcohol intake has been associated with an increased risk of psoriasis. However, the association between alcohol intake and risk of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been unclear. We evaluated the association between alcohol intake and risk of incident PsA in a large cohort of US women. Methods. Our present study included a total of 82,672 US women who provided repeated data on alcohol intake over the followup period (1991–2005). Self-reported PsA was validated using the Psoriatic Arthritis Screening and Evaluation (PASE) questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the age-adjusted and multivariate-adjusted HR and 95% CI for the PsA in association with alcohol intake. Results. We documented 141 incident PsA cases during 14 years (1,137,763 person-yrs) of followup. Compared to non-drinkers, the multivariate HR for PsA were 0.70 (95% CI 0.48–1.01) for 0.1–14.9 g/day, 1.43 (95% CI 0.67–3.08) for 15.0–29.9 g/day, and 4.45 (95% CI 2.07–9.59) for ≥ 30.0 g/day of cumulative average alcohol intake. Risk estimates were generally consistent when using updated alcohol intake and baseline alcohol intake in 1991 as the exposures, and when the analysis was restricted to those who developed psoriasis during the followup. Conclusion. Excessive alcohol intake was associated with an increased risk of incident PsA in a cohort of US women.
Nested Containment List (NCList)

Motivation: The exponential growth of sequence databases poses a major challenge to bioinformatics tools for querying alignment and annotation databases. There is a pressing need for methods for finding overlapping sequence intervals that are highly scalable to database size, query interval size, result size and construction/updating of the interval database. Results: We have developed a new interval database representation, the Nested Containment List (NCList), whose query time is O(n + log N), where N is the database size and n is the size of the result set. In all cases tested, this query algorithm is 5–500-fold faster than other indexing methods tested in this study, such as MySQL multi-column indexing, MySQL binning and R-Tree indexing. We provide performance comparisons both in simulated datasets and real-world genome alignment databases, across a wide range of database sizes and query interval widths. We also present an in-place NCList construction algorithm that yields database construction times that are ~100-fold faster than other methods available. The NCList data structure appears to provide a useful foundation for highly scalable interval database applications. Availability: NCList data structure is part of Pygr, a bioinformatics graph database library, available at http://sourceforge.net/projects/pygr Contact: leec@chem.ucla.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Strategic groups: Untested assertions and research proposals

Strategic group theory has become a popular tool for analyzing competitive structure of industries. Indeed, testing for the existence of strategic groups, and the impact of strategic groups on a firm's performance, has become one of the dominant areas of empirical research in the strategic management literature. Unfortunately, the impact of this stream of research will be limited until some fundamental assertions in strategic groups theory are tested. Two of these assertions are: (1) that strategic groups exist and (2) that a firm's performance depends upon strategic group membership. These key assertions in strategic group theory remain untested for a variety of theoretical and empirical reasons. What needs to be done to test these assertions is discussed. Until these tests are complete, the contribution of the strategic groups concept will be unclear. If these tests do not build credibility for the concept of strategic groups, it may be necessary to abandon this concept and develop models where the strategically relevant attributes of firms are those that are idiosyncratic.
Proton-coupled electron transfer at modified electrodes by multiple pathways

In single site water or hydrocarbon oxidation catalysis with polypyridyl Ru complexes such as [RuII(Mebimpy)(bpy)(H2O)]2+ [where bpy is 2,2′-bipyridine, and Mebimpy is 2,6-bis(1-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine] 2, or its surface-bound analog [RuII(Mebimpy)(4,4′-bis-methlylenephosphonato-2,2′-bipyridine)(OH2)]2+ 2-PO3H2, accessing the reactive states, RuV = O3+/RuIV = O2+, at the electrode interface is typically rate limiting. The higher oxidation states are accessible by proton-coupled electron transfer oxidation of aqua precursors, but access at inert electrodes is kinetically inhibited. The inhibition arises from stepwise mechanisms which impose high energy barriers for 1e- intermediates. Oxidation of the RuIII-OH2+ or forms of 2-PO3H2 to RuIV = O2+ on planar fluoride-doped SnO2 electrode and in nanostructured films of Sn(IV)-doped In2O3 and TiO2 has been investigated with a focus on identifying microscopic phenomena. The results provide direct evidence for important roles for the nature of the electrode, temperature, surface coverage, added buffer base, pH, solvent, and solvent H2O/D2O isotope effects. In the nonaqueous solvent, propylene carbonate, there is evidence for a role for surface-bound phosphonate groups as proton acceptors.
Nonlinear interactions between relativistic radiation belt electrons and oblique whistler mode waves

Abstract. Resonant interactions between relativistic charged particles and oblique whistler mode waves are explored in this work, and it is shown that nonlinear phase trapping could happen in a gyrophase averaged sense, consistent with previous studies of interactions between nonrelativistic electrons and oblique whistler mode waves. A dimensionless parameter χ is derived to represent the ratio of wave-induced motion to the adiabatic motion of the particle. We show that phase trapping is likely to occur when the wave-induced motion dominates the adiabatic motion, which is caused mainly by the background fields. A mapping of probable regions of nonlinear interactions is shown based on the parameter χ. We show that the nonlinear interactions might be important near the equatorial plane for even moderate wave amplitude, and the latitudinal range for nonlinear interactions to occur is largest for electrons with local pitch angles around 50 degrees, consistent with previous findings. The results are important for understanding the nonlinear dynamics of relativistic radiation belt electrons and the generation of chorus waves.
The solar envelope: its meaning for energy and buildings

The solar envelope, first conceived and tested by the author working with architecture faculty and students at the University of Southern California (USC), regulates development within imaginary boundaries derived from the sun’s relative motion. Buildings within this container will not overshadow their surroundings during critical periods of solar access for passive and low-energy architecture. If generally applied as an instrument of zoning, the solar envelope will not only provide for sustainable growth but will open new aesthetic possibilities for architecture and urban design. # 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Transport modeling and thermophysical properties of cellular poly(urethane‐isocyanurate)

Transport behavior, thermophysical properties and reaction kinetics of cellular poly(urethane-isocyanurate) were investigated. The heat and momentum transport of the flowing and reacting polymer system was modeled using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. Two models were developed and compared with the experimental results in order to provide insight into the optimum processing. The models allowed prediction of the temperature profiles under a variety of operating conditions. The model prediction of momentum and heat transport agreed with the experimental results well. The thermophysical properties of the polymer system were obtained from experimental data and were used in the transport model. These properties included heat capacity and thermal conductivity. Reaction kinetics were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The rate constant, activation energy and heat of reaction and the rate constant were obtained from the experimental data.
Mortality differences among hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia in three world regions: Results from the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization (CAPO) International Cohort Study

Summary Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) causes considerable worldwide mortality, but limited data compare the mortality in different regions of the world. Our objective was to determine if there was a difference in mortality among hospitalized patients with CAP in three continental regions of the world. Methods This was a cohort study of patients hospitalized for CAP between November 2001 and December 2011 from 70 institutions in 16 countries in US/Canada, Europe and Latin America; the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization (CAPO) international database. The primary outcome was mortality, and factors of interest included world region, processes of care, severity of disease, associated pathogen, specific comorbidities, and antimicrobial therapy. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounding effects on differences in mortality between regions. Patients were analyzed separately based on their intensive care unit admission status. Results A total of 6371 patients were reviewed. Latin America had the highest mortality (13.3%) followed by Europe (9.1%) and the USA/Canada (7.3%) ( P i.e. , congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease), elevated blood urea nitrogen level, antimicrobial therapy (macrolide or fluoroquinolone use), and whether the patient had prior vaccinations (influenza, pneumococcal). After adjustment for confounding variables, estimated differences in mortality between the three regions were significantly reduced for both patients in the ICU and the ward. Conclusions There was an observed discrepancy in CAP mortality between three world regions. Identified factors that contributed to these differences included incidence of H 1 N 1 infection, elevated BUN, cerebrovascular disease, macrolide use, fluoroquinolone use, and vaccinations. Treatment regimen (fluoroquinolone and macrolide use) and preventive measures (vaccinations) were variables that may be modified to help alleviate the differences.
Texture-based image retrieval for computerized tomography databases

In this paper we propose a content-based image retrieval (CBIR) system for retrieval of normal anatomical regions present in computed tomography (CT) studies of the chest and abdomen. We implement and compare eight similarity measures using local and global cooccurrence texture descriptors. The preliminary results are obtained using a CT database consisting of 344 CT images representing the segmented heart and great vessels, liver, renal and splenic parenchyma, and backbone from two different patients. We evaluate the results with respect to the retrieval precision metric for each of the similarity measures when calculated per organ and overall.
Classifiers Are Functional

Wu and Bodomo (2009) dispute Cheng and Sybesma's (1999, 2005) analysis of Chinese numeral classifiers as being able to function as definite articles. While I agree with Wu and Bodomo's overall conclusion, here I focus on parts of their argument that do not stand up to scrutiny and distract from their main point. In particular, I argue that Wu and Bodomo's conclusion that numeral classifiers are lexical items is incorrect. Also, I question their apparent conclusion that the availability of numeral classifiers in a language indicates that that language's nouns are inherently mass.
The Sequoia 2000 object browser

The authors explain the paradigm that they are following for Sequoia 2000 object browsers. It is intended to be a keyboard-free interface, and is based on the move and zoom paradigm popularized for US Navy ships by SDMS. Since repository objects reside in a POSTGRES database, use is made of several of the novel features provided by POSTGRES. The authors briefly describe features of POSTGRES that are relevant to the browser. The Sequoia 2000 repository browser is described in some detail. Example browsers that can be quickly built using the authors' paradigm are presented. >
Song repertoire of the bobolink: A reassessment

Previous studies have reported that male bobolinks, Dolichonyx oryzivorus, sing only two stereotyped song types. Here we reassess this description of the bobolink repertoire, using methods of sampling and classifying songs better suited to describing song diversity. Recording the songs of 51 males from five prairies in Iowa, we examined within- and between-individual variation for each of three levels of bobolink singing organization: phrases, phrase sequences and repertoires. A single song was composed of 1-15 phrases selected from about 10 locally used phrase types. Shared phrases were used with similar frequencies among different males at a locality. Two-, three- and four-phrase sequences were used repeatedly in the song variants produced by individual males. Unlike other investigators, we considered each song unit composed of a unique sequence of phrases to be a different song variant. Some individuals had two basic song patterns which were varied to create an assortment of song variants. Other individuals had repertoires too complex to be described by two basic patterns. Eighteen males for which we obtained samples of 20 or more songs sang between 8 and 43 different song variants. Computing an index of singing versatility derived from information theory, we found that these individuals varied considerably in the versatility with which they delivered their song variants. Males with high versatility used a greater variety of phrase transitions and repeated song variants less often than males with low versatility. This method of describing song repertoires and singing versatility provides the potential to test hypotheses regarding the role of the bobolink song repertoire in communication and mate choice.
Improvisation and Learning

This article presents a 2-phase computational learning model and application. As a demonstration, a system has been built, called CHIME for Computer Human Interacting Musical Entity. In phase 1 of training, recurrent back-propagationtrains the machinetoreproduce 3 jazz melodies. The recurrent network is expanded and is further trained in phase 2 with a reinforcement learning algorithmand a critique producedby a set of basic rules for jazz improvisation. After each phase CHIME can interactively improvise with a human in real time.
Experimental Demonstration of Perching by an Articulated Wing MAV

This paper presents an experimental demonstration of perching by a micro aerial vehicle (MAV) equipped with articulated wings. A novel feature of the MAV considered in this paper is that wing dihedral, controlled independently on both wings, is used for yaw stability and control as well as for maintaining the flight path angle. Yaw stability and control are essential for perching in tightly constrained places. The experiments described in this paper were conducted indoors and flight parameters are measured using the VICON motion capture system.
Spurring New Research For Neglected Diseases

A very small proportion of global spending for biomedical research is for neglected diseases. However, neglected diseases account for a sizable percentage of the global burden of disease, especially in low-income countries. For-profit pharmaceutical and biotech companies are unlikely to conduct significant additional research on neglected diseases without financial incentives. This paper examines the benefits of providing a tax credit to encourage companies to conduct preclinical research on neglected diseases in the laboratory or in animals. This strategy could lead to a new generation of treatment options for the people in low-income countries who are susceptible to neglected diseases.
Next generation tools for the annotation of human SNPs

Computational biology has the opportunity to play an important role in the identification of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) discovered in large-scale genotyping studies, ultimately yielding new drug targets and biomarkers. The medical genetics and molecular biology communities are increasingly turning to computational biology methods to prioritize interesting SNPs found in linkage and association studies. Many such methods are now available through web interfaces, but the interested user is confronted with an array of predictive results that are often in disagreement with each other. Many tools today produce results that are difficult to understand without bioinformatics expertise, are biased towards non-synonymous SNPs, and do not necessarily reflect up-to-date versions of their source bioinformatics resources, such as public SNP repositories. Here, I assess the utility of the current generation of webservers; and suggest improvements for the next generation of webservers to better deliver value to medical geneticists and molecular biologists.
The Animal Axis1

Synopsis. Soft-bodied animals are an answer to the problem, solved for each species over evolutionary time, to design a cylindrical, motile machine composed of pliant polymeric materials (collagen and glycoproteins) and actuated by a contractile polymer (actomyosin). The vertebrate body is a cylindrical set of pliant collagenous membranes. Axial notochords and backbones occur where membranes intersect. The basis for all vertebrate architecture is the collagen fiber that best functions to resist tension. Axial compressive forces in notochords and backbones occur as tensile stresses in collagen fibers in intervertebral discs and zygapohyseal ligaments. Bone provides local stiffening where muscles pull. Large muscle masses apply large forces via tendons thus allowing for leverage in the function of axes of bodies and appendages. Although isolated species in invertebrate phyla have notochord- or backbone-like structures, only echinoderms and vertebrates have a central axis to resist axial compression. Design ...
Mechanisms of zonal index variability in an aquaplanet GCM

Abstract Data from a 2025-day Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory aquaplanet GCM integration are used to examine the temporal evolution of the zonal index, defined as the principal component of the first EOF of the zonally and vertically integrated absolute angular momentum. This EOF represents meridional displacements of the subtropical jet. Positive (negative) values of the zonal index correspond to poleward (equatorward) displacements of the subtropical jet and are referred to as the high (low) zonal index. Composites of various quantities are used to examine the temporal evolution of both the zonal-mean zonal winds and the eddy fields associated with either index. The high index is initiated by an enhancement in the equatorward wave activity propagation, which causes the subtropical jet to move in a poleward direction. The low index is led by a weakening in the equatorward propagation, which results in an equatorward displacement of the subtropical jet. More importantly, for the high index, the corr...
Contribution of Demographics, Sociological Factors, and Media Usage to Verbal Aggressiveness

Given the increasing relevance of verbal aggression in today’s society, the goal of this study was to assess the relative contributions of potential demographic and sociological factors. Emerging adults were surveyed, and the data were analyzed using correlations and hierarchical regression. While television viewing, video game playing, and music listening were positively correlated with verbal aggression, only (rap) music listening remained significant when demographic and other sociological influences were factored in. Overall, the hierarchical regression analysis found religiosity, parental and peer influence, quality of neighborhood, sex, and media usage (listening to rap music) to be significant contributors to verbal aggression among emerging adults. Male participants reported more verbally aggressive behavior than women, and African Americans reported more verbal aggression than White respondents. While media usage seems to play a significant, but relatively small role, other demographic and sociol...
Technological Thinking and Practice in the Social Studies: Transcending the Tumultuous Adolescence of Reform.

The authors reflect on the evolving role of technology in the field of social studies and compare the tumultuous adolescence of technology integration with future trends in teaching and learning. The discourse contrasts the past developments with ongoing innovation and efforts to promote the diffusion of emerging applications in the social studies. Suggestions to transcend the pubescent state of technological thinking in the social studies and nurture its dynamic potential are explored.
The skin-y on B cell subsets

B cells go beyond antibody production to play an important role in immune defense, including antigen presentation, T cell activation, and cytokine secretion. But prior studies on psoriasis and atopic dermatitis—the two most common inflammatory skin diseases—have focused on the contribution of T
A Shocking Development in a Young Male Athlete With Chest Pain.

Information about a real patient is presented in stages (boldface type) to an expert clinician (Dr Deepak L. Bhatt), who responds to the information, sharing his reasoning with the reader (regular type). A discussion by the authors follows. P atient presentation: A 32-year-old male endurance athlete with no significant past history was admitted after experiencing multiple episodes of chest tightness while training for a triathlon. Occasionally, when running up hills, he noted substernal chest pressure that radiated to his left arm and was associated with severe shortness of breath. His past medical history includes seasonal allergic rhinitis and childhood asthma. He takes cetirizine/pseudoephedrine occasionally, but has not taken it recently, and denies taking any other medication or over-the-counter supplement. He admits to occasional binge drinking of 6 to 10 beers once or twice a month. He quit smoking 2 years ago but previously smoked a pack a week for 5 years. He also endorsed a remote history of cocaine use and recent marijuana and energy drink (1–2 small cans; 80 mg of caffeine per 8.4-oz can) use. His family history is only notable for a maternal grandmother who had a myocardial infarction in her 60s and a sister diagnosed with an atrial tachycardia. There is no history of premature coronary artery disease, heart failure, or sudden death. His biological parents and brother are alive and well. Dr Bhatt: At this point, the differential diagnosis for chest pain in a young, otherwise healthy patient is broad. Certainly, the exertional component of his symptoms is concerning and raises the possibility of premature coronary artery disease, although the family history obtained does not suggest a strong predisposition for atherosclerosis. Coronary artery vasospasm would be another possibility, and he has several potential triggers, including alcohol, pseudoephedrine, caffeine, and marijuana use. Vasospasm can occur with …
Howell J. Harris, Bloodless Victories: The Rise and Fall of the Open Shop in the Philadelphia Metal Trades, 1890–1940. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2000. ix + 456 pp. $44.95 cloth.

Howell J. Harris has written an important book that should spark much discussion among historians of labor, who in their rush from institutional history have all but abandoned the history of labor relations. He is one of only a handful of scholars who have studied the history of modern labor relations systems. And a careful reading of Bloodless Victories shows what labor historians have been missing.
Development of the tick Ixodes dammini (Acarina: Ixodidae) in the laboratory.

The development of Ixodes dammini in the laboratory, was compared with published data about I. scapularis and I. muris . Some differences in feeding and mating behavior between I. muris and the other 2 species were noted. The molting period of I. dammini nymphs was 12–20 days, longer than that reported for nymphs of I. scapularis . This biologic observation supports existing geographic and morphologic evidence for separating I. dammini and I. scapularis as 2 distinct species.
Fusion neutrons from exploding deuterium cluster plasmas: a possible source for time-resolved neutron damage studies

We will present recent experimental studies of fusion yield scalings from exploding deuterium cluster plasmas ignited by laser energies up to 10 Joules and will present estimates for a fusion neutron source from a petawatt class laser.
An Exploration of Factors Affecting Persistence to Degree Completion in an Undergraduate Music Education Program

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of students (N = 26) in an undergraduate music education degree program in an attempt to identify commonalities among students persisting to degree completion. All participants were in their final year of the music education degree at the time of the study. Multiple data collection methods were used to gather information about the students’ experiences in music and teaching, including experiences before and during their time in the degree program. These methods included semistructured interviews, focus groups, written questionnaires, and a researcher journal. The data were analyzed and coded, generating a number of categories for discussion and analysis. The following themes emerged: (a) participants experienced a notable drop in musical confidence early in the degree; (b) participants believed the degree is quite stressful compared to other degrees; (c) participants cited field experiences as important; and (d) participants indicated the importance...
Placement of iliosacral screws using 3D image-guided (O-Arm) technology and Stealth Navigation: comparison with traditional fluoroscopy.

AimsWe compared the accuracy, operating time and radiation exposure of the introduction of iliosacral screws using O-arm/Stealth Navigation and standard fluoroscopy.Materials and MethodsIliosacral screws were introduced percutaneously into the first sacral body (S1) of ten human cadavers, four men and six women. The mean age was 77 years (58 to 85). Screws were introduced using a standard technique into the left side of S1 using C-Arm fluoroscopy and then into the right side using O-Arm/Stealth Navigation. The radiation was measured on the surgeon by dosimeters placed under a lead thyroid shield and apron, on a finger, a hat and on the cadavers.ResultsThere were no neuroforaminal breaches in either group. The set-up time for the O-Arm was significantly longer than for the C-Arm, while total time for placement of the screws was significantly shorter for the O-Arm than for the C-Arm (p = 0.001). The mean absorbed radiation dose during fluoroscopy was 1063 mRad (432.5 mRad to 4150 mRad). No radiation was det...
Assessing the predictive accuracy of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Surgical Risk Calculator in open ventral hernia repair

Abstract Background Preoperative surgical risk assessment continues to be a critical component of clinical decision-making. The ACS Universal Risk Calculator estimates risk for several outcomes based on individual risk profiles. Although this represents a tremendous step toward improving outcomes, studies have reported inaccuracies among certain patient populations. This study aimed to assess the predictive accuracy of the American College of Surgeons' (ACS) Risk Calculator in patients undergoing open ventral hernia repair (VHR). Methods A review of patients undergoing open, isolated VHR between 7/1/2007 and 7/1/2014 by a single surgeon was performed. Risk factors and outcomes were collected as defined by National Surgical Quality Improvement Project. Thirty-day outcomes included serious complication, venous thromboembolism, medical morbidity, surgical site infection (SSI), unplanned reoperation, mortality, and length of stay (LOS). Patient profiles were entered into the ACS Surgical Risk Calculator and outcome-specific risk predictions recorded. Prediction accuracy was assessed using the Brier score and receiver-operator area under the curve (AUC). Results One hundred forty-two patients undergoing open VHR were included. ACS predictions were accurate for cardiac complications (Brier = .02), venous thromboembolism (Brier = .08), reoperation (Brier = .10), and mortality (Brier = .01). Significantly, underestimated outcomes included SSI (Brier = .14), serious complication (Brier = .30), and any complication (Brier = .34). Discrimination ranged from highly accurate (mortality, AUC=.99) to indiscriminate (SSI, AUC=.57). Predicted LOS was 3-fold shorter than observed (2.4 vs 7.4 days, P Conclusions The ACS Surgical Risk Calculator accurately predicted medical complications, reoperation, and 30-day mortality. However, SSIs, serious complications, and LOS were significantly underestimated. These findings suggest that additional considerations are needed to better estimate complications after open VHR.
The Half-Life of the Black Urban Regime Adolph Reed, Jr. on Race, Capitalism, and Urban Governance

In a series of critical essays published during the eighties, Adolph Reed, Jr. examined the origins and political contradictions of the post civil rights black urban regime. This article revisits R...
A cell line derived from non-neoplastic human neuroretinal cells.

We have derived a cell line from an epiretinal membrane excised surgically from a premature female infant born at a gestational age of 25 weeks, and who developed stage 5 retinopathy of prematurity. The cell line, which in early passages appeared immunocytochemically to contain cells with both neuronal and glial characteristics, has been maintained in culture for 14 months at the time this manuscript was submitted, and has survived 20 passages. The cells have a diploid, human karyotype, with most cells possessing 46 normal appearing chromosomes, including 44 autosomes and two X-chromosomes. Morphologically, the cell line at early passages consisted of polygonal cells and also of cells possessing long, spindly branching processes. These two cell types were cloned. Nearly 100% of the cells of both morphologic types in mixed cultures stained immunocytochemically for neuronspecific enolase (NSE), a neuronal marker, and approximately 5-10% of the cells in mixed cultures (including about 50% of the cells with the spindly morphology, that were less prevalent in mixed cultures) stained for glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), a glial marker. We have not performed "double-label" immunocytochemistry, but it was evident from the proportion of cells that stained with each marker that many cells must contain both GFAP and NSE. At least 50% of the cells in most of the early cultures were positive for keratin, while all were (and remain) negative for muscle actin. No cells are found that are immunocytochemically positive for factor VIII, a vascular endothelial cell marker. These cultured cells have also been studied immunocytochemically for their production of extracellular matrix substances. The cultures are immunocytochemically positive for type IV (but not type I) collagen, laminin and fibronectin. In later passages, cells of both clones lost their immunocvtochemical positivity for GFAP and NSE, and all became positive for keratin. Cells of both clones also developed a similar, polygonal morphology, lacking long processes. By electron microscopy, many of the cells were seen to possess nonmotile cilia, with a 9 + 0 pattern of microtubule doublets. This cell line may be useful for studies of human retinal cell development and metabolism, and responses to pathological processes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 30:499-508,1989
Coherent beam combining with gradient-index optics

We present a new method of coherent beam combining utilizing gradient index optics to convert multiple laser beams into a single beam. Both ray and wave theory are employed to design a highly efficient combiner.
A process oriented design method for three-dimensional CAD systems

Abstract Efficiency of CAD systems has usually been seen in the context of algorithmic performance of the implementation. However, other aspects can also be very important for the overall efficiency of 3D CAD systems. In this paper, we introduce an input method that has the potential to considerably increase the efficiency of 3D CAD systems due to its ease of use and understanding. The proposed method is based on the recently introduced workplane and machining concept for solid modeling, and expands this technique toward modeling of more complex shapes in a process oriented way.