cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathophysiological Events during Pregnancy Influence the Development of Atherosclerosis in Humans

Pathophysiological events occurring during fetal development are increasingly recognized as influencing atherosclerosis throughout childhood and adolescence. Maternal hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy markedly increases fatty streak formation in human fetal arteries. Although fetal fatty streaks partially regress under normocholesterolemic conditions, progression of atherosclerosis in children of hypercholesterolemic mothers is much faster than in children of normocholesterolemic mothers. This cannot be accounted for by conventional risk factors of atherosclerosis or inherited genetic differences. The nature of the persistent changes in the fetal arterial wall responsible for increased atherogenesis in children and the mechanisms by which maternal hypercholesterolemia induces these changes need to be investigated, because they may offer important insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and because targeted interventions in mothers during pregnancy may yield considerable long-term benefits.
A projected Newton method in a Cartesian product of balls

We formulate a locally superlinearly convergent projected Newton method for constrained minimization in a Cartesian product of balls. For discrete-time,N-stage, input-constrained optimal control problems with Bolza objective functions, we then show how the required scaled tangential component of the objective function gradient can be approximated efficiently with a differential dynamic programming scheme; the computational cost and the storage requirements for the resulting modified projected Newton algorithm increase linearly with the number of stages. In calculations performed for a specific control problem with 10 stages, the modified projected Newton algorithm is shown to be one to two orders of magnitude more efficient than a standard unscaled projected gradient method.
Scaling behavior of (0 0 1) and (1 1 1) Cu surfaces

Abstract Single crystalline Cu films are extensively used as buffer layers for a variety of applications. Cu films can be grown epitaxially on hydrogen-terminated Si(0 0 1) and (7×7) reconstructed Si(1 1 1) substrates but the ultimate surface of the “as-grown” films tends to be quite rough. For most applications this constitutes a technical drawback. Using correlated reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and STM data, we have found a dramatic smoothing of epitaxial Cu(0 0 1) surfaces by annealing the as-grown films in the 120–160 °C temperature range and somewhat less so for the Cu(1 1 1) films. Scaling analysis of the subsequent Cu growth on the annealed smooth surfaces yields a coarsening exponent of one-fourth for the (0 0 1) oriented films while this exponent is one-third for the (1 1 1) films, providing experimental data for a comparison of the same system film–substrate in these two orientations.
The JH/LVOH Method in the Quantification of Aortic Regurgitation: How the Cardiac Sonographer May Avoid an Important Potential Pitfall

Color flow Doppler allows for methods in which to quantitate the severity of valvular regurgitation. In particular, the regurgitant jet height/left ventricular outflow tract height (JH/LVOH) method of quantitating the severity of aortic regurgitation has been validated and is routinely used in the adult echocardiography laboratory. A potential pitfall exists in the measurement of the LVOH. This article points out this potential source of error and, in addition, proposes steps that may be taken by the cardiac sonographer to avoid this potential measurement pitfall.
Review of eye plaque dosimetry based on AAPM task group 43 recommendations

Abstract Purpose: AAPM Task Group 43 recently revised the dosimetry recommendations for 125 I seeds. We reviewed these guidelines and studied the effects of the recommendations on the prescription absorbed dose for patients who have undergone eye plaque therapy in our clinic. Methods and Materials: 95 consecutive patients were chosen for this study. Absorbed doses at various points of clinical interest were computed based on conventional dose calculation algorithm (3, 4, 7) and TG-43 recommendations. For three representative plaques chosen, the seeds are approximated by isotropic point and line sources, respectively, and absorbed doses were calculated at all points on the central axis of the plaque. Results: For apical heights shorter than 5 mm, treatment plans using model 6711 seeds delivered 10–13% lower absorbed doses than that calculated previously. For lesions with apical heights 5 mm or larger, the absorbed dose was 6–12% lower than prescribed. Calculations for model 6702 seeds indicated that TG-43 recommendations would produce 0–6% lower absorbed doses. Point doses calculated along the central axis of the plaque and isodose distributions at various levels showed that point source approximation of the seeds was clinically acceptable. Conclusions: TG-43 recommendations, if implemented, would result in lower absorbed doses unless the dose prescription is modified. The clinicians need to be aware of the dosimetric implications of these recommendations. The seeds may be approximated by isotropic point sources.
Styles of behavioral complexity recorded by selected trace fossils

Abstract At least four styles of complex behavior are recorded in trace fossils: (1) Intricate, programmed behavior that is recorded in complex trace fossils, such as Spirophyton and Zoophycos. (2) Behavior that is complex in consisting of multiple simple behaviors performed by a single organism, as indicated by one trace fossil merging into another (compound trace fossils). (3) Behavior in which an animal constructs both complex and simple structures, as demonstrated by direct connection between the two structures. (4) Two scales of complex behavior reflected in multiple specimens of one trace fossil arranged in a pattern to produce a distinctive, larger-scale structure. Until recently complex trace fossils (e.g. Zoophycos) alone have served as proxies for complex behavior. Recognition and reconstruction of diverse modes of behavioral complexity allow more biological information to be gleaned from the trace fossil record.
Increasing the degrees of freedom in future group randomized trials: the df * method revisited.

BACKGROUND: This article revisits an article published in Evaluation Review in 2005 on sample size estimation and power analysis for group-randomized trials. With help from a careful reader, we learned of an important error in the spreadsheet used to perform the calculations and generate the results presented in that article. As we studied the spreadsheet, we discovered other minor errors. When we corrected the errors, we found that the results were substantially different and that the conclusions reported in the original article were not always appropriate. OBJECTIVE: This article corrects the errors and reports the results as they should have been reported originally. METHOD: Using a random-effects meta-analytic model, estimates of intraclass correlation were combined from two studies to guide sample size calculations for a new study. RESULTS: The df * method can result in improved power or smaller studies when used a priori to plan future group-randomized trials, though the improvements will be modest in larger studies and will likely be insufficient to provide adequate power to small studies. CONCLUSION: Smaller group-randomized trials are often desirable, for example, as pilot studies to help plan for a full-scale efficacy trial, as replication studies, or in situations in which resource constraints prohibit a larger trial. We discuss the circumstances under which the df * method will be most helpful and the risks associated with conducting smaller studies.
Behavioural thermoregulation by subyearling fall (autumn) Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in a reservoir.

This study investigated behavioural thermoregulation by subyearling fall (autumn) Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in a reservoir on the Snake River, Washington, U.S.A. During the summer, temperatures in the reservoir varied from 23 degrees C on the surface to 11 degrees C at 14 m depth. Subyearlings implanted with temperature-sensing radio transmitters were released at the surface at temperatures >20 degrees C during three blocks of time in summer 2004. Vertical profiles were taken to measure temperature and depth use as the fish moved downstream over an average of 5.6-7.2 h and 6.0-13.8 km. The majority of the subyearlings maintained average body temperatures that differed from average vertical profile temperatures during most of the time they were tracked. The mean proportion of the time subyearlings tracked within the 16-20 degrees C temperature range was larger than the proportion of time this range was available, which confirmed temperature selection opposed to random use. The subyearlings selected a depth and temperature combination that allowed them to increase their exposure to temperatures of 16-20 degrees C when temperatures 20 degrees C were available at lower and higher positions in the water column. A portion of the subyearlings that selected a temperature c. 17.0 degrees C during the day, moved into warmer water at night coincident with an increase in downstream movement rate. Though subyearlings used temperatures outside of the 16-20 degrees C range part of the time, behavioural thermoregulation probably reduced the effects of intermittent exposure to suboptimal temperatures. By doing so, it might enhance growth opportunity and life-history diversity in the population of subyearlings studied.
Provably secure data hiding and tamper resistance for a simple loop program

We study the problem of computing with encrypted data. We propose a hiding scheme that allows a client to execute a simple loop program with real or complex inputs securely on a server. This is the first hiding scheme that we are aware of that applies to real and complex data. The scheme allows the client to efficiently determine with high probability whether the results returned by the server are correct. The scheme we propose uses new techniques that have not been used previously in this context.
Risk adjustment and risk-adjusted provider profiles

Provider profiles are an important component of efforts to improve both healthcare productivity and quality. Risk adjustment is the attempt to account for differences in the risk for specific outcomes of cases in different groups in order to facilitate more meaningful comparisons. The value of provider profiles, whether used internally or released to the public, depends both on adequate risk adjustment and on distinguishing systematic differences in either the quality or productivity of care from random fluctuations. In this paper, we discuss how risk adjustment systems can be used to predict outcomes for individual cases; methods for measuring and comparing the performance of risk adjustment systems; and how random variation can affect provider performance data and several approaches for addressing random variation in risk-adjusted provider profiles. In the last section, we illustrate the methods discussed by developing and analysing risk-adjusted provider profiles for 69 family practitioners responsible for over 68,000 cases.
Ultrastructural analysis of the development and maturation of synapses and subsynaptic structures in the ectostriatum of the zebra finch.

The development of synapses and subsynaptic features in the neuropil of the ectostriatum, a visual projection area in birds, was examined ultrastructurally at 5, 10, 20, and 100 days posthatching. The maturation of the synaptic complex is accompanied by a variety of different dynamic processes. The number of synapses in ectostriatum and the number of specific synaptic types vary with age as does the constellation of subsynaptic structures. At day 5, before eye opening, the total number of synapses is 16% of the adult value. These synapses, unlike synapses seen at maturity, have indistinct synaptic contact zones and generally are associated with few synaptic vesicles. Synapse number increases continuously until 20 days of age, paralleled by a steady increase of the observed brain volume. The largest increase in synapse number takes place during the time of eye opening (i.e., between 5 and 10 days). This increase is mainly due to an increase of asymmetric synapses, the most common type in the neuropil of ectostriatum (90% of the synapse population). At day 20 the number of synapses has reached its maximum and remains high in adulthood. Synapses on spines are more prominent in younger animals than in adults. The percentage of presynaptic terminals involved in synaptic contact with more than one postsynaptic element (multiple synapses) shows a significant reduction from 12% to 4% early in development (between days 10 and 20). Presynaptic terminal size and postsynaptic density (PSD) length increase until 20 days of age. From day 20 to adulthood the PSD shows a 10% reduction in contact length, and the presynaptic terminal further increases in size by 27%. Therefore, the pre- and postsynaptic structures described above continue to develop after the number of synapses remains constant.
Composite indices applied to vibration data in rolling tires to detect bead area damage

The primary objective of this research was to identify an online indicator of tire bead area separation for use in tire durability testing. The dynamics of tires with asymmetric bead area damage and the transmission of vibrations to an axle housing were studied. Experimental results from online data collected on a 67-in diameter roadwheel and a 120-in diameter roadwheel are presented. Statistical measures, trends in frequency content and transient wavelet maps, and composite damage indices were all evaluated as online damage detection features. Trends in statistical measures and frequency content were both indicative of damage progression, but were also sensitive to changes in test conditions. Wavelet maps were indicative of damage progression and showed potential for locating damage circumferentially on a tire. Wavelet analysis of data from both roadwheels indicated that damage increased the amount of higher frequency content in the response signals measured at the spindle arm and axle housing. The increase in broadband content was thought to come from transient vibrations generated when the damaged bead area passed through the contact patch. Composite damage indices that combined frequency and spatial data provided very clear indicators of potential damage initiation events, even predicting the number of ruptures, by drawing out the relevant information in the signals from the ambient vibration. The most effective composite indices multiplied several data signals such that only when all data signals indicated a change would the composite indices also indicate that damage had occurred.
Modulation of Visual Responses in Macaque Frontal Eye Field during Covert Tracking of Invisible Targets

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction between internal representations of invisible moving targets and visual responses of neurons in frontal eye fields (FEFs). Monkeys were trained to make saccades to the extrapolated position of a target that was temporarily rendered invisible for variable durations as if it had passed behind an occluder. Flashed, taskirrelevant visual probe stimuli were used to study the visual responsiveness of FEF neurons during this task. Probes were flashed at various times and locations during the occlusion interval. Net changes in neuronal activity were obtained by comparing the activity on trials with probes with randomly interleaved trials without any probe. Most neurons showed an increase in firing rate in response to the probe, but some showed a decrease. Both types of responses were enhanced when the invisible target moved toward the receptive field (RF) as compared with trials on which the target moved away from the RF. Some neurons showed a spatial shift in the visual response during the occlusion interval. For cells that were excited by the probe, the shift tended to be correlated with the direction of motion of the target, whereas for cells that were inhibited the shift tended to be in the opposite direction. These results suggest that the role of FEF in predicting invisible target motion includes a sensory/perceptual component.
Organic carbon effects on aerobic polychlorinated biphenyl removal and bacterial community composition in soils and sediments

Certain organic compounds, including biphenyl and salicylic acid, stimulate polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) degradation by microorganisms in some environments. However, the usefulness of these amendments for improving PCB removal by microorganisms from diverse habitats has not been extensively explored. This study evaluated the effects of biphenyl, salicylic acid, and glucose on changes in aerobic PCB removal and bacterial communities from an agricultural soil, a wetland peat soil, a river sediment, and a mixture of these samples. PCB removal patterns were significantly different between soils and sediments amended with carbon compounds: (i) terrestrial soil microorganisms removed more PCBs than river sediment microorganisms, particularly with regard to PCBs with >4 chlorine substituents, (ii) glucose-supplemented, agricultural soil microorganisms removed more hexachlorobiphenyl than unsupplemented samples, (iii) biphenyl-supplemented, river sediment microorganisms removed more di- and tri-chlorobiphenyls than unamended samples. Carbon amendments also caused unique shifts in soil and sediment bacterial communities, as determined by specific changes in bacterial 16S rRNA denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis banding patterns. These results indicate that organic carbon amendments had site-specific effects on bacterial populations and PCB removal. Further work is needed to more accurately characterize PCB degrading communities and functional gene expression in diverse types of environments to better understand how they respond to bioremediation treatments.
Mitomycin- and calcineurin-associated HUS, endothelial dysfunction and endothelial repair: a new paradigm for the puzzle?

Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA) are multisystem disorders characterized by the formation of platelet-rich, fibrin-poor thrombi within the microvasculature. While there have been major advances into the cause of certain types of TMAs that have led to rational treatment choices [1], TMA secondary to chemotherapeutic and calcineurin inhibitors remains a black box both in terms of pathogenesis and treatment. Here we report a case of mitomycin-associated haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) resistant to conventional treatment but which responded to chronic end-stage renal disease management consisting of haemodialysis and erythropoietin treatment. We hypothesized that haemodialysis and erythropoietin may play a role in ‘healing’ the endothelial injury. To support our hypothesis, we measured the markers of endothelial cell injury (circulating endothelial cells) and a marker of endothelial repair (CD34þ endothelial progenitor cell migratory activity) in a second case of TMA secondary to calcineurin therapy. We demonstrate that, in drug-induced HUS, there is increased endothelial injury and a defective repair mechanism and that correcting uraemia, with renal replacement therapy, and treatment with specific medications aimed at enhancing endothelial repair may be able to alter the course of the disease. These findings not only suggest a mechanism for drug-induced TMA, but also suggest a rational line of therapy for a disease that heretofore was treated with supportive care. Methods
Enzymatic Conversion of Sucrose to Hydrogen

The enzymatic conversion of sugars to hydrogen could be a promising method for alternative fuel production. Maple tree sap is a source of environmental sugar (e.g., sucrose) that has the potential to be converted into hydrogen using the enzymes invertase, glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), hydrogenase, and glucose isomerase (GI) and the cofactor NADP{sup +}/NADPH. The kinetics of hydrogen production have been studied, and optimal conditions for hydrogen production are described. At low initial sucrose concentrations, in the absence of glucose isomerase, stoichiometric yields of mol of H{sub 2}/mol of sucrose were achieved. At higher sucrose concentrations, the yield of hydrogen declined so that at an initial sucrose concentration of 292 mM only 7% yield of hydrogen was obtained. The reason for this low yield was studied and shown not to be caused by enzyme inactivation or a pH drop during the reaction but due to an instability of the cofactor NADP{sup +}. Although gluconic and inhibited both NADPH production and oxidation of GDH and hydrogenase, respectively, it was not the major cause of NADP{sup +} instability. Fructose was also shown to be converted to hydrogen if GI was present in the reaction mixture. Also, by starting with sucrose, 1.34 mol ofmore » H{sub 2}/mol of sucrose was obtained if GI was present in the reaction mixture.« less
Are Teleworkers Less Likely to Report Leave Intentions in the United States Federal Government Than Non-teleworkers Are?:

Teleworking is the most common alternative work schedule used in public organizations. Despite the adoption of teleworking in government agencies, no studies were found that empirically examined th...
Does soy-based infant formula cause ADHD?

(2003). Does soy-based infant formula cause ADHD? Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 145-148.
The Cassowary's Revenge: The Life and Death of Masculinity in a New Guinea Society

The Cassowary's Revenge: The Life and Death of Masculinity in. New Guinea Society. Donald Tuzin. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1997. xiii. 256 pp., figures, notes, references, index.
THINKING LOCALLY, ACTING GLOBALLY: LOCAL DEMOCRACY IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION

This essay rethinks local democracy in the context of globalization. I reject unduly negative assessments of the prospects for local democracy because they derive from a model of globalization which ignores that local responses to globalization vary with local conditions. A multidimensional model, in contrast, does justice to the complexity of globalization processes, including their impact on subnational democracy. However, the longstanding tradition of democratic localism provides a weak conceptual basis for local democracy in the context of globalization. An adequate conception of local democracy should transcend the parochial outlook of democratic localism and accommodate a transnational action orientation. In such a cosmopolitan local democracy, local communities are primarily sources of political mobilization rather than arenas of political action. A transnational campaign by Canadian aboriginal peoples against the militarization of their homeland provides reassuring as well as disturbing lessons about the prospects for cosmopolitan local democracy.
Adenovirus type-12 tumor antigen. III. Tumorigenicity and immune response to syngeneic rat cells transformed with virions and isolated transforming fragment of adenovirus 12 DNA.

Tumorigenicity and immunogenicity of two adenovirus 12 (Ad 12)-transformed cell lines was studied in syngeneic LIS rats. One cell line (RT2), transformed with Ad 12 virions, contains most of the Ad 12 genome and transcribes its E1, E3 and E4 regions. The other line (RFC1) was transformed with isolated EcoRI-C fragment of Ad 12 DNA. Both cell lines are equally tumorigenic in newborn rats; in weanling and mature animals the virion-transformed cells are more tumorigenic as determined by the number of cells required to induce tumors in 50% of animals (TPD50) and by the proportion of “takes” after transplantation of tumor fragments. Serological analysis indicates that antibodies reactive with Ad 12 T-antigen (product of the E1 region of Ad 12) appear later than those reactive to other Ad 12 antigen(s) present in RT2 cells. The “early” RT2 antibodies are non-reactive with RFC1 cells. Sera of RT2 tumorbearing rats become reactive with RFC1, cells and isolated Ad 12 T-antigen after a period of 1–4 weeks. The sera of RFC1 tumor-bearing rats become reactive with transformed cells after a similar period. The RFC1 sera and the “late” RT2 sera are cytotoxic to both RFC1 and RT2 cells. None of the immunoreactive sera of tumor-bearing rats are active in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The spleen cells of rats bearing RFC1, tumors were cytotoxic to both RFC1 and RT2 cells. The spleen cells of animals with RT2 cell tumors, however, did not exert any cytotoxicity against either cell line. When the spleen cells of tumor-bearing rats were further educated by incubation with transformed cells in vitro, significant cytotoxicity was observed. The spleen cells of rats bearing RFC1 tumors were equally stimulated in vitro with RFC1 and RT2 cells. The cells of rats bearing RT2 tumors were cytolytic after in vitro exposure to RFC1, cells; much less cytotoxicity was observed with cells restimulated in vitro with RT2 cells. The RFC1 and “late” RT2 sera effectively blocked the cytolysis of both RFC1 and RT2 cells. The “early” RT2 antibodies blocked the cellular cytotoxicity against RT2 cells but not RFC1 cells. Interestingly, the blocking effect was observed even with the effector cells primed in vivo and educated in vitro with only RFC1 cells. These results demonstrate that the E1 gene block of Ad 12 codes for a membrane-associated antigen active in both humoral and cellular immunity.
Digital Form-Finding: A Case Study in Complex Geometry

This paper aims to investigate recent trends in computationally based design. The case study in this paper illustrates a parametric approach to designing and building complexly shaped architecture. The selected project, designed by the primary author for an international design competition, demonstrates benefits and problems associated with the use of advanced digital design and manufacturing techniques. The development of sophisticated digitally based environments has led directly to a preoccupation with their use in developing forms and shapes involving highly complex geometric forms and manipulations. A common approach here is to define a building envelope in terms of a series of parametrically defined elements such as the structural ribs. A contrasting parametric approach would be to define measures that control the geometric definition of the outside envelope directly and generate the supporting structure subsequently. The latter approach is exemplified in a highly transparent pavilion that is built of doubly curved acrylic skin over hollow-tube steel ribs. The complex external shape is a priori determined. Sectional planes are passed at regular intervals through the whole shape; and the geometry of the intersection is used to define the shapes of structural members. As a result, orthogonal egg-crate structural system is formed of planar but curvilinear ribs. Shorter blue ribs are assigned primary structural functions. The pavilion is fitted with aluminum horizontal louvers for solar control.
Quasi-Resonant Interconnects: A Low Power Design Methodology

Design and analysis guidelines for resonant interconnect networks are presented in this paper. The methodology focuses on developing an accurate analytic distributed model of the on-chip interconnect and inductor to obtain low power and low latency. Excellent agreement is shown between the proposed model and SpectraS simulations. The analysis and design of the inductance, the insertion point, and the driver resistance for minimum power consumption is described. A case study demonstrates the design of a resonant interconnect, transmitting a 5 Gbps data signal along a 5 mm line in a TSMC 0.18 mum CMOS technology. As compared to classical repeater insertion, an average reduction of 94.8% and 72.8% is obtained in power consumption and delay, respectively. As compared to optical links, a reduction of 98.5% and 60% is observed in power consumption and delay, respectively.
Reliability and accuracy of visual methods to quantify severity of foliar bacterial spot symptoms on peach and nectarine.

The objectives of this study were to assess the reliability and accuracy of visual methods used to quantify the severity of bacterial spot (Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni) symptoms and evaluate the effects of rater experience on the quality of disease estimates. Three cohorts of raters differing in experience with disease assessment rated three sets of peach or nectarine leaves (n ≥ 103; disease severity levels from 0% to 100%) by direct estimation of percentage leaf area with symptoms. Four of the experienced raters also rated the leaves using a 1–7 interval scale. Actual disease severity on the leaves was obtained with the APS assess image analysis software. Equivalence tests based on a bootstrap analysis were used to compare the rating scale and direct estimation methods, and to evaluate the effects of rater experience, computer training and human instruction on accuracy and reliability of disease estimates. In concordance analysis of continuous variables, with data from scale converted to percentage, the direct estimation method resulted in more accurate and reliable estimates than the interval scale. Analysing the scale data without conversion to percentage improved the concordance statistics for the scale but not sufficiently to match the direct estimation method. Accuracy was affected more by rater experience and intrinsic ability than reliability. Instruction on disease symptoms resulted in the largest improvement in estimates from inexperienced raters. Accurate and reliable direct estimation of bacterial spot severity on peach and nectarine can be made by raters with varying levels of experience provided they receive sufficient instruction.
Preeclampsia more than 1 disease: or is it?

In this issue of Hypertension , Rasmussen and Irgens provide strong support for the relationship of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). They also provide data that support but also some that argue against the concept that the pregnancy complication, preeclampsia, may be more than one disease.1 In previous studies these authors demonstrated that women who have had a growth-restricted infant without preeclampsia are more likely to have preeclampsia in a subsequent pregnancy.2 Those data and similar findings in the current study support pathological findings indicating the similarity of IUGR and preeclampsia.3 In preeclampsia, IUGR and interestingly also in about one third of cases of preterm birth,4 the maternal myometrial and decidual vessels perfusing the placental site do not undergo the normal remodeling of pregnancy. In normal pregnancy trophoblastic invasion is associated with a greatly increased diameter and removal of vascular smooth muscle from the wall of these vessels. This results in large diameter, flaccid, unresponsive tubes that greatly increase placental perfusion. These changes are not present in pregnancies complicated by IUGR, preeclampsia, and some with preterm births. Implicit in the current study is the concept that preterm birth as well as IUGR is related to subsequent preeclampsia. Although preterm birth is not assessed directly, the effect of low birth weight (IUGR and preterm birth) was greater than the effect of IUGR alone. In a far smaller study our group was able to more directly support the relationship of preterm birth and preeclampsia, as women with early onset preeclampsia were more likely to have preterm birth in a subsequent nonpreeclamptic pregnancy.5 The current study extends the prior observation of the relationship of IUGR and preeclampsia but also raises other interesting points. In this larger study the authors were …
Strategies for Managing Vehicle Mass throughout the Development Process and Vehicle Lifecycle

Managing (minimizing and optimizing) the total mass of a vehicle is recognized as a critical task during the development of a new vehicle, as well as throughout its production lifecycle. This paper summarizes a literature review of, and investigation into, the strategies, methods and best practices for achieving low total mass in new vehicle programs, and/or mass reductions in existing production vehicle programs. Empirical and quantitative data and examples from the automotive manufacturers and suppliers are also provided in support of the material presented.
Kinetics of quadricyclene-norbornadiene isomerization reaction for use in modeling supported liquid-phase catalysis

Abstract The isomerization kinetics of quadricyclene (tetracyclo[3.2.0.0 2,7 .0 4,6 ]heptane) to norbornadiene (bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene) was chosen as a reaction appropriate to the study of supported liquid-phase catalysis (SLPC). An infrared spectrophotometer, modified to permit measurement of reaction rates with half-lives of ~1 sec, was used to determine the intrinsic rate constant and its temperature dependence. These quantities are essential in evaluating SLPC systems.
Testing for toxic effects of prey on zooplankton using sole versus mixed diets

Negative effects of prey species on consumers could be due to deterrence, nutritional insufficiency, or toxicity of the prey. These effects can be discerned in experiments in which the suspect prey is offered to the consumers in a food mixture containing another prey item that is not toxic and in which the ingestion rates on the prey and the grazers’ responses (e.g., egg production) are measured. We used this framework to determine whether several algae that have been reported to have harmful effects on grazers (Prorocentrum minimum, low- and high-toxin Alexandrium sp., Heterosigma carterae, Thalassiosira rotula, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum ) are toxic to females of the calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa. Ingestion, egg production, and egg-hatching rates were measured for A. tonsa offered sole diets of the suspect alga and mixed diets containing the suspect alga and a control alga (the green flagellate Tetraselmis sp.) at an ecologically relevant concentration (250 m gCL 21 ) and duration (3 d). With the exception of the Alexandrium strain with the high-toxin content (16.3 pgSaxitoxin [pgSTX] equivalents cell 21 ), none of the diets studied can be considered toxic. The high-toxin Alexandriumreduced A. tonsa’s total ingestion rate, and thus egg production, as the proportion of Alexandrium increased in the diet. A. tonsa exhibited significantly reduced ingestion and egg production rates when feeding on sole food diets of H. carterae and P. tricornutum relative to the mixed food diets. However, a comparison of ingestion rates among the diet mixtures revealed that H. carterae and P. tricornutum acted as feeding deterrents when provided as sole foods. These results stress the importance of using mixed food diets when examining putative toxic effects of preys on consumers. Reports of putatively harmful effects of phytoplankton on grazers ranging from feeding inhibition and physiological incapacitation to reductions in egg production and hatching rates are common (reviewed in Turner and Tester 1997). The broader ecological significance of these effects depends on whether they are severe enough to reduce secondary production or the grazers’ impact on algal population growth. Many studies dealing with harmful effects of phytoplankton on grazers have focused only on feeding activity, which has been found to be reduced by some phytoplankters (Ives 1987; Uye and Takamatsu 1990; Teegarden 1999). Other studies have focused on the effects on egg production and hatching rates without measuring ingestion rates (Ianora and Poulet 1993; Laabir et al. 1995; Uye 1996; Ban et al. 1997). These limitations hinder our ability to evaluate fully and predict the ecological effects of putatively harmful algae in natural systems. The harmful nature of phytoplankters is typically assumed to be due to their toxicity. Determining phytoplankton toxicity is straightforward when the effects are lethal, which is typically not the case. Moreover, a negative effect of a phytoplankter on a grazer relative to some other diet—such as
Functional Abdominal Pain

Functional abdominal pain syndrome (FAPS) is a relatively less common functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder defined by the presence of constant or frequently recurring abdominal pain that is not associated with eating, change in bowel habits, or menstrual periods (Drossman Gastroenterology 130:1377-1390, 2006), which points to a more centrally targeted (spinal and supraspinal) basis for the symptoms. However, FAPS is frequently confused with irritable bowel syndrome and other functional GI disorders in which abdominal pain is associated with eating and bowel movements. FAPS also differs from chronic abdominal pain associated with entities such as chronic pancreatitis or chronic inflammatory bowel disease, in which the pain is associated with peripherally acting factors (eg, gut inflammation or injury). Given the central contribution to the pain experience, concomitant psychosocial disturbances are common and strongly influence the clinical expression of FAPS, which also by definition is associated with loss of daily functioning. These factors make it critical to use a biopsychosocial construct to understand and manage FAPS, because gut-directed treatments are usually not successful in managing this condition.
Contraception and sexually transmitted infections: risks and benefits, hypotheses and evidence.

Ultimately attention to inter-relations between contraceptive options and STI and HIV outcomes is a strong reminder of the priority for integrated sexual and reproductive health research grounded in evidence as it emerges and weighing risks and benefits that are crucial to health-care programming and delivery. (Excerpt)
Nuclear Imaging of Cancer Cell Therapies

A promising role of cellular therapies in cancer treatment is reflected by the constantly growing number of clinical trials with adoptively transferred cells. Direct and indirect cell labeling for the nuclear imaging of transferred cells has been proven reliable for imaging adoptive cellular therapies. Both methods show their advantages and limitations. Direct labeling is a relatively easy, inexpensive, and well-established methodology. Indirect labeling using a reporter gene imaging paradigm allows for reliable, stable, and harmless visualization of cellular trafficking, persistence, proliferation, and function at the target site. It is expected that new human-derived reporter genes will be rapidly translated into clinical applications that require repetitive imaging for the effective monitoring of various genetic and cellular therapies.
Dynamical models of happiness.

A sequence of models for the time evolution of one's happiness in response to external events is described. These models with added nonlinearities can produce stable oscillations and chaos even without external events. Potential implications for psychotherapy and a personal approach to life are discussed
Design and performance measurements of a parallel machine for the unification algorithm

Unification is known to be the most repeated operation in logic programming and PROLOG interpreters. To speed up the execution of logic programs, the performance of unification must be improved. We propose a parallel unification machine for speeding up the unification algorithm. The machine is simulated at the register transfer level and the simulation results as well as performance comparison with a serial unification coprocessor are presented.
Genetic Reassortment of Avian, Swine, and Human Influenza A Viruses in American Pigs

In late summer through early winter of 1998, there were several outbreaks of respiratory disease in the swine herds of North Carolina, Texas, Minnesota, and Iowa. Four viral isolates from outbreaks in different states were analyzed genetically. Genotyping and phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the four swine viruses had emerged through two different pathways. The North Carolina isolate is the product of genetic reassortment between H3N2 human and classic swine H1N1 influenza viruses, while the others arose from reassortment of human H3N2, classic swine H1N1, and avian viral genes. The hemagglutinin genes of the four isolates were all derived from the human H3N2 virus circulating in 1995. It remains to be determined if either of these recently emerged viruses will become established in the pigs in North America and whether they will become an economic burden.
King Kong and the White Woman Hustler Magazine and the Demonization of Black Masculinity

The demonization by the media of Black men as rapists and murderes has been well documented by scholars interested in film, television, and rap music. Recently, a number of researchers have turned their attention to pornography, specifically, how the codes and conventions of this genre (re)construct the Black male body, especially the penis, as dangerous and as a threat to White male power. These studies focus on the poorly produced, hard-core pornography movies that, because of their explicit imagery, are relegated to the shelves of adult-only stores. What tends to be ignored is the content of the mass-produced, mass-circulated pornography magazines that have a much larger audience. Of the three giants that dominate the mainstream pornography magazine market (Playboy, Penthouse, and Hustler), Hustler is the only one that features representations of Black masculinity. Although these representations can only be found in the humor sections, particularly the cartoons, they have much in common with those repr...
Surgical Research III.

ABSTRACTIn the “Importance of Medical and Surgical Research” (Surgical Research I), we introduced research as the key factor in the advancement of medicine and surgery. In Surgical Research II, we presented William Beaumont, Samuel Gross, and William Halsted as the main protagonists of the first wave of American surgical researchers during the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries. In this writing, i.e., Surgical Research III, we look ahead and include the following group of surgeon researchers: John B. Murphy; the Mayo Brothers, William J. Mayo and Charles H. Mayo; and George W. Crile. All of them contributed a great deal to the advancement of the medical science and the practice of surgery through research. All of them worked in different areas of surgery and contributed unique developments to the specialty. All of them demonstrated that questioning the way we practice could make surgery better and more secure. Surgical research buttressed the daily care of their surgical patients.
SCIENTIFIC BASIS AND INITIAL EVALUATION OF THE CLAVR-1 GLOBAL CLEAR/CLOUD CLASSIFICATION ALGORITHM FOR THE ADVANCED VERY HIGH RESOLUTION RADIOMETER

Abstract An algorithm for the remote sensing of global cloud cover using multispectral radiance measurements from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) on board National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) polar-orbiting satellites has been developed. The CLAVR-1 (Clouds from AVHRR-Phase I) algorithm classifies 2 × 2 pixel arrays from the Global Area Coverage (GAC) 4-km-resolution archived database into CLEAR, MIXED, and CLOUDY categories. The algorithm uses a sequence of multispectral contrast, spectral, and spatial signature threshold tests to perform the classification. The various tests and the derivation of their thresholds are presented. CLAVR-1 has evolved through experience in applying it to real-time NOAA-11 data, and retrospectively through the NOAA AVHRR Pathfinder Atmosphere project, where 16 years of data have been reprocessed into cloud, radiation budget, and aerosol climatologies. The classifications are evaluated regionally with image analysis, and it is concluded ...
Complex Index of Refraction of Airborne Soil Particles

Abstract The angular variation of the intensity of light scattered from a collimated beam by airborne soil particles and the size distribution of the particles were measured simultaneously 1.5 m above the ground. These measurements gave an estimate of the complex index of refraction m=nRE−nIMi of airborne soil particles, where nRE is the real part and nIM the imaginary part of the refractive index. Standard microscopic analysis procedures were employed to determine nRE. Although a wide range of values was observed, the value 1.525 was taken as representative. By applying Mie scattering theory to each of the observed distributions of particle size, the expected angular variation of the intensity of the scattered light was calculated for a fixed value of nRE and a wide range of values of nIM. For each set of simultaneous measurements, the value of nIM was taken to be that value which provided the best fit to the experimental data. The upper limit of the value of nIM for the airborne particles studied in the...
Treatment Integrity in Interventions That Target the Executive Function

Executive function (EF) refers to a broad cognitive process used to direct behavior specifically in situations where some responses must be inhibited and others need to be initiated (Banich, 2009). Definitions of EF tend to involve reference to the frontal lobe (Hayes, Gifford, & Ruckstuhl, 1996), so much so that it is difficult to feature a definition that does not reference this area of the brain. While there are some differences in the definition of the construct, recent research suggests that EF is a unidimensional construct (Goldstein, 2012) and includes components of such cognitive processes such as planning, goal persistency, cognitive flexibility, abstract thinking, and rule acquisition (Baltruschat et al., 2011).
Exploring a Comfort Food Preference Framework: Mood Self-Verification and the Intake of Comfort Foods

Does a person’s mood relate to the types of food eaten? Based on clinical eating records and indepth interviews, a phone survey of 1014 North Americans was conducted to determine which foods were most consumed under various mood states (positive and negative). Results suggest that the food people eat for “comfort” may have unknowingly been selected to verify their mood. Positive moods were robustly associated with the consumption of more nutritive foods while negative moods were associated with the consumption of less nutritive foods. Weight loss strategies that generate negative moods for noncompliance may exacerbate weight problems by stimulating the overeating of less-nutritive comfort foods. Women and younger people seem particularly vulnerable to this process.
Confronting Marginality in the North Atlantic: Archaeological and Historical Perspectives from the French Colony of Plaisance, Newfoundland

The French colony at Plaisance, Newfoundland, Canada—occupied from 1662 to 1714—was France’s only official colony in Newfoundland. It was a fishing settlement in which colonists caught, processed, and exported dried codfish to various European ports. Despite being the largest French settlement in Newfoundland, Plaisance (known to the English as Placentia) has typically been regarded as a peripheral and insignificant outpost in the northern region of French North America. In this historiographical tradition, the colony suffers in its remote, inhospitable environment, which contributed to the impoverishment of its residents and rendered them utterly dependent on overseas trade for their survival. Detailed analysis of a previously unstudied archival series reveals that this standard narrative exaggerates the situation. The Vieux Fort site (dating from 1662 to 1690) provides a well-preserved archaeological context with which the standard historiography of the colony can be confronted. Economic, social, and environmental marginality are relative concepts, and perceptions of Plaisance’s marginal status differ, depending on the interpreter and the interpretation.
Your Share of the National Debt—A High-Interest Calculation Using Exponential Notation

This feature presents a collection of descriptive applications and analogies designed to help students understand some of the difficult concepts frequently encountered in chemistry. Contributions that will produce a greater appreciation and knowledge of political, religious, economic, historical, and scientific aspects of life are encouraged.
Critical role of PPARγ in water balance

peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ is one of the three PPAR subtypes (PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ) that are ligand-activated transcription factors that belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily ([7][1], [12][2], [13][3], [19][4]). Far beyond the stimulation of peroxisome