cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcome of Coronary Bypass Surgery Versus Coronary Angioplasty in Diabetic Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract Objectives. This study sought to compare the outcome of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) (n = 834) and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) (n = 1805) in diabetic patients with multivessel coronary disease from an observational database. Background. There is concern about selection of revascularization in diabetic patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. Methods. Data were collected prospectively and entered into a computerized database. Follow-up was by letter or telephone or additional events resulting in readmission. Results. After CABG there were more in-hospital deaths (0.36% vs. 4.99%, p Conclusions. This study reveals a high incidence of events in diabetic patients and raises further questions about angioplasty in insulin-requiring diabetic patients with multivessel disease.
Asymptotic quantum field theory

Abstract In this work, we have formulated a quantum field theory with the following features: (1) it is free of divergences and also free of the unphysical procedure of renormalization; (2) the interaction can be specified in our dynamical equation; (3) it gives consistent (renormalized) results for a renormalizable interaction; and (4) it is also applicable to a nonrenormalizable interaction. Our formulation assumes the Bogoliubov causality condition, the strong unitarity condition, the asymptotic condition, the completeness of the in-field (or out-field) and Lorentz covariance. The off-as well as on-mass-shell values play an important role in our formulation and they are treated carefully by employing the operator derivatives with respect to the in-field which satisfies the weak (or ordinary) free-field equation. A dynamical equation which determines all S -matrix elements is developed. The specification of interactions is made in this equation. It is then shown that finite perturbative solutions exist to any order and that the scattering matrix elements can be obtained by imposing suitable boundary conditions. No restrictions on the types of interactions appear in our formulation and, therefore, the same procedure can be carried out for renormalizable as well as for non-renormalizable interactions. For renormalizable interactions, in particular, our dynamical equation reduces to the one previously proposed by Pugh.
Climate Change in Nontraditional Data Sets

Scientific examinations of nontraditional datasets collected by naturalists, hobbyists, or indig-enous peoples have been instrumental in linkingchanges in biological communities to recentclimatic changes. Many phenological records inparticular show close correlations between tim-ing of biological events and climatic conditions(
Two methods for assessing oral reading prosody

We compare two types of models to assess the prosody of children's oral reading. Template models measure how well the child's prosodic contour in reading a given sentence correlates in pitch, intensity, pauses, or word reading times with an adult narration of the same sentence. We evaluate template models directly against a common rubric used to assess fluency by hand, and indirectly by their ability to predict fluency and comprehension test scores and gains of 10 children who used Project LISTEN's Reading Tutor; the template models outpredict the human assessment.We also use the same set of adult narrations to train generalized models for mapping text to prosody, and use them to evaluate children's prosody. Using only durational features for both types of models, the generalized models perform better at predicting fluency and comprehension posttest scores of 55 children ages 7--10, with adjusted R2 of 0.6. Such models could help teachers identify which students are making adequate progress. The generalized models have the additional advantage of not requiring an adult narration of every sentence.
Political Possibility, Hypercapitalism, and the “Conservative Reeducation Machine”

The education machine constructed by right wing politics and discourses has been of great concern for some time, especially during the Bush administration. However, actions by the Obama administration have further accelerated that reeducation machine by maintaining legislation like NCLB and support for educational corporations. This paper describes how this hypercapitalist conservative machine continues to use forms of signification and resource redistribution as mechanisms of power, masks cultural and intellectual diversity, co-opts identities, and corporatizes all aspects of education (including the ways we construct and understand learning) to interpret them as competition, privatization, and profiteering. Politicians from both (or all) political parties may be so attached to the tentacles of hypercaptialism that radical thought and actions are necessary to save and construct education that is socially just, equitable, and democratic.
Structural requirements for association of neurofascin with ankyrin.

This paper presents the first structural analysis of the cytoplasmic domain of neurofascin, which is highly conserved among the L1CAM family of cell adhesion molecules, and describes sequence requirements for neurofascin-ankyrin interactions in living cells. The cytoplasmic domain of neurofascin dimerizes in solution, has an asymmetric shape, and exhibits a reversible temperature-dependent β-structure. Residues Ser56–Tyr81 are necessary for ankyrin binding but do not contribute to either dimerization or formation of structure. Transfected neurofascin recruits GFP-tagged 270-kDa ankyrinG to the plasma membrane of human embryo kidney 293 cells. Deletion mutants demonstrate that the sequence Ser56–Tyr81 contains the major ankyrin-recruiting activity of neurofascin. Mutations of the FIGQY tyrosine (Y81H/A/E) greatly impair neurofascin-ankyrin interactions. Mutation of human L1 at the equivalent tyrosine (Y1229H) is responsible for certain cases of mental retardation (Van Camp, G., Fransen, E., Vits, L., Raes, G., and Willems, P. J. (1996) Hum. Mutat. 8, 391). Mutations F77A and E73Q greatly impair ankyrin binding activity, whereas mutation D74N and a triple mutation of D57N/D58N/D62N result in less loss of ankyrin binding activity. These results provide evidence for a highly specific interaction between ankyrin and neurofascin and suggest that ankyrin association with L1 is required for L1 function in humans.
Conceptual Resources in Self‐developed Explanatory Models: The importance of integrating conscious and intuitive knowledge

This study explores the spontaneous explanatory models children construct, critique, and revise in the context of tasks in which children need to predict, observe, and explain phenomena involving magnetism. It further investigates what conceptual resources students use, and in what ways they use them, to construct explanatory models, and the obstacles preventing them from constructing a useful explanatory model. Our findings indicate that several of the children were able to construct explanatory models. However, of the six children interviewed multiple times (three third‐graders and three sixth‐graders), only one was consistently able to critique and revise her models to arrive at a consistent, coherent, and sophisticated explanatory model. Connecting intuitive knowledge and abstract knowledge was important in her construction of a coherent and sophisticated explanatory model. Students who relied only on intuitive knowledge constructed tentative and non‐sophisticated explanatory models. Students who reli...
Experimental Study and Evaluation Method for the Buckling Strength of Scaffold

Abstract The materials, structure and strength parameters of all the components of the scaffolds are regulated by safety standards to ensure the safety of construction site workers. Whenever a new scaffold member is developed, its design must follow the standard. Therefore, all scaffolds have the same structure. This study is fundamental to the establishment of a new method to evaluate a scaffold's performance in the buckling strength. Thus the buckling of scaffolds is often caused by the excessive weight of vertical loads. In the buckling modes, there is member buckling, as each story of the scaffolds curves, and total buckling, as the whole side of the scaffold caves in. Recent studies confirm that total buckling is often caused when a stiffening member in the vertical frame is shorting. It is known that shear rigidity of the horizontal frame can also influence buckling modes. However, the influence of shear rigidity of both vertical and horizontal frames on the scaffold's buckling modes has not been made clear. We therefore performed a numerical analysis to investigate this, using the shear rigidity of the vertical and the horizontal frames as parameters. In this study, a buckling experiment was executed in order to obtain fundamental data to help solve the problem of buckling scaffolds.
Sensitive Assay Procedure for Ethambutol Hydrochloride via Charge Transfer Complex Formation

The charge transfer complex formation between ethambutol and iodine was investigated and utilized as the basis for a sensitive spectrophotometric procedure for ethambutol and its dosage forms. The solutions exhibited blue-shifted iodine bands at 293 and 360 nm. A Job’s plot of corrected absorbance against the mole ratio of ethambutol to iodine indicated a 1:2 drug-iodine ratio. At 293 nm, the absorbance was linear (r = 0.9998) over the 0.25–15-μg/ml concentration range, but the concentration range for best accuracy is 1.6–5.8 μg/ml. The method can be applied successfully to the analysis of commercially available ethambutol tablets.
One last chance for pregnancy: a review of 2,705 in vitro fertilization cycles initiated in women age 40 years and above.

Objective To describe live birth rates and predictors of success in 1-year age increments for women ≥40 years when initiating assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Design Retrospective database analysis. Setting A large university-affiliated infertility center. Patient(s) One thousand two hundred sixty-three women undergoing 2,705 ART cycles at age 40 or above. Intervention(s) Couples undergoing ART. Main Outcome Measure(s) Pregnancy and live birth rates per cycle start were determined based on 1-year increments in women aged ≥40. Predictors of success, including number of embryos transferred, number of fetal heartbeats, availability of embryos for cryopreservation, and cycle day 3 FSH levels, were analyzed. Result(s) The overall live birth rate per cycle start was 9.7%. Cumulative live birth rates in women ranged from 28.4% if starting ART at age 40 to 0 by age 46. The overall spontaneous abortion rate was 32.6% (range, 23.9%–66.7%). Higher pregnancy rates were predicted by the greater number of embryos available for transfer, by the availability of excess embryos for cryopreservation, and by the presence of two fetal heartbeats on ultrasound. The outcome of the first IVF cycle did not predict the outcome of subsequent cycles. Conclusion(s) Assisted reproductive technology has a reasonable chance for success (>5%) up until the end of the forty-third year. Twins on initial ultrasound, large numbers of embryos available for transfer, and the presence of excess embryos for cryopreservation predict higher live birth rates.
Clinical Social Work, Science, and Doctoral Education: Schisms or Synergy?

Recent trends in social work have widened the schism between science and clinical social work. Ph.D. programs have become ever more oriented to grant-funded research and to preparing graduates for research-dominated careers. Academics have been developing a definition of a “science of social work” so the profession can claim its scientific base. The evidence-based practice movement and funders’ mandates to use evidence-supported practice techniques have created dilemmas for practitioners, whose views of these developments, positive and negative, are described. Some now argue for “practice-based research,” a model promoting practitioner involvement in research. Finally, rather than moving toward enhanced research and practice synergy in doctoral education, “practice doctorates” in social work are now being developed. Suggestions for enhancing connections between science and clinical social work are offered.
Bivariate uncertainty analysis for impact testing

This paper evaluates uncertainty contributors for frequency response function (FRF) measurements obtained through impact testing. The FRF is an important estimator for the structural dynamics of tool-holder–spindle-machine assemblies and is used as an input to analyses of milling dynamics. Therefore, it is of interest to determine the confidence in the measurement results. In this work, we present a bivariate uncertainty analysis that considers statistical variations, imperfect calibration coefficients for the hammer and transducer, misalignment between the intended and actual force direction during impact and mass loading (when using an accelerometer). The complex-valued FRF can be expressed by its real and imaginary parts, which are potentially correlated. This correlation is included in the bivariate analysis. An ellipsoid-shaped confidence region (at each frequency) is defined in the complex plane; the size and orientation of this region is determined from the individual input uncertainties. The scalar, total uncertainty is then determined using an eigen analysis of the FRF covariance matrix. Experimental results are provided.
Herbage, Phosphorus, and Nitrogen Yields of Winter-Season Forages on High-Phosphorus Soil

In climates where cool seasons can produce a forage crop, annual grasses and forbs can be used on dairies to recycle nutrients back to the animals and to phytoremediate soils high in P or N. In north-central Texas, on a Windthorst fine sandy loam (fine, mixed, thermic, Udic Paleustalf) with 250 mg P kg ―1 an on-dairy trial measured yields of dry matter (DM), N, and P, as well as fiber fractions of five cool season legumes, six grasses, and two brassicas. Some grasses yielded >8 Mg herbage DM during high rainfall years, whereas the most productive legumes and brassicas could only match half that production. Because the soils were high in nitrate-N and plant-available P, concentrations of these were high in herbage, resulting in >150 kg N ha ―1 yield in seven of the entries and >20 kg P in eight entries during a high-rainfall year. Potential for extracting, fixing, and sequestering N and P, combined with generally low fiber concentrations, indicated that some of these forages hold promise for nutrient recycling or phytoremediation ofhigh-N or -P dairy soils with the added benefit of producing nutritious forage for the dairies.
ADAPTATION IN CORTICAL CONTROL OF ARM MOVEMENT

Abstract By simultaneously recording multi-neuronal activities through chronically implanted electrode arrays in motor and sensory cortices, arm movement trajectory, and muscle activities, we observed both spatial and temporal differences in neuronal activities during different phases of a reaching task. We also discovered that when developing an effective control strategy to overcome an externally applied perturbation, the direction of the movement and the arm configuration played an important role in determining which control strategy to apply. The results indicated that predictive trajectory compensation was often adopted while stiffness control was also utilized.
Intonation in the monosyllabic utterances of 1-year-olds

Abstract Previous research has demonstrated that falling contours predominate in infant utterances as early as 3 months of age. The precocious appearance of falling intonation is usually attributed to “biological tendencies,” that is, the physiological naturalness of descending fundamental frequency patterns. In contrast, other investigations have shown that some children do not use adultlike falling or rising intonation contours until they produce their first words. To resolve these conflicting views of prosodic development, this study acoustically investigated intonation production in the monosyllabic utterances of 10 English-speaking children from 10 to 13 months of age and the utterance-final monosyllables of ten 4-year-olds. Children in both age groups produced a wider accent range in falling contours than in rising contours. Infants produced a narrower accent range than the preschoolers. The findings suggest that biological tendencies are not sufficient to account for children’s acquisition of intonation between the ages of 1 and 4 years.
RNA targeting by the HIV-1 Tat protein

The HIV Tat protein effects potent transcriptional activation of viral long terminal repeat-linked genes subsequent to binding an RNA target structure, termed TAR. Sequence-specific interactions, structure-specific electrostatic interactions, and cooperation with facilitating (cellular) factors collaborate for productive targeting. Binding occurs at a simple bulge loop, a ubiquitous element of RNA structure, and is mediated, in part, by an arginine-rich subdomain, found in many proteins that bind RNA. Principles elucidated from the Tat-TAR interaction provide a model for diverse RNA-protein interactions.
Narrow-bandwidth spontaneous luminescence from oriented semiconducting polymer nanostructures

High-resolution fluorescence imaging of isolated nanoparticles of a common semiconducting polymer (poly[2-methoxy-5-(2‘-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene, MEH-PPV), produced by ink-jet printing techniques, has revealed highly uniform transition moment orientation perpendicular to the glass substrate. In contrast with the broad emission spectra associated with bulk or single molecules of these species in thin films, we observe narrow photoluminescence emission spectra (10−15 nm fwhm) from individual oriented polymer nanostructures with no evidence of spectral diffusion on time scales of several hundred seconds. The distribution of center frequencies (from several hundred individual nanoparticle measurements) shows clearly defined peaks that can be correlated with excitonic traps of integer multiples of monomer conjugation lengths (8, 9, 10, and 11). The observation of discrete emission characteristics in this important class of materials suggests exciting possibilities in photonics and molecular optoe...
Religious Organizations and Homosexuality: The Acceptance of Gays and Lesbians in American Congregations

The participation of gays and lesbians in all aspects of society is continually disputed in the United States. Religion is one of the key battlegrounds. The extent to which religious congregations include lesbians and gays in congregational life is vital to the wider debate over homosexuality because congregations consistently influence more Americans than any other voluntary social institution reported by Putnam (Bowling alone: the collapse and revival of American community, Simon and Schuster, New York, 2000). Using nationally representative data from the 2006–2007 National Congregations Study this analysis investigates the level of acceptance of gays and lesbians within congregations as well as which congregations are most likely to allow lesbians and gays to become involved. I find that religious tradition, theological and political ideology, location, and demographic composition of congregations all influence the degree to which gays and lesbians are included into congregational life.
Differential Dephosphorylation of the FcRγ Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-based Activation Motif Tyrosines with Dissimilar Potential for Activating Syk *

The cell surface-expressed gamma chain of the high affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI) can be phosphorylated on two tyrosine residues of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM), leading to recruitment and activation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), a kinase that is essential for mast cell signaling and allergic responses. However, it is not known whether preferential phosphorylation or dephosphorylation of the two individual FcRgamma tyrosines (the N-terminal Tyr47 and C-terminal Tyr58) could regulate Syk activation. Herein we report that phosphorylation of only Tyr58 was able to elicit Syk phosphorylation and a weak rise in intracellular calcium, suggesting that Tyr58 phosphorylation may be distinctively important for Syk activation. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that both Tyr47 and Tyr58 could be similarly phosphorylated. However, mass spectrometric analysis of the phosphorylated FcepsilonRgamma from bone marrow-derived mast cells showed that phosphorylation at Tyr47 was at least 2-fold greater than at Tyr58. This suggested that, once phosphorylated, Tyr58 is preferentially dephosphorylated. In vitro studies demonstrated more efficient dephosphorylation of Tyr58 (by the receptor-associated phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2) than of Tyr47. Analysis of Syk binding to wild type and mutant phosphorylated FcepsilonRI revealed that mutation at Tyr58 almost completely ablated Syk binding, whereas mutation at Tyr47 moderately reduced Syk binding. The findings argue for a novel regulatory mechanism, where dephosphorylation of phospho-Tyr58 is likely to promote the down-regulation of Syk activation and suppression of mast cell responses.
Utilization of rumen metabolites as energy sources in rats

Abstract The utilization of the energy from acetate, propionate, and butyrate when providing 24% of the dietary gross energy was studied in female rats weighing approximately 50 and 140 g. Substitution of acetate, propionate, or butyrate for starch and glucose did not significantly affect the digestible, metabolizable, or net energy measurements. Dietary propionate appeared to interface with normal metabolic function to the extent that this diet could not be fed to the younger rats. While older rats did have rough hair coats, reddening of the paws, and were extremely excitable, their performance was not different from that of rats receiving the control ration when measured by the parameters used in this experiment.
Spatial teleconnections in African rainfall: A comparison of 19th and 20th century patterns

Rainfall variability over the African continent is remarkably coherent on large-spatial scales. The continent as a whole has exhibited marked fluctuations of rainfall on scales from decades to millennia. A newly created data set commencing in 1800 allows for the comparison between patterns of spatial variability that prevailed on modern and historical time scales. The results show the dominance of a small number of spatial patterns, one of the most common being anomalies of the same sign over most of the continent. Two other common modes are an opposition between equatorial and subtropical regions and an east–west opposition in the equatorial region and in southern Africa. In these modes, the shift between negative and positive poles can be abrupt. These patterns remain stable over time. That is, the spatial patterns and their degree of dominance are markedly similar during the 19th and 20th centuries. On the other hand, the large-scale factors governing the rainfall regime appear to vary on decadal time ...
Derivation of a color space for image color difference measurement

In digital image reproduction, it is often desira- ble to compute image difference of reproductions and the original images. The traditional CIE color difference for- mula, designed for simple color patches in controlled viewing conditions, is not adequate for computing image difference for spatially complex image stimuli. Zhang and Wandell (Proceedings of the SID Symposium, 1996; p 731-734) introduced the S-CIELAB model to account for complex color stimuli using spatial filtering as a prepro- cessing stage. Building on S-CIELAB, iCAM was designed to serve as both a color appearance model and also an image difference metric for complex color stimuli (IST p 33-38). These image difference models follow a similar image processing path to approximate the behavior of human observers. Generally, image pairs are first converted into device-independent coordinates such as CIE XYZ tristimu- lus values or approximate human cone responses (LMS), and then further transformed into opponent-color chan- nels approximating white-black, red-green, and yellow- blue color perceptions. Once in the opponent space, the images are filtered with approximations of human con- trast sensitivity functions (CSFs) to remove information that is invisible to the human visual system. The images are then transformed back to a color difference space such as CIELAB, and pixel-by-pixel color differences are calculated. The shape and effectiveness of the CSF spatial filters used in this type of modeling is highly dependent on the choice of opponent color space. For image differ- ence calculations, the ideal opponent color space would be both linear and orthogonal such that the linear filter- ing is correct and any spatial processing on one channel does not affect the others. This article presents a review of historical opponent color spaces and an experimental derivation of a new color space and corresponding spatial filters specifically designed for image color difference calculations. !2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 35, 387-400, 2010; Published online 7 January 2010 in Wiley
Unprovoked periodontal hemorrhage, life‐threatening anemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura: an unusual case report

Spontaneous gingival bleeding can occasionally be the only sign of systemic bleeding problems. The diagnosis and management of such conditions may challenge the skills of both the hematologist and the oral physician. We present this patient because of several confusing phenomena that were encountered: unprovoked periodontal hemorrhage, which endangered the life of an otherwise asymptomatic young adult male; (especially unusual was a platelet count above 150,000 cells per microliter of blood), and presentation of idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura through spontaneous periodontal hemorrhage alone. This case history also highlights the fact that medical intervention to correct the underlying aberration of hemostasis is necessary for local dental measures to successfully stop bleeding. In contrast with the definition of thrombocytopenia, the "within normal" count of platelets should not exclude the possibility of idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura; a fact that, if ignored, can make the diagnosis and management of bleeding troublesome.
Analysis of ovarian cancer and associated risk factors

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. It is the ninth most common cancer in women. 5 to 10% of ovarian cancers occur due to heritable risk. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), reproductive factors such as age at menopause and infertility contribute to greater risk of ovarian cancer, whereas pregnancy, tubal ligation, and hysterectomy reduce risk. This research analysis was performed to analyse and extract various statistics associated with ovarian cancer. It was performed from the 2008 data obtained from The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). We used three main ASCII files from NIS: inpatient core file, disease severity measures file, and hospital weights file. From this data, we found 5,561 women with a primary diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Various comorbidities and many other factors related to ovarian cancer are analysed and studied. Their odds ratios are calculated. The results of each analysis are discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of BDSDA/APB polyimide

A novel linear aromatic polyphenylene ethersulfideimide (BDSDA/APB) has been synthesized. Its physical, mechanical, thermal, and flow properties and its resistance to some of the more commonly used solvents were determined. The results of these property evaluations indicate this polymer system can be processed via conventional thermoplastic techniques. It has been molded, used as a resin, and cast into thin films and, accordingly, may have a wide variety of applications. Its molecular weight was varied by endcapping with phthalic anhydride. Over the Mn range 14,000–45,000 the apparent viscosities and GIc values varied only slightly. However, a change in Mn from 14,000 to 8700 resulted in a dramatic decrease in the apparent viscosity at both 250°C and 280°C. The GIc values for these same molecular weight materials decreased in a like manner as the Mn decreased, indicating tradeoffs can be made between process optimization and final mechanical properties when polymer systems are developed.
Satisfying brain metabolism at high altitude

![][1] At sea level, we bathe in air compressed by Earth's atmosphere, replete with oxygen molecules. At this low altitude, most of us can walk easily without huffing and puffing and we can exercise with some huffing and puffing because we're used to it. However, at 5050 m above sea
Dis/Embodied Voices: What Late-Adolescent Girls Can Teach Us About Objectification and Sexuality

This mixed-method study explored the relationship between self-objectification and sexuality in a small sample of late-adolescent girls. Based on their responses to a survey measure of body objectification, the authors chose six 12th-grade girls’ semistructured interviews from a larger pool of interviews to examine what girls who scored low on the measure (less self-objectified) and girls who scored high on the measure (more self-objectified) said about their sexuality. Using thematic analysis, the authors identified themes such as communication of sexual desires and boundaries. This study found that less self-objectified girls expressed positive attitudes about sexuality, evidenced more comfort talking about sexuality, and engaged in sexual experimentation, whereas more self-objectified girls were less comfortable talking about sex and expressed regret at having had sex. Teaching embodied practices that disrupt girls’ self-objectification and promote positive body image may help girls experience greater sexual health, agency, sexual satisfaction, and partner communication.
Fifteen years experience in measuring 224Ra and 223Ra by delayed-coincidence counting

Abstract The RaDeCC™ system has proved to be a robust method of measuring 223 Ra and 224 Ra extracted from natural waters. Samples ranging in size from 1000 L are first concentrated onto Mn-fiber. The Mn-fiber is partially dried and placed into a circulation system with helium as the carrier gas. Alpha decays of the radon daughters of 223 Ra and 224 Ra are recorded in a scintillation cell. These data are used to activate electronic gates in the delayed coincidence system, which separate events due to 223 Ra from those due to 224 Ra. The system combines a high detection efficiency with low background to accurately measure 223 Ra and 224 Ra at concentrations on the order of 5 atoms per liter. Since this system was first deployed, numerous improvements in electronics and technique have occurred. In this paper I present tests we have conducted to confirm certain assumptions and improve the overall technique of sample collection and measurement.
An effective Lagrangian for photons

Abstract The effective Lagrangian for photon-photon interactions is used to calculate scattering cross sections at the tree level. The one loop renormalization is discussed. The one loop contribution to forward scattering of terms proportional to ( ω / m ) 8 ln ( ω / μ ) is isolated and the coefficient is determined.
Computerized luminal analysis for detection of non-calcified plaques in coronary CT angiography

Non-calcified plaque (NCP) detection in coronary CT angiography (cCTA) is challenging due to the low CT number of NCP, the large number of coronary arteries and multiple phase CT acquisition. We are developing computer-vision methods for automated detection of NCPs in cCTA. A data set of 62 cCTA scans with 87 NCPs was collected retrospectively from patient files. Multiscale coronary vessel enhancement and rolling balloon tracking were first applied to each cCTA volume to extract the coronary artery trees. Each extracted vessel was reformatted to a straightened volume composed of cCTA slices perpendicular to the vessel centerline. A topological soft-gradient (TSG) detection method was developed to prescreen for both positive and negative remodeling candidates by analyzing the 2D topological features of the radial gradient field surface along the vessel wall. A quantitative luminal analysis was newly designed for feature extraction and false positive (FP) reduction. We extracted 9 geometric features and 6 gray-level features, to quantify the differences between NCPs and FPs. The gray-level features included 4 features to measure local statistical characteristics and 2 asymmetry features to measure the asymmetric spatial location of gray-level density along the vessel centerline. The geometric features included a radius differential feature and 8 features extracted from two transformed volumes: the volumetric shape indexing and the gradient direction mapping volumes. With a machine learning algorithm and feature selection method, useful features were selected and combined into an NCP likelihood measure to differentiate TPs from FPs. With the NCP likelihood measure as a decision variable in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the curve achieved a value of 0.85±0.01, indicating that the luminal analysis is effective in reducing FPs for NCP detection.
Effects of walking velocity on relative phase dynamics in the trunk in human walking

The nature of coordination changes and stability features in the relative phase dynamics of the trunk were examined in seven healthy subjects, while walking velocity on a treadmill was gradually increased and decreased. Predictions from Schoner et al (J. Theor. Biol. 142, 359-391, 1990) regarding transition mechanisms in quadrupedal walking generalized to pelvis-thorax phase relations in bipedal walking, in that more continuous transitions with and without loss of stability were observed when walking velocity was manipulated as a control parameter. Relative phase changed from more in-phase (about 25 degrees) at lower velocities to more out-of-phase (about 110 degrees) at higher velocities. Stability analysis of relative phase demonstrated the existence of more than one stable coordination pattern ('multistability'). Total ranges of motion in pelvis, thorax, and trunk, as well as stride length were larger at the decreasing velocity range was compared to the increasing velocity range, showing dependence on direction of control parameter manipulation ('hysteresis effect'). The nature of these transitions identifies phase relations in the trunk in human walking as lower symmetry dynamics, a finding consistent with the proposed dynamics of the quadrupedal walking mode. These results suggest the existence of different coordination patterns (multistability) in the human bipedal walking mode and question traditional distinctions in only two modes (walking and running) in human gait.
How Boots Befooled the King: Wisdom, Truth, and the Stoics

Can the wise person be fooled? The Stoics take a very strong view on this question, holding that the wise person (or sage) is never deceived and never believes anything that is false. This seems to be an implausibly strong claim, but it follows directly from some basic tenets of the Stoic cognitive and psychological world-view. In developing an account of what wisdom really requires, I will explore the tenets of the Stoic view that lead to this infallibilism about wisdom, and show that many of the elements of the Stoic picture can be preserved in a more plausible fallibilist approach. Specifically, I propose to develop a Stoic fallibilist virtue epistemology that is based on the Stoic model of the moral virtues. This model of the intellectual virtues will show that (in keeping with a folk distinction) the wise person is never befooled, though that person might be fooled.
An additivity principle for Goldie rank

LetA be a noetherian ring. In generalA will not admit a classical Artinian ring of quotients. Yet a problem in enveloping algebras leads one to consider the possible embedding ofA in a prime ringB which is finitely generated as a left and a rightA module. Under certain additional technical assumptions, it is shown that the setS of regular elements ofA is regular inB and is an Ore set in bothA andB withS −1 A andS −1 B Artinian. This enables one to establish the following additivity principle for Goldie rank. Let {P 1,P 2, …P 1} be the set of minimal primes ofA. Then under the above conditions it is shown that there exist positive integersz 1,z 2, …,z, such that $$\sum\limits_{i = 1}^r {z_i rk} (A/Pi) = rk B,$$ , where rk denotes Goldie rank. This applies to the study of primitive ideals in the enveloping algebra of a complex semisimple Lie algebra.
The electrical stimulation of bone using a filamentous carbon cathode

Filamentous carbon fiber is an extremely compatible biomaterial. It does not corrode and elicits almost no foreign body response. In addition, this material is an efficient electrical conductor in vivo. These desirable characteristics suggest that carbon fiber may be of use as an electrode material for the stimulation of bone and/or soft tissue growth. This possibility has been investigated in a well established laboratory animal model. When used as a cathode material in conjunction with an implantable constant direct current device, carbon fiber was shown to be an effective electrode material for the stimulation of bone and fibrous tissue within the medullary canal of the tibia of the rabbit. Further, adjustment of current levels appear to allow some selectivity in terms of the amount and type of tissue produced. Currents in the 1 microA range produced a maximum amount of bone, whereas a 20 microA current produced a maximum amount of fibrous tissue. Intermediate current levels produced a proportional mix of bone and soft tissue.
Does a reduced fat diet cause retardation in child growth

Abstract Background. A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol is strongly recommended by the American Heart Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program as a way to prevent coronary heart disease. In addition, the National Cancer Institute has suggested that dietary fat restriction may also prevent the development of some cancers. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics reviewed the same evidence in relation to children and concluded that the major dietary changes recommended for adults should not be prescribed for children. Methods. In this article, we review the evidence for the detrimental consequences associated with dietary fat restriction for children. Evidence from studies on secular trends, migration, and vegetarian communities suggests minor effects of dietary fat restriction upon growth. In addition, there is some evidence indicating that children who are placed on severe dietary restriction during growth periods may experience growth stunting. Virtually all of the published studies have serious methodological limitations. Conclusion. We conclude that dietary fat restriction may have some small, but measurable, effects upon growth.
Evaluation of Automotive Color Matches

Suppliers of color-matched automotive parts are sometimes frustrated when match tolerances set by automotive stylists seem inconsistent or unrealistic. The stylist, on the other hand, sees a perplexingly wide range of quality and is aware of vast differences in expertise among those supplying material or parts. Here we explore the parameters affecting color match and discuss the role of color measurement in facing the problems.
Differences in Achievement Patterns for Boys and Girls in Kindergarten and First Grade: A Longitudinal Study

Summary.-This study examined differences in boys' and girls' achiwement at the end of kindergarten and first grade. Although no sex differences were found on developmental indexes when children entered kindergarten, sex differences in achievement were noted on four of five measures of achievement by the end of kindergarten. In all instances girls outperformed bogs. By the end of first grade, however, no sex differences were evident on four measures of achievement. Bases for sex differences are described in terms of classroom socialization patterns and teachers' interaction with children. There has been a long-standing concern regarding the feminization of children during their early years in school and possible detrimental later effects especially on boys (Lee, 1973). The purpose of this study was to examine the patterns of academic achievement of boys and girls from the beginning of the kindergarten year to the end of first grade. Previous research has shown that sex differences at this level have been manifested in various forms. At the broadest level, cultural or societal expectations shape performance. Teachers and parents in the United States tend to expect girls to perform better in reading, whereas those in other cultures believe boys would be better performers (Lehr, 1982). This affects teacher-child interactions. For instance, teachers make more academic contacts and spend more cognitive time with girls in reading, which is associated with sex differences in end-of-the-year reading achievement (Leinhardt, Seewald, & Engel, 1979). In kindergarten and first-grade ratings favor girls, even though there are no initial (kindergarten) or final (end of first grade) sex differences in achievement. This in turn affects academic achievement; girls outperform boys (Engin, 1974; Leinhardt, et al., 1979; Vroegh, 1976).
Adverse Cardiovascular Effects with Acute Particulate Matter and Ozone Exposures: Interstrain Variation in Mice

ObjectivesIncreased ambient particulate matter (PM) levels are associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, as shown by numerous epidemiology studies. Few studies have investigated the r...
Contribution of lip proportions to facial aesthetics in different ethnicities: A three-dimensional analysis

Summary Background Lip augmentations are commonly performed procedures in the United States, with annual numbers surpassing 100 000. While lips contribute to facial beauty, the relative influence of this feature to whole facial appeal has not yet been established. What is also of increasing interest is the consideration of ethnic differences in the evaluation of beauty. However, most current anthropometric measurements refer to Caucasians, and their use in the treatment of Asian American patients would be inappropriate. Methods Three-dimensional models of 197 male and female Caucasian, Chinese and Korean subjects were created using surface-imaging technology. The lips and corresponding faces from these models were ranked according to subjective aesthetic appeal by 20 male and female raters of various ages, occupations and ethnicities. The raters' results were subsequently compared with individually measured lip parameters. Results Rankings between lips and their corresponding whole faces differed greatly. Lips that were rated as the most attractive were smaller than average in midline upper lip surface heights, bilateral paramedian lip surface heights, upper lip angles and volume in the lower lip. Both Asian groups exhibited significantly different lip parameters and lip-projection volumes from that of Caucasians. Conclusions The results from this study suggest that there are indeed measurable differences in the baseline Asian lip morphology as compared with Caucasians. Tailoring lip enhancement treatment to each individual's anatomy, ethnic background and personal goals can optimise outcomes. What is also of interest is that lips did not contribute as much to facial attractiveness as previously thought.
Incidencia y complicaciones relacionadas con la oclusión de los sistemas de neuroprotección durante la colocación de stent carotídeo

Revisiones recientes de las complicaciones especificas de los dispositivos de neuroproteccion han analizado las dificultades tecnicas durante la colocacion, asi como sus complicaciones durante la intervencion y a los 30 dias. Sin embargo, apenas existe informacion sobre las complicaciones relacionadas con la oclusion del filtro durante la colocacion de stent carotideo. Se llevo a cabo una revision retrospectiva de los pacientes sometidos a intervenciones de stent en la arteria carotida utilizando una variedad de dispositivos neuroprotectores entre 2003 y 2007. Se examinaron las bases de datos prospectivas de dos centros en busca de la incidencia y el tratamiento de las oclusiones del filtro durante las intervenciones asi como los episodios neurologicos adversos (intraoperatorios y a los 30 dias) asociados con la oclusion del filtro. Se realizaron 283 colocaciones de stent en arteria carotida en 256 pacientes (163 hombres, 93 mujeres): 177 lesiones (62,5%) eran asintomaticas y 106 sintomaticas. Se produjeron episodios neurologicos adversos en 6 pacientes (2,1%); tres de ellos se resolvieron por completo a las 72 h. Se utilizo neuroproteccion en el 95% de los pacientes, y se utilizaron filtros en 221 intervenciones de stent: Boston Scientific Filter Wire (n = 81), Guidant Accunet (n = 100), Angioguard (n = 17), y Abbot Emboshield (n = 23). Se produjeron oclusiones del filtro en 11 pacientes (4,9%) en los que se utilizo esta forma de neuroproteccion: Angioguard (n = 5), Accunet (n = 2), Emboshield (n = 2), y EPI Filter Wire (n = 2). Dos de los 11 pacientes con oclusiones del filtro sufrieron un episodio neurologico. No existio ninguna correlacion entre la oclusion del filtro y el sexo, los sintomas, el tipo de stent, o de sistema de neuroproteccion (p > 0,05). La oclusion del filtro se trato mediante la aspiracion por cateter export en 7 pacientes y con la retirada rapida del filtro en 5 pacientes. La oclusion del filtro es un suceso poco frecuente que no parece ser especifico del tipo de sistema utilizado y que puede tratarse de forma satisfactoria mediante aspiracion por cateter o mediante la retirada del mismo. La mayoria de los pacientes con oclusiones del sistema de neuroproteccion no sufren episodios ateroembolicos como resultado de esta complicacion.
“SAIRS” — Scalable Amtec Integrated Reactor space power System

Abstract Conceptual Designs of three, 111 kWe, Scalable AMTEC Integrated Reactor Space Power Systems (SAIRS) are developed. These systems employ fast-spectrum reactors cooled by sodium (Na) heat pipes, C-C armored, potassium (K) heat pipes radiators, and Alkali Metal Thermal-To-Electric Conversion (AMTEC) units. The reactor Na- and the radiator K-heat pipes operate at
Viable cell handling with high aspect ratio polymer chopstick gripper mounted on a nano precision manipulator

This paper presents the development of an optimized contact technique for viable cell manipulation utilizing a high aspect ratio polymer chopstick gripper. The gripper consists of a 2 μm thick metal heater layer and a 60 μm thick SU-8 layer and is fabricated by a typical UV-LIGA process using SiO2 as sacrificial layer. The grippers were completely released, de-tethered and assembled as end-effectors on to a nano precision manipulator to perform cell manipulation. Successful pick-and-place of a suspended normal rat kidney cell in phosphate buffered saline solution was demonstrated. The major cell-damage mechanisms associated with contact techniques were identified and alleviated by optimizing the handling force and operating temperature of the polymer gripper. The viability of cells handled with this optimized contact technique was demonstrated by labeling cells with a fluorescent dye. The developed technique will enable incorporation of simple, viable, and repeatable cell handling capabilities into the generic micromanipulators used in the biological laboratories.