cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human Enteric Viruses as Causes of Foodborne Disease.

Recent epidemiological evidence indicates that enteric viruses are the leading cause of foodborne disease in the U.S.A. and, indeed, worldwide. Certainly, advances in epidemiology and molecular biology have improved the ability to study this previously elusive group of foodborne pathogens. The purpose of this article is to review the agents, transmission routes, epidemiology, persistence, diagnosis, and detection of foodborne viruses and their diseases, with specific reference to the role that contemporary technologies have had in improving our understanding of this important group of emerging foodborne pathogens.
Social and environmental factors influence cattle distribution on rangeland

Abstract We determined the cattle distribution patterns of dams (and foster dams) and their offspring while grazing a 1030 ha (about 3 km by 5 km) allotment during the summers of 1990–1993. Our primary objective in this 4-year field study was to determine whether yearling and adult offspring (and foster offspring) would return to the initial locations and associated habitat types that they were exposed to by their dams (or foster dams) early in life. We observed the dams' offspring for four consecutive summers (1990–1993) and the foster-dams' offspring for 3 consecutive summers (1991–1993). Cross-fostering was conducted to learn the relative importance of natural dams vs. foster dams as social models in influencing distribution patterns of offspring. Offspring were reared mostly in two different locations on the allotment by their dams or foster dams. Centroid analyses indicated that offspring in all 4 groups remained near the general location where they were reared as calves when they returned to the allotment as older animals (mean 0.5 to 1.2 km from dams' or foster dams' centroid). Peers apparently attenuated the dams' (and foster dams') influence on location and habitat use when offspring were yearlings. The effect of peers was manifested by an increase in distance from dams' or foster dams' centroid, and by a higher association index among yearlings, both of which reflected the collective experiences of offspring in the peer groups. Drought weakened the dams' and foster dams' influence on location and habitat use as water became scarce near their centroids, but drought amplified the dams' and foster dams' influence when water was not limited near their centroids. By the final year of the study, offspring in 3 of the 4 groups monitored were within 0.7 km from the dams' or foster dams' centroid (offspring in the fourth group were within 1.1 km from the foster dams' centroid). Collectively, our results suggest that experiences early in life affected cattle distribution, and that distribution at any point in time was a ‘snapshot’ of ongoing behavioral changes that were developing according to each individual's antecedent experiences and current environmental and social conditions. These results support the ‘working hypotheses’ that herding, selective culling, and water and shade development are important management techniques that can enhance dispersion and decrease use of sensitive areas on rangelands (e.g., riparian areas).
Adolescent and adult leisure patterns: A 37‐year follow‐up study

Abstract The relationship between adolescent and adult leisure activities was assessed by utilizing longitudinal data from 1298 subjects studied during their high school years and again when they were in their early fifties. For the sample members, the greater the involvement in a specific type of activity during adolescence, the more frequent the participation in the same type of activity at midlife. This was true in regard to participation in formal organizations; socializing; intellectual, creative, and artistic activities; and (for women) sports activities. The positive relationship between adolescent and adult leisure choices was stronger for women than for men in the areas of creative/artistic and sports activities.
Laser-Excited Cross Fluorescent Emission from Cesium Molecules,

Abstract We report the first observation of cross fluorescent infrared emission bands from laser-excited alkali molecules. One example, a newly observed band of Cs2 between 1.50 and 1.63 μ, is discussed in some detail. These new decay modes allow quantitative experimental studies of low-lying and previously unobserved states of gerade symmetry in alkali dimers.
931 INHIBITION OF HEMATOPOIESIS BY SUPRESSOR-T CELL DERIVED LYMPHOKINE IN PURE RED CELL APLASIA (PRCA)

T-cell derived lymphokines have been linked with the pathogenesis of bone marrow failure state in humans. We have investigated the mechanism of PRCA in a 10 year old boy with associated neutropenia (granulocytes 780/mm3). Serum mediated effects on hematopoiesis were evaluated by cytotoxicity assays with and without complement, followed by in vitro cultures in methylcellulose with erythropoietin (Ep) alone or Ep plus Mo conditioned medium (containing erythroid burst-promoting activity, EPA). Regulation of hematopoiesis was evaluated after T-cell depletion by indirect immunoabsorption (panning) techniques with Leu 1 (pan-T) or Leu 2a (suppressor monoclonal antibodies. Following was the number of colonies/105 cells plated: BFU-E-45±13 (Ep), and 63±10 (Mo and Ep). CFU-GM 61±17 (Mo and Ep). Patient serum produced complement independent inhibition of autologous BFU-E (100%) and CFU-GM (63%). Heat inactivation of patient serum decreased the inhibition to 59% in BFU-E and 0% in CFU-GM. Removal of either marrow pan-T (44%) or suppressor-T (21%) cells resulted in a 2-3 fold increase over the expected BFU-E and a 1.5-fold increase over expected CFU-GM. Addition of 10% autologous suppressor T-cells to bone marrow T-free target cells produced a 43% inhibition of both BFU-E and CFU-GM. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that a suppressor T-cell derived lymphokine inhibited both erythroid and to a lesser extent, myeloid progenitor cell expression in PRCA.
Imaging After GliaSite Brachytherapy: Prognostic MRI Indicators of Disease Control and Recurrence

Purpose: In this study, we analyzed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in patients after GliaSite treatment and characterized the prognostic MRI indicators in these patients. Methods and Materials: A total of 25 patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme were treated with the GliaSite Radiation Therapy System. Patients at the Johns Hopkins Hospital with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme underwent surgical resection followed by GliaSite balloon implantation. Available MRI scans for 20 patients were obtained throughout the post-GliaSite treatment course. These were reviewed and analyzed for prognostic significance. Results: After GliaSite treatment, all patients developed some degree of T{sub 1}-weighted contrast and T{sub 2}-weighted hyperintensity around the resection cavity. The development of enhancement on T{sub 1}-weighted contrast-enhanced imaging and the size of these lesions, in the absence of increasing T{sub 2}-weighted hyperintensity, before clinical progression was not associated with decreased survival. Patients with T{sub 1}-weighted enhancement >1 cm had a median survival of 13.6 months and those with T{sub 1}-weighted lesions <=1 cm had a median survival of 8.5 months (p = .014). In contrast, the development of larger areas of T{sub 2}-weighted hyperintensity surrounding the resection cavity was significantly associated with poorer survival (p = .027). Conclusion: After GliaSite treatment, characteristic T{submore » 1}- and T{sub 2}-weighted changes are seen on MRI. Greater T{sub 1}-weighted changes in the absence of increasing edema appears not to indicate disease progression; however, greater T{sub 2}-weighted changes were associated with decreased survival. These findings suggest that T{sub 1}-weighted enhancement in the absence of concomitant edema after GliaSite treatment might represent pseudoprogression. Conversely, increasing T{sub 2}-weighted hyperintensity might reflect infiltrative disease progression. These results provide a framework for the analysis of disease control in future prospective studies of GliaSite treatment.« less
Comparing mixture estimates by parametric bootstrapping likelihood ratios

Wildlife managers and researchers often need to estimate the relative contributions of distinct populations in a miture of organisms. Increasingly, there is interest in comparing these mixture contributions across space or time. Comparisons usually just check for overlap in the interval estimates for each population contribution from each mixture. This method inflates Type I error rates, has limited power due to its focus on marginal comparisons, and employs a fundamentally inappropriate measure of mixture difference. Given the difficulty of defining an appropriate measure of mixture difference, a powerful alternative is to compare mixtures using a likelihood ratio test. In applications where the standard asymptotic theory does not hold, the null reference distribution can be obtained through parametric bootstrapping. In addition to testing simple hypotheses, a likelihood ratio framework encourages modeling the change in mixture contributions as a function of covariates. The method is demonstrated with an analysis of potential sampling bias in the estimation of population contributions to the commercial sockeye, salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) fishery in Upper Cook Inlet, Alaska.
Distribution and structure of communities dominated by Ruppia, Zostera and Potamogeton species in the inland waters of ‘De Bol’, Texel, The Netherlands

Abstract During the years 1975 and 1976 the distribution and structure of the communities dominated by Ruppia cirrhosa (Petagna) Grande, Ruppia maritima L., Zostera marina L. and Potamogeton pectinatus L. were investigated in the inland waters of ‘De Bol’, Texel. The studied (semi-)isolated brackish ponds and ditches, situated behind the Wadden Sea dike showed different salinity characteristics throughout the year. These differences, due to several phenomena such as seepage through the dike, influx of slightly brackish polder water (reservoir function), and penetration of seawater at high tide through sluices, were correlated with the distribution pattern of the phanerogams and the accompanying macrofauna. The structure of habitat and vegetation when optimally developed is discussed extensively. Clear differences appeared to exist between the faunistic composition of the Potamogeton pectinatus-Ruppia maritima dominated vegetation with the relatively low annual mean salinity of 4.1 ‰ Cl − and the more saline environment dominated by Zostera marina with a mean annual salinity of about 14.0 ‰ Cl − . The distributional patterns of vegetation and macrofauna in the ‘normal’ year 1975 are compared with those of 1976 which was characterized by an exceptionally dry and hot summer resulting in high salinity maxima. Finally seasonal and functional aspects of the communities are discussed.
Reactive and inhibiting adsorbates for the catalytic electrooxidation of carbon monoxide on gold (210) as characterized by surface infrared spectroscopy

Potential-dependent sequences of surface infrared spectra have been obtained during the voltammetric electrooxidation of solution carbon monoxide on ordered Au(210), in acidic, neutral, and alkaline aqueous media. Under optimal catalytic conditions, only a reactive form of adsorbed CO is detected, yielding a CO stretching frequency (vCO) at ∼ 2100–2115 cm−1. The occurrence of reaction inhibition is accompanied by the displacement of this adsorbate by a lower vCO form, located at ∼1900–2000 cm−1, its appearance being favored by increasing surface exposure time and more negative dosing potentials. The mechanistic implications of such combined real-time infrared/voltammetric results are noted.
Stem Cell Niches in the Mouse Airway

Stem cell research has progressed to new levels of understanding over the last decade. Many adult tissues undergo continuous self-renewal and hence require resident stem cells with the capacity for multipotent differentiation in that organ (1). Such adult stem cells are permanently established in an organ following embryogenesis. Stem cells are most often slow-cycling and give rise to transient amplifying cells (TAC), which impart the majority of tissue renewal in the setting of injury. Unlike stem cells, which by definition have unlimited proliferative capacity, TAC are restricted in their capacity to divide and cannot proliferate indefinitely. Although stem cells and TAC are both selfrenewing populations, TAC are primarily thought to be the major progenitor population which gives rise to terminally differentiated cell types of an adult organ. While the concept of lineage restricted stem cells in adult organs has a long history, recent research isolating stem cells from different organs with multipotent capacity for “trans-differentiation” into various tissue lineages has begun to redefine “stem cell” characteristics (2). For example, neural stem cells have been found to have the capacity to cross tissue-specific lineages in the production of blood derived hematopoietic cell types (3). Similarly, bone marrow-derived myogenic progenitors have also been demonstrated to have the capacity to regenerate muscle (4, 5). These findings have reorganized thinking in the field beyond the traditional viewpoint that stem cells of adult tissues are limited to cell lineages present only in the organ from which they are derived. The concept of whether all organs retain stem cells with multipotent capacity for trans-differentiation across tissue lineages remains to be determined. However, these findings suggest that stem cells can respond to the unique biochemical cues of a niche in which they reside.
Local and distant prey-related cues influence when an acarine predator leaves a prey patch.

Over relatively long distances, the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis is able to detect volatiles produced by bean plants that are infested by its prey, Tetranychus urticae, the twospotted spider mite. Our investigation examined the separate and combined effects of prey, their products, and prey-induced plant volatiles on when P. persimilis left a potential prey host plant. In wind tunnels, we assessed the relative importance of and interaction among local and distant prey-related cues. The examination of local cues included: (1) all local cues (prey eggs, webbing, and prey-induced plant volatiles), (2) food (prey eggs) and webbing only, (3) plant volatiles only, and (4) no prey-related cues. The examination of distant cues involved the presence or absence of prey-induced plant volatiles from upwind plants. External volatile cues, produced by placing prey-infested plants upwind in the wind tunnel, resulted in more predators leaving downwind plants, and leaving sooner, than when clean plants were upwind, regardless of the availability of prey or prey-related cues on the local plant. However, local cues, especially the presence of food/webbing, had a greater effect than distant cues on timing of predator leaving. Predators remained in larger numbers and for longer times on prey-infested plants. However, the presence of either locally-produced plant volatiles or food/webbing alone still reduced the number of predators leaving a plant in the first hour compared to clean plants. After the first hour, the number of predators leaving was primarily driven by the presence of food/webbing. When no food/webbing was available, predators left plants rapidly; if food/webbing was available, some predatory mites remained on plants at least 24 hours. Even if no food/webbing was available, predators presented with local volatiles remained on plants for several hours longer than on clean plants without local volatiles. These small changes in leaving rates may lead to differences in local population dynamics, and possibly regional persistence, of the predator-prey interaction in patchy environments.
Minireview: the diverse roles of nuclear receptors in the regulation of embryonic stem cell pluripotency.

Extensive research has been devoted to the goal of understanding how a single cell of embryonic origin can give rise to every somatic cell type and the germ cell lineage, a hallmark defined as “pluripotency.” The aggregate of this work supports fundamentally important roles for the gene transcription networks inherent to the pluripotent cell. Transcription networks have been identified that are both required for pluripotency, as well as sufficient to reprogram somatic cells to a naive pluripotent state. Several members of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of transcription factors have been identified to play diverse roles in the regulation of pluripotency. The ligand-responsive nature of NRs coupled with the abundance of genetic models available has led to a significant advance in the understanding of NR roles in embryonic stem cell pluripotency. Furthermore, the presence of a ligand-binding domain may lead to development of small molecules for a wide range of therapeutic and research applications, even in cases of NRs that are not known to respond to physiologic ligands. Presented here is an overview of NR regulation of pluripotency with a focus on the transcriptional, proteomic, and epigenetic mechanisms by which they promote or suppress the pluripotent state.
Evaluation of issue-tracker's effectiveness for measuring individual performance on group projects

Group-based software engineering projects are an important part of Computing curricula. Evaluating the overall performance of the group on such a project is fairly straightforward; however, fair assessment of individual contributions to group-based projects remains a challenging problem. In an attempt to overcome this challenge, the web-based task management system, Issue-Tracker, has been adopted for evaluating a semester-long project involving an entire software engineering class. While Issue-Tracker appeared to be a useful tool for managing the overall project, the question of its effectiveness in evaluating the individual performance of a student remained. As an initial evaluation of Issue-Tracker's effectiveness, a subjective comparison of Issue-Tracker and an alternative grading method, competency matrices for peer assessment, was provided in previous work by the authors. This paper provides an objective comparison of the Issue-Tracker and competency matrix approaches by computing Spearman's and Pearson's correlation coefficients to see if scores obtained using the two methods are significantly correlated.
Physiological role of tumor necrosis factor α in traumatic muscle injury

degenerative and regenerative roles of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a pro-inflammatory cytokine with pleiotropic functions, were investigated by using TNF receptor 1 and 2 double knockout (TNFR-DKO) and TNF-alpha antibody neutralized mice following traumatic freeze injury to the tibialis anterior muscle. In wild-type control mice, TNF-alpha mRNA transcripts and protein increased following injury and gradually returned to control (uninjured) levels by 13 days. A reduction in MyoD mRNA expression occurred in TNF-alpha-deficient mice, although there were no visible differences in MyoD immunostaining or histological characteristics in regenerating muscles. At 5 days post-injury, the reductions in isometric strength in TNFR-DKO and TNF-alpha-depleted mice did not differ from that of wild-type mice but by 13 days after injury, the TNFR-DKO and TNF-alpha-depleted mice exhibited strength deficits twice that of wild-type mice (i.e., 27-31% vs 13%). Muscle injury was also accompanied by increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), but IL-6-deficient mice demonstrated MyoD expression and recovery of isometric strength similar to that of wild-type mice. These data indicate that TNF-alpha is involved in the recovery of muscle function after traumatic muscle injury, and this effect might be associated with modulation of muscle regulatory genes, including MyoD.
Percutaneous cryoablation of the kidney in a porcine model.

Abstract Several reports have documented that renal cryoablation when used either via open or laparoscopic surgical techniques can be well tolerated in animal models. We sought to examine the feasibility of performing renal cryoablation percutaneously, under ultrasound guidance, in a porcine model. A total of 13 juvenile swine was treated. In each animal the lower pole of the left kidney was used as the target. Each animal had serum drawn for Hct, Wbc, CK, BUN, creatinine, and myoglobin pre- and postcryoablation and again at the time of sacrifice. Animals were sacrificed at 0–42 days postoperatively, and the treated renal units were harvested and submitted for histologic examination. The procedures were divided into three groups based on the extent of the freeze time. Group 1 (n= 4) was treated for 3–4 min, single freeze; Group 2 (n= 3), 6–7 min, single freeze; and Group 3 (n= 6), a double freeze-thaw cycle, each for 10 min. None of the animals in this experiment died or experienced significant clinical deteriorations at any time post-treatment. No significant differences in any of the measured serum markers were noted between pre- and post-treatment values. For animals in Groups 1 and 2 discrete cryolesions were created with sharp 1-mm borders and no perirenal reaction/damage to surrounding structures. For animals in Group 3 large areas of renal infarction/cryolesions were produced, with significant perirenal reaction in 5/6 animals and gross hydronephrosis/total renal loss in 2/6. Percutaneous renal cryoablation appears to be well tolerated in the porcine model which we used. Associated morbidity appears to be related to the extent of freezing, with a safety tolerance in the present study limited to target areas of approximately 3–5 cm3. These findings suggest that a pilot study of percutaneous renal cryoablation for patients with 3–4-cm exophytic lesions may be warranted.
Effects of the spatial nonuniformity of optical transverse modes on the modulation response of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

We present detailed numerical simulations to clarify the important role that the nonuniformity of the transverse optical mode plays for the high-speed response of oxide-confined vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). The comprehensive laser diode simulator, Minilase, as well as a one-dimensional rate equation model are used as simulation tools. It is demonstrated that, due to the nonuniform optical intensity, carriers at different locations in the quantum well have different stimulated recombination rates, and therefore exhibit different dynamic responses to small signal modulation. This nonuniformity causes an overdamping of the relaxation oscillation, as well as a low-frequency roll-off of the modulation response. Due to this nonlinear effect, the intrinsic maximum bandwidth of VCSELs with oxide confined apertures is shown to be much smaller than predicted by the conventional rate equation model which assumes uniform optical intensity. We further demonstrate that this damping effect can be greatly reduced by restricting the current injection to be well within the transverse optical field. This is achievable by using tapered oxides to make the electrical aperture smaller than the optical aperture, which thereby improves the modulation bandwidth significantly.
Service learning and democratic citizenship

(1997). Service learning and democratic citizenship. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 36, Community Service Learning, pp. 150-156.
Complementarity, polarity and triality in non‐smooth, non–convex and non–conservative Hamilton systems

This paper presents a unified critical–point theory in non–smooth, non–convex and dissipative Hamilton systems. The canonical dual/polar transformation methods and the associated bi–duality and triality theories proposed recently in non–convex variational problems are generalized into fully nonlinear dissipative dynamical systems governed by non–smooth constitutive laws and boundary conditions. It is shown that, by this method, non–smooth and non–convex Hamilton systems can be reformulated into certain smooth dual, complementary and polar variational problems. Based on a newly proposed polar Hamiltonian , a nice bipolarity variational principle is established for three–dimensional non–smooth elastodynamical systems, and a potentially powerful complementary variational principle can be used for solving unilateral variational inequality problems governed by non–smooth boundary conditions.
Remark on ordered abelian groups

Let N be a subgroup of the torsion-free abelian group G. Then a partial order for N is contained in one, two or uncountably many full orders for G, and a full order for nonzero N is contained in one or uncountably many full orders for G.
gApprox: Mining Frequent Approximate Patterns from a Massive Network

Recently, there arise a large number of graphs with massive sizes and complex structures in many new applications, such as biological networks, social networks, and the Web, demanding powerful data mining methods. Due to inherent noise or data diversity, it is crucial to address the issue of approximation, if one wants to mine patterns that are potentially interesting with tolerable variations. In this paper, we investigate the problem of mining frequent approximate patterns from a massive network and propose a method called gApprox. gApprox not only finds approximate network patterns, which is the key for many knowledge discovery applications on structural data, but also enriches the library of graph mining methodologies by introducing several novel techniques such as: (1) a complete and redundancy-free strategy to explore the new pattern space faced by gApprox; and (2) transform "frequent in an approximate sense" into an anti-monotonic constraint so that it can be pushed deep into the mining process. Systematic empirical studies on both real and synthetic data sets show that frequent approximate patterns mined from the worm protein-protein interaction network are biologically interesting and gApprox is both effective and efficient.
A cytogenetic analysis of 2 cases of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of mixed connective tissue type

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of mixed connective tissue type is a rare, histologically distinctive mesenchymal neoplasm associated with tumor-induced osteomalacia resulting from production of the phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor 23. Because of its rarity, specific genetic alterations that contribute to the pathogenesis of these tumors have yet to be elucidated. Herein, we report the abnormal karyotypes from 2 cases of confirmed phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of mixed connective tissue type. G-banded analysis demonstrated the first tumor to have a karyotype of 46,Y,t(X;3;14)(q13;p25;q21)[15]/46XY[5], and the second tumor to have a karyotype of 46, XY,add(2)(q31),add(4)(q31.1)[2]/92,slx2[3]/46,sl,der(2)t(2;4)(q14.2;p14),der(4)t(2;4)(q14.2;p14),add(4)(q31.1)[10]/46,sdl,add(13)(q34)[4]/92,sdl2x2[1]. These represent what is, to our knowledge, the first examples of abnormal karyotypes obtained from phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of mixed connective tissue type.
Localized transient increases in endothelial cell Ca2+ in arterioles in situ: implications for coordination of vascular function

Intracellular Ca2+ transients were identified in endothelial cells (ECs) in intact blood-perfused arterioles. ECs in cremaster muscle arterioles (diameter ∼45 μm) in anesthetized mice were loaded w...
Attacks and Forensic Analysis for Multimedia Content Protection

Piracy is one of the biggest concerns in entertainment industry. Digital copies are perfect copies. An anti-piracy defense is to perform forensic analysis and identify who participates in the piracy and disable him/her from doing it again in the future. In this paper, we classify potential pirate attacks in various broadcast type content distribution systems. We shall also present corresponding forensic analysis scheme for those attacks
Whisker Growth under Controlled Humidity Exposure

Studies of Sn whiskers under controlled, calibrated humidity conditions shows that the highest whisker densities occur for ~ 85% RH. The whisker specimens were 1500 A Sn films sputtered under compressive stress conditions on silicon and electrochemically polished brass. Subsequently, the samples were exposed to a series of saturated aqueous salt solutions (which generated calibrated relative humidity values of 33, 43, 70, 76, 85, 98% RH) for ~140 days at room temperature. The Sn on brass case at 85% RH produced 6X greater whisker densities than Sn on brass exposed to pure O2, which in turn produced 9X greater whisker densities than Sn on brass exposed to ambient room temperature/humidity. The longest average whisker lengths (6.1 µm for Sn on brass and 9.3 µm for Sn on Si) occurred for 70% RH on both substrates. Corrosion features were observed on all samples, but the 98% RH samples experienced excessive corrosion. Generally, we find a dramatic increase in whisker density at > 60% RH and especially around 85% RH, in agreement with batch processed whisker experiments involving humidity [H. Reynolds et. al., IEEE Trans. Electron. Packag. Manuf. 33 (2010) and P. Oberndorff et. al., IEEE Electronic Comp. and Tech. Conference (2005) 429].
Thermal Properties of Bentonite-Water Dispersions Used for Modeling Foods

Selected thermal properties (moisture content, density, heat capacity, thermal conductivity) were measured for ten bentonite-water dispersions used in food modeling, and for bentonite powder. As the bentonite concentration increased, significant (P < 0.05) increases in thermal conductivity and density, and significant (P < 0.05) decreases in heat capacity were revealed. Measured heat capacity values were lower than calculated values of heat capacity which were derived from three formulas recommeded for foods.
Psychometric properties of the Fatigue Severity Scale and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale

article i nfo Objective: Fatigue is one of the most common, debilitating and life altering symptoms experienced by those with multiple sclerosis (MS) and has become the focus of therapeutic interventions and clinical rehabilitation. There is limited evidence regarding the psychometric properties and clinical relevance of fatigue outcomes for interpreting the effectiveness of intervention and rehabilitation strategies. This study determined the reliability, precision and clinically important change of the uni-dimensional Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the multi- dimensional Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Methods: The FSS and MFIS along with physical, psychological and cognitive clinical outcomes were adminis- tered to a sample of 82 persons with MS in a clinical research setting on two time points, separated by six months. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analyses established reliability; standard error of measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV) determined precision; minimal detectable change (MDC) defined clin- ically important change. Results: Participants varied in type of MS and disability status, with 77% of participants classified as having substantial fatigue, based on the criteria of a mean FSS score ≥4. The MFIS (ICC = 0.863) and the FSS (ICC = 0.751) had acceptable reliability over six months. Precision was reasonable for both scales (based on SEM and CV estimates) but better for the FSS. MDC estimates were established and were lower for the FSS. Conclusion: Reliability of the FSS and MFIS falls within acceptable ranges, and precision and clinically important change estimates provide guidelines for interpreting change in scores from these outcomes in clinical research of intervention and rehabilitation approaches for managing fatigue.
The optimal circuit decompositions using network flow formulations

Several decomposition criteria to decompose circuits are presented; i.e. the flux cut A, the flux cut B, the cost ratio cut and one generalized minimum cut. The flux cut B is an extension of the flux cut A. The cost ratio cut generates the optimal partitioning for a linear placement problem. The generalized minimum cut uses a cost function related to a polynomial function of the sizes of two partitioned subsets. The physical meaning of the cuts is described. The decomposition problems are shown to be strongly related to the communication problems. Several network flow models are constructed. Relations between the maximum flow solutions and the minimum partitionings are illustrated. Linear programming is used to formulate the proposed maximum flow problems. The duality techniques of linear programming are utilized to derive the relation to the optimal partition solution. >
PROBLEMS OF ANESTHESIA IN PATIENTS WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASE

Patients with weak muscles fall into three broad categories based on the site of pathology: neurogenic (cell body or nerve fiber), myopathic (intrinsic muscle), or neuromuscular transmission (neuromuscular junction) abnormalities. This review is divided into these three causal divisions. General principles for the anesthesiologist to understand the pathophysiology of neuromuscular diseases and to manage these patients safely in the perioperative period are described. Although malignant hyperthermia (MH) is obviously an important muscle disorder, its inheritance and anesthetic management have been extensively described elsewhere,3,16,28,30,31,46 and are beyond the scope of this article. MH will be considered here only in the context of its relationship to other neuromuscular disorders. Unfortunately, all of the disorders addressed in this article can neither be fully explained nor their anesthetic management completely rationalized based on this naive model; however, the authors have attempted to use this framework to categorize the various disease states which can result in clinical weakness and summarize the anesthetic management of each.
Evidence-Based Pharmacologic Interventions for Geriatric Depression

Geriatric depression is a growing public health problem [1,2]. The estimated prevalence of geriatric major depression in the general population is 1% to 2% [3,4]. Depressive symptoms not meeting the criteria for major depression occur in approximately 15% of older adults [5]. The prevalence of major depression in community-dwelling older adults is 1% to 3%, but the prevalence is at least 10% to 12% in primary care and hospital inpatient settings [6]. Despite the common prevalence of depression in older adults, late-life depression is often under-recognized and under-treated, particularly in nonpsychiatric settings [4]. Major depression is a leading cause of disability in adults [7]. In elderly patients, both depression and medical illness have an additive effect on disability and lead to an increase in mortality and nursing home placement [8,9]. Depression severity is a predictor of variance in instrumental activities of daily living [10]. The mechanisms linking depression and disability are still unclear, but it appears that the depressed state itself can be disabling, and depression increases the disability caused by chronic medical conditions [11]. Bruce and colleagues [12] have described a mutually reinforcing, downward-spiraling relationship between depression and disability. In contrast, treatment that results in a reduction in the severity of depression leads,
The Trainerless Laboratory.

The depth and breadth of current laboratory training demand new models. As a way of meeting these demands, a trainerless laboratory model wherein the trainer never attends is presented. The discussion includes the advantages and disadvantages of the model, evidence for its effectiveness, and implications for the future of training.
A model calculation of field emission from 3d bands in nickel

Abstract Field emission from narrow, 3d bands of ferromagnetic nickel is discussed. A one-dimensional model, with a triangular surface barrier, is used to calculate the ratio of the transmission coefficient of an electron in a tight-binding, 3d band to that of a free electron of the same energy. The results indicate that, depending on the interatomic crystal spacing chosen, the free electron transmission coefficient is roughly 1 or 2 orders of magnitude greater than the 3d transmission coefficient. In disagreement with previous work, this ratio is independent of the applied electric field at all electron energies.
Defective regional myocardial development and vascularization in one variant of tricuspid atresia—clinical and necropsy findings in three cases

Five previously reported cases have established the combination of a small right ventricle (sometimes with Uhl's anomaly), imperforate tricuspid valve with fibrotic tensor apparatus, congenital absence of the pulmonary valve, and an intact interventricular septum with muscular subaortic stenosis as a rare variant of tricuspid atresia. In this study of three new autopsy cases, we additionally identified Ebstein's malformation of the imperforate tricuspid valve, partial Uhl's anomaly, regional dysplasia of right ventricular myocardium and thinning of the interventricular septum by intramyocardial sinusoids from the right ventricle. All three new cases had epicardial anomalies of the right coronary artery—a fistula to right ventricle, ostial stenosis and proximal arterial hypoplasia. Sinusoidal connections from the right ventricle to the right coronary artery and to the sclerotic left anterior descending artery were identified in serial sections of the right ventricle and septum. Myofiber disarray, with thick walled intramyocardial arteries and sinusoids from left ventricle, involved the bulging subaortic interventricular septum. These studies are consistent with the hypothesis that defective development of the the right ventricle, along with its blood supply and associated atrioventricular and arterial valves, may underlie this unusual form of congenital heart disease.
Stream Habitat Modeling for Conserving a Threatened Headwater Fish in the Upper Cumberland River, Kentucky

The conservation of stream biodiversity requires more explicit knowledge on the distribution of aquatic species within the context of their specific environmental settings and stresses. Although species distribution models (SDMs) have been widely used for organisms occupying contiguous spatial extents, the implementation of SDMs in relatively complex and segmented riverine networks is still at its early stage. In this study, we explicitly modelled the headwater stream habitat for the threatened blackside dace (Phoxinus cumberlandensis) endemic to the upper Cumberland River, Kentucky, USA. An occurrence record data set, along with variables describing stream properties and land use impacts, was used to predict the fish habitat suitability at the stream segment level. An approach combining geographic information systems and the maximum entropy species distribution modelling (MaxEnt) was adopted. Results demonstrated that natural conditions and land use disturbances, respectively, form the primary and secondary environmental constraints on the species' habitat. We generated regional-scale management-friendly maps showing subwatershed habitat suitability and locations of the clustered suitable habitats (hotspots) and thus set an example for spatially explicit management of threatened and endangered riverine species. This study demonstrates the usefulness of SDMs for stream network–based environments in the facilitation of biogeographic conservation efforts and studies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sex Role Ideology, Relationship Context, and Response to Sexual Coercion in College Females

This study examined the impacts of traditional sex role orientation and relationship context upon women’s responses to sexual coercion in a sample of 114 female undergraduates in the northwestern USA. We examined differences in the amount of time participants allowed a simulated sexually coercive situation to continue, comparing groups based upon the extent to which participants endorsed traditional feminine sex roles on the Sex Role Ideology Scale, as well as the context of the relationship in which such behaviors occurred, which was manipulated as an independent variable. Results indicated that individuals in the long-term relationship condition took significantly longer to terminate the vignette than did their peers. However, no significant effect of traditionality upon response latency was observed.
Corticotropin releasing hormone is a promising candidate gene for marbling and subcutaneous fat depth in beef cattle

The gene corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) is mapped on bovine chromosome 14 (BTA14), where more than 30 fat-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been reported in dairy and beef cattle. ...
Alveolar bone loss in wild baboons

Radiograph-based methods were used to assess alveolar bone loss in 12 juvenile and 18 adult baboons (Papio hamadryas, sensu lato) living in the Awash National Park, Ethiopia. Alveolar bone loss, as measured from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar crest, averaged about 1 mm in juveniles and about 1.5 mm in adults. Densitometry of alveolar bone from the radiographs provides a baseline for comparisons with other adult baboons. Periodontal disease surveys of baboon populations using such methods may identify potential etiological agents. Such knowledge may contribute to a better understanding of periodontal disease etiology in humans. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Educating for Citizenship? Re-Assessing the Role of Islamic Instruction in German Schools

Positing a “clash of cultures,” many European politicians oppose Muslim headscarves as well as Islamic instruction in public schools; the real source of “failed integration” lies not with the religiosity of young Muslims but rather with an arcane definition of “state neutrality” that sustains the dominance of some religions at the expense of others. Focusing on Germany, this study reviews educational statistics pertaining to youth of migrant origin, showing that conflicts over Islamic instruction mirror deeper patterns of minority discrimination. It outlines the legal hurdles new faith communities must overcome to secure recognition as “corporate entities under public law” (Korperschaftsstatus), entitling them to accredited teacher training, tax-funded salaries, construction subsidies, and other institutional privileges. It describes divergent curricular models utilized by the Lander, followed by a closer look at Islamic instruction in Berlin, where a court ruling compelled authorities to take a pro-active approach. It concludes with a review of dilemmas inherent in Germany's approach to “value education” against the backdrop of the new European Union anti-discrimination directives. Show me any mischief produced by the madness or wickedness of theologians, and I will show you a hundred resulting from the ambition and villany of conquerors and statesmen. Show me an absurdity in religion, and I will undertake to show you a hundred for one in political laws and institutionsEdmund Burke, 1756
Melting studies of dangling‐ended DNA hairpins: effects of end length, loop sequence and biotinylation of loop bases

The effects of 3' single-strand dangling-ends of different lengths, sequence identity of hairpin loop, and hairpin loop biotinylation at different loop residues on DNA hairpin thermodynamic stability were investigated. Hairpins contained 16 bp stem regions and five base loops formed from the sequence, 5'-TAGTCGACGTGGTCC-N5-GGACCACGTCGACTAG-E(n)-3'. The length of the 3' dangling-ends (E(n)) was n = 13 or 22 bases. The identities of loop bases at positions 2 and 4 were varied. Biotinylation was varied at loop base positions 2, 3 or 4. Melting buffers contained 25 or 115 mM Na+. Average t(m) values for all molecules were 73.5 and 84.0 degrees C in 25 and 115 mM Na+, respectively. Average two-state parameters evaluated from van't Hoff analysis of the melting curve shapes in 25 mM Na+ were DeltaH(vH) = 84.8 +/- 15.5 kcal/mol, DeltaS(vH) = 244.8 +/- 45.0 cal/K.mol and DeltaG(vH) = 11.9 +/- 2.1 kcal/mol. In 115 mM Na+, two-state parameters were not very different at DeltaH(vH) = 80.42 +/- 12.74 kcal/mol, DeltaS(vH) = 225.24 +/- 35.88 cal/K.mol and DeltaG(vH) = 13.3 +/- 2.0 kcal/mol. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed to test the validity of the two-state assumption and evaluated van't Hoff parameters. Thermodynamic parameters from DSC measurements (within experimental error) agreed with van't Hoff parameters, consistent with a two-state process. Overall, dangling-end DNA hairpin stabilities are not affected by dangling-end length, loop biotinylation or sequence and vary uniformly with [Na+]. Consider able freedom is afforded when designing DNA hairpins as probes in nucleic acid based detection assays, such as microarrays.
Investigating models for preservice teachers' use of technology to support student-centered learning

The study addressed two limitations of previous research on factors related to teachers' integration of technology in their teaching. It attempted to test a structural equation model (SEM) of the relationships among a set of variables influencing preservice teachers' use of technology specifically to support student-centered learning. A review of literature led to a path model that provided the design and analysis for the study, which involved 206 preservice teachers in the United States. The results show that the proposed model had a moderate fit to the observed data, and a more parsimonious model was found to have a better fit. In addition, preservice teachers' self-efficacy of teaching with technology had the strongest influence on technology use, which was mediated by their perceived value of teaching and learning with technology. School's contextual factors had moderate influence on technology use. Moreover, the effect of preservice teachers' training on student-centered technology use was mediated by both perceived value and self-efficacy of technology. The implications for teacher preparation include close collaboration between teacher education program and field experience, focusing on specific technology uses.
Current preferences and future demand for denser residential environments

Abstract This article assesses the future demand for denser, more walkable residential environments in the United States as a whole. A review of survey evidence on preferences is coupled with demographic projections and other trends to construct a demand projection for the period 2000 to 2010 and compare it with 1990 to 2000. It is possible to foresee a turnabout already under way. Households older than 45 show particular interest in more densely configured homes in more central locations. Passage of the massive baby boom generation into this age range focuses the growth of housing demand in sharp contrast to stagnant numbers at younger ages. Home buyers aged 45 and older who prefer denser, more compact housing alternatives will account for 31 percent of total homeowner growth during the 2000—10 period, double the same segment's market share in the 1990s.