cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recruitment for an adolescent bulimia nervosa treatment study.

Objective: This objective of this study was to investigate the recruitment rate for a clinical treatment trial for adolescents with bulimia nervosa. Method: Recruitment rates for a 5-year randomized controlled trial for adolescent bulimia nervosa were analyzed. Results: Although the rate of randomization fluctuated over the course of the study, the overall rate of participants recruited was fairly consistent. The number of participants who were assessed for the study but who did not qualify, and the number of participants who qualified for the study but who chose not to join, were also consistent. Conclusion: These findings suggest that it is feasible to recruit adolescents for a bulimia nervosa treatment trial. A better understanding of the reasons behind a participant's decision to stay in a treatment study versus discontinue a treatment study, as well as differences between adult and adolescent patients, could aid in the design of future treatment studies. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006
Tree-based vehicle color classification using spatial features on publicly available continuous data

Several recent investigations attempt to classify vehicles into a small number (5-7) of colors. A significant complication arises, however; a large proportion of vehicles (>50%) are various shades of gray: white, black, silver, gray, and variations such as gun metal and pearly white. Distinguishing such shades of gray in vehicle body color from lighting changes is an unsolved problem. Furthermore, previous studies have evaluated their performance on private datasets precluding a comparison of methodologies. In this paper, we release a public dataset with ground truth color classification for future evaluations and comparisons based on the publicly available i-LIDS data [9]. We describe a method to perform vehicle color classification into 7 frequently occurring colors including dark red, dark blue and light silver, using pose dependent vehicle detection, vehicle alignment, and vehicle body part masks. We introduce new features for tree-based vehicle color classification based on the reliability of color information and the relative color of various vehicle parts.
Small Molecules Convert Fibroblasts into Islet-like Cells Avoiding Pluripotent State

Obtaining large numbers of functional pancreatic islets via direct cellular reprogramming is an important clinically relevant goal. In a recent issue of Cell Stem Cell, Li et al. (2014) report a new step-wise protocol for generating islet cells from mouse embryonic fibroblasts using a combination of soluble molecules.
Exploring black political intolerance

Forty years of research in political tolerance has produced only tangential evidence of blacks' commitment to the principles of democracy and their willingness to apply them to specific situations. Implicit in this literature is that blacks' socialization into a rigid culture stressing authoritarian values, low levels of education, and certain psychological deficiencies interfere with the acquisition of democratic values. As a result, black intolerance is accepted as uncontrollable and involuntary. In this paper, I challenge this view of black intolerance. In particular, I consider how black political intolerance is used as an emancipatory strategy to protect blacks from groups who directly threaten their physical and psychological security. The analysis reveals that blacks identify the historical and current attempt of the Ku Klux Klan to terrorize and demean them, and thus, attempt to restrain its behavior. Black intolerance is a conscious and focused decision that allows blacks to distinguish between everyday racists and bigots, and the anxiety and fear generated by the Klan.
fMRI study of brain activity elicited by oral parafunctional movements

Parafunctional masticatory activity, such as the tooth clenching and grinding that is associated with bruxism, is encountered by clinicians in many disciplines, including dentistry, neurology and psychiatry. Despite this, little is known about the neurological basis for these activities. To identify the brain network engaged in such complex oromotor activity, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to elucidate the brain activation patterns of 20 individuals (10 males and 10 females, mean s.d. age of 26.3+/-4.1 years) with (parafunctional, PFx group, 5M/5F) and without (normal functional, NFx group, 5 M/5F) self-reported parafunctional grinding and clenching habits during clenching and grinding tasks. Subject group classification was based on: (i) self-reported history, (ii) clinical examination, (iii) evaluation of dental casts and (iv) positive responses to the temporomandibular disorder (TMD) History Questionnaire [Dworkinand LeResche, Journal of Craniomandibular Disorders, (1992) 6:301]. While subjects performed these oromotor tasks, each wore a custom-designed oral appliance minimizing head motion during imaging. Mean per cent signal changes showed significant between group differences in motor cortical (supplementary motor area, sensorimotor cortex and rolandic operculum) and subcortical (caudate) regions. Supplementary motor area data suggest that motor planning and initiation, particularly during the act of clenching, are less prominent in individuals with oromotor parafunctional behaviours. The overall extent of activated areas was reduced in subjects with self-reported parafunctional masticatory activity compared with the controls. This study's methodology and findings provide an initial step in understanding the neurological basis of parafunctional masticatory activities that are relevant for therapeutic research applications of temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders and associated comorbidities.
Agenda for a new monetary reform

Abstract The thrust of this article is that once more the time has come for a broad debate on domestic and international monetary order and on the role and the rules governing the functioning of financial markets in the modern market economy. We have to define an agenda and seek a consensus for a new monetary reform that will take into account both the positive and negative lessons learned from more than twenty years of experience with liberalization, deregulation and privatization in the financial sector, with flexible exchange rates and international monetary instability. In today's world economy there is an especially dangerous contrast between, on the one hand virtually total globalization of financial markets, and the fixation of monetary policy on narrow national objectives on the other hand. The article lists eight major items that ought to be considered in this debate: (1) the adoption of common rules necessary in a global market economy, (2) the need to return to a true international monetary order, (3) redefining and strengthening the role of central banks, (4) examining the dangers of a primarily short-term finance driven globalization, (5) extending the scope of the concept of price instability beyond the domestic price index, (6) dealing with the problem of artificial risk creation in financial markets and establish a more equitable distribution of the costs of risks, (7) reconsider the current distribution between earning on financial assets and other income and counteract the deflationary bias in the current system, (8) redefine monetary and financial order that is compatible with modern information technologies, rather than lagging behind the information revolution. The article does not offer set solutions for all these issues. Its conclusion is, however, that without such a debate and a consensus on a balanced new approach, there is a real threat of a backlash, the threat of losing the advantages of liberalization and globalization and of a return to increased monetary and economic nationalism and to excessive government intervention and control.
Blue revolution brings risks and rewards.

E. Pennisi's News Focus article “The blue revolution, drop by drop, gene by gene” (11 April, p. 171) on agricultural drought-tolerance work overlooked the possibility that the water deficit tolerance may be directed by metabolites. With the use of a gene that produced glutamate—an amino acid
Determination of the apparent ratio of quaternary to tertiary aromatic carbon atoms in an anthracite coal by 13C-1H dipolar dephasing n.m.r.

Abstract 13 C- 1 H heteronuclear dipolar dephasing n.m.r. techniques allow discrimination between different chemical species contributing to the 13 C n.m.r. spectra of complex hydrocarbons. Model compound studies show significantly different effective transverse relaxation constants for carboxyl and quaternary carbon atoms (≈200 μs), secondary and tertiary (≈20 μs), and primary carbon atoms (≈80 μs). Use of these effective relaxation data, together with appropriately timed windows in the continuous wave decoupling applied in standard cross-polarization-magic-angle spinning experiments on anthracite coal allow discrimination between aromatic tertiary and aromatic quaternary ring carbon atoms in this coal. Within the accuracy of experimental error, and of the structural modelling experiments herein reported, the use of the dipolar dephasing technique together with results of X-ray diffraction on coals allows a reasonable estimate to be made of the average number of condensed polynuclear rings in an ‘average molecule’ in the anthracite studied. Based on a model of pericondensed aromatic rings, this number lies between 33 and 45.
Programming approach with parallel capable instruments for test efficiency

Throughput demands and cost-down pressures involved with modern functional testing necessitate a trend towards a parallel test paradigm. Parallel test techniques can be employed by test engineers to overcome these challenges. The benefits of conducting tests on multiple units/subsystems concurrently are to maximize instrumentation utilization, increase throughput and reduce execution time. This paper will outline a strategy for implementing parallel tests and provide some practical program development guidance and techniques which will allow test program developers to take full advantage of parallel capable systems.
Pretreating bio-oil to increase yield and reduce char during hydrodeoxygenation to produce hydrocarbons

Abstract Conversion of pyrolysis oil to hydrocarbons has been successfully performed under high hydrogen pressure in the presence of hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) catalysts at high heat. The high hydrogen pressures utilized are a more expensive application than for a lower hydrogen pressure. Development of a modified HDO method utilizing lower pressure hydrogen with the potential for reduction of hydrogen consumption would be economically beneficial to the process if equal or higher biofuel yields and quality are maintained. The method tested here is the oxidation pretreatment of raw bio-oil to increase carboxylic acids by conversion of aldehydes and ketones; phenols and other alcohols were also oxidized to some extent. This oxidation pretreatment of raw bio-oil allowed performance of the hydrotreating step with low hydrogen pressure and reduced hydrogen consumption. The hydrotreated oxidized bio-oil had a 30.5% higher organic fraction yield; char and water content were reduced by approximately 92.0% and 46.2%, respectively. The hydrotreated oxidized product was then hydrocracked at higher hydrogen pressure to produce mixed hydrocarbons found suitable for transportation fuels. The hydrocarbons produced had approximately a 181.9% HHV increase at 45.1 MJ/kg compared to raw bio-oil (16.0 MJ/kg). The acid value, water and oxygen contents of the hydrocarbons were reduced to approximately zero.
Design of an Electronic Frequency Changer

THIS paper discusses the circuit arrangement and design features of an electronic-frequency-changer station for interchanging power between the Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation's 25-cycle system and their 60-cycle system. The transfer of power by rectification and inversion has been discussed in a companion paper by Cramer, Morton and Darling.1 The reader should consult their paper to obtain a clear picture of the power flow from alternating to direct current in the rectifier and from direct to alternating current in the inverter. The operating requirements as presented in the Cramer, Morton and Darling paper may be summarized as follows: 1. The direction of power flow must be reversible at will. 2. The load must be independent of system frequency and small variations in system voltage. 3. It must be possible to atijust the load to any desired value for either direction of power flew.
Modeling caprock bending stresses and their potential for induced seismicity during CO2 injection

Abstract Recent experiences with large-scale injection of fluids into geological formations within the Oil & Gas, Geothermal and Waste Disposal industries have demonstrated a risk of induced seismicity. In the case of geological sequestration of CO2, reactivation of faults may result in leakage pathways for the buoyant plume and thus compromise the integrity of seal formations. In this study, we investigate the potential for an overpressured reservoir formation to cause deformation and mechanical failure in an overlying, low-permeability caprock, thereby compromising seal integrity. In particular, we show that uplift and associated extensional strain in the caprock lead to a reduction in the minimum horizontal principal stress that reinforces the ambient extensional tectonic stress. Changes in the Coulomb failure stress (ΔCFS) characterize the tendency for fault failure. We use normalized and ΔCFS-weighted frequency distributions as an integrated measure of the 3-D distribution of ΔCFS. These measures quantify the magnitude and nature of the risk of induced seismicity. Using the example of the Springerville-St. Johns CO2 reservoir as an analogue site, we explore the sensitivity of the induced seismic risk to caprock stiffness, reservoir overpressure and well configuration. Over a range of these parameters, we calculate the geomechanical response of a large reservoir over a ten-year period of injection. The magnitude of induced stresses within the caprock is approximately 1–2 MPa for typical overpressures of 5–10 MPa, even in regions where the low-permeability caprock prevents appreciable increases in pore pressure. These stresses would be sufficient to cause reactivation of an undetected, well-oriented, critically stressed structure present above or near the injection location. Importantly, we show that this occurs outside a sphere of influence delineated by sub-surface pressure increase.
Adverse hemodynamic and ultrastructural changes in dog hearts subjected to protein-calorie malnutrition

In the absence of thiamine deficiency, the specific effects of protein-calorie malnutrition on left ventricular (L.V.) function are unknown. Mature beagle dogs of both sexes were subjected to a hypocaloric, nitrogen-poor diet which resulted in a weight loss of approximately 40% after seven weeks. Following preparation of this nutritional model, myocardial contractility was assessed acutely by obtaining isovolumetric L.V. contractions on cardiopulmonary bypass at constant heart rate, mean aortic pressure, and at a wide range of end-diastolic volumes. These changes were compared to a matched group of animals which were normally fed. There were consistent decreases in L.V. compliance in malnourished animals compared with normals; indices of ventricular contractility per se (L.V. dp/dt, force-velocity relations, peak developed L.V. pressure) were also diminished in the experimental animals. Myocardial concentration of glycogen was diminished in malnourished compared to control animals. Light and electron microscopic examination confirmed the presence of myofibrillar atrophy in the presence of interstitial edema. These results suggest that protein-calorie malnutrition seriously interferes with normal L.V. function in the experimental animal by reducing compliance as a result of "starvation edema," and by reducing myocardial contractility associated with atrophy of the myofibers.
The Role of Three-Dimensional Transvaginal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Premenopausal Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

ABSTRACT The three-dimensional (3-D) transvaginal ultrasound studies of 69 consecutive premenopausal women referred for 3-D sonohysterography were retrospectively reviewed. Saline salpingography wa...
Corporate marketing leaders: the key attributes

Purpose – In their boundary‐spanning role, marketing managers are often charged with managing cross‐functional teams and collaborative work groups. Although this interfunctional coordination is key to organizational performance many marketing managers run into resistance owing to leadership styles and stereotypes held about other functional departments. The aim of this paper is to understand the leadership qualities important to the marketing function and compare them to those found important in other business functions.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from two multinational organizations. Over 1,000 employees from six functional departments (engineering, information technology, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and research and development rated the importance of 45 leadership attributes to high‐performing leadership in their particular business function.Findings – A total of nine dimensions of leadership are uncovered and four of them are deemed more important in marketing compared to so...
Will ignorance & partisan election of judges undermine public trust in the judiciary?

The complete independence of the courts of justice is peculiarly essential in a limited Constitution. By a limited Constitution, I understand one which contains certain specified exceptions to the legislative authority; such, for instance, as that it shall pass no bills of attainder, no ex post facto laws, and the like. Limitations of this kind can be preserved in practice no other way than through the medium of courts of justice, whose duty it must be to declare all acts contrary to the manifest tenor of the Constitution void. Without this, all the reservations. Disciplines Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Social and Behavioral Sciences This journal article is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/asc_papers/277 The complete independence of the courts of justice is peculiarly essential in a limited Constitution. By a limited Constitution, I understand one which contains certain speci1⁄2ed exceptions to the legislative authority; such, for instance, as that it shall pass no bills of attainder, no ex post facto laws, and the like. Limitations of this kind can be preserved in practice no other way than through the medium of courts of justice, whose duty it must be to declare all acts contrary to the manifest tenor of the Constitution void. Without this, all the reservations of particular rights or privileges would
Central Gaussian Semigroups of Measures with Continuous Density

Abstract This paper investigates the existence and properties of symmetric central Gaussian semigroups (μt)t>0 which are absolutely continuous and have a continuous density x↦μt(x), t>0, with respect to Haar measure on groups of the form R n×K where K is compact connected locally connected and has a countable basis for its topology. We prove that there always exists a wealth of such Gaussian semigroups on any such group. For instance, if ψ is any positive function increasing to infinity, there exists a symmetric central Gaussian semigroup having a continuous density such that log μt(e)⩽log(1+1/t) ψ(1/t) as t tends to zero. Among other results of this type we give a necessary and sufficient condition on the structure of K for the existence of symmetric central Gaussian semigroups having a continuous density and such that tλ log μt(e) is bounded above and below by positive constants for t∈(0, 1) and some fixed λ>0. This condition is independent of λ. These results are proved by splitting any Gaussian semigroup (in a canonical way) into a semisimple part living on the commutator group G′ and an Abelian part living on A=G/G′. For symmetric central Gaussian semigroups, we show that many properties hold for (μt)t>0 if and only if they hold for both the semisimple and the Abelian parts. This splitting principle is one of the main new tools developed in this paper. It leads to a much better understanding of central Gaussian semigroups and related objects and lets us answer a number of open questions. For instance, to any Gaussian convolution semigroup are associated a harmonic sheaf H and a quasi-distance d on G. For symmetric central Gaussian semigroups on G= R n×K, we show that H is a Brelot sheaf if and only if limt→0 t log μt(e)=0. A sufficient (but not necessary) condition is that the distance d is continuous. Together with a celebrated result of Bony, our results show that the compact group K is a Lie group if and only if any bi-invariant elliptic Bauer harmonic sheaf on G is a Brelot sheaf.
What should we teach in an introductory programming course

An introductory course (and its successor) in programming should be concerned with three aspects of programming:1. How to solve problems,2. How to describe an algorithmic solution to a problem,3. How to verify that an algorithm is correct.I should like to discuss mainly the first two aspects. The third is just as important, but if the first two are carried out in a systematic fashion, the third is much easier than commonly supposed. (Note that the third step is not “debugging,” because the word “debugging” conveys the impression that errors are alright—that they are a natural phenomenon which, like flies in a house, must be found and swatted. If “debugging” was called “getting rid of one's mistakes,” I'm sure most programmers would change their attitude and work harder at producing a correct program initially.)
Expectation Values and Variance Based on Lp-Norms

This analysis introduces a generalization of the basic statistical concepts of expectation values and variance for non-Euclidean metrics induced by Lp-norms. The non-Euclidean Lp means are defined by exploiting the fundamental property of minimizing the Lp deviations that compose the Lp variance. These Lp expectation values embody a generic formal scheme of means characterization. Having the p-norm as a free parameter, both the Lp-normed expectation values and their variance are flexible to analyze new phenomena that cannot be described under the notions of classical statistics based on Euclidean norms. The new statistical approach provides insights into regression theory and Statistical Physics. Several illuminating examples are examined.
Combined hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism in an infant after maternal 131I administration.

tire pathway components. In the absence of specific antibody to activate the classical pathway, this impairment of the alternative pathway may well prejudice the newborn infant's early response to infection. Previous reports of low serum IgG concentrations were not substantiated. Comparison O f the total protein and serum albumin concentrations demonstrates the ability of SGA newborn infant to maintain normal values despite the inability of the maternoplacental supply line to transfer sufficient substrate to permit optimal fetal growth. In this respect the SGA neonate resembles the marasmic child, whose serum protein and complement values are well preserved in comparison with those in kwashiorkor? .... With the exception of lower C3 levels, we have not demonstrated any significant impairments in the complement system and immunoglobulin concentrations of term SGA infants relative to AGA controls. If there are more infections among these infants, these aspects of humoral immunity do not appear to be implicated to a major degree.
Regulation of nitrogen fixation in Rhizobium spp. Isolation of mutants of Rhizobium trifulii which induce nitrogenase activity

Abstract This communication describes the isolation and characterization of mutants of Rhizobium trifolii which can induce nitrogenase activity in defined liquid medium. Two procedures were used for the isolation of these mutants from R. trifolii strain DT-6: (1) following chemical mutagenesis, slow growin mutants were selected which were unable to utilize NH 4 + as sole source of nitrogen; (2) as spontaneous mutants resistant to the glutamate analogue L -methionine- DL -sulfoximine. Mutants (DT-71, DT-125) isolated by these procedures induced nitrogenase activity in the free-living state, whereas the parent strain lacked this property. Induction of nitrogenase activity in these mutants occurred during the late exponential phase of growth when the rate of protein synthesis was decreasing. The addition of NH 4 + to a medium containing glutamate as the nitrogen-source resulted in a 50–70% reduction (repression?) of nitrogenase activity; in contrast, the rate of protein synthesis or the rate of respiration was not influenced by exogenous NH 4 + . Biochemistry analysis showed that these mutants (strains DT-71 and DT-125) have defects in both nitrogen and carbon metabolism. The levels of glutamate synthase (both NADP + -and NAD + -dependent activities) and glutamate dehydrogenase (NAD + -dependent activity) were markedly lower. In addition, the mutants were found to have no detectable ribitol dehydrogenase or β-galactosidase activity. These findings are discussed in relation to a mechanism of regulation of symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
Obesity Influences the Regulation of the Intrinsic Excitability of AgRP/NPY Neurons by Leptin

The adipostat leptin binds the long-isoform of the leptin receptor (LepRb) signaling nutritional status in mammals. The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARH) is a major brain region involved in the regulation of food intake; LepRb are highly expressed in the ARH in both orexigenic NPY/AgRP neurons and anorexigenic POMC neurons. Leptin exerts opposing effects on the activity of these two neuronal populations, inducing net activation of the ARH appetite-suppressing circuit. In diet-induced obesity (DIO), the leptin-sensitivity of these neurons is diminished, producing persistent activation of the orexigenic circuits in the ARH. However, the underlying changes in the ion channels that mediate excitability remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we show that DIO generates a persistent activation of NPY neurons, even in well-fed animals. NPY neurons were found to have a delayed rectifier K+ current whose activation is significantly shifted to more hyperpolarized potentials by leptin. However, in acute brain slices from DIO mice, the leptin-sensitivity of this current is significantly reduced. The biophysical properties of this current combined with immunohistochemistry suggest that Kv2.1 underlies the leptin-sensitive IK. In HEK cells coexpressing Kv2.1 and LepRb, leptin induces a significant, large hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of activation of the Kv2.1-mediated K+ current that is qualitatively similar to that observed in NPY neurons. This effect was specific to Kv2.1, as leptin had no effect on the function of the closely related channel Kv2.2. We propose that dynamic modulation of somatic Kv2.1 channels by peripheral signals of satiety and hunger regulates the intrinsic excitability of AgRP/NPY neurons to modulate both the spontaneous activity of these neurons and the integration of synaptic input onto the neurons that comprise the energy balance circuits in the ARH.
Distance delivery of a laboratory based controls for manufacturing automation course-a success story

Over the years, distance learning (DL) has proven to be very effective for many theoretical courses, but is challenging if courses include hands-on laboratory modules. Bringing students several times a quarter to campus and conducting lab sessions imposes inconvenience on the students. It also restricts the geographic locations of the student body that can benefit from this program. This was the case with the Electrical/Mechanical Engineering Technology program at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). To overcome this issue, RIT has effectively utilized the web, multimedia techniques and simulation tools to bring the laboratory experience to DL students on demand. This paper discusses the stages in the evolution of a DL course and how a hands-on laboratory course is being successfully offered over the Internet, benefiting students far and wide.
The Foreclosure Crisis and Crime: Is Housing‐Mortgage Stress Associated with Violent and Property Crime in U.S. Metropolitan Areas?

Objective The objective of this study was to determine if the housing-mortgage stress caused by the foreclosure crisis is associated with violent and property crime in U.S. metropolitan areas. Method Using a sample of 142 metropolitan statistical areas and controlling for other structural factors thought to be associated with urban violence rates, we employ weighted least squares regression to estimate the association between the Housing-Mortgage Stress Index (HMSI) and six serious crimes: homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Results Our results showed no evidence of an association between the HMSI and any of the crime rates. Conclusions Despite anecdotal evidence of and growing fear that the foreclosure crisis was accompanied by increasing crime rates in cities hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis, we found no evidence that metropolitan areas with higher levels of housing-mortgage stress had higher rates of violent or property crime.
Temporal Accuracy in Urban Growth Forecasting: A Study Using the SLEUTH Model

This study attempts to establish multi-temporal accuracy of the predicted maps produced by a land use change simulation model over time. Validation of the forecasted results is an essential part of predictive modeling and it becomes even more important when the models are used for decision making purposes. The present study uses a popular land use change model called SLEUTH to investigate the temporal trend of accuracy of the predicted maps. The study first investigates the trend of accuracy of the predicted maps from the immediate future to the distant future. Secondly, it investigates the impact of the prediction date range on the accuracy of the predicted maps. The objectives are tested for the city of Gorizia (Italy) using three sets of map comparison techniques, Kappa coefficients, Kappa Simulation and quantity dis- agreement and allocation disagreement. Results show that, in addition to the model's performance, the decrease in the accuracy of the predicted maps is dependent on factors such as urban history, uncertainty of input data and accuracy of reference maps.
Measuring user acceptance of emerging information technologies: an assessment of possible method biases

The measurement scales for the perceived usefulness and perceived ease-of-use constructs introduced by F.D. Davis (1989) become widely used for forecasting user acceptance of emerging information technologies. An experiment was conducted to examine whether grouping of items caused artifactual inflation of reliability and validity measures. We found support for our hypothesis that the reliability and validity stemmed not from item grouping but from the constructs of perceived usefulness and perceived ease-of-use being clearly defined, and the items used to measure each of these constructs clearly capturing the essence of the construct. >
Alignment and Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Osteoarthritis is widely believed to result from local mechanical factors acting within the context of systemic susceptibility. Previous studies have demonstrated that malalignment is a potent predictor of disease progression in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Malalignment also mediates the effects of other risk factors, including obesity, quadriceps strength, laxity, and stage of disease. Recent studies have had conflicting results regarding whether malalignment increases the risk of incident tibiofemoral osteoarthritis. While the evidence is conflicting, malalignment appears to play a smaller role in incident disease. Certain local factors within the joint, such as tibiofemoral congruence, integrity of the anterior cruciate ligament, and meniscal degeneration and position, appear to play a role in determining alignment. It is also apparent that malalignment changes with disease progression and is itself possibly influenced by structural changes within the joint.
Circulating levels of liver enzymes and incidence of atrial fibrillation: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort

Background Elevated levels of circulating liver enzymes have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Their possible association with atrial fibrillation (AF) has received little attention. Methods We studied 9333 men and women, aged 53–75 years, free of AF, participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study followed-up from 1996 to 2010. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were measured in stored plasma samples. Incident AF was ascertained from hospitalisations and death certificates. Associations between liver enzymes and AF incidence were assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Results During a mean follow-up of 12 years, 1021 incident AF events were identified. Levels of AST, and to a lesser extent ALT, showed a U-shaped association with AF risk, with higher AF risk among individuals in the two extremes of the distribution in minimally adjusted models. The associations were weakened after adjustment for potential confounders. By contrast, GGT, modelled as log base 2, was linearly associated with AF risk after multivariable adjustment: a doubling of GGT levels was associated with a 20% increased risk of AF (95% CI 10% to 30%). Additional adjustment for inflammatory markers did not appreciably affect the results. Associations were not different in men and women, in whites and blacks, among never drinkers of alcohol, and among those without prevalent heart failure. Conclusions In this community-based prospective study, higher levels of liver enzymes, mainly GGT, were associated with an increased risk of AF. The mechanisms underlying this association deserve further scrutiny.
Antimicrobial anxiety: the impact of stress on antimicrobial immunity

Leukocytes and epithelial cells are fundamental to antimicrobial immunity. Their antimicrobial responses are an evolutionarily conserved component of the innate immune system and are influenced by the host's response to external stimuli. The efficacy of host defense via antimicrobial responses derives from the ability of AMPs to rapidly identify and eradicate foreign microbes and activate proinflammatory pathways, and from the capacity of later innate and adaptive immune responses to amplify protection through distinct biochemical mechanisms. Recent advances in neuroimmunology have identified a direct link between the neuroendocrine and immune systems, where environmental stimuli are generally believed to promote a transient effect on the immune system in response to environmental challenges and are presumably brought back to baseline levels via neuroendocrine pathways. Stress is an environmental stimulus that flares from a variety of circumstances and has become engrained in human society. Small bouts of stress are believed to enhance the host's immune response; however, prolonged periods of stress can be detrimental through excess production of neuroendocrine-derived mediators that dampen immune responses to invasive pathogens. Elucidation of the mechanisms behind stress-induced immune modulation of antimicrobial responses will ultimately lead to the development of more effective therapeutic interventions for pathologic conditions. It is the intent of this review to broaden the existing paradigm of how stress-related molecules dampen immune responses through suppression of antimicrobial mechanisms, and to emphasize that bacteria can use these factors to enhance microbial pathogenesis during stress.
SyncSim: a synchronous simple optimistic simulation technique based on a global parallel heap event queue

We developed and implemented two highly optimized optimistic discrete event simulation techniques based on an efficient and scalable parallel heap data structure as a global event queue. The primary results are (i) the design of an optimistic simulation algorithm, namely SyncSim, which does not rely on traditional state and message saving data structures, but employs only one backup state per state variable, (ii) a demonstration, through implementation of SyncSim, of an optimistic technique which overcomes the two main mutually conflicting and unbounded overheads of the existing optimistic simulation algorithms: SyncSim bounds the additional space requirements to just one copy per state variable and drastically limits the number of rollbacks encountered. Furthermore, SyncSim beats the highly optimized traditional simulator simglobal on a wide variety of large networks on an Origin-2000 computer. The algorithm SyncSim could form a basis for a good parallelizing engine attachable relatively easily to an existing serial simulator.
Advanced cooling technology for leading-edge computer products

Cooling technology has been a vital prerequisite for the rapid and continued advancement of computer products, ranging from lap-tops to supercomputers. This paper provides a review of the recent development of cooling technology for computers. Both air cooling and liquid cooling are included. Air cooling is discussed in terms of the advantages of impinging flow. An example of module internal conduction enhancement is given. Liquid cooling is discussed in terms of indirect liquid cooling with water coupled with enhanced conduction, and direct immersion cooling with dielectric coolants. Special cooling technology is included in terms of the application of heat pipes and the possibility of using liquid metal flow to cool electronic packages.
The Dynamics of Central European Equity Market Integration

This paper examines bilateral and multilateral cointegration properties of the German stock market and those of the three major Central European countries which recently attained membership in the European Union. Cointegration tests cover the time period of July 6, 1995 to February 10, 2005. Additional techniques are also applied to provide further information concerning the dynamic evolution of the integration process during this period. Application of the Johansen (1988) cointegration procedure indicates that, contrary to results for an earlier time period there is evidence of an emerging long-term relationship between the German and UK markets and the Czech market, as well as cointegration within the group of Central European markets. We also apply the Haldane and Hall convergence analysis, in an effort to determine the extent to which these markets are converging to London or Frankfurt. Overall, the results suggest that the process of integration of the Central European countries into the EU is leading to a closer integration of their equity markets with those of major EU countries.
Glucocorticoids Complications to Anticipate and Prevent

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Their mechanism of action is most commonly rooted in genomic effects that have both beneficial and adverse consequences. The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential complications and side effects that may occur with GC use. Many of these complications are related to the dose and duration of therapy used. Evidence-based preventative strategies are discussed. Many recommendations are based on expert opinion and not on strong evidence. A 54-year-old man presents with proximal upper and lower extremity weakness. There are no rashes. The antinuclear antibody is negative; the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein are 24 mm/h and 3 mg/dL, respectively. An electromyography displays myopathic motor unit potentials with fibrillation and a muscle biopsy confirms polymyositis. Prednisone of 60 mg/d is initiated. What are the risks associated with GC use? What other studies and interventions should occur in this patient starting long-term GC therapy?
Shock-wave cosmology inside a black hole.

We construct a class of global exact solutions of the Einstein equations that extend the Oppeheimer–Snyder model to the case of nonzero pressure, inside the black hole, by incorporating a shock wave at the leading edge of the expansion of the galaxies, arbitrarily far beyond the Hubble length in the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) spacetime. Here the expanding FRW universe emerges be-hind a subluminous blast wave that explodes outward from the FRW center at the instant of the big bang. The total mass behind the shock decreases as the shock wave expands, and the entropy condition implies that the shock wave must weaken to the point where it settles down to an Oppenheimer–Snyder interface, (bounding a finite total mass), that eventually emerges from the white hole event horizon of an ambient Schwarzschild spacetime. The entropy condition breaks the time symmetry of the Einstein equations, selecting the explosion over the implosion. These shock-wave solutions indicate a cosmological model in which the big bang arises from a localized explosion occurring inside the black hole of an asymptotically flat Schwarzschild spacetime.
Pulmonary Function Tests in Bronchopleural Fistula

A 53-year old white man underwent a left pneumonectomy for alveolar cell carcinoma. His postoperative course was complicated by pneumonia. At a follow-up clinic visit, the patient complained of a “roaring sound” during respiration. A follow-up PFT did not show the expected loss of volume (nitrogen washout) from a preoperative PFT, suggesting a bronchopleural fistula. A chest x-ray film and xenon lung scan confirmed the diagnosis. The fistula was surgically repaired. (Chest 1991; 100:582-84)
Acculturation and Attitudes of Asian International Students toward Seeking Psychological Help.

Relationships between acculturation and attitudes toward psychological help seeking were studied with 170 Asian international students. Results showed a significant relationship between levels of acculturation and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. Significant correlations were found between students' levels of acculturation and stigma tolerance and confidence in mental health practitioners. La relacion entre la aculturacion y las actitudes hacia la busqueda de ayuda psicologica se estudio con 170 estudiantes internacionales de origen asiatico. Los resultados demostraron una relacion significante entre los niveles de aculturacion y las actitudes hacia la solicitacion de ayuda psicologica profesional. Correlaciones significantes se encontraron entre los niveles de aculturacion y la tolerancia hacia las estigmas de los estudiantes y la confianza que ellos les tienen a los medicos psiquiatricos.
Crystal structures of human 108V and 108M catechol O-methyltransferase.

Abstract Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) plays important roles in the metabolism of catecholamine neurotransmitters and catechol estrogens. The development of COMT inhibitors for use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease has been aided by crystallographic structures of the rat enzyme. However, the human and rat proteins have significantly different substrate specificities. Additionally, human COMT contains a common valine–methionine polymorphism at position 108. The methionine protein is less stable than the valine polymorph, resulting in decreased enzyme activity and protein levels in vivo. Here we describe the crystal structures of the 108V and 108M variants of the soluble form of human COMT bound with S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and a substrate analog, 3,5-dinitrocatechol. The polymorphic residue 108 is located in the α5–β3 loop, buried in a hydrophobic pocket ∼ 16 A from the SAM-binding site. The 108V and 108M structures are very similar overall [RMSD of Cα atoms between two structures (Cα RMSD) = 0.2 A], and the active-site residues are superposable, in accord with the observation that SAM stabilizes 108M COMT. However, the methionine side chain is packed more tightly within the polymorphic site and, consequently, interacts more closely with residues A22 (α2) and R78 (α4) than does valine. These interactions of the larger methionine result in a 0.7-A displacement in the backbone structure near residue 108, which propagates along α1 and α5 toward the SAM-binding site. Although the overall secondary structures of the human and rat proteins are very similar (Cα RMSD = 0.4 A), several nonconserved residues are present in the SAM-(I89M, I91M, C95Y) and catechol- (C173V, R201M, E202K) binding sites. The human protein also contains three additional solvent-exposed cysteine residues (C95, C173, C188) that may contribute to intermolecular disulfide bond formation and protein aggregation.
The English Perfect and the Metaphysics of Events

I argue here that the what Otto Jespersen called the “conservative” English Perfect is a purely aspectual predicate, true of occurrent results of prior events, noting also: (i) that nominalizations, including nominalizations of the Perfect, call for extending event positions to nonheads including adverbs and quantifiers, and (ii) that restrictions on the present perfect with prior temporal determinations extend also to embedded clauses under the principles governing tense anaphora, or sequence of tense.
Transverse vibrations of tapered materially inhomogeneous axially loaded shafts

Shafts loaded by axial compressive constant forces constitute an area of considerable technical importance. The transverse vibration of such shafts is the subject of the current work. Occasionally the shafts are tapered and of interest is the effect of employing functionally graded materials (FGM), with properties varying in the axial direction, on the buckling load and lowest natural frequency. The shaft cross section is circular and two types of taper are treated, namely, linear and sinusoidal. All shafts have the same volume and length and are subjected to a constant axial force below the static buckling load. Euler-Bernoulli theory is used with the axial force handled by a buckling type model. The problems that arise are computationally challenging but an efficient strategy employing MAPLE®’s two-point boundary value solver has been developed. Typical results for a linear tapered pin-pin shaft where one end radius is twice the other, and the FGM model varies in a power law fashion with material properties increasing in the direction of increasing area, include doubling of the buckling load and first bending frequency increase of approximately 43%, when compared to a homogeneous tapered shaft. For the same material and boundary conditions, a sinusoidal shaft, with mid-radius twice the value of the end ones, increases the buckling load by about 118% and the first frequency by 26%, when compared to a homogeneous sinusoidal shaft.
Stacking in Criminal Procedure Adjudication

The institutionalist branch of “Law and Courts” studies how judges incorporate institutional constraints into their decisionmaking processes. Congressional constraints on judicial review, as the literature currently stands, fall into one of two general classes: overrides and Court-curbing measures. This taxonomy, however, is incomplete. Neither overrides nor curbing measures are needed to explain the not uncommon situation where a policy-oriented Justice deviates from a preferred vote based on the belief that such a vote will prompt Congress to alter an “insulated base rule” in a way that disrupts the Justice's larger policy agenda. An “insulated base rule” is a Congressional policy decision that cannot, as a legal or practical matter, be modified by the Court. (Examples include Congressional decisions to appropriate funds, to enact certain types of mitigating legislation, or to orient legislation in particular constitutional clauses.) A Justice’s consideration of this third constraint (i.e., how a vote will affect a particular “insulated base rule”) is a process I call “stacking.” Leaving more sophisticated theoretical models and large-scale empirical studies for a later time, this paper illustrates adjudicative “stacking” through close study of the Supreme Court’s recent opinions in Virginia v. Moore.