cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Loss of Alveolar Bone Due to Periodontal Disease Exhibits a Threshold on the Association With Coronary Heart Disease

Background: A number of epidemiologic studies were published that looked at the association between coronary heart disease (CHD) and periodontal disease. However, debate exists about whether this association is a true relationship or simply an example of an uncontrolled confounder. This retrospective cohort study examines the relationship between periodontal disease and CHD.Methods: Digital panoramic radiographs were used to assess alveolar bone loss (ABL) using a Schei ruler. Participants consisted of Veterans Administration (VA) patients who were eligible for dental benefits and had a digital panoramic radiograph taken at the VA Medical Center, Denver, Colorado. Information on CHD and other important clinical variables were obtained from electronic medical records.Results: The examination of the relationship between ABL and CHD revealed a significant non-linear relationship with a threshold at ≈20% bone loss with a doubling of the probability ratios of CHD compared to those at 7.5% bone loss.Conclusions...
Dissection spontanée de l’artère mésentérique supérieure

Nous decrivons le cas d’une dissection spontanee de l’artere mesenterique superieure avec thrombose chez un homme de 54 ans qui presentait une hypertension recente associee a une douleur epigastrique. Un traitement initial par thrombolyse sur catheter s’averait inefficace et etait finalement suivi par une intervention chirurgicale. Lorsqu’une intimectomie etendue est realisee, une anti-aggregation plaquettaire ou une anticoagulation precoce peut etre necessaire pour preserver la permeabilite vasculaire du fait de la presence d’une surface prothrombotique et d’un lit d’aval compromis.
Panama Canal expansion: emission changes from possible US west coast modal shift

Background: We analyzed the potential for the Panama Canal expansion to change CO2 and criteria pollutant emissions (oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur and particulate matter) from Asia–US container flows by estimating the modal shift from landside truck/rail network to larger ships enabled by canal expansion. We develop an intermodal case study comparison within the Geospatial Intermodal Freight Transportation framework, assuming potential diversion of 1.2 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 5000 origin–destination pairs. Results: Potential TEU diversions of land-bridge transport through an expanded canal reduced mode-specific emissions substantially, but land-bridge emission reductions due to cargo diversion to post-Panamax vessels, with lower emissions per TEU, cannot offset higher waterborne emissions from longer routes. Conclusion: Green-freight policy measures must consider multimodal network solutions to maximize emission benefits.
Purification of Cysteine-Rich Bioactive Peptides from Leukocytes by Continuous Acid-Urea-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis

Abstract A new continuous acid-urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (CAU-PAGE) preparative method was developed and used to purify rabbit and human defensins. With it, we identified two post-translationally modified forms of rabbit defensins NP-1 and NP-2, and purified a processed RANTES (β-intercrine) peptide from leukophoresed human leukocytes. CAU-PAGE afforded approximately 70% recovery of rabbit defensin NP-5. The recovered defensins were not N-terminally modified, and their in vitro antimicrobial activity was equivalent to that of defensins purified by previously described chromatographic methods. Since CAU-PAGE is performed under nonreducing conditions, it should be especially useful for purifying cationic peptides with intramolecular disulfide bonds, such as defensins and α or β-intercrines.
Covalent Coupling of Quantum Dots to Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Electronic Device Applications

We report the controlled synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotube−quantum dot (CNT-QD) heterojunctions using the ethylene carbodiimide coupling procedure (EDC). Thiol-stabilized ZnS-capped CdSe quantum dots containing amine terminal groups (QD−NH2) were conjugated with acid-treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) ranging from 400 nm to 4 μm in length. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the conjugation process.
Left atrial dimension and risk of systemic embolism in patients with a prosthetic valve

The relation between left atrial dimension measured by M-mode echocardiography and systemic embolization after valve replacement was examined prospectively among 397 patients with a prosthetic valve enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study on Valvular Heart Disease. Baseline characteristics including several measures of left atrial enlargement were compared for 31 patients who developed systemic embolism and 366 who did not develop embolism during a 5 year follow-up period. Variables that were significantly related to left atrial dimension or systemic embolization in univariate analyses were included with several others in a multiple logistic regression model. The incidence rate of systemic embolism was more than three times higher after mitral valve replacement than after aortic valve replacement (4.4 and 1.3 per 100 patient-years, respectively); this difference persisted after adjustment for other factors. Univariate analysis indicated a threefold higher incidence of systemic embolism in patients with a left atrial dimension greater than or equal to 4 cm compared with that in patients with a dimension less than 4 cm (3 versus 1 per 100 patient-years, respectively). However, when the effect of valve location (mitral versus aortic) was taken into account using either univariate or multivariate techniques, left atrial dimension was found not to be associated with systemic embolism. In multivariate analysis, atrial fibrillation, age, ejection fraction and location of the prosthetic valve were significantly associated with embolism. Results of this multicenter study suggest that left atrial dimension is not independently related to the development of systemic embolism in patients undergoing valve replacement.
INDEX-BASED SIMILARITY SEARCH FOR PROTEIN STRUCTURE DATABASES

We propose new methods for finding similarities in protein structure databases. These methods extract feature vectors on triplets of SSEs (Secondary Structure Elements) of proteins. The feature vectors are then indexed using a multidimensional index structure. Our first technique considers the problem of finding proteins similar to a given query protein in a protein dataset. It quickly finds promising proteins using the index structure. These proteins are then aligned to the query protein using a popular pairwise alignment tool such as VAST. We also develop a novel statistical model to estimate the goodness of a match using the SSEs. Our second technique considers the problem of joining two protein datasets to find an all-to-all similarity. Experimental results show that our techniques improve the pruning time of VAST 3 to 3.5 times, while keeping the sensitivity similar. Our technique can also be incorporated with DALI and CE to improve their running times by a factor of 2 and 2.7 respectively. The software is available online at .
Estimation of absolute and relative permeabilities in petroleum reservoirs

The estimation of absolute and relative permeabilities for petroleum reservoirs on the basis of noisy data at wells is considered. The spatially varying absolute permeability is estimated by regularisation combined with a bi-cubic spline approximation. Relative permeability is represented by a given function of saturation with unknown coefficients. Numerical results provide an indication of the estimability of the two permeabilities in conventional petroleum production operations.
`The burning': Finitude and the politico-theological imagination of illegal migration

Based on ethnographic research with Moroccan youth, the article traces debates and vocabularies related to the experience and imagination of clandestine migration to Europe ( l-harg, `the burning')...
VERTEBRATE DISTRIBUTION OF SERUM CERULOPLASMIN AND SIALIC ACID AND THE EFFECTS OF PREGNANCY.

Abstract 1. 1. Serum ceruloplasmin, as p -phenylenediamine oxidase activity, was assayed in 115 species representing thirty-eight orders from seven vertebrate classes. There was no demonstrable activity in sera from sixteen species representing ten orders from six classes. 2. 2. Five species—the cyclostomes and ranid frogs—were anomalous in that the oxidase activity was stimulated by azide. 3. 3. Comparisons of gravid and non-gravid females demonstrated an increased concentration of ceruloplasmin activity only in certain of the mammalian species. 4. 4. Parallel measurements of total serum proteins and sialic acid provided evidence for striking species differences in the concentration and distribution of the glycoproteins, normally and in the gravid state.
An RFLP marker associated with resistance to phomopsis seed decay in soybean PI 417479

Phomopsis seed decay (PSD), caused primarily by the fungus Phomopsis longicolla Hobbs, is one of the most serious seed diseases of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Plant introduction (PI) 417479 has demonstrated resistance to PSD in a wide array of environments. This resistance has been interpreted to support models of qualitative inheritance; however, the lack of discrete separation between resistant and susceptible classes indicates that resistance to this disease may be genetically complex or markedly influenced by environmental factors. This study was conducted to identify genomic regions associated with resistance to PSD using random restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers. PI 417479 was crossed with each of two susceptible soybean cultivars, Agripro AP 350 and Williams 82. In 1993 and 1994, F 2 and F 2 -derived lines for each population were scored for PSD incidence near Columbia, MO. Screening based on 188 RFLP markers in all combinations with five restriction enzymes identified 43 polymorphic markers in the PI 417479 x AP 350 population and 26 polymorphic markers in the PI 417479 X Williams 82 population. Marker A708, which identifies a genomic region in linkage group F, was associated with PSD resistance in both populations and both years. This marker, when used in combination with restriction enzyme DraI, explained from 21.0 to 62.2% of the phenotypic variation in PSD disease response. The use of marker A708 could enhance efforts to incorporate resistance to PSD into improved soybean cultivars.
Phenomenology of the Randall-Sundrum Gauge Hierarchy Model

We explore the phenomenology of the localized gravity model of Randall and Sundrum where a 5-dimensional nonfactorizable geometry generates the gauge hierarchy by an exponential function called a warp factor. The Kaluza-Klein (KK) tower of gravitons in this scenario has different properties from those in factorizable models. We derive the KK graviton interactions with the standard model fields and obtain constraints from their direct production at hadron colliders as well as from virtual KK exchanges. We study the KK spectrum in ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ annihilation and show how to determine the model parameters if the first KK state is observed.
Antecedent reinforcement schedule training and operant response reinstatement in rats

Rats were trained on reinforcement schedules which generated high or low response rates. After extinguishing responding by eliminating food-reinforcement delivery, response-independent food presentations reinstated responding. Higher response rates occurred if the schedule preceding extinction controlled high response rates, suggesting that discriminative stimulus properties of the reinforcer were a function of antecedent training schedules.
Increased proto‐oncogene expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases

Using RNA hybridization techniques, we examined the expression of proto-oncogenes associated with lymphocyte activation in vitro in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases. T and B lymphocytes from these patients were found to have significantly increased expression of c-myc, c-myb, and c-raf RNA when compared with those of normal individuals. Among the mononuclear cell subpopulations, B lymphocytes expressed higher levels of RNA for these proto-oncogenes compared with the T lymphocytes. Since prompt expression of these and other proto-oncogenes occurs in fibroblasts and lymphocytes following mitogenic stimulation, we propose that the present findings reflect the pathologically activated state of various lymphocytic subpopulations which is observed in systemic lupus erythematosus and in other autoimmune diseases. Endogenous and exogenous factors which lead to the expression of autoimmunity might share the induction of proto-oncogene expression as a common pathogenetic step.
The Rhythmic Secretion of Mating-Induced Prolactin Secretion Is Controlled by Prolactin Acting Centrally

Artificial copulomimetic cervical stimulation (CS) induces an immediate release of oxytocin (OT) and prolactin (PRL) followed by a daily PRL rhythm characterized by nocturnal and diurnal surges. Although we have shown that the initial release of PRL is induced by the immediate release of OT, we tested whether the PRL that is released in response to CS is responsible for the initiation and maintenance of the subsequent PRL surges. Thus, we injected OVX rats centrally or peripherally with ovine PRL (oPRL) at 2200 h. Central oPRL induced PRL surges in OVX rats that were similar in size and timing to those of CS rats, whereas peripheral oPRL induced surges that were of smaller amplitude and delayed. We then infused a PRL antagonist (S179D, 0.1 ng/h) centrally into OVX and OVX-CS rats and measured the release of endogenous PRL and the activity of neuroendocrine dopaminergic neurons. Central infusion of S179D did not influence basal PRL secretion in OVX rats but prevented the expression of the CS-induced PRL surges and the accompanying noontime increase of CS-induced dopaminergic activity when continued for 3 d. However, central infusion of S179D only on the day of CS did not prevent the daily rhythm of PRL surges. These results demonstrate that PRL acts centrally to induce the PRL rhythm and that PRL in the brain is essential for the maintenance but not for the initiation of the CS-induced rhythmic PRL surges.
Evaluating ozone depletion from very short-lived halocarbons

A new approach is needed for calculating the ozone depletion potential (ODP) of short-lived gases with mean lifetimes less than 100 days. Clearly, the ozone loss from such gases depends strongly on the location and season of emissions. It is proposed that delivery to the tropical tropopause is a surrogate for the amount of halogen entering the stratosphere. Thus 3-D global models, with accurate simulation of tropospheric chemistry and transport, can calculate the ODP specific to tropical sources (high) and high-latitude sources (low). The ODP of CH2BrCH2CH3 from this analysis ranges from 0.0002 to 0.06 depending on the location and season of emissions.
Parkinson's disease in the limelight.

The 2014 Lasker–DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award —one of three prestigious awards granted by the Lasker Foundation in recognition of scientists, clinicians and public servants who have made major advances in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of human disease— has been granted to two pioneers in the field of Parkinson's disease therapy. In spite of the availability of more than two dozen drugs and fixed-dose combination products to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease —most notably the gold standard levodopa, a dopamine precursor— as well as nonpharmacological treatments like deep brain stimulation, many patients do not respond to available drugs or experience breakthrough symptoms, and the disease is ultimately uncurable. This article reviews currently available therapies as well as biomarkers and novel diagnostics.
Raman microspectroscopy for skin cancer detection in vitro

We investigate the potential of near-infrared Raman microspectroscopy to differentiate between normal and malignant skin lesions. Thirty-nine skin tissue samples consisting of normal, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma from 39 patients were investigated. Raman spectra were recorded at the surface and at 20-microm intervals below the surface for each sample, down to a depth of at least 100 microm. Data reduction algorithms based on the nonlinear maximum representation and discrimination feature (MRDF) and discriminant algorithms using sparse multinomial logistic regression (SMLR) were developed for classification of the Raman spectra relative to histopathology. The tissue Raman spectra were classified into pathological states with a maximal overall sensitivity and specificity for disease of 100%. These results indicate the potential of using Raman microspectroscopy for skin cancer detection and provide a clear rationale for future clinical studies.
Multisensor Fusion Of Ladar And Passive Infrared Imagery For Target Segmentation

The synergistic combination of ladar and infrared information allows segmentation of images of real scenes containing objects in the presence of clutter. Log-transformed range gradients from the ladar image are subjected to a threshold test and then processed through a nearest-neighbor filter to segment the images. The combination of processed ladar and forward-looking infrared images subsequently can be used for object identification. Analysis of the range-gradient-based segmentation method is given, and results are shown.
Comparative safety and tolerability of duloxetine vs. pregabalin vs. duloxetine plus gabapentin in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain

SUMMARY Objective: The safety and tolerability of three treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) were compared. Methods: A 12-week, randomized, open-label study confirming the non-inferiority of duloxetine (N = 138) vs. pregabalin (N = 134) and the combination of duloxetine plus gabapentin (N = 135) as the primary outcome was previously published. Patients had an inadequate pain response to a stable dose of gabapentin (≥ 900 mg/day) for ≥ 5 weeks prior to study enrolment. Data from that study were assessed in this current analysis for a detailed report of safety and tolerability. Results: Completion rates did not differ significantly between the groups. Discontinuation because of adverse events was significantly greater in the duloxetine (19.6%) vs. pregabalin group (10.4%; p = 0.04); no differences emerged between the duloxetine vs. duloxetine plus gabapentin (13.3%) groups (p = 0.19) or pregabalin vs. duloxetine plus gabapentin groups (p = 0.57). Adverse event rates varied: nausea, insomnia, hyperhidrosis and decreased appetite were reported significantly more often in patients treated with duloxetine vs. patients treated with pregabalin (each p ≤ 0.01); insomnia significantly more in patients treated with duloxetine vs. duloxetine plus gabapentin (p = 0.01); peripheral oedema significantly more in patients treated with pregabalin vs. duloxetine and duloxetine plus gabapentin (p ≤ 0.001 each) and nausea, hyperhidrosis, decreased appetite and vomiting significantly more in patients treated with duloxetine plus gabapentin vs. pregabalin (each p ≤ 0.05). At end-point, weight change differed significantly among treatment groups: patients in the pregabalin group on average gained weight (1.0 0.04 kg); while, patients in the duloxetine and duloxetine plus gabapentin groups on average lost weight (2.39 0.04 and 1.06 0.04 kg, respectively) (pregabalin vs. duloxetine, p ≤ 0.001; pregabalin vs. duloxetine plus gabapentin, p ≤ 0.001; duloxetine vs. duloxetine plus gabapentin, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Duloxetine, pregabalin and duloxetine plus gabapentin were generally safe and tolerable for the treatment of DPNP. What’s known
Reduction of mortality from prehospital myocardial infarction by prudent patient activation of mobile coronary care system

Numerous recent studies have documented the fact that lives are saved by prehospital mobile coronary care units (MCCU).lm6 As a result, such units, of various designs and types, have proliferated in the United States and in Europe.7v8 In spite of this development in emergency medical services (EMS), there is still some uncertainty regarding its impact on death from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and sudden death in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Furthermore, arguments have been raised that MCCU often serve patients at low risk of death, who could well be treated by other means? This presentation is concerned with our S-year experience with a mobile coronary care system in Columbus, Ohio. A single advanced life support (ALS) vehicle manned by a physician and paramedics (Heartmobile) was added to a long-standing and well-utilized EMS system in April, 1969. Over the next 8 years the ALS system as well as the entire EMS system grew dramatically.‘O With respect to cardiac emergencies, it had been our impression that persons served by the ALS units were predominantly those with high risk of death. This was clearly true of an original cohort of 214 consecutive cases analyzed in 1970 when the Heartmobile was in use. However, we had no data concerning those patients with AM1 not seen by the EMS system. As a result, factors influencing patient decisions to use the
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Use of Specialized Nutrients in Pediatric Patients and Infants

With a high rate of mortality, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has limited treatments options. Immune-enhanced formulas, containing eicosapentaenoic acid, borage oil, and antioxidants, have shown to be beneficial in adults patients with ARDS, decreasing mortality, length of mechanical ventilation, and new organ dysfunction. There is promising research in pediatric patients with improvement in oxygenation status found, but further trials are needed to realize these benefits in pediatric and infant populations.
Stimulated Brillouin scattering and loop threshold reduction with a 2.1-μm Cr,Tm,Ho:YAG laser

We have investigated stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in carbon disulfide, using a frequency-narrowed Cr,Tm,Ho:YAG laser operating at 2.12 μm. Threshold reduction with a novel loop geometry is also demonstrated. A model for the loop-SBS scheme is developed and compared with experimental results. Backscatter power, energy, and conjugate-fidelity data are presented.
Autophagy in antigen-presenting cells results in presentation of citrullinated peptides to CD4 T cells

Antibody responses to citrullinated self-proteins are found in autoimmunities, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis, where they serve as a diagnostic indicator. We show here that processing of the protein hen egg-white lysozyme (HEL) resulted in citrullination of peptides presented on class II MHC molecules by antigen-presenting cells. The presentation of the citrullinated peptides but not of the unmodified peptides was associated with autophagy. Dendritic cells (DCs), macrophages, and thymic DCs presented citrullinated peptides constitutively. Their treatment with 3-methyladenine (3MA) blocked presentation of citrullinated HEL peptides, but presentation of unmodified peptides was not affected. Presentation of citrullinated peptides was not detected on B cells or B lymphoma cells under normal culture conditions. In B cells, engagement of the B cell antigen receptor was required for presentation of the citrullinated peptides, also inhibited by 3MA. B lymphoma–expressing HEL cells presented citrullinated peptides only after brief serum starvation. This presentation was reduced by 3MA or by reduction in Atg5 expression. Presentation of the unmodified peptides was not changed. The findings indicate a linkage between autophagy and autoreactivity through the generation of this neo-epitope.
Managing the Stigma of Outlaw Breeds: A Case Study of Pit Bull Owners

Ethnographic interviews were conducted with 28 pit bull a ownerso to explore the sociological experience of having a dog with a negative image. Results indicate that the vast majority of respondents felt that these dogs were stigmatized because of their breed. Respondents made this conclusion because friends, family, and strangers were apprehensive in the presence of their dogs and because they made accusations about the breed’s viciousness and lack of predictability. In the face of this stigma, respondents resorted to using a variety of interactional strategies to lessen the impact of this perception or prevent it from occurring. These strategies included passing their dogs as breeds other than pit bulls, denying that their behavior is biologically determined, debunking adverse media coverage, using humor, emphasizing counter-stereotypical behavior, avoiding stereotypical equipment or accessories, taking preventive measures, or becoming breed ambassadors.
Getting to Yes or Bailing on No: The Site Selection Process of Ethanol Plants in Wisconsin†

Prior studies of ethanol location rest on the assumption that ethanol producers are economic free agents—evaluating sites as if all counties are contenders for their business, weighing the availability of feedstocks along with their infrastructure needs, operating without ties to localities, and being subject to enticement from policy incentives. We analyze the political-economic process through which ethanol plants come into communities by examining plant location decisions, plant financing, community receptivity toward the plant, local government incentives, and the dynamics of the approval process. We use case studies of ethanol plants in Wisconsin to explore the economic, social, and political dynamics of ethanol plant location. Our case studies provide evidence in support of some findings in the ethanol location literature—such as the importance of access to corn; however, they also suggest site selection criteria not adequately addressed by the literature. Furthermore, our data suggest that capital may not be as mobile as location theory assumes it to be and that location decisions are not primarily determined by consideration of profit maximization. Instead, the location of ethanol plants is greatly influenced by the extent to which the original initiators of the plant are locally embedded in its host community. Our research answers Barkley and McNamara's (1994:45) call for a return to a case studies approach in order to develop “reliable insights into the location process.”
A New Measure of the Perceived Influence of Sexually Explicit Online Media on the Sexual Behaviors of Men Who Have Sex With Men.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) frequently consume sexually explicit online media (SEOM), yet little is known about its influence on their sexual behaviors. We describe a sequence of four studies t...
Myeloperoxidase: A Therapeutic Target for Preventing Insulin Resistance and the Metabolic Sequelae of Obesity?

Many lines of evidence indicate that insulin resistance is a key component of the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors comprising glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity (1). Insulin resistance is also of central importance in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, another major risk factor for atherosclerosis (1). However, the molecular mechanisms that precede the development of insulin resistance are only partially understood. Given the dramatic increases in the incidence of obesity and diabetes worldwide, the need to identify new therapies that might protect humans from the metabolic consequences of obesity and insulin resistance is urgent. Macrophages, T cells, B cells, mast cells, and eosinophils accumulate in adipose tissue of obese mice. Each of these immune cells seems to contribute to the development of insulin resistance during diet-induced obesity (2). However, neutrophils—the most abundant circulating immune cell in both mice and humans—are generally the first cells to respond to an inflammatory challenge, although their role in insulin resistance has received much less attention. It is noteworthy that circulating neutrophil concentrations increase in obese mice (3). Moreover, neutrophils accumulate in murine adipose tissue after only 3 days of fat feeding (4). Importantly, recent studies have shown that fat-fed mice that are deficient in neutrophil elastase exhibit less adipose tissue inflammation and are more insulin sensitive than fat-fed controls. These observations suggest that inflammatory mediators derived from neutrophils might promote the development of obesity and its metabolic consequences (5). The most abundant …
Outlines of a Language Dysfunction

The results of the research reported in Part III constitute evidence that substantiates the implications, contained in certain earlier sources, that stuttering is a disorder of oral language expression. More specifically, in corroboration of certain previous work (e.g., Wingate, 1966b, 1967a, 1967b, 1968, 1971, 1979a), these findings also constitute evidence that stuttering is a defect in the language production system, a defect that extends beyond the level of motor execution. Stuttering may give the appearance of being a peripheral disorder, and from time to time it has been described as a problem involving one or another of the peripheral systems (breathing, Phonation, articulation), or some incoordination among the three. Such accounts are limited to superficial aspects of the disorder. There is ample evidence to indicate that the defect is not simply one of motor control or coordination, but that it involves more central functions of the language production system.
Instrumentation to study the influence of attention on disparity vergence: Design of novel central and peripheral stimuli

The study of saccades (side to side eye movements) with various types of visual fields or distracters has lead to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of attention. Yet, virtually no research exists on how the influence of attention modulates the neural control of disparity vergence, the inward or outward turning of the eyes to view targets in depth. Within our activities of daily living, we use a combination of eye movements including vergence and saccades to acquire visual information. This investigation describes instrumentation to systematically study the influence of attention on disparity vergence. Disparity vergence can be modeled as a preprogrammed coupled with a feedback component describing the system's speed and accuracy respectively. Hence, two types of central stimuli were generated: a step stimulus which predominantly evokes the preprogrammed component during the transient portion of the movement and a ramp stimulus to study changes within the feedback component. To stimulate only disparity while keeping accommodation constant, the system was designed using a haploscope configuration. Four types of periphery stimuli were generated that vary the amount and type of distracters. The influence of attention, or the effect of the peripheral stimulation, will be assessed by quantifying peak velocities and error defined as the difference between the stimulus and vergence eye movement response. Preliminary results show that central and peripheral visual stimuli can be programmed independently and this system can be utilized to systematically study the influence of different types of distracters on disparity vergence responses. Future directions include further data collection and analysis in healthy control and those from neurological dysfunctional populations.
Sequential screening: a Bayesian dynamic programming analysis of optimal group-splitting

Sequential screening is the problem of allocating simulation effort to identify those input factors that have an important effect on a simulation's output. In this problem, sophisticated algorithms can be substantially more efficient than simulating one factor at a time. We consider this problem in a Bayesian framework, in which each factor is important independently and with a known probability. We use dynamic programming to compute the Bayes-optimal method for splitting factors among groups within a sequential bifurcation procedure (Bettonvil & Kleijnen 1997). We assume importance can be tested without error. Numerical experiments suggest that existing group-splitting rules are optimal, or close to optimal, when factors have homogeneous importance probability, but that substantial gains are possible when factors have heterogeneous probability of importance.
Measuring phonetic convergence in speech production

Phonetic convergence is defined as an increase in the similarity of acoustic-phonetic form between talkers. Previous research has demonstrated phonetic convergence both when a talker listens passively to speech and while talkers engage in social interaction. Much of this research has focused on a diverse array of acoustic-phonetic attributes, with fewer studies incorporating perceptual measures of phonetic convergence. The current paper reviews research on phonetic convergence in both non-interactive and conversational settings, and attempts to consolidate the diverse array of findings by proposing a paradigm that models perceptual and acoustic measures together. By modeling acoustic measures as predictors of perceived phonetic convergence, this paradigm has the potential to reconcile some of the diverse and inconsistent findings currently reported in the literature.
Longitudinal dispersion of liquid flowing through fixed and fluidized beds

Longitudinal liquid mixing in fluidized and fixed beds was studied using sinusoidal and pulse response techniques. The tracer used was light emissive fluorescein dye. A systematical study of liquid phase dispersion by varying particle size, fluid velocity, fraction voids, and particle density was conducted. A generalized correlation applicable to both fixed bed and fluidized bed was obtained. The application of the correlation in predicting the effect of the dispersion on reactor performance was discussed.
Ecological Factors Associated with STD Risk Behaviors among Detained Female Adolescents

The authors used Bronfenbrenner's conceptual framework of an ecological systems model to examine factors that are independently associated with sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk behaviors among 280 sexually active detained female adolescents. Using computer-assisted self-interviewing procedures, the authors assessed individual characteristics, peer relations, community factors, and media influences and their association to STD risk behaviors. Findings indicated that factors such as greater substance use, stronger risk-taking attitudes, lower perceived parental monitoring and familial support, gender roles supporting male dominance, risky peer norms, and lower student-teacher connectedness, were independently associated with increased STD risk behaviors. Findings suggest a multisystemic approach to STD prevention among this population.
UTERINE ADENOMYOSIS IN SOUTHERN THREE-BANDED ARMADILLOS (TOLYPEUTES MATACUS)

Uterine adenomyosis was diagnosed in five southern three-banded armadillos (Tolypeutes matacus) from four different zoological collections in North America between 1995 and 2012. Two cases were diagnosed after ovariohysterectomy and histopathologic evaluation of the uteri, and the remaining cases were identified incidentally at the time of postmortem examination. Animals ranged from 5 to 14 yr of age at the time of diagnosis. Of armadillos diagnosed before postmortem examination, clinical signs included weakness, collapse, anemia, and vulvar discharge. Histopathologic evaluation of the uteri revealed well-developed, irregular endometrial glands extending into the myometrium and occasional hemorrhage within these glands. The two cases diagnosed antemortem were successfully treated with ovariohysterectomy. To the authors' knowledge, this condition has not been previously reported in Xenarthra, including armadillos.
Metatarsus primus varus. A statistical study

A survey of 6000 schoolchildren discovered 36 cases of unilateral and 60 cases of bilateral hallux valgus, defined as a metatarsophalangeal angle of more than 14.5 degrees, measured on standing radiographs. Metatarsus primus varus was found not only in the early stages of hallux valgus but in the unaffected feet of children with unilateral hallux valgus. Adduction of the first metatarsal is not due to differential growth of the cortices of the first metatarsal nor is it a consequence of malalignment of the metatarsocuneiform joint. The intermetatarsal angle did not correlate with the angle of metatarsus adductus nor with the intercuneiform angle.
Gross substitutability in large-square economies

Abstract This paper investigates the implications of gross substitutability of excess demand functions for the equilibria of exchange economies with countably many goods and arbitrarily many consumers. We provide uniqueness theorems for general models. We also show that the equilibrium trajectories of dynamic, stationary overlapping generations economies satisfy strong turnpike properties. In particular, we are able to extend Gale's characterization of the equilibrium dynamics of the model with one good per period, one consumer per generation, and two periods of life to models with many goods, many consumers, and many periods of life.
STRUCTURE–INFRASTRUCTURE ALIGNMENT: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TQM ORIENTATION AND THE ADOPTION OF SUPPLIER‐FACING ELECTRONIC COMMERCE AMONG MANUFACTURERS

Total Quality Management (TQM) is widely adopted in industry and well studied in academe. It includes a philosophy and set of practices for supply management. However, these elements evolved before widespread adoption of the Internet, which transforms the supply management landscape by presenting various tools for organizations to select and manage suppliers. Therefore an important research undertaking today is to understand how the Internet has affected manufacturers that embrace TQM. As part of this undertaking, we examine the relationship between TQM orientation and the adoption of eight supplier-facing e-commerce applications. We propose that certain supplier-facing e-commerce applications enhance competition among suppliers, while others enhance supplier relationships. Drawing upon strategic contingency theory, we hypothesize that TQM orientation is negatively associated with the adoption of the first category of application and is positively associated with the adoption of the second category. Logistic regression was used to test hypotheses using survey data collected from manufacturers located in six countries and three industries. The results show that organizations which have heavily embraced TQM do use e-commerce somewhat differently from other organizations. However, the results also point out potentially troubling inconsistencies between e-commerce adoption and other elements of strategy.
Gender and Technology at the Mondragon System of Producer Cooperatives

Mondragon is known as a system of democratically structured producer cooperatives, yet the condition of women workers is only somewhat better, relative to men, than in capitalist or already existing socialist organizations. Three major factors appear responsible. First, waged or not, women have responsibility for the home. Second, a capitalist market devalues social goals. Third, and the primary topic of this paper, men control decisions about technology, commonly understood. As in other industrial settings, the manufacturing technology of the cooperatives, and much of their administrative apparatus, have origins in patriarchal military institutions. Engineering education, also with roots in military institutions, is one source of gender maintenance during times of technological transformation. This hierarchical organization of technology stands in contradiction to the ideology and core elements of cooperative structure.
Tackling Text Complexity With Your Classroom Library

AbstractWith access to a robust, well-designed library, students can meet the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) requirements for independent reading and progress to more complex texts in each grade level. Identifying the right book selections can increase student motivation and lead to academic success.
Measurement & verifications of voltage optimization for conserving energy

This paper describes the application of conservation voltage reduction on one of the main substations supplying power to residential and office buildings. The paper describes the initial engineering evaluation and selection criteria based on the load size, power flow and the voltage profile. The paper illustrates, in detail, the measurement of the power consumptions, MW, MVARs and power factor at optimized voltage levels. The conserved energy and the anticipated savings are presented as well. The measurement results show that up to a 3% savings in energy can be achieved using this method at no cost.
Radiation-induced surface leakage currents in silicon microstrip detectors

After exposure to X-rays and UV light, we have observed induced leakage currents in silicon microstrip detectors designed for CLEO III. UV measurements have shown that the damage is confined to the Si-SiO/sub 2/ interfacial area. The damage is manifested only as a leakage current without additional 1/f noise or significant changes to detector parameters. The scaled damage rate is measured to be 5/spl plusmn/1 nA/cm/sup 2//kRad for 20 keV X-rays.
Role of endotoxin in intestinal reperfusion-induced expression of E-selectin.

Products of enteric bacteria, including endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)], have been implicated in the acute inflammatory responses elicited by ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) of the small intestine. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of LPS to the increased E-selectin expression observed in the intestinal vasculature after I/R. The dual radiolabeled monoclonal antibody technique was used in LPS-sensitive (C3HeB/FeJ) and LPS-insensitive (C3H/HeJ) mice that were exposed to either exogenous LPS or to gut I/R (45 min ischemia, 5 h reperfusion). LPS elicited a dose-dependent (0.5–50 μg LPS/animal) increase in E-selectin expression (at 3 h) in LPS-sensitive mice, whereas LPS-insensitive mice were largely unresponsive. E-selectin expression was increased fivefold by I/R in the small bowel of both LPS-sensitive and -insensitive mice. These results indicate that, although exogenous LPS is capable of eliciting profound dose-dependent increases in E-selectin expression, endogenous LPS does...
Designing forward with an eye to the past: Morphogenesis of the lower Yuba River

Abstract The early geomorphic evolution of the lower Yuba River (LYR), northern California, up to 1906 is reconstructed using cartographic, documentary, topographic, and stratigraphic evidence. The importance of early river mining is identified along with rates and patterns of floodplain aggradation and channel incision at the turn of the 20th century. The LYR is a classic example of anthropogeomorphic transformation of a river by episodic hydraulic mining sedimentation. This was followed by channelization, damming, dredging, and other engineering works to redirect, contain, and stabilize channels. These geomorphic changes and engineering controls continue to govern channel and floodplain form and process, control the trajectory of river responses, and constrain flood control, water quality, and aquatic ecosystem management options. Returning a river system to a prior condition should not be the primary goal of river rehabilitation projects, especially if hydrologic inputs have substantially changed. Reconstructing former conditions may be impractical and unsustainable under modern circumstances. Instead, fluvial systems should be designed and managed for present inputs and processes while anticipating future conditions. Rapid changes in land use and climate that generate changes in runoff and sediment loadings are likely to generate morphological instability, and these changes should be considered in the design and management of fluvial systems. The past geomorphic evolution of fluvial systems should also be considered in design and management decisions to recognize trajectories and suppressed tendencies. Recognition of trends and system vulnerabilities may avoid potential blunders, such as removing critical stabilizing works. Complex causalities may be difficult to reconstruct from geomorphic form alone, however, due to process-form dynamics. Detailed research on the geomorphic and engineering history of a river is essential, therefore, if substantial changes and morphologic instabilities have occurred.
Teleseismic p-wave transmission through slabs

Theoretical ray paths through velocity models constructed from numerically calculated thermal models of slabs were computed. The results were in good agreement with observed travel times. First motion amplitudes of P waves at teleseismic distances were measured from long- and short-period WWSSN records of intermediate focus earthquakes in the Tonga, Kermadec, and Kurile regions and of nuclear explosions and shallow earthquakes in the Aleutian region. These amplitudes were corrected for source mechanism. The Aleutian data were sufficient to show that intermediate focus earthquakes in that region occur in the colder regions of the slab. At short periods, for regions other than the Aleutians, shadowing effects which could be associated with the slab were not very marked, less than a factor of 2 reduction for epicentral distances between 30° and 50°. No systematic effects due to plates were found in the long-period data. Some stations in the predicted shadow zone of a Tonga earthquake recorded low amplitude precursors which probably were greatly defocused waves which ran the full length of the slab. Simple diffraction is incapable of explaining the short-period results.
Changing Public Behavior for Better Health: Is Education Enough?

While education programs are essential for changing public health behavior, they are not sufficient. Examples drawn from campaigns to reduce drunk driving and to increase the use of child safety seats, seat belts, and motorcycle helmets illustrate how education--both public information and more formalized education--can help catalyze other actions. However, by itself, education has not generally resulted in significant changes in the behaviors targeted. On the other hand, education of the public and advocacy groups has often helped enact necessary legislation. This sequence has frequently resulted in major behavioral changes. Even in such cases, however, when enforcement is inconsistent, public compliance frequently decreases. Education is an important first step in changing public behavior for better health.
Licensing of the NPI ʔumr and its implications for sentential negation in Cairene Egyptian Arabic

Licensing of the NPI ʔumr and its implications for sentential negation in Cairene Egyptian Arabic
Application of Methods Analysis to Steel Erection Tasks: Identification of Factors Affecting Labor Performance

AbstractWork methods play an important role in the performance of a task. When a worker is required to perform additional movements, use several tools and carry additional materials to perform a task, his/her performance can be affected. An analysis of task durations in the steel beam installation process showed that factors such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can affect task durations. It is of interest to determine what aspects of the tasks are different (i.e. handling of tools and materials and difference in required motions, etc.) and can affect performance. An analysis of these differences provides valuable information that can be used to improve steel erection performance without adversely affecting the safety of the worker. This paper presents results of analysis of the method of the steel beam installation process considering the tasks involved in the process. The results show that factors such as the use of PPE and the length of steel beams play a role in differences in task pe...