cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mapping ocean surface features using biogenic slick-fields and SAR polarimetric decomposition techniques

Polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (POLSAR) backscatter from the ocean contains a great deal of information about the physical surface itself. The authors focus on developing a method using polarimetric information and biogenic slick-fields to map selected ocean surface features. The spiral eddy surface features and slick-fields used in this study are those commonly found in waters of the Southern California Bight. To acquire a new dataset, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) jointly flew AIRSAR missions during April 2003 over waters of the Santa Monica Basin and the San Pedro Channel. Conventional single polarisation radar data indiscriminately image the slick-fields, in addition to all unwanted contributions, e.g. intensity modulations owing to the background wave-field and local air–sea interactions. Establishment of an intensity-based threshold to segment the slicks was found to be difficult; particularly under changing wind/wave conditions. In this study several feature and slick mapping algorithms are evaluated. Parameters of the entropy, anisotropy, alpha (〈H/A/α〉) Cloude–Pottier decomposition are used to determine the polarimetric scattering properties of both the biogenic slicks and the ambient ‘clean’ surface. Use of the Cloude–Pottier parameters allows segmentation of shorter Bragg wave effects from longer wave slope modulations. An algorithm combining the Cloude–Pottier decomposition parameters 〈H/A/α〉 with the complex Wishart classifier was evaluated and subsequently selected as the algorithm of choice when using slicks for the production of ocean feature maps. Spiral eddy ocean features, generated by current flow around the southern Channel Islands, were detected and mapped using biogenic slicks as markers for the presence and shape of the eddies.
Evidence for the glycoprotein nature of kidney renin.

Abstract The glycoprotein nature of renin isolated from either rabbit or human kidney has been demonstrated by affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-Sepharose. The bulk of rabbit renin activity bound to concanavalin A is released by 20 to 50 mM α-methyl- d -mannoside. Adsorption of renin is prevented by periodate oxidation prior to chromatography. Mild acid treatment (pH 2.5) prior to chromatography does not alter the concanavalin A binding profile although the pI values of native rabbit renin (5.1–5.6) are shifted into a broader distribution (4.7–6.4). The molecular weight values of rabbit renin obtained by gel filtration and those from zone centrifugation are identical ( 37 000 ± 1000 ), consistent with a low percent of carbohydrate in the glycoprotein. A hydrophobic contribution to the binding of renin by concanavalin A is evident since, in the presence of mM Ca2+ and Mn2+, higher concentrations of α-methyl- d -mannoside are required to affect the same release of renin at 23 °C compared to that at 4 °C. Furthermore, 25% ethylene glycol releases renin in the absence of α-methyl- d -mannoside. It is concluded that renin contains a small number of carbohydrate residues in relatively close proximity to a hydrophobic surface which enhances the interaction with concanavalin A.
Natural Enemies ofTrapaspp. in Northeast Asia and Europe

Abstract Trapa natans is an aquatic plant native to the Old World. In the late 1880s this plant was found to be naturalized in the eastern United States where it has become an important weed. To evaluate the potential of biological control to reduce this weed, surveys for natural enemies of Trapa spp. were made in Northeast Asia and Europe. In addition, populations of Trapa japonica in South Korea were monitored for one season to evaluate the occurrence and impact of insect natural enemies. Among the insects found, the leaf beetle Galerucella birmanica was the most common and damaging species in Asia. It can cause complete defoliation of whole populations of plants. Nymphuline pyralid moths were also common and at times damaging. Both the beetle and the moths feed and develop on unrelated plants and so have no potential as biological control agents of T. natans in North America. Two Nanophyes weevils were found in Asia which feed in petiole floats of the leaves. They are thought to be specific to Trapa but were not observed to be damaging. Low level populations of polyphagous Homoptera were common. Chironomid midges were also frequently associated with the plants, but for the most part were filter feeders, not herbivores. The greatest impact on the monitored plants in South Korea was by the leaf beetle G. birmanica which defoliated most of the plants, causing the mats of plants to sink. In Europe, a similar and related insect fauna was found, but none of the insects was very damaging to the plants. One Italian weevil, Bagous rufimanus, feeds within the fruit stems and might be more damaging at higher than observed population levels. Some diseases were seen on some plants in both regions. European populations of T. natans have declined significantly, stimulating conservation efforts. Literature records of Trapa insects from warm areas are presented. These could be of interest if T. natans spreads into warmer areas of North America.
Racial/ethnic and educational-level differences in diabetes care experiences in primary care.

Abstract Aims To assess potential racial/ethnic and educational-level differences in the degree to which patients with diabetes who receive primary care from a Veterans Affairs Medical Center report that experiences with the diabetes care system are consistent with the Chronic Care Model (CCM). Methods A cross-sectional mailed survey of 296 patients included the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC), which measures components of the care system suggested by the CCM. Results Among 189 patients with complete information, non-white veterans had more than twice the odds of indicating that their diabetes care experience is in line with the CCM [measured by overall PACIC score ≥3.5] (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.3–4.1). Non-white veterans were more likely to report high levels of assistance with problem solving and follow-up. Patients not completing high school had three times the odds of reporting care in line with the CCM (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.2–7.6). Associations were also seen with implementation of the CCM in the areas of patient activation, perceived care teams, collaborative goal setting, and collaborative problem solving. Conclusions Non-white patients and those with less than a high school education had more than twice the odds of reporting that the diabetes care system is in line with the CCM.
Central role of PI3K in transcriptional activation of hTERT in HTLV-I-infected cells

The persistence of human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus-I (HTLV-I)–infected cells is dependent upon clonal expansion and up-regulation of telomerase (hTERT). We have previously found that in interleukin (IL)–2–independent transformed HTLV-I cells, Tax strongly activates the hTERT promoter through nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)–mediated Sp1 and c-Myc activation. In IL-2–dependent cells and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) patient samples, however, Tax expression is very low to undetectable, yet these cells retain strong telomerase activity. This suggests the existence of compensatory mechanisms in IL-2–dependent cells and ATLL patients. In this study, we demonstrate that telomerase activity is significantly decreased upon IL-2 withdrawal in immortalized HTLV-I cell lines. Inhibition of PI3K or AKT signaling pathways reduced telomerase activity in HTLV-I cells. We found that IL-2/IL-2R signaling was associated with a PI3K-dependent/AKT-independent transcriptional up-regulation of the endogenous hTERT promoter. We found that activation of the PI3K pathway mediated cytoplasmic retention of the Wilms tumor (WTI) protein, which strongly suppressed the hTERT promoter. The importance of this regulatory pathway for telomerase expression is underscored by findings that the PI3K pathway is commonly found activated in cancer cells.
An analysis of emergency physicians' cumulative career risk of HIV infection.

Study objective: To determine point and range estimates of the cumulative career risk of occupationally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by emergency physicians as well as to determine if the efficacy of universal precautions was seriously diminished by prolonged risk over time. Design: Monte Carlo estimation of a mathematical model of cumulative risk. Eight scenarios were estimated for high versus low prevalence of HIV, no precautions versus universal precautions, and prevalence increasing to a steady state versus peaking and then declining. Measurements and main results: For high-prevalence areas, not using universal precautions, and assuming HIV seroprevalence increases to a steady-state level, the median estimate of cumulative risk of HIV infection over a 30-year career was 1.4% (90% tolerance range, 0.2% to 14.0%); for low-prevalence emergency departments, the median was 0.1% (0.001% to 3.6%). Universal precautions with a presumed effectiveness of approximately 40% resulted in an approximate 30% decrease in risk. Conclusions: Although the per-exposure risk is small, the cumulative risk of HIV infection may be disproportionately large. The efficacy of universal precautions does not appear to be substantially diminished over time.
Ready, set, go! the Voronoi diagram of moving points that start from a line

It is an outstanding open problem of computational geometry to prove a near-quadratic upper bound on the number of combinatorial changes in the Voronoi diagram of points moving at a common constant speed along linear trajectories in the plane. In this note we observe that this quantity is Θ(n2) if the points start their movement from a common line.
Comparative analysis of lake plankton structure vs. function

Four modeling approaches were used to describe variations in the plankton of a large lake. The objective was to determine whether information about ecological transfer efficiency could be predicted from metrics related to particle size, taxonomic composition, and food web structure. No relationships were found between the structural metrics and ratios of zooplankton to algal carbon uptake (one index of transfer efficiency). Ratios of zooplankton to algal biomass (another often-used index) increased significantly with food web complexity, zooplankton size, and percent dominance by Daphnia. Biomass ratios decreased with increasing algal cell size. The results provide insight into how structural properties of plankton may relate to community function.
Optical fiber sensing of corroded materials with evanescent wave absorption measurements

ABSTRACT This research effort is to demonstrate a remote sensing method using optical fibers with a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) interferometer as an evane scent wave spectroscopic technique. In addition to the usual advantages of optical fiber sensors, such as small size and weight, optical fibers can be embedded in aircraft structures in locations where humidity and corrosion can accumulate but cannot be directly observed. A fiber-optic-FTIR experimental setup, including several samples of field corroded materials, has been assembled to spectr ally detect Aluminum Hydroxide [Al(OH) 3 ] which is one of the major components of aluminum corrosion. Absorption spectra of Al(OH) 3 have been collected using an Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) crystal as a referenc e spectral signature. The absorption spectra of samples from a simulated corrosion process and from the field corroded structures have been collected and compared with the reference Al(OH) 3 spectra. Chalcogenide optical fibers are used for remote sensing purposes to detect corrosion. Two distinctive absorption peaks, attributable to aluminum hydroxide, are noticed from the simulated corr osion and from the field corroded structures. Key word: Optical fiber, Optical fiber sensing, Corrosion sensing, Remote sensing, Evanescent wave, Health monitoring, Non destructiv e evaluation, Chemical sensing
Comparison of heat flux measurements by IR thermography and probes in the Alcator C-Mod divertor

Alcator C-Mod was recently upgraded with multiple diagnostics to measure the heat flux footprint on the outer divertor: IR thermography, plasma conditions from Langmuir probes (LPs), and embedded calorimeters to measure local energy deposition. In addition to providing consistency checks of the inferred heat flux profiles, these measurements allow an assessment of the local sheath heat flux transmission coefficient (). We report measurements of the sheath heat-flux transmission coefficient at multiple locations in the scrape-off-layer (SOL) during an EDA H-mode discharge. The LP data are consistent with the presence of a heat flux “tail” measured by the IR system, extending into the far SOL. Measured are found to deviate from theoretical values by up to a factor of 3, depending on position in the SOL, pointing to some as yet unresolved physics. Calorimeter-inferred energy deposition profiles are found to be within 20% of the IR-inferred values across the footprint.
Local action of thyroxine analogues on amphibian metamorphosis

Abstract To determine whether or not thyroxine analogues can accelerate metamorphosis by acting directly upon peripheral tissues, thyroxine analogue-cholesterol pellets were implanted into the dorsal tail fins of Rana pipiens larvae. Many analogues tested brought about localized fin resorption in the region in which they were implanted; this was attributed to the direct action of the analogue upon the fin. Triiodothyronine and two of the acrylic acid analogues tested were more active than thyroxine. On the other hand, metamorphosing activity was reduced in compounds with bromine atom replacements for iodine atoms, with only two halogen atoms instead of four, with a methoxy group as a substitution for the hydroxyl group, and with a carboxyl or an amino group as replacement for the alanine side chain. No activity was detected for single ring compounds unlikely to condense, thyronine, and meta- and ortho- thyroxine. Although intra-fin implants of single ring compounds likely to condense to diphenyl ethers did not induce local fin resorption in the concentrations tested, large intraperitoneal implants stimulated general metamorphic progress, as evidenced by accelerated hind limb development and a decrease in length of the tadpoles. Moreover, fairly high concentrations of diiodohydroxy-benzoic and phenylacetic acids implanted either subcutaneously near the operculum or intraorbitally induced opercular thinning and perforation or incipient upper eyelid development (two metamorphic events with lower thresholds of response to thyroxine than tail fin resorption). Any condensation of these compounds to their corresponding diphenyl ethers must have occurred in the target organs. The experiments demonstrate the direct, local action of certain thyroxine analogues upon peripheral tissues of the tadpole.
Motors and switches: AAA+ machines within the replisome

Clamp loaders are required to load the ring-shaped clamps that tether replicative DNA polymerases onto DNA. Recently solved crystal structures, along with a series of biochemical studies, have provided a detailed understanding of the clamp loading reaction. In particular, studies of the Escherichia coli clamp loader--an AAA+ machine--have provided insights into the architecture of clamp loaders from eukaryotes, bacteriophage T4 and archaea. Other AAA+ proteins are also involved in the initiation of DNA replication, and studies of the E. coli clamp loader indicate mechanisms by which these proteins might function.
A Potential Novel Therapeutic Addition to Statin Therapy for Dyslipidemia

Treatment of patients for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease focuses foremost on lowering the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-C [1]. Of the many therapies available for physicians to lower LDL-C, the most effective are statin medications, which have the potential to lower LDL-C by over 50%. Despite the availability of even high-potency statins, only about one third of patients on lipid treatment achieve their LDL-C goals [2]. Although the reasons for the inadequate treatment are multi-factorial, one aspect is certainly the need for greater LDL-C lowering than can be provided even by maximal statin therapy. Beyond statins, the physician has several choices, such as niacin, fibrates, ezetimibe, and bile acid sequestrants, all of which have their various advantages and disadvantages. Thus, the addition of a novel lipid-lowering agent that could be added to statin therapy is much needed. Patients with hypothyroidism who receive thyroid hormone experience a lowering of their cholesterol levels, although attempts to utilize this beneficial action in treating hyperlipidemia have been limited by the adverse effects from the thyroid action on other organs. Eprotirome, a recently developed compound, mimics the effect of thyroid hormone on the liver with minimal effects on other organs, and with a somewhat greater lipid-lowering impact than other thyroid-like effects.
Farm Characteristics of Contract Specialty Grain Producers

ABSTRACT This study examines the farmer and farm operations characteristics of producers growing specialty corn and soybeans under contract. By identifying the class of farmers participating in value-added grain production, a better assessment of how and where contract farming is penetrating the grain sector can be made. If family farms are to counteract this growing agricultural industrialization, they must be willing to utilize sustainable agricultural practices as an alterative means to achieve growth and sustainability. Utilizing two case studies, one in Iowa and one in Nebraska, 114 contract growers were surveyed. The findings were compared with the general farm population in Iowa and Nebraska and to the general farm population in those counties in which the majority of contract growers in the survey reside. The survey results reveal that contract growers farm more land, are younger in age, are more educated, rely more heavily on hired labor, and are less likely to work off the farming operation than...
A guide for nutrition educators at the worksite

Abstract This article presents guidelines for planning and presenting nutrition education at the worksite. The roles of nutrition educators and the formats for nutrition education programs are defined. Which role and program format is used is determined by the skills of the provider and the needs of the company. Both company and individual employee information are part of a comprehensive needs assessment. Methods of information gathering and use of standard assessment tools are described. Literature cited
Preliminary Low-Power Investigation Of Teon Mode Vlasov Launchers

Preliminary results for an experimental and theoretical investigation of TEON mode Vlasov launchers which might be used in conjunction with some gyrotrons will be discussed. We will present experimental radiation patterns taken directly from the half-cylinder baffle and also from the parabolic-cylinder reflector that it feeds. Variations of the half-cylinder baffle and orientation position of the parabolic reflector will be considered.
Comprehensive three-dimensional gas chromatography with parallel factor analysis.

Development of a comprehensive, three-dimensional gas chromatograph (GC3) instrument is described. The instrument utilizes two six-port diaphragm valves as the interfaces between three, in-series capillary columns housed in a standard Agilent 6890 gas chromatograph fitted with a high data acquisition rate flame ionization detector. The modulation periods for sampling column one by column two and column two by column three are set so that a minimum of three slices (more commonly four or five) are acquired by the subsequent dimension resulting in both comprehensive and quantitative data. A 26-component test mixture and quantitative standards are analyzed using the GC3 instrument. A useful methodology for three-dimensional (3D) data analysis is evaluated, based on the chemometric technique parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). Since the GC3 instrument produces trilinear data, we are able to use this powerful chemometric technique, which is better known for the analysis of two-dimensional (2D) separations with ...
Constituent bioconcentration in rainbow trout exposed to a complex chemical mixture

Classically, aquatic contaminant fate models predicting a chemical's bioconcentration factor (BCF) are based upon single-compound derived models, yet such BCF predictions may deviate from observed BCFs when physicochemical interactions or biological responses to complex chemical mixture exposures are not adequately considered in the predictive model. Rainbow trout were exposed to oil-shale retort waters. Such a study was designed to model the potential biological effects precluded by exposure to complex chemical mixtures such as solid waste leachates, agricultural runoff, and industrial process waste waters. Chromatographic analysis of aqueous and nonaqueous liquid-liquid reservoir components yielded differences in mixed extraction solvent HPLC profiles of whole fish exposed for 1 and 3 weeks to the highest dilution of the complex chemical mixture when compared to their corresponding control, yet subsequent whole fish extractions at 6, 9, 12, and 15 weeks into exposure demonstrated no qualitative differences between control and exposed fish. Liver extractions and deproteinized bile samples from exposed fish were qualitatively different than their corresponding controls. These findings support the projected NOEC of 0.0045% dilution, even though the differences in bioconcentration profiles suggest hazard assessment strategies may be useful in evaluating environmental fate processes associated with complex chemical mixtures. 12 references, 4 figures,more » 2 tables.« less
A simple mechanism for sharing and transporting medical digital case information across disparate computer language and data storage environments

It is challenging to remotely share generic medical case information without an agreed upon definition of a medical digital teaching file (DTF). By utilizing an application of the extensible markup language (XML) called web-distributed data exchange (WDDX) along with an agreed upon WDDX structure, it is technically easy to share or syndicate medical case DTFs across computing environments that use different information models and computer languages. Thus, this easily implemented technology offers us an immediately available means to share and increase the value of scientific knowledge.
Src-mediated activation of the human neurotensin/neuromedin N promoter

Abstract Background . Expression of the gene encoding the neurotensin/neuromedin N (NT/N) is developmentally regulated in the gut in a distinctive temporal and spatial fashion. Src kinase, a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, has been implicated in the growth and differentiation of various tissues; its role in gut differentiation is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Src signaling pathway plays a role in the activation of the human NT/N promoter. Methods . Caco-2 cells, a human colon cancer cell line that can differentiate to a small bowel phenotype, were transiently transfected with human NT/N promoter fragments linked to luciferase and various amounts of Src expression plasmids or dominant negative Raf; luciferase and β-galactosidase activities were measured after 48 hours. Results . Cotransfection of Src resulted in an approximate eightfold increase of NT/N promoter activity; mutation of a proximal activating protein-1/cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element site resulted in a dramatic decrease of Src-mediated NT/N induction. Cotransfection with a dominant negative Raf plasmid partially blocked Src-mediated NT/N activation. Conclusions . Src increases NT/N promoter activity in Caco-2 cells acting, in part, through a proximal AP-1/CRE promoter element. In addition, Src regulation of the NT/N promoter appears to be mediated through a Raf-dependent pathway. We propose that Src may play a role in tissue-specific gene expression in the gut.
Serum monocyte chemokine protein-1 levels before and after parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Objective: To investigate the effects of parathyroidectomy on serum monocyte chemokine protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).Methods: Forty-three PHPT patient...
Bioaerosol Sampling with a Wetted Wall Cyclone: Cell Culturability and DNA Integrity ofEscherichia coliBacteria

Contemporary near-real-time bioaerosol identifiers that read labeled DNA require a minimum DNA length of about 500,000 base pairs; and for critical applications, instrumental identification results must be verified through the use of classical microbiological culturing techniques. A 300 L/min Wetted Wall Cyclone (WWC) and an 800 L/min inertial impactor were used in a comparative study to collect aerosolized single cells of Escherichia coli (E. coli) at temperatures of 24°C and 46°C. Classical microbiological plating techniques showed that the culturability of E. coli collected with a WWC is a factor of about 100 higher than that of the impactor when the sampled aerosol is at room temperature (RT) and a factor of about 4000 higher when the sampled aerosol is at 46°C. DNA integrity was qualitatively evaluated with pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and photographic evidence shows a significant difference in the amount of high molecular weight DNA (molecules larger than 500,000 base pairs) collected wit...
Fenestrated endovascular grafting: The renal side of the story

Background Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair uses the visceral aortic segment, in the setting of a suboptimal proximal neck, for sealing and fixation. This technique requires the placement of visceral stents and might be hampered by the deleterious effects of such interventions. This study was performed to define outcomes related to renal events. Materials and methods Consecutive clinical records and radiographic studies of patients treated primarily with an endovascular approach with a fenestrated endograft were reviewed. The population was divided into groups with and without baseline renal dysfunction based on the National Kidney Foundation definition of chronic kidney disease. Morphologic measurements and the detection of postoperative renal events such as renal artery stenosis or occlusion, need for dialysis, deterioration of renal function by using estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and secondary interventions related to the renal arteries were assessed. Preoperative and postprocedural factors predictive for the development of renal dysfunction were assessed by using a Fisher exact test, t test, and logistic regression. Results A total of 72 patients were treated between 2001 and 2004 with a mean age, aneurysm size, and follow-up of 75 years, 6.2 cm, and 6 months (range, 1 to 24 months), respectively. No ruptures and five deaths (two procedure-related) were observed. There were 23 patients with baseline renal insufficiency and 49 patients without insufficiency. Twenty-four patients had deterioration in GFR >30% during the follow-up period, and 17 patients experienced 19 renal-related events (more common in patients with baseline insufficiency, 39% vs 16.3%; P = .04; relative risk, 2.4). Four patients required dialysis (two permanent), and all had preoperative renal dysfunction ( P = .002); similarly, death was also more common in this group (17.4% vs 2%; P = .02; relative risk, 8.52). Renal events in most patients occurred within the first postoperative month (59%). However, mean GFR stabilized after 6 months. Conclusion Aneurysm repair with fenestrated endovascular grafts is associated with a significant risk for adverse renal events (16% in those without renal dysfunction, although none developed a creatinine >2 mg/dL, and 39% for patients with preoperative renal dysfunction). These patients must be meticulously followed, particularly within the first month after such a procedure. When renal artery restenosis is suspected or diagnosed, aggressive approach might be warranted to limit the extent of late renal dysfunction.
Nonlinear pharmacokinetics and interconversion of prednisolone and prednisone in rats

The pharmacokinetics of prednisolone and prednisone were examined in 32 rats at four intravenous doses (5, 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg). Each rat was given one dose of either intravenous prednisolone or prednisone, and plasma concentrations of both compounds were measured by HPLC. Mammillary moment analysis showed the apparent clearance and volume of distribution of prednisolone and the apparent clearance of prednisone to be dose-dependent. Further diagnostic analysis using a linear interconversion model revealed modest interconversion between the two steroids and at least two saturable clearance processes: the conversion of prednisolone to prednisone and the irreversible elimination of prednisone. A comprehensive model which incorporates the nonlinear clearances of prednisolone and prednisone plus the additional feature of nonlinear tissue distribution of prednisolone was then constructed. Four differential equations describing the rate of change of each steroid in each compartment were used to numerically fit by nonlinear least squares analysis all plasma concentration-time profiles simultaneously. The final estimates from the full model only partly agreed with the results from the two moment analyses but confirmed the general structure of the model. The nonlinear tissue distribution of prednisolone was reinforced by assay of muscle tissue. This study demonstrates the utility of the model-building process where simpler models yield insights into more elaborate schemes with complex nonlinear features.
Quantifying calcium intake in school age children: development and validation of the Calcium Counts!© food frequency questionnaire.

Quantifying dietary behavior is difficult and can be intrusive. Calcium, an essential mineral for skeletal development during childhood, is difficult to assess. Few studies have examined the use of food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) for assessing calcium intake in school-age children. This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the Calcium Counts! FFQ (CCFFQ) for estimating calcium intake in school children in the US. Healthy children, aged 7-10 years (n = 139) completed the CCFFQ and 7-day weighed food records. A subset of subjects completed a second CCFFQ within 3.6 months. Concurrent validity was determined using Pearson correlations between the CCFFQ and food record estimates of calcium intake, and the relationship between quintiles for the two measures. Predictive validity was determined using generalized linear regression models to explore the effects of age, race, and gender. Inter- and intra-individual variability in calcium intake was high (>300 mg/day). Calcium intake was approximately 300 mg/day higher by CCFFQ compared to food records. Concurrent validity was moderate (r = 0.61) for the entire cohort and higher for selected subgroups. Predictive validity estimates yielded significant relationships between CCFFQ and food record estimates of calcium intake alone and in the presence of such potential effect modifiers as age group, race, and gender. Test-retest reliability was high (r = 0.74). Although calcium intake estimated by the CCFFQ was greater than that measured by food records, the CCFFQ provides valid and reliable estimates of calcium intake in children. The CCFFQ is especially well-suited as a tool to identify children with low calcium intakes.
Making Sense of NIMBY poverty, power and community opposition to homeless shelters

Local citizens mobilizing in opposition to the presence of homeless people and services is increasingly common in communities across the United States. Such "'not in my backyard" politics have often been understood as resulting from prejudice, bigotry, or misguided understandings. I argue for an analysis of these social movements through considering how particular strategies and practices come to seem "natural" to social actors while other possibilities are effaced. Analyzing these ''common sense" reactions thus must entail examining the interplay between discursively made representations of homeless people and historical, class, and power dynamics that impact on people within particular communities. [Ethnography, homelessness, inequality, NIMBY, Massachusetts]
Social Psychology in Search of a Paradigm

This address discusses the nature of Kuhnian paradigms in science, and offers four imperatives tnat social psychology must meet if it is to become a mature science: (1) Person parameters must be taken into account: these interact with treatment conditions or dependent variables and thus make trivial propositions about people-in-general. (2) People are at times active agents who play some part in directing their own behaviors; this sequential process must be studied. (3) A taxonomy ot situations--a complex theory of interactions among people in various settings--must be developed; otherwise, it is impossible to generalize from laboratory situations. (4) An adequate systematic treatment must also allow for behaviors that are not self-directed or even comprehended by the actors them selves.
Specialization of SARA for software synthesis

The SARA system has been developed to permit top-down design without necessarily prespecifying that implementation would be done in software or hardware. It was felt very important to give the designer freedom to make that decision at a late stage and therefore select the appropriate place for the hardware-software interface. However, the synthesis methodology does not force the designer to hide an intention to use particular devices or particular software systems. Moreover, the area in greatest need of design assistance is programming where a language and associated virtual or real machine would already have been selected. Hence the question was raised, “What specialization of SARA would be important for the synthesis of software systems?”This paper discusses models of software systems under two very different conditions.In one, it is known that the design of a program for a sequential PL/I processor raises no synchronization issues to be managed by explicit flow-of-control models. Using a simple classical example, the paper shows that it is possible to describe a multi-level model, using SARA, which goes smoothly from programming-in-the-large to programming-in-the-small or actual code.In a second simple case synchronization issues are vital and it is important to keep a token machine explicitly in the model.
A Functional Polymorphism in the Reduced Folate Carrier Gene and DNA Hypomethylation in Mothers of Children With Autism

The biologic basis of autism is complex and is thought to involve multiple and variable gene-environment interactions. While the logical focus has been on the affected child, the impact of maternal genetics on intrauterine microenvironment during pivotal developmental windows could be substantial. Folate-dependent one carbon metabolism is a highly polymorphic pathway that regulates the distribution of one-carbon derivatives between DNA synthesis (proliferation) and DNA methylation (cell-specific gene expression and differentiation). These pathways are essential to support the programmed shifts between proliferation and differentiation during embryogenesis and organogenesis. Maternal genetic variants that compromise intrauterine availability of folate derivatives could alter fetal cell trajectories and disrupt normal neurodevelopment. In this investigation, the frequency of common functional polymorphisms in the folate pathway was investigated in a large population-based sample of autism case-parent triads. In case-control analysis, a significant increase in the reduced folate carrier (RFC1) G allele frequency was found among case mothers, but not among fathers or affected children. Subsequent log linear analysis of the RFC1 A80G genotype within family trios revealed that the maternal G allele was associated with a significant increase in risk of autism whereas the inherited genotype of the child was not. Further, maternal DNA from the autism mothers was found to be significantly hypomethylated relative to reference control DNA. Metabolic profiling indicated that plasma homocysteine, adenosine, and S-adenosylhomocyteine were significantly elevated among autism mothers consistent with reduced methylation capacity and DNA hypomethylation. Together, these results suggest that the maternal genetics/epigenetics may influence fetal predisposition to autism.
Chronological age versus gynecologic age in predicting bone mineral density

I wanted to thank Drs. Gold and Bachrach for their insightful commentary regarding our article entitled “Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate oral contraceptives and bone mineral density in a cohort of adolescent girls” published in the December issue of the Journal for Adolescent Health. The evidence of bone loss with certain forms of hormonal contraception prompts discussion of several complex issues related to reproductive health care of the adolescent girl. They mentioned that use of gynecologic age instead of chronological age perhaps would have been a more helpful predictor of bone mineral density as this variable more closely tracks developmental or “growth” age of the adolescent. In our analysis we found a high correlation between chronological age and gynecologic age (p < .001). We used chronological age in our statistical model because it is known by the adolescent and easily validated. Many adolescents do not recall date of menarche and this information cannot be easily validated. (excerpt)
Use of a liquid-based, thin-layer Pap test in a community hospital. Impact on cytology performance and productivity.

Objective To evaluate the direct-to-vial efficacy of the SurePath Pap test (TriPath Imaging, Burlington, North Carolina, U.S.A.) in a community hospital laboratory and to assess its impact on productivity, as measured by Pap test turnaround times (TATs). Study design A total of 8,771 SurePath Pap tests were compared to 5,055 conventional Pap smears collected and processed over the same 12-month period. SurePath histologic correlation rates were compared to historical correlation rates for conventional Pap smears. Pap test TATs for 3 months prior to implementing SurePath were compared to TATs for the last 3 months of the study, which included an approximate 70:30 ratio of SurePath to conventional Pap tests. Laboratory staffing was unchanged, and mean monthly accessions were relatively constant. Results SurePath showed statistically significant improvements in the detection of low grade (LSIL) (196%) and high grade (HSIL) (243%) squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) relative to conventional Pap smears. The atypical cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) rate remained nearly constant with SurePath, while the ASCUS/SIL ratio decreased by 68%. Unsatisfactory rates declined 81%. Histologic correlation rates with SurePath increased over those of conventional Pap smears. Pap test mean TATs improved 73% with SurePath. Conclusion Sure-Path detected significantly more cases of LSIL and HSIL than conventional smears without compromising specificity. The ASCUS/SIL ratio and unsatisfactory rate declined dramatically. Pap test TATs also improved markedly with SurePath.
Cost-efficient higher-order crossover designs in comparative bioavailability studies

Objective To compare cost efficiency of five commonly used, statistically optimal or near-optimal higher-order crossover designs for comparative bioavailability studies. Methods Monte Carlo simulations were carried out to obtain empirical sample sizes of the five higher-order crossover designs using Schuirmann's Two One-Sided Tests Procedure, under a 90% power and a 5% significance level, based on the equivalence criteria (80%, 125%). The five designs were the 2-period 4-sequence (2x4), the 3-period 2-sequence (3x2), the 3-period 4-sequence (3x4), the 4-period 2-sequence (4x2), and the 4-period 4-sequence (4x4). Costs were then determined by a cost function, which takes into account recruiting and screening cost, cost associated with period, and the overhead incurred for multiple sequences. The costs of the designs were compared under different scenarios. Results No single design uniformly dominates others. The 3x2 design and the 4x4 design, especially the latter, have the best overall performance in terms of cost efficiency. The 4x4 design is often better than the 3x2 design, but the 3x2 design can outperform the 4x4 design under high sequence cost or high period cost increment. The 2x4 design had the worst performance. Conclusions The 3-period 2-sequence design and the 4-period 4-sequence design are recommended for higher-order crossover designs in comparative bioavailability studies. The 2-period 4-sequence design is least favorable in terms of cost efficiency. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P90–P90; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.235
Breast Cancer among Immigrants: A Systematic Review and New Research Directions

This paper highlights the relationship between migration and female breast cancer. A comprehensive review aimed at identifying risk and protective factors that cut across races and ethnicities was performed. A total of 79 studies (1971–2005) from 16 countries were reviewed. The findings are consistent with existing knowledge about the importance of potentially modifiable environmental and behavioral determinants of risk, acting both pre- and post-migration. While the acculturation-based risk transition model is strong, it is not always supported. As a new direction for migrant studies, we extrapolate the review findings to the experience of Eastern European (EE) immigrants. Health data on this population, typically characterized by low health motivation and passive receipt of preventive efforts, are largely unavailable. Based on relevant theory, empirical and qualitative studies, two breast cancer prevention models for the EE immigrant population are proposed and the need for future research using ethnically disaggregated data is discussed.
Effective channel assignments in cognitive radio networks

Cognitive radio networks (CRNs) promise to be the next generation of the key enabling technology that enables dynamic spectrum access (DSA). The channel assignment (CA) problem is one of the most important issues in CRNs, with the objective of satisfying the interference constraints, and maximizing the number of nodes with channels assigned. In this paper, our goal is to design highly-efficient and localized protocols for CA. In addition, we want to maximize node connectivity after CA, which is important for packet delivery. To this end, we design two basic algorithms and an advanced algorithm framework. Within this framework, we can change the edge priority in CA to meet different requirements. Simulation results show that the proposed framework is fast (two rounds of communication among nodes, regardless of network size) and outperforms an existing method.
Failure of a chlordiazepoxide to reproduce the behavioral effects of muscimol administered into the basal forebrain.

Bilateral infusion of the GABAA-receptor agonist muscimol into the basal forebrain was previously found to impair visual conditional discrimination performance in rats. In order to examine whether the GABAergic input into the basal forebrain is active during performance of this task, the benzodiazepine receptor agonist chlordiazepoxide (15, 25, 40 μg/0.5 μl/hemisphere) was bilaterally infused. Surprisingly, chlordiazepoxide did not affect performance. The impact of this result for the understanding of basal forebrain GABAergic functions is discussed.
PRINCIPLES OF REGULATION AND CONTROL

Certain general principles of regulation and control are developed and substantiated by means of evidence from a variety of fields. First, success in regulation is a function of several variables including adaptability, use of heuristic devices, system structure and characteristics of its constituent parts. Second, both internal specialization of a system and the variety of its dependencies on the environment are important. However, while the variety is important only in the short‐run, system structure is important both in the short‐run and the long‐run. Third, according to the contemporary cybernetic paradigm, a self‐regulatory system must be an open system. This is concluded to be a myth. The theory is developed and illustrated.
Expression of human chromosomal proteins HMG-14 and HMG-17 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract The cDNAs coding for human chromosomal proteins HMG-14 and HMG-17 were cloned into yeast expression vector pBM150, under the control of the Gal10 promoter. Northern analysis of transformed yeast cells revealed that both cDNAs were efficiently transcribed. Western analysis indicated that the mRNAs were translated into authentic proteins. Expression of human HMG proteins in yeast cell did not produce detectable phenotypic changes, as measured by the growth rate of the yeast cells under a variety of conditions. The antibiotic resistance of the transfected cells was similar to that of control cells, suggesting that the presence of HMG did not affect the expression of actively transcribed genes. However, examination of the protein profile on two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed differences between control and HMG-transfected Cells.
Dynamic Effects of Centrifugal Forces on Turbulence

The dynamic effect of suddenly applied centrifugal forces on homogeneous and isotropic turbulence in the entrance region ofa curved pipe is analyzed by a perturbation method. The model is for small-scale turbulence and is valid away from the pipe wall; hence is not restricted to a particular cross-sectional shape and can be applied even to external flows if the mean velocity profile is almost uniform, as in the region outside the turbulent boundary layer on a curved surface. The analysis indicates that the major effect of centrifugal forces is to generate pure turbulent shear and this effect is cumulative. Thus, an initially isotropic turbulence become anisotropic due to linear effects. This result is in contrast with the effect of solid-body rotation on isotropic turbulence, where rotation acts on an initially isotropic turbulence only through nonlinear interactions, and pure linear effects influence the double correlations only if the turbulence is initially anisotropic.
Age, growth, and mortality of wahoo, Acanthocybium solandri, from the Atlantic coast of Florida and the Bahamas

Wahoo, Acanthocybium solandri, constitute an economically important fishery for many coastal nations, but assessment of this living marine resource is hampered by a lack of basic life history information. The present study demonstrates that wahoo in the western North Atlantic Ocean are short lived, grow rapidly in their first year, achieve a very large size, and have high mortality rates. The largest individuals were female and the sex ratio was significantly female-biased (298 females: 223 males: 54 unknown sex). An edge analysis showed that annuli formed primarily during winter–spring, which supported the use of sectioned otoliths for ageing wahoo. Wahoo lived a median of 1.3 years, a mean of 1.8 years, and a maximum of 9.3 years (n = 469). They had a high instantaneous mortality rate (Z = 0.98), and they grew rapidly and to a large size; von Bertalanffy growth parameters were: L∞ = 1701 mm fork length (FL), K = 0.381, to = –1.63. Females had a very similar maximum age relative to males (maximum age 9.3 v. age 9.1 years), and they had a slightly, but not significantly, lower mortality (Z = 0.91 v. 1.1) than males. Females grew slightly, although not significantly, larger than males (L∞ = 1797 v. 1555 mm FL, maximum observed = 1804 v. 1585 mm FL). Presumably the piscivorous nature of wahoo feeding, as noted by others, fuels these fast growth rates. Comparative data are very limited but it appears that the survival rate of wahoo in the western Atlantic Ocean is not different now than in the 1960s.