cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Economic considerations related to providing adequate pain relief for women in labour: comparison of epidural and intravenous analgesia.

Epidural analgesia and intravenous analgesia with opioids are two techniques for providing pain relief for women in labour. Labour pain is comparable to surgical pain in its severity, and epidural analgesia provides better relief from this pain than intravenous analgesia; a meta-analysis quantified this improvement to be 40mm on a 100mm pain scale during the first stage of labour. Epidural analgesia also has fewer adverse effects. However, providing epidural analgesia for labour pain costs more. The full cost of providing epidural analgesia can be divided into two components: (i) a baseline-cost component, which captures the costs of hospital care to parturients receiving intravenous analgesia for labour pain; and (ii) an incremental-cost component, which estimates the costs arising from incremental care specific to epidural analgesia. The baseline component may be constructed using hospital cost-accounting data pertaining to actual obstetric patients. The incremental component is constructed from a set of recognised complications of epidural and intravenous analgesia, associated incidence rates and estimates of the costs involved, from society’s perspective. The incremental expected cost per patient to society of providing epidural analgesia was calculated to be approximately $US338 (1998 values). This cost difference results primarily from increased professional costs (and is particularly sensitive to the method used to estimate the cost of anaesthesia professional services) and increased complication costs associated with epidural analgesia. A rational social policy for providing labour analgesia must weigh the value of improved pain relief from epidural analgesia against the increased cost of epidural analgesia.
Mössbauer isomer shift in 243Am

We have observed the nuclear γ-ray resonance of the 83.9 keV level in 243Am. The measured isomer shift between AmO2 and AmF3 has been used to calculate σ〈ν2〉〈ν2〉 to be −(9±3) × 10−4. The nuclear parameters are compared with those of 237Np.
Does clinical status 1 week after therapeutic hypothermia predict brain MRI abnormalities

Hypothermia improves clinical outcomes and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in infants with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy. We hypothesized that clinical status following hypothermia predicts brain MRI abnormalities, and helps determine which infants need an early MRI evaluation before discharge. The objective of this study was to determine whether the clinical evaluation 1 week after completion of 72 h of hypothermia treatment predicts the presence of brain MRI abnormalities related to hypoxia–ischemia. The medical records of 83 consecutively cooled infants who underwent brain MRI were reviewed. Clinical evaluation by day 10 of life consisted of assessment of oral feeding ability, spontaneous activity, need for mechanical ventilation and a history of clinical seizures. Logistic regression analysis was performed using all four covariates, with an abnormal MRI as the primary outcome. Brain MRI with lesions in both the basal nuclei and the cortex was considered to be severely abnormal. MRI was abnormal in 46 (55%) infants. Univariate analysis identified all of the criteria as being significantly associated with an abnormal MRI. On multivariate analysis, only feeding difficulty (P<0.001, OR 9.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3 to 29.8) and a history of clinical seizures (P<0.001, OR 12, 95% CI 3 to 46.5) were significantly associated with an abnormal MRI. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for feeding ability and seizure activity combined (0.86, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.94) indicated good accuracy with respect to the primary outcome. The negative predictive values of feeding difficulty and seizure activity for a severely abnormal MRI were 91% and 96%, respectively. Infants who do not have a history of clinical seizures and who attained full oral feeding by 1 week after hypothermia are unlikely to have an abnormal brain MRI. This simple assessment provides significant prognostic information that can be useful in parental counseling, and may allow selective use of pre-discharge MRI.
Emphasizing technical communication as the intersection of STEM and humanities

As a multidisciplinary field, technical communication is an ideal profession and disciplinary hub within the university for those who wish to bridge engineering with humanities. More specifically, the areas of technical communication represented by SIGDOC are particularly well-suited to house the best work of those seeking better humanities and STEM interactions, especially those concerned with information and interface design; the design of human-computer interaction; data presentation and interaction; workflow analysis and tools; user experience; and participatory design. Indeed the space occupied by us in SIGDOC stands poised for growth. It is here in our concern for an increasingly more intensive pursuit toward better designs for communication that I argue we can bridge production and use; design and uptake; utility and critique.
Does left atrial size predict mortality in asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis

Background: We assessed the hypothesis that diastolic function represented by left atrial size determines the rate of development of symptoms and the risk of all-cause mortality in asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Methods: From a database of 622 asymptomatic patients with isolated severe AS (velocity by Doppler ≥ 4 m/sec) followed for 5.4 ± 4 years, we reviewed the echocardiograms and evaluated Doppler echocardiographic indices of diastolic function. Prediction of symptom development and mortality by left atrial diameter with and without adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic parameters was performed using Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis. Results: The age was 71 ± 11 years and 317 (62%) patients were males. The aortic valve mean gradient was 46 ± 11 mmHg, and the Doppler-derived aortic valve area was 0.9 ± 0.2 cm 2 . During follow-up, symptoms developed in 233 (45%), valve surgery was performed in 290 (57%) and 138 (27%) died. Left atrial enlargement was significantly correlated with symptom development (P < 0.05) but the association diminished after adjusting for aortic valve area and peak velocity (P = 0.2). However, atrial diameter predicted death independent of age and gender (P = 0.007), comorbid conditions (P = 0.03), and AS severity and Doppler parameters of diastolic function (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Diastolic function, represented as left atrial diameter, is related to mortality in asymptomatic patients with severe AS. (Echocardiography 2010;27:105-109)
An introduction to computational statistics : regression analysis

1. A Quick Look at a Typical Regression Program. 2. Simple Linear Regression. 3. Applying Simple Linear Regression. 4. Multiple Linear Regression. 5. Computer Assisted Model Building. 6. The General Linear Model. 7. Analysis of Variance and Covariance. 8. Nonlinear Regression. 9. Maximum Likelihood Analysis and Robust Estimation.
Resuscitation of severe uncontrolled hemorrhage: 7.5% sodium chloride/6% dextran 70 vs 0.9% sodium chloride.

Abstract. Objectives: Resuscitation studies of hypertonic saline using controlled and uncontrolled hemorrhage models yield conflicting results with regard to efficacy. These disparate results reflect the use of models and resuscitation regimens that are not comparable between studies. This study evaluated the effects of comparable and clinically relevant resuscitation regimens of 7.5% sodium chloride/6% dextran 70 (HSD) and 0.9% sodium chloride (NS) in a near-fatal uncontrolled hemorrhage model. Methods: Thirty-six swine (14.2 to 21.4 kg) with 4-mm aortic tears were bled to a pulse pressure of 5 mm Hg (40-45 mL/kg). The animals were resuscitated with either NS or HSD administered in volumes that provided equivalent sodium loads at similar rates. Group II (n = 12) was resuscitated with 80 mL/kg of NS at a rate of 4 mL/kg/min. Group III (n = 12) received 9.6 mL/kg of HSD at a rate of 0.48 mL/kg/min. In both groups, crystalloid resuscitation was followed by shed blood infusion (30 mL/kg) at a rate of 2 mL/kg/min. Group I (controls; n = 12) were not resuscitated. Results: One-hour mortality was significantly greater in group I (92%) as compared with group II (33%) and group III (33%) (Fisher's exact test; p = 0.004). Intraperitoneal hemorrhage was significantly greater in group II (34 ± 20 mL/kg) and group III (31 ± 13 mL/kg) as compared with group I (5 ± 2 mL/kg) (ANOVA; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in hemodynamic parameters between groups II and III. Conclusion: In this model of severe uncontrolled hemorrhage, resuscitation with HSD or NS, administered in volumes that provided equivalent sodium loads at similar rates, had similar effects on mortality, hemodynamic parameters, and hemorrhage from the injury site.
The brain after critical illness: effect of illness and aging on cognitive function

Large numbers of patients who survive critical illness are left with significant new cognitive impairments that are often severe and remain years after hospital discharge. In the previous issue of Critical Care, Guerra and colleagues assessed risk factors for the development of dementia after an intensive care unit (ICU) admission in a sample of older beneficiaries of Medicare. Older age was strongly associated with a diagnosis of dementia. The relationship between older age and development of dementia after critical illness has not previously been reported. After adjustment for known dementia risk factors, the multivariable analysis found that factors associated with the critical illness were associated with an increased risk of dementia. This study has several limitations - including use of ICD-9-CM codes that identified primarily neurodegenerative types of dementia, the lack of a control group, and a high mortality rate during the first 6 months after hospital discharge - which the authors acknowledge. An important additional limitation of the study by Guerra and colleagues and all previous post-ICU cognitive outcome studies is the inability to determine what role, if any, cognitive impairments that existed before the critical illness contribute to the diagnosis of new post-ICU dementia and whether such cognitive impairments are stable over time or are progressive like those observed in neurodegenerative diseases. Research is needed to answer questions regarding mechanisms of injury, medical and personal risk factors, and importantly the effect of interventions administered either during or after ICU treatment that may prevent or ameliorate such impairments.
Can the demos make a difference? Prospects for participatory democracy in shaping the future course of US space exploration

Abstract US space exploration policy deliberations tend not to include citizens who lack direct, vested financial interests in the space enterprise. Could expanding the circle of US space policy development players to involve citizens more aptly serve space exploration and the interests of American democratic society in the 21st century? I evaluate the merits and feasibility of citizen participation, drawing upon democratic theory and scholarship analyzing public participation in techno-scientific matters, previous experiences of public involvement in space exploration policy formation, and reflections on my professional experiences in space policy development. I argue that public engagement will enrich the debate surrounding the US future in space and may point toward a program American citizens will support as a meaningful future in the cosmos. I suggest three guiding principles and outline four mechanisms that, if embraced by US space policy makers, could foster meaningful public participation in informing the US space exploration agenda.
Simulation of spin field effect transistors: Effects of tunneling and spin relaxation on performance

A numerical simulation of spin-dependent quantum transport for a spin field effect transistor is implemented in a widely used simulator, nanoMOS. This method includes the effect of both spin scattering in the channel and the tunneling barrier between the source/drain and the channel. Accounting for these factors permits setting more realistic performance limits for the transistor, especially the magnetoresistance, which is found to be lower compared to earlier predictions. The interplay between tunneling and spin scattering is elucidated by numerical simulation. Insertion of the tunneling barrier leads to an increased magnetoresistance. Simulations are used to explore the tunneling barrier design issues.
Studies on the nucleotide arrangement in deoxyribonucleic acids. II. Differential analysis of pyrimidine nucleotide distribution as a method of characterization.

Abstract This paper describes a procedure for the classification and unique characterization of DNA specimens, including those that cannot be distinguished by base analysis. It is founded on a quantitative and standardized method for the determination of the 3′,5′-diphosphates of deoxycytidine and thymidine released at three defined stages of acid degradation. A larger fragment, namely the isomer mixture of cytidine-thymidine triphosphates, also was estimated quantitatively in these hydrolysates. Other fragments were likewise identified; they were all derivatives of pyrimidine nucleotides, each unit carrying esterified phosphoric acid at both ends. The evidence is considered in detail that prompts the conclusion that the nature and rate of formation of these fragments are characteristic of the arrangement of the pyrimidine nucleotides within the DNA polymer chain and reflect the length of all-pyrimidine tracts that are flanked by purines. Ten DNA specimens, both total preparations and fractions, of different origin were subjected to differential distribution analysis. It is shown that these preparations varied widely in several aspects of the distribution of pyrimidine nucleotides (and therefore also of purine nucleotides); and that the general plan of DNA structure appears to include a higher proportion of polypyrimidine and polypurine regions than could have been expeected from polynucleotide sequences formed through a random arrangement of monomers.
Advances in nonhuman primate alcohol abuse and alcoholism research

Advances in our understanding of the biological basis of alcohol abuse and alcoholism and the development of prevention and therapeutic intervention require appropriate animal models. Nonhuman primates are important to the study of complex biomedical disease processes. Genetic, anatomical, physiological, and behavioral similarities to humans offer unique opportunities for translational research along with the advantage of a degree of experimental control that is not possible in human studies. The purpose of this review is to outline the approaches taken with nonhuman primates as subjects in alcohol research and to highlight our current understanding of data on organismal variables that can be uniquely studied in these complex organisms. We review literature on alcohol self-administration to provide an integrative framework for discussion of progress in 2 important areas of research. Designs that incorporate self-administration provide a context for studying excessive alcohol consumption, including the organismal and environmental factors that influence risk for heavy drinking. We then review the use of monkeys to identify aspects of adverse biomedical consequences that follow excessive alcohol consumption. One of the primary conclusions to be drawn from this review is that nonhuman primates are a central part of the translational bridge in alcohol research, providing powerful and unique opportunities for experimental work that can address the biomedical complexities of alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
Connections of cerebral structures functioning in neurohypophysial hormone release.

Summary Connections to the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei from cerebral structures rostral to the pons related to neurohypophysial hormones release were determined by milk-ejection, pressor, evoked potential and degeneration techniques. Milk-injection (oxytocic) responses were readily obtained from stimulating the hippocampal rudiment and nucleus accumbens. Oxytocic and vasopressor responses resulted from stimulation of the midbrain central gray, subthalamus and posterior hypothalamus. Evoked potentials having a latency of 7 msec or less were recorded from the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei following stimulation of the former structures. Responses and latencies greater than 7 msec were registered in the supraoptic nucleus when the cingulate cortex, claustrum, putamen, medial lemniscus, superior colliculus and prectum were stimulated. Degeneration patterns from lesions in the hippocampal rudiment reveal direct projections to the paraventricular nucleus via the superior fornix anf fornix column but not to the supraoptic nucleus. Following lesions in the midbrain central gray, connections were traced to the hypothalamus and subthalamus via the dorsal longitudinal fasciculus, mammillary peduncle and medial forebrain bundle. From lesions in the subthalamus and posterior hypothalamus, degenerated fibers entered the medial forebrain bundle and projected to the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, respectively. These results show that the hippocampal rudiment, central gray, subthalamus and posterior hypothalamus are intimately involved in mechanisms of
Influence of process parameters on growth of Clostridium ljungdahlii and Clostridium autoethanogenum on synthesis gas

Effects of initial medium pH and gas flow rate on Clostridium ljungdahlii and Clostridium autoethanogenum in liquid batch, continuous gas fermentations were investigated. Synthesis gas components were supplied at varying flow rates (5, 7.5 and 10 mL/min) for C. ljungdahlii (pH 6.8 and 5.5) and C. autoethanogenum (pH 6.0). Growth on synthesis gas was slower than growth on sugars. For C. ljungdahlii, higher cell densities were achieved at pH 6.8 (579 mg/L) compared to pH 5.5 (378 mg/L). The ethanol concentration at pH 6.8 was also 110% greater than that at pH 5.5. The interaction of flow rate and pH was statistically significant with the greatest acetate production in the 10 mL/min, pH 6.8 treatment. The ethanol to acetate ratios were smaller at lower pH levels and higher flow rates. In C. autoethanogenum fermentations, higher flow rates resulted in greater end product formation with no significant effect on product ratios.
Soil and Water Quality: Integral Components of Watershed Management

Management of agricultural, forested, range, wetland, and urban land plays an integral part in influencing soil and water quality within a watershed. Non-point-source pollution of blue waters, streams, rivers, groundwater, lakes, wetlands, and estuaries is now linked to the management practices used in these ecosystems. In this article, we present a brief overview of the role of soil and water quality in sustainable management of watersheds. Sustainable watershed management will require integration of information from diverse domains (e.g., physical, biogeochemical, economic, social, cultural, and demographic) at multiple spatial and temporal scales, and development of predictive tools across environmental, hydrologic, economic, and social gradients. Soils in the watershed play a unique role in regulating air and water quality, plant productivity, carbon sequestration, production and consumption of greenhouse gases, and climate. Management strategies used to reduce pollutant loads from watersheds should s...
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Detection of the Rcs3 Gene for Resistance to Frogeye Leaf Spot in Soybean

Frogeye leaf spot (FLS), caused by Cercospora sojina Hara, has become a more frequent disease in soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., across the USA. The Rcs3 gene provides resistance to all known races of C. sojina. To provide resources for efficient marker-assisted selection (MAS) of Rcs3, we developed and evaluated several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and insertions or deletions (InDels) markers linked to Rcs3. We surveyed 13 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) end sequences that were anchored with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers Satt244 and Satt547 along with the two SSRs containing clones in six soybean cultivars (Davis, Cook, and Young that have the Rcs3 allele and Blackhawk, Bragg, and Lee that have the rcs3 allele) for SNPs. A total of 19 SNPs/ InDels were identified and validated, but only 11 mapped near Rcs3 in a F 2 population of Davis × Blackhawk. The Rcs3 gene was positioned near Satt244 and 0.50 cM from SNPs AZ573TA150 and AZ573CA393. None of the SNPs or InDels identified appeared to contribute directly to the Rcs3 phenotype, but 11 mapped within a 3-cM interval surrounding Rcs3. These 11 markers were further validated for association with Rcs3 and for their potential in MAS in 64 lines and cultivars. Our results suggest that the two markers AZ573TA150 and AZ573CA393 could be used in MAS for Rcs3. Allele specific oligonucleotide probes specific for MAS were developed for a direct hybridization assay on a Luminex 100 flow cytometry platform.
Evaluation of tetraalkylammonium tetrafluoroborate salts as high-temperature stationary phases for packed and open-tubular column gas chromatography

Abstract Four tetraalkylammonium tetrafluoroborate salts were evaluated as high-temperature polar stationary phases for packed and open-tubular column gas chromatography. Tetrapropylammonium and tetraoctylammonium tetrafluoroborates were found to have too limited a temperature operating range to be generally useful. Tetrahexylammonium and tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborates had liquid ranges from 90 to 230 and 162 to 285°C, respectively, and were studied in more detail. Both phases showed strong, selective dipole interactions these being slightly stronger for the tetrabutylammonium salt than for the tetrahexylammonium salt. The tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate salt also provided higher column efficiencies, by about a factor of two, when used in packed-column gas chromatography. Retention of a wide range of organic solutes was found to occur by gas—liquid partition on the tetrafluoroborate salts. Five surface roughening techniques were evaluated for the preparation of efficient, long-lived, open-tubular columns. Whisker-modified surfaces, alone or coated with a layer of microcrystalline sodium chloride, provided columns of acceptable efficiency (2000–2500 plates per meter) and greater durability than other column types. Barium carbonate-modified surfaces provided columns of the highest efficiency but of poor durability. Columns modified with a layer of Chromosorb R6470-1 were the least efficient and of poor durability. Examples of the separation of complex mixtures on packed and open-tubular columns, coated with tetraalkylammonium tetrafluoroborates, are given to illustrate their practical utility.
STUDIES IN THROMBO-ANGIITIS OBLITERANS (BUERGER) X. REDUCTION IN BLOOD VOLUME FOLLOWING BILATERAL OOPHORECTOMY

One phase of our investigation of thrombo-angiitis obliterans has centered upon determining the significance of the low blood volume present in this condition. One of the puzzling facts about thrombo-angiitis obliterans is its rare occurrence in women. The theories that have been held to account for this immunity have included, first, differences in the habits and exposure of the two sexes; second, the possibility of a sex-linked hereditary factor; and third, a biological difference which protects women against the disease. Investigating the last of these theories, it seemed logical to assume that the ovaries might be responsible for this immunity. Certain known facts led us to believe that changes in the blood were produced by oophorectomy. For instance, women who have had both ovaries removed occasionally suffer from repeated attacks of phlebitis in the lower extremities during the years following the operation. It seemed possible that some alteration in the blood was responsible for this. Chemical chan...
Semi-automatic 3D segmentation of brain structures from MRI

We present a semi-automatic 3D segmentation method for brain structures from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). There are three main contributions. First, our method combines boundary-based and region-based approaches but differs from previous hybrid methods in that we perform them in two separate phases. This allows for more efficient segmentation. Second, a probability map is generated and used throughout the segmentation to account for the brain structures with low-intensity contrast to the background. Third, we develop a set of tools for manual adjustment after the segmentation. This is particularly important in clinical research because the reliability of the results can be ensured. The experimental results and validations on different data sets are shown.
Family Business and Market Orientation Construct Validation and Comparative Analysis

Market orientation refers to the collection, dissemination, and utilization of market information that promotes a sustainable competitive advantage. Despite the contribution of the market orientati...
SU‐FF‐J‐114: Dosimetric Effects of Image Quality in a TomoTherapy MVCT Dataset

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetric effects of imagenoise and detector alignment artifacts in TomoTherapy MVCT datasets. Method and Materials: MVCT images of CTquality assurancewater phantoms were obtained on a TomoTherapy HI‐ART treatment system. Images were used as input to a commercial treatment planning system (Philips Pinnacle3) which allowed for adjustment of voxel densities within contoured structures. The entire phantom was contoured to override the densities determined from the MVCT to the known physical densities within the phantom. Heterogeneous treatment plans using static and rotational beams were performed on both the raw images and the images with density corrections. Dose differences between the two sets of plans were analyzed to determine the magnitude of discrepancies between the datasets. Results: Average MVCT densities of regions distant from the central region of the phantom showed densities with in 2% of densities of water. The central region which is aligned with the TomoTherapy central axis showed an average density as greater than water by 5% due to a detector alignment artifact. For both the static and rotational beams, the isodoses distributions for the two sets of plans were very similar. In general, rotational plans demonstrated less error than static relative to the prescription point placed at the phantom center. More detailed information was obtained with dose difference displays which demonstrate relative errors proportional to the delivered dose in phantom. The maximum error observed throughout the datasets was found to be small (<1%). Conclusion: Dosimetric differences resulting from imagenoise and artifacts were found to be insignificant. These results may be beneficial in the determination appropriate action limits for routine MVCT QA. Supported in part by a research agreement with TomoTherapy, Inc.
Oxidative tryptophan metabolism in renal allograft recipients: increased kynurenine synthesis is associated with inflammation and OKT3 therapy.

Serum concentrations of tryptophan (TRP) and kynurenine (KYN) were determined in renal allograft recipients (RAR) as an index of interferon-γ-induced, indoleamine-dioxygenase-catalysed TRP degradation. Serum TRP and KYN in RAR during periods of stable graft function were typically within the normal range, however, the median values for serum KYN demonstrated significant increases 5–7 days prior to biopsy-confirmed acute rejection (1.6-fold, P < 0.01) and on the day of biopsy (1.7-fold, P < 0.001). Serum KYN was also markedly elevated in patients who contracted viral or Gram-negative bacterial infections in the absence of graft rejection. Serum KYN was not correlated with serum creatinine in RAR nor were serum TRP or KYN affected by antirejection therapy with high dose steroids. Retrospective analysis of intra-patient changes in serum KYN demonstrated that KYN monitoring was a useful adjunct to serum creatinine in the early detection of first acute rejection episodes. The first course of OKT3 therapy was associated with low serum TRP and significant increases in serum KYN (two- to three-fold) following the first three doses. The time course of these abnormalities corresponded to that over which many of the side effects of the OKT3 ‘first dose reaction’ have been reported to occur. Significant changes in serum KYN were not observed in patients receiving repeat courses of OKT3 therapy. Significant decreases in serum TRP and significant increases in serum KYN were both prevalent and frequent in RAR during the first two postoperative months. The fact that abnormalities in oxidative TRP metabolism of a similar degree have previously been implicated in the pathogenesis of the CNS dysfunction and dementia in certain inflammatory disorders in animals and humans suggests that cytokine-induced changes in TRP and KYN could contribute to postoperative morbidity in renal transplant recipients.
The Golden Rule. Application for fun and profit in electron transfer, energy transfer, and excited-state decay

Time-dependent perturbation theory and application of the Golden Rule have been shown to be quantitatively applicable to electron transfer in the inverted region, energy transfer, and excited-state decay based on spectroscopic measurements on dπ6 polypyridyl complexes of Ru(II), Os(II), and Re(I).
Thorium, uranium and plutonium in human tissues of world-wide general population

The results on the concentrations of thorium, uranium, and plutonium in human tissues of world-wide general populations are summarized. The majority of thorium and uranium are accumulated in the skeleton, whereas, plutonium is divided between two major organs; the liver and skeleton. However, there is a wide variation in the fractions of plutonium in the liver and the skeleton of the different populations.
Preparing Linguistically Responsive Teachers: Laying the Foundation in Preservice Teacher Education

It takes teachers many years to develop expertise in the complex set of knowledge, skills, and orientations needed to teach culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students well. The process begins in preservice preparation and continues into the early years of teaching and throughout a teacher's career. This article examines preservice teacher education as the first phase in the continuum of teacher development for teaching ELLs. Drawing on our framework of orientations and pedagogical knowledge and skills for preparing linguistically responsive teachers (Lucas & Villegas, 2011; Lucas, Villegas, & Freedson-Gonzalez, 2008), we show how Feiman-Nemser's (2001) framework of central tasks for learning to teach can serve as a guide for identifying tasks for learning to teach CLD students and for guiding the construction of a coherent approach to preparing teachers of CLD students that begins in preservice programs, laying the foundation for continued development throughout the teaching career.
Stereophonic and surface sound generation for exploratory data analysis

The analysis and interpretation of very high dimensional data require the development and use of data presentation techniques that harness human perceptual powers. The University of Lowell's Exploratory Visualization project (Exvis) aims at designing, implementing, and evaluating perceptually-based tools for data presentation using both visual and auditory domains. This paper describes several auditory data presentation techniques, including the generation of stereophonic sound with apparent depth and sound that appears to emanate from a two-dimensional area. Both approaches can produce sound with auditory texture.
Small Molecules Efficiently Direct Endodermal Differentiation of Mouse and Human Embryonic Stem Cells

An essential step for therapeutic and research applications of stem cells is the ability to differentiate them into specific cell types. Endodermal cell derivatives, including lung, liver, and pancreas, are of interest for regenerative medicine, but efforts to produce these cells have been met with only modest success. In a screen of 4000 compounds, two cell-permeable small molecules were indentified that direct differentiation of ESCs into the endodermal lineage. These compounds induce nearly 80% of ESCs to form definitive endoderm, a higher efficiency than that achieved by Activin A or Nodal, commonly used protein inducers of endoderm. The chemically induced endoderm expresses multiple endodermal markers, can participate in normal development when injected into developing embryos, and can form pancreatic progenitors. The application of small molecules to differentiate mouse and human ESCs into endoderm represents a step toward achieving a reproducible and efficient production of desired ESC derivatives.
Characterization of Magnetoelectric Cantilever for Use as an Ablation Tool in Minimally Invasive Surgery

Despite great strides in materials science and control, an automated surgical tool is still in the fiction pages due to the lack of a surgical tool employing a self-sensing actuator. In an attempt to fill this void, we present magnetoelectric materials as a solution for designing surgical tools. This paper discusses our ongoing work to model the dynamics of the magnetoelectric material for use in a control loop. The surgical tool is a two-segment magnetoelectric cantilever in which one of the two magnetoelectric segments is attached to a fixed support called the base. A floating segment called the cutting tip is attached to the base using a flexible hinge. The two-segment tool is placed in a remote magnetic field to generate the cutting force in the magnetoelectric tip. Displacement in the tip generates a proportional electrical response from the piezoelectric layer and serves as the self-sensing signal. The self-sensing signal from the two segments is used for operating the tool in closed loop operation. The dynamic characterization of the magnetoelectric cantilever in bending is derived from constitutive equations for the magnetoelectric material. The strain terms in the constitutive equation is expressed using generalized coordinates in the shape function for the cantilever in bending mode. The equivalent stiffness of the magnetoelectric cantilever is derived using variational principles for calculating the tip displacement in the cantilever.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Development and Evaluation of a Ketogenic Diet Program

Abstract Use of the ketogenic diet for seizure control in children with epilepsy has seen a recent resurgence. Little cost-benefit analysis of this therapy has been published. Lack of diet standardization and method for evaluation of diet efficacy makes the decision to implement this diet therapy problematic for dietetics practitioners. In 1995, a 3-year trial ketogenic diet program was implemented; the decision on whether to continue the program depended on patient outcomes and financial implications to the institution. The program initiation process involved development of a protocol encompassing inpatient and outpatient care, patient/caregiver education materials, and a parent/caregiver satisfaction survey for evaluation of subjective responses to therapy. The program was researched and developed by registered dietitians and required approximately 55 hours of labor over a period of 5 months. Nutrition management averaged 16 hours per patient. Available cost data revealed 83% reimbursement of hospital charges and 99% reimbursement of inpatient costs. Seizure reduction and/or improved behavior occurred in 6 of 11 (55%) patients. Although program development and patient-care management was labor intensive, results have been encouraging based on reduction in seizures and behavioral improvements in patients and parent/caregiver satisfaction. J Am Diet Assoc. 1999;99:1554–1558 .
Agglutinins for Escherichia coli in serum and in fecal extracts from human enteritides and from hyperimmunized and epinephrine-stimulated rabbits.

Received for publication November 24, 1950. * Present address: Department of Microbiology, New York University, New York City. t Present address: Division of Bacteriology, Kitasato Institute, Tokyo, Japan. currence agglutinins for coliform bacilli in fecal extracts. It is with the incidence and possible significance of coproagglutinins directed against Escherichia coli that this report is primarily co cerned.
Brain arrest neurological outcome scale (BrANOS): predicting mortality and severe disability following cardiac arrest.

Abstract Background: To create a predictive scale of neurological outcome following cardiac arrest (CA) that incorporates radiological and clinical markers of brain injury. Methods and results: Brain arrest neurologic outcome scale (BrANOS) is a prospective 16-point scale. It consisted of three variables: (1) duration of arrest (DAR), (2) reversed Glasgow coma scale (GCS), and (3) Hounsfield unit (HU) ratio on non-contrast CT scan of the head. Reversed GCS score was defined as 15-GCS (best GCS in the first 24 h). HU ratio was defined as the density ratio of the caudate nucleus over the posterior limb of the internal capsule measured on unenhanced CT scan of the brain. We identified 32 comatose patients who had: (1) CT scan performed within 48 h of event; (2) no previous history of either coma, severe head trauma, cardiac arrest or stroke. Primary outcome was defined as alive or dead. Secondary outcome was the Glasgow outcome score recorded on discharge. Patient demographics were collated from retrospective chart review. Patients’ mean age was 63±3 years (mean±S.E.M.); 44% were females. Mortality rate was 81%. Mean DAR was 21±2 min. Survivors had a significantly lower BrANOS score (8±2 points) compared to non-survivors (13±1) (P=0.006). BrANOS was a strong predictor of mortality alone (ROC=0.86) and mortality with severe disability combined (ROC=0.9). The scale had a 100% specificity and positive predictive value. Conclusions: BrANOS is a reliable predictor of neurological outcome following CA. It is the first scale to incorporate clinical and radiological markers of brain injury.
Cellular automata simulation of topological effects on the dynamics of feed-forward motifs

Feed-forward motifs are important functional modules in biological and other complex networks. The functionality of feed-forward motifs and other network motifs is largely dictated by the connectivity of the individual network components. While studies on the dynamics of motifs and networks are usually devoted to the temporal or spatial description of processes, this study focuses on the relationship between the specific architecture and the overall rate of the processes of the feed-forward family of motifs, including double and triple feed-forward loops. The search for the most efficient network architecture could be of particular interest for regulatory or signaling pathways in biology, as well as in computational and communication systems. Feed-forward motif dynamics were studied using cellular automata and compared with differential equation modeling. The number of cellular automata iterations needed for a 100% conversion of a substrate into a target product was used as an inverse measure of the transformation rate. Several basic topological patterns were identified that order the specific feed-forward constructions according to the rate of dynamics they enable. At the same number of network nodes and constant other parameters, the bi-parallel and tri-parallel motifs provide higher network efficacy than single feed-forward motifs. Additionally, a topological property of isodynamicity was identified for feed-forward motifs where different network architectures resulted in the same overall rate of the target production. It was shown for classes of structural motifs with feed-forward architecture that network topology affects the overall rate of a process in a quantitatively predictable manner. These fundamental results can be used as a basis for simulating larger networks as combinations of smaller network modules with implications on studying synthetic gene circuits, small regulatory systems, and eventually dynamic whole-cell models.
Signaling regulations of neuronal regenerative ability

Different from physiological axon growth during development, a major limiting factor for successful axon regeneration is the poor intrinsic regenerative capacity in mature neurons in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Recent studies identified several molecular pathways, including PTEN/mTOR, Jak/STAT, DLK/JNK, providing important probes in investigating the mechanisms by which the regenerative ability is regulated. This review will summarize these recent findings and speculate their implications.
V-Lab: A Mobile, Cloud-Based Virtual Laboratory Platform for Hands-On Networking Courses

In computer and network security education, hands-on laboratories are essential to help students understand the course content. However, hands-on laboratories are difficult to implement due to the complicated setup and location restrictions of a physical laboratory, which limits their use in online education. Using a remotely accessible, physically unconstrained virtual laboratory is a natural solution. Existing laboratory solutions are usually expensive to build, configure and maintain, while still lacking reusability, flexibility, and scalability. The authors propose a remote, virtual laboratory that provides cloud resources to both desktop and mobile users, called V-Lab. By using a flexible and reconfigurable design, V-Lab greatly reduces the effort needed to establish and maintain a physical laboratory, while providing a secure, reliable, and physically unrestricted environment that allows students to use resources based on their own schedule. Preliminary results show that students report that V- Lab system is intuitive, reliable, and helps them solve real-world problems.
Assessing the input effect on productive efficiency in production systems: the value of information technology capital

It is an imperative task for management to measure an organization's performance against its peers, competitors or itself. Among the performance measures frequently used, productive efficiency concerns the effective usage of input resources in producing output. Moreover, we are still unclear about how to identify the sources of such efficiencies so as to explain their causes. The issue becomes even more relevant and important but uncertain if the intended factor can also be treated as a non-traditional input in the production process. Treating information technology as a non-ordinary capital, this paper explores its effect on productive efficiency in a two-stage procedure. The first stage uses productive efficiency derived from parametric stochastic production frontiers models to measure the firm's performance, comparing the models with and without information technology investment as an independent input factor. The second stage then applies the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-ranks method to test whether...
A putative Alzheimer's disease risk allele in PCK1 influences brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis.

Background Brain atrophy and cognitive dysfunction are neurodegenerative features of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We used a candidate gene approach to address whether genetic variants implicated in susceptibility to late onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD) influence brain volume and cognition in MS patients. Methods/Principal Findings MS subjects were genotyped for five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with susceptibility to AD: PICALM, CR1, CLU, PCK1, and ZNF224. We assessed brain volume using Brain Parenchymal Fraction (BPF) measurements obtained from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data and cognitive function using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Genotypes were correlated with cross-sectional BPF and SDMT scores using linear regression after adjusting for sex, age at symptom onset, and disease duration. 722 MS patients with a mean (±SD) age at enrollment of 41 (±10) years were followed for 44 (±28) months. The AD risk-associated allele of a non-synonymous SNP in the PCK1 locus (rs8192708G) is associated with a smaller average brain volume (P = 0.0047) at the baseline MRI, but it does not impact our baseline estimate of cognition. PCK1 is additionally associated with higher baseline T2-hyperintense lesion volume (P = 0.0088). Finally, we provide technical validation of our observation in a subset of 641 subjects that have more than one MRI study, demonstrating the same association between PCK1 and smaller average brain volume (P = 0.0089) at the last MRI visit. Conclusion/Significance Our study provides suggestive evidence for greater brain atrophy in MS patients bearing the PCK1 allele associated with AD-susceptibility, yielding new insights into potentially shared neurodegenerative process between MS and late onset AD.
Impact of excitation position and plane spacing on far field radiation of power-ground plane pair

The maximum far field radiation of a power-ground plane pair is investigated, with varied choices of excitation position and spacing between the two planes, and thus giving a quantification guideline about where to place noise integrated circuits in the PCB layout design.
CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES AND STATE ELECTION OUTCOMES

This research first clusters campaign activities in state legislative elections into five empirically justified and conceptually meaningful clusters: direct attempts to persuade voters, obtaining the support of other elites, attempts to increase turnout, seeking endorsements from other political officials, and fund raising. Indices created from these clusters are then compared to the situational factors of incumbency and competition as predictors of election outcomes. Data are surveys of candidates for the Louisiana legislature in which they were asked about the conduct of their campaigns and their relative emphasis on various activities. Incumbency was by far the best predictor of what percentage of the vote a candidate obtained, and in open seat contests, expenditures and competition best predicted outcome. Overall, the campaign activities had very little relationship to outcome when controlling for situational factors. Variations occurred between the House and Senate races with implications for challengers' strategies and campaign financing.
Sex and race discrimination among university faculty: A case study showing combined effects

Abstract This study predicts faculty salaries using data collected at a large public university on publications, teaching and administrative hours, years of education and experience, department, sex, race, and interaction terms. Female faculty earn 24 percent less than male faculty; 17 or 41 percent of this differential is attributable to discrimination, depending on the particular set of salary determinants used. Unlike previous investigators, this study does not find discrimination in favor of minority faculty members. The choice of variables and form of model appropriate for a study of salary discrimination are discussed.
Glass Transition Temperature of Nylon 6

Studies of nylon 6 of various relative lengths have been made by measuring the sonic modulus and length as functions of temperature from -50°C to 180°C. Conclusions based on these data indicate tha...
Managing Antiretroviral Therapy : Changing Regimens, Resistance Testing, and the Risks from Structured Treatment Interruptions

The management of patients receiving therapy for human immunodeficiency virus infection has improved in recent years owing to factors such as new classes of antiretroviral drugs, new agents in existing classes, and reduced resistance rates when chronically infected patients begin treatment with preferred regimens. Transmitted resistance variants in ∼10% of treatment-naive patients underline the need for pretreatment resistance testing, to improve rates of virologic efficacy. Structured treatment interruptions to reduce drug exposure and toxicity should not be used outside well-controlled research studies, since this practice has been associated with increased rates of death and disease progression.