cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive movement system screening tool (MSST) for athletes: Development and measurement properties

Abstract Objectives Non-traumatic extremity injuries are particularly common in sports, representing a significant economic, academic, and psychosocial burden on athletes. Proposed musculoskeletal risk factors for increased injury and decreased performance in athletes include movement pattern inefficiency, decreased regional stability, decreased mobility, and asymmetrical movement. The Movement System Screening Tool (MSST) is a comprehensive screening tool designed to assess these factors. Thus, the purpose of this study was to describe the development and determine the content and construct validity and inter-rater reliability of the MSST. Methods A modified Delphi panel of experts determined content validity. 80 athletes (40 with and 40 without a current non-traumatic shoulder injury) completed 21 clinical tests, with exploratory factor analysis and known group analysis performed to determine construct validity. Two independent raters were used to establish individual item and composite score inter-rater reliability. Results Exploratory factor analysis identified three of the four apriori constructs over 7 factors (14 tests), representing 63% of the variance. Known group analysis revealed a significantly lower composite score in athletes with vs. without a current non-traumatic shoulder injury (56.9 ± 5.8 vs. 62.7 ± 4.5, respectively). A preliminary cut score of 62 was chosen with sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 44%. Composite score inter-rater reliability was excellent ICC (2,1) = 0.94, 95% CI (0.91, 0.96) and item reliability ranged from κ = .57 to 1.00. Conclusions The MSST possesses constructs representative of injury risk and measurement properties acceptable for use in clinical settings. Comprehensive screens with construct validity and known measurement error are needed not only to identify athletes at risk of injury, but also provide an instrument that can be used in studies that seek to validate training approaches proposed to change movement impairment and injury risk in athletes.
Withdrawal Symptoms Among American Collegiate Internet Gamers

We examined the gaming patterns and withdrawal symptomology of 144 American collegiate internet gamers. Our findings indicated that Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (IGDS) scores positively correlate...
Complement-Dependent Synaptic Uptake and Cognitive Decline after Stroke and Reperfusion Therapy

Despite the success of reperfusion therapy in significantly reducing the extent of infarct expansion after stroke, the effect of revascularization on poststroke neuroinflammation and the role of anti-inflammatory strategies in postreperfusion era are yet to be explored. Here, we investigate whether the neuroinflammatory response may still contribute to neurologic deficits after reperfused stroke by using targeted complement inhibition to suppress poststroke neuroinflammation in mice with or without concurrent reperfusion therapy. Complement inhibition was achieved using B4Crry, an injury site-targeted inhibitor of C3 activation. Following embolic stroke in male C57bl/6 mice, thrombolysis using tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) reduced injury and improved motor deficits, but did not improve cognitive outcomes. After both reperfused and non-reperfused stroke, complement activation and opsonization of hippocampal synapses directed ongoing microglia-dependent phagocytosis of synapses for at least 30 d after stroke, leading to a loss of synaptic density that was associated with cognitive decline. B4Crry treatment, alone or in combination with tPA, limited perilesional complement deposition, reduced microgliosis and synaptic uptake, and improved cognitive outcome without affecting regenerative responses. Furthermore, complement inhibition improved the safety, efficacy, and treatment window of reperfusion therapy with t-PA by limiting hemorrhagic transformation. This work thus demonstrates that poststroke neuroinflammation contributes to hemorrhagic transformation and progression of neurodegenerative responses in the brain even following early and successful revascularization.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study addresses two major challenges facing the treatment of stroke in the era of reperfusion therapy: hemorrhagic transformation and the disconnect between successful revascularization and functional outcomes. We studied how complement-dependent neuroinflammation drives the pathophysiology behind these challenges using a translationally relevant strategy. Complement inhibition was achieved using B4Crry, an injury site-targeted inhibitor of C3 activation. Following embolic stroke, pharmacological thrombolysis limited infarct size, but did not prevent complement activation. In reperfused and non-reperfused stroke, complement activation and opsonization of hippocampal synapses resulted in synaptic phagocytosis and subsequent cognitive decline. B4Crry treatment limited perilesional complement deposition, reduced microgliosis and synaptic uptake, and improved cognitive outcomes. Complement inhibition also improved the safety, efficacy, and treatment window of thrombolytic therapy.
The Utility of Postoperative Computed Tomography Imaging Following Isolated Orbital Blowout Fracture Repair.

Purpose:To determine the clinical utility of computed tomography (CT) imaging following isolated orbital blowout fracture (OBF) repair.Methods:Single-center retrospective review of adult patients u...
Disposition and metabolism of 2',2'"-Dithiobisbenzanilide in rodents following intravenous and oral administration and dermal application.

Abstract 2′,2′′′-Dithiobisbenzanilide (DTBBA) is a high-production-volume chemical used as a peptizing agent for rubber. The disposition and metabolism of [14C]DTBBA were determined in male and female rats and mice following oral (4, 40, or 400 mg/kg) and intravenous (IV) (4 mg/kg) administration and dermal application (0.4 or 4 mg/kg). [14C]DTBBA was well absorbed following oral administration (> 60%) and dermal application (∼40–50%) in rats and mice. Following oral administration, the majority of radioactivity was excreted in urine (29 − 70%) and feces (16 − 45%). Unlike rats, mice excreted ∼1-5% of the dose as exhaled CO2. The residual radioactivity in tissues was
Common Symptom Presentations in Individuals With Probable Comorbid Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are heterogeneous disorders that share common underlying factors, etiology, and symptoms. A small body of literature suggests common OCD symptom presentations may exist for this comorbid group, yet common comorbid PTSD symptom presentations remain unknown. The current study examined common symptom presentations in individuals with probable comorbid OCD + PTSD compared with those with a sole presentation of probable OCD or PTSD, controlling for overlapping symptoms, using a sample of 133 undergraduates. Individuals who exceeded cutoffs for probable OCD + PTSD endorse more severe OCD symptoms overall but report similar levels of PTSD symptoms compared with the respective diagnostic groups. Logistic regressions found that symptom domains present similarly overall in a comorbid presentation compared with the respective diagnostic groups, yet some OCD symptom domains were significantly more severe in the comorbid group compared with individuals with probable PTSD. Explanations for the unique contributions of symptoms are discussed, and clinical recommendations for addressing these domains are provided.
Design Space Exploration of the Violacein Pathway in Escherichia coli Based Cell-Free System

Abstract In this study, an Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) based transcription translation cell-free system (TX-TL) was employed to sample various enzyme expression levels of the violacein pathway. The pathway was successfully reconstructed in TX-TL. Its variation produced different metabolites as evident from the extracts’ assorted colors. Analysis of the violacein product via UV-Vis absorption and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) detected 68 ng of violacein per μl reaction volume. Significant buildup of prodeoxyviolacein intermediate was also detected in the equimolar TX-TL reaction. Finally, design space exploration experiments suggested an improvement in violacein production at high VioC and VioD DNA concentrations.
Mapping (In)Equity at the Polls

While provisions of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 continue to guarantee equal voting rights (Dreiband 2017), a fundamental question remains: To what extent do all voters share an equitable ...
Introduction: Postcolonial Spatialities

Early in his essay on utopias and heterotopias and before he sets out his typology of the latter term, Foucault issues some remarks on demography that appear especially suggestive to thinking about...
Protective Behavioral Strategies Mediate the Relationship between Overparenting and Alcohol-Related Consequences among College Students.

BACKGROUND The negative consequences associated with alcohol misuse remain a concern on college campuses nationwide. Alcohol protective behavioral strategies are important factors in mitigating college students' experiences of alcohol-related negative consequences. Overparenting, or "helicopter parenting," is a form of over-involved parenting which has been associated with a range of substance use concerns in college students. The mechanism by which overparenting is associated with alcohol use and/or consequences is unclear; however, it may be partially explained by failure to engage in the use of protective behavioral strategies. Purpose/objectives: The current study explored the degree to which alcohol protective behavioral strategies mediated the relationship between overparenting and alcohol-related negative consequences when accounting for alcohol consumption and if these associations were invariant across race and gender. Methods: Participants were 625 traditional age college students who consumed alcohol within the 30 days prior to completing measures of alcohol consumption, overparenting, alcohol-related negative consequences, and alcohol protective behavioral strategies. Results: Alcohol protective behavioral strategies, specifically manner of drinking, partially mediated the relationship between overparenting and alcohol-related negative consequences when accounting for alcohol misuse. There were no differences noted across gender, but the models were found to be invariant across White and African American participants in relation to the protective value of alcohol protective behavioral strategies. Conclusion/Importance: Overparenting may relate to negative alcohol outcomes in part through less use of harm reduction strategies. More investigation into the value of alcohol protective behavioral strategies across race is needed.
Self-regulation task in young school age children born preterm: Correlation with early academic achievement.

Abstract Background Children born preterm are at risk for difficulties in executive function (EF), however there are limited tools to assess EF in young children and it is not fully understood how these early deficits are related to emerging academic skills. Aims To examine (a) early EF differences in young children born preterm, (b) how a measure of behavioral self-regulation correlates with other measures of EF in children born preterm, and (c) how this measure relates to academic outcomes in children born preterm. Study design Longitudinal cohort study. Subjects Thirty-three healthy children born preterm (25–32 weeks gestation) and 14 children born full term were assessed before starting kindergarten at age 5 and again at ages 6 and 7 years. Outcome measures Each assessment included a measure of behavioral self-regulation, the Head Toes Knees Shoulders task (HTKS), performance-based measures of EF, parent rating scales of EF and behavior problems, a measure of motor ability, and academic measures. Results Children born preterm performed worse on all measures of self-regulation, EF, parent-report, academic outcomes, and motor ability across time. The HTKS had weak to moderate correlations with parent-report and performance-based measures of EF, moderate to strong correlations with academic performance, and was not correlated with motor ability. Conclusion This study shows the predictive value of early EF measures on functional academic outcomes and their potential as targets of effective interventions in this high-risk population.
Equity Crowdfunding and the Characteristics of Voluntary Disclosure

This paper provides descriptive evidence about the firm and managerial characteristics that drive voluntary disclosure when the investor base is inexperienced and information asymmetry is high – equity crowdfunding offerings issued under Regulation Crowdfunding. I find evidence that disclosure of financial information is driven primarily by the revenue levels of the firm, disclosure more qualitative in nature is driven by non-financial attributes such as social media presence and experience in unregistered security offerings, and disclosures of projected financial information are driven by manager specific characteristics. Additionally, I show that firms tailor disclosures based on whether the firm is seeking investment from “accredited” or “non-accredited” investors. The success of these offerings appears driven primarily by a firm’s qualitative disclosure. These findings contribute to our existing knowledge about voluntary disclosure, and better our understanding of the emerging equity crowdfunding market.
Laboratory-identified vancomycin-resistant enterococci bacteremia incidence: A standardized infection ratio prediction model.

Background We analyzed 2017 healthcare facility-onset (HO) vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bacteremia data to identify hospital-level factors that were significant predictors of HO-VRE using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) multidrug-resistant organism and Clostridioides difficile reporting module. A risk-adjusted model that can be used to calculate the number of predicted HO-VRE bacteremia events in a facility was developed, thus enabling the calculation of VRE standardized infection ratios (SIRs). Methods Acute-care hospitals reporting at least 1 month of 2017 VRE bacteremia data were included in the analysis. Various hospital-level characteristics were assessed to develop a best-fit model and subsequently derive the 2018 national and state SIRs. Results In 2017, 470 facilities in 35 states participated in VRE bacteremia surveillance. Inpatient VRE community-onset prevalence rate, average length of patient stay, outpatient VRE community-onset prevalence rate, and presence of an oncology unit were all significantly associated (all 95% likelihood ratio confidence limits excluded the nominal value of zero) with HO-VRE bacteremia. The 2018 national SIR was 1.01 (95% CI, 0.93-1.09) with 577 HO bacteremia events reported. Conclusion The creation of an SIR enables national-, state-, and facility-level monitoring of VRE bacteremia while controlling for individual hospital-level factors. Hospitals can compare their VRE burden to a national benchmark to help them determine the effectiveness of infection prevention efforts over time.
Trends in the Number and Type of Tobacco Product Retailers, United States, 2000-2017.

Introduction Tobacco product retailers provide access to tobacco products and exposure to tobacco marketing. Without a national tobacco retailer licensing system in the United States (U.S.), there are no estimates of national trends in tobacco retailer numbers and store type over time. Methods We developed a protocol to identify likely tobacco retailers across the U.S. between 2000-2017 using industry codes and retailer names in the annual National Establishment Time Series (NETS) database. We calculated annual counts of tobacco retailers in seven store type categories, and annual numbers of tobacco retailers that opened and closed. Results We estimate that there were 317,492 tobacco product retailers in 2000; the number grew to 412,536 in 2009 before falling to 356,074 in 2017, for a net 12% increase overall. Gas/convenience stores and grocery stores accounted for more than two thirds of all retailers. On average, new openings accounted for 8.0% of the total retailers, while 7.3% of retailers closed or stopped selling tobacco each year, with stronger market volatility following the Great Recession. Since 2011, there was a disproportionate reduction in tobacco-selling pharmacies, and an increase in both tobacco-specialty shops and tobacco-selling discount stores. Conclusions During two decades when smoking declined, tobacco retailer availability increased in the U.S. The economic climate, corporate and public policies, and new tobacco products may all contribute to trends in tobacco retailer availability. State and local jurisdictions considering tobacco retailer policies may find retailer trend information useful for forecasting or evaluating potential policy impacts. Implications This study provides historic data tracking tobacco retailers in the U.S. between 2000-2017, documenting trends that unfolded as the general economic market contracted and grew, with greater regulation of the tobacco retailer environment. These data provide a context for better understanding future changes in the tobacco retailer market. In addition, the protocol established in this study could be applied in any U.S.-based location without tobacco retailer licensing to allow identification of stores and tracking of trends.
OAB-037: Assessing the prognostic utility of the Mayo 2018 and IMWG 2020 smoldering multiple myeloma risk stratification scores applied post diagnosis

Background Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) prognostication models routinely used in clinical practice were developed for use at diagnosis. However, retrospective studies in SMM patients have shown that the risk of progression to multiple myeloma (MM) decreases over time. Therefore, this study assessed whether the Mayo 2018 and IMWG 2020 scores could be used dynamically to risk stratify patients post-diagnosis, and whether they could identify SMM patients with evolving disease markers. Methods We retrospective studied 704 SMM patients diagnosed between January 2000 to January 2020. Patients with a baseline FLCr ≥100 and involved FLC ≥10 mg/dL or baseline bone marrow plasma cells ≥60% were excluded. We collected serial laboratory data and re-applied the Mayo 2018 and IMWG 2020 SMM risk stratification models at annual landmark timepoints up to 4 years post SMM diagnosis. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Time to progression was defined as time from diagnosis or landmark timepoint to treatment initiation for MM or systemic AL amyloidosis. Results At SMM diagnosis, 271 (38%) patients were low risk, 228 (32%) were intermediate risk, and 205 (29%) were high risk per the Mayo 2018 score. Applying the IMWG 2020 score at diagnosis, 90 (34%) of patients were low risk, 111 (42%) were low-intermediate risk, 54 (21%) were intermediate risk, and 9 (3%) were high risk. The Mayo 2018 and IMWG 2020 risk scores was re-assessed annually post-diagnosis in patients without progression (respective sample sizes: n=430 and n=197 at year 1 landmark, n=326 and n=143 at year 2 landmark, n=260 and n=106 at year 3 landmark, n=203 and n=73 patients at year 4 landmark). The Mayo 2018 and IMWG 2020 models reliably stratified patients based on progression risk post diagnosis; the respective 2-year progression risk in Mayo 2018 high-risk versus IMWG 2020 intermediate-high risk patients was 51% versus 62% at the 1-year landmark, 60% versus 65% at the 2-year landmark, 47% versus 62% at the 3-year landmark, and 47% versus 45% at the 4-year landmark. Patients evolving to a higher Mayo 2018 or IMWG 2020 risk category during follow up consistently had an increased risk of progression compared to patients with a stable/decreased risk categorization. We showed that patients categorized as Mayo 2018 high-risk at follow-up had a similar risk of progression regardless of whether the baseline risk categorization was low-intermediate versus high-risk (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.51-1.48, p=0.606 at 2-year landmark; HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.59-1.73, p=0.972 at 3-year landmark; HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.34-1.65, p=0.467 at 4-year landmark). Conclusion Our findings support the use of the Mayo 2018 and IMWG 2020 scores post-diagnosis. We showed that patients migrating to a higher risk category have an increased risk of progression, suggesting that patients evolving to a high-risk score during follow-up should be considered for early intervention treatment approaches.
Mosaicism for trisomy21: Utility of array-based technology for its detection and its influence on telomere length and the frequency of acquired chromosome abnormalities

MOSAICISM FOR TRISOMY 21: UTILITY OF ARRAY-BASED TECHNOLOGY FOR ITS DETECTION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON TELOMERE LENGTH AND THE FREQUENCY OF ACQUIRED CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES By Chariyawan Charalsawadi, M.D., M.S. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Major Director: Jackson-Cook, Ph.D., FACMG Professor, Pathology The primary aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of array-based technology for detecting and quantifying the presence of mosaicism. This aim was achieved by studying individuals having mosaicism for Down syndrome. SNP arrays were performed on 13 samples from individuals with mosaicism for trisomy 21, 13 samples from individuals with normal chromosome 21complements (negative controls) and 5 samples from individuals with full or partial trisomy 21 (positive controls). In addition, BAC arrays were processed on 6 samples from individuals with mosaicism for trisomy 21, 3 negative controls and 1 positive control. These studies have shown that
Approaching solenoids and Knaster continua by rays

Abstract We prove that if Y is a continuum containing a solenoid Σ such that R = Y ∖ Σ is homeomorphic to [ 0 , ∞ ) , then, there exists a retraction r of Y to Σ. Moreover, any two such retractions are homotopic. It follows that if P R is the arc component of Σ containing r ( R ) , then P R is invariant under every homeomorphism of Y into itself. We also prove the following theorem for Knaster continua. Suppose Y is a continuum containing a Knaster continuum K such that R = Y ∖ K is homeomorphic to [ 0 , ∞ ) and cl ( R ) = Y . Let e denote the endpoint of R and let x ∈ K . Then there exists a retraction r of Y to K such that r ( e ) = x .
Post-divestiture telecommunications: priorities, issues and concerns

Abstract The rapid growth of online systems has made telecommunications technology a critical component of information systems in most organizations. Many of these online systems support crucial operational activities of the organizations. In the USA, since the divestiture of AT&T, telecommunications function has expanded in both complexity and importance. There is a great need for understanding the role and positioning of telecommunications in the enterprise and the major issues that concern management of this function. Using a survey of 137 US organizations, this article reports organizational concerns of telecommunications management. It describes telecommunications position in organizations, level of investments in telecommunications technology, issues affecting its management, and factors influencing vendor selection, network management, and telecommunications system design. Some implications for national and international organizations are discussed.
Superhero superoxide dismutase (360.2)

From archaic bacteria to humans, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) metallo enzymes play important roles in controlling reactive oxygen species. SOD enzymes fall into three classes based on metal co-factor used: (i) copper, (II) nickel or (iii) iron/manganese. These three classes are completely unrelated in sequence but have converged in evolution to catalyze the disproportionation of superoxide at rates limited only by diffusion. Like all metalloproteins, SOD enzymes face the challenges of acquiring the proper metal co-factor under conditions of limited metal availability and in a sea of competing non-cofactor metals. This issue is particularly problematic at the host-pathogen interface, where the host attempts to starve the pathogen of certain essential metals and bombard with toxic levels of other metals. In spite of these harsh metal conditions, pathogenic bacteria and fungi manage to properly activate their SODs with the correct metal co-factor and combat the oxidative burst of host immunity. Two such ex...
Role of Oxidative Stress and Tetrahydrobiopterin Synthesis on eNOS Catalyzed Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Production: A Computational Analysis

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) when bound to its co-factor, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) produce the vasodilator nitric oxide (NO). Oxidative stress in endothelial cells causes oxidation of ...
The Complexity of Interpersonal Relationships Among Older Persons

The interplay in the identification of emotionally close relationships was examined using 1071 participants in a Senior Citizens Nutrition and Activities Program. A crosstabular analysis revealed the following: (A) those who reported an emotionally close relationship with a child also reported emotional closeness with a spouse but not with a friend; (9) those with no children were more likely to indicate emotional closeness with friends than did those with children; (C) those with no friends were more likely to express emotional closeness with a child but no such closeness wilh a spouse; and (D) those with a greater number of children reported emotional closeness with at least one child. Closeness with friends was not related to the number of friends one had. The implications of these findings are considered both in terms of theory and application.
The Hawthorne legacy

Purpose – This paper seeks to analyze the contribution that the Hawthorne studies made to the discipline of management. The recent scholarly trend has been to attack the Hawthorne studies on the grounds of methodology and originality. However, the only way to accurately view the Hawthorne studies is to recreate the intellectual environment in which the studies were conducted. Why did this version of human relations rather than Dennison's or Williams's emerge as the scholarly contribution?Design/methodology/approach – Both primary and secondary sources were utilized in the research. The focus was from the time period of 1930 to 1958. More contemporary work was considered as well.Findings – Contemporary scholars viewed Hawthorne as being more thorough and complete than previous work. They also viewed the study as a contribution in light of some methodological issues and political biases.Practical implications – Performing temporal analysis allows the perceived strengths and weaknesses of scholarly works to ...
Correlation of tissue distribution, developmental phenotype, and intestinal homing receptor expression of antigen-specific B cells during the murine anti-rotavirus immune response

The intestinal homing receptor, alpha(4)beta(7), helps target lymphocytes to Peyer's patches (PP) and intestinal lamina propria (ILP). We have previously shown that protective immunity to rotavirus (RV), an intestinal pathogen, resides in memory B cells expressing alpha(4)beta(7). In this study, using a novel FACS assay, we have directly studied the phenotype of B cells that express surface RV-specific Ig during the in vivo RV immune response. During primary infection, RV-specific B cells first appear as large IgD(-)B220(low)alpha(4)beta(7)(-)and alpha(4)beta(7)(+) cells (presumptive extrafollicular, Ab-secreting B cells), and then as large and small IgD(-)B220(high)alpha(4)beta(7)(-)cells (presumptive germinal center B cells). The appearance of B cells with the phenotype of large IgD(-)B220(low)alpha(4)beta(7)(+) cells in PP and most notably in mesenteric lymph nodes coincides with the emergence of RV-specific Ab-secreting cells (ASC) in the ILP. Thus, these B lymphocytes are good candidates for the migratory population giving rise to the RV-specific ASC in the ILP. RV-specific long-term memory B cells preferentially accumulate in PP and express alpha(4)beta(7). Nine months after infection most RV-specific IgA ASC are found in PP and ILP and at lower frequency in bone marrow and spleen. This study is the first to follow changes in tissue-specific homing receptor expression during Ag-specific B cell development in response to a natural host, tissue-specific pathogen. These results show that alpha(4)beta(7) is tightly regulated during the Ag-specific B cell response to RV and is expressed concurrently with the specific migration of memory and effector B cells to intestinal tissues.
The Martin Boundary in the Parabolic Context

In discussing the parabolic context Martin boundary of an open subset \( \dot{D} \) of \( {{\dot{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}} \) for \( N1 \) we first make the obvious remark that there are necessarily two boundaries, one adapted to the operator \( \dot{\Delta } \) and superparabolic potentials, the other adapted to the operator \( \mathop{\Delta }\limits^{*} \) and cosuperparabolic potentials. The first is called the exit boundary; the second is called the entrance boundary. These dual contexts are interchanged by a reflection of \( {{\dot{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}} \) in the abscissa hyperplane. We shall treat the exit boundary but shall omit the word “exit” unless both boundaries are involved. The following remarks are offered to orient the reader to the new features that arise in parabolic context Martin boundary theory.
The anatomy, terminology, and homology of acrorhagi and pseudoacrorhagi in sea anemones

The morphology of the column margin is an especially important feature in the taxonomy and biology of members of the sea anemone family Actiniidae. Despite the importance of marginal structures, their anatomy and the terminology describing them is poorly delimited. Consequently, homologies of the components of the marginal structures are poorly understood and taxonomies that depend on the presence, absence, or particular manifestation of marginal structures are confused. I review and synthesize anatomical descriptions of the marginal structures and find that they consist of two parts: a projection of the column and a holotrich-dense pad (= acrorhagus) that is histologically differentiated from the surrounding tissues. Although acrorhagi are functionally similar to the catch tentacles of some Actiniaria and to the capitate tentacles of Corallimorpharia and Scleractinia, as structures of the column, acrorhagi are not homologous to them.
CBrF3 (Halon-1301): UV absorption spectrum between 210 and 320K, atmospheric lifetime, and ozone depletion potential

Abstract CBrF3 (Halon-1301) is a man-made ozone depleting substance that is a major source of bromine in the Earth’s stratosphere. Halon-1301 is predominantly removed from the atmosphere by UV photolysis in the stratosphere at wavelengths between 200 and 225 nm. The existing level of uncertainty in the Halon-1301 UV absorption spectrum temperature-dependence directly impacts the ability to model stratospheric ozone chemistry and climate change. In this work, the UV absorption spectrum of Halon-1301 between 195 and 235 nm was measured over the temperature range 210–320 K. An empirical parameterization of the spectrum and its temperature dependence is presented. The present results are critically compared with results from previous studies and the current recommendation for use in atmospheric models. A global annually averaged lifetime for Halon-1301 of 74.6 (73.7–75.5) years was calculated using a 2-D atmospheric model and the present results. The range of lifetimes given in parenthesis represents the possible values due solely to the 2σ uncertainty in the Halon-1301 UV spectrum obtained in this work. In addition, the CBrF3 ozone depletion potential was calculated using the 2-D model to be 18.6 (±0.1) using the UV spectrum and 2σ uncertainty from this work.
On the Recall of Initial Attitudes following Counterattitudinal Advocacy: An Experimental Reexamination

The possibility that choice subjects in the Bem and McConnell study knew their initial attitudes but chose not to report them was investigated in the present research. Subjects were first induced to write a counterattitudinal essay under either choice or no-choice conditions, and then were either provided or not provided a monetary incentive for being accurate in recalling their initial attitudes (obtained a week earlier). As hypothesized, the attitude-recall error in the choice-no-incentive condition was found to be considerably greater than in the other three conditions. It was concluded that, contrary to the claim of self-perception theory, initial attitudes are not overwhelmed by counterattitudinal advocacy.
Don't listen! I am dictating my password!

Speech recognition is a promising alternative input technology for individuals with upper-body motor impairments that hinder the use of the standard keyboard and mouse. A recent long-term field study found that the users employed speech techniques for a variety of tasks beyond generating text documents [1]. One challenge with hands-free speech-based interactions is user authentication, which requires the users to speak their user IDs and passwords character by character. Unfortunately, speaking a password presents both security and privacy threats as well as usability problems. To address this challenge, we propose a new speech-based authentication model. An initial proof-of-concept prototype has been implemented and a pilot study was conducted. Preliminary results suggest several problems for further examination.
Memory cells specific for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) govern the transfer of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the CNS mediated by CD4 + T cells directed against myelin antigens. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is induced by immunization with myelin antigens like myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). We have explored the transfer of EAE using MOG 35-55 -specific TCR transgenic (2D2) T cells. Unsorted 2D2 Th1 cells reliably transferred EAE. Further, we found that CD44 hi CD62L lo effector/memory CD4 + T cells are likely responsible for the disease transfer due to the up-regulation of CD44. Given the importance of MOG in MS pathogenesis, mechanistic insights into adoptively transferred EAE by MOG-specific Th1 cells could prove valuable in MS research.
Defining scholarship at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine: A study in cultures.

ABSTRACT Medical schools' long-awaited recognition of the varied contributions of their faculty has caused active dialogue and debate. The discourse centers on the best approach for incorporating a broader definition of scholarship, including professional service, into the traditional promotion and tenure processes. At the School of Medicine of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), the majority of the clinical faculty also serve as active-duty uniformed medical officers, and the subject of how to appropriately recognize their varied contributions has long been contended. Concerns have been raised from all constituent groups that broadening the definition of scholarship at the USUHS has the potential to lower the standards of the academy and thus devalue faculty positions. The USUHS has viewed this challenge as a study in the integration of cultures. Institutional cultures include those of the academy, the military, government, basic science, and clinical science, and all the resulting permutations. A nine-year review of scholarship, promotion, and tenure at the USUHS has resulted in a document that supports the diverse missions of the university and appropriately rewards the accomplishments of its faculty. The dialogue continues, as the new document is subject to continuing review and ongoing critical analysis.
15-Ketoprostaglandin Δ13 reductase from human placenta: Purification, kinetics, and inhibitor binding☆

Abstract An NADH-dependent 15-ketoprostaglandin Δ13 reductase has been purified to near homogeneity from human placenta by a procedure which includes affinity chromatography on blue Sepharose. The enzyme utilizes as substrates 15-ketoprostaglandins of the E, F, A, and B series, and the reaction is experimentally irreversible. Molecular weight estimations on Sephadex G-100 and sodium dodecyl sulfate disc gel electrophoresis suggest that the enzyme is a dimer. The subunits appear to be similar in size if not identical and have a molecular weight of 35,000. The mechanism of the reaction of 15-ketoprostaglandin E2 and NADH catalyzed by this enzyme has been investigated by steady-state kinetic methods. The 13,14-dihydro-15-ketoprostaglandin product is an inhibitor of the reaction, being competitive with respect to 15-ketoprostaglandin E2 and noncompetitive with respect to NADH; NAD+ does not inhibit the reaction. NADPH and Cibacron blue 3G-A are “dead-end” inhibitors of the reaction; both act competitively with respect to NADH and noncompetitively with respect to 15-ketoprostaglandin E2. These observations are consistent with a rapid equilibrium random mechanism with the formation of an unreactive enzyme · NADH · 13,14-dihydro-15-ketoprostaglandin E2 complex. The interaction of NADPH and Cibacron blue 3G-A with the free enzyme was investigated further by fluorimetry. Both substances bind to the free enzyme and quench its fluorescence. This property was utilized to titrate the enzyme, and a value of 3.28 × 10−11 mol of binding sites/mU of enzyme was obtained.
The impact of preinjury antiplatelet and anticoagulant pharmacotherapy on outcomes in elderly patients with hemorrhagic brain injury

Background More elderly trauma patients are identified with preinjury use of clopidogrel, aspirin, or warfarin (CAW). The purpose of this study was to determine whether preinjury CAW use was an important predictor of mortality in patients aged ≥50 years with blunt, hemorrhagic brain injury (HBI). Methods A retrospective review of patients with blunt, HBI aged ≥50 years with subgroup analysis for older (>70 years) and younger (50−70 years) patients was performed. CAW use was analyzed for differences in age, gender, hospital length of stay (LOS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), mechanism of injury (MOI), platelet transfusion therapy (PLT), disposition at discharge, and in-hospital mortality. Results From January 2003 to October 2005, 416 patients were identified. The mean age was 69±1 years. No differences were found for ISS (24 ± 0.5), GCS (12 ± 0.2), or LOS (8 ± 0.4 days). CAW use was present in 40% of patients and significantly higher in older patients. Mortality was not different between older and younger CAW(+) patients, but it significantly increased for older CAW(−) patients. Significant predictors of death included age, ISS, and GCS (P Conclusions Preinjury CAW use in older blunt, HBI patients is not associated with increased mortality. Age was a significant predictor of mortality independent of CAW use.
Energy efficient path planning for skid-steered autonomous ground vehicles

It is important to minimize the energy consumption of autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) deployed in real world missions. One of the ways that this can be accomplished is to choose the vehicle's motion to minimize the mechanical and electrical energy usage required by the vehicle's motion. This paper considers energy efficient motion planning for skid-steered AGVs, an important and large class of all-terrain vehicles. An experimentally verified power consumption model for skid-steered vehicles has been recently developed based on the "exponential friction model," which yields power consumption predictions that are far more accurate than those obtained using Coulomb's friction model. At a given velocity the power consumption is essentially a function of the vehicle turning radius. This paper demonstrates energy efficient motion planning using Sampling Based Model Predictive Optimization (SBMPO), a recently developed motion planning algorithm. In this research SBMPO uses a simple kinematic model of the vehicle to determine feasible vehicle paths and the skid-steered vehicle power model to compute the energy consumption (i.e., the cost) along a given trajectory. The results here are for a vehicle moving on a single surface at constant velocity. Energy optimal motion planning is compared with distance optimal motion planning and the results demonstrate the importance of considering energy consumption in the motion planning process.
An Essay on Comparative Administration

Books reviewed: John A. Rohr, Founding Republics in France and America: A Study in Constitutional Governance.
A method for evaluation of fixed-J traces

Traces of operators in fixed-J spaces are of interest in statistical nuclear theory. A method, based on polynomial expansions inJ(J+1), is given here for the evaluation of such traces and is illustrated by some examples.
Final state branching ratio in the Be 7 decay

The fractional decay branch in the EC decay of $^{7}\mathrm{Be}$ leading to the first excited state of $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$ has been measured. $^{7}\mathrm{Be}$ ions from a beam produced by a tandem Van de Graaff accelerator were implanted into a surface-barrier detector; the decay $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays were then counted using a well-shielded Ge(Li) detector of known absolute efficiency. The resulting decay branch, (10.10\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.45)%, is in good agreement with previously published values and in strong disagreement with a recent measurement.
Goal Attainment Scaling as an Outcome Measure in Randomized Controlled Trials of Psychosocial Interventions in Autism

Goal attainment scaling (GAS) holds promise as an idiographic approach for measuring outcomes of psychosocial interventions in community settings. GAS has been criticized for untested assumptions of scaling level (i.e., interval or ordinal), inter-individual equivalence and comparability, and reliability of coding across different behavioral observation methods. We tested assumptions of equality between GAS descriptions for outcome measurement in a randomized trial (i.e., measurability, equidistance, level of difficulty, comparability of behavior samples collected from teachers vs. researchers and live vs. videotape). Results suggest GAS descriptions can be evaluated for equivalency, that teacher collected behavior samples are representative, and that varied sources of behavior samples can be reliably coded. GAS is a promising measurement approach. Recommendations are provided to ensure methodological quality.
TOLERANCE VARIATION AND PASSIVE ALIGNMENT IN MODULAR, POLYMER MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES

Simulations and experiments to assess the predictability of dimensional and locational tolerances of passive alignment structures on injection molded microfluidic components were performed. A center-gated disk with microscale assembly features, to aid metrology, was reproduced using injection molding. The feature dimensions were 100, 200, 300, and 400 μ. Dimensions of the features were measured using optical profilometery and optical microscopy. Simulations using a commercial package overestimated replication fidelity. Mold surface temperatures and injection speeds significantly affected the replication fidelity as the ratio of surface area to volume increased. The location of better replication fidelity, at each mold surface temperature, moved from the edge of the mold cavity to the injection point as the mold surface temperature increased from 100°C to 150°C. Therefore, process parameters and the design of a mold have to be considered for successful replication of the features.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
The effect of early extended contact on father-newborn interaction.

Summary Forty-eight middle-class fathers having their first child were divided into three groups: An Experimental Group received a demonstration of physical and behavioral characteristics of their own infants resulting in a doubling of the usual time for interaction during the first two days. A Hospital Group spent the same amount of time viewing a prepared videotape of the same characteristics of a newborn infant who was not theirs. An Office Control Group, without experimental intervention, was recruited to control for effects of demand characteristics of the experimental situation. All three groups attended their infants' one-month well-baby examination where outcome measures were obtained. Analyses of variance showed no differences between groups on demographic or pregnancy variables. Further, 108 analyses of variance for 36 father and infant behaviors scored from videotapes did not reveal significant group differences. It is argued that in addition to amount of early contact and sex of parent, crucia...
Size distributions of circular molecules in plant mitochondrial DNAs.

Some physicochemical properties of the mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNA) from plants of flax, broad bean and mung bean, and from tissue culture cells of jimson weed, soybean, petunia and tobacco were determined. Circular molecules were observed in electron microscope preparations of each mtDNA. In soybean, petunia, broad bean and mung bean mtDNAs, the circular molecules had a continuous distribution of lengths (ranges between 1 to 36 kb, and 1 to 126 kb), heavily skewed toward smaller molecules. Eighty-six percent of the flax circular molecules were from 27 to 54 kb in size, and 78% of the jimson weed circular molecules were from 4 to 15 kb. Replicative forms of 1.2–1.6 kb circular molecules were observed in electron microscope preparations of broad bean mtDNA.
The role of the fibrous capsule in the function of implanted drug‐polymer sustained release systems

Numerous studies have been carried out on drug-polymer sustained release systems designed for implantation. The majority of these efforts have been directed toward determining the in-vitro rate of drug release from specific systems or drug polymer combinations and the in-vivo studies have attempted to utilize analysis of the blood serum and excretory products as a measure of the release rate and behavior. To gain a better understanding of the influence of the local tissue environment and implant site on release behavior, we have investigated the release behavior of a gentamicin-silicone rubber system implanted in canines. Particular attention has been directed toward investigating the role that the fibrous capsule which eventually surrounds the implant plays in determining the rate and pattern of drug release. The drug burst effect was decreased by the use of a drug-free silicone rubber membrane on the gentamicin-silicone rod implant. Analysis for gentamicin in the tissue adjacent to the implant for periods up to four weeks indicated that the release rate was retarded by the development of the fibrous capsule. The temporal and spatial variations in gentamicin levels in the tissue surrounding the rod implants were determined. In addition, the influence of implant coating and gentamicin loading level in the implant on local tissue concentrations with time were also investigated. These studies provide evidence that the fibrous capsule surrounding a drug-polymer sustained release implant may influence the release behavior of the drug in an advantageous or disadvantageous manner depending upon the desired function of the sustained release system.
The space transformation in the simulation of multidimensional random fields

Abstract Space transformations are proposed as a mathematically meaningful and practically comprehensive approach to simulate multidimensional random fields. Within this context the turning bands method of simulation is reconsidered and improved in both the space and frequency domains.