cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Homicides in a semi-rural southern environment

Since the turn of the century a number of studies have been conducted on the problem of criminal homicides. For the most part, these studies have focused on large urban areas with little, or no, attention being given to the less populated areas of the country. Therefore, much of the current body of knowledge on criminal homicides is based upon the findings of these urban areas. This study focuses upon homicides is a semi-rural area of Alabama in the belief that the differences in cultures, lifestyles, and population densities found in small cities and rural areas will produce homicide characteristics different from those in urban areas.
MAINTENANCE OF CNS TISSUES IN VITRO FOR SUBSEQUENT PHARMACOLOGIC EVALUATION : A SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE SUPERFUSION CHAMBER

Abstract A new simple, inexpensive holding chamber is described for maintaining brain slices in a viable condition for long periods of time. The advantages of its superfusion-type operation and application of this chamber to in vitro electrophysiologic studies of the pharmacologie action of serotonin in the midbrain dorsal raphe nucleus are discussed.
Stress and intervention preferences of patients with brain tumors

Despite advances in diagnosis, treatment, and management of brain tumors, a brain tumor (BT) can significantly disrupt a person’s life and create stress. To design effective stress reduction interventions, it is essential to have an understanding of the beliefs, past experiences, and preferences concerning stress reduction techniques and programs among patients with BTs. Using a convenience sample, 60 adult patients with primary BTs completed the study questionnaire. Demographic information and patient preferences were collected using self-reported measures, medical information was collected via medical chart review, and stress was assessed using Perceived Stress Scale. Sixty-three percent of the population sampled experienced elevated levels of stress. Eighty-six percent wanted to learn about techniques to reduce stress and 78% believed stress reduction techniques can help reduce stress. However, only 56% indicated they would be able to participate in a stress reduction program twice a week and only 40% of the sample wanted to participate in the various stress reduction programs presented to them in this study. Furthermore, only 26% of the sample actually wanted to receive information about stress reduction programs and only 25% would participate in programs using the various modes presented. The results of this study clearly indicate that patients with BTs experience stress. Furthermore, the data is encouraging in regard to the patients’ desire to learn about stress reduction techniques. However, the lack of interest in actually receiving information and the inability to envision themselves participating in programs present a major challenge.
Notes on the Disparagement of "Sociologizing" in Collaborative Research

In recent years I've had the privilege of participating in numerous transactions involving psychiatrists in collaborative enterprises with social scientists. Frequently in this context I have heard the term "sociologizing," or some kindred expression, used to imply a disparagement of journeyman sociologists' activities in reconceptualizing ordinary experiences. In some cases the criticism seemed well-founded, even in terms of the most generous standards laid down by the sociologist himself for his professional methodology. The language, for example, might have been unnecessarily stultified or florid, even for the academic community's norms; or the use of statistics might have been unnecessarily mechanical and pointless. In other cases the criticism did not seem well founded and thus seemed to merit closer examination. The problems associated with it seem applicable to social science collaboration in other applied fields as well as psychiatry.
Mechanism for the Inhibition of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase by Nitric Oxide

The inhibition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae aldehyde dehydrogenase (AlDH) by gaseous nitric oxide (NO) in solution and by NO generated from diethylamine nonoate was time and concentration dependent. The presence of oxygen significantly reduced the extent of inhibition by NO, indicating that NO itself rather than an oxidation product of NO such as N2O3 is the inhibitory species under physiological conditions. A cysteine residue at the active site of the enzyme was implicated in this inhibition based on the following observations: a) NAD+ and NADP+, but not reduced cofactors, significantly enhanced inhibition of AlDH by NO; b) the aldehyde substrate, benzaldehyde, blocked inhibition; and c) inhibition was accompanied by loss of free sulfhydryl groups on the enzyme. Activity of the NO-inactivated enzyme was readily restored by treatment with dithiothreitol (DTT), but not with GSH. This difference was attributed, in part, to a redox process leading to the formation of a cyclic DTT disulfide. Based on the chemistry deduced from model systems, the reaction of NO with AlDH sulfhydryls was shown to produce intramolecular disulfides and N2O. These disulfides were shown to be intrasubunit disulfides by nonreducing SDS-PAGE analysis of the NO- inhibited enzyme. Following complete inhibition of AlDH by NO, four of the eight titratable (Ellman's reagent) sulfhydryl groups of AlDH were found to be oxidized to disulfides. These results suggest that a) the sulfhydryl group of active site Cys-302 and a proximal cysteine are oxidized to form an intrasubunit disulfide by NO; b) only two of the four subunits of AlDH are catalytically active; and c) NO preferentially oxidizes sulfhydryl groups of the catalytically active subunits. A detailed mechanism for the inhibition of AlDH by NO is presented.
Pattern of workplace disputes in cancer survivors: a population study of ADA claims.

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) claim patterns can provide information on sources of potential work discrimination faced by employees with various health problems. This study investigated the pattern of ADA disputes among cancer survivors and non-cancer related impairments. Using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for demographics, employees with cancer related claims were compared to employees with other impairment related claims for alleged violations from 2000 to 2005. The impairments were grouped into orthopedic, behavioral, medical, neurologica1, sensory, cancer, cancer comorbid (cancer and non-cancer impairments), and comorbid “other” (non-cancer comorbid disorders). The dispute categories included: termination, reasonable accommodation, relations, terms, hiring, and a nonspecific “other” category. This study analyzed 59,981 cases over a 6 year period. All comparisons were made in relation to the cancer group. There was a protective effect for any impairment other than cancer (OR = 0.29–0.63, 95% CI = 0.25–0.72) related to discharge from work. Also, orthopedic (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.71–0.93), general medical (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.72–0.94), and neurological (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71–0.96) impairments were found to be protective for claims related to terms of employment relative to cancer. Cancer survivors who reported a second impairment in addition to cancer were more likely to file disputes that involved relations with others at work (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.16–1.87) in comparison to those with cancer only. Orthopedic (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 2.13–2.76), neurological (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.30–1.72), and sensory (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.29–1.73) groups were more likely to file accommodation related disputes than the cancer group. Sensory (OR = 4.41, 95% CI = 3.45–5.63), other-comorbid (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.85–2.94), medical (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.51–2.44), and neurological (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.23–2.05) impairment groups filed more disputes related to hiring than the cancer or the cancer-comorbid group. Cancer survivors are more likely to file job loss claims and differential treatment related to workplace policies. Those with cancer and another impairment file more claims related to relationship problems at work than cancer only. The factors accounting for these claims need to be explored in future research in order to develop more specific evidence based policy and practice. While the percentage of cancer survivors who file claims are relatively small, job termination and terms of employment are more likely to be concerns for cancer survivors than employees with other types of impairments. If a cancer survivor has another health problem as well relationship disputes are likely to emerge.
Reinforcement mechanism for mechanically enhanced xerogel films

The weak mechanical properties of xerogel films have limited their implementation as low dielectric constant materials in the semiconductor industry. Recently, we reported that triethoxyfluorosilane-based xerogel films demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties. Nanoindentation results indicate that these materials have over twice the elastic moduli of comparably porous xerogel films. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicate that the gel networks comprise structures with thick necks between clusters. Triethoxyfluorosilane (TEFS) forms gels rapidly making it well suited for commercial processes; however, the gel time appears to be inversely related to mechanical properties. On the basis of TEM and FTIR experiments, we propose a mechanism in which particle growth ceases when adjacent particles impinge on one another; additional condensation reactions occur at regions of high curvature between particles resulting in thickened neck morphologies. As interconnectivity is critical to the robustness of these films, thickened necks mechanically stabilize the solid network and impart an enhanced elastic modulus. This mechanism of strengthening (particle growth until impingement followed by reinforcement of weaker sites) may be useful in future material design.
Surveillance for pesticide-related disease

Public health surveillance for acute pesticide intoxications is discussed. Explanation of the goals, components and functions of population-based surveillance is provided with reference to key informational sources. Both a state-based pesticide intoxication program and a nearly nationwide poison control center data base program are used to illustrate the potential uses inherent in these types of system. There is additional discussion on the investigation of disease clusters, the use of complementary exposure monitoring data and confidentiality issues.
Availability of control and preschoolers' responses to interadult anger

This study examined relations between availability of control and psychobiological and self-reported responses to interadult anger in 4-to 5 year-olds. Children heard two angry interactions between adults, followed by a reconciliation, while their heart rate, and skin conductance response, and level were monitored. Following exposure to each episode they were also interviewed regarding their responses. Control options made available to the experimental group subjects included: (1) terminating exposure to one of the arguments; and (2) proposing an intervention for an expenmenter to carry out. Children in the comparison group just listened to the interactions. The availability of control was associated with greater physiological reactivity to anger. On the other hand, children for whom control options were not available more often perceived adults as distressed and showed a decline in suggestions of control-oriented strategies over trials. The results demonstrate that, in a multi-response investigation, some dimensions of responding varied as a function of experimental manipulations of the availability of control. Language: en
Performance of a Printed Photodetector on a Paper Substrate

A multilayer polymeric photodetector fabricated on a paper substrate by inkjet and aerosol jet printing has been demonstrated. It employs a poly(3-hexylthiophene) and C61-butyric acid methyl ester blend (P3HT:PCBM) as a photoactive layer sandwiched between a silver bottom electrode and a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) top electrode. A deoxyribonucleic acid biopolymer interlayer between P3HT:PCBM and PEDOT:PSS top electrode enables the printing of the PEDOT:PSS on P3HT:PCBM. The printed photodetector exhibits a photoresponse when photoexcited by four different light emitting diodes with center wavelengths of 405, 465, 525, and 635 nm. The highest responsivity was observed at 405 nm. The responsivity to pulsed light reveals a strong frequency dependence from 25 to 1000 Hz.
What we learn about cooling flows through the study of the 10,000 K gas in clusters

The physical properties of the emission-line nebulae associated with central dominant galaxies in clusters are explored within the context of standard cooling-flow models of the hot ICM. It is pointed out that the properties of the 10,000 K gas are inconsistent with simple theories in which this gas has accreted out of the hot ICM in thermal instabilities within a standard cooling flow atmosphere. Several possible ramifications for our understanding of the properties of clusters and the hot intracluster medium are discussed.
Unemployment during the great depression

(1976). Unemployment during the great depression. Labor History: Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 133-159.
A Fuel Cell Project for Advanced Thermodynamics Courses

Secondary thermodynamics courses study advanced energy cycles. They have also started to include some introduction to fuel cell operation. Seemingly difficult, the fuel cell concepts can naturally be drawn from the topics of chemical equilibrium, which are also introduced in these courses for chemical reactions and combustion. The Nernst equation, a cornerstone of fuel cell operation, is based on a change of the Gibbs energy in a non-equilibrium fuel cell reaction. The resulting terms in the Nernst equation include the concentrations of the reactants, which dynamically change as the fuel and oxidizer deplete in the reaction while flowing through the cell. This becomes particularly interesting in high temperature fuel cells that incorporate fuel reforming and fuel utilization into a single system. The introduced fuel cell project proposes to combine the chemical equilibrium and non-equilibrium concepts simultaneously coexisting in a high temperature fuel cell. Relatively low operational temperatures allow for a simplified chemical equilibrium analysis of the fuel flowing in the fuel cell while superimposing it on the fuel cell reaction and fuel/oxidizer utilization. The variety of fuel and oxidizer mixtures, operating temperatures and pressures allows for creating a large number of individualized assignments. Students will benefit from a project that reinforces their understanding of fuel cell performance while increasing their comfort with chemical equilibrium concepts.© 2006 ASME
Ultraviolet reflection–absorption spectroscopy of C6H6 physisorbed on gold

Abstract Reflection–absorption spectroscopy in the ultraviolet (UV) of C6H6 molecules physisorbed on a gold surface has been observed in a single-pass experiment for the electronic transition 1 A 1g → 1 B 2u near 250 nm. The linewidths of transitions in this electronic band are 160 cm−1. This technique permits the detection of a very low density of molecules physisorbed on a surface.
Oriented conductive oxide electrodes on SiO2/Si

Abstract Highly conductive biaxially textured (both normal to and in the film plane) RuO2 and La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 thin films have been deposited on SiO2/Si substrates for the first time. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) produced by ion-beamassisted-deposition (IBAD) is used as a seed layer to induce the biaxial texture of RuO2 and/or La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 on amorphous SiO2/Si. The degree of in-plane texture of the conductive oxide films is directly related to the texture of IBADYSZ. The biaxially oriented RuO2 and L0.5Sr0.5CoO3 films have a metallic resistivity vs temperature characteristic and a room-temperature resistivity of 37 μΩ-cm and 110 μΩ-cm, respectively. Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 thin films deposited on SiO2/Si using biaxially oriented RuO2 and La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 as bottom electrodes are (111) and (110) oriented, respectively.
Prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of police training initiatives by US SEPs: Building an evidence base for structural interventions

Background Community-based prevention initiatives such as syringe exchange programs (SEPs) are proven to curb injection-related HIV transmission. Policing targeting injection drug users (IDUs) can interfere with SEP functioning. Efforts to maximize the public health benefit of SEPs have included police trainings designed to reduce such interference.
Improving Hadoop Service Provisioning in a Geographically Distributed Cloud

With more data generated and collected in a geographically distributed manner, combined by the increased computational requirements for large scale data-intensive analysis, we have witnessed the growing demand for geographically distributed Cloud datacenters and hybrid Cloud service provisioning, enabling organizations to support instantaneous demand of additional computational resources and to expand inhouse resources to maintain peak service demands by utilizing cloud resources. A key challenge for running applications in such a geographically distributed computing environment is how to efficiently schedule and perform analysis over data that is geographically distributed across multiple datacenters. In this paper, we first compare multi-datacenter Hadoop deployment with single-datacenter Hadoop deployment to identify the performance issues inherent in a geographically distributed cloud. A generalization of the problem characterization in the context of geographically distributed cloud datacenters is also provided with discussions on general optimization strategies. Then we describe the design and implementation of a suite of system-level optimizations for improving performance of Hadoop service provisioning in a geo-distributed cloud, including prediction-based job localization, configurable HDFS data placement, and data prefetching. Our experimental evaluation shows that our prediction based localization has very low error ratio, smaller than 5%, and our optimization can improve the execution time of Reduce phase by 48.6%.
Levels and speed of processing effects on word analysis

Previous work on semantic priming effects has suggested that priming is contingent upon seman­ tic analysis of the prime stimulus. In the present series of experiments, subjects in Grade 3, Grade 6, and college performed variants of a priming task in which semantic (lexical decision) as well as fast (case judgment) and slow (letter search) nonsemantic levels of processing were required for both prime and target stimuli. Contrary to a levels of processing hypothesis, context effects were not simple functions of the level at which the prime was processed. Priming effects were found with a slow nonsemantic prime task (letter search), but generally not with a fast non­ semantic analysis of the prime (case judgment). The form of the priming effect when the prime was processed semantically by a lexical decision depended on the relationship between prime and target processing: a switch from semantic prime processing to nonsemantic target processing produced Stroop-like interference, with other combinations of prime and target processing pro­ ducing facilitation. By using a series of discrimination, focusing, and classification tasks in a Garner (1978)paradigm, it was possible to determine how subjects were processing the semantic and nonsemantic dimensions, and these perceptual strategies were compared across educational levels to account for the priming effects. Our results suggest that context effects need to be un­ derstood in terms of the speeds of processing of different codes of information inherent in words.
Income, Income Change, and Durable Goods Demand

Abstract In this paper we examine the effect of consumer financing on the static difference in durable goods purchase among various income groups. We also investigate the role of credit in the dynamic adjustment of consumers to the change in their incomes. The empirical results suggest that consumer credit has the effect of significantly altering the probability of purchase among various income groups though without affecting the absolute amount of consumption expenditure on durable goods. Our findings also indicate that consumers adjust their durable goods purchase upward in response to an increase in their incomes but resist an adjustment downward when their incomes fall. However, it is installment credit which makes the adjustment upward and resistance to downward adjustment possible.
Zero-valent iron for the in situ remediation of selected metals in groundwater

Abstract Zero-valent iron (Fe0), metallic iron, is being evaluated as a permeable reactive barrier material to mitigate the transport of a wide array of highly mobile contaminants in groundwater. Zero-valent iron has previously been shown to destroy effectively numerous chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds via reductive dehalogenation. No references could be found regarding the ability of zero-valent iron to reduce UO2+2, MoO2−4, or TcO−4. A series of kinetic-batch studies was conducted to determine the capability of particulate Fe0 to remove UO2+2, MoO2−4, TcO−4, and CrO2−4 from groundwater. Particulate Fe0 effectively removed each of these contaminants from solution; removal rates decreased as follows: CrO2−4 > TcO−4 > UO2+2 ⪢ MoO2−2. The removal mechanism appears to be reductive precipitation. Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations indicated that the rate of removal of the metals from solution increased as the difference in pe (Δpe) increased between the redox half reaction for the redox couple of interest and the Fe 0 Fe 2+ couple. Furthermore, the pe value for a redox couple provided a qualitative indication of the reduction rate by Fe0. These results indicate that the rate of removal of CrO2−4, TcO−4, and UO2+2 from groundwater is rapid, permitting an inexpensive barrier of practical dimensions to be used for in situ remediation purposes.
Research Note: Assessing the validity of college samples: Are students really that different?

Abstract Objective The purpose of this research note is to explore the validity of college student samples for criminology and criminal justice research. Some scholars have suggested that college populations are comprised of individuals who are different from the rest of society and that the use of college students for social research may distort our theoretical understanding of crime and criminality. Method The National Youth Survey is used to assess, college students’ self-reported behaviors, frequency of behaviors, and attitudes in relation to the general population. Results The results indicate that there is almost no statistically significant difference in behaviors and only minor differences in the frequency of behaviors and attitudes. Conclusion The findings from this investigation suggest that while college students may be culturally unique, this uniqueness does not seem to affect validity.
Compressive Hyperspectral Imaging With Side Information

A blind compressive sensing algorithm is proposed to reconstruct hyperspectral images from spectrally-compressed measurements. The wavelength-dependent data are coded and then superposed, mapping the three-dimensional hyperspectral datacube to a two-dimensional image. The inversion algorithm learns a dictionary in situ from the measurements via global-local shrinkage priors. By using RGB images as side information of the compressive sensing system, the proposed approach is extended to learn a coupled dictionary from the joint dataset of the compressed measurements and the corresponding RGB images, to improve reconstruction quality. A prototype camera is built using a liquid-crystal-on-silicon modulator. Experimental reconstructions of hyperspectral datacubes from both simulated and real compressed measurements demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed inversion algorithm, the feasibility of the camera and the benefit of side information.
Occupation, industry, and fatal motor vehicle crashes in 20 states, 1986-1987.

BACKGROUND: Motor vehicles are a leading cause of injury on and off the job. METHODS: To describe the occurrence of fatal motor vehicle crashes in the working-age population, a case-control study was conducted among persons 15-64 years old who died in 1986 or 1987 in any of 20 states reporting death certificate occupational data to the National Center for Health Statistics. Cases were occupants of motor vehicles (excluding motorcycles) who died of injuries sustained in a crash (E810-E825, 9th revision International Classification of Diseases), and controls died of any other cause. RESULTS: Transportation-related occupations had more than the expected number of deaths for men (odds ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval = 1.4-1.9) and women (odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.0-4.5), as did managerial occupations (odds ratio = 1.3 and 1.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.1-1.5 and 1.3-2.2 for men and women, respectively). Men in mining and oil drilling occupations and the wholesale trade industry also had excess crash deaths. Among women, additional excesses were observed among professional specialists and in several groups with few deaths, including agriculture, construction, and the military, whereas homemakers had markedly fewer vehicle crash deaths than expected. CONCLUSIONS: These findings encourage further investigation of this important safety hazard, but also call attention to a need for more detailed studies and improved data.
Dementia incidence may increase more slowly after age 90 Results from the Bronx Aging Study

Background: Dementia incidence increases dramatically from age 65 to age 85, with many studies reporting a doubling every 5 years. The incidence beyond age 85 is not established. Objective: To estimate the incidence of dementia as a function of age, with a particular focus on persons aged 85 and over. Methods: The Bronx Aging Study began in 1980 with 488 healthy, nondemented community-dwelling individuals, age 75 to 85. Persons in the study received clinical examinations and cognitive testing approximately every 12 months until death or loss to follow-up. The diagnosis of dementia was made using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III-R at diagnostic case conferences. Dementia incidence rates were calculated for 5-year age bands using person-time of follow-up as the denominator. Results: The relative incidence rate ratios of dementia for age 80 to 84 vs 75 to 79 was 2.32 (95% CI 1.23 to 4.37), the relative rate for age 85 to 89 vs 80 to 84 was 1.89 (95% CI 1.26 to 2.83), the relative rate for age 90 to 94 vs 85 to 89 was 1.49 (95% CI 0.86 to 2.58), while the relative rate for age 95 to 99 vs 90 to 94 was 1.31 (95% CI 0.38 to 4.46). Similar results were seen for men and women considered separately. Had the rate of increase from age 75 to 89 continued into the 90s, the study would have had 73% power to detect a significant difference between the rates for age 90 to 94 and 85 to 89 given the amount of observed follow-up time. Conclusions: Whereas dementia incidence continues to increase beyond age 85, the rate of increase appears to slow relative to that of 65- to 85-year-olds. These results suggest that dementia in the oldest old might be related not to the aging process itself but with age-associated risk factors.
Toward a unified retrieval outcome analysis framework for cross-language information retrieval

This paper proposes a Retrieval Outcome Analysis Framework, or ROA Framework, to systematically evaluate retrieval performance of Cross-Language Information Retrieval systems. The ROA framework goes beyond TREC-type retrieval evaluation methodology by including procedures focusing on individual queries, especially difficult queries. The framework is comprised of four interrelated components: (1) Overall System Performance Evaluation, (2) Query Categorization, (3) Translation Analysis, and (4) Individual Query Analysis. An example of applying the framework is discussed in detail. The author believes the proposed framework would be especially useful for the development of real-world CrossLanguage Information Retrieval systems because the evaluation guided by the framework has the potential to discover causes behind poor retrieval performance.
Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 Signaling in Adult Cardiomyocytes Increases Contractility and Results in a Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors are highly conserved signaling molecules that have been implicated in postnatal cardiac remodeling. However, it is not known whether cardiomyocyte-expressed FGF receptors are necessary or sufficient for ventricular remodeling in the adult heart. To determine whether cardiomyocytes were competent to respond to an activated FGF receptor, and to determine if this signal would result in the development of hypertrophy, we engineered a doxycycline (DOX)-inducible, cardiomyocyte-specific, constitutively active FGF receptor mouse model (αMHC-rtTA, TRE-caFgfr1-myc). Echocardiographic and hemodynamic analysis indicated that acute expression of caFGFR1 rapidly and directly increased cardiac contractility, while chronic expression resulted in significant hypertrophy with preservation of systolic function. Subsequent histologic analysis showed increased cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area and regions of myocyte disarray and fibrosis, classic features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Analysis of downstream pathways revealed a lack of clear activation of classical FGF-mediated signaling pathways, but did demonstrate a reduction in Serca2 expression and troponin I phosphorylation. Isolated ventricular myocytes showed enhanced contractility and reduced relaxation, an effect that was partially reversed by inhibition of actin-myosin interactions. We conclude that adult cardiomyocytes are competent to transduce FGF signaling and that FGF signaling is sufficient to promote increased cardiomyocyte contractility in vitro and in vivo through enhanced intrinsic actin-myosin interactions. Long-term, FGFR overexpression results in HCM with a dynamic outflow tract obstruction, and may serve as a unique model of HCM.
Radiation-force assisted targeting facilitates ultrasonic molecular imaging

Ultrasonic molecular imaging employs contrast agents, such as microbubbles, nanoparticles, or liposomes, coated with ligands specific for receptors expressed on cells at sites of angiogenesis, inflammation, or thrombus. Concentration of these highly echogenic contrast agents at a target site enhances the ultrasound signal received from that site, promoting ultrasonic detection and analysis of disease states. In this article, we show that acoustic radiation force can be used to displace targeted contrast agents to a vessel wall, greatly increasing the number of agents binding to available surface receptors. We provide a theoretical evaluation of the magnitude of acoustic radiation force and show that it is possible to displace micron-sized agents physiologically relevant distances. Following this, we show in a series of experiments that acoustic radiation force can enhance the binding of targeted agents: The number of biotinylated microbubbles adherent to a synthetic vessel coated with avidin increases as much as 20-fold when acoustic radiation force is applied; the adhesion of contrast agents targeted to alpha(v)beta3 expressed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells increases 27-fold within a mimetic vessel when radiation force is applied; and finally, the image signal-to-noise ratio in a phantom vessel increases up to 25 dB using a combination of radiation force and a targeted contrast agent, over use of a targeted contrast agent alone.
Dynamically and Kinematically Consistent Global Ocean Circulation and Ice State Estimates

Abstract The World Ocean Circulation Experiment drove the development of estimates of the decadal scale time evolving general circulation that are dynamically and kinematically consistent. A long timescale, and a goal of estimation rather than prediction, preclude the use of meteorological methods called “data assimilation (DA).” Instead, “state estimation” methods are reviewed here and distinguished from DA. Results from the dynamically consistent family of solutions from the project Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean based upon least-squares Lagrange multipliers (adjoints) are used to discuss the determination of the dominant elements of the circulation in the period since 1992—which marked the beginning of the satellite altimetric record. Significant changes documented in the Arctic in recent decades now mandate consideration of the coupled ocean-cryospheric state.
Cloning of mnuA, a Membrane Nuclease Gene of Mycoplasma pulmonis, and Analysis of Its Expression in Escherichia coli

Membrane nucleases of mycoplasmas are believed to play important roles in growth and pathogenesis, although no clear evidence for their importance has yet been obtained. As a first step in defining the function of this unusual membrane activity, studies were undertaken to clone and analyze one of the membrane nuclease genes from Mycoplasma pulmonis. A novel screening strategy was used to identify a recombinant lambda phage expressing nuclease activity, and its cloned fragment was analyzed. Transposon mutagenesis was used to identify an open reading frame of 1,410 bp, which coded for nuclease activity in Escherichia coli. This gene coded for a 470-amino-acid polypeptide of 53,739 Da and was designated mnuA (for “membrane nuclease”). The MnuA protein contained a prolipoprotein signal peptidase II recognition sequence along with an extensive hydrophobic region near the amino terminus, suggesting that the protein may be lipid modified or that it is anchored in the membrane by this membrane-spanning region. Antisera raised against two MnuA peptide sequences identified an M. pulmonis membrane protein of approximately 42 kDa by immunoblotting, which corresponded to a trypsin-sensitive nucleolytic band of the same size. Maxicell experiments with E. coli confirmed that mnuA coded for a nuclease of unknown specificity. Hybridization studies showed that mnuA sequences are found in few Mycoplasma species, suggesting that mycoplasma membrane nucleases display significant sequence variation within the genus Mycoplasma.
Expression of CC Chemokine Receptor-7 and Regional Lymph Node Metastasis of B16 Murine Melanoma

Background: CC chemokine receptor-7 (CCR7), which plays a critical role in the migration of activated dendritic cells to regional lymph nodes via afferent lymphatic vessels, is also expressed by human breast and melanoma cell lines. Because neoplastic cells also enter lymphatic vessels before metastasis to the lymph nodes, we investigated whether CCR7 expression enhances metastasis of B16 murine melanoma cells to regional lymph nodes. Methods: B16 cells were transduced with a retroviral vector containing CCR7 complementary DNA (CCR7-B16 cells) or with vector alone (pLNCX2-B16 control cells). The functional assay for CCR7 protein was Ca 2+ flux stimulated by the chemokine CCL21, a CCR7-specific ligand produced by lymphatic endothelial cells. B16 tumor cells were injected into the footpad of mice. Tumor cell metastasis to draining lymph nodes was assessed by measuring messenger RNA (mRNA) for tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP), a melanocyte-specific enzyme, with real-time, quantitative reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: One week after injection into the footpad, 701-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] = 64- to 1336-fold) more TRP mRNA was detected in draining lymph nodes from CCR7-B16 cell-injected mice than in those from control cell-injected mice. Three weeks after footpad injection, 58% (11 of 19) of the draining lymph nodes from CCR7-B16 cell-injected mice and 5% (one of 19) of those from control mice showed gross metastases (P<.001). CCR7-B16 cells isolated from lymph node metastases retained functional CCR7 expression. Lymph node metastasis of CCR7-B16 cells was blocked by neutralizing anti-CCL21 antibodies (metastasis in none of five lymph nodes) but not by control immunoglobulin G (three of five). Enhanced metastasis of CCR7-B16 cells was specific for a lymphatic route because both CCR7-B16 and control cells co-injected intravenously metastasized to the lung at the same frequency. Conclusion: Expression of a single chemokine receptor gene, CCR7, increased B16 cell metastasis to draining lymph nodes, suggesting that cancer cells may co-opt normal mechanisms of lymph node homing during metastasis.
Ketogenic Diet Patients’ Lipid Profiles Improved With KetoCal 4:1 Liquid A Case Series

Objective. The ketogenic diet (KD) can result in hyperlipidemias. We report improvements in the lipid profiles of 3 children who were switched from KetoCal 4:1 powder (formulation prior to fall 201...
Longwave Radiative Forcing of Saharan Dust Aerosols Estimated from MODIS, MISR and CERES Observations on Terra

Using observations from the Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) instruments onboard the Terra satellite; we present a new technique for studying longwave (LW) radiative forcing of dust aerosols over the Saharan desert for cloud-free conditions. The monthly-mean LW forcing for September 2000 is 7 W/sq m and the LW forcing efficiency' (LW(sub eff)) is 15 W/sq m. Using radiative transfer calculations, we also show that the vertical distribution of aerosols and water vapor are critical to the understanding of dust aerosol forcing. Using well calibrated, spatially and temporally collocated data sets, we have combined the strengths of three sensors from the same satellite to quantify the LW radiative forcing, and show that dust aerosols have a "warming" effect over the Saharan desert that will counteract the shortwave "cooling effect" of aerosols.
Capturing hair assemblies fiber by fiber

Hair models for computer graphics consist of many curves representing individual hair fibers. In current practice these curves are generated by ad hoc random processes, and in close-up views their arrangement appears plainly different from real hair. To begin improving this situation, this paper presents a new method for measuring the detailed arrangement of fibers in a hair assembly. Many macrophotographs with shallow depth of field are taken of a sample of hair, sweeping the plane of focus through the hair's volume. The shallow depth of field helps isolate the fibers and reduces occlusion. Several sweeps are performed with the hair at different orientations, resulting in multiple observations of most of the clearly visible fibers. The images are filtered to detect the fibers, and the resulting feature data from all images is used jointly in a hair growing process to construct smooth curves along the observed fibers. Finally, additional hairs are generated to fill in the unseen volume inside the hair. The method is demonstrated on both straight and wavy hair, with results suitable for realistic close-up renderings. These models provide the first views we know of into the 3D arrangement of hair fibers in real hair assemblies.
Safflower protein isolates: Functional properties in simple systems and breads

Functional properties of safflower protein isolates (SPI), including nitrogen solubility, foaming capacity and stability, emulsification activity and stability, water and fat binding capacities, and bread baking properties were investigated. Extraction, precipitation, neutralization and drying methods influenced functionality. SPI precipitated at pH 6 was more soluble at acidic pH values and performed more favorably in wheat flour breads than did SPI precipitated at pH 5. The incorporation of 5 and 10% SPI into breads resulted in increases of ≃ 25 and 50% in protein, respectively.
Overwintering of western equine encephalomyelitis virus in experimentally infected garter snakes and transmission to mosquitoes.

SummaryGarter snakes were inoculated in September and November with Western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE) virus and were caused to hibernate under simulated natural conditions. They emerged during March, April, May and June. After varying periods when no virus was detectable in their blood, virus was detected in concentrations as high as 106, and for a period up to 70 days following emergence of snakes. Normal mosquitoes became infected by feeding on these snakes and after an extrinsic incubation period of approximately 3 weeks transmitted WEE virus to 1-day-old chicks. These data demonstrate that snakes may serve as a natural overwintering mechanism for WEE virus.The technical assistance of Jack Cory and Edward Patzer is gratefully acknowledged.
Obesity in Pregnancy: A Qualitative Approach to Inform an Intervention for Patients and Providers

To investigate perceptions of minority pregnant women and providers about obesity and gestational weight gain (GWG), and to explore strategies to improve management of obesity in pregnancy with an emphasis on group prenatal care. Sixteen primarily non-Hispanic black pregnant women with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m(2) and 19 prenatal care providers participated in focus groups. Discussion topics included GWG goals, body image, health behaviors, and group prenatal care with additional emphasis on provider training needs. Women frequently stated a GWG goal >20 lbs. Women described a body image not in line with clinical recommendations ("200 pounds is not that big."). They avoided the term "obese". They were interested in learning about nutrition and culturally-acceptable healthy cooking. Women would enjoy massage and exercise in group settings, though definitions of "exercise" varied. Family members could help, but generational differences posed challenges. Most had to "encourage myself" and "do this for me and the baby". Providers expressed discomfort discussing GWG and difficulty finding the right words for obesity, which was partially attributed to their own weight. They noted the challenges they faced during prenatal care including time constraints, cultural myths, and system issues. Providers considered a group setting with social support an ideal environment to address health behaviors in obese women. Culturally-tailored programs that use acceptable terms for obesity, provide education regarding healthy eating and safe exercise, and encourage support from social networks may be effective in addressing GWG in obese minority women. Provider training in communication skills is necessary to address obesity in pregnancy.
Health Insurance Stability and Health Status Do Family-Level Coverage Patterns Matter?

Being uninsured affects one's ability to access medical services and maintain health. Using longitudinal data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation, the authors investigated how individual and family insurance coverage affects adult health. They found that health insurance coverage often varies across family members and changes frequently. Employing multivariate analyses that control for personal insurance status, predisposing characteristics, and enabling resources, the authors show that adults who are members of families that include other uninsured members are more likely to report poor health than adults in full-coverage families. Policy makers should consider refocusing public and private insurance coverage goals to include full-family coverage.
SOME SPECTRAL PROPERTIES OF AN INTEGRAL OPERATOR IN POTENTIAL THEORY

In [7] Plemelj established some fundamental results in two- and three-dimensional potential theory about the eigenvalues of both the double layer potential operator and its adjoint, the normal derivative of the single layer potential operator. In [3] Blumenfeld and Mayer established some additional results concerning the eigenvalues of these integral operators in the case of ℝ 2 . The spectral properties established by Plemelj [7] and by Blumenfeld and Mayer [3] have had a profound effect in the area of integral equation methods in scattering and potential theory in both ℝ 2 and ℝ 3 .
Piecewise-circular curves for geometric modeling

Modern solid modelers must be able to represent a wide class of objects, and must support Boolean operations on solids. These operations are very useful for defining solids, detecting interferences, and modeling fabrication processes. Computing the boundaries of solids defined through Boolean operations requires algorithms for surface/surface and curve/surface intersection. Many of the currently available modelers use closed-form parametric expressions for the curves of intersection of quadric surfaces, and compute intersections of these curves with other surfaces by finding the roots of low-degree polynomials. Because the curves that result from intersections involving tori or more complex surfaces generally cannot be expressed in closed form, modelers typically approximate these curves by cubic splines that interpolate points lying on the true intersections. Cubic splines exhibit second-degree continuity, but they are expensive to process in solid modeling computations. In this paper, we trade second-degree continuity for computational simplicity, and present a method for interpolating three-dimensional points and associated unit tangent vectors by smooth space curves composed of straight line segments and circular arcs. These curves are designated as PCCs (for piecewise-circular curves) and have continuous unit tangents. PCCs can be used in efficient algorithms for performing fundamental geometric computations, such as the evaluation of the minimal distance from a point to a curve or the intersection of a curve and a surface. Formulae and algorithms are presented for generating and processing PCCs in solid modelers. We also show that PCCs are useful for incorporating toroidal primitives, as well as sweeping, growing, shrinking, and blending operations in systems that model solids bounded by the natural quadric surfaces—planes, cylinders, cones, and spheres.
Is poverty or wealth at the root of HIV

Poverty and lack of economic opportunity are commonly cited as important contributors to the AIDS epidemic. Indeed an essay in The Lancet last year asked whether poverty reduction was the only sustainable solution to preventing AIDS. Thus recent findings from the Tanzania 2003–04 HIV/AIDS indicator survey may come as a surprise. The evidence is just the opposite (figure). This nationally representative survey measured wealth in terms of physical characteristics of the household and household possessions. Household wealth is strongly positively related to HIV prevalence. Indeed the difference in prevalence for women between the lowest and highest wealth quintile is four-fold. These findings are similar to those reported for Kenya last year. Notably HIV prevalence is highest in some of the most economically advanced countries in Africa (eg South Africa Botswana). A positive relation between wealth and HIV risk has been noted before but has been upstaged by the focus on poverty. (excerpt)
A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF INTRAVESICAL BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUERIN FOR TREATMENT REFRACTORY INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS

ABSTRACTPurpose: We compared intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) to placebo instillations in patients with treatment refractory interstitial cystitis (IC).Materials and Methods: Subjects wh...