cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The fuzzy set membership problem using the hierarchy decision method

Abstract The membership values of the elements of a fuzzy set are central to any discussion of fuzzy set theory. This paper investigates the soundness of using the Analytic Hierarchy Decision Model of T.L. Saaty for the purpose of specifying the fuzzy set membership values. Other papers have posed the question and have shown experimentally through other methods that no specific evaluation technique within the framework of the model always obtains the best calculable membership values. This work defines a different metric to measure a best calculable membership vector and argues that the input data is sufficiently restrictive that the numerical precision being sought simply cannot be obtained. Thus the Analytic Hierarchy Decision process remains a valuable first stage heuristic, but it can not be expected to report fine grain differences in membership values.
Perception of Whether an Object Can Be Carried Through an Aperture Depends on Anticipated Speed

We investigated whether anticipated speed of locomotion through an aperture influences perception of whether an object can be carried through that aperture. Participants reported whether they would be able to carry objects through an aperture (a) if they were to attempt to walk through the aperture and (b) if they were to attempt to run through the aperture. Furthermore, they did so when the object was held but not seen and when the object was seen but not held. In general, perception was influenced by object width and by anticipated speed but not by perceptual modality. Perceptual boundaries occurred at smaller object widths when participants anticipated running through the aperture than when they anticipated walking through the aperture. The results build on work showing that perception of affordances is influenced by kinetic potential as well as geometric properties and that perception may be supported by the detection of modality-neutral stimulation patterns.
Probing the Reactivity of Adsorbed NO Species by the CO and H2 Pulse during NO Decomposition on Cu-ZSM-5

The reactivity of adsorbed NO and the nature of Cu sites on under-, over-exchanged, and silane-treated Cu−ZSM-5 have been probed by the CO and H2 pulse during NO decomposition at 673 K. Cu+(NO) was identified to be the active adsorbate responsible for NO decomposition to N2O and O2 as well as to N2 and O2. Pulsing CO and H2 into the NO flow facilitates the reduction of Cu2+ to Cu+ and increases Cu+(NO) concentration, resulting in an enhancement of N2O formation rate on under-exchanged Cu−ZSM-5−83/silane-treated Cu−ZSM-5−523 and an acceleration of N2 and O2 formation rates on over-exchanged Cu−ZSM-5−127 and −523. The difference in the product formation among these catalysts is attributed to the isolation of Cu sites on the silane-treated Cu−ZSM-5−527 and under-exchanged Cu−ZSM-5−83 catalyst as well as the presence of Cu-dimer sites (Cu−O−Cu) on the over-exchange Cu−ZSM-5 catalyst. In contrast to the widely postulated steps for N2 formation via N2O, the profiles of N2, N2O, O2, and IR observable adsorbates ...
Rectal Complications After Prostate Brachytherapy

PURPOSE: Prostate brachytherapy is gaining wide popularity as an alternative to resection for the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer. Rectal-urethral fistula after prostate brachytherapy is a rare but serious complication, and its incidence, presentation, risk factors, and clinical management have not been well described. METHODS: From January 1997 to October 2002, seven patients with rectal-urethral fistulas were referred to two institutions (Brigham and Women's Hospital and West Roxbury Veteran's Administration Hospital) of a major teaching referral center. Clinical presentation, risk factors, prostate staging, and clinical management were examined in a retrospective fashion. RESULTS: Seven rectal-urethral fistulas developed from roughly 700 (1 percent) patients treated with prostate brachytherapy for prostate cancer. The average patient age was 67.7 years, preimplant prostate-specific antigen was 7.1, and Gleason score was 3+3. Symptoms occurred at a mean of 27.3 months after prostate brachytherapy was started and included anorectal pain (57 percent), clear mucous discharge (57 percent), diarrhea (43 percent), and rectal ulceration (43 percent). Coronary artery disease was a common comorbidity (71 percent). Previous transurethral resection of prostate (28 percent) and pelvic irradiation or external beam radiation therapy (14 percent) were not associated with increased risk of rectal-urethral fistula. All patients underwent a diverting colostomy (86 percent) or ileostomy (14 percent), and four patients went on to have definitive therapy. Definitive resection was performed between 5 and 43 months after diverting ostomy and was chosen on the basis of comorbid disease, quality of life, and degree of operation. Two patients required a second diversion after definitive resection because of anorectal pain and a colocutaneous fistula. Postoperative complications included myocardial infarction (14 percent), blood transfusion (14 percent), and bowel perforation (14 percent). Patients became symptom-free nine months after surgery. Six patients are alive and well today; one died from an unrelated cause. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal-urethral fistula after prostate brachytherapy is a rare but devastating complication. Patients should be followed for at least three years after prostate brachytherapy because symptoms can develop late in the course. Although diversion of fecal stream does not heal the fistula, all patients diagnosed with rectal-urethral fistula should first undergo diverting ostomy to alleviate symptoms. Then, one should consider definitive resection and ostomy closure.
Can executive information systems reinforce biases

Abstract Executive information systems represent a significant departure from traditional computer-based information systems. Advocates of executive systems claim that their systems offer the leading-edge option for making computers truly effective for supporting key management functions. This paper examines the interaction between key characteristics of executive systems and fundamental features of human thinking drawn from the field of Behavioral Decision Theory. We examine the possibility that the operation of these systems may reinforce or intensify certain biases in human information processing. We present three examples of potential bias-intensification: availability, regression effects, and overconfidence. Next, the paper applies the concept of decisional guidance to develop design implications for executive systems. Lastly, the paper offers avenues for theoretical development and empirical research.
Burden of stress urinary incontinence for community-dwelling women.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to better understand the subjective bothersomeness of stress urinary incontinence symptoms and their impact on the quality of life of community-dwelling women. Study design We conducted a mail survey of 605 women in the United States who reported symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Results More than three fourths of the respondents reported their symptoms to be bothersome, with approximately 29% reporting their symptoms to be moderately to extremely bothersome. The odds of moderate-to-extreme bother decreased with age and increased with symptom severity. Concerns about social embarrassment were evident. Conclusion Stress urinary incontinence symptoms can impose a significant burden on the women who have them. The results reinforce the need for health care professionals to be proactive in questioning and educating patients about this common lower urinary tract symptom.
Designing Effective Classwide Motivation Systems for Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Students with emotional and behavioral disorders represent one of the most challenging groups for whom to provide effective educational services. For many years, level systems have been used by teachers to provide an overall structure within which to deliver educational services. In recent years, level systems have been criticized as outdated and overly restrictive. The authors of this article believe that many of the concerns associated with the use of level systems can be overcome with careful planning and implementation and that level systems can still be an important and useful component in effective programs for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Guidelines for developing an effective level system along with suggestions for overcoming some of the problems typically encountered with implementing level systems in school settings are presented in this article.
ATS-6 NOAA Low Energy Proton Experiment

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Low Energy Proton Experiment was included as part of the Applications Technology Satellite-6 (ATS-6) Environmental Measurements Experiments (EME) payload to investigate those protons thought to be responsible for the geomagnetic storm-time extraterrestrial ring current and to search for the existence of energetic heavy ions trapped or energized within the Earth's magnetosphere. The experiment employs four solid state detector telescopes consisting of two elements each in order to accomplish its scientific goals. This paper is a detailed description of the experimental techniques, instrument hardware , and calibration procedures involved in the fabrication of this scientific experiment for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) ATS-6 satellite program.
Dichlorodihydrofluorescein and dihydrorhodamine 123 are sensitive indicators of peroxynitrite in vitro: implications for intracellular measurement of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species.

2,7-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCDHF), commonly known as dichlorofluorescin, and dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR) are often used to detect the production of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species in cells via oxidation to their respective fluorescent products. To determine which biological oxidants might be involved, DCDHF and DHR were exposed to a number of oxidants in vitro to determine which are capable of oxidizing these compounds. Formation of dichlorofluorescein (DCF) and rhodamine is typically monitored by measuring their intrinsic fluorescence, however, absorbance can also be utilized (epsilon500 nm = 59,500 and 78,800 M(-1) cm(-1) for DCF and rhodamine, respectively). Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) readily oxidized both compounds with an efficiency equal to 38% of added ONOO- for DCDHF and 44% for DHR. Addition of nitric oxide (NO) to a superoxide-generating system resulted in DCDHF and DHR oxidation which was inhibitable by superoxide dismutase (SOD). SIN-1-mediated oxidation of DCDHF and DHR was also SOD-inhibitable, suggesting that peroxynitrite is the primary oxidant formed from SIN-1 decomposition. Aerobic addition of NO resulted in DCDHF oxidation in a manner consistent with nitrogen dioxide (.NO2) formation. NO did not oxidize DHR and actually inhibited UV-light-induced DHR oxidation. Simultaneous addition of NO and ONOO- resulted in an apparent inhibition of indicator oxidation; however, subsequent addition of ONOO- alone 20 s later produced a higher than average amount of oxidized indicator. Addition of indicator after NO + ONOO- followed by subsequent ONOO- addition gave similar results, suggesting the formation of a relatively stable, oxidant-activated NO/ONOO- adduct. At pH 7.4, hypochlorous acid was 66% efficient at oxidizing DHR but only 9% with DCDHF. Neither H2O2 (1 mM) nor superoxide flux alone produced significant indicator oxidation. Oxidation of DCDHF by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) plus H2O2 was considerably less efficient than oxidation of DHR. At 20-fold higher concentrations, HRP alone oxidized DHR but the rate was much lower than when H2O2 was present. Catalase largely inhibited HRP-mediated oxidation of DHR but not DCDHF, suggesting a direct effect of the peroxidase on DCDHF. These results reveal that peroxynitrite, hypochlorous acid, and H2O2 plus peroxidase all oxidize DCDHF and DHR to varying degrees but that neither superoxide, H2O2 alone, nor physiological levels of nitric oxide are capable of indicator oxidation. Thus, DCDHF or DHR oxidation in any given cell type may involve more than one oxidant. In cell systems where nitric oxide production occurs, oxidation of either DCDHF or DHR is likely to include a peroxynitrite component. Identification of relevant oxidants will best be achieved with a combined experimental approach which exploits the differential reactivities of DCDHF and DHR and the judicious use of inhibitors and oxidant scavengers.
Integration of thermoelectrics and photovoltaics as auxiliary power sources in mobile computing applications

The inclusion of renewable technologies as auxiliary power sources in mobile computing platforms can lead to improved performance such as the extension of battery life. This paper presents sustainable power management characteristics and performance enhancement opportunities in mobile computing systems resulting from the integration of thermoelectric generators and photovoltaic units. Thermoelectric generators are employed for scavenging waste heat from processors or other significant components in the computer's chipset while the integration of photovoltaic units is demonstrated for generating power from environmental illumination. A scalable and flexible power architecture is also verified to effectively integrate these renewable energy sources. This paper confirms that battery life extension can be achieved through the appropriate integration of renewable sources such as thermoelectric and photovoltaic devices.
Chemical techniques for the investigation of surfaces

Abstract A microcatalytic technique in which studies are made with very small amounts of reactant and catalyst is discussed. Applications of this technique to studies of catalytic activity, both steady and non-steady state, are reviewed and some obvious extensions are noted. Tracer investigations aimed at the study of the nature of the surface itself are also discussed.
AFEBRILE PNEUMONIA IN INFANTS

Afebrile or atypical pneumonia is a relatively common illness in infants. These children often present afebrile with diffuse or bilateral infiltrates on chest radiograph. The definition and causes of this clinical entity are discussed. The role of agents such as Chlamydia, Ureaplasma, Pneumocystis, and viruses is elucidated. Techniques for diagnosis and recommended treatment regimens are presented.
Expression of the Platelet Receptor GPVI Confers Signaling via the Fc Receptor γ-Chain in Response to the Snake Venom Convulxin but Not to Collagen

The mechanism of signal transduction underlying the activation of platelets by collagen has been actively investigated for over 30 years, but the receptors involved remain incompletely understood. Studies of human platelets, which are unresponsive to collagen, mouse knockout models, and platelet biochemical studies support the hypothesis that the recently cloned platelet surface protein GPVI functions as a signaling receptor for collagen. To directly test this hypothesis, we have expressed wild-type and mutant forms of GPVI in RBL-2H3 cells, which express the Fce receptor γ-chain (Fc Rγ), the putative signaling co-receptor for GPVI in platelets, but lack GPVI itself. Expression of GPVI in RBL-2H3 cells confers strong adhesive and signaling responses to convulxin (a snake venom protein that directly binds GPVI) and weak responsiveness to collagen-related peptide but no responsiveness to collagen. To elucidate the mechanism of GPVI intracellular signaling, mutations were introduced in the receptor's transmembrane domain and C-terminal tail. Unlike reported studies of other Fc Rγ partners, these studies reveal that both the GPVI transmembrane arginine and intracellular C-tail are necessary for coupling to Fc Rγ and for signal transduction. To our knowledge, these studies are the first to demonstrate a direct signaling role for GPVI and the first to directly test the role of GPVI as a collagen receptor. Our results suggest that GPVI may be necessary but not sufficient for collagen signaling and that a distinct ligand-binding collagen receptor such as the α2β1 integrin is likely to play a necessary role for collagen signaling as well as adhesion in platelets.
The Functions of Autolysins in the Growth and Division of Bacillus Subtilis

Some bacteria, such as streptococci, exhibit growth from discrete and well-defined zones. In Streptococcus faecalis, growth zones can be observed in the electron microscope, and the position of the zone can be used as a marker for cell cycle events. Growth of the cell surface of Bacillus subtilis appears to be by a much different mechanism from that of streptococci. Cell elongation takes place by the insertion at many sites in the cell cylinder of peptidoglycan components. The insertion occurs on the inner face of the wall, and upon cross linking, the new wall material becomes stress bearing and older wall is pushed to the surface. When old wall reaches the surface, it becomes susceptible to excision by autolysins, resulting in wall turnover; cell elongation, due to the stretching of the cross-linked peptidoglycan, therefore, accompanies turnover and does not require a specialized growth zone.
Structure singularities of electromagnetic form factors

In local field theories the form factors of particles can have singularities which are characteristic for the structure of these particles as composite systems. These « structure singularities » are studied with the help of examples from perturbation theory. Their mathematical properties are described for real and complex values of the mass variable, and their physical implications are discussed.
Mapping of MST1 kinase sites of phosphorylation. Activation and autophosphorylation.

MST1 is a member of the Sterile-20 family of cytoskeletal, stress, and apoptotic kinases. MST1 is activated by phosphorylation at previously unidentified sites. This study examines the role of phosphorylation at several sites and effects on kinase activation. We define Thr183 in subdomain VIII as a primary site of phosphoactivation. Thr187 is also critical for kinase activity. Phosphorylation of MST1 in subdomain VIII was catalyzed by active MST1 via intermolecular autophosphorylation, enhanced by homodimerization. Active MST1 (wild-type or T183E), but not inactive Thr183/Thr187 mutants, was also highly autophosphorylated at the newly identified Thr177 and Thr387 residues. Cells expressing active MST1 were mostly detached, whereas with inactive MST1, adhesion was normal. Active MKK4, JNK, caspase-3, and caspase-9 were detected in the detached cells. These cells also contained all autophosphorylated and essentially all caspase-cleaved MST1. Similar phenotypes were elicited by a caspase-insensitive D326N mutant, suggesting that kinase activity, but not cleavage of MST1, is required. Interestingly, an S327E mutant mimicking Ser327 autophosphorylation was also caspase-insensitive, but only when expressed in caspase-3-deficient cells. Together, these data suggest a model whereby MST1 activation is induced by existing, active MST kinase, which phosphorylates Thr183 and possibly Thr187. Dimerization promotes greater phosphorylation. This leads to induction of the JNK signaling pathway, caspase activation, and apoptosis. Further activation of MST1 by caspase cleavage is best promoted by caspase-3, although this appears to be unnecessary for signaling and morphological responses.
The ionic Diels-Alder reaction of the allyl cation and butadiene: Theoretical investigation of the mechanism

Abstract The mechanism of the reaction of butadiene with allyl cation was explored using ab initio RHF and MP2 calculations and the 6 – 31G∗ basis set. Only stepwise mechanisms are found.
Relationship between performance on tests of basic visual functions and visual-perceptual processing in persons after brain injury.

OBJECTIVE In this correlational study of adults receiving occupational therapy who sustained a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), the relationship between basic visual functions (including acuity, visual field deficits, oculomotor skills, and visual attention or scanning) and higher level visual-perceptual processing skills (e.g., visual closure and figure-ground discrimination) was investigated. METHOD Thirty adults who sustained CVA and 20 adults without a history of CVA were given a basic visual function screening and the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test (MVPT). Scores on the vision screening and the MVPT were correlated statistically. RESULTS A Pearson product-moment correlation analysis produced a correlation of r = .75 between vision screening scores and scores from the MVPT. CONCLUSION These results suggest that a positive relation exists between basic visual functions and visual-perceptual processing skills. Further, the results suggest that evaluation of visual-perceptual processing skills must begin with assessment of basic visual functions so that the influence of these basic visual functions on performance in more complex tests can be taken into consideration.
Model of human vision to register and fuse video imagery

Modern capture and storage of digital information have given rise to tremendous repositories of data, but the ability to efficiently and effectively use this data has lagged. A prominent example is the generation of video imagery by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. This imagery currently must be analyzed by a human observer either in real-time or playback mode (dynamic or frame-by-frame). These manpower-intensive activities become increasingly unpalatable as personnel resources shrink, so an automated system is desired that will assist in transforming the large data sets into vastly smaller sets that still retain the pertinent information. We propose a computational vision model based on physiological and behavioral characteristics of the human visual system to perform the registration of multiple video frames, followed by a fusion process that produces a video mosaic preserving the `important' features (those the human observer would deem important) from each individual frame.
Williams-Beuren syndrome: historical aspects

Williams syndrome, also known as Williams-Beuren syndrome (OMIM database entry 194050), is now known to be commonly associated with a hemizygous chromosomal deletion at 7.q11.23. The way in which the condition came to be recognized historically is reviewed along with some biographical details of the people involved.
Analysis of the Thomas peak as a resonance in momentum transfer

The Thomas peak, which dominates the electron-capture cross section in the high-velocity limit, has the mathematical form of a simple resonance. However, this resonance occurs as a function of the momentum transfer (rather than energy), corresponding to a negative shift in the impact parameter (rather than time).
A portable micro-based system for the study of associated movements

This paper describes a microcomputer-based system for the on-line study of associated movements. The system is portable, provides hard copy, includes a backup system, is relatively inexpensive, can be used with simple or choice reaction time paradigms, and is simple to operate.
Low-Mass Star Formation and the Initial Mass Function in IC 348

We have performed deep infrared and optical spectroscopy of virtually the entire stellar population within the 5' × 5' core of IC 348, measuring K (2.2 μm) band and optical spectral types that are in good agreement. We have also identified several sources that may be substellar depending on the choice of temperature scales and evolutionary tracks, with three particularly late-type objects (M7.5-M8) that are likely bonafide brown dwarfs. In conjunction with the theoretical evolutionary tracks of D'Antona & Mazzitelli, the H-R diagram indicates a spread in ages from 0.5 to 10 Myr, with most of the core star formation occurring in the last 3 Myr. Using K-band imaging to provide a completeness correction to the spectroscopic sample, we arrive at an initial mass function (IMF) that matches that of Miller & Scalo from 0.25 to 3 M☉. The IMF appears to fall slowly from 0.25 M☉ to the hydrogen burning limit, slightly below the IMF of Miller & Scalo, which is flat in logarithmic units (as compared to slopes of ~1.35 and -2.6 for Salpeter and Scalo). Correction for unresolved binary systems could steepen the slope of the low-mass IMF by about 0.5, which implies a single-star IMF that is roughly flat below 0.25 M☉. The low-mass IMF in IC 348 is similar to that derived in studies of most other young clusters, implying that the IMF does not vary dramatically among clusters of differing environments; however, the derived IMF is dependent on the evolutionary tracks and the detailed shape of the IMF should be viewed with caution until these models are tested against observations, particularly at low masses ( 10 A) or Brγ (>1 A) emission or K-band continuum veiling (rK ≥ 0.5). Since no sources older than 3 Myr show evidence for massive disks, disk lifetimes in the core of IC 348 appear to be shorter than those observed in Taurus or in the outer regions of IC 348.
Signaling Required for Blood Vessel Maintenance: Molecular Basis and Pathological Manifestations

As our understanding of molecular mechanisms leading to vascular formation increases, vessel maintenance including stabilization of new vessels and prevention of vessel regression began to be considered as an active process that requires specific cellular signaling. While signaling pathways such as VEGF, FGF, and angiopoietin-Tie2 are important for endothelial cell survival and junction stabilization, PDGF and TGF-β signaling modify mural cell (vascular smooth muscle cells and pericytes) functions, thus they fortify vessel integrity. Breakdown of these signaling systems results in pathological hyperpermeability and/or genetic vascular abnormalities such as vascular malformations, ultimately progressing to hemorrhage and edema. Hence, blood vessel maintenance is fundamental to controlling vascular homeostasis and tissue functions. This paper discusses signaling pathways essential for vascular maintenance and clinical conditions caused by deterioration of vessel integrity.
State estimation and control of spray etching processes

Abstract Several Kalman filter designs were developed and tested for controlling a spray etching process. A hybrid extended Kalman filter was found to yield biased estimates in the presence of process-model mismatch. This issue was resolved by augmenting the state vector with poorly known parameters and developing a proportional-integral Kalman filter. These parameters are treated as stochastic processes, through which the estimate bias of the extended Kalman filter is eliminated. The resulting filter designs are capable of providing accurate estimates of the etching species concentrations as well as making available frequent estimates of the etch profile characteristics, which are only measured at infrequent intervals.
Is toxicogenomics a more reliable and sensitive biomarker than conventional indicators from rats to predict drug-induced liver injury in humans?

Around 40% of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) cases are not detected in preclinical studies using the conventional indicators. It has been hypothesized that genomic biomarkers will be more sensitive than conventional markers in detecting human hepatotoxicity signals in preclinical studies. For example, it has been hypothesized and demonstrated in some cases that (1) genomic biomarkers from the rat liver can discriminate drug candidates that have a greater or lesser potential to cause DILI in susceptible patients despite no conventional indicators of liver toxicity being observed in preclinical studies, and (2) more sensitive biomarkers for early detection of DILI can be derived from a "subtoxic dose" at which the injury in the liver occurs at the molecular but not the phenotypic level. With a public TGx data set derived from short-term in vivo studies using rats, we divided drugs exhibiting human hepatotoxicity into three groups according to whether elevated alanine amino- transferase (ALT) or total bilirubin (TBL) were observed in the treated rats: (A) The elevation was observed in the treated rats, (B) no elevation was observed for all of the treated rats, and (C) no elevation could be observed at a lower dose and shorter duration but occur when a higher or longer treatment was applied. A control group (D) was comprised of drugs known not to cause human hepatotoxicity and for which no rats exhibited elevated ALT or TBL. We developed classifiers for groups A, B, and C against group D and found that the gene signature from scenario A could achieve 83% accuracy for human hepatotoxicity potential of drugs in a leave-one-compound-out cross-validation process, much higher than scenarios B (average 45%) and C (61%). Furthermore, the signature derived from scenario A exhibited relevance to hepatotoxicity in a pathway-based analysis and performed well on two independent public TGx data sets using different chemical treatments and profiled with different microarray platforms. Our study implied that the human hepatotoxicity potential of a drug can be reasonably assessed using TGx analysis of short-term in vivo studies only if it produces significant elevation of ALT or TBL in the treated rats. The study further revealed that the value of "sensitive" biomarkers derived from scenario C was not promising as expected for DILI assessment using the reported TGx design. The study will facilitate further research to understand the role of genomic biomarkers from rats for assessing human hepatotoxicity.
Soft Drink “Pouring Rights”: Marketing Empty Calories to Children

Healthy People 2010 objectives call for meals and snacks served in schools to contribute to overall diets that meet federal dietary guidelines. Sales in schools of foods and drinks high in calories and low in nutrients undermine this health objective, as well as participation in the more nutritious, federally sponsored, school lunch programs. Competitive foods also undermine nutrition information taught in the classroom. Lucrative contracts between school districts and soft drink companies for exclusive rights to sell one brand are the latest development in the increasing commercialization of school food. These contracts, intended to elicit brand loyalty among young children who have a lifetime of purchases ahead of them, are especially questionable because they place schools in the position of "pushing" soft drink consumption. "Pouring rights" contracts deserve attention from public health professionals concerned about the nutritional quality of children's diets.
A novel OTX2 mutation in a patient with combined pituitary hormone deficiency, pituitary malformation, and an underdeveloped left optic nerve

Orthodenticle homolog 2 (OTX2) is a homeobox family transcription factor required for brain and eye formation. Various genetic alterations in OTX2 have been described, mostly in patients with severe ocular malformations. In order to expand the knowledge of the spectrum of OTX2 mutation, we performed OTX2 mutation screening in 92 patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). We directly sequenced the coding regions and exon‐intron boundaries of OTX2 in 92 CPHD patients from the Dutch HYPOPIT study in whom mutations in the classical CPHD genes PROP1, POU1F1, HESX1, LHX3, and LHX4 had been ruled out. Among 92 CPHD patients, we identified a novel heterozygous missense mutation c.401COG (p.Pro134Arg) in a patient with CPHD, pituitary malformation, and an underdeveloped left optic nerve. Bindingof both the wild-type and mutant OTX2 proteins to bicoid binding sites was equivalent; however, the mutant OTX2 exhibited decreased transactivation. We describe a novel missense heterozygous OTX2 mutation that acts as a dominant negative inhibitor of target gene expression in a patient with CPHD, pituitary malformation, and optic nerve hypoplasia. We provide an overview of all OTX2 mutations described till date, which show that OTX2 is a promising candidate gene for genetic screening of patients with CPHD or isolated GH deficiency (IGHD). As the majority of the OTX2 mutations found in patients with CPHD, IGHD, or short stature have been found in exon 5, we recommend starting mutational screening in those patients in exon 5 of the gene.
Analysis of COQ2 gene in multiple system atrophy.

Background: Loss of function COQ2 mutations results in primary CoQ10 deficiency. Recently, recessive mutations of the COQ2 gene have been identified in two unrelated Japanese families with multiple system atrophy (MSA). It has also been proposed that specific heterozygous variants in the COQ2 gene may confer susceptibility to sporadic MSA. To assess the frequency of COQ2 variants in patients with MSA, we sequenced the entire coding region and investigated all exonic copy number variants of the COQ2 gene in 97 pathologically-confirmed and 58 clinicallydiagnosed MSA patients from the United States. Results: We did not find any homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic COQ2 mutations including deletion or multiplication within our series of MSA patients. In two patients, we identified two heterozygous COQ2 variants (p.S54W and c.403 + 10G > T) of unknown significance, which were not observed in 360 control subjects. We also identified one heterozygous carrier of a known loss of function p.S146N substitution in a severe MSA-C pathologically-confirmed patient. Conclusions: The COQ2 p.S146N substitution has been previously reported as a pathogenic mutation in primary CoQ10 deficiency (including infantile multisystem disorder) in a recessive manner. This variant is the third primary CoQ10 deficiency mutation observed in an MSA case (p.R387X and p.R197H). Therefore it is possible that in the heterozygous state it may increase susceptibility to MSA. Further studies, including reassessing family history in patients of primary CoQ10 deficiency for the possible occurrence of MSA, are now warranted to resolve the role of COQ2 variation in MSA.
Automated facilities Layout Programs

The Automated Layout Design Program (ALDEP) is a tool to aid the plant designer in developing an optimum layout for organizational units (functions) within the restraints of space availability. Using this technique, the layout planner eliminates the repetitious task of constructing and evaluating numerous block layouts. The program considers thousands of possibilities, scores them, selects the better results for further study by the planner and produces an output, if requested, in graphical form.
Comparison of thermal dilution and electrical impedance dilution methods for measurement of cardiac output in standing and exercising horses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cardiac output measured in the pulmonary artery and a carotid artery by use of thermal and electrical impedance dilution. Animals-7 fit, clinically normal Standardbreds between 2 and 5 years of age. PROCEDURE: Transient changes in electrical impedance and temperature of blood were induced by bolus injections of ice-cold saline hypertonic (6% and 9% NaCl) solutions. Cardiac output was calculated by applying Stewart-Hamilton principles to the indicator dilution transients. Measurements were made during sequential exercise episodes on a level treadmill over approximately an 8-fold range of cardiac output values. RESULTS: We detected agreement between cardiac output determined by use of electrical impedance dilution at the pulmonary artery and carotid artery. Cardiac output from thermal dilution measured at the carotid artery exceeded that measured at the pulmonary artery. Cardiac output from the thermal dilution technique exceeded cardiac output from the electrical impedance dilution technique at both locations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The electrical impedance indicator is conserved on first transit; therefore cardiac output measured by electrical impedance dilution at the carotid artery is reliable over a large range of values. Thermal dilution provides a larger estimate of cardiac output, compared with the electrical impedance dilution technique, probably because of a loss of indicator. The transpulmonary electrical impedance dilution technique may have potential for clinical application, particularly in animals in which catheterization of the pulmonary artery is not appropriate or blood loss must be minimized.
Inheritance of resistance to the Cry1Ab Bacillus thuringiensis toxin in Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

Abstract Laboratory selection with Cry1Ab, the predominant Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin in transgenic corn, Zea mays L., produced >1000-fold resistance in two laboratory strains of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner). We tested the offspring of various crosses to determine the mode of inheritance of resistance to Cry1Ab. Patterns of inheritance of resistance were similar in the two resistant strains. The progeny of reciprocal F1 crosses (resistant male × susceptible female and vice versa) responded alike in bioassays, indicating autosomal inheritance. The median lethal concentrations (LC50 values) of F1 were intermediate between the resistant and susceptible parents, indicating approximately additive inheritance. However, the dominance of resistance increased as the concentration of Cry1Ab decreased. Analysis of progeny from backcrosses (F1 × susceptible strain) suggests that resistance was controlled by more than one locus. In particular, the fit of observed to expected mortality improv...
Water weakening of clinopyroxenite in diffusion creep

[1] We performed triaxial compressive creep tests to study water weakening of clinopyroxenite in the diffusion creep regime. All tests were carried out on fine-grained samples at confining pressures between 100 and 300 MPa at temperatures of 1321 to 1421 K for water-saturated and 1398 to 1508 K for anhydrous conditions. Samples were prepared by hot-pressing ground powder of Sleaford Bay clinopyroxenite. Water was added to the sample during the run by dehydration of a talc sleeve. Water-saturated aggregates crept ∼30 times faster than aggregates under anhydrous conditions at a temperature of 1400 K and a pressure of 300 MPa. The stress exponent in both cases was ∼1, and the activation energies under water-saturated and anhydrous conditions were 340 ± 30 and 760 ± 20 kJ/mol, respectively. Under water-saturated conditions creep rate increased with increasing water fugacity to the power 1.4 ± 0.2 with an activation volume for creep of 14 ± 6 × 10−6 m3/mol. Comparison of the water weakening in aggregates of clinopyroxene, olivine, and anorthite deformed in the diffusion creep regime indicates that the creep strength of clinopyroxene has a stronger dependence on the water fugacity than do the creep strengths of olivine and anorthite. In water-rich environments, clinopyroxene will be the weakest component in polycrystalline rocks composed of these phases.
The use of theophylline in 'irreversible' chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. An update.

• The use of theophylline in patients with "irreversible" chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is controversial. Possible favorable actions of theophylline, including improved mucociliary clearance, stimulation of respiratory drive, enhanced cardiovascular function, and increased diaphragmatic contractility and endurance, have either been shown to be minor in degree, or have not been demonstrated in patients with irreversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. No well-designed trial has yet shown improved exercise capacity following theophylline treatment in these patients. Nevertheless, considering that some patients benefit symptomatically in the absence of objective improvement, a cautious trial of theophylline appears indicated in patients with severe irreversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with discontinuation if there is no objective or subjective improvement. Theophylline therapy should be initiated via the intravenous route during acute exacerbations, but otherwise should start with sustained-release oral preparations of anhydrous theophylline. Oral therapy should begin at low doses in stable patients to avoid side effects, and dosing should take into account the many factors, such as age, cardiovascular and liver function, smoking status, and possible drug interactions, that can affect theophylline metabolism. ( Arch Intern Med 1988;148:2579-2584)
Temperature Declines During Storms and Irrigation May Contribute to Fire Blight Infection of Pear Fruit

During summer of 2002, fire blight caused by Erwinia amylovora appeared in immature pears (Pyrus communis) in five Ulster County pear orchards in southeastern New York State. Foliar symptoms of fire blight were absent or infrequent in many trees that had infected fruit, suggesting that fruit infections occurred after shoots had stopped growing and were no longer susceptible to infection. In one orchard where overhead irrigation was initiated on 23 July when air temperatures were 96°F, incidence of fruit infection in September ranged from 10 to 76% with a mean of 36% of all fruit showing fire blight symptoms. Laboratory experiments showed that non-wounded fruit preheated to 95°F and then submerged in inoculum suspensions at 70°F or 40°F developed fire blight infections whereas similar fruit preheated at 70°F and immersed in 70°F-inoculum did not develop infections. Overhead irrigation initiated during the heat of the day can disperse inoculum at the same time that rapid cooling from irrigation water may cause E. amylovora to be drawn into immature pear fruit. The same combination of water-disseminated inoculum and rapid cooling can occur during summer thunderstorms, and storm events may explain the unusual incidence of fire blight on immature pears that was observed in 2002.
Aspects of Polaritons

The theory of propagating transverse electromagnetic waves coupled to a polarization field is reviewed. The mixed polarization and electromagnetic waves, called polaritons, emerge as an expression of classical optics. The usefulness of the polariton concept in application to Raman scattering and level crossings is reviewed. The extension of the polariton to include spatial dispersion effects leads to boundary condition problems. It is shown that an extremely broad class of boundary conditions will produce the qualitative spatial dispersion effects seen in reflectivity. The problems of polariton fluorescence and polariton level crossings with spatial dispersion are briefly discussed.
PREFRONTAL SYSTEM DYSFUNCTION AND CREDIT CARD DEBT

Credit card use often involves a disadvantageous allocation of finances because they allow for spending beyond means and buying on impulse. Accordingly they are associated with increased bankruptcy, anxiety, stress, and health problems. Mounting evidence from functional neuroimaging and clinical studies implicates prefrontal-subcortical systems in processing financial information. This study examined the relationship of credit card debt and executive functions using the Frontal System Behavior Scale (FRSBE). After removing the influences of demographic variables (age, sex, education, and income), credit card debt was associated with the Executive Dysfunction scale, but not the Apathy or Disinhibition scales. This suggests that processes of conceptualizing and organizing finances are most relevant to credit card debt, and implicates dorsolateral prefrontal dysfunction.
Capsule Commentary on Wallston et al., Psychometric Properties of the Brief Health Literacy Screen in Clinical Practice

The patient’s degree of health literacy is emerging as important for clinicians to understand and address. However, health literacy has mostly been studied for research purposes and the instruments administered by trained research assistants. Wallston et al.1 examined the psychometric properties of the Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS) as a nurse-administered tool to measure health literacy among adults in both inpatient and primary care populations compared to administration by a research assistant (RA). In addition, RA’s administered a reference measure, the short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA). The authors found evidence of inter-rater reliability between the nurse and research assistant measures of the BHLS in both samples. They also found that the BHLS was a significant predictor of the S-TOFHLA after adjustment for several demographic factors. The authors conclude that the BHLS, when administered by nurses during routine clinical care, is a valid and reliable measure of health literacy. As noted by the authors, the BHLS has been validated as a RA-administered measure of health literacy in several populations and settings.2,3 These study extended this results by demonstrating the validity of the instrument when administered by nurses in the course of routine clinical care across two settings—inpatient and primary care. However, it should be noted that the performance of the nurse-administered measurement differed significantly from that administered by the RAs, a difference reflected in the mediocre intra-class correlation between the two scores from the inpatient sample (ICC = 0.49). Also, validation analyses showed that the association between the RA-administered BHLS and the S-TOFHLA tended to be stronger than that of the nurse-administered BHLS and the S-TOFHLA, although the authors did not formally test this difference. Nevertheless, there are important implications of a portable, psychometrically sound measurement of health literacy that can by woven into routine clinical care. The next task for future research efforts is to assess how this screening tool can used to change clinical practice. What different approaches could be adopted for patients with different scores on this screening measure? How might these changes impact health literacy knowledge, health care outcomes and patient satisfaction? Addressing these questions might help us mediate the morbidity and cost associated with poor health literacy.4,5
Forward Thinking: Preparing Our Youth for the Coming World

A central task of adolescence is to help children transform into adult roles and responsibilities. Presently, we are in a time of rapid change in multiple areas of roles and systems that influence the development of adolescents. This article identifies some examples of these important shifts, and suggests that a positive development emphasis can provide important advances in useful research and action related to helping prepare youth for the coming world. In introducing this special issue, the intent is to highlight the many areas of needed research, provide some promising and innovative approaches to such research, and note how these are examples of positive development approaches that have much to offer adolescent research.
Policy incentives to minimize generation of municipal solid waste

Municipal solid waste minimization involves decisions by product manufacturers, government institutions, private businesses, and householders to reduce the amount of waste placed in the waste strea...
Physical Electronics Underlying Junction Transistor Characteristics

In most transistors which are useful to engineering, densities of electrons and holes are low enough so that random energies have the classical Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. Also, the customary large ratios of majority-to-minority carrier densities result in majority-carrier flow occurring in response to electric gradients, and minority-carrier flow by diffusion due to concentration gradients. Steps using these principles to derive junction transistor volt-ampere characteristic equations are: 1) interface contact potential determination, 2) expression of emitter and collector currents in terms of random-motion interface penetration, 3) boundary-value solution of the diffusion-flow differential equation, to give minority-carrier density distributions, 4) expression of currents in terms of at-interface density distribution gradients, 5) elimination of at-interface minority-carrier densities between 2) and 4), giving the Ebers and Moll volt-ampere equations. These equations show how base thickness, diffusion lengths, and relative majority carrier densities in emitter, base, and collector affect the characteristics. The residual collector current is found to be a measure of electron-hole pair generation. The relation of this current to surface energy states, and to the associated double layer of charge at and near the surface, is discussed.