cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Highly Electrophilic Olefin Polymerization Catalysts. Quantitative Reaction Coordinates for Fluoroarylborane/Alumoxane Methide Abstraction and Ion-Pair Reorganization in Group 4 Metallocene and “Constrained Geometry” Catalysts

Reaction enthalpies of group 4 metallocenes having the general formula L2M(CH3)2 (L = Cp, 1,2-Me2Cp, Me5Cp; L2 = Me2Si(Me4Cp)(tBuN); M = Ti, Zr, and Hf) with the strong organo-Lewis acid B(C6F5)3 were measured using batch titration calorimetry in toluene. Methide abstraction to form the corresponding L2MCH3+CH3B(C6F5)3- contact ion pairs is highly exothermic in all cases. Exothermicity increases with increasing Cp methyl substitution: for M = Zr, ΔH = −23.1(3), −24.3(4), and −36.7(5) kcal mol-1 for L = Cp, Me2Cp, and Me5Cp, respectively. For M = Hf and L = 1,2-Me2Cp, ΔH = −20.8(5) kcal mol-1. “Constrained geometry” complexes (L2 = Me2Si(Me4Cp)(tBuN)) exhibit similar exothermicities, with ΔH = −22.6(2), −23.9(4), and −19.3(6) kcal mol-1 for M = Ti, Zr, and Hf, respectively. In contrast, analogous reactions with methylalumoxane (M:Al = 1:50) are less exothermic, with ΔH = −10.9(3) and −8.9(4) kcal mol-1 for L = 1,2-Me2Cp and M = Zr and Hf, respectively. Under identical conditions, (1,2-Me2Cp)2M(CH3)2 (M = ...
Inflammasomes as mediators of immunity against influenza virus

Influenza viruses infect a wide range of avian and mammalian host species including humans. Influenza viruses are a major cause of human respiratory infections and mortality. The innate immune system recognizes influenza viruses through multiple mechanisms. These include endosomal recognition through the Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and cytosolic recognition through the retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I). Recent studies also identified the role of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs) in innate detection of influenza viruses, leading to the activation of the inflammasomes. Here, we review the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which influenza virus infection leads to inflammasome activation, and discuss the consequences of such activation in innate and adaptive immune defense against influenza viruses.
The Role of Drugs in Neonatal Resuscitation

Background: Approximately 10% of newborns require skilled neonatal resuscitation with airway and breathing management. Neonatal resuscitation drugs and cardiac compressions are used in less than 1% of deliveries. These infants have a poor prognosis and use of drugs in neonatal resuscitation remains one of the most controversial topics. Objective: To document the outcome, in terms of morbidity and mortality in extreme and mature preterm's, term and near term infants receiving resuscitation drugs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all infants who received drugs during resuscitation between July 2006 and February 2011 from the neonatal database and follow up clinic letters. Results: During the study period 26,881 infants were delivered of whom 17(0.06%) infants received resuscitation drugs and 69(0.25%) infants received chest compressions. Overall 10 (58%) infants survived, mortality was high (50%) in infants born extreme preterm (≤ 26weeks), infants born in asystole and in all infants receiving more than one dose of adrenaline. Significant neurodevelopmental disability was noted in surviving extreme preterm infants (100%) compared to term infants (25%). Abnormal cranial imaging was seen in 78% of all surviving preterm and in 62% of the term infants. Conclusions: There is a role for resuscitation drugs in term, near term and mature preterm infants in restoring circulation in depressed neonates. In extremely preterm infants it is associated with significant mortality and neurodisability. Drugs should not be considered if adequate ventilation and cardiac compressions fail to stabilise extreme preterm infant.
Exponential asymptotics for intersection local times of stable processes and random walks

Abstract We study large deviations for intersection local times of p independent d-dimensional symmetric stable processes of index β, under the condition p ( d − β ) d . Our approach is based on Feynman–Kac type large deviations, moment computations and some techniques from probability in Banach spaces.
Effects of guided imagery on memory distortion in women reporting recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse

We tested whether having participants imagine unusual childhood events inflates their confidence that these events happened to them, and tested whether this effect is greater in women who report recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse than in women who do not. Participants were pretested on how confident they were that certain childhood events had happened to them before being asked to imagine some of these events in the laboratory. New confidence measures were readministered. Although guided imagery did not significantly inflate confidence that early childhood events had occurred in either group, the effect size for inflated confidence was more than twice as large in the control group as in the group with recovered memory. These data suggest that individuals can counteract memory distortions potentially associated with guided imagery, at least under some conditions.
The Iron Group Abundance Pattern of the Damped Lyman-Alpha Absorber at z = 1.3726 toward the QSO 0935+417

We present high-resolution (18 km s-1), high S/N (≈ 50) observations of the Zn II, Cr II, Fe II, Mn II, and Ti II absorption in the damped Lyα system at z = 1.3726 toward the QSO 0935+417. We measure a Zn metallicity ([Zn/H] = -0.70) in this system that is about 3 times greater than those of the lower redshift damped absorbers toward 3C 286 and 0454+039 and comparable to those of the highest metallicity absorbers observed at higher redshifts. The Cr II and Fe II column densities yield gas-phase abundance ratios of [Cr/Zn] = -0.10 and [Fe/Zn] = -0.29 that are much greater than even those of low-density Galactic ISM sightlines and imply that the 0935+417 absorber is essentially a dust-free environment. We also find evidence of a Mn underabundance and a Ti overabundance that is consistent with the nucleosynthetic signature of a gas cloud with a base metallicity similar to that of metal-poor Galactic stars. In summary, the iron group abundance pattern of the z = 1.3726 absorber toward 0935+417 is what one might expect from a dust-free, metal-poor galaxy evolving on a metallicity track similar to that of the Milky Way.
HIV-1 Envelope Protein gp41: An NMR Study of Dodecyl Phosphocholine Embedded gp41 Reveals a Dynamic Prefusion Intermediate Conformation

Human immunodeficiency viral (HIV-1) fusion is mediated by the viral envelope gp120/gp41 complex (ENVelope glycoprotein). After gp120 shedding, gp41 is exposed and elicits membrane fusion via a cascade of conformational changes. In contrast to prefusion and postfusion conformation, little is known about any intermediate conformation. We report on a solution NMR investigation of homotrimeric HIV-1 gp41(27-194), comprising the transmembrane region and reconstituted in dodecyl phosphocholine (DPC) micelles. The protein is mainly α-helical, but experiences internal dynamics on the nanosecond and micro to millisecond time scale and transient α-helical behavior for certain residues in the N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR). Strong lipid interactions are observed, in particular for C-terminal residues of the NHR and imunodominant loop region connecting NHR and C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR). Our data indicate an extended conformation with features anticipated for a prefusion intermediate, presumably in exchange with a lowly populated postfusion six-helical bundle conformation.
An Application of the Theory of Weak Convergence to the Dynamic Perishable Inventory Problem with Discrete Demand

This paper develops a technique for analyzing dynamic inventory problems with discrete demand using the theory of weak convergence. We treat the dynamic fixed life perishable inventory problem with discrete demand. The optimal structure has been established assuming continuous demand. We construct an infinite sequence of continuous demand distributions that converge weakly to a discrete distribution, and show that the key results carry over in the limit.
Ecological studies on Potamogeton pectinatus L. V. Nutritional ecology, in vitro uptake of nutrients and growth limitation

Abstract The growth of Potamogeton pectinatus L. at different concentrations of bicarbonate, phosphate and nitrate was studied during long-term culture experiments in aquaria. The uptake of bicarbonate, phosphate, nitrate and ammonium by the shoots or the root system was studied during short-term experiments in 2-compartment chambers. When P. pectinatus was cultured without a phosphorus source, the tubers were able to supply phosphorus and enable growth for about 5 weeks before the plants died. Depletion of nitrate or dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) caused a rapid death of plants. Potamogeton pectinatus takes up phosphorus and nitrogen with the shoots and the root system, bicarbonate can only be taken up by the shoots. The nutrient contents of plants indicated luxury consumption of phosphorus at high external phosphate concentrations. Critical phosphorus concentrations for plant growth according to biomass production in cultures at different external phosphate concentrations are supposed to be between 1.5 and 14 μmol 1 −1 phosphate. Analysis of plant tissue shows that the critical phosphorus content is 0.15%, which corresponds with a stock phosphate concentration between 3 and 4 μmol PO 4 3− l −1 . It is argued that phosphate and nitrate are probably not limiting growth of P. pectinatus in the Veluwemeer study site (The Netherlands), but DIC might well be.
The Neurologist's Role in Stroke Management

In this era of rigorous healthcare cost containment, neurologists need creative new ways to identify the value of the services we provide. Therefore, it is valuable to consider the outcomes and costs of hospitalized stroke patients under the care of neurologists compared with those under management by other physicians. In this issue of Stroke , Mitchell et al examine 90 days of claim data for 20% (38 612) of all Medicare patients hospitalized in 1991 with one of two stroke diagnoses (International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, codes 434 and 436). Because the data come from a national database, we can look at a large, diverse Medicare population, identify services regardless of site of care or provider, and track individuals during and subsequent to hospitalization for a stroke. Many hypotheses can be generated to explain the results of the analysis, which shows that when neurologists serve as the attending physicians, stroke patients have better outcomes but at a higher cost than when the principal care is provided by other physicians. Many neurologists may conclude that the additional expenses incurred by neurologists are probably justified because newer, more costly technology helps us provide more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. But can we be sure that the outcomes and costs in this study truly reflect neurologists' value-added services, or are there other explanations for the findings? Most of us are accustomed to weighing therapeutic decisions by …
Estimating racial/ethnic disparity in mammography rates: it all depends on how you ask the question.

Abstract Background. Estimates of racial disparity in mammography appear to differ depending on the data source. This study examined the impact of different survey methodology on estimates of racial disparity in mammography. Methods. Responses from 3,090 women ≥40 years to two different questions from the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were compared when a mammogram was last obtained versus what medical services, including mammography, were obtained over a 4-month interval, aggregated across 1 year. Results. There was no significant racial disparity in 1-year mammography prevalence based on the first question (white–black difference, 3.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.5, 9.2). In contrast, a significant disparity in 1-year mammography prevalence was found based on the medical services question (difference, 13.1%; 95% CI 8.6, 17.6). Disparity estimates by Hispanic ethnicity were similar for the two questions: white–Hispanic difference, 1.6%; 95% CI −4.3, 7.5, and white–Hispanic difference 5% (−0.2, 10.1). Adjustment for age, income, and insurance did not alter these findings. Conclusions. Estimates of racial, but not ethnic, disparities in mammography seem to depend on how the question is asked. These results caution against exclusive reliance on annual self-reports for monitoring disparities in preventive care.
Palestinian liberation theology, Muslim–Christian relations and the Arab–Israeli conflict

This article offers an investigation of the history and intellectual development of Palestinian liberation theology. It focuses in particular on the ways in which the movement's founding writers both made use of and departed from the Latin American model to produce a new theology firmly grounded in specific, local historical and political conditions; the importance of the first intifada for the genesis of this new Palestinian version of liberation theology; and the effort by Palestinian liberation theologians to recast the relationship between Christianity and Islam in the modern Israeli/Palestinian context. It argues that Palestinian liberation theology has become an important intellectual movement among Palestinian Christian elites who seek to convince both Western Christians and Middle Eastern Muslims of a Christian theological justification for a political solution to the Palestinian plight.
A simple parameterization for ice sheet ablation rate

A parameterization of monthly mean ice sheet ablation as a function only of surface air temperature and insolation is examined. By considering differences in summer climate between the present and the last ice age, it is suggested that the parameterization adequately describes long-term changes in ablation. Although significant discrepancies are found between the parameterization and the seasonal variation of ablation observed on present-day glaciers, the seasonal ablation cycle is still predicted accurately enough to maintain the validity of the parameterization for long-term net annual variations.
Age at first estrus, ovulation rate, and age at anestrus in puberal Boer×Spanish and Spanish does

Abstract Sixty doe kids from Spanish dams and Boer (n=6) or Spanish (n=6) sires were used to evaluate selected reproductive traits. Using plasma progesterone concentrations, first estrus was detected at 7.7 and 7.5 months of age in Boer×Spanish (BS), and Spanish×Spanish (SS) doe kids, respectively. Body weights (BW) at first estrus were 45% (BS), and 50% (SS) of BW at 18 months of age. Onset of anestrus occurred at 11.3 and 11.4 months of age for BS and SS does, respectively. BS does had an ovulation rate of 1.24, as compared to 1.27 for SS does. Breed, BW nearest first estrus, and birth date were not significant sources of variation for reproductive traits. Age at first estrus was four months greater in twin-born does relative to single-born does. No significant differences were found between BS and Spanish does for age at first estrus, ovulation rate, and age at anestrus. The results indicate that BS crossbred does are similar to Spanish does for female reproduction.
Adsorption Characteristics of Oxide Coated Buoyant Media (ρs<1.0) for Storm Water Treatment. II: Equilibria and Kinetic Models

Urban rainfall-runoff mobilizes and transports significant loads of metal species. Promulgation of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Phase II regulations has spurred development of Unit Operations and Processes (UOPs) Best Management Practices (BMPs) for control of metal species. Recent UOP designs provide both adsorption and filtration using engineered media such as manganese oxide coated polymeric media (MOPM). Divalent metal species adsorption onto a manganese oxide coated polymeric medium was evaluated through batch adsorption experiments using a flowthrough batch reactor. Freundlich isotherms were utilized to fit the experiment data. For the media examined, MOPM, adsorption is pH dependent and results indicate a favorable solute pH range of >6 for metal species adsorption. The relative adsorption affinity of MOPM for four divalent metal species typically found in storm water is Pb(II)>Cu(II)>Cd(II)>Zn(II). Adsorption rates were rapid for this flowthrough batch system with over 50% removal in the first 30 min and over 90% removal within 5 h at a surface loading rate of 500 mL/cm² min. The pH drift patterns, due to surface complexation, during each experiment, coincided with the metal species removal rate curve. Study results indicated that the inclusion of a thin manganese coating can significantly increase media adsorption capacity. MOPM has a comparable adsorption capacity for the divalent metal species compared to other commercial and research media.
Gender differences in post-infarction hypertrophy in end-stage failing hearts

OBJECTIVES We explored whether there are gender differences in cardiac remodeling and whether etiology influences organ and cellular remodeling in advanced heart failure (HF). BACKGROUND Several studies have shown a survival benefit for women compared to men with symptomatic HF. This observation may be related to gender differences in cardiac remodeling. METHODS We studied hearts from 100 patients (72 men and 28 women) receiving cardiac transplantation at our institution. Cardiac morphology was assessed with echocardiography and direct measurement of cardiac mass. Cardiac myocyte volume, length, width, cross-sectional area, and contraction were measured using previously validated techniques. RESULTS Among 50 patients with idiopathic cardiomyopathy (CM), we observed no gender-based differences in cardiac or cellular remodeling. In contrast, among 50 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), the heart weight index was significantly greater in men, and there was a strong trend toward an increased left ventricular (LV) mass index as well. These gender differences in cardiac and LV mass were paralleled by marked gender differences in myocyte volume, such that average myocyte volume was 36% greater in men than in women, in association with a 14% increase in resting cell length. CONCLUSIONS Our studies demonstrate a multilevel gender difference in post-infarction remodeling, with women exhibiting reduced hypertrophy. Our studies further demonstrate that gender differences in cardiac remodeling in ICM are largely related to fundamental differences in cellular remodeling rather than simply differences in infarct size or expansion. Distinctions observed between ischemic and idiopathic CM suggest that gender may influence local myocardial responses to injury.
Validation of Walk Scores and Transit Scores for estimating neighborhood walkability and transit availability: a small-area analysis

We investigated the validity of Walk Scores and Transit Scores from the Walk Score website using several objective geographic information systems (GIS) measures of neighborhood walkabiltiy and transit availability based on 400- and 800-m street network buffers. Address data come from the 2008 Boston Youth Survey Geospatial Dataset, a school-based sample of public high school students in Boston, MA with complete residential address information (n = 1,292). GIS data were used to create multiple objective measures of neighborhood walkability and transit availability. We also obtained Walk Scores and Transit Scores. We calculated Spearman correlations of Walk Scores and Transit Scores with the GIS neighborhood walkability/transit availability measures as well as Spearman correlations accounting for spatial autocorrelation. Several significant correlations were observed between Walk Score and 400-m buffer GIS measures of neighborhood walkability; all significant correlations were found for the 800-m buffer. All correlations between Transit Scores and GIS measures of neighborhood transit availability were also significant (all p < 0.0001). However, the magnitude of correlations varied by the GIS measure and neighborhood definition. Relative to the 400-m buffer, correlations for the 800-m buffer were higher. This study suggests that Walk Score is a good, convenient tool to measure certain aspects of neighborhood walkability and transit availability (such as density of retail destinations, density of recreational open space, intersection density, residential density and density of subway stops). However, Walk Score works best at larger spatial scales.
The Strategy of Drone Warfare

There is a budding controversy with the combat use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). Also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), there is a growing literature critiquing the use of RPAs, often using the pejorative term “drone.” RPAs seem to get the blame for a variety of complaints about policy and employment that have little to do with the airframe or its processes. While all of the military functions of an RPA can and are done by manned aircraft, the RPAs must endure additional scrutiny. The decision to employ RPAs requires additional considerations at both the strategic and operational levels of war. This article explores the strategic issues that govern the decisions to employ RPAs in combat. The decision to employ RPAs involves a variety of strategic and operational concerns involving legal issues, technological constraints, operational efficiency, and an interdependency upon information operations. Disclaimer The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government. This article is available in Journal of Strategic Security: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/jss/vol7/iss4/9
PCA/waveform hybrid coding for low bit rate transmission of face sequences

A novel model based and waveform based hybrid coding system aimed at very low bit rate coding of face images in video sequences is presented. The well known Principal Component Analysis (PCA) concept which is widely used for face recognition systems is adopted for model based coding, with modifications to cope with video compression. Model failures and unknown objects are handled by waveform based coding employing conventional prediction/transform block-based coding scheme. The two coding modes are combined under rate-distortion framework, where Lagrangian cost function is used to determine the most efficient prediction for each block. Simulations show that the system can achieve high compression ratios while maintaining the robustness and generality, which indicates its potential use for videophone application.
Disparities in the use of immunomodulators and biologics for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Treatment disparities between African Americans (AA) and Caucasians exist in multiple diseases. There are limited studies in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our objectives were to assess differences in IBD therapies between AA and Caucasians, controlling for disease severity. Methods: We identified outpatients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) evaluated at the University of Maryland and the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center from 1997–2005. We assessed medications used and the presence of covariates by race. Results: We identified 406 patients; 102 were AA (25%). AA were less likely to receive steroids (56% versus 68%; P = 0.02), mercaptopurine/azathioprine (6-MP/AZA) (28% versus 40%; P = 0.03), infliximab (IFX) (10% versus 20%; P = 0.03), or either 6-MP/AZA or IFX (28% versus 44%; P = 0.005). Age at diagnosis <40 (odds ratio [OR] 2.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–4.54), steroid use (OR 4.75, 95% CI 1.93–11.7), and CD (OR 6.25, 95% CI 3.22–12.5) were positively associated with IFX use, while AA (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.23–1.08) was negatively associated with IFX use. Age at diagnosis <40 (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.12–3.23), steroid use (OR 10.2, 95% CI 5.37–19.2), and CD (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.43–3.20) were positively associated with either 6-MP/AZA or IFX use, while AA (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.32–1.01) was negatively associated with 6-MP/AZA or IFX use. Conclusions: There were trends toward lower odds of treatment with IFX or either 6-MP/AZA or IFX in AA when compared with Caucasians. Further studies are needed to determine if these differences are due to less severe disease in AA patients or due to disparities in care. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2007)
Kernicterus in Late Preterm Infants Cared for as Term Healthy Infants

Objective To compare the clinical profile and health care experiences related to management of newborn jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia in preterm infants ( 0/7 weeks gestation) who are cared for as term infants (≥37 0/7 weeks) and develop acute and/or chronic posticteric sequelae. Methods Retrospective study of a convenient sample of term and near term infants voluntarily reported to the Pilot Kernicterus Registry (1992-2003). Study infants were required to meet the clinical definitions for acute bilirubin encephalopathy (moderate or advanced severity) and/or the classical signs of kernicterus. Main outcome measures were the comparison of etiology, severity and duration of extreme hyperbilirubinemia (TSB levels >20 mg/dL), response to interventions of intensive phototherapy and exchange transfusion, and health care delivery experiences in preterm as compared with term infants. Results No targeted attention was accorded to preterm infants during their neonatal health care experiences as related to predischarge risk assessment, feeding, discharge follow-up instructions, or breastfeeding, regardless of the known vulnerability of preterm infants to safely transition during the first week after birth. The TSB levels, age at re-hospitalization, and birth weight distribution were similar for late preterm and term infants. Large for gestational age and late preterm infants disproportionately developed kernicterus as compared with those who were appropriate for gestational age and term. Clinical management of extreme of hyperbilirubinemia, by the attending clinical providers, was not impacted or influenced by the gestational age, clinical signs, or risk assessment. This resulted in severe posticteric sequelae which was more severe and frequent in late preterm infants. Conclusions Late prematurity (34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks) of healthy infants was not recognized as a risk factor for hazardous hyperbilirubinemia by clinical practitioners. Unsuccessful lactation experience was the most frequent experience; being large for gestational age as well as the other known biologic risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia and bilirubin neurotoxicity were not identified by the clinical care providers either before discharge or at immediate postdischarge follow up.
3D Shape Engineering and Design Parameterization

This paper presents a brief review and technical advancement on 3D shape engineering and design parameterization in reverse engineering, in which discrete point clouds are converted into feature-based parametric solid models. Numerous efforts have been devoted to developing technology that automatically creates NURBS surface models from point clouds. Only very recently, the development was extended to support parametric solid modeling that allows significant expansion on the scope of engineering assignments. In this paper, underlying technology that enables such advancement in 3D shape engineering and design parameterization is presented. Software that offers such capabilities is evaluated using practical examples. Observations are presented to conclude this study.
Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, and Subclinical Atherosclerosis The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Abstract Objective: To investigate the association of insulin resistance and the clinically defined metabolic syndrome (MetS) with subclinical atherosclerosis and examine whether these relationships vary by race/ethnicity or gender. Research Design and Methods: Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by coronary artery calcium and carotid intima-medial wall thickness in 5810 participants without diabetes in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, a cohort of adults aged 45–84 without prior CVD. Fasting insulin and glucose was utilized to estimate insulin resistance by the HOMA-IR index, and the revised National Cholesterol Education Program definition of MetS was utilized. Multivariable linear or relative risk regression was used to analyze the association between HOMA-IR and subclinical atherosclerosis and assess its independence from MetS components. Results: HOMA-IR was associated with increased IMT after adjustment for demographics (age, site, education), smoking, education, and LDL-cholesterol in each ethnic group except Hispanics, and in both men and women. After further adjusting for non-glucose MetS components, HOMA-IR was not associated with increased IMT. Persons in the highest quintile of HOMA-IR had an elevated prevalence of CAC in each ethnic group and both genders, after adjustment for demographics, smoking and LDL, but not after further adjustment for non-glucose MetS components. Among those with detectable CAC, there was no significant relationship between HOMA-IR and the amount of CAC. Conclusions: Although HOMA-IR was associated with increased subclinical atherosclerosis, the association was not independent of the risk factors that comprise MetS. Determination of HOMA-IR is unlikely contribute to improved determination of risk of subclinical cardiovascular disease.
Sequential Cardiac Responses during the Respiratory Cycle: Patterns of Change in Systolic Intervals

Left ventricular systolic intervals were measured at the extremes and the mid-points of normal inspiration and expiration. Pre-ejection period (PEP) left ventricular ejection time (LVET), PEP/LVET and electromechanical systole of the left ventricle (LV-EMS) all showed the expected maximal changes at the respiratory extremes, but the greatest part of these changes occurred during the earlier part of inspiration and expiration—ie, there were sharp reversals after peak inspiration (IP) and the nadir of expiration (EN), so that most of the changes had already occurred by mid-inspiration and mid-expiration. By contrast, most variations in the duration of electromechanical systole of the right ventricle (RV-EMS), and consequently in the splitting interval of the second heart sound (IIA-IIP interval), took place just before and after II—ie, in late inspiration and early expiration. These patterns of change in time intervals and of respiratory splitting of S11 can be explained by respiratory changes in hemodynamics reported both in intact subjects and experimental preparations.
Understanding the origin and analysis of sediment-charcoal records with a simulation model

Interpreting sediment-charcoal records is challenging because there is little information linking charcoal production from fires to charcoal accumulation in lakes. We present a numerical model simulating the major processes involved in this pathway. The model incorporates the size, location, and frequency of fires, primary and secondary charcoal transport, sediment mixing, and sediment sampling. We use the model as a tool to evaluate assumptions of charcoal dispersal and taphonomy and to assess the merits of inferring local and regional fire history by decomposing charcoal records into low-frequency (‘background’) and high-frequency (‘peak’) components. Under specific dispersal scenarios, the model generates records similar in appearance to sediment-charcoal records from Alaskan boreal forests. These scenarios require long-distance dispersal (e.g. 10 0 –10 1 km), consistent with observations from wildfires but longer than previously inferred from experimental dispersal data. More generally, charcoal accumulation in simulated records mainly reflects area burned within the charcoal source area. Variability in charcoal peak heights is primarily explained by the size of charcoal source areas relative to the size of simulated fires, with an increase in this ratio resulting in increased variability in peak heights. Mixing and multi-year sampling add noise to charcoal records, obscuring the relationship between area burned and charcoal accumulation. This noise highlights the need for statistical treatments of charcoal records. Using simulated records we demonstrate that long-term averages of charcoal accumulation (410 � mean fire return interval) correlate well with area burned within the entire charcoal source area. We further demonstrate how decomposing simulated records to isolate the peak component emphasizes fire occurrence at smaller spatial scales (o1 km radius), despite the importance of long-distance charcoal dispersal in simulating charcoal records similar to observations. Together, these results provide theoretical support for the analysis of charcoal records using the decomposition approach. r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Transport of phage P22 DNA across the cytoplasmic membrane

Although a great deal is known about the life cycle of bacteriophage P22, the mechanism of phage DNA transport into Salmonella is poorly understood. P22 DNA is initially ejected into the periplasmic space and subsequently transported into the host cytoplasm. Three phage-encoded proteins (gp16, gp20, and gp7) are coejected with the DNA. To test the hypothesis that one or more of these proteins mediate transport of the DNA across the cytoplasmic membrane, we purified gp16, gp20, and gp7 and analyzed their ability to associate with membranes and to facilitate DNA uptake into membrane vesicles in vitro. Membrane association experiments revealed that gp16 partitioned into the membrane fraction, while gp20 and gp7 remained in the soluble fraction. Moreover, the addition of gp16, but not gp7 or gp20, to liposomes preloaded with a fluorescent dye promoted release of the dye. Transport of 32P-labeled DNA into liposomes occurred only in the presence of gp16 and an artificially created membrane potential. Taken together, these results suggest that gp16 partitions into the cytoplasmic membrane and mediates the active transport of P22 DNA across the cytoplasmic membrane of Salmonella.
The Impact of Charter Schools on Promoting High Levels of Mathematics Achievement

Abstract This study compares achievement levels for high ability students attending charter schools and students in traditional public schools in Georgia. Researchers examined student achievement (as assessed by the state's Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests) using three comparison groups: students in the closest traditional schools with similar grade levels, schools with similar demographics, and comprehensive school reform schools. Hierarchical loglinear analysis was used to determine the impact of school type and student demographic variables on student achievement mobility (i.e., the degree to which students, from 2004 to 2005, moved into or out of the top 10% of each grade level on the CRT mathematics subtest). Results for the first comparison did not provide evidence of a significant relationship between school type and achievement mobility, but results for the second and third comparisons suggest that Black students generally experienced positive or neutral achievement mobility in traditional sc...
THE PROGRESSIVE ORIGINS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE STATE: WILSON, GOODNOW, AND LANDIS

The American administrative state is a feature of the new liberalism that is largely irreconcilable with the old, founding-era liberalism. At its core, the administrative state, with its delegation of legislative power to the bureaucracy, combination of functions within bureaucratic agencies, and weakening of presidential control over administration undercuts the separation-of-powers principle that is the base of the founders' Constitution. The animating idea behind the features of the administrative state is the separation of politics and administration, which was championed by James Landis, the New-Deal architect of the administrative state for President Franklin Roosevelt. The idea of separating politics and administration, and the faith such a separation requires in the objectivity of administrators, did not originate with Landis or the New Deal but, instead, with the Progressives who had come a generation earlier. Both Woodrow Wilson and Frank Goodnow were pioneers in advocating the separation of politics and administration, and made it the centerpiece of their broad arguments for constitutional reform.
The pathogenesis of adrenal regeneration hypertension.

Adrenal regeneration hypertension which follows unilateral nephrectomy and adrenalectomy and contralateral adrenal enucleation of weanling rats receiving 1% sodium chloride solution in lieu of drinking water, does not occur if acute adrenal cortical insufficiency is avoided. It is concluded, therefore, that this form of hypertension is not a consequence of any abnormal activity of the regenerating adrenal but of the superimposed effect of acute cortical insufficiency. It is suggested that the condition is comparable to and probably a result of potassium depletion or possibly other electrolyte disturbances imposed on the other factors which induce the renal deficiency responsible for the development of hy pertension.
Provenance Collection in an Industry Biochemical Discovery Cyberinfrastructure

Workflows are an accepted approach for constructing computational scientific experiments. Provenance capture during workflow execution captures the creation history of datasets. This record is essential to the long-term preservation and reuse of the data, and to making determinations of its quality. We are applying provenance collection to the open source life science grid (LSG) using the Karma tool, and extending the information with semantic information using S-OGSA. The project raises interesting challenges in instrumentation, annotation, and visualization of provenance data.
Development of a neural network model for predicting glucose levels in a surgical critical care setting

Development of neural network models for the prediction of glucose levels in critically ill patients through the application of continuous glucose monitoring may provide enhanced patient outcomes. Here we demonstrate the utilization of a predictive model in real-time bedside monitoring. Such modeling may provide intelligent/directed therapy recommendations, guidance, and ultimately automation, in the near future as a means of providing optimal patient safety and care in the provision of insulin drips to prevent hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
Research among Haitian village women: implications for the nurse's role in health education.

The study questioned whether pictorial messages are accurately recognized and self-explanatory to nonliterate Haitian village women. Theories of visual literacy from anthropology, psychology, and international health education formed the base for the study. A descriptive survey method was employed with a structured interview used to gather responses to health education pictures and demographic/life history data. Findings indicated significant differences in recognition traceable to content and complexity of the pictures and place of residence. Schooling was less important; and age and employment as a maid had no significant impact. Responses of urban dwellers were more accurate than those of rural women. The conclusions were that baseline studies and pretesting are essential if visual media are to be used with nonliterates. These findings were seen as important for teaching clients from ethnic groups or immigrants with a similar lack of experience with pictures.
Grundlagen und Begriffe

Schon vor einigen tausend Jahren wurde Statistik praktiziert, wenn auch in rudimentarer Art und Weise. So findet sich beispielsweise im Alten Testament folgender Vers: „Nehmet auf die Summe der ganzen Gemeinde der Kinder Israel nach ihren Geschlechtern, nach ihren Vaterhausern, nach der Zahl der Namen, alle Mannlichen nach ihren Kopfen … “
Readability of Early Intervention Program Literature

Accessibility of early intervention program literature was examined through readability analysis of documents given to families who have a child served by the Birth to 3 program. Nine agencies that serve families in Birth to 3 programs located in a county in the Midwest provided the (n = 94) documents. Documents were included in the analysis if they conveyed information about the nature of the program, the financial obligations of the family, intervention planning, and programmatic consent. The analysis indicated that a majority of the documents were written above the recommended fifth-grade reading level. Action steps to improve the accessibility of early intervention documents are discussed.
SIMPLE PARADIGM FOR EXTRA-CEREBRAL TISSUE REMOVAL: ALGORITHM AND ANALYSIS

Extraction of the brain-i.e. cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem-from T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance images is an important initial step in neuroimage analysis. Although automatic algorithms are available, their inconsistent handling of the cortical mantle often requires manual interaction, thereby reducing their effectiveness. This paper presents a fully automated brain extraction algorithm that incorporates elastic registration, tissue segmentation, and morphological techniques which are combined by a watershed principle, while paying special attention to the preservation of the boundary between the gray matter and the cerebrospinal fluid. The approach was evaluated by comparison to a manual rater, and compared to several other leading algorithms on a publically available data set of brain images using the Dice coefficient and containment index as performance metrics. The qualitative and quantitative impact of this initial step on subsequent cortical surface generation is also presented. Our experiments demonstrate that our approach is quantitatively better than six other leading algorithms (with statistical significance on modern T1-weighted MR data). We also validated the robustness of the algorithm on a very large data set of over one thousand subjects, and showed that it can replace an experienced manual rater as preprocessing for a cortical surface extraction algorithm with statistically insignificant differences in cortical surface position.
Emergency flight planning with the EFP interface: an empirical evaluation

During emergency situations, pilots must generate an emergency flight plan that is feasible, effective and safe to guide the plane to touchdown. An initial experiment with the Emergency Flight Planner (EFP) revealed problems with pilots' use of the planner's interface. This study is aimed at discovering whether pilot difficulties are the direct result of a poor interface, or the result of the complex nature of emergency flight planning. A mixture of results was discovered. Pilots found the EFP to provide increased visualization capabilities, along with increased computational power in comparison with manual calculations. Though pilots found the EFP interface tools useful in their opinion, their methodology of flight planning often conflicted with that of the EFP.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Snowpack and Surface Water in Blackwood Canyon, Lake Tahoe, CA, as Related to Snowmobile Activity

Snowpack in alpine environments may contain appreciable levels of regional pollution acquired through natural processes of wet and dry deposition, as well as from immediate sources such as snowmobile engine exhaust. Understanding the fate and transport of pollutants in alpine environments is a crucial step towards managing emission sources in alpine terrain to mitigate their impacts on natural resources. This study presents detailed chemical analysis for 94 species of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in 55 samples of snow and surface water collected in Blackwood Canyon, a tributary to the west shore of Lake Tahoe that is a popular winter recreation area for snowmobile riders. Analyses included toxic and persistent PAH, emitted as products of incomplete combustion and useful for identifying fossil fuel combustion emissions in the environment. Average background snow PAH concentrations were used to estimate background PAH surface loading (μg.m−2). Loadings in excess of the estimated background are map...
Who Lost Vietnam?: Soldiers, Civilians, and U.S. Military Strategy

Scholars have long argued about why the United States pursued a conventional military strategy during the Vietnam War rather than one based on counterinsurgency principles. A recent article in this journal by Jonathan Caverley presents a bold challenge to the historiography of the Vietnam War. Rejecting the standard historical focus on the organizational culture and strategic perspective of Gen. William Westmoreland and the U.S. Army, Caverley argues that the roots of the United States' strategy in Vietnam can be traced to the direct influence of civilian leaders and the strong constraint of public opinion. Caverley's main arguments are a welcome challenge to the established wisdom, but they are not supported by the historical evidence. Civilian officials in Lyndon Johnson's administration did not instruct the military on how to fight the ground war within the borders of South Vietnam. Westmoreland did not want to change U.S. military strategy to focus on pacification at the expense of search and destroy ...
Weaning and extubation readiness in pediatric patients.

Objective A systematic review of weaning and extubation for pediatric patients on mechanical ventilation.
Excessive Wear of Natural Tooth Structure by Opposing Composite Restorations

This report presents a case that suggests that quartz-filled composites under certain conditions could be abrasive to the natural conditions.