cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of geometric hulls to digital curve characterizations

Convex hulls have been extensively studied and have been shown to have many useful applications in disciplines such as biomedical imaging, CAD/CAM and computer graphics. A convex hull of a point set, S, is the union of all line segments from p to q where p and q are elements of S. Edelsbrunner et al has extended the convex hull, which has linear constraints, to the alpha hull, which is circularly constrained. Specifically, the alpha-hull is the union of all circular arcs of radius 1/alpha joining p and q where p and q are endpoints of a circular arc. This paper extends the concept of the convex and alpha hulls to allow for extensions to curves of arbitrary complexity. Whereas current definitions assume that the curve connecting p and q is of finite length, we broaden the definitions to include infinite line segments between those points, thus forming the infinite hull. Similar extensions exist for circular and elliptical hulls as well as general curves. It is shown that the infinite hull counterparts can be applied to the characterization of a digital curve in linear time.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Some complexity bounds for problems concerning finite and 2-dimensional vector addition systems with states

Abstract In this paper, we analyse the complexity of the reachability, containment, and equivalence problems for two classes of vector addition systems with states (VASSs): finite VASSs and 2-dimensional VASSs. Both of these classes are known to have effectively computable semilinear reachibility sets (SLSs). By giving upper bounds on the sizes of the SLS representations, we achieve upper bounds on each of the aforementioned problems. In the case of the finite VASSs, the SLS representation is simply a listing of the reachability set; therefore, we derive a bound on the norm of any reachable vector based on the dimension, number of states, and amount of increment caused by any move in the VASS. The bound we derive shows an improvement of two levels in the primitive recursive hierarchy over results previously obtained by McAloon (1984), thus answering a question posed by Clote (1986). We then show this bound to be optimal. We feel that the techniques we use in deriving our upper bounds represent an original approach to the problem, and since they yield improvements over previous results, we feel these techniques may have applications to other problems. In the case of 2-dimensional VASSs, we analyse an algorithm given by Hopcroft and Pansiot (1979) that generates an SLS representation of the reachability set. Specifically, we show that the algorithm operates in 2 2 cln nondeterministic time, where l is the length of the binary representation of the largest integer in the VASS, n is the number of transitions, and c is some fixed constant. We also give examples for which this algorithm will take 2 2 dln nondeterministic time for some positive constant d . Finally, we give a method of determinizing the algorithm in such a way that it requires no more than 2 2 cln deterministic time. From this upper bound and special properties of the generated SLSs, we derive upper bounds of Dtime (2 2 cln ) for the three problems mentioned above.
What are the bounds on space-time non-commutativity?

In this article we consider the bounds on the non-commutative nature of space-time. We argue that these bounds are extremely model dependent. In the only phenomenologically viable framework, i.e. when the fields are taken to be in the enveloping algebra, the constraints are fairly loose and only of the order of a few TeV. We concentrate on the most stringent bounds that come from clock comparison experiments. In the framework where fields are taken in the enveloping algebra, they are model independent since these bounds are independent on choices involved with the Seiberg-Witten maps.
A SALT-FREE ISOCRATIC HIGH-PRESSURE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD FOR THE QUANTITATION OF BENZODIAZEPINES IN SERUM

Abstract A simple, rapid high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for detecting and quantifying benzodiazepines in serum. Seven major benzodiazepines were extracted from spiked serum samples using solid-phase extraction with prazepam as the internal standard. The eluted drugs were then resolved isocratically by HPLC within 11 min using a reversed-phase C 8 column with a mobile phase consistings of acetonitrile, methanol, water, and perchloric acid. All drugs gave rseponses that varied linearly with concentration over the ranges studied. Within-day imprecision (CV) varied from 3.9 to 14.9%, day-to-day from 4.8 to 17.0%, absolute recoveries from 67% to 114%, and detection limits from 10 t0 110 ng/mL. Tricyclic antidepressants did not interfere, and clinical results were in good agreement with those obtained by a gas chromatographic method. The advantage of this method is that is uses a salt-free isocratic mobile phase that can be easily manipulated to effect difficult benzodiazepine separations.
Differential effects of fluid deprivation on the acquisition and extinction phases of a conditioned taste aversion

Previous work has shown that the rate of extinction of a conditioned taste aversion by a male (but not a female) rat is affected by the state of fluid deprivation. In the present study, adult male rats were either fluid deprived or nondeprived during acquisition of the conditioned taste aversion and then either fluid deprived or nondeprived during its extinction. The males that were fluid deprived during extinction showed a faster, female-like rate of extinction regardless of the deprivation state during acquisition. These results were related to previous work showing that the rate of extinction of a conditioned taste aversion is dependent on levels of testosterone.
Direct probes of R-parity-violating supersymmetric couplings via single-top-squark production

We study the s-channel production of a single top squark in hadron collisions through an R-parity-violating mechanism, examining in detail the case in which the squark decays through an R-parity-conserving process into a bottom quark, a lepton, and missing energy. We show that the top squark can be discovered if its mass is less than 400 GeV, or that the current bound on the size of the R-parity-violating couplings can be reduced by up to one order of magnitude with existing data and by two orders of magnitude at the forthcoming run II of the Fermilab Tevatron.
Hematopoietic effects inmmice exposed to arsine gas

Arsine gas is a potent hemolytic agent. Concern about semiconductor workers prompted an in-depth study of arsine at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to determine the hematopoietic effects of prolonged exposure to this gas. Female B6C3F1 mice were exposed by inhalation to 0, 0.5, 2.5, and 5 ppm arsine, 6 hr/day for 14 days. Body weights of exposed mice were comparable to those of controls, but a marked, concentration-related splenomegaly was observed. Higher level arsine exposure produced statistically significant decreases in red blood cells, hematocrit and hemoglobin, with increases in white blood cell counts and mean corpuscular volume of red blood cells. Erythropoiesis as measured by quantitation of erythroid precursors in culture revealed a marrow reduction of colony-forming unit erythroids/femur cells for all treated groups on Day 3 postexposure and only at the 5 ppm dose group on 24 days postexposure, while splenic erythropoiesis increased at higher concentrations of arsine. There was no alteration in bone marrow cellularity and a less significant effect on granulocyte-macrophage progenitors. A 12-week study of arsine at 0, 0.025, 0.5, and 2.5 ppm (6 hr/day) by inhalation showed similar effects on hematopoiesis in mice. In conclusion, arsine exposure at low concentrations produces a stress on the hematopoietic system characterized by hemolysis, which persists for a prolonged period following exposure.
Detection of recycled marine sediment components in crater lake fluids using 129 I

Abstract Crater lakes provide time-integrated samples of volcanic fluids, which may carry information on source components. We tested under what circumstances 129 I concentrations can be used for the detection of a signal derived from the recycling of marine sediments in subduction zone magmatism. The 129 I system has been successfully used to determine origin and pathways in other volcanic fluids, but the application of this system to crater lakes is complicated by the presence of anthropogenic 129 I, related to recent nuclear activities. Results are reported from four crater lakes, associated with subducting crust varying in age between 23 and 98 Ma. The 129 I/I ratios determined for Copahue, Argentina, ( 129 I/I=700×10 −15 ) and White Island, New Zealand, ( 129 I/I=284×10 −15 ) demonstrate the presence of iodine in the crater lakes that was derived from recycled marine sediments. A comparison to the ages of the subducted sediments in these two cases indicates that the ratios likely reflect iodine remobilization from the entire sediment column that was undergoing subduction. While the 129 I signals in Poas and Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica also demonstrate the presence of recycled iodine, the relatively high percentage of meteoric water in these lakes prevents a reliable determination of source ages. The observed high concentrations of iodine and 129 I/I ratios substantially below current surface values strongly argue for the presence of recycled marine components in the arc magmas of all four cases. Components from subducted marine sediments can be quantified and related to specific parts of the sediment column in cases where the iodine concentration in the lake waters exceeds 5 μM.
Cosmological baryon generation at low temperatures

Abstract Mechanisms for generating the net baryon number of the universe which do not involve grand unification are considered. Detailed calculations in a simple extension of the standard SU(3)×SU(2)×U(1) model are used to show that physics at temperatures of order 1 TeV can account for the observed baryon to entropy ratio. Some comments regarding alternatives to this simple model and some speculations concerning the implications for cosmology are offered.
Human-computer decision systems: The multiple roles of DSS

Abstract The systems approach to DSS design has recently been called for in the DSS literature as necessary for gaining a better understanding of these systems. We suggest that the application of the systems approach should begin at one level higher than has generally been the case, that is at the level of the decision system. A decision system is comprised of a human decision maker (DM) and a computerized decision support system (DSS), and has as its purpose producing decisions. Adopting the decision system perspective highlights the complementary roles of DM and DSS. It raises several issues not generally considered explicitly in the design of DSS: selection of a problem formulation, selection of a decision strategy, and allocation of tasks to the DM and the DSS. Addressing these issues defines the potential roles of the DSS and, hence, the scope that must be considered in its design. This broader definition of DSS roles raises questions about the adequacy of existing DSS design methodologies.
The Lesbian Partner Abuse Scale

Objective: The Lesbian Partner Abuse Scale-Revised (LE-PAS-R) was designed and construct validated to assess power imbalance between lesbian couples resulting in partner abuse. Method: The 135-item...
Dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate: Mechanism of particle formation

The mechanism for the formation of micron-size polymer particles in the dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate was investigated by applying dynamic light scattering to monitor the evolution of the average particle size in the early stages of the polymerization. In addition, the contributions of physically adsorbed stabilizer and graft copolymer were evaluated by measuring the bound, unbound (adsorbed), and free stabilizer, and by determining the amount of added stabilizer required in seeded dispersion polymerizations. Twenty nanometer particles (termed nuclei) were the smallest particles detected and are considered to be formed by aggregation of growing polymer chains precipitating from solution as they exceed their critical chain length. Aggregation of these nuclei with themselves and their aggregates continues until mature and stable particles are formed. This occurs when sufficient stabilizer occupies the particle surface which includes both the polymeric stabilizer [poly(vinylpyrrolidone)] and its graft copolymer which is created in situ. The effects of process variables are discussed based on this mechanistic picture of the dispersion polymerization process. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
SOCIAL STRUCTURE AND THE FEMALE LABOR FORCE: THE CASE OF WOMEN WORKERS IN MUSLIM MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRIES

In terms of quantitative comparative data Middle Eastern countries report systematically the lowest female participation rates in economic activities outside of agriculture. This behavior represents a deviation from the current experience of other developing nations and from the historical experience of the now-industrialized West. Using comparative data on female employment patterns in Latin American countries which are at roughly a similar stage of economic development, it is shown that the low level and particular character of women's involvement in the work force in the Middle East can be explained by institutional arrangements contingent upon aspects of social structure. Five countries are selected for intensive analysis: Chile, Mexico, Egypt, Morocco and Pakistan. One major aspect of social organization and its cultural adjuncts is emphasized: The interplay between the volitional avoidance by women of certain occupational sectors because of the social stigmatizing aspect and the prohibition of occupational opportunities imposed by males. The combined effects of this tradition of female seclusion and exclusion are confirmed by the detailed analysis of the structure of the non-agricultural labor force: Middle Eastern women are absent systematically from occupational and industrial sectors of employment which involve public activity and presuppose contact with males.
A MICROSCOPIC VIEW OF THERMAL‐PROCESSED WHEAT FLOUR

Protein fibril-formation was lost as a result of heat treatments (108°, 150°, 174°C). Loss of starch granule-btiefringence was more rapid in high moisture (33%) than in the low moisture (13%) flours at 108° and 150°C. Alpha-amylase digestion rates of starch increased with processing temperatures, in general, and were related to heat-produced physical changes. Basic information on starch granule structure of wheat as revealed by heat and enzyme treatments using the light microscope and scanning electron microscope is presented. The possible applications of the heated starches in food systems is discussed.
Values Management Aligning Employee Values and Organization Goals

This article explores the process by which formal management systems foster the creation of shared organization values, addressing the basic question: Can workplace values be "managed?" Drawing upon interviews conducted at a Department of Defense installation with civilian employees and managers over a 5-year period, we use comparative case analysis to explore differences in the relationships between installation practices and social values across high-performing and low-performing work units. Our findings suggest that strategic values are motivating to employees to the extent that they reflect employees' internal affective, normative, and task-oriented values, a zone of existing values. Although values management is a social process that results from routine interactions, formal management systems provide opportunities to enhance the social interactions that are motivating to employees. Middle managers play key roles in using formal management systems to integrate the organization's strategic practices with values that derive from employees' societal, cultural, and religious experiences.
An electron microscopic study of the formation of amorphous calcium phosphate and its transformation to crystalline apatite.

Dried amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) can exist in discoidal and spheroidal forms. The disk-shaped particles are most prominent in dried ACP specimens isolated immediately following precipitation. The spherical forms become dominant in dried specimens taken from older suspensions. The disk-like morphology is a result of sample drying. Spherules can also arise during the drying step but are present in the native suspension as well. Both the disks and spherules appear to have a common solution progenitor in the form of a highly hydrated ACP aggregate of unknown morphology. The formation of crystalline apatite in solution is intimately connected with ACP. The first crystals appear on the surface of the amorphous spherules and in contact with the amorphous disks. In the case of the spherules, the initial crystals increase in size and generate additional crystals by secondary nucleation until the spherules become enveloped by apatite. However, when conversion is completed, the apatite does not fill appreciably the space previously occupied by the dissolved amorphous spherules. These observations do not support the concept of anin situ solid state conversion in this case, but indicate a heterophase transition supported by a solution-mediated ion translocation process. The occurrence of crystals in the amorphous disks suggest that apatite can also form directly from the solution progenitor.
The Spirit of‘76: The Reconstruction of History in the Redemption of South Carolina

(2001). The Spirit of ’76: The Reconstruction of History in the Redemption of South Carolina. The Historian: Vol. 63, No. 4, pp. 769-786.
Children's descriptions of fractal shapes.

The Univers~ty of North Carolirza at Greejz.~boro Sumtnary.-Elementary-school studenrs (N=359), who had not been introduced to fractal geometry, examined and described the shape of three fractal sets, i.e., batter-fried chicken, popcorn, and curly leaf lettuce. The data were generated during individual, untirned, semistructured interviews. In general, the children used terminology of classical geomerry to describe the shape of the popcorn, and they used adjectives, phrases, created words, and classical geometric terminology to describe the shape of the chicken and lettuce. A framework of terminology th~r children might use in describing fractal shapes was not discernible from the find~ncs bur the results suggest thar the children's descriptions may have been influenctd by the properties of the dlfferenr fractal sets. One of the national mathematics curriculum standards is that children in hdergarten through fifth grade are able to identify, compare, and analyze attributes of two- and three-dimensional geometric figures (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics [NCTM], 1991, 1998). An important component of this standard is children's descriptions of shapes. By describing shapes, children become familiar with and use mathematical terms, which in turn expands their vocabulary so they can describe geometric ideas with greater precision (NCTM, 1998). However, discussions of shape in the elementary-school curriculum generally are limited to objects that can be described using only classical geometric terminology. The exclusion of highly complex natural shapes, e.g., popcorn, bushes, curly hair, from children's cLscussions was due traditionally to the lack of a vocabulary for defining these shapes. With the development of fractal geometry (Mandelbrot, 1977), however, terminology now exists for describing highly irregular or fragmented spatial patterns. Objects which heretofore could not be defied geornetrically given their complexity can now be described mathematically by shape, e.g., plane-fiing curves, series of unconnected points. In question is whether children can use this new terminology. For example, could the basic elements of fractal geometry be introduced to young children, as is done with the basic elements of classical geometry? Unfortunately, but not unexpected, little is known about children's perceptions of highly complex shapes. It seems that, at a minimum, consensus is needed concerning a framework of
Increased circulating IL-8 is associated with reduced IGF-1 and related to poor metabolic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background A dysregulated growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis is well-recognized in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Decreased IGF-1 levels can also be found in chronic inflammatory diseases, while hyperglycemia promotes inflammatory cytokine production. Therefore, inflammatory cytokines may link poor metabolic control with GH/IGF-1 axis changes. This study examined the relationship between serum inflammatory cytokines and IGF-1 in adolescents (age 13-18) with TIDM in chronic poor (n=17) or favorable (n=19) glucose control. Poor control (PC) was defined as >or=3, consistent HbA1C>9% during the previous 2 years, while favorable control (FC) was consistent levels of HbA1C Results HbA1C (FC: 7.5+/-0.6%; PC: 10.5+/-0.9%, p Conclusions In adolescents with T1DM and chronic, poor glucose control, increased serum IL-8 is associated with reduced IGF-1 suggesting a pro-inflammatory milieu that may contribute to alterations in the GH/IGF-1 axis.
Infrared Spectra of Simple Methylidyne, Methylidene, and Insertion Complexes Generated in Reactions of Laser-Ablated Rhodium Atoms with Halomethanes and Ethane

Small rhodium carbene complexes, CX2═RhX2, CXH═RhX2, and CH2═RhX2, are identified in the product matrix infrared spectra from reactions of laser-ablated Rh atoms with tetra-, tri-, and dihalomethanes. Evidence for Rh carbynes, XC≡RhX3, is also found in the tetrahalomethane spectra. Calculated Rh−C bond lengths of 1.788−1.820 and 1.730−1.740 A are appropriate for double and triple bonds, respectively. While only the CH3−RhF insertion primary product is observed in the CH3F spectra, weak RhH and RhD diatomic molecule absorptions suggest that the C−H activation product CH2F−RhH, containing a Rh−H bond, also forms during reaction, but subsequently dissociates. The analogous CH3CH2−RhH insertion product is identified in the ethane spectra, in line with the recently discovered CH3−RhH. The observation of RhH and RhD without dihydride or methylidene absorptions in the product spectra suggests that only the insertion complex is generated in the Rh + C2H6 reactions. The present results reconfirm the trend that hig...
Specific effect of the fragile-X mental retardation-1 gene (FMR1) on white matter microstructure.

Background Fragile-X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with intellectual disability and neurobiological abnormalities including white matter microstructural differences. White matter differences have been found relative to neurotypical individuals. Aims To examine whether FXS white matter differences are related specifically to FXS or more generally to the presence of intellectual disability. Method We used voxel-based and tract-based analytic approaches to compare individuals with FXS ( n = 40) with gender- and IQ-matched controls ( n = 30). Results Individuals with FXS had increased fractional anisotropy and decreased radial diffusivity values compared with IQ-matched controls in the inferior longitudinal, inferior fronto-occipital and uncinate fasciculi. Conclusions The genetic variation associated with FXS affects white matter microstructure independently of overall IQ. White matter differences, found in FXS relative to IQ-matched controls, are distinct from reported differences relative to neurotypical controls. This underscores the need to consider cognitive ability differences when investigating white matter microstructure in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Measurement of the Optical Properties of Gold at Cryogenic Temperatures

Optical constants of gold are measured at cryogenic temperatures. The imaginary part of epsilon exhibits a drop at longer wavelengths. This directly demonstrates that performance of metal-based optical devices can be improved by cryogenic cooling.
Introduction to steroid molecular stacking

Abstract A set of molecular stacking postulates for steroids in the solid state has been formulated from a study of the stacking arrangements observed in single crystals. Since only six crystalline steroids have been studied, the molecular stacking postulates are to be considered as a working hypothesis. They are: (1) when present, heavy atoms play a leading role in steroid stacking; (2) the angular methyl groups seem to be the major stacking determinants in molecules lacking side chains or heavy atoms; (3) one of the most frequently observed stackings thus far consists of molecules arranged longitudinally in chains in which adjacent molecules may or may not be connected by hydrogen bonding; and (4) when the molecule has a complex system of side chains, these are primarily responsible for the stacking.
The current financial and economic crisis and the prospects for the socialist movement

Drawing on the social structure of accumulation theory, this article presents a case that the crisis that began in 2008 is not just a financial crisis or a recession. This crisis is a structural crisis of capitalism, of the type that arose in the 1930s and again in the 1970s. This implies that major economic restructuring is required to overcome stagnation of the economy. The article considers several possible forms of restructuring, including the construction of fascist, corporatist, or social-democratic capitalism, as well as the possibility of a transition to socialism.
The STAPL pArray

The Standard Template Adaptive Parallel Library (STAPL) is a parallel programming framework that extends C++ and STL with support for parallelism. STAPL provides parallel data structures (pContainers) and generic parallel algorithms (pAlgorithms), and a methodology for extending them to provide customized functionality. STAPL pContainers are thread-safe, concurrent objects, i.e., shared objects that provide parallel methods that can be invoked concurrently. They provide views as a generic means to access data that can be passed as input to generic pAlgorithms.In this work, we present the STAPL pArray, the parallel equivalent of the sequential STL valarray, a fixed-size data structure optimized for storing and accessing data based on one-dimensional indices. We describe the pArray design and show how it can support a variety of underlying data distribution policies currently available in STAPL, such as blocked or blocked cyclic. We provide experimental results showing that pAlgorithms using the pArray scale well to more than 2,000 processors. We also provide results using different data distributions that illustrate that the performance of pAlgorithms and pArray methods is usually sensitive to the underlying data distribution, and moreover, that there is no one data distribution that performs best for all pAlgorithms, processor counts, or machines.
CARRIER DETECTION IN TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL X-LINKED AGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA (XLA)

XLA is characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia and absent B cells, but normal numbers of pre-B cells. Atypical cases of XLA have been reported in which immunoglobulin concentrations are higher than expected or pre-B cells are absent. We have recently demonstrated that B cells from obligate carriers of typical XLA selectively use the X chromosome that does not carry the gene defect as the active X. To extend this observation, we developed a technique that combines the production of somatic cell hybrids that retain the active X, with the use of X-linked RFLPs that permit the distinction of the two X chromosomes. This technique, which allows the identification of the active X in cells from any woman, was used to study an obligate carrier and 4 women at risk in families with typical XLA. We also studied the mother of a boy with atypical XLA who has low numbers of B cells, absent IgA and IgM but normal IgG and no family history. All 10 B cell hybrids from the known carrier used the same X as the active X; 3 of the 4 women at risk also demonstrated nonrandom X chromosome inactivation in B cells; 7 of the hybrids from the last woman used one X chromosome and 8 used the other, indicating that this woman is not a carrier. All 19 B cell hybrids from the mother of the sporadic case also used the same X, indicating that this woman is a carrier for an X-linked form of disease. These results show that this technique can be used for carrier detection in both sporadic cases of XLA and in XLA pedigrees. Further, by increasing the number of individuals who are informative for mapping in atypical XLA families, we will be able to examine heterogeneity of XLA.
Functional roles for amino acids in active site loop II of a hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase.

A flexible loop of amino acids (loop II) closes over the active site of hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) as the enzyme approaches the transition state [Biochemistry 37 (1998) 17120]. Formerly, the deletion of much of loop II from the HPRT of Trypanosoma cruzi resulted in a 2–3 order of magnitude reduction in kcat values with relatively modest changes in the Michaelis constants for substrates [Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1537 (2001) 63–70]. However, the contributions of individual loop II residues to catalysis remained poorly understood or have been disputed. Herein, saturation mutagenesis was used to generate relatively random sets of mutations in the 12 residues of active site loop II in the HPRT from T. cruzi and steady-state kinetics was used to investigate reactions catalyzed by the mutants. The results of analyses of 18 different mutations in an evolutionarily invariant Ser–Tyr dipeptide are consistent with interactions, between main chain nitrogen atoms of these residues and the O1A atom of phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (PRPP) or pyrophosphate (PPi), being essential for efficient enzyme chemistry. The results of analyses of 55 mutations in the nine other amino acids in loop II are inconsistent with these residues participating directly in enzyme chemistry, but are consistent with several of their side chains influencing loop flexibility and folding, as well as the efficiency for nucleotide formation relative to pyrophosphorolysis.
Goal Setting is Differentially Related to Change in Fruit, Juice, and Vegetable Consumption Among Fourth-Grade Children

The impact of goal attainment in a dietary change program to increase fruit, 100% juice, and vegetable consumption was assessed among fourth-grade students. At each session, the students were given goals related to increasing fruit, juice, and vegetable consumption. Baseline consumption and postconsumption were assessed with up to 4 days of computerized dietary recalls. Analyses included regression models predicting postconsumption from the numbers of fruit-juice goals, vegetable goals, or total number of general goals attained, respectively. For students with low baseline fruit-juice preferences, attaining more fruit-juice goals resulted in increased post-fruit-juice consumption. Among those with low baseline vegetable consumption, attaining one vegetable goal was related to higher post-vegetable consumption. For boys and those with high baseline fruit, juice, and vegetable consumption, attaining three general goals was related to increased fruit, juice, and vegetable intake. The results show that goal attainment was somewhat effective in promoting dietary change among children.
Effects of diltiazem-induced calcium blockade upon exercise capacity in effort angina due to chronic coronary artery disease

Abstract Few data are available regarding the effects of calcium blockade upon exercise tolerance in patients with stable effort angina due to coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore we compared the effects of the calcium blocking agent, diltiazem (D), to placebo (P) in 12 patients with chronic effort angina and catheterization documented fixed CAD. The 8-week total protocol consisted of a 1-week baseline period followed by the double-blind randomized crossover alternate 1-week administration of P and D in doses of 120, 180, and 240 mg. Maximal exercise tests (MET) were performed at the end of each 1-week period, while rest radionuclide ventriculography (RVG) was obtained during 240 mg D and corresponding crossover P. Resting heart rate decreased from baseline and initial P at D doses of 60 and 240 mg, but not from P during crossover period. No changes were observed at any dose of D either at rest or during MET in systolic blood pressure or rate · pressure double product. D at 240 mg, but not lower doses, increased MET duration (437 vs 490 seconds, p p p
Inviting Social Justice through Literacy: Creating a change using the critical questionings and using the language of power

This article converges on the importance of hearing all learners’ voices in creating a just and safe learning environment. Following a critical pedagogy, the author stresses the importance of developing a line of critical questioning within the learners where the learners have the authority to query what they read as well as the world and not accepting things as face value. In addition, there is a focus on using the additive approach, whereby the language of power is taught in conjunction with vernacular language. Throughout the article there are examples of writings from two different marginalized groups illustrating the diversity and multiplicity of literacy while exhibiting critical thinking at its best. [Article copies available for a fee from The Transformative Studies Institute. E-mail address:
Risk factors: Ethnicity and cardiovascular risk-are all men created equal?

A subanalysis of the REACH Registry provides a contemporary 'real-world' demonstration of the impact of ethnic and racial differences in cardiovascular risk factors and mortality. This work reinforces the growing notion of ethnicity-specific variations in the risks and outcomes associated with atherothrombotic disease.
An increase of collagen biosynthesis in livers of rats submitted to chronic intoxication with ethanol

It was found that chronic intoxication of rats with ethanol results in a dictinct, progressive increase of 53H-proline incorporation into collagen synthesized by liver. At the same time biosynthesis of other proline-containing proteins in rat liver slightly decreases. These effects precede the morphological symptoms of liver damage induced by ethanol.
Typical cluster size for two-dimensional percolation processes

The typical cluster size for two-dimensional percolation models is discussed. It is shown that, forW 0={xɛZ 2∶0→x}, [−lim n→∞(1/n) logP p (∣W 0∣=n)]−1≈∣p−p c ∣−Δ asp↑p c , provided thatE p (∣W 0∣2)/E p (∣W 0∣)≈∣p−P c ∣−Δ asp↑p c . Furthermore, we introduce a new quantityf s (p), which may be thought of as the singular part of the free energy, and show thatf s (p)≈¦p−p c ¦2v provided that the correlation length ≈¦p−p c ¦−v asp→p c .
Hyper)polarizabilities of isolated GaN nanoclusters

Abstract The linear and nonlinear polarizabilities of hydrogen-terminated Ga m N n H x ( m = n = 1, 4, 7, 17) clusters have been calculated by the ab initio time-dependent Hartree–Fock method. The calculated linear polarizability per Ga–N unit for the Ga 17 N 17 H 38 cluster shows excellent agreement with the corresponding value estimated from the measured dielectric constant of bulk GaN. The calculated (hyper)polarizabilities show a strong dependence upon the size and the geometry of the cluster. For clusters containing equal numbers of Ga and N atoms but differing in geometry, the structure with a reduced symmetry has a much larger first-order NLO coefficient than that with a higher symmetry.
Effect of pre-wintering and wintering temperature regimes on weight loss, survival, and emergence time in the mason bee Osmia cornuta (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

Osmia cornuta adults require exposure to wintering temperatures followed by incubation in the spring to emerge. We studied winter survival, weight loss, emergence time, and post-emergence longevity in O. cornuta exposed to a variety of pre-wintering and wintering treatments. Few bees emerged after exposure to wintering durations <30 days. Maximum survival and longevity were obtained with wintering durations of 90-150 days. Time to emergence following incubation declined with increasing wintering duration and increasing wintering temperature. Pre-wintering treatment had a dramatic effect on bee fitness. Bees pre-wintered for 15 days lost less weight, had higher survival and lived longer than bees pre-wintered for 45 or 75 days. In general, larger bees were more likely to survive the winter and lived longer than smaller bees. We discuss the relevance of these results to survival in wild O. cornuta populations and the management of populations used in orchard pollination. Osmia cornuta / wintering temperature / body weight / orchard pollination
A Systematic Approach for Computing Zero-Point Energy, Quantum Partition Function, and Tunneling Effect Based on Kleinert's Variational Perturbation Theory.

In this paper, we describe an automated integration-free path-integral (AIF-PI) method, based on Kleinert's variational perturbation (KP) theory, to treat internuclear quantum-statistical effects in molecular systems. We have developed an analytical method to obtain the centroid potential as a function of the variational parameter in the KP theory, which avoids numerical difficulties in path-integral Monte Carlo or molecular dynamics simulations, especially at the limit of zero-temperature. Consequently, the variational calculations using the KP theory can be efficiently carried out beyond the first order, i.e., the Giachetti-Tognetti-Feynman-Kleinert variational approach, for realistic chemical applications. By making use of the approximation of independent instantaneous normal modes (INM), the AIF-PI method can readily be applied to many-body systems. Previously, we have shown that in the INM approximation, the AIF-PI method is accurate for computing the quantum partition function of a water molecule (3 degrees of freedom) and the quantum correction factor for the collinear H(3) reaction rate (2 degrees of freedom). In this work, the accuracy and properties of the KP theory are further investigated by using the first three order perturbations on an asymmetric double-well potential, the bond vibrations of H(2), HF, and HCl represented by the Morse potential, and a proton-transfer barrier modeled by the Eckart potential. The zero-point energy, quantum partition function, and tunneling factor for these systems have been determined and are found to be in excellent agreement with the exact quantum results. Using our new analytical results at the zero-temperature limit, we show that the minimum value of the computed centroid potential in the KP theory is in excellent agreement with the ground state energy (zero-point energy) and the position of the centroid potential minimum is the expectation value of particle position in wave mechanics. The fast convergent property of the KP theory is further examined in comparison with results from the traditional Rayleigh-Ritz variational approach and Rayleigh-Schrodinger perturbation theory in wave mechanics. The present method can be used for thermodynamic and quantum dynamic calculations, including to systematically determine the exact value of zero-point energy and to study kinetic isotope effects for chemical reactions in solution and in enzymes.
Chitin, Chitinases and Chitinase-like Proteins in Allergic Inflammation and Tissue Remodeling

Chitin, the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature after cellulose, consist exoskeleton of lower organisms such as fungi, crustaceans and insects except mammals. Recently, several studies evaluated immunologic effects of chitin in vivo and in vitro and revealed new aspects of chitin regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. It has been shown that exogenous chitin activates macrophages and other innate immune cells and also modulates adaptive type 2 allergic inflammation. These studies further demonstrate that chitin stimulate macrophages by interacting with different cell surface receptors such as macrophage mannose receptor, toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2), C-type lectin receptor Dectin-1, and leukotriene B4 recepptor (BLT1). On the other hand, a number of chitinase or chitinase-like proteins (C/CLP) are ubiquitously expressed in the airways and intestinal tracts from insects to mammals. In general, these chitinase family proteins confer protective functions to the host against exogenous chitin-containing pathogens. However, substantial body of recent studies also set light on new roles of C/CLP in the development and progression of allergic inflammation and tissue remodeling. In this review, recent findings on the role of chitin and C/CLP in allergic inflammation and tissue remodeling will be highlighted and controversial and unsolved issues in this field of studies will be discussed.
Alpha-fetoprotein and albumin in experimentally-induced exencephaly in the rat.

Alpha-fetoprotein and albumin were quantified in the sera and amniotic fluids from control, Vitamin A-treated non-exencephalic and Vitamin A-treated exencephalic rat fetuses. Exencephaly was associated with amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein concentrations which were significantly elevated over those of Vitamin A-treated non-exencephalic and of untreated fetuses. Amniotic fluid albumin concentrations also were higher in the exencephalic fetuses than in the non-exencephalic fetuses. Serum alpha-fetoprotein and albumin concentrations were lower in the exencephalic than in the non-exencephalic fetuses. The results are consistent with simple diffusion across a defective barrier as the cause of elevated amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein concentrations in the presence of open neural tube defects. This experimental model of neural tube defects results in changes in amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein similar to those changes found in human amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein concentrations in the presence of neural tube defects.
A dimensionality model approach to testing and improving software robustness

Software robustness problems may hinder the use of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software modules and legacy software modules in mission-critical and safety-critical applications. This research focuses on hardening COTS and legacy software modules against robustness failures triggered by exceptional inputs. An automated approach is presented that is capable of identifying the triggers of the robustness failures. A fault model-the dimensionality model-is used to guide analysis. An experiment is described which demonstrates the feasibility of automating the process of analyzing failure causes and hardening against certain data types in POSIX function calls, for example, NULL pointer values and scalar data types such as INT and FLOAT. The final goal of this research is to provide users a tool to harden COTS and legacy software modules automatically.
Disorders of Attention or Learning in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Disorders of attention or learning commonly accompany neurodevelopmental disorders. The evaluation and diagnosis of these disorders is complex and does not always follow techniques used for typically developing children. These disorders are often underappreciated and inadequately addressed because they are overshadowed by the neurodevelopmental disorder. Nevertheless, failure to recognize, diagnose, and manage these disorders may result in unsuccessful community integration.
Differences between women and men MBA entrepreneurs: exploring family flexibility and wealth creation as career motivators

Abstract Previous research into gender differences among entrepreneurs has yielded varied explanations as to why female entrepreneurs differ from male entrepreneurs. This study explores motivational differences using a sample of MBA entrepreneurs. This allows comparisons between male and female entrepreneurs, who are similar in terms of business education, educational credentials, and other important variables. Logistic regression is used to measure the relationship between career motivators and gender and between career motivators and gender adjusted for marital status and the presence of dependent children. The study concludes that differences between female and male entrepreneurs become larger if the entrepreneurs are married with dependent children.
Thioesterase superfamily member 2/acyl-CoA thioesterase 13 (Them2/Acot13) regulates hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism

Members of the acyl-CoA thioesterase (Acot) gene family catalyze the hydrolysis of fatty acyl-CoAs, but their biological functions remain unknown. Thioesterase superfamily member 2 (Them2; synonym Acot13) is a broadly expressed mitochondria-associated Acot. Them2 was previously identified as an interacting protein of phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PC-TP). Pctp−/− mice exhibit altered fatty acid metabolism that is accompanied by reduced hepatic glucose production. To examine the role of Them2 in regulating hepatic lipid and glucose homeostasis, we generated Them2−/− mice. In livers of Them2−/− mice compared with Them2+/+ controls, a 1.9-fold increase in the Km of mitochondrial thioesterase activity was accompanied by a 28% increase in fatty acyl-CoA concentration. A reciprocal 23% decrease in free fatty acid concentration was associated with reduced activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. However, fatty acid oxidation rates were preserved in livers of Them2−/− mice, suggesting that Them2 functions to limit β-oxidation. Hepatic glucose production was also decreased by 45% in the setting of reduced hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) expression. When fed a high-fat diet, Them2−/− mice were resistant to increases in hepatic glucose production and steatosis. These findings reveal key roles for Them2 in the regulation of hepatic metabolism, which are potentially mediated by PC-TP-Them2 interactions.—Kang, H. W., Niepel, M. W., Han, S., Kawano, Y., Cohen, D. E. Thioesterase superfamily member 2/acyl-CoA thioesterase 13 (Them2/Acot13) regulates hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism.
The Study of Biobehavioral Rhythms in a Psychology Laboratory Course.

Eighteen students participated in an experiential exercise on circadian rhythms as part of the laboratory component of a psychology course. Participants measured their heart rate, blood pressure, mood, alertness, and visuomotor-cognitive performance. Measures showed significant circadian variation; they were strongly correlated and peaked at different times, providing support for a multioscillatory view of circadian control. Evaluation indicated students found this laboratory interesting, personally relevant, and helpful in understanding the importance of rhythms.
Emerging Cellular Functions of Cytoplasmic PML

The tumor suppressor promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) is located primarily in the nucleus, where it is the scaffold component of the PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs). PML-NBs regulate multiple cellular functions, such as apoptosis, senescence, DNA damage response, and resistance to viral infection. Despite its nuclear localization, a small portion of PML has been identified in the cytoplasm. The cytoplasmic PML (cPML) could be originally derived from the retention of exported nuclear PML (nPML). In addition, bona fide cPML isoforms devoid of nuclear localization signal (NLS) have also been identified. Recently, emerging evidence showed that cPML performs its specific cellular functions in tumorigenesis, glycolysis, antiviral responses, laminopothies, and cell cycle regulation. In this review, we will summarize the emerging roles of cPML in cellular functions.