cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ecophysiological and micromorphological characterization of green roof vegetation for urban mitigation

Abstract Urban greening helps to improve environment quality and human health thanks to the ability of plants to absorb greenhouse gases and remove significant amounts of air pollutants. Green roofs, providing vegetated surfaces in dense cities, can help to mitigate the negative effects of urban pollution. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential ability of fifteen green roof species (Lonicera pileata, Satureja repandens, Hypericum moserianum, Erigeron karvinskianus, Solidago praecox, Rudbeckia sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’, Filipendula purpurea, Filipendula vulgaris ‘Kahome’, Gaura lindheimeri, Campanula persicifolia, Veronica longifolia, Sedum spectabile, Origanum vulgare, Salvia nemorosa, and Achillea millefolium) to mitigate carbon dioxide (CO2) and urban pollutant concentration analysing the leaf physiological traits (gas exchange) and morphological structures (stomata, trichomes, epicuticular waxes and cuticular ornamentation) involved in pollutant removal. Furthermore, considering the important role of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) on the photochemical reactivity of the atmosphere, their species-specific emission was also assessed together with the derived ozone forming potential (OFP). Our results suggested that the potential mitigation capacity based on the investigated traits of the shrubs and herbaceous species was species-specific. The very low potential of all the tested species to form ozone indicated their suitability for urban planning programs.
Interstitial migration behavior and defect evolution in ion irradiated pure nickel and Ni-xFe binary alloys

Abstract Transition from long-range one-dimensional to short-range three-dimensional migration modes of interstitial defect clusters greatly reduces the damage accumulation in single-phase concentrated solid solution alloys under ion irradiation. A synergetic investigation with experimental, computational and modeling approaches revealed that both the resistance to void swelling and the delay in dislocation evolution in Ni-Fe alloys increased with iron concentration. This was attributed to the gradually increased sluggishness of defect migration, which enhances interstitial and vacancy recombination. Transition from long-range one-dimensional defect motion in pure nickel to short-range three-dimensional motion in concentrated Ni-Fe alloys is continuum, not abrupt, and within an iron concentration range up to 20%. The gradual transition process can be quantitatively characterized by the mean free path of the interstitial defect clusters.
Virtual organization: duality of human identities in consciousness and entity

This chapter discloses the social aspects of a virtual organization and identifies the role of human actors in a virtual organization (consciousness). This consciousness exists in the perceptual world that we create beyond the limits of time and space. However, its counterparts exist in various forms (entities) in the real world. To bridge the gaps between the consciousnesses and the entities, there exist dual identities of human interveners in both virtual and real worlds. This research provides the meaning of virtual organization, and proceeds to explain the relationship between the consciousnesses (virtual organizations) and entities (real organizations) with human intervention (human players) using structuration theory. This study uses a theory-building process to understand human activities in virtual organizations. The theory proposed in this study reflects the epistemological positions of virtual organization research.
Dynamic Response of Structures

Basic principles of structural dynamics are presented with emphasis on applications to the ea rthquake resistant design of building structures. Dynamic characteristics of single degree of freedom systems are discussed along with their application to single story buildings. The response of these systems to harmonic and impulse loading is described and illustrated by application to simple structures. Consideration of the earthquake response of these systems leads to the concept of the elastic response spectrum and the development of design spectra. The use of procedures based on a single degree of freedom is extended to multiple degree of freedom systems through the use of the generalized coordinate approach. The determination of generalized dynamic properties is discussed and illustrated. A simple numerical integration procedure for determining the nonlinear dynamic response is presented. The application of matrix methods for the analysis of multiple degree of freedom systems is discussed and illustrated along with earthquake response analysis. A response spectrum procedure suitable for hand calculation is presented for elastic response analyses. The nonlinear static analysis for proportional loading and the nonlinear dynamic analysis for earthquake loading are discussed and illustrated with application to building structures. Finally, the use of the recorded response from buildings containing strong motion instrumentation for verification of analytical models is discussed.
The Panacea of Human Aging: Calorie Restriction Versus Exercise

Primary aging is the progressive decline in health and fitness and depends on metabolic rate and oxidative stress. Untoward changes in body composition and metabolic function characterize secondary aging. We hypothesize that both exercise and calorie restriction (CR) improve secondary aging, but only CR improves primary. However, CR followed with exercise is a superior strategy to maintain overall health and quality of life with age.
SmallSat Missions Enabled by Paired Low- Thrust Hybrid Rocket and Low-Power Long-Life Hall Thruster

The capabilities of a SmallSat-class spacecraft targeting the outer solar system and using a combined chemical and electric propulsion system are explored. The development of compact hybrid rockets has enabled high-thrust engines to be packaged tightly enough to fit on CubeSat and SmallSat spacecraft. These hybrid rockets provide 10's-100 N of thrust depending on the propellant load & >300 s of specific impulse and have been demonstrated in both ambient and vacuum environments. Advancements in low -power long-life Hall thruster technologies have provided the potential for significantly greater propellant throughputs, enabling their use as a primary propulsion element on interplanetary spacecraft. In a recent characterization test campaign, the MaSMi-DM Hall thruster demonstrated power throttling from 150 -1000 W with >1500 s of specific impulse available at >500 W and ≥40% total thrust efficiency available at >300 W; peak values of 1940 s and 53%, respectively, were observed. A notional low-mass spacecraft employing a combined hybrid rocket and low-power electric propulsion system was designed and used for mission concept analysis targeting the outer solar system. Using an imposed wet mass limit of 400 kg, mission trajectories to Saturn and Uranus were generated. Orbit capture with >40% of the launch mass was shown to be possible at either target, with mission transfer times of 7.5 years and 13.5 years for Saturn and Uranus, respectively. Significant follow-on mission activities near Saturn (e.g. to Titan & Enceladus) were also possible by carrying extra propellant mass while remaining under the total wet mass limit.
Ca2+ entry via TRPC1 is essential for cellular differentiation and modulates secretion via the SNARE complex.

ABSTRACT Properties of adipocytes, including differentiation and adipokine secretion, are crucial factors in obesity-associated metabolic syndrome. Here, we provide evidence that Ca2+ influx in primary adipocytes, especially upon Ca2+ store depletion, plays an important role in adipocyte differentiation, functionality and subsequently metabolic regulation. The endogenous Ca2+ entry channel in both subcutaneous and visceral adipocytes was found to be dependent on TRPC1–STIM1, and blocking Ca2+ entry with SKF96365 or using TRPC1−/− knockdown adipocytes inhibited adipocyte differentiation. Additionally, TRPC1−/− mice have decreased organ weight, but increased adipose deposition and reduced serum adiponectin and leptin concentrations, without affecting total adipokine expression. Mechanistically, TRPC1-mediated Ca2+ entry regulated SNARE complex formation, and agonist-mediated secretion of adipokine-loaded vesicles was inhibited in TRPC1−/− adipose. These results suggest an unequivocal role of TRPC1 in adipocyte differentiation and adiponectin secretion, and that loss of TRPC1 disturbs metabolic homeostasis. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Rapid In Situ Analysis of Plant Emission for Disease Diagnosis Using a Portable Gas Chromatography Device.

We developed and applied a fully automated portable gas chromatography (GC) device for rapid and in situ analysis of plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to examine plant health status. A total ...
Improving Student Success for Diverse Students Utilizing Competency-Based Education

This research aims to conduct exploratory research on the myriad issues that traditionally underserved students face in average higher education settings and poses a potential curricula and pedagogical solution. Particularly within the humanities, subjectivity can sometimes be infused into the curricula and pedagogy, and student assessment; and may impact student examination scores and overall success. In assessing student work through competency-based education (CBE), underserved students can inject their own experiences into the learning environment. Such participation potentially yields significant learning experiences for the entire teaching-learning pipeline and everyone involved (student, teacher, and classmates). Essentially, the utilization of CBE can allow traditionally underserved students to experience their education at their own pace. CBE has the potential to more sufficiently tend to the holistic needs of the student as well.
Smartphone-based lateral flow imaging system for detection of food-borne bacteria E.coli O157:H7

We report an application for the smartphone as an accurate and unbiased reading platform of a lateral flow immunoassays for food safety application. In particular, this report focuses on detection of food-borne bacteria in samples extracted from food matrices such as ground beef and spinach. The lateral flow assay is a widely accepted methodology owing to its on-site results, low-cost analysis, and ease of use with minimum user inputs, even though sensitivity is not quite equivalent to that of standard laboratory equipment. An antibody-antigen relationship is transduced into a color change on a nitrocellulose pad while visual interpretation of this color change can result in uncertainty, particularly near the detection limit of the assay. Employing the high resolution integrated camera, constant illumination from light source, and computing power of a smartphone, we provide an objective and accurate method to determine the bacterial cell concentration in a food matrix based on the regression model from the color intensity of test lines. A 3D-printed sample holder was designed for representative commercial lateral flow assays and an in-house application was developed in Android Studio to solve the inverse problem to provide cell concentration information from the color intensity. Test results with E.coli O157:H7 as a model organism suggests that smartphone-based reader can detect 104-105 CFU/ml from ground beef and spinach food matrices.
Spherical Preferences.

We introduce and study the property of orthogonal independence, a restricted additivity axiom applying when alternatives are orthogonal. The axiom requires that the preference for one marginal change over another should be maintained after each marginal change has been shifted in a direction that is orthogonal to both. We show that continuous preferences satisfy orthogonal independence if and only if they are spherical: their indifference curves are spheres with the same center, with preference being "monotone" either away or towards the center. Spherical preferences include linear preferences as a special (limiting) case. We discuss different applications to economic and political environments. Our result delivers Euclidean preferences in models of spatial voting, quadratic welfare aggregation in social choice, and expected utility in models of choice under uncertainty.
Clinical effects of combined hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of unconscious patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Objective To assess the therapeutic effects of combined hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in the treatment of unconscious patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and also to analyze the relationship between factors associated with HBO in the treatment of conscious disorder and therapeutic effects after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Methods A retrospective analysis was made on the effects of combined HBO in the treatment of 33 cases of conscious disorder following cardiopulmonary resuscitation from 2002-2012.Patient age,pathogenic factors,courses of HBO treatment and the relationship between treatment time and therapeutic effects were analyzed systematically.Results The effect of comprehensive HBO in the treatment of non-cardiac diseases was obviously superior to that of cardiac diseases(P ＜ 0.05).The therapeutic effect of early treatment (less than 30 days) was obviously better than that of delayed treatment (more than 30 days) (P ＜ 0.05),and patients with a junior age (less than 35 years old) obviously had better therapeutic effects than those with senior age (more than 36 years old) (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The therapeutic effect of HBO in the treatment of unconscious patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation was closely associated with the age,etiology and starting time of HBO therapy.Patients with younger age and non-cardiac diseases and receiving early HBO therapy could achieve better results. Key words: Hyperbaric oxygen; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Conscious disorder
Effect of particle reinforcement on the progressive failure of alumina trihydrate filled Poly(Methyl methacrylate)

Abstract Particle reinforced polymers are of interest because of their low density and desirable mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. By adjusting the particle type, size, shape, and spatial distribution, significant changes in those properties can be obtained. Efforts to understand the role that the particle reinforcement plays in the overall mechanical behavior of the material system has historically been performed via ex-situ characterization and testing methods. This investigation aims, for the first time to the best of the authors knowledge, to observe not only the ex-situ parameter-induced effects on material properties but also the microstructure evolution via in-situ scanning electron microscopy coupled with Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques with the objective to link the progressive activation and development of damage mechanisms to the measured mechanical behavior. This investigation reports a correlation between particle size and distribution and the measured progressive failure in two types of alumina trihydrate filled poly (methyl methacrylate) composites which provides useful insights into the design of such class of materials.
Exploring Narratives of Scarcity, Uncertainty, and Opportunity in Women's Sports Coverage During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In this essay, the authors explored Pinsker's conception of two pandemics, as reflected in the concerns expressed about the future of women's sport, prospects for female athletes, and the security of women leaders in sport as they emerged in articles published in national news sources The purpose of this essay was to capture, in a limited way, how women's sport concerns surfaced in the media in the aftermath of a forced industry shutdown;to gauge reactions, assess real and perceived threats;and to examine how and whether this crisis inspired positive thoughts about women's sport opportunities for the future Our work is based on the tracking of articles published in major news outlets about the impact of the pandemic on women's sport from March 10, 2020, to May 25, 2020 Readings of the collected articles revealed several themes that fit within the two pandemics framework: reactions to the loss of momentum in women's sport;fears regarding a reversal in gains made by women's sport in the marketplace as competition for limited resources escalates;concerns about women's sport participation decreasing due to cuts and delays in programs;and a focused commitment to gender equity and maintaining momentum, even in the face of significant headwinds
A complete method for assessing the effectiveness of eyewitness identification procedures: Expected information gain.

We present a method for measuring the efficacy of eyewitness identification procedures by applying fundamental principles of information theory. The resulting measure evaluates the expected information gain (EIG) for an identification attempt, a single value that summarizes an identification procedure's overall potential for reducing uncertainty about guilt or innocence across all possible witness responses. In a series of demonstrations, we show that EIG often disagrees with existing measures (e.g., diagnosticity ratios or area under the receiver operating characteristic) about the relative effectiveness of different identification procedures. Each demonstration is designed to highlight key distinctions between existing measures and EIG. An overarching theme is that EIG provides a complete measure of evidentiary value, in the sense that it factors in all aspects of identification performance. Collectively, these demonstrations show that EIG has substantial potential to inspire new discoveries in eyewitness research and provide a new perspective on policy recommendations for the use of identifications in real investigations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Technological Leadership and 5G Patent Portfolios: Guiding Strategic Policy and Licensing Decisions:

Whether it’s mobile phones or autonomous cars or telemedicine, a well-functioning robust 5G ecosystem will require licensing executives to have a deep understanding of the need for timely licensing...
Identification of a Preliminary Plasma Metabolome-based Biomarker for Circadian Phase in Humans:

Measuring individual circadian phase is important to diagnose and treat circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders and circadian misalignment, inform chronotherapy, and advance circadian science. Initial findings using blood transcriptomics to predict the circadian phase marker dim-light melatonin onset (DLMO) show promise. Alternatively, there are limited attempts using metabolomics to predict DLMO and no known omics-based biomarkers predict dim-light melatonin offset (DLMOff). We analyzed the human plasma metabolome during adequate and insufficient sleep to predict DLMO and DLMOff using one blood sample. Sixteen (8 male/8 female) healthy participants aged 22.4 ± 4.8 years (mean ± SD) completed an in-laboratory study with 3 baseline days (9 h sleep opportunity/night), followed by a randomized cross-over protocol with 9-h adequate sleep and 5-h insufficient sleep conditions, each lasting 5 days. Blood was collected hourly during the final 24 h of each condition to independently determine DLMO and DLMOff. Blood samples collected every 4 h were analyzed by untargeted metabolomics and were randomly split into training (68%) and test (32%) sets for biomarker analyses. DLMO and DLMOff biomarker models were developed using partial least squares regression in the training set followed by performance assessments using the test set. At baseline, the DLMOff model showed the highest performance (0.91 R2 and 1.1 ± 1.1 h median absolute error ± interquartile range [MdAE ± IQR]), with significantly (p < 0.01) lower prediction error versus the DLMO model. When all conditions (baseline, 9 h, and 5 h) were included in performance analyses, the DLMO (0.60 R2; 2.2 ± 2.8 h MdAE; 44% of the samples with an error under 2 h) and DLMOff (0.62 R2; 1.8 ± 2.6 h MdAE; 51% of the samples with an error under 2 h) models were not statistically different. These findings show promise for metabolomics-based biomarkers of circadian phase and highlight the need to test biomarkers that predict multiple circadian phase markers under different physiological conditions.
Intermittent fasting induces rapid hepatocyte proliferation

Nutrient availability fluctuates in most natural populations, forcing organisms to undergo periods of fasting and re-feeding. It is unknown how dietary change influences cell proliferation in the liver. Here, we show that intermittent fasting (IF) promotes rapid hepatocyte proliferation. Mechanistically, IF elicits intestinal production of endocrine FGF15, which activates the {beta}-KLOTHO receptor on hepatocytes to induce proliferation. Furthermore, IF-induced proliferation is locally controlled in hepatocytes by WNT signaling and the WNT target gene Tbx3. IF induces hepatocyte proliferation to re-establish a constant liver-to-body-mass ratio during periods of fasting and re-feeding and maintain the hepatostat. This study provides the first example of dietary influence on adult hepatocyte proliferation and identifies both systemic FGF and local WNT as regulators of this process.
Thermoelectricity in Liquid Metals: A Review of Experimental Methods

This paper reviews various methods that have been used to date to measure the thermopowers of liquid metals, commenting on the relative advantages and disadvantages of each. Those experimental factors which are rather unique to liquid metal systems are highlighted. The methods presented span the range of temperatures from room temperature to about 1500°C.
Reconsiderar la secularización: Una perspectiva comparada mundial

The author stresses that for a better comprehension of secularism we should distinguish three different connotations of the term which give rise three different meanings of secularism: the “decline of religious practices and beliefs in modern societies”; the “privatization of religion”; and the “distinction among the secular spheres or the emancipation of religious norms and institutions from them (state, science, economy). This approach will help to obtain a better understanding of secularism as a social phenomenon in, for instance, the comparative historical analysis between the public religious manifestations in the United Stated and in Europe.
Visual stimuli in distraction strategies for increasing pain tolerance

Recent experimental studies in pain control have questioned the value of pleasant affect in strategies employing distraction. It appears that pleasant affect may have been systematically confounded with task complexity or novelty in past research that found pleasant imagery or slides effective in increasing pain tolerance with the cold pressor test. The present study was a follow-up to a study conducted by this author (Greenstein, 1984) in which unpleasant slides had significantly increased pain tolerance above pleasant slide level. In the present study, 69 college students (35 females, 34 males) rated either the pleasant or unpleasant slides used in the original study on their perceived pleasantness, complexity, and uniqueness (novelty). Results indicated that the unpleasant slides were rated significantly more complex (P<0.001) and unique (P<0.001) than the pleasant slides. Additionally, as in the earlier study, ratings of the unpleasant slides on pleasantness deviated significantly farther from neutrality than did ratings of the pleasant slides (t=5.04,P<0.001). Thus the unpleasant slides were also perceived as being more significant (i.e., pertinent) than were the pleasant slides. The results indicate that affect was confounded with other stimulus characteristics in the Greenstein (1984) pain control study and probably in a significant number of other studies as well. Researchers are cautioned to control for the stimulus characteristics of visual distraction strategies used in pain control studies. The assumption that pleasantness,per se, contributes to strategy effectiveness is no longer tenable; future research must demonstrate an independent effect. Further, the implication that stimulus significance may increase the effectiveness of distraction strategies opens up a potentially fruitful avenue of research in pain control.
Kinetics of a Gas Adsorption Compressor

Gas adsorption has been suggested as a means to drive a J-T device for cryogenic cooling1. The system has the advantages of being heat powered, involving no sealing, having no mechanical moving parts and no active control. A multi-stage concept2 was proposed to meet the cooling temperatures requirement ranging from 4 K to 80 R, Preliminary thermodynamic analyses3 of such a system indicated that the power requirement and the system mass were manageable in a spacecraft environment. As an on-going effort in the development of the advanced cooler at JPL, the kinetics of the gas adsorption compressor upon heating and cooling were examined both experimentally and analytically. The performance of the refrigeration system depends to a large extent on the compressor kinetics, for example: how fast can the compressor be heated to liberate enough gas for the J-T cooling? In this paper, a two-phase model4 is used to analyze the transients of a gas adsorption compressor. The modeling of the adsorption process is based on complete thermal and mechanical equilibrium between the gaseous phase and the adsorbed gas phase. In certain aspects, the adsorbed gas behaves as if it were liquid.
Introduction to Content–Based Image Indexing and Retrieval

Visual data is a major media type in multimedia computing. In response to the need in multimedia applications, especially in digital libraries, where efficient image indexing and access tools are essential, substantial research efforts have been devoted to the problem of efficient and effective retrieval of vast amounts of image data. The earlier image database systems used in visual art archives, multimedia libraries, geographic information systems, CAD/CAM systems, and criminal identifications have all taken a keyword or text-based approach for indexing and retrieval of image data. Each image in the database is associated with a text description, in the form of either keywords or free text. These descriptors may be searched by standard Boolean queries, and retrieval may be based on either exact or probabilistic matching of the query text, often enhanced by thesaurus support. The alternative to relying on text-based indexing of images is to work with descriptions based on properties that are inherent in the images themselves. Many image features have been studied for representing different aspects of image content. These images features can be classified into three major types: color, texture, and shape features. Each is associated with similarity metrics used to measure the similarity or distance between the features of two images or the image objects.
Osmotic regulation and tissue localization of the myo-inositol biosynthesis pathway in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae (1182.6)

The myo-inositol biosynthesis (MIB) pathway converts glucose-6-phosphate to the compatible osmolyte myo-inositol (MI), which protects cells from osmotic stress. We exposed tilapia larvae just after yolk sac resorption to various hypersaline environments and recorded robust induction of the enzymes that constitute the MIB pathway, myo-inositol-phosphate synthase (MIPS) and inositol monophosphatase 1 (IMPA1). Strong up-regulation of these enzymes is evident at both mRNA (quantitative real-time PCR) and protein (densitometric analysis of Western Blots) levels. The highest level of induction of MIB enzymes occurs at the highest salinity that larvae were exposed to (90ppt). Less severe osmotic stress causes proportionally lesser induction of the MIB pathway. Two distinct MIPS mRNA variants are present in tilapia larvae and both are induced at comparable levels for all the salinity challenges (34, 70 and 90ppt). Immunohistochemical localization of IMPA1 protein in sagittal sections of salinity stressed and cont...
Myth and metaphysics

This paper defends the assertion that among the things that religions teach, inculcate, and celebrate are understandings of the world that are metaphysical in scope, and that these metaphysical views are often taught, inculcated, and celebrated through religious myths. Its thesis and recommendation is therefore that the philosophical discipline of metaphysics can be legitimately and fruitfully used to help understand myths.
The non-identity of appearances and things in themselves

According to the �One Object� reading of Kant's transcendental idealism, the distinction between the appearance and the thing in itself is not a distinction between two objects, but between two ways of considering one and the same object. On the �Metaphysical� version of the One Object reading, it is a distinction between two kinds of properties possessed by one and the same object. Consequently, the Metaphysical One Object view holds that a given appearance, an empirical object, is numerically identical to the thing in itself that appears as that object. I raise various indiscernibility arguments against that view; because an appearance has different spatiotemporal and modal properties than a thing in itself, no appearance can be identical to a thing in itself. I point out that these arguments are similar to arguments against Monism, the view that material objects are numerically identical to the matter of which they are made. I outline some strategies Monists have developed to respond to these indiscernibility arguments and then develop parallel responses on behalf of the Metaphysical One Object view. However, I then raise another indiscernibility argument, to which, I argue, the Metaphysical One Object view cannot respond, even using the resources I have developed thus far. I develop a modified version of the Metaphysical One Object view that can respond to this new indiscernibility argument, but, I argue, this modified version of the One Object view is only a terminological variant of the Two Object view. When the Metaphysical One Object view is fully thought through it becomes the Two Object view. I conclude that Kantian appearances are not numerically identical to the things in themselves that appear to us.
Pharmacologic inhibition of scar contracture of intracardiac prosthetic patches

Abstract Significant fibrosis and contracture often cause complications of pericardial and Dacron grafts within the heart. Both continue to be utilized because more suitable materials are unavailable. Newer prosthetic materials and the administration of drugs that might minimize intracardiac fibrosis and contracture after implantation were studied. Measured patches of three prosthetic materials were implanted into the right atrium of 18 dogs: 6 with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Gore-Tex—W. L. Gore & Associates, Elkton, Md.), 6 with glutaraldehyde-preserved bovine pericardium, and 6 with Dacron patches. The animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks and gross and microscopic pathologic examinations were performed. The patch materials did not intrinsically shrink but all demonstrated marked distortion from the growth of surrounding scar tissue. In a fourth group of eight dogs with intraatrial Dacron patches, four were treated for 8 weeks with oral 3-aminopropionitrile fumarate, and four were not treated. A blinded observed evaluated the adhesions on a scale of 0 = no adhesions or patch distortion, to 4 = dense adhesions with marked distortion of the patches. The untreated dogs had dense adhesions of the lung and pericardium and the patches were encased in scar tissue with marked distortion. The average score was 3.5. The treated dogs had only minimal pleural adhesions and only a thin neointimal covering of the patch with virtually no distortion. The average score was 1.0 ( P = 0.0032). The tensile strength of the healed atriotomies was evaluated with stress testing. The intact atrial wall ruptured at a force of 2.60 ± 0.37 kg/m/sec 2 , the untreated atriotomy wound at 2.38 ± 0.18 kg/m/sec 2 , and the treated atriotomy wound at 2.60 ± 0.17 kg/m/sec 2 . There was no statistically significant difference among these groups. No other side effects of the 3-aminopropionitrile fumarate were noted, with only a single superficial wound infection caused by early postoperative trauma. Pharmacologic inhibition of scar formation minimized distortion and contracture of intracardiac prosthetic patches and decreased adhesions. Though further experimental evaluations are necessary, prolonged low-dose oral administration of β-aminoproprionitrile (BAPN) may be beneficial in preventing complications of prosthetic implants and reoperative cardiac surgery in children.
Evaluation of an intervention to reduce musculoskeletal hazards among fresh market vegetable growers.

Abstract Objectives: We conducted an intervention to convince small, fresh market vegetable operations to adopt mesh bags and standard containers, two production practices that aid in crop handling and that are known to improve labor efficiency and reduce exposures to musculoskeletal injury hazards. Methods: The intervention disseminated information about the practices to growers through trade publications, public events, university Extension, and growers already using the practices. A mail questionnaire was administered to vegetable growers (n=243 and 207) before and after the intervention. Strawberry growers were used as a comparison group and also received questionnaires (n=50 and 35). Results: After the intervention, more vegetable growers reported seeing information about mesh bags in trade publications (37% vs. 59%) and information about standard containers at public events (33% vs. 49%). Levels of self-reported adoption increased for containers (38% vs. 54%) and approached significance for bags (8% vs. 17%). Aware, non-adopting grower perceptions of bag profitability improved (2.6 vs. 3.8). Strawberry grower control results were unchanged. Conclusions: Better information flow to growers may be able to increase the speed with which agricultural practices with better ergonomics are adopted, especially when the practices are more profitable.
Nocturnal foraging habitats of French and bluestriped grunts, Haemulon flavolineatum and H. sciurus, at Tobacco Caye, Belize

Nocturnal foraging habitats of Haemulon flavolineatum and H. sciurus were investigated in the backreef habitat around Tobacco Caye, Belize. Grunts leave the reef at dusk to forage in the grass beds and sand flats surrounding the reef. The hypothesis that French and bluestriped grunts use separate foraging habitats was examined by following tagged fishes from their diurnal territories or schooling sites to nocturnal foraging grounds. The tag consisted of a small, glowing Cyalume light stick sutured to the dorsal musculature of the fish, next to the first dorsal fin. Surveys of foraging habitats were done to support the tracking study. Large quadrats (225 m2) were set out over the sand flats and grass beds during the day. The numbers of French and bluestriped grunts feeding in each habitat were counted one hour after dark. Foraging French grunts used sand flats, whereas bluestriped grunts usually fed in grass beds. Repeated sightings of two French grunts and one bluestriped grunt in the same individual night-time locations support the hypothesis that nocturnal foraging sites may be used repeatedly by the same individuals.
KALLIKREIN GENERATES ANGIOTENSIN II BUT NOT BRADYKININ IN THE PLASMA OF THE URODELE, AMPHIUMA TRIDACTYLUM

Abstract Incubation of heat-denatured plasma from the urodele, Amphiuma tridactylum (three-toed amphiuma) or from the anurans Rana ridibunda (European green frog) and Rana catesbeiana (American bullfrog) with either glass beads, porcine pancreatic kallikrein or trypsin did not generate bradykinin-like immunoreactivity. However, peptides were generated in kallikrein-treated amphiuma plasma that contracted vascular rings from the bullfrog systemic arch and had a spasmogenic action on the bullfrog urinary bladder. These peptides, which were not generated in trypsin-treated plasma, were purified to homogeneity by reverse-phase HPLC and their primary structures established as: Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Val-His-Pro-Phe ([Asp1,Val5]angiotensin II) and Asn-Arg-Val-Tyr-Val-His-Pro-Phe ([Asn1,Val5]angiotensin II). Incubation of synthetic [Asn1,Val5]angiotensin II with amphiuma plasma resulted in deamidation to [Asp1,Val5]angiotensin II. The data suggest, therefore, that amphiuma plasma contains an l -asparagine amidohydrolase (asparaginase), as previously described for the eel. Although bradykinin-related peptides have been isolated from frog skin, this study provides evidence that the kallikrein-kinin system may be absent from the blood of amphibia.
Retention of Passive Integrated Transponder Tags in Flathead Catfish

Abstract We evaluated short- and long-term retention of passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags at two anatomical tagging locations in flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris (n = 72 fish; total length range = 421–854 mm). Tags were injected into the dorsal musculature immediately posterior to the dorsal fin and into the opercular musculature immediately posterior to the left eye. Short-term tag retention evaluated at 1, 3, and 7 d posttagging was 100% at both tagging locations after accounting for one tag failure (at the dorsal musculature site) that occurred during the initial tagging procedure. Long-term (300-d) tag retention was 100% for the dorsal musculature site and 98.5% for the opercular site. Mortality of tagged fish was low (8%); the mortalities that did occur were probably not related to tagging. Our results indicate a high rate of PIT tag retention in flathead catfish at both anatomical locations. Additionally, utilization of the opercular musculature as a PIT tagging location for this species...
Dynamics of fluctuations in the ordered phase of kinetic Ising models.

Correlation functions $q(t)=〈{S}_{x}(0){S}_{x}(t)〉\ensuremath{-}{〈{S}_{x}〉}^{2}$ and their momentum space expansions are studied in computer simulations of $d$-dimensional Glauber models below ${T}_{c}$ ($d=2, 3, \mathrm{and} 4$). For $d\ensuremath{\ge}3$ the functions ${〈{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{S}}_{k}(0){\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{S}}_{\ensuremath{-}k}(t)〉}_{c}$ decay exponentially and the relaxation-time spectrum is bounded, implying the asymptotically exponential $q(t)$, but that asymptotic form is far beyond any observable regime. For $d=2$, ${〈{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{S}}_{k}(0){\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{S}}_{\ensuremath{-}k}(t)〉}_{c}$ decays nonexponentially for all k indicating a nonexponential asymptotic form of $q(t)$. In all cases the observable preasymptotic form of $q(t)$ can be approximated by Kohlrausch decay $\mathrm{exp}[\ensuremath{-}{(\ensuremath{\lambda}t)}^{\ensuremath{\beta}}]$, $0l\ensuremath{\beta}l1$.
Paraprofessionals in Inclusive Schools: A Review of Recent Research

Effective collaboration with paraprofessionals is an important and growing aspect of providing special education services in inclusive schools. We reviewed recent research on special education paraprofessional issues and practices in U.S. schools between 2000 and 2007. Major findings of 32 identified studies were summarized in 9 topical categories: (a) hiring and retention of paraprofessionals, (b) training, (c) roles and responsibilities, (d) respect and acknowledgment, (e) interactions of paraprofessionals with students and staff, (f) supervision, (g) students' perspectives on paraprofessional supports, (h) school change, and (i) alternatives to the use paraprofessionals. Implications and future directions are offered, including those focusing on clarifying the collaborative relationships among paraprofessionals and other educational team members.
Biomechanical evaluation of the origin of the long head of the biceps tendon.

Abstract Purpose: Lesions of the superior glenoid labrum extending anterior and posterior (SLAP) have recently been recognized as important sources of shoulder pain and dysfunction. Among the 4 described types of SLAP lesions, the type II SLAP involves detachment of the superior labrum from the bony glenoid and destabilization of the origin of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). The purpose of this cadaveric biomechanical study was to evaluate the relative contribution regarding linear stiffness and displacement under load of the 2 origins of the LHBT: the superior glenoid labrum and the supraglenoid tubercle (the biceps anchor). Type of Study: Cadaveric biomechanical study. Methods: Seven pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were dissected free of all soft tissue except for the glenoid labrum and LHBT. Tension from 0 to 55 N was applied to the LHBT while keeping the tendon perpendicular to the face of the glenoid. Each specimen was tested for linear stiffness and biceps tendon displacement in the intact state, after releasing 1 of the LHBT origins, and after releasing the remaining origin. Results: The average stiffness of the LHBT origin was 103 N/mm. Sectioning the anchor alone resulted in a 52% reduction in linear stiffness, whereas only detaching the superior glenoid labrum from the 10 o'clock to the 2 o'clock position resulted in a 15% reduction in linear stiffness. Maximum displacement of the biceps tendon origin in the intact state at the 55 N load averaged 0.99 mm. With a minimum load applied, displacement changed less than 1 mm unless both origins were released. Conclusions: The results indicate that the biceps anchor is the primary restraint of the LHBT and that the superior labrum is a secondary restraint in regard to linear stiffness. However, disruption of both restraints is required to produce the laxity typically seen in a type II SLAP lesion. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 4 (April), 2001: pp 378–382
Lattice-Based n-Point Time-Sequential Sampling and Two-Stage Process Control for Maintaining Tone Consistency of Xerographic Processes

This paper proposes: 1) a lattice based time-sequential sampling approach that requires the printing and measuring of the smallest number of tonal samples to characterize the high-dimensional tone reproduction curve (TRC) at each print cycle, and 2) based on this characterization, the design of a two-stage control strategy to maintain tone consistency of a xerographic printing process. The printer's TRC maps the desired tones to the actual printed tones and it is high dimensional due to the large number of desired tones. To avoid using many sensors, the measurement of the TRC is achieved by sampling it time-sequentially and by reconstructing the TRC from the samples via a Kalman filter. In time-sequential sampling, only a few distinct n tones are printed and measured at each print cycle. Using a lattice-theoretic framework, an optimal time-sequential sampling sequence with n = 1 is designed. This is then extended to the case of to enable the tradeoff between sampling time and sampling resources. With the reconstructed time-varying TRC, a two-stage control strategy uses both the physical xerographic and the image processing processes to compensate for the TRC variations from the desired TRC. Simulations and experiments show that the proposed TRC stabilization system is effective for practical implementation. By stabilizing all the cyan, magenta and yellow primaries of the color xerographic print system, color consistency can be maintained. Furthermore, the proposed time-sequential sampling approach with n = 1 exceeds the capability of conventional three-fixed-point sampling (light, middle, and dark tones) approach while requiring three times fewer samples.
Comparison of eating disorder patients with and without compulsive exercising

Several studies have examined the occurrence of eating disorders in athletes. However, little has been written about the frequency and phenomenology of compulsive exercising in eating disorder (ED) patients. Given this, we studied a series of 110 patients who presented to the Medical University of South Carolina Eating Disorders Program and met lifetime DSM-III-R criteria for bulimia nervosa (n = 71), anorexia nervosa (n = 18), or both disorders (n = 21). All patients completed the Diagnostic Survey of the Eating Disorders (DSED), a self-report measure of demographic and clinical characteristics including time spent exercising daily. Thirty-one (28%) of the 100 patients reported that they exercised > or = 60 min every day (M +/- SD = 105 +/- 48 min) and were defined as compulsive exercisers (CEs). In addition, 3 CE patients with a DSM-III-R diagnosis of eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) were included for comparison with non-CEs on a number of variables. CEs had significantly greater ratings of body dissatisfaction (p < .01) than non-CEs. Non- CEs were significantly more likely than CEs to vomit and use laxatives (p < .01, chi 2), and they had a higher frequency of binge eating ( p < .006, Kruskal-Wallis). There was a trend for a significantly higher frequency of compulsive exercising in the patients with anorexia nervosa (38.5%) than those with bulimia nervosa (22.5%) (p < or = .06, chi 2).
Autologous sciatic nerve grafts to the rat spinal cord: Immunofluorescence studies with neurofilament and gliofilament (GFA) antisera

Abstract Autologous sciatic nerve grafts to the spinal cord contained many regenerating nerve fibers intensely immunofluorescent with neurofilament antisera. Axonal growth was not confined to the graft but also occurred in the surrounding spinal cord. In this location regenerating nerve fibers were invariably associated with Schwann-like cells. The reverse situation, that is, invasion of the graft by GFA-positive astroglia, also occurred but was a more limited phenomenon involving only a few cells.
Fatty infiltration of the liver. An unusual presentation.

A 68-year-old woman was found to have a liver lesion in the quadrate lobe identified by ultrasound and CT while undergoing examination for abdominal pain. The scans suggested diffuse fatty infiltration of the liver with relative sparing of the quadrate lobe. A planar liver spleen scan demonstrated normal results. However, SPECT imaging demonstrated relatively increased uptake in the quadrate lobe, thus supporting the diagnosis
Efficacy of adenoidectomy in the treatment of nasal and middle ear symptoms in children with Down syndrome.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of adenoidectomy in children with Down syndrome and control patients. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for preoperative symptoms, ear complaints, date and reason for adenoidectomy, and postoperative symptoms in 27 children (mean age, 6.0 years; range, 1.6–14.5 years) with Down syndrome and 53 age- and sex-matched controls who had adenoidectomy between January 1978 and September 1997. Long-term follow-up was aided by telephone interviews. Improvement in nasal and middle ear symptoms after adenoidectomy was calculated as the percentage of patients symptom-free postoperatively among those with symptoms preoperatively. Results: After adenoidectomy, more controls than patients with Down syndrome had improvement in symptoms, including nasal obstruction (86.7% versus 50.0%; P=0.005); snoring (73.2% versus 40.9%; P=0.01); mouth breathing (84.1% versus 40.9%; P<0.001); and middle ear disease (68.0% versus 23.1%; P<0.001). Patients with Down syndrome were 7.7 times (95% confidence interval, 2.3–25.3) more likely to have chronic ear drainage after adenoidectomy. Conclusions: The results of the study suggest that the efficacy of adenoidectomy in children with Down syndrome is significantly less than that in controls and should influence surgical decision making in these children.