cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Food Label Effects on Customer Purchases in a Hospital Cafeteria in Northern California

The purpose of this study was to determine if nutrient food labels helped increase purchases of healthier entrees in a hospital cafeteria. Thirty-two recipes consisting of healthy picks (HP) and regular menu (RM) entrees were developed, analyzed, and standardized. Results showed that the mean sales for HP increased from 41.8% (n = 47) to 42.5% (n = 40) as compared to decrease in RM sales from 58.2% (n = 64) to 57.5% (n = 54) at the end of the intervention period. RM entrees provided a mean of 657 Kcals while HP entrees provided 395 Kcals. Food labels may be a cost-effective way to promote healthier food choices.
USA300 is the predominant genotype causing Staphylococcus aureus septic arthritis in children.

Background:Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of septic arthritis (SA) in children. USA300 is the predominant community methicillin-resistant (MRSA) clone. Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes (pvl) have been associated with severe disease.Methods:Patients with S. aureus SA were identified
Lymphangioma of the gallbladder in adults: review of the literature and a case report.

Introduction Lymphangiomas of the gallbladder in adults are extremely rare with only 10 cases published worldwide to date.
Are caregivers' reports of motivation valid? Reliability and validity of the Reiss Profile MR/DD.

Background Sensitivity theory proposes that there are wide individual differences in what motivates people with intellectual disability. The Reiss Profile MR/DD is a rating scale that measures 15 fundamental motives. This study examined the internal consistency and interrater reliability of the 15 subscales as well as the validity of motivational profiles. Method The study consisted of two distinct but related steps. First, the interrater reliability of the rating scale was established by having pairs of raters evaluate 48 individuals. Second, raters were presented with three different motivational profiles and asked to identify which one corresponded to the individual they had rated 4 weeks earlier. Results Results indicated good internal consistency (average alpha = 0.84), significant variability in the interrater reliability (average intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.52), and excellent validity (95% of the correct profiles were chosen). Average discrepancies between pairs of raters are presented. Conclusions Interrater reliability is an important topic for professionals working in the field of intellectual disability and results are discussed in terms of the factors that affect it. This is the first published study to report on the interrater reliability of the Reiss Profile MR/DD.
Laboratory and field evaluation of sampling techniques for the nymphal stages of the potato leafhopper on alfalfa.

A sampling method that uses dichlorvos squares (1.2 cm2) in paper ice cream cartons (0.95 liter) was developed to evaluate nymphal populations of Empoasca fabae (Harris) on alfalfa. Samples collected in the field and placed in the ice cream carton were quickly handled in the laboratory, and nymphs collected in the lid of the carton were easily sorted and counted under a stereomicroscope. In laboratory tests, this method was shown to be greater than 90% efficient in extracting nymphs from alfalfa. The sample unit was a 3-stem bouquet per carton with a 24-h exposure period. In field trials, the dichlorvos-carton method was more effective in determining nymphal abundance than a sweep net, a D-Vac® suction collector, a drop trap method, a shake pan method, or direct observation.
FOOD INTAKE PATTERNS FROM WEANING TO ADULTHOOD IN MALE AND FEMALE RATS WITH HYPOTHALAMIC LESIONS.

Anderungen in der Futteraufnahme von Ratten mit hypothalamischen Lasionen sind nicht nur vom Locus, sondern auch vom Geschlecht und dem Alter abhangig, in welchem sie beigebracht wurden. Pubertat scheint eine Zeit zu sein, in welcher Anderungen in der Futteraufnahme eintreten. Lasionen im hinteren Hypothalamus, die bisher nicht als hyperphagisch bekannt waren, wenn sie in erwachsenen Ratten plaziert wurden, verursachten Hyperphagie in beiden Geschlechtern, wenn die Operation kurz nach Ablaktation durchgefuhrt wurde.
Steam explosions of single drops of pure and alloyed molten aluminum

Abstract Studies of steam explosion phenomena have been performed related to the hypothetical meltdown of the core and other components of aluminum alloy-fueled production reactors. Our objectives were to characterise the triggers, if any, required to initiate these explosions and to determine the energetics and chemical processes associated with these events. Three basic studies have been carried out with 1–10 g single drops of molten aluminum or aluminum-based alloys: untriggered experiments in which drops of melt were released into water; triggered experiments in which thermal-type steam explosions occurred; and one triggered experiment in which an ignition-type steam explosion occurred. In untriggered experiments, spontaneous steam explosions never occurred during the free fall through water of single drops of pure A1 or of the alloys studied here. Moreover, spontaneous explosions never occurred upon or during contact of the globules with several underwater surfaces. When Li was present in the alloy, H 2 was generated as a stream of bubbles as the globules fell through the water, and also as they froze on the bottom surface of the chamber. The triggered experiments were performed with pure A1 and the 6061 alloy. Bare bridgewire discharges and those focused with cylindrical reflectors produced a small first bubble that collapsed and was followed by a larger second bubble. When the bridgewire was discharged at one focus of an ellipsoidal reflector, a melt drop at the other focus triggered only very mildly in spite of a 30-fold increase in peak pressure above that of the bridgewire discharge without the reflector. Experiments were also performed with globules of high purity A1 in which the melt release temperature was progressively increased. Moderate thermal-type explosions were produced over the temperature range 1273–1673 K. At about 1773 K, however, one experiment produced a brilliant flash of light and bubble growth about an order of magnitude faster than normal; it destroyed the chamber. The exceptional vigor of this latter interaction was attributed to ignition of the metallic A1. In both the triggered steam explosions with drops of high purity A1 and untriggered experiments with drops of A1Li, only a few tens of cm 3 of hydrogen per gram of metal were generated; the extent of metal-water reaction was only a few percent at most. The information obtained from these studies with triggered and untriggered drops of molten aluminum-based alloys can be used directly in certain safety studies where hypothetical core or component meltdown occurs in a production reactor. Moreover, this information is consistent with recent advances in the understanding of single-drop steam explosion triggering and concepts of the development of larger scale steam explosions.
Sustainable nanotechnology enabled by bio-manufacturing: ‘the cell as a production plant’

The goal of this research was to explore the ability of biological cells to be a production plant for controlled green synthesis of nanoparticles, particularly from single or multiple elements. The programmable synthesis of nanoparticles inside (intracellular) as well as outside cells (extracellular) was examined for localised and large-scale production of nanoparticles. The critical objective was also to study the cell-assisted programmable organisation and assembly of nanoparticles using genetically engineered cells. Cells of particular interest were fungi (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Biosynthesis of two types of nanoparticles was developed, which included calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles that could be used for biomedical applications and layered molybdenum sulphide (MoS2) nanoparticles that could find applications in lubrication and storing of organic molecules.
Neutralization of Soil Acidity and Release of Phosphorus and Potassium by Wood Ash

Wood ash is a residual by-product being produced at an annual rate of 1.5 to 3.0 million t by wood burning power plants in the USA. Currently, much of this ash is being landfilled. Landspreading of wood ash, which is an alternative liming agent, on both agricultural and forest soils is being proposed as a means of disposal that is both environmentally and economically attractive. As with any soil amendment, there is a potential of adverse environmental impact from the landspreading of wood ash (...)
Purification and some properties of sn-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract An NAD-dependent glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase ( sn -glycerol-3-phosphate: NAD + oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.8) has been isolated and purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae by affinity and exclusion chromatography. The enzyme was purified 5100-fold to a specific activity of 158. It has a molecular weight of approximately 31,000, a pH optimum between 6.8 and 7.2, and is sensitive to high-ionic-strength salt solutions. The enzyme is most strongly inhibited by phosphate and chloride ions.
Comments on the article "Persistent confusion of total entropy and chemical system entropy in chemical thermodynamics" [(1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93, 7452-7453].

A comment is necessary on the article entitled “Persistent confusion of total entropy and chemical system entropy in chemical thermodynamics” by Gregorio Weber, which appeared in these Proceedings (1). The article purports to show that in all prior treatises and texts on thermodynamics the temperature variation of the Gibbs free energy of a single substance, and therefore also the van’t Hoff equation for the temperature variation of the Gibbs free energy change of a reaction, have been misinterpreted.
Pharmacology of N,N-di(n-butyl)adriamycin-14-valerate in the rat.

Lipophilic N-alkylanthracyclines such as AD 198 (N-benzyladriamycin-14-valerate) or AD 201 [N,N-di-(n-propyl)adriamycin-14-valerate], which exert their cytotoxicity through mechanisms which are not yet fully defined, possess inherent abilities to circumvent multidrug resistance in vitro and in vivo, possibly through alterations in normal intracellular drug trafficking. As part of structure-activity studies with this class of agent, we have now examined the pharmacology of AD 202 [N,N-di(n-butyl)adriamycin-14-valerate], another analog possessing superior antitumor activity to doxorubicin in vivo and an ability to circumvent multidrug resistance in vitro. Following the administration of AD 202 (20 mg/kg, i.v.) to anesthetized rats, rapid drug distribution (T1/2 5 min) was followed by more gradual elimination (T1/2 3.6 h). Plasma clearance of AD 202 (224 ± 63.6 ml/minper kg) and steady state volume of distribution (25.7 ± 11.1 I/kg) were indicative of extensive tissue sequestration and/or a large degree of extra-hepatic metabolism. The parent drug predominated in plasma until 20 min, thereafter N,N-di(n-butyl)adriamycin became the principal circulating anthracycline. The systemic exposure to this biotransformation product (area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 480 min AUC0-480 281672 ng-min/ml) was > tenfold higher than for the other detected plasma products (N-butyladriamycin-14-valerate, N-butyladriamycin, and three unidentified fluorescent signals; PI-3). Total urinary elimination over 8 h was limited (1.9% of dose), occurring predominantly as N,N-di(n-butyl)adriamycin (1.2% of dose), N-butyladriamycin (0.4% of dose), and their corresponding 13-carbinol metabolites (< 0.1% of dose each). Low levels of adriamycin (ADR), aglycones and two unidentified products were also seen. Parental AD 202 was found in urine only up to 1 h. By contrast, hepatic elimination of parent drug was seen, albeit at low levels, through 8 h. Excretion by this route (22% of dose) occurred principally as N-butyladriamycin (8% of dose), N-butyladriamycinol (2.1% of dose) with lower levels of N,N-di(n-butyl)adriamycin (1.6% of dose), N,N-di(n-butyl)adriamycin (0.8% of dose), and aglycones (4.3% of dose, combined). Other products included ADR (1.1% of dose) and two unidentified signals (3.4% of dose, combined). The relatively poor mass balance in these studies is attributed to prolonged intracellular retention (elimination T1/2 24.2 h) of N,N-di(n-butyl)adriamycin. Thus, in common with other N-alkylanthracyclines, the pharmacology of AD 202 is complex but its therapeutic properties clearly are not derived from an ADR prodrug effect. Significant differences continue to be noted as to the metabolic fate of congeners of this class of anthracycline analogs.
A Longitudinal Study of the Effectiveness of Business Ethics Education: Establishing the Baseline

This paper is the first phase of a longitudinal study of the class of 2014 on the effectiveness of ethics education at a business university. This phase of the project establishes the baseline attributes of incoming college freshmen with a pretest of the students’ ethical proclivity as measured by Defining Issues Test (DIT-2) scores. The relationship between the students’ ethical reasoning and their behavior in experimental stock trading sessions is then examined. In the trading simulations, randomly selected students were provided with the option of receiving privileged insider information about the final payoff of several stocks. The students could either accept or reject such information, with acceptance considered illegal insider trading. The results of the pretest indicate that moral reasoning as measured by the DIT-2 is related to insider trading behavior, with students with higher DIT-2 scores being less likely to accept insider information. The paper also presents demographic differences across DIT-2 scores and trading behavior as a foundation for the longitudinal examination of changes in students’ moral cognition characteristics and behavior during their undergraduate career.
Stochastic optimization for economic operation of plug-in electric vehicle charging stations at a municipal parking deck integrated with on-site renewable energy generation

This paper addresses a novel framework for the economic operation of plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) parking decks integrated with on-site renewable energy generation (e.g., roof-top photovoltaic panel). Although the PEV parking decks may enable greater adoption of renewable energy sources by scheduling charging loads to coincide with periods of strong sun, the inherent intermittency and variability of renewable energy resources may complicate the economic operation of PEV parking decks. The proposed framework provides the parking deck operators with a stochastic analytical tool to make an optimal decision on hourly electricity sale prices and the parking fee over the next 24 hours. The stochastic approach includes the consideration of the forecasting errors of variable solar power output and the customers' charging demand. The case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed stochastic approach under a variety of charging schemes, price schedules and operational conditions, and also verify the feasibility and accuracy of this novel framework.
The structure of the triatomic free radicals HCO, HCN—, and FCO

Abstract The structure of the radicals HCO, HCN — , and FCO have been investigated by approximate unrestricted Hartree-Fock calculations. The experimental unpaired electron distribution is used to determine bond distances at the experimental bond angle, then the angle is varied until an energy minimum is reached. Reasonable results are obtained for all three radicals.
The Role of Oil in Soviet Foreign Economic Policy

THE CONCERN IN THE UNITED STATES over the Soviet drive to increase oil exports has been endemic as the figures on Soviet oil exports have mounted. This concern may prejudice more considered judgment on the role and meaning of the oil drive in recent years. The automatic response that this phenomenon is explainable in political terms and that economic considerations are subordinated to political factors and strategy in Soviet calculations has long been the preferred explanation in the United States. After all, the thought goes, this is economic warfare and the Soviets are out to damage a major capitalist industry, to make countries so dependent on them for purchase and sale of critical items that they will do their political bidding. At a minimum, the Soviets are causing such disruption to the free world economy that the advent of the long-heralded burial of capitalism will be expedited. Such economic advantages as may be derived by the U.S.S.R. are thought to be incidental and subordinate.' There has been a kind of underworld of opinion, running parallel in the United States, much stronger in England, which, while not totally denying the political aspects of the oil drive, holds that the economic calculation of the Soviet leadership is an independent factor in its behavior. It is argued that the Soviets do indeed buy and sell under conditions which offer the greatest economic gain. Tactical advantages of a political or military nature are taken as they occur, but these are exceptions rather than the rule, accepted only when the immediate advantages clearly outweigh the costs.
MK-801 blocks nicotinic depolarizations of guinea pig myenteric neurons.

Abstract Intracellular recordings were made from guinea-pig myenteric neurons. Acetylcholine (ACh), applied by iontophoresis, produced a depolarization that was blocked by hexamethonium (EC 50 3.2 μM) but not by scopolamine (1 μM). MK-801 (0.3–30 μM), a non-competitive antagonist at N- methyl- d -aspartate receptors, also blocked the nicotinic depolarization (EC 50 = 4.5 μ M). Voltage clamp measurements of membrane current showed that MK-801 (1 μM) and hexamethonium (1 μM) both produced a greater inhibition of ACh-induced inward currents at −100 mV than at −40 mV. MK-801 (10 μM) did not change the depolarization evoked by 5-HT (acting at 5-HT 3 receptors) in the same neurons in which it reduced the nicotinic response by more than 70%. It is concluded that MK-801 can act as a non-competitive antagonist of nicotinic responses in myenteric neurons.
West Nile virus-associated optic neuritis and chorioretinitis.

Abstract Purpose To report the new ocular and neurologic features of West Nile virus (WNV) meningoencephalitis. Design Observational case report. Methods A 55-year-old woman presented with headache, stiff neck, visual loss, and fever 10 days after a weekend camping trip. Examination revealed vitritis, creamy yellow circular chorioretinal lesions, and peripheral visual field loss. Results Laboratory investigation indicated the patient was suffering from WNV meningoencephalitis with neuro-ocular involvement. Conclusion Ophthalmologists and infectious disease specialists should recognize that the WNV infection spectrum may include ophthalmic findings, specifically optic neuritis and multifocal chorioretinitis.
Growth and insulin dynamics in two generations of female offspring of mothers receiving a single course of synthetic glucocorticoids

Objective Synthetic glucocorticoid administration to women threatening preterm delivery increases neonatal survival. However, mounting evidence shows that fetal exposure to glucocorticoid levels higher than appropriate for current maturation adversely programs offspring development. We examined fetal synthetic glucocorticoid multigenerational metabolic effects on F1 and F2 female offspring. Study Design At 0.7 gestation, pregnant F0 ewes received 4 injections of dexamethasone (2 mg, approximately 60 ug.kg −1 day −1 12 hours apart) or saline (control). F1 female offspring were bred to produce F2 female offspring. Postpubertal pancreatic β-cell function was tested in F1 and F2 by intravenous glucose tolerance test. Results F1 and F2 ewe lambs showed reduced birthweight and morphometrics, and similar increased fasting glucose and decreased intravenous glucose tolerance test β-cell response. Conclusion This is the first demonstration of multigenerational programming of later life β-cell response by clinically relevant doses of synthetic glucocorticoid indicating the need for study of long-term effects of fetal exposure to synthetic glucocorticoid.
Effect of malononitrile upon the electrocorticogram of the rabbit

Abstract The effect of malononitrile injection on ECG, evoked visual response and steady potential across the cortex was studied in 14 rabbits carried under minimal anesthesia. 1. 1. After injecting 10 to 25 ml. of 1 per cent malononitrile intravenously the first changes noted in cortical activity included the development of slow waves in ECG, loss of the negative phase of the evoked visual response, and exaggeration of its positive after-effect component. Thereafter the steady potential across the cortex underwent a gradual positive shift, the ECG became isoelectric, and the positive phase of the evoked response diminished in amplitude progressively until the animal died 5 to 8 min. later. 2. 2. Sodium thiosulfate can reverse this process, attributable to cellular anoxia, if its injection is commenced sufficiently early. The injection must be started at the time when slow waves are commencing to appear in ECG, the negative phase of evoked response has just disappeared, and the positive after effect component has become exaggerated. The reversal of effect takes time, and in one or another aspect, further deterioration is to be expected after the injection of sodium thiosulfate is started. Eventually, however (5–8 min.), with injection of about 20 ml. of 5 per cent sodium thiosulfate, the preinjection state for malononitrile may be completely restored.
Brief Parameter variations, relative degree, and stable inversion

Motivated by our prior research on automatic aircraft guidance, we address stable inversion for output tracking and prove that this process is continuous with respect to parameter variations, even when these variations cause a change in relative degree. Our earlier simulations indicated that the stable inversion process is extremely accurate and that only a linear regulator about the desired trajectory is required in the face of reasonable modeling error. The principal novelty in our technique is that a differential equations point of view is taken as opposed to a state-space approach on the (driven) zero dynamics of the system. This is the situation that arises in many applications and it also enables handling the question of changes in relative degree, without having to be encumbered by the change in state space dimension as the parameters change. Linear systems are first studied, since the corresponding result is unknown. Next, a corresponding theorem for nonlinear systems proved by using the Picard process in conjunction with the result for the linear case. The principal contribution of this paper is a result concerning the continuous dependence of a generalized steady state solution of nonlinear driven differential equations, with respect to parameter variations which cause the order of the differential equation to change. Since the notion of steady state is of paramount importance to innumerable engineering situations, the contents of this paper have wider scope.
Multi-view stereo analysis reveals anisotropy of prestrain, deformation, and growth in living skin

Skin expansion delivers newly grown skin that maintains histological and mechanical features of the original tissue. Although it is the gold standard for cutaneous defect correction today, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we present a novel technique to quantify anisotropic prestrain, deformation, and growth in a porcine skin expansion model. Building on our recently proposed method, we combine two novel technologies, multi-view stereo and isogeometric analysis, to characterize skin kinematics: Upon explantation, a unit square retracts ex vivo to a square of average dimensions of [Formula: see text]. Upon expansion, the unit square deforms in vivo into a rectangle of average dimensions of [Formula: see text]. Deformations are larger parallel than perpendicular to the dorsal midline suggesting that skin responds anisotropically with smaller deformations along the skin tension lines. Upon expansion, the patch grows in vivo by [Formula: see text] with respect to the explanted, unexpanded state. Growth is larger parallel than perpendicular to the midline, suggesting that elevated stretch activates mechanotransduction pathways to stimulate tissue growth. The proposed method provides a powerful tool to characterize the kinematics of living skin. Our results shed light on the mechanobiology of skin and help us to better understand and optimize clinically relevant procedures in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Bipolar Piezoelectric Buckling Actuators

A nonlinear piezoelectric amplification mechanism utilizing structural buckling is presented, and its static and dynamic properties are measured and analyzed. Buckling is a pronounced nonlinear effect that occurs at a structurally singular point. A small piezoelectric displacement on the order of 10 μm results in a large buckling displacement on the order of millimeter. Furthermore, the usable stroke is doubled if both sides of the singular point can be reached resulting in bipolar motion. Despite the large gain, buckling is an erratic, singular phenomenon; the side on which deflection will occur is unpredictable. In this paper, multiple design concepts are presented for regulating the buckling direction as well as for extending its usable stroke to bipolar motion. Nonlinear force-displacement relationships are modeled and measured. Nonlinear dynamic analysis using phase planes reveals that the buckling actuator can generate bipolar motion above a specific amplitude. Below this amplitude, it generates only monopolar oscillation. The proposed design concepts are implemented on monolithic flexure mechanisms, and prototype buckling actuators are tested to verify the concepts. Experiments show promising results: 20 N of peak-to-peak output force, and 6.2 mm of bipolar displacement generated by piezoelectric actuators with free displacement of 42 μm.
LAND AND LIFE—SELECTED WRITINGS OF CARL SAUER1

(1964). LAND AND LIFE—SELECTED WRITINGS OF CARL SAUER. Annals of the Association of American Geographers: Vol. 54, No. 4, pp. 612-614.
Dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes with poly(pyridinium salt)s

Dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with poly(pyridinium salt)s via non-covalent interactions in DMSO is demonstrated. The resulting composites display high quenching efficiency in the photoluminescent properties of this class of ionic polymers, and TEM study shows that SWNTs are wrapped by ionic polymers with thickness around 3 nm.
Native English speakers learning Arabic: The influence of novel orthographic information on second language phonological acquisition

Recent research has indicated that learners exposed to second language words' orthographic forms of words can often use this information to make inferences about the words' phonological forms. Here we asked, do learners benefit even when the orthography is unfamiliar? We taught native English speakers minimal nonword pairs differentiated by the Arabic velar-uvular contrast (e.g., [kubu], [qubu]) and manipulated the quality of orthographic input. We found that participants were consistently unable to associate the novel phonemes with novel words. Results are discussed in terms of (a) the role of orthographic input in second language word form learning, (b) the influence of orthographic familiarity in moderating the role of orthographic input, and (c) the issue of talker variability in word learning.
Optimization of spectral functions of Dirichlet-Laplacian eigenvalues

We consider the shape optimization of spectral functions of Dirichlet-Laplacian eigenvalues over the set of star-shaped, symmetric, bounded planar regions with smooth boundary. The regions are represented using Fourier-cosine coefficients and the optimization problem is solved numerically using a quasi-Newton method. The method is applied to maximizing two particular nonsmooth spectral functions: the ratio of the nth to first eigenvalues and the ratio of the nth eigenvalue gap to first eigenvalue, both of which are generalizations of the Payne-Polya-Weinberger ratio. The optimal values and attaining regions for n=<13 are presented and interpreted as a study of the range of the Dirichlet-Laplacian eigenvalues. For both spectral functions and each n, the optimal attaining region has multiplicity two nth eigenvalue.
Geometric Optimization of Spatial Compliant Mechanisms Using Three-Dimensional Wide Curves

A three-dimensional wide curve is a spatial curve with variable cross sections. This paper introduces a geometric optimization method for spatial compliant mechanisms by using three-dimensional wide curves. In this paper, every material connection in a spatial compliant mechanism is represented by a three-dimensional wide curve and the whole spatial compliant mechanism is modeled as a set of connected three-dimensional wide curves. The geometric optimization of a spatial compliant mechanism is considered as the generation and optimal selection of the control parameters of the corresponding three- dimensional parametric wide curves. The deformation and performance of spatial compliant mechanisms are evaluated by the isoparametric degenerate-continuum nonlinear finite element procedure. The problem-dependent objectives are optimized and the practical constraints are imposed during the optimization process. The optimization problem is solved by the MATLAB constrained nonlinear programming algorithm.
Length, grammatical complexity, and rate differences in stuttered and fluent conversational utterances of children who stutter

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess length, grammatical complexity, and articulatory speaking rate differences in stuttered and perceptibly fluent conversational utterances produced by children who stutter. Subjects were 15 boys who stutter (mean age = 51.2 months, SD = 8.09 months), each of whom was audiotaped and videotaped while interacting with his mother during a 30-min play/conversation period. Twenty-five stuttered and 25 perceptibly fluent utterances from each subject's conversational speech sample were measured in terms of syllabic length, grammatical complexity, and articulatory speaking rate, and each utterance was categorized as “high” or “low” in length, grammatical complexity, and articulatory speaking rate relative to each subject's median for each of the three variables. Results indicated that syllabic length for stuttered utterances was significantly greater than that for perceptibly fluent utterances. Additional analysis showed that significantly more stuttered utterances were categorized as “high” in length and/or grammatical complexity, and that significantly more perceptibly fluent utterances were categorized as “low” in length and/or grammatical complexity. Results supported neither the notion that articulatory speaking rate differs between stuttered and perceptibly fluent utterances, nor the idea that articulatory speaking rate, when considered together with either utterance length or utterance grammatical complexity, determines whether an utterance will be stuttered or perceptibly fluent. Results are discussed in terms of current speech production models as well as current theory that suggests that speech fluency breakdowns are more likely to occur in utterances for which task demands (performance) exceed an individual's typical level of performance (capacity or ability).
Functional Genomic Analysis of the Wnt-Wingless Signaling Pathway

The Wnt-Wingless (Wg) pathway is one of a core set of evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways that regulates many aspects of metazoan development. Aberrant Wnt signaling has been linked to human disease. In the present study, we used a genomewide RNA interference (RNAi) screen in Drosophila cells to screen for regulators of the Wnt pathway. We identified 238 potential regulators, which include known pathway components, genes with functions not previously linked to this pathway, and genes with no previously assigned functions. Reciprocal-Best-Blast analyses reveal that 50% of the genes identified in the screen have human orthologs, of which approximately 18% are associated with human disease. Functional assays of selected genes from the cell-based screen in Drosophila, mammalian cells, and zebrafish embryos demonstrated that these genes have evolutionarily conserved functions in Wnt signaling. High-throughput RNAi screens in cultured cells, followed by functional analyses in model organisms, prove to be a rapid means of identifying regulators of signaling pathways implicated in development and disease.
Automorphisms of substructure lattices in recursive algebra

Soit l'espace vectoriel completement effectif V ∞ et le treillis L(V ∞ ) des sous espaces recursivement enumerables de V ∞ . On montre que chaque automorphisme de L(V) ∞ est recursif au sens fort. On construit des espaces super-maximaux W et V tels qu'il n'existe pas d'automorphismes de W a V
INITIAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH COMPUTER-CONTROLLED CONFORMAL RADIOTHERAPY OF THE PROSTATE USING A 50-MEV MEDICAL MICROTRON

Abstract Purpose : We have described previously a model for delivering computer-controlled radiation treatments. We report here on the implementation and first year's clinical experience with such treatments using a 50 MeV medical microtron. Methods and Materials : The microtron is equipped with a multileaf collimator and is capable of setting up and treating a sequence of fixed fields called segments, under computer control. An external computer derives machine parameters for the segments from a three-dimensional treatment planning system, transfers them to the microtron control computer, checks the machine settings before allowing dose delivery to begin, and records the treatment. We describe the patient treatment methodology, portal film acquisition, electronic portal imaging, and quality assurance. Results : Patient treatments began in July 1992, comprising six-segment conformal treatments of the prostate. Using the recorded treatment data, the system performance has been examined and compared to other treatment machines. The average treatment time is 10 min, of which 4 min is for computer-controlled setup and irradiation; the remaining time is for patient positioning and checking of clearances. Long-term reproducibility of computer-controlled setup of the gantry and multileaf position is better than 0.5° and 1 mm, respectively. Termination due to a machine fault has occurred in 5.5% of treatments, improving to 2.5% in recent months. Conclusion : Our initial experience indicates that computer-controlled segmental therapy can be performed reliably on a routine basis. Treatment times with the microtron are significantly shorter than with conventional linacs, and setup accuracy is consistent with that needed for conformal therapy. We believe that treatment times can be further improved through software upgrades and integration of electronic portal imaging.
Pion-nucleon vertex function with an off-shell nucleon

Abstract We present a model calculation for the π -N vertex function in the case in which there is a single off-mass-shell nucleon and a (nearly) on-mass-shell pion. We find very strong effects due to the P 11 resonance at 1470 MeV. We provide a simple parametrization of the vertex function in the case that at least one nucleon is on its mass shell.
Nanoscale fluoro-immunoassays with lanthanide oxide nanoparticles

The use of polystyrene nanoparticles with europium chelate has been demonstrated as fluorescent reporters in an immunoassay for atrazine. The limit of detection with the nanoparticles was similar to that achieved with a conventional ELISA. It was shown that as the particle size decreased the time required for binding decreased and the sensitivity of the assay increased. This suggests that the use of smaller particles would greatly speed up the reaction and simultaneously increase sensitivity. However, the detection system used sets limits to the particle size as well. There is clearly a point where our detection system would not be sensitive enough to detect the emission from small particles. Therefore, a highly sensitive excitation/detection system needs to be developed to fully utilize the kinetic advantage from small particle size.
Simulation of mechanical responses of fingertip to dynamic loading.

Abstract Extended exposure to mechanical vibration has been related to many vascular, sensorineural and musculoskeletal disorders of the hand–arm system, frequently termed ‘hand–arm vibration syndrome’ (HAVS). A two-dimensional, nonlinear finite element model of a fingertip is developed to study the stress and strain fields of the soft tissue under dynamic loading, that may be encountered while grasping and operating a hand-held power tool. The model incorporates the most essential anatomical elements of a fingertip, such as soft tissue, bone, and nail. The finger is assumed to be in contact with a steel plate, simulating the interaction between the fingertip and a vibrating machine tool or handle. The soft tissue is assumed to be nonlinearly visco-elastic, while the nail, bone, and steel plate are considered to be linearly elastic. In order to study the time-dependent deformation behavior of the fingertip, the numerical simulations were performed under ramp-like loading with different ramping periods and sinusoidal vibrations of the contacting plate at three different frequencies (1, 10, and 31.5 Hz). Owing to relatively large deformations of the soft tissue under specified static and dynamic loading, Lagrangian large deformation theory was applied in the present analysis. The effects of the loading rate and the frequency of the sinusoidal vibration on the time-dependent strain/stress distributions in the different depth within the soft tissue of the fingertip are investigated numerically. Our simulations suggest that the soft tissue of the fingertip experiences high local stress and strain under dynamic loading and the fingertip may separate from the vibrating contact surface due to the viscous deformation behaviour of the soft tissue. For a given deformation, the high frequency loading produces a higher stress in the tissues compared to that obtained at a low frequency loading. The present model may serve as a useful tool to study the mechanism of tissue degeneration under vibratory loading encountered during operation of hand-held power tools.
The magnification of stars crossing a caustic. I - Lenses with smooth potentials

The possibility is explored of observing highly magnified images of individual stars within the long arcs that have been observed in rich clusters of galaxies. These images appear when a star crosses a caustic of the cluster's potential. When the cluster mass is distributed smoothly, the maximum magnification reached is typically of the order of 10 to the 7th. The star's image appears suddenly and reaches the maximum magnification in a few hours; then the magnification decreases slowly as the inverse of the square root of the time. This can also occur in the reverse order in time. For typical arcs, stars with bolometric luminosities of around 300 solar luminosities reach a maximum visual apparent magnitude of about 25. If brighter events are detected, the rate of detection is of the order of one every five years, for every arc intersecting a caustic. If the source galaxy is forming stars with a Saltpeter IMF, the probability that a 30-solar-mass star is magnified to a magnitude of 28 at any time is of the order of 20 percent.
Consequences of simultaneous interactions of fungal endophytes and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with a shared host grass

Plants simultaneously associate with multiple microbial symbionts throughout their lifetimes. To address the question of whether the effects of simultaneous symbionts are contingent on the specific identities, we conducted a greenhouse experiment manipulating the presence and identities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and fungal endophytes on the shared host grass Elymus hystrix. Each plant host was inoculated with one of two AMF species having varying effects on host growth, or a sterile soil control. Further, we used naturally occurring endophyte-infected (E+) and uninfected (E–) individuals from two populations of the endophyte Epichloe elymi that varied in their interaction with E. hystrix. We then measured responses of plants, AMF, and fungal endophytes. Overall, we found that the combined effects of AMF and fungal endophytes on plant growth were additive, reflecting the mutualistic quality of each symbiont independently interacting with host plants. However, fungal endophyte infection differentially altered hyphal colonization of the two AMF species and the identity of the coinfecting AMF species affected fungal endophyte fitness traits. The results of this study demonstrate that the outcome of interspecific symbiotic interactions varies with partner identity such that the effects of simultaneous symbioses can not be generalized.
Ion Induced Alterations of LiNbO3

An attempt is made to fabricate positive-index waveguides by ion implantation of metal ions into crystals of LiNbO3. The observed structural, chemical, and optical damage is summarized and possible solutions are discussed.
Time-delay estimation in time-warping environments

Time-delay estimation (TDE) is a common requirement of the ranging and localization systems often found in unattended ground sensors. In this paper we consider novel approaches to the TDE problem in a time-warping acoustic environment, such as that encountered when the propagation velocity is not constant-due to wind gusts, for example. An increasing propagation velocity induces a compression of the received signal, while a diminishing velocity dilates the signal. These effects warp the shape of the received signal and can significantly reduce the effectiveness of traditional TDE algorithms This paper presents algorithms and performance bounds for TDE in random velocity environments. We model unknown signal warping as a low-pass random process, which serves as a form of non-additive noise in the time-delay estimation problem. For warping environments, we propose computationally efficient non-parametric algorithms for TDE that significantly outperform traditional time-delay estimators, such as the location of the sample cross-correlation peak. The Cram´er-Rao bound for TDE in a time-warping environment is also presented and used to evaluate the proposed estimators. Simulations demonstrate the bounds and estimator performance for acoustic signals.
Structures of manganese(II) complexes with ATP, ADP, and phosphocreatine in the reactive central complexes with creatine kinase: electron paramagnetic resonance studies with oxygen-17-labeled ligands.

Coordination of Mn(II) to the phosphate groups of the substrates and products in the central complexes of the creatine kinase reaction mixture has been investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with regiospecifically 17O-labeled substrates. The EPR pattern for the equilibrium mixture is a superposition of spectra for the two central complexes, and this pattern differs from those observed for the ternary enzyme-Mn(II)-nucleotide complexes and from that for the dead-end complex enzyme-Mn(II)ADP-creatine. In order to identify those signals that are associated with each of the central complexes of the equilibrium mixture, spectra were obtained for a complex of enzyme, Mn(II)ATP, and a nonreactive analogue of creatine, 1-(carboxymethyl)-2-iminoimidazolidin-4-one, which is a newly synthesized competitive inhibitor. This inhibitor permits an unobstructed view of the EPR spectrum for Mn(II)ATP in the closed conformation of the active site. The EPR spectrum for this nonreactive complex with Mn(II)ATP matches one subset of signals in the spectrum for the equilibrium mixture, i.e., those due to the enzyme-Mn(II)-ATP-creatine complex. Chemical quenching of the samples followed by chromatographic assays for both ATP and ADP indicates that the enzyme-Mn(II)ADP-phosphocreatine and the enzyme-Mn(II)ATP-creatine complexes are present in a ratio of approximately 0.7 to 1. A similar value for the equilibrium constant for enzyme-bound substrates is obtained directly from the EPR spectrum for the equilibrium mixture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Recurrent dysphagia after Heller myotomy: is esophagectomy always the answer?

Background Esophagectomy has been recommended for patients when recurrent dysphagia develops after Heller myotomy for achalasia. My colleagues and I prefer to correct the specific anatomic problem with redo myotomy and preserve the esophagus. We examined the results of this approach. Study Design We analyzed the course of 43 patients undergoing redo Heller myotomy for achalasia between 1994 and 2011 with at least 1-year of follow-up. In 2012, a phone interview and a symptoms questionnaire were completed by 24 patients. Results Forty-three patients underwent redo Heller myotomy. All patients had dysphagia, 80% had had multiple dilations. Manometry confirmed the diagnosis, lower esophageal sphincter pressure averaged 17 mmHg; 24-hour pH monitoring was not useful because of fermentation; patients were divided into 4 groups according to findings on upper gastrointestinal series. Three patients underwent take down of previous fundoplication only, the remainder 40 had that and a redo myotomy with 3-cm gastric extension. Two mucosal perforations were repaired with primary closure and Dor fundoplication. At a median follow-up of 63 months, 19 of 24 patients reported improvement in dysphagia, with median overall satisfaction rating of 7 (range 3 to 10); 4 patients required esophagectomy for persistent dysphagia. Conclusions The majority of failures after Heller myotomy present with dysphagia associated with esophageal narrowing. Upper gastrointestinal series is most useful to plan therapy and predicts outcomes. With few exceptions, patients improve substantially with redo myotomy, which can be accomplished laparoscopically with relatively low risk. These findings challenge the previously held concept that all myotomy failures need to be treated by an esophagectomy.
The U.S. Decision to Launch Operation Desert Storm: A Bureaucratic Politics Analysis:

This article attempts to assess the explanatory value of the bureaucratic politics model in the case of Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Drawing upon Graham T. Allison's germinal book, Essence of De...
AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCHES AND U.S. POLICY IN SUDAN

Abstract The black church has been particularly influential in shaping American efforts toend the conflicts in the southern and Darfur regions of Sudan. Though African American mobilization regarding these issues was initially part of and aided by a broader faith-based movement, it gained singular effectiveness by employing familiar strategies honed in the civil rights and anti-apartheid movements, including protests and boycotting.