cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Catalytic RNA and its Gene from Salmonella typhimurium

The gene for the RNA subunit (M1 RNA) of ribonuclease P from Salmonella typhimurium directs the synthesis of an RNA that can cleave transfer RNA precursor molecules. The mature M1 RNA coded for by Salmonella typhimurium is 375 nucleotides long and has six nucleotide changes in comparison to M1 RNA from Escherichia coli. The regions for promotion and termination of transcription are closely conserved, but adjacent regions of nucleotide sequences show considerable drift.
A two‐phase flow model of the Rayleigh–Taylor mixing zone

The Rayleigh–Taylor instability of an interface separating fluids of distinct density is driven by an acceleration across the interface. Low order statistical moments of fluctuating fluid quantities characterize the hydrodynamics of the mixing zone. A new model is proposed for the momentum coupling between the two phases. This model is validated against computational data for compressible flows, including flows near the incompressible limit. Our main result is a zero parameter first order closure for ensemble averaged two phase flow equations. We do not, however, fully solve the closure problem, as the equations we derive are missing an (internal) boundary condition along any surface for which either phase goes to zero volume fraction. In this sense, the closure problem is reduced from a volume to a surface condition, rather than being solved completely. We compare two formulations of the statistical moments, one based on two phase flow and the other on turbulence models. These formulations describe diffe...
Effects of Vessel Activity on the Near-Shore Ecology of Kittlitz's Murrelets (Brachyramphus Brevirostris) in Glacier Bay, Alaska

Abstract Summer breeding populations of Kittlitz's Murrelets (Brachyramphus brevirostris) have declined by 80–90% in southeastern Alaska during the past 25 years. Boating activities overlap considerably in space and time with Kittlitz's Murrelets in Glacier Bay, and disturbance could affect individuals by causing them to fly away from preferred foraging sites, thereby disrupting foraging bouts or resting periods. We observed the effects of vessel activity on Kittlitz's Murrelets at sea for each of three response variables (density, group size, and behaviors) in Glacier Bay. Response variables were characterized at three time-scales of inference: immediate (instantaneous response to vessel passage), short-term (response that persisted 30 min after vessel passage), and daily (response on days with different vessel traffic rates). Group size was not affected by vessel activity. By contrast, near-shore densities were suppressed temporarily by vessel passage but recovered within the day. Density effects did no...
Chronic recurrent multiple evanescent white dot syndrome.

Purpose Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) is usually unilateral, self-limited, and monophasic. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that a chronic recurring form of the disease exists. Methods Three patients with otherwise typical MEWDS were observed for 4 to 5 years. Their ocular histories and physical findings were recorded. Results Multiple recurrences (5-7) involving both eyes were noted in each of the three patients. Classic clinical findings were seen, including granularity to the macula, white dots, and optic disc changes. Despite these recurrences, the patients still retained visual acuity of 20/20 in each eye. Conclusion A chronic recurrent form of MEWDS exists. The cause of MEWDS remains unknown, and it is unclear why these patients demonstrated this atypical clinical course.
The decomposition of human-written summary sentences

We define the problem of decomposing human-written summary sentences and propose a novel Hidden Markov Model solution to the problem. Human summarizers often rely on cutting and pasting of the full document to generate summaries. Decomposing a human-written summary sentence requires determining: (1) whether it is constructed by cutting and pasting, (2) what components in the sentence come from the original document, and (3) where in the document the components come from. Solving the decomposition problem can potentially lead to the automatic acquisition of large corpora for summarization. It also sheds light on the generation of summary text by cutting and pasting. The evaluation shows that the proposed decomposition algorithm performs well.
Material ConneXion: The Global Resource of New and Innovative Materials for Architects, Artists and Designers and Transmaterial: A Catalogue of Materials That Redefine Our Physical Environment and Material Architecture: Emergent Materials for Innovative Buildings and Ecological Construction - Edited by George M. Beylerian, Andrew Dent, Anita Moryadas, Blaine Brownell and John Fernandez

(2006). Material ConneXion: The Global Resource of New and Innovative Materials for Architects, Artists and Designers and Transmaterial: A Catalogue of Materials that Redefine Our Physical Environment and Material Architecture: Emergent Materials for Innovative Buildings and Ecological Construction - Edited by George M. Beylerian, Andrew Dent, Anita Moryadas, Blaine Brownell and John Fernandez. Journal of Architectural Education: Vol. 60, No. 2, pp. 72-74.
The developmental characteristics of four- and five-year-old pre-schoolers’ drawing: An analysis of scribbles, placement patterns, emergent writing, and name writing in archived spontaneous drawing samples

The drawings of 17 four- to five-year-old children from two points in time, age four and age five were analyzed. At both ages four and five, the most commonly used scribbles were single vertical li...
Release of deuterium from carbon during low-energy helium and carbon ion bombardment

Abstract Ion-induced release of deuterium (D) from carbon was investigated as a possible mechanism for the supershot conditioning in TFTR. Carbon was implanted to saturation with 300 eV D and then bombarded with 0.6 and 1.2 keV helium ions and 3 keV carbon ions. Nuclear reaction analysis was used to monitor the areal density of D remaining in the samples during the ion bombardment. Initial D release rates up to 10 D atoms per incident ion were observed. The amount of D that can be removed by ion-induced release from the TFTR limiter is similar to the pumping capacity produced by supershot-conditioning. A model for removal of D from the limiter by ion-induced release is described which agrees with observed D removal during supershot conditioning in TFTR.
Novel Aster-like ZnO Nanowire Clusters for Nanocomposites

ZnO nanostructures have attracted a great deal of interest because of their biocompatibility and outstanding optical and piezoelectric properties. Their uses are widely varying, including incorporation in sensors, solar cells, and nanogenerators. Biological systems are yet another area of application of ZnO nanowires. Apart from their electrical and optical properties, ZnO nanostructures can be used for the mechanical reinforcement of existing biomimetic scaffolds such as collagen and/or other biodegradable polymers (poly(lactic acid), polyglycolide, poly(alkyene succinate)s or polyhydroxylalkanoates). In this work, we have demonstrated a cheap and comparatively facile hydrothermal growth method for the bulk production of ZnO nanostructures exhibiting an aster-like geometry. The novel nanostructures of ZnO can be used as reinforced material to biopolymers. The aster shape has presented an increased surface area, providing a means for enhancing the stabilization of the gels and\or polymers. With controllable growth of ZnO nanostructures this method allows the geometry which could be tuned for maximal coupling between the two phases of composite and increased mechanical strength.
Fish bioassays of linear alkylate sulfonates (LAS) and intermediate biodegradation products

Linear alkylate sulfonates (LAS) are relatively toxic to fish when tested under static conditions by standard bioassay techniques, the median tolerance limit (TLm) being around 3 mg/liter and 0.6 mg/liter for the C12 and C14 homologs, respectively. However, these materials are so readily degraded by bacterial attack that bluegill fingerlings live with no trouble in effluents from laboratory continuous flow activated sludge units being fed 100 mg/liter or more of either product. No effects on the fish were noticeable in exposures of 96 hr or more, except for slight alterations in the microscopic appearance of the gill tissue. Thus, the removal of the LAS by biodegradation is paralleled by the removal of toxicity and there is no indication that toxic intermediates accumulate during the biodegradation process. This conclusion is substantiated by the observation of a much lower degree of toxicity (TLm 75 mg/liter) for sulfophenylundecanoic acid disodium salt (mixed isomers), synthesized as a model of an intermediate degradation product. Characterization, gas chromatography and methylene blue analysis of this product are also discussed.
A graphics-based software system to develop and analyze models of musculoskeletal structures

We have created a graphics-based software system that enables users to develop and analyze musculoskeletal models without programming. To define a model using this system one specifies the surfaces of the bones, the kinematics of the joints and the lines of action and force-generating parameters of the muscles. Once a model is defined, the function of each muscle can be analyzed by computing its length, moment arms, force and joint moments. The software has been implemented on a computer graphics workstation so that users can view the model from any perspective and graphically manipulate the joint kinematics and musculoskeletal geometry. Models can also be animated to visualize the results of motion analysis experiments. Since the software can be used to study models of many different musculoskeletal structures, it can enhance the productivity of investigators working on diverse problems in biomechanics.
Biodegradable blends and composites of polycaprolactone and starch derivatives

Abstract High-molecular-weight (40 000 and 80 000 g mol−1) polycaprolactone (PCL) has been blended with high-amylose corn starch (HA-CS, 70% amylose) and waxy corn starch granules, as well as with the non-granular starch acetate derivatives. The properties of films of these blends were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and Instron tensile testing, and compared with similar blend films made with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV, 11.6% HV content). All of the PCL blends and the PHBV blends with granular starch were found to be mechanically compatible but phase-separated. The PHBV/starch acetate blends were also phase-separated, but were too brittle for mechanical testing. The PCL/HA-CS blends were the strongest, with ≈15% lower tensile strength and a 50% higher modulus than PCL, up to 25 wt% HA-CS. Optical microscopy showed that the small size of the HA-CS granules (10 μm) and good dispersion of the granules in the PCL matrix were the reasons for the good mechanical properties compared with the other blends. Crosslinking was found to improve the thermal properties of the blends.
Laparoscopic splenectomy: Reduction of hospital charges

Laparoscopic splenectomy has become our procedure of choice for the surgical management of immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Hospital charges for this procedure were analyzed for 24 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic splenectomy. Total charges have decreased over time and average a $233 decrease per patient treated. The decreased charges are related to decreased operating room charges. Furthermore, charges are shown to be related to the length of postoperative stay. Choice of instrumentation has kept intraoperative charges for disposables stable.
Simulation of turbid underflows generated by the plunging of a river

When the density of sediment-laden river water exceeds that of the lake or ocean into which it discharges, the river plunges to the bottom of the receiving water body and continues to flow as a hyperpycnal flow. These particle-laden underflows, also known as turbidity currents, can travel remarkable distances and profoundly influence the seabed morphology from shoreline to abyss by depositing, eroding, and dispersing large quantities of sediment particles. Here we present a new approach to investigating the transformation of a plunging river flow into a turbidity current. Unlike previous workers using experimental and numerical treatments, we consider the evolution of a turbidity current from a river as different stages of a single flow process. From initial commotion to final stabilization, the transformation of a river (open channel flow) into a density-driven current (hyperpycnal flow) is captured in its entirety by a numerical model. Successful implementation of the model in laboratory and field cases has revealed the dynamics of a complex geophysical flow that is extremely difficult to observe in the field or model in the laboratory.
Studies in the Metabolism of Crassulacean Plants: the Effect of Temperature Upon the Culture of Excised Leaves of Bryophyllum Calycinum

When Bryophyllum calycinum leaves are detached from the plant and cultured in water in darkness at ordinary room temperature, the course of the changes in composition with respect to the organic acids, the protein and the starch depends upon the time of day at which the samples were collected (5). If leaves are taken in the afternoon at a time of low acidity and low protein content, there is a prompt increase both in acids and in protein and a corresponding decrease in the high starch content. Alternatively, if the leaves are collected in the morning at a time of high acidity and protein content, both acids and protein fall and the starch increases. These changes take place within the first 24 hours and appear to be expressions of the normal metabolism of this species. After 24 hours, certain other changes begin to make their appearance ; in particular, for leaves collected in the afternoon, the acids and the protein, after reaching maxima, begin to fall and the starch may increase during the second day of the culture period. It seems possible that this reversal in the direction of the chemical changes represents the initiation of the catabolic changes that inevitably follow excision of a leaf. Accordingly, in order to study this possibility further, an experiment was carried out in which the culture period at 20? C. was prolonged to 6 days and, in addition, parallel cultures were carried out at 9? C. and at Io C. in the hope that, at the lower temperatures, the reactions might proceed more slowly and certain of the details might be revealed more clearly. The present paper gives a report of this experiment.
Structure of the Osmo-regulated H2O-channel, AQP-CHIP, in Projection at 3.5 Å Resolution

Abstract An osmo-regulated H2O-channel, aquaporin-CHIP, from bovine red blood cell membranes was purified and reconstituted with lipids, forming two-dimensional crystalline patches that diffract to about 3.0 A resolution. Electron diffraction patterns and high-resolution images of the crystalline patches embedded in glucose were recorded and used to calculate the projection map at 3.5 A resolution. The map confirms that the osmo-regulated H2O-channel basic packing unit is a tetramer and begins to reveal its structural design. The basic architecture of the H2O-channel protein consists of a trapezoid-like envelope and a substructure located within the trapezoid that could play a crucial role in the channel structure itself; near this substructure there is a region of very low density, which is the probable site of the channel. The trapezoid-like envelope is composed of high density regions many of which can be interpreted as projections of α-helices along their axes.
A Comparison of Different Criteria of Selection for Hatchability in Chickens

Abstract FERTILITY and hatch of fertile eggs are complex physiological traits which may be considered to be major components of over-all fitness. Therefore, we might expect relatively low heritabilities as found in the literature, and crosses to exhibit heterosis (Lerner, 1954), as found by many workers and reviewed by Landauer (1951). Fertility is solely a trait of the parents (Bernier, Taylor and Gunns, 1951), but hatch of fertile eggs must be considered a compound trait controlled by maternal effects of the dam and embryonic viability itself (Abplanalp and Kosin, 1953). Previous results indicate (Crittenden, Bohren and Anderson, 1957) that the capacity for a daughter to produce fertile or hatchable eggs is inherited equally from the parents, while the dam of a mating has much more effect than the sire on the fertility and hatchability of her own eggs due to environmental and hereditary maternal effects. A commonly used selection technique is …
Polarizing the T helper 17 response in Citrobacter rodentium infection via expression of resistin-like molecule α

Citrobacter rodentium infection is a murine model of pathogenic Escherichia coli infection that allows investigation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in host-protective immunity and bacterial-induced intestinal inflammation. We recently demonstrated that following C. rodentium infection, the absence of Resistin-Like Molecule (RELM) α resulted in attenuated Th17 cell responses and reduced intestinal inflammation with minimal effects on bacterial clearance. In this addendum, we investigated the cytokine modulatory effects of RELMα and RELMα expression in the intestinal mucosa following C. rodentium infection. We show that in addition to promoting Th17 cytokine responses, RELMα inhibits Th2 cytokine expression and Th2-cytokine effector macrophage responses in the C. rodentium-infected colons. Second, utilizing reporter C. rodentium, we examined RELMα expression and macrophage recruitment at the host pathogen interface. We observed infection-induced macrophage infiltration and RELMα expression by intestinal epithelial cells. The influence of infection-induced RELMα on macrophage recruitment in the intestine is discussed.
Predictive value of elevated middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity in cases of fetal anemia

VELOCITY IN CASES OF FETAL ANEMIA KARIN FUCHS, STEPHEN CARR, Brown University, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Providence, Rhode Island OBJECTIVE: To determine if middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocities (MCA-PSV) measured in clinical practice at a teaching hospital accurately predicted the presence and severity of fetal anemia. STUDY DESIGN: Eighteen prenatal records from 2001 to 2004 were reviewed. MCA-PSV was measured within 24 hours of fetal blood sampling via percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS). For each case the date, gestational age, MCA-PSV and fetal hemoglobin (Hgb) was recorded. Published nomograms were used to determine the corresponding multipleof-the-median (MoM) for each MCA-PSV and fetal hemoglobin. Published parameters were used to define each MoM as either normal, or as mild, moderate, or severe anemia. The false positive rate (FPR = false positive / screen positive) of the MCA-PSV measurements was calculated by comparing the degree of fetal anemia predicted to that revealed at the time of PUBS. RESULTS: MCA-PSV predicted severe anemia in 11 fetuses, moderate in 5, mild in 1, and none in one. PUBS confirmed moderate or severe anemia in 6 of the 16 (38%) fetuses predicted to be moderately or severely anemic by MCAPSV. Ten of the 16 (63%) had mild or no anemia. Factors associated with more accurate prediction of fetal anemia included earlier gestational age at the time of MCA-PSV measurement (FPR 25% ! 28 weeks vs 75% O 28 weeks) and having MCA-PSV measured prior to 2004 (17% FPR vs 90% FPR in 2004). CONCLUSION: The false-positive rate in our clinical practice is higher than previously published and requires reconsideration of the predictive capacity of MCA-PSV. Research is ongoing to identify factors leading to the increased false-positive rate and to develop methods to ensure accuracy of MCA-PSV measurements.
A Brief History of Wine in South Africa

Vitis vinifera was first planted in South Africa by the Dutchman Jan van Riebeeck in 1655. The first wine farms, in which the French Huguenots participated – were land grants given by another Dutchman, Simon Van der Stel. He also established (for himself) the Constantia estate. The Constantia wine later became one of the most celebrated wines in the world. The decline of the South African wine industry in the late 1800s was caused by the combination of natural disasters (mildew, phylloxera) and the consequences of wars and political events in Europe. Despite the reorganization imposed by the KWV cooperative, recovery was slow because of the embargo against the Apartheid regime. Since the 1990s, a large number of new wineries – often small family operations – have been created. South African wines are now available in many markets. Some of these wines can compete with the best in the world.
Carborane-Siloxane-Diacetylene Thermosets and Ceramic Precursors

Thermosets and ceramic chars were characterized for three polymeric materials consisting of diacetylene-siloxane repeat units, DaS, diacetylene-siloxane-carborane-siloxane repeat units, DaSCS, and a 90/10 copolymerization. The goal was to incorporate the known thermo-oxidative stability of the siloxane-carborane elastomers into high performance thermosets and ceramic chars. The DaSCS thermoset has excellent thermo-oxidative stability as determined by a low weight loss and tough residue after annealing 100 hours in air at 316°C, however the glass transition is a low 94°C. DaS and 90/10 thermosets do not undergo glass transitions below 350°C and have low weight losses on thermo-oxidative aging, however the residue was quite brittle. The much higher carborane content in DaSCS also seems to help in ceramic char formation. All polymers had similar char yields to 800°C, whereas DaSCS solidified to a 15% denser ceramic.
Revised chronostratigraphy of the Lower Chinle Formation strata in Arizona and New Mexico (USA): High-precision U-Pb geochronological constraints on the Late Triassic evolution of dinosaurs

The early history of dinosaurs in North America is obscured by an incomplete fossil record, taxonomic uncertainties and speculative correlations of tetrapod-bearing rocks, as well as poor calibration of the Late Triassic time scale. High-precision U-Pb geochronology provides a reliable means of correlating terrestrial rock formations independent of equivocal lithostratigraphy or vertebrate biostratigraphy, and hence the possibility of properly evaluating models for the early radiation and diversification of Dinosauria. Here we present new, high-precision, U-Pb ID-TIMS zircon geochronology from the presumed lowermost strata of the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation of the Colorado Plateau in Southwest United States, including a mean 206Pb/238U date of 219.39 ± 0.16 Ma from the renowned Placerias Quarry Bone Bed in eastern Arizona. The new results prompt revisions to the chronostratigraphy of the lower Chinle and provide a new temporal context for its rich tetrapod fauna. The oldest documented dinosaurs of North America coexisted with their non-dinosaurian near-relatives for a minimum of 12 m.y., from ca. 223 Ma to ca. 211 Ma, in the Norian. This early dinosauromorph record follows a ca. 6 m.y. period from which no tetrapod fossils have been documented and which was itself preceded by a ca. 10 m.y. depositional hiatus spanning nearly the entire Ladinian and Carnian stages of the terrestrial North America. The supposed late appearance of dinosauromorphs in North America compared to those in South America thus appears to be an artifact of incomplete preservation, as well as unsubstantiated age interpretations. This, together with the conspicuous biogeographic distinctions among the Triassic dinosauromorph assemblages, invalidates a simple diachronous model for the transcontinental radiation of early dinosaurs.
Multi-query sequence BLAST output examination with MuSeqBox

Summary: MuSeqBox is a program to parse BLAST output and store attributes of BLAST hits in tabular form. The user can apply a number of selection criteria to filter out hits with particular attributes. MuSeqBox provides a powerful annotation tool for large sets of query sequences that are simultaneously compared against a database with any of the standard stand-alone or network‐client BLAST programs. We discuss such application to the problem of annotation and analysis of EST collections. Availability: The program was written in standard C++ and is freely available to noncommercial users by request from the authors. The program is also available over the web at http://bioinformatics.iastate.edu/bioinformatics2go/
Copolymerization of sec-butenyl acetate with styrene via emulsion polymerization

The incorporation of allylic monomers into highly reactive vinyl polymerizations provides a means to control molecular weight, conversion, and Trommsdorff effect to produce copolymers with desirable performance characteristics. The copolymerization behavior of styrene with sec-butenyl acetate, whose copolymerization properties have not been reported, is investigated. Copolymers were produced via semicontinuous emulsion polymerization and characterized via NMR, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, and atomic force microscopy. A high degree of chain termination due to allylic hydrogen ion was observed, as expected, with resultant decreases in molecular weight and in monomer conversion. However, high conversions were achieved, and it was possible to incorporate high percentages of the allylic acetate comonomer into the polymer chain. Copolymer thermal properties are reported.
The design rationale of the system/38 user interface

This paper is a discussion of the rationale behind the design of the software user interface of the System/38. It presents the design approaches used to produce a highly usable interactive system. The three primary system user interfaces are also presented, showing how the approaches were used in their design.
Meeting Mr. Farmer Versus Meeting a Farmer: Specific Effects of Aging on Learning Proper Names.

Previous research testing age-related learning and memory problems specific to proper names has yielded mixed results. In the present experiments, young and older participants saw faces of previously unknown people identified by name and occupation. On subsequent presentations of each picture, participants attempted to recall the pictured person's name and occupation. Young and older adults made more name errors (the occupation was recalled but not the correct name) than occupation errors (the name was recalled but not the correct occupation), and older adults made relatively more name but not occupation errors than young adults. This specific age-related deficit in proper-name learning is explained within an interactive-activation model of memory and language that has been extensively applied to cognitive aging and proper-name retrieval.
The paradoxes and Russell’s theory of incomplete symbols

Russell claims in his autobiography and elsewhere that he discovered his 1905 theory of descriptions while attempting to solve the logical and semantic paradoxes plaguing his work on the foundations of mathematics. In this paper, I hope to make the connection between his work on the paradoxes and the theory of descriptions and his theory of incomplete symbols generally clearer. In particular, I argue that the theory of descriptions arose from the realization that not only can a class not be thought of as a single thing, neither can the meaning/intension of any expression capable of singling out one collection (class) of things as opposed to another. If this is right, it shows that Russell’s method of solving the logical paradoxes is wholly incompatible with anything like a Fregean dualism between sense and reference or meaning and denotation. I also discuss how this realization lead to modifications in his understanding of propositions and propositional functions, and suggest that Russell’s confrontation with these issues may be instructive for ongoing research.
33. Traffic Injury Prevention Program

The purpose of this project is to reduce the incidence of teen motor vehicleâ??related crashes by providing an injury prevention field trip program to teens (TIPP). Prehospital, hospital, and law enforcement are core components of the program. The message is proactive and positive in addressing driving safely and being aware of the lifetime impact of driving under the influenceâ??related motor vehicle crashes. Students receive a teen drinking/driving crash scenario with hands-on education from EMS and the Fire Department in the extrication/resuscitation of victims from a wrecked vehicle. The participants escort â??patientsâ?? to the trauma rooms for the resuscitation. The resuscitation is conducted in â??real-lifeâ?? simulation with nurses and physicians describing the patient's injuries and treatment. The patient is taken to the burn unit where students learn about the burn treatment requirements. Physical appearance is significant to teens and this portion of the program gives impact on self-perception. To learn the long-term effects of drinking and driving, participants hear from physical therapists about the treatment of spinal cord injuries and other debilitating injuries. The day ends with an open discussion that is shared with survivors of traumatic injuries whose lives were impacted as a result. The theory behind TIPP is that by exposing teens to a traumatic scenario, the imprint of the sights, sounds, and the odors are recorded in the teen's experience and can become powerful stimuli (toward injury prevention and behavioral change) in the future. TIPP has been presented 15 times to approximately 1000 students. A pretest, posttest, and evaluation tool is administered. The subjects tested were between the ages of 16 and 18 years. Subjects (95%) scored less than 100% on the pretest. However, these same subjects scored above 95% on the posttest, demonstrating increased comprehension of the dangers of drinking and driving. The evaluation tools reveal that students were affected with â??real-lifeâ?? hands-on participation in the resuscitation of crash victims and by the â??real-lifeâ?? discussions with survivors who sustained (preventable) injuries. A multidisciplinary and collaborative effort from different agencies is recommended, that is, hospital, prehospital, fire, and police. The main challenge for this program's success is in obtaining adequate funding for work force to track, evaluate, and measure the outcomes.
Sexual Differentiation: From Genes to Gender

A person’s sex can be considered across various levels. To illustrate, genes, hormones, and genitalia can all be considered physical markers of a person’s sex. In addition to physical markers, behaviors such as gender role, gender identity and sexual orientation can be perceived as stereotypically male or female. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge of sexual differentiation which emphasizes genetic and hormonal mechanisms that result in male and female development of gonads and genitalia. Finally, consideration is given to associations between genetic sex, gonadal sex, and hormonal sex with gender.
The Impact of a Conditional Cash Transfer Programme on Consumption in Colombia

This paper studies the impact of a conditional cash transfer programme in Colombia on the total consumption of very poor households and on its components. Our evaluation methodology involves comparing household expenditures in areas in which the programme was not implemented (control) and those in which it was (treated). We use a quasi-experimental approach, as the Familias en Accion programme was not randomly assigned across localities, for political reasons. We condition on a large range of household- and municipality-level characteristics, and also control for pre-programme differences in the outcomes of interest using a differences-indifferences methodology. We find that the programme has been effective at greatly increasing total consumption and its main component, food consumption, in both rural and urban areas. The programme has also contributed to improvements in the quality of food consumed, in particular of items rich in proteins (milk, meat and eggs) and of cereals. Furthermore, the programme has created redistributive effects in favour of children through expenditure on education and children's clothing, while it has not significantly affected consumption of adult goods such as alcohol and tobacco or adults'clothing.
Method of Managing the Small Aortic Annulus during Valve Replacement

Abstract In a series of 130 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement, 20 had the ascending aorta enlarged with a Dacron patch. Eight of these required division of the annulus with extension of the incision inferiorly to the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The resulting separation of the annulus allowed a larger size valve to be inserted. Glutaraldehyde-fixed porcine heterografts were used in all patients having the annulus enlarged. No deaths occurred in those patients having annular enlargement, and the postoperative studies show no evidence of mitral valve dysfunction.
The Pupillary Light Reflex Effects of Anesthetics and Hyperthermia

Background The pupillary light reflex often is evaluated in the perianesthetic period to assess drug effects and brainstem function. Mild hypothermia alone or combined with isoflurane does not impair pupillary responses. Although perioperative hyperthermia is less common than hypothermia, abnormal increases in core temperature remain an important thermal disturbance. Accordingly, the pupillary effects of hyperthermia alone and hyperthermia combined with isoflurane and enflurane were evaluated. Additionally, the effects of nitrous oxide on pupillary responses were determined. Methods The pupillary light reflex was evaluated in 31 non-surgical volunteers participating in concurrent thermoregulatory studies. Pupillary reflexes were quantified using a portable infrared pupillometer during (1) hyperthermia alone (n = 9), (2) hyperthermia with 0.8% and 1.2% end-tidal isoflurane (n = 8), (3) hyperthermia with 1.7% end-tidal enflurane (n = 5), and (4) inhalation of 60% N2O (n = 9). Results Mild hyperthermia alone (core temperature 38.5 +/- 0.3 degrees C) produced no clinically significant change in the pupillary light reflex. Pupillary responses were decreased markedly with 0.8% isoflurane, 1.2% isoflurane, and 1.7% enflurane when the volunteers were normothermic. Mild hyperthermia combined with isoflurane or enflurane dilated the pupil and increased the amplitude of the light reflex. Sixty-percent nitrous oxide decreased the pupillary reflex only 26 +/- 4%. Conclusions Anesthetic-induced inhibition of the pupillary response to light is reversed partially by core hyperthermia. In contrast to enflurane and isoflurane, 60% N2O has little effect on the pupil.
Fuzzy sets and secure computer systems

Computer are finite discrete machines, the set of real numbers is an infinite continuum. So real numbers in computers are approximation. Rough set theory is the underlying mathematics. A “computer” version of Weistrass theorem states that every sequence, within the radius of error, repeats certain terms infinitely many times. In terms of applications, the theorem guarantees that the audit trail has repeating patterns. Examining further, based on fuzzy-rough set theory, hidden fuzzy relationships (rules) in audit data are uncovered. The information about the repeating data and fuzzy relationships reflect “unconscious patterns” of user's habits. They are some deeper “signatures” of computer users, which provide a foundation to detect abuses and misuses of computer systems. A “sliding window information system” is used to illustrate the detection of a “simple” virus attack. The complexity problem is believed to be controllable via rough set representation of data.
Analysis of phoneme-based features for language identification

This paper presents an analysis of the phonemic language identification system introduced previously (see Eurospeech, vol.2, p.1307, 1993), now extended to recognize German in addition to English and Japanese. In this system language identification is based on features derived from a superset of phonemes of all three languages. As we increase the number of languages, the need to reduce the feature space becomes apparent. Practical analysis of single-feature statistics in conjunction with linguistic knowledge leads to 90% reduction of the feature space with only a 5% loss in performance. Thus, the system discriminates between Japanese and English with 84.1% accuracy based on only 15 features compared to 84.6% based on the complete set of 318 phonemic features (or 83.6% using 333 broad-category features). Results indicate that a language identification system may be designed based on linguistic knowledge and then implemented with a neural network of appropriate complexity. >
Improving Ascertainment of Sudden Cardiac Death in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease

Summary Background and objectives Data collected by the US Renal Data System (USRDS) identify sudden cardiac death (SCD) as the leading cause of death among hemodialysis patients. However, evidence suggests that clinical events captured on the USRDS death notification form may be inaccurate. A new method for classifying SCD was recently developed to enhance the accuracy of SCD classification. This study examined the performance characteristics of this refined definition using a cohort of hemodialysis patients who experienced a witnessed SCD as the reference standard. Design, setting, participants, & measurements This is a retrospective cohort study of 363 patients who experienced a witnessed SCD in US Gambro (DaVita) outpatient dialysis clinics. Sensitivity of SCD defined by death notification forms and SCD defined using additional administrative sources was compared. Clinical data recorded near time of death were also examined. Results Existing USRDS death notification forms reported 70.8% of witnessed SCD as “cardiac arrest/cause unknown” or “arrhythmia.” The refined definition significantly improved identification to 83.8% of witnessed SCD events (P Conclusions Compared with the death notification form alone, the refined SCD definition significantly improves the sensitivity of reporting of witnessed SCD occurring within outpatient hemodialysis clinics. More accurate reporting of cardiac events by clinicians and refinements to existing death notification forms may further improve recognition and understanding of SCD.
Morphological effects on the materials properties of polyimides

We have carried out a comparative study on the thermomechanical properties and interfacial fracture for two polyimides, a rigid-rod like BPDA-PDA and a flexible-chain PMDA-ODA. This study is focused on the correlation between material strength and polymeric chain morphology. A strong correlation was observed, with high chain packing order giving rise to strong material strength. Quantitatively, the mechanical strength of PMDA-ODA thin films along the direction tangential to the film plane is about 1/3 of that of BPDA-PDA, and its thermal expansivity 1.5 to 5 times larger. For fracture, the mechanical strength of the polyimide plays a different role. A softer polyimide such as PMDA-ODA will strengthen the confinement exerted by the metal lines with smaller interfacial strain, thereby decreasing the amount of deformation transmitted through the interface into the metal, and shifting the onset of delamination to a higher strain on the entire structure. However, the same softer polyimide layer also induces a larger amount of plastic deformation, leading to fracture of the film at a smaller strain. For a strong metal/polymer interface, the strength of the interfacial bonds is sufficient to hold the interface intact while the polymer near the interface deforms plastically because it is much softer mechanically than the metal. This continues until the deformation energy accumulated in the polymer is sufficient to delaminate the interface. Under this condition, the locus of failure will be determined by the relative fracture toughness of the polymer compared with the interface, which may very well occur in the polymer very close to the interface.
Effects of integrating digital visual materials with textbook scans in the classroom

This work examines the effects of treating learners in a classroom to digital visual materials on a shared display, while interleaving such materials with scanned copies of relevant textbook pages. Forty-six ninth-grade students in a public school in Bangalore (India) were divided into two groups and given instruction in Science and Literature, the first group (control) being exposed to digital visual materials in both classes while the second (treatment) to the same materials interspersed with digitally-scanned copies of textbook pages. Students in the treatment group outperformed those in the control group on tasks involving recall and recognition of the visual materials (although the gap was significant only for recall-based tasks). Our results suggest that digitized versions of textbooks are useful in improving students’ retention of visual materials utilized during classroom instruction.
SUBLETHAL EXPOSURE TO A NEUROTOXIC PESTICIDE AFFECTS ACTIVITY RHYTHMS AND PATTERNS OF FOUR SPIDER SPECIES

Abstract Four species from three families of spiders were exposed to sublethal concentrations of the neurotoxic pesticide malathion: Schizocosa ocreata (Hentz 1844), Rabidosa rabida (Walckenaer 1837), Frontinella communis (Hentz 1850), and Salticus scenicus (Clerck 1757). Spider activity was recorded using a proprietary computer vision system equipped with artificial intelligence routines. Exposure to malathion changed the spiders' propensity to move, levels and patterns of activity, and distance moved. Dosed spiders increased their activity between 12 and 40%, depending on the species. Continuous recordings for ≥ 24 h revealed the peak activity for dosed R. rabida and S. scenicus was shifted ∼ 1 h earlier than controls. Spiders exposed to malathion also significantly increased the distance they moved per locomotory bout. This is consistent with the action of an organophosphate neurotoxin acting as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Thus, exposure to sublethal doses of malathion appears to affect the neur...
In Vivo Platelet–Endothelial Cell Interactions in Response to Major Histocompatibility Complex Alloantibody

Platelets recruit leukocytes and mediate interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells. Most studies examining this important platelet immune function have focused on the development of atherosclerosis, but similar mechanisms may contribute to acute and chronic vascular lesions in transplants. Platelets have been described as markers of transplant rejection, but little investigation has critically examined a role for platelets in transplant vasculopathy and, in particular, alloantibody-mediated transplant rejection. We now demonstrate using a skin transplant model that alloantibody indirectly induces platelet activation and rolling in vivo. Repeated IgG2a alloantibody injections result in sustained platelet-endothelial interactions and vascular pathology, including von Willebrand factor release, small platelet thrombi, and complement deposition. Maintenance of continued platelet-endothelial interactions are dependent on complement activation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that platelets recruit leukocytes to sites of alloantibody deposition and sustain leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in vivo. Taken together, our model demonstrates an important role for platelets in alloantibody induced transplant rejection.
Adding psychosocial therapy to methylphenidate may not improve its effectiveness in stimulant responsive children with ADHD.

Abikoff H, Hechtman L, Klein RG, et al . Symptomatic improvement in children with ADHD treated with long-term methylphenidate and multimodal psychosocial treatment. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2004;43:802–11. [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Q Does adding psychosocial therapy to methylphenidate improve effectiveness of treatment for ADHD in stimulant responsive children? ### ![Graphic][5] Design: Randomised controlled trial. ### ![Graphic][6] Allocation: Not reported. ### ![Graphic][7] Blinding: Phase 1 unblinded; phase 2 participants blinded to placebo substitution. ### ![Graphic][8] Follow up period: 24 months. ### ![Graphic][9] Setting: Two medical centres, New York and Montreal. ### ![Graphic][10] Patients: 103 children aged 7–10 years with DSM-III attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who had previously responded to methylphenidate; ⩾1.5 on hyperactivity index of Conners’ teacher rating scale; medication free for at least two weeks before evaluation. Main exclusions: concomitant neurological disorder; psychosis; significant medical illness; tic or Tourette’s disorder; developmental, conduct, and learning disorders; physical or sexual abuse. ### ![Graphic][11] Intervention: Phase 1: methylphenidate alone (M; n = 34), methylphenidate + multimodal psychosocial treatment (M + MPT; n = 34) and methylphenidate + attention control psychosocial treatment (M + ACT; n = 35) for 1 year. All participants received individually tailored methylphenidate regimens. Phase 2: after 1 year, methylphenidate was substituted for placebo and psychosocial treatments were continued as initially allocated. MPT involved family therapy, academic training, assistance and remediation, social skills … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BAcademy%2Bof%2BChild%2Band%2BAdolescent%2BPsychiatry%26rft.stitle%253DJ%2BAm%2BAcad%2BChild%2BAdolesc%2BPsychiatry%26rft.aulast%253DAbikoff%26rft.auinit1%253DH.%26rft.volume%253D43%26rft.issue%253D7%26rft.spage%253D802%26rft.epage%253D811%26rft.atitle%253DSymptomatic%2Bimprovement%2Bin%2Bchildren%2Bwith%2BADHD%2Btreated%2Bwith%2Blong-term%2Bmethylphenidate%2Band%2Bmultimodal%2Bpsychosocial%2Btreatment.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1097%252F01.chi.0000128791.10014.ac%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F15213581%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1097/01.chi.0000128791.10014.ac&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=15213581&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmental%2F8%2F1%2F9.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000222246700005&link_type=ISI [5]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [6]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [7]: /embed/inline-graphic-3.gif [8]: /embed/inline-graphic-4.gif [9]: /embed/inline-graphic-5.gif [10]: /embed/inline-graphic-6.gif [11]: /embed/inline-graphic-7.gif
Gender Disparities in Health: Strategic Selection, Careers, and Cycles of Control

This article proposes a dynamic model of the intersections between gender, health, and the life course incorporating processes of strategic selection--of roles, relationships, and behavior. Men and women make decisions within a tangled web of multilayered, often contradictory, and frequently outdated institutional contexts of opportunity and constraint. Both their decisions and the institutions shaping them reflect prior as well as ongoing socialization and allocation mechanisms. These institutionalized scripts and regimes tend to reproduce gendered biographical paths around two central life foci: paid work (or careers) and unpaid family work (or careers). The gendered nature of occupational and family-care paths, in turn, produces patterned disparities in a constellation of health-related resources, relationships, and risks, as well as feelings of mastery and control. We call for research charting alternative constellations of these gendered health careers, their antecedents, temporal patterning, and consequences.