cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beyond CPS: Building a System to Protect the Safety and Basic Development of Children Experiencing Problematic Parenting

The role and scope of non-voluntary state intervention to protect children from “maltreatment” has been debated for the last 50 years. In the 1970s, many states actually narrowed the definitions of maltreatment. Yet, over the past fifty years, there has been a substantial increase in state monitoring and regulating of parents by child protection agencies (CPS). Recent studies indicate that over one-third (37.4%) of all children have been investigated by a CPS agency at least once by age 18; a majority of African American children are reported to CPS at some point in their childhood. There is consensus that current policies and services regarding maltreatment are not meeting the needs of many children. Given the failures of past reform efforts, there is a movement for substantially limiting the jurisdiction of CPS. Some commentators call for abolishing CPS entirely, which is seen as reflecting racial bias at its core, harming the children it seeks to help, undermining poor communities, and functioning in negative ways that are not amenable to reform. In this chapter, I discuss the reasons why CPS intervention should be limited to situations involving parental behaviors that cause or threaten severe harm and may be repeated. These constitute less than twenty percent of the cases now seen by CPS. Reducing the role of CPS should not, however, reduce efforts to help families where the parents are unable to provide the types of parenting needed to protect and promote the basic emotional and social development of children The chapter proposes a new system for helping parents and protecting children in most of the situations now referred to CPS, one that offers a full range of services to promote positive parenting and help parents facing barriers to providing adequate parenting. It concludes by examining a range of issues that must be addressed in designing a new system and the substantial challenges in implementing a system that truly helps parents and children.
Heterogeneous long-term trajectories of glycaemic control in type 1 diabetes.

AIMS We aimed to identify long-term HbA1c trajectories and examine associated characteristics in an observational, childhood-onset (<17 years) type 1 diabetes cohort. METHODS Data are from the Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications study, comprising 405 participants with ≥2 of seven possible HbA1c measurements over follow-up (1988-2013) and available DNA (baseline mean diabetes duration 21 years, 53% men). HbA1c trajectories were estimated using latent class growth models. Baseline and change in participant characteristics were compared across trajectories. RESULTS Five HbA1c trajectories were identified: low (51%), intermediate stable (22%), improved (19%), high stable (6%), and worsened (2%; not included in analyses). Age, diabetes duration, diabetes onset age, and sex did not differ across trajectories. Characteristics did not differ significantly between intermediate stable and low trajectories at baseline, though albumin excretion rate (AER, p = 0.0002) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, p = 0.001) worsened slightly more in intermediate stable over time. Improved and high stable trajectories had higher baseline LDL-c (p = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). Improved trajectory increased median self-monitoring of blood glucose from <1 to 3.5 times/day (p < 0.0001) and had larger LDL-c improvement (p = 0.004) but greater worsening of AER (p < 0.0001) and eGFR (p < 0.0001) than low. The A allele of rs12970134 (near MC4R) was associated with improved (p = 0.0003) or high stable (p = 0.001) HbA1c trajectory, both patterns with high baseline HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS Long-term HbA1c trajectories were primarily associated with modifiable factors in this type 1 diabetes cohort. The intermediate stable pattern had a risk factor profile that suggests some protection against adverse metabolic effects of chronic hyperglycaemia, warranting further study.
Open space, not reduced herbivory, facilitates invasion of a marine macroalga, implying it is a disturbance-mediated "passenger" of change.

Abstract Sargassum horneri, a brown macroalga, recently invaded the California coast, including into critical foundational communities such as kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forests. Despite its rapid spread, empirical tests that evaluate mechanisms underlying S. horneri's invasion success are lacking. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted three field experiments on temperate rocky reefs in southern California using growth as a proxy for invasion success. We first tested whether S. horneri success differed with herbivory strength and native diversity by conducting a 2-factor experiment varying site (with different baseline levels of urchin densities and native algal diversity) and urchin access. We found S. horneri growth only differed among urchin treatments and not sites. We then evaluated whether S. horneri could successfully invade established algal canopies as a driver or whether it required open space as a passenger via a 2-factor experiment varying S. horneri size (small, medium, large) and canopy type (S. horneri, kelp, -canopy). We found that all S. horneri sizes grew fastest when canopy was lacking and light was high and slower in both canopy habitats with lower light; overall, small S. horneri grew slowest. Finally, we evaluated whether herbivore consumption for native species could facilitate S. horneri's invasion by conducting a 2-factor experiment varying species (M. pyrifera, S. horneri) and herbivore access. We found uncaged algae were consumed and caged algae grew, but there was no difference between species. Taken together, our results suggest that S. horneri is a “passenger” invader that will take advantage of points in time and space where light is plentiful, such as when M. pyrifera is removed via disturbance. Further, our results suggest that herbivory and native algal diversity are likely not key determining factors of the invasion success of S. horneri.
The Epidemiology and Geographic Patterns of Natural Disaster and Extreme Weather Mortality by Race and Ethnicity, United States, 1999-2018.

OBJECTIVES The adverse effects that racial and ethnic minority groups experience before, during, and after disaster events are of public health concern. The objective of this study was to examine disparities in the epidemiologic and geographic patterns of natural disaster and extreme weather mortality by race and ethnicity. METHODS We used mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2018. We defined natural disaster and extreme weather mortality based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes X30-X39. We calculated age-adjusted mortality rates by race, ethnicity, and hazard type, and we calculated age-adjusted mortality rate ratios by race, ethnicity, and state. We used geographic mapping to examine age-adjusted mortality rate ratios by race, ethnicity, and state. RESULTS Natural disasters and extreme weather caused 27 335 deaths in the United States during 1999-2018. Although non-Hispanic White people represented 68% of total natural disaster and extreme weather mortality, the mortality rate per 100 000 population among non-Hispanic Black people was 1.87 times higher (0.71) and among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native people was 7.34 times higher (2.79) than among non-Hispanic White people (0.38). For all racial and ethnic groups, exposure to extreme heat and cold were the 2 greatest causes of natural disaster and extreme weather mortality. Racial and ethnic disparities in natural disaster and extreme weather mortality were highest in the South, Southwest, Mountain West, and Upper Midwest. CONCLUSIONS Racial and ethnic minority populations have a greater likelihood of mortality from natural disaster or extreme weather events than non-Hispanic White people. Our study strengthens the current knowledge base on these disparities and may inform and improve disaster preparedness and response efforts.
Robust Extraction of Axon Fibers from Large-Scale Electron Micrograph Mosaics

This paper describes algorithms for extraction of axon fibers and groups of such fibers from transmission electron micrograph (TEM) image mosaics. These algorithms were developed as part of a drug evaluation study, to assess the effectiveness of a certain compound in regenerating nerve fibers of diabetic patients suffering from peripheral sensory loss due to nerve degeneration. The extraction algorithms were developed in order to pre-cue axons and potential clusters, so to reduce the workload of neuroanatomist reviewers who would otherwise be required to manually mark hundreds or thousands of such events for each biological sample. Because of the high magnification required to evaluate the regenerative clusters, typically 1000 or more electron micrographs had to be acquired, digitally registered, mosaicked, processed, and finally reviewed and marked by an anatomist, for each of more than 500 samples. The cueing algorithms described here were able to significantly reduce the workload of the reviewers, by identifying roughly 95% of the axons, with only a 1–2% false alarm rate, based on a reasonable computation time of about 1 hour per sample on a fast workstation.
Optimal and suboptimal placement of actuators and sensors for steady-state stochastic systems

The optimal placement of actuators and sensors for stochastic systems is investigated. Conflict between the transient response and steady-state performance in optimal actuator placement has been found. However, in sensor placement, it is expected that the objectives of transient response and steady-state performance are still consistent. It is also found that the actuator placement and sensor placement are coupled. >
Lipid composition in the classification of nocardiae and mycobacteria

Ninety-six strains of aerobic actinomycetes with a type IV cell wall (major amounts of meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose, and galactose) were analyzed for the presence of mycolic acids and nocardomycolic acids. The method used was comparatively simple and permits the separation of these organisms into two groups: the mycobacteria and the nocardiae. In general, strains received as mycobacteria contained mycolic acids, confirming the generic assignment made by other methods. On the basis of nocardomycolic acid content, Mycobacterium brevicale, M. rhodochrous, and M. thamnopheos should be placed in the genus Nocardia, and on the basis of mycolic acid content, strains recently isolated from bovine farcy should be placed in the genus Mycobacterium. Nocardia farcinica should be considered a nomen dubium and N. asteroides should be considered the type species of the genus.
Segmentation of Pulmonary Nodule Images Using 1-Norm Minimization

Total variation minimization (in the 1-norm) has edge preserving and enhancing properties which make it suitable for image segmentation. We present Image Simplification, a new formulation and algorithm for image segmentation. We illustrate the edge enhancing properties of 1-norm total variation minimization in a discrete setting by giving exact solutions to the problem for piecewise constant functions in the presence of noise. In this case, edges can be exactly recovered if the noise is sufficiently small. After optimization, segmentation is completed using edge detection. We find that our image segmentation approach yields good results when applied to the segmentation of pulmonary nodules.
Information management for engineering design

1 Computer-Aided Design Tools and Systems.- 1.1 What is Design?.- 1.2 What is Computer-Aided Design?.- 1.3 Computer-Aided Design Tools.- 1.3.1 Synthesis Tools.- 1.3.2 Analysis Tools.- 1.3.3 Information Management Tools.- 1.4 The Design of Complex Artifacts.- 1.5 Failure of Current CAD Systems.- 1.6 Structure of the Book.- 2 Survey of Engineering Design Applications.- 2.1 Introduction.- 2.2 Basic Terms.- 2.3 Kinds of Engineering Design Applications.- 2.3.1 VLSI Design Environment.- 2.3.1.1 Multidisciplinary Design: Architecture, Logic, Layout.- 2.3.1.2 Design Methodologies: Hierarchical Approach.- 2.3.1.3 The Computing Environment for Design: Dispersed Computation.- 2.3.2 Software Engineering Environment.- 2.3.2.1 Multiple Representations: Source, Object, Runable Code.- 2.3.2.2 Design Methodology: Modular Programming.- 2.3.2.3 Configurations and Engineering Changes.- 2.3.3 Architectural/Building Design Environment.- 2.3.3.1 Pipe Design System: Sequential Execution of Applications Programs.- 2.3.3.2 Multidisciplinary Design: Piping and Structures.- 2.4 Requirements for Engineering Data Management.- 2.5 Why Commercial Databases are NOT like Design Databases.- 2.6 Previous Approaches for Design Data Management.- 3 Design Data Structure.- 3.1 Example: The Representation Types of a VLSI Circuit Design.- 3.2 Design Data Models.- 3.2.1 Relations (The VDD System).- 3.2.2 A Design Data Manager (SQUID).- 3.2.3 Complex Objects (System-R).- 3.2.4 Abstract Data Types (Stonebraker).- 3.2.5 Semantic Data Model (McLeod's Event Model).- 3.3 Summary.- 4 The Object Model.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 What are Design Objects?.- 4.3 Interfaces: How to Use a Cell Without the Details?.- 4.4 Composition and Interface.- 4.5 Complete Example of Object Specification.- 4.6 Objects Implemented as Structured Files.- 5 Design Transaction Management.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 Design Computing Environment: Implications for Data Management.- 5.3 Conventional Transactions in the Design Environment.- 5.4 Concurrency Control Issues.- 5.5 Recovery Issues.- 5.6 Design Transaction Model.- 5.7 Extensions to the Transaction Model.- 5.8 Related Work.- 6 Design Management System Architecture.- 6.1 Introduction.- 6.2 System Architecture.- 6.2.1 Storage Component.- 6.2.2 Object System.- 6.2.3 Design Librarian.- 6.2.4 Recovery Subsystem.- 6.2.5 Validation Subsystem.- 6.2.6 In-Memory Databases.- 6.2.6.1 Introduction.- 6.2.6.2 Building In-Memory Structures: Complex Object Mapping.- 6.2.6.3 In-Memory Recovery.- 6.2.7 Version and Configuration Management.- 6.2.7.1 Introduction.- 6.2.7.2 Design Administration.- 6.2.8 Design Applications.- 6.2.8.1 Design Browser / Chip Assembler.- 7 Conclusions.- 7.1 Research Directions.- 7.2 Summary.- 8 Annotated Bibliography.
High-magnetization zones near spreading center discontinuities

Abstract Three-dimensional inversions of the magnetic field reveal the presence of zones of high magnetization over the propagating limb of large spreading center discontinuities. The presence of high-magnetization zones is confirmed by rock magnetic measurements where available. Magnetization highs are associated with basalts which tend to have high Fe contents and low Mg numbers. These data suggest that high-magnetization zones observed over large ridge axis discontinuities are associated with highly differentiated basalts enriched in iron. Following Christie and Sinton [1], such highly evolved basalts may be the result of shallow-level crystal fractionation in small magma bodies with a low supply rate. These small magma bodies are postulated to correspond to the first stages in the development of a sub-axial magmatic system as a result of the propagation of one of the limbs of the offset into older lithosphere. Because high-magnetization zones at large ridge axis discontinuities often correspond to gaps in the along-axis extent of a seismically detectable magma chamber, these magma bodies may be smaller than a few hundred meters. Rock magnetic measurements suggest that the enrichment in iron associated with increased differentiation may be accompanied, in a few cases, by an increase in the concentration of titanomagnetite within the basalts and in the magnetization of the rocks. However, the exact relationship between high magnetization intensities and iron enrichment is complex and unclear, and may be significantly affected by factors such as magnetic mineralogy and crystallization history.
Experimental mechanics of magnetic microparticle-induced strain on fibrin clots.

In this study, a novel technique was developed in which magnetic microparticles (MMPs) and quantum dots (QDs) were successfully incorporated into fibrin clots. The MMPs were added at concentrations of 0.1 and 1 wt % of the fibrin content in an effort to determine if a magnetic field could be used to mechanically stretch the fibrin network, simulating how cells may invade a network. The QDs were added at a dilute concentration of 0.1 wt % to determine if the mechanical properties of the fibrin network would be significantly altered and to ascertain if the overall stretch on the network could be observed. Based on strain sweep and frequency sweep rheological analysis, it was determined that both QDs and MMPs incorporated into fibrin networks at 0.1 wt % caused irreversible plastic deformation in the fibrin clot sample, as evidenced by a precipitous decline in the storage modulus value. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 4365–4370, 2014.
Healthy eating index of elderly: description and association with energy, macronutrients and micronutrients intake

SUMMARY. The purpose of this study was to define the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) of the elderly of Southern Brazil and its association with energy, macronutrients and micronutrients intake. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 186 elderly aged 60 and older of the Geriatric Service of Sao Lucas Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil. Dietary data were collected by two 24-hour recalls, and diet quality was assessed by HEI adapted to the Brazilian population. The HEI total score was divided into three categories: inadequate diet (below 51 points), diet needs improvement (between 51 and 80 points), and healthy diet (over 80 points). The results showed that the mean HEI score was 58.8±10.5 points (ranging from 31.4 to 79.8). Most elderly (74.2%) showed a diet that needed modification and no elderly individual had a healthy diet. The quality of the diet was associated with greater intake of carbohydrates, and lower intake of total lipids, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and sodium. Consumption of vitamins C and D and calcium was shown to be positively correlated with the quality of the diet. Less than 1.1% of the elderly consumed a varied diet. The findings suggest that the diet of the majority of the elderly needs improvement, reinforcing the importance of care in relation to adequate nutrition in this population, and can help in guiding the activities and programs of nutritional education and public policies that stimulate increasingly healthy eating. RESUMO. Indice de alimentacao saudavel de idosos: descricao e associacao com ingestao de energia, macronutrien
The Development of Idiomatic Meaning in Children

This study examined the development of idiomatic expression. Sixty subjects were presented with a series of drawings corresponding to sentences exhibiting dual semantic representation (i.e., a lite...
AUTHORING SYSTEMS FOR COURSEWARE DEVELOPMENT: WHAT SHOULD BEGINNERS LOOK FOR?

This paper is an introduction to courseware authoring systems, which are defined as software devised for an instructional environment that simplifies courseware development. The process of courseware authoring is described as consisting of two basic elements: computer and lesson. These two elements are further subdivided and the use of authoring systems to simplify each of these subcomponents is described. Suggestions are made for educators who are considering authoring systems to be used to develop courseware.
Chemical composition analysis and its application in estimation of VOC emission rates from hydrocarbon solvent-based indoor materials

A method for estimating VOC emission rates from hydrocarbon solvent-based indoor materials has been developed. The estimation is based on the assumption that the emission rate of individual VOCs is proportional to its molar fraction in the evaporative mixture at the time, its saturated pure vapor pressure and total remaining VOCs in the material. The paper demonstrates, through three hydrocarbon solvent-based polyurethane surface coating materials, a practical way to calculate these three parameters using chemical composition analysis results. The estimated total VOC emission rates were in good agreement with the results of weight loss experiments.
Chaperone probes and bead-based enhancement to improve the direct detection of mRNA using silicon photonic sensor arrays.

Herein, we describe the utility of chaperone probes and a bead-based signal enhancement strategy for the analysis of full length mRNA transcripts using arrays of silicon photonic microring resonators. Changes in the local refractive index near microring sensors associated with biomolecular binding events are transduced as a shift in the resonant wavelength supported by the cavity, enabling the sensitive analysis of numerous analytes of interest. We employ the sensing platform for both the direct and bead-enhanced detection of three different mRNA transcripts, achieving a dynamic range spanning over 4 orders of magnitude and demonstrating expression profiling capabilities in total RNA extracts from the HL-60 cell line. Small, dual-use DNA chaperone molecules were developed and found to both enhance the binding kinetics of mRNA transcripts by disrupting complex secondary structure and serve as sequence-specific linkers for subsequent bead amplification. Importantly, this approach does not require amplificat...
Lasing in atmospheric air: Similarities and differences of oxygen and nitrogen

We present remotely induced lasing in atmospheric air, and compare the lasing of two-photon excited atomic oxygen and atomic nitrogen.
Laser desorption/ionization from nanostructured surfaces: nanowires, nanoparticle films and silicon microcolumn arrays

Due to their optical properties and morphology, thin films formed of nanoparticles are potentially new platforms for soft laser desorption/ionization (SLDI) mass spectrometry. Thin films of gold nanoparticles (with 12±1 nm particle size) were prepared by evaporation-driven vertical colloidal deposition and used to analyze a series of directly deposited polypeptide samples. In this new SLDI method, the required laser fluence for ion detection was equal or less than what was needed for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) but the resulting spectra were free of matrix interferences. A silicon microcolumn array-based substrate (a.k.a. black silicon) was developed as a new matrix-free laser desorption ionization surface. When low-resistivity silicon wafers were processed with a 22 ps pulse length 3×Z Nd:YAG laser in air, SF6 or water environment, regularly arranged conical spikes emerged. The radii of the spike tips varied with the processing environment, ranging from approximately 500 nm in water, to ~2 μm in SF6 gas and to ~5 μm in air. Peptide mass spectra directly induced by a nitrogen laser showed the formation of protonated ions of angiotensin I and II, substance P, bradykinin fragment 1-7, synthetic peptide, pro14-arg, and insulin from the processed silicon surfaces but not from the unprocessed areas. Threshold fluences for desorption/ionization were similar to those used in MALDI. Although compared to silicon nanowires the threshold laser pulse energy for ionization is significantly (~10u) higher, the ease of production and robustness of microcolumn arrays offer complementary benefits.
Orientometer for Study of Insect Behavior

A multidirectional treadmill for the study of insect orientation is described. The movements of an insect throughout 360 degrees can be recorded for periods up to 12 hours. The extent of deviation from randomness serves as a quantitative measure of reaction to a given stimulus.
A New Thiol in Legumes

A NEW thiol has been found in the red kidney bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, and in certain other legumes. The thiol is the principal non-protein thiol of these plants. Glutathione, when present, occurs at much lower concentrations. A provisional name, ‘phaseothione’, has been assigned to this compound, pending the determination of its chemical structure.
Tree Diseases, Canopy Structure, and Bird Distributions in Ponderosa Pine Forests

Abstract We examined how canopy patterns at the landscape scale can influence bird community composition, abundance, or distribution. Our long-term goal is to determine how diseases and other small-scale disturbances that change canopy patterns influence bird distribution. Little is known about these relationships, partly because most measures of disturbance are based on timber production metrics. We developed a spatially dependent metric referred to as canopy closure roughness, which was significantly correlated to bird diversity on 4 ha sample plots, and used it to generate a spatial model showing the distribution of bird diversity at a resolution of 30 mover an area of 1 million acres (the entire Black Hills National Forest). Number of bird species per stand varied between 2 and 16. Number of species and bird diversity were positively related to intensity of tree cutting. Most common bird species were yellow-rumped warbler, dark-eyed junco, Townsend's solitaire, black-capped chickadee and red-breasted ...
Relaxing and inotropic effects of cyclic AMP on skinned cardiac cells.

THE positive inotropic effect of catecholamines in cardiac muscle is assumed to result from an increase in the intracellular level of cyclic AMP (adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate)1,2. Cyclic AMP may enhance the contraction by increasing the trans-sarcolemmal flux of Ca2+ during the plateau of the action potential3,4, but the flux seems insufficient to activate directly the myofilaments and it is generally assumed that additional Ca2+ may be released from intracellular stores (ref. 5), possibly by a Ca2+-triggered release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)6–8.
Time-resolved fluorescence studies of the protein folding process: new instrumentation, analysis, and experimental approaches

Utilizing time-resolved fluorescence techniques for the examination of the protein folding problem requires the development of some new methods of data acquisition, analysis, and experimental design. Structural information (rotational relaxation times, intramolecular distance distributions, conformational dynamics) need to be obtained on transient non-equilibrium species which may exist for as little as tens of milliseconds. In this report, the development of a stopped-flow timeresolved fluorometer is described. In addition, a unique molecular genetic system developed for the protein Stapholococcal Nuclease is utilized to assist in the placement of donor/acceptor pairs in strategic locations throughout the protein. Combining these two projects together, provides the potential for determining the structural details involved in the folding (unfolding) behavior in this protein.
Metabolism of intracerebrally administered histidine, histamine and imidazoleacetic acid in mice and frogs.

— After intracerebral administration of [14C]histidine to mice the major labelled substance found in the brain extracts was histidine itself; small amounts of labelled carnosine and homocarnosine were detected. No other labelled substances were detected on radio- autographs of two-dimensional TLC's of the extracts. In the case of the frog, radioactive histidine, N-acetylhistidine, carnosine and homocarnosine were found in the brain extracts at various times after intracerebral injection of the labelled histidine. With time, approximately 90 per cent of the radioactivity in the extracts was found in the N-acetylhistidine. In neither the mouse nor frog could we find unequivocal evidence for the formation either of histamine or imidazoleacetic acid from intracerebrally administered histidine, but our analytical procedures may have lacked sufficient sensitivity to pick up extremely low activities of histamine and imidazoleacetic acid. Experiments with [14C]histamine administered intracerebrally into mice demonstrated the major pathway of metabolism in brain to be histamine methylhistamine methylimidazoleacetic acid. No detectable label appeared in inlidazoleacetic acid. In the frog intracerebral administration of the labelled histamine led to the formation of methylhistamine and imidazoleacetic acid, but at most only traces of methylimidazoleacetic acid were found. The injection of [14C]imidazoleacetic acid intra- cerebrally into mice and frogs resulted in virtually no loss of the label in the form administered in the frog brain over a period of 4 h and in a slow rate of decrease in the mouse brain. No radioactive metabolites of imidazoleacetic acid were found in either species. The limitations of trying to determine natural functions of substances in brain by following the fate of exogenously administered materials is discussed.
Identity and Becoming

Face au probleme de la consitution materielle, l'A. defend la these selon laquelle la constitution implique l'identite, d'une part, et soutient une conception dualiste de l'identite fondee sur le principe de la transitivite, d'autre part, dans le respect de l'ontologie du sens commun concernant le changement relationnel et le changement mereologique.
Recent advances in radio astronomy

Although it is still in its infancy, the science of radio astronomy is providing many techniques for gaining invaluable information about the universe In 1931 Karl G. Jansky, a radio engineer at the Bell Telephone Laboratories, Holmdel, N.J., discovered radio waves of extraterrestrial origin while studying the direction of arrival of thunderstorm static at 20 Mc/s with a rotating beam antenna.1 This event is of historical significance because it marked the birth of the science of radio astronomy.
Effects of multiple internal reflections on the small signal gain and phase of a TWT

We formulate and solve a set of equations that model the effects of reflections from an arbitrary number of circuit discontinuities in a traveling wave tube operating under small signal conditions. Applying this model to a case in which the discontinuities represent a series of small random pitch variations due to fabrication errors in a helix TWT, we find that reflections may significantly increase the statistical effects on gain and output phase first reported in reference [1].
Investigation of the effect of a variety of pulse errors on spin I=1 quadrupolar alignment echo spectroscopy.

Abstract We report on an analysis of a well known three-pulse sequence for generating and detecting spin I = 1 quadrupolar order when various pulse errors are taken into account. In the situation of a single quadrupolar frequency, such as the case found in a single crystal, we studied the potential leakage of single and/or double quantum coherence when a pulse flip error, finite pulse width effect, RF transient or a resonance offset is present. Our analysis demonstrates that the four-step phase cycling scheme studied is robust in suppressing unwanted double and single quantum coherence as well as Zeeman order that arise from the experimental artifacts, allowing for an unbiased measurement of the quadrupolar alignment relaxation time, T1Q. This work also reports on distortions in quadrupolar alignment echo spectra in the presence of experimental artifacts in the situation of a powdered sample, by simulation. Using our simulation tool, it is demonstrated that the spectral distortions associated with the pulse artifacts may be minimized, to some extent, by optimally choosing the time between the first two pulses. We highlight experimental results acquired on perdeuterated hexamethylbenzene and polyethylene that demonstrate the efficacy of the phase cycling scheme for suppressing unwanted quantum coherence when measuring T1Q. It is suggested that one employ two separate pulse sequences when measuring T1Q to properly analyze the short time behavior of quadrupolar alignment relaxation data.
Dietary phytoestrogens inhibit experimental aneurysm formation in male mice.

Abstract Background The purpose of these experiments was to test the hypothesis that dietary phytoestrogens would diminish experimental aortic aneurysm formation. Materials and methods Six-wk-old C57BL/6 mice were divided into groups, fed either a diet with minimal phytoestrogen content or a regular commercial rodent diet with high phytoestrogen content for 2 wk. At the age of 8 wk, aortic aneurysms were induced by infusing the isolated infrarenal abdominal aorta with 0.4% elastase for 5 min. Mice were recovered and the diameter of the infused aorta was measured at postoperative days 3, 7, and 14. Abdominal aorta samples were collected for histology, cytokine array, and gelatin zymography after aortic diameter measurement. Blood samples were also collected to determine serum phytoestrogens and estradiol levels. Multiple-group comparisons were done using an analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey tests. Results Compared with mice on a minimal phytoestrogen diet, mice on a regular rodent diet had higher levels of serum phytoestrogens (male, 1138 ± 846 ng/dL; female, 310 ± 295 ng/dL). These serum phytoestrogen levels were also much higher than their own endogenous estradiol levels (109-fold higher for males and 35.5-fold higher for females). Although aortic diameters of female mice were unaffected by the phytoestrogen concentration in the diets, male mice on the regular rodent diet (M+ group) developed smaller aortic aneurysms than male mice on the minimal phytoestrogen diet (M− group) on postoperative day 14 (M+ 54.8 ± 8.8% versus M− 109.3 ± 37.6%; P P P Conclusions These results suggest that dietary phytoestrogens inhibit experimental aortic aneurysm formation in male mice via a reduction of the inflammatory response in the aorta wall. The protective effect of dietary phytoestrogens on aneurysm formation warrants further investigation.
Leaded-gasoline additives still contaminate groundwater

1,2-Dibromoethane (EDB) and 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA) were components of lead-based petroleum additives used between 1920 and 1980 in the USA. They are among the most commonly detected contaminants in US public drinking water systems that rely on groundwater. Few underground storage tank (UST) sites in the US have been tested for EDB and DCA. The historical use of EDB and DCA, their fate and transport in the environment and their health effects are described. Few states require testing for EDB and DCA in groundwater at UST sites, although all require BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes) analysis. Unless EDB and DCA specifically appear on the target analyte list, they are not quantified or reported. In South Carolina, testing for EDB began in 2001 and testing for DCA began in 2004. In 2004, 537 UST sites in South Carolina exceeded the EDB maximum contaminant level of 0.056 micrograms/litre.
Alternate methods and software for calculating interobserver agreement for continuous observation data

Portable electronic data collection devices permit investigators to collect large amounts of observational data in a form ready for computer analysis. These devices are particularly efficient for gathering continuous data on multiple behavior categories. We expect that the increasing availability of these devices will lead to greater use of continuous data collection methods in observational research. This paper addresses the difficulties encountered when calculating traditional interobserver agreement statistics for continuous, multiple-code scoring. Two alternative strategies are described that yield interobserver agreement values based on the exact time of behavior code entries by the primary and secondary observers.
Nonsurgical versus Endoscopic Sinonasal Surgery for Rhinogenic Headache

Headaches of sinonasal origin have been described lately. Terms such as middle turbinate syndrome have been used to describe this entity. The true incidence of this headache is unknown. A concha bullosa or a hypertrophied middle turbinate have been associated with these cases. Mucosal contact between the middle turbinate and the nasal septum or the lateral wall of the nose have been attributed as the cause of referred pain in the face. We present data on 23 individuals with refractory primary headache in the absence of any significant sinus symptoms. The duration of the symptoms of these individuals ranged between 4 and 13 years with a mean of 7.2 years. Fifteen patients agreed to undergo surgery, whereas eight refused surgery. After a mean of 23 months of follow-up, all those who did not have surgery continued to have pain that required excessive medications, whereas 60% of those who had surgery reported marked relief of their headaches. Those who had symptoms for less than 7 years had a greater chance o...
The inverse balayage problem for Markov chains

Abstract Let X be a Markov chain, let A be a finite sunset of its countable state space. let əA consist of states in A′ that can be reached in one step from A and let v be a prescribed probability measure on ∂A. In this paper we study the following inverse exit problem: describe and analyze the set M(v) of probability measures μ on A such that Pμ {X(T)ϵ·}=v(·) where T= inl{k: X(k)ϵ A′} is the first exit time from A. Characterizations are provided for elements of M(v), extreme points of M(v) and those measures in M(v) that are maximal with respect to a partial ordering induced by excessive functions. Potential theoretic aspects of the problem and one-dimensional birth and death processes are treated in detail, and examples are given that illustrate implications and limitations of the theory.
Diagnostic value of dobutamine echocardiography in patients with angina-like symptoms preceding syncope

Dobutamine echocardiography was performed in 55 patients with syncope which was clinically suspected to be angina-related. We evaluated the value of using a single test, dobutamine echocardiography, in differentiating real ischemia-related from vasovagal syncope which was diagnosed by a tilt test. During testing, supraventricular arrhythmia was provoked in four (7.2%) patients. Dobutamine echocardiography identified all of six (10.9%) patients (sensitivity 100%), who were found with significant coronary stenosis by coronary angiograms. The etiology of syncope in the remaining 45 patients was investigated further by tilt testing, the findings of hypotension and bradycardia during which were compared head to head with those of dobutamine echocardiography. Tilt testing diagnosed vasovagal syncope in 31 patients, in whom only 19 (61.3%) patients developed vasovagal reflex during dobutamine echocardiography. Conclusively, dobutamine echocardiography had a high sensitivity in identifying syncope related to myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary stenosis, but a low sensitivity (61.3%), high specificity (90.5%) and high positive predictive value (81.8%) in detecting the syncope patients with angina caused by vasovagal effect.
Peptide-bond synthesis in higher plants. III. The formation of glutathione from γ-glutamylcysteine

Abstract An enzyme has been isolated from wheat germ extracts which catalyzes the condensation of γ-glutamylcysteine and glycine in the presence of ATP to form glutathione, ADP, and orthophosphate. The synthesis has an absolute requirement for both magnesium and potassium ions. In addition, there is an apparent requirement for free sulfhydryl groups on the enzyme itself. The properties of the enzyme are very similar to the earlier characterized enzyme forming γ-glutamylcysteine from glutamate and cysteine. Evidence has been obtained that suggests that the reactive intermediate in glutathione synthesis may possibly be an enzyme-bound form of γ-glutamylcysteine.
Effect of Crystallinity on the Photoreduction of Cerium Oxide: A Study of CeO2 and Ce/Al2O3 Catalysts

The effect of crystallinity on the photoreduction of cerium oxide (Ce4+ to Ce3+) during X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of CeO2 and Ce/Al2O3 catalysts has been determined. Cerium oxide samples were prepared by calcining cerium(IV) methoxyethoxide in air at different temperatures. The structure of the resulting metal oxides was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The oxide obtained from calcination at 200 °C consisted primarily of amorphous cerium oxide, while the material produced at 750 °C contained large CeO2 crystallites. XPS Ce 3d spectra obtained for the samples showed that the amorphous cerium oxide sample was reduced more extensively than the crystalline material during XPS analysis. Ce/Al2O3 catalysts (5.1 wt % CeO2) were prepared by incipient wetness impregnation using ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate and cerium(IV) methoxyethoxide precursors. XRD and XPS analyses of the Ce/Al2O3 catalyst derived from the nitrate precursor (designated Ce...
Exercise training-induced alterations in skeletal muscle oxidative and antioxidant enzyme activity in senescent rats.

Limited data exist concerning exercise training-induced alterations in skeletal muscle oxidative and antioxidant enzyme activity in senescent animals. Therefore, the purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to examine the exercise training-induced changes in oxidative and antioxidant enzyme activity in skeletal muscle of old rats; and 2) to critically analyze the relationship between oxidative and antioxidant enzyme activities in skeletal muscle in both trained and untrained senescent rats. Female Fischer-344 rats (approximately 24-mo-old) were divided into 1) exercised trained (ET; n = 10) and 2) sedentary (S; n = 6) groups. The ET rats performed a 10-week training program of treadmill exercise (approximately 60 min, 5 days/wk). Training significantly (p less than 0.05) improved VO2max (delta 22.8%) in the ET rats above their age-matched controls. Further, the ET group had significantly elevated (p less than 0.05) activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in the soleus and red gastrocnemius (RG) muscles as well as greater (p less than 0.05) 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HADH) activity in the RG when compared to the S group. However, training did not alter (p greater than 0.05) HADH activity within the white gastrocnemius (WG) or soleus muscles. Activity of the antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was higher (p less than 0.05) in the soleus and RG in ET rats when compared to the S rats; in contrast, training did not alter (p less than 0.05) GPX activity in the WG. Finally, the correlation coefficients between SDH and GPX activities (combined ET and S groups) for the RG, WG, and soleus muscles were r = .73, .17 and .36, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Individual-based model for dieldrin contamination in lake trout

An individual-based model (IBM) was applied to dieldrin contamination in the lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) population of Lake Michigan in order to determine if a model structure originally developed for contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Lake Michigan lake trout would also apply to dieldrin contamination. Many different congeners constitute PCBs, whereas dieldrin is a single chemical compound. The model accurately accounted for the variation in dieldrin concentrations exhibited within the Lake Michigan lake trout population. The degree of variability included in dieldrin concentrations of the prey fish was similar to that used for modeling total PCBs. These results supported the argument that any heterogeneity in PCB congener distribution in Lake Michigan contributed relatively little to the observed variability in lake trout total PCB concentrations. Furthermore, these results indicate that the IBM has potential to be applicable to a variety of organochlorine contaminants. The IBM should prove useful for risk assessment of contaminants in fish.
Transnational public goods: Strategies and institutions

Abstract Weaker-link and better-shot public goods are prevalent in examples of transnational collective action. Instances include dike building, atmospheric monitoring, cyberspace virus control, deforestation, disease control, and peacekeeping. This paper analyzes essential game-theoretic features of such public goods, which allow correlated strategies to provide Pareto-improving alternatives to the Nash equilibria. Correlation is justified as providing a formal structure for the veil of uncertainty and political leadership. Weaker-link and better-shot public goods differ in terms of the appropriate institutional design. We also consider the consequences of diminishing returns on game forms and institutional prescriptions.
Inappropriate Student Behavior--A Problem for Student Teachers.

(1997). Inappropriate Student Behavior—A Problem for Student Teachers. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 68, No. 6, pp. 28-30.
Chemical Sequencing of Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

A new technique for sequencing phosphorothioate oligonucleotides is demonstrated that uses matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). Current sequencing protocols for phosphorothioate analysis have drawbacks to their widespread implementation. Enzymatic and Maxam−Gilbert sequencing techniques require oxidation to the phosphodiester moiety, thereby increasing analysis time and eliminating the ability to locate modified linkages. Tandem mass spectrometry, which is finding increased use in phosphodiester oligonucleotide sequencing, has not been demonstrated on molecules with phosphorothioate-linked backbones. In the approach presented here, sequencing of the phosphorothioate-linked oligonucleotide is carried out using 2-iodoethanol to cleave at thiolated sites along the backbone. The technique has several advantages over current phosphorothioate sequencing methods: (1) sequencing is performed on the sample without prior oxidation; (2) both 5‘ → 3‘ and 3‘ → 5‘...
Density functional theory study of radical hydrogen abstraction with hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals

Abstract Computational studies with an initio (HF, MP2, G1, and GP2) and density functional theory (DFT) methods (B3LYP, B3P86, B3PW91, HFS, HFB, XALPHA, BLYP, BP86, BPW91, BVWN, XALYP, XAP86, XAPW91, XAVWN, SLYP, SP86, SPW91 and SVWN) were used to evaluate the reaction barrier for hydrogen abstraction reaction with hydrogen hydroxy radicals from hydrogen and methane molecules. All computations were performed with the Gaussian 6–311G(2d,2p) basis set. The computed results were compared with experimental results and suitability of some DFT methods for prediction hydrogen abstraction reaction barriers are discussed.
Computer Modeling of Liquid Droplet Impact on Heat Transfer During Spray Cooling

Spray cooling is a high flux heat removal technique considered for systems dissipating high power within small areas such as advanced lasers. Recently Selvam and Ponnappan (2004 & 2005) identified the importance of modeling heat transfer in a thin liquid film on a hot surface at the micro level and illustrated how this micro level modeling could help to improve the macro level spray cooling. The goal of this research is to advance the theoretical understanding of spray cooling to enable efficient system level hardware designs. Two-phase flow modeling is done using the level set method to identify the interface of vapor and liquid. The modifications made to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations to consider surface tension and phase change are presented. The equations are solved using the finite difference method. The effect of liquid droplet impact on a 40 μm thick liquid film containing vapor bubble and the consequent heat removal is explained with a sequence of temperature vs. time contours. From that, the importance of fast transient conduction in the liquid film leading to high heat flux in a short time is illustrated. The optimum positioning of the droplet with respect to the vapor bubble for effective heat removal is also systematically investigated. This information is expected to help in proper positioning of the droplet in three-dimensional modeling.Copyright © 2005 by ASME