cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved nutrient intake in older obese adults undergoing a structured diet and exercise intentional weight loss program.

Physicians are often reluctant to advise older obese patients to lose weight for fear of compromised nutrition and excessive loss of muscle mass and strength, all of which may lead to a loss of independence and accelerate disability. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine nutrient intake in older obese adults undergoing a weight loss intervention. The study setting was at a university research facility. A total of 71 participants (age, 69.5 (SD = 5.8) yrs; 62% female; BMI, 34.6 (4.4) kg/m2) were recruited. Individuals were randomized into either a weight stable (WS) control group or an intensive weight loss (WL) group. The WL intervention was for 6 months and utilized partial meal replacements (PMR) and a facility-based 3 d/wk, 60 min/session exercise training program encompassing both aerobic and strength exercises. Weight loss goal for WL was 10% from baseline at 6-months. Variables were obtained at baseline and 6-months and included 3 day dietary records along with daily step counts for 7 days. Total energy, macronutrients (g and % of energy), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), as well as use of PMR were assessed from the diet records. Body mass and body fat (g and % of body mass) were determined at the 2 time points. Estimated marginal means (SEM) for weight loss at 6-months was -8.8 (0.7)% for WL and −0.1 (0.7)% for WS. Daily energy intake at 6-months was lower for WL (1396 (64) kcals) compared to WS (1817 (71) kcals). Additionally, those in the WL group (compared to WS) had lower intakes of total fat (27.5 (1.2)%, WL vs. 36.1 (4.6)%, WS) and saturated fatty acids (8.5 (0.4)% vs. 10.8 (0.5)%), and had higher levels of carbohydrates (57.6 (1.5)% vs. 49.0 (1.7)%), protein (18.4 (0.5% vs. 16.2 (0.6)%), and dietary fiber (21.0 (0.9) g vs. 17.4 (1.0) g) at 6-months. Even with reduced total calorie intake, key micronutrients (calcium, iron, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin C) were higher for WL vs. WS at 6-months. Total daily step counts were higher for WL vs. WS at 6-months. A nutrition intervention to promote weight loss in older obese adults was achieved using PMR as a primary strategy. Diet quality was improved for WL vs. WS in using the nutrient fortified product, even with a reduction in total energy intake.
MOLECULAR BASIS OF VERY LONG CHAIN ACYL-COA DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY: SCREENING AND MUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF SEVENTEEN PATIENTS. • 866

Very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) catalyses the first step of the betaoxidation spiral of fatty acid metabolism. Its deficiency is associated with sudden infant death syndrome, cardiomyopathy, Reye Syndrome-like hepatic encephalopathy, and skeletal myopathy. To investigate the molecular basis of VLCAD deficiency, we isolated and completely sequenced the human VLCAD cDNA and gene. With these data, we screened fifteen patients with clinical and biochemical evidence suggestive of VLCAD deficiency using single stranded conformational variance (SSCV) for all 20 exons and identified abnormalities in fourteen patients. We also screened parents of two infants who died with clinical features consistent with VLCAD deficiency. Amplified PCR products were subcloned and sequenced by the dideoxy method for mutational analysis. Ten different mutations were found in nine patients. A C1837T,(R613W) mutation was present in three patients, and a 3-base pair deletion(delta 891-893) was found in two. One patient was homozygous for a mutation in the consensus dinucleotide of the donor splice site [g+1a] resulting in skipping of the prior exon [exon 11]. Four patients were compound heterozygotes and so far, single allele abnormalities have been found in four patients. Six patients have, as yet, unknown mutations. In all, nine patients presented with cardiomyopathy, six with skeletal myopathy, and four with a metabolic crisis. Four patients (22%) died. This study proves the heterogenous nature of the clinical features and the molecular defects in VLCAD deficiency.
Cardiovascular death in patients with atrial fibrillation is better predicted by left atrial thrombus and spontaneous echocardiographic contrast as compared with clinical parameters

We hypothesized that altered intra-atrial thrombogenicity, as reflected by the presence of left atrial (LA) thrombus or spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC), would predict cardiovascular death in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). In 175 patients with AF and no more than mild mitral regurgitation as detected by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), 13 cardiovascular deaths occurred during a mean follow-up of 31 ± 20 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis using clinical variables identified the presence of congestive heart failure (relative risk [RR]= 4.22; P = .02) as the only positive predictor of cardiovascular death. However, when the TEE variables were added to the model, LA thrombus (RR = 5.52; P = .024) and LA SEC (RR = 7.96; P = .013) emerged as the only positive predictors of cardiovascular death. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a lower event-free survival from cardiovascular death in patients with LA thrombus and/or SEC ( P = .0013). These findings support AF as a contributing cause of cardiovascular death independent of clinically associated risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, congestive heart failure, and prior myocardial infarction.
An econometric procedure for estimation of a generalized systemic gravity model under incomplete information about the system

Abstract Gravity spatial interaction models have a long history and a wide scope of empirical applications, Alonso (1973) proposed a generalized model whose structure subsumes major versions of the gravity model in the literature as special cases. Little attention has been given to how the general model might be estimated, or if it is estimable at all. This paper develops an econometric procedure for situations where all places in a geographic system are not included in the observations. The general model and various constrained versions are empirically estimated on a sample of intermetropolitan migration data and compared.
The formation of chondrules by open-system melting of nebular condensates

Experiments were conducted under canonical nebular conditions to see whether the chemical compositions of the various chondrule types can be derived from a single CI-like starting material by open-system melting and evaporation. Experimental charges, produced at 1580 °C and PH2 of 1.31×10−5 atm over 1 to 18 hours, consisted of only two phases, porphyritic olivine crystals in glass. Sulfur, metallic-iron and alkalis were completely evaporated in the first minutes of the experiments and subsequently the main evaporating liquid oxides were FeO and SiO2. Olivines from short runs (2–4 hours) have compositions of Fo83-Fo89, as in Type IIA chondrules, while longer experimental runs (12–18 hours) produce ∼Fo99 olivine, similar to Type IA chondrules. The concentration of CaO in both olivine (up to 0.6 wt.%) and glass, and their Mg#, increased with increasing heating duration. Natural chondrules also show increasing CaO with decreasing S, alkalis, FeO and SiO2. The similarities in bulk chemistry, mineralogy and textures between Type IIA and IA chondrules and the experimental charges demonstrate that these chondrules could have formed by the evaporation of CI precursors. The formation of silica-rich chondrules (IIB and IB) by evaporation requires a more pyroxene-rich precursor. Based on the FeO evaporation rates measured here, Type IIA and IA chondrules, were heated for at least ∼0.5 and ∼3.5 h, respectively, if formed at 1580 °C and PH2 of 1.31×10−5 atm. Type II chondrules may have experienced higher cooling-rates and less evaporation than Type I. The experimental charges experienced free evaporation and exhibited heavy isotopic enrichments in silicon, as well as zero concentrations of S, Na and K, which are not observed in natural chondrules. However, experiments on potassium-rich melts at the same pressure but in closed capsules showed less evaporation of K, and less K isotopic mass fractionation, than expected as a function of decreasing cooling rate. Thus the environment in which chondrules formed is as important as the kinetic processes they experienced. If chondrule formation occurred under conditions in which evaporated gases remained in the vicinity of the residual melts, the extent of evaporation would be reduced and back reaction between the gas and the melt could contribute to the suppression of isotopic mass fractionation. Hence chondrule formation could have involved evaporative loss without Rayleigh fractionation. Volatile-rich Type II and volatile-poor Type I chondrules may have formed in domains with high and low chondrule concentrations, and high partial pressures of lithophile elements, respectively.
Selenaproline and protein synthesis

Abstract Selenaproline is a proline analog having the C-4 methylene group substituted by a selenium atom. It has been demonstrated that selenaproline is activated and transferred to tRNA Pro by either Escherichia coli or rat liver aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in competition with proline, and that it inhibits polypeptide synthesizing systems from E. coli , rat liver or rabbit reticulocytes. Analyzing the polysomal pattern of reticulocyte lysate it has been shown that selenaproline inhibits the ribosome run-off. Studying the effect of the addition of puromycin to the polypeptide synthesizing system, data have been obtained indicating that selenaproline may be incorporated in the growing polypeptide chain but impairs further chain elongation. All tests were performed in comparison with thiaproline, a proline analog having the C-4 methylene group substituted by a sulfur atom, which is known to act as a competitive inhibitor of proline. In all the reactions studied both thiaproline and selenaproline show similar inhibitory effects. The main difference between thiaproline and selenaproline is that the inhibitory effects of the latter are evident at lower concentrations and are not completely reverted by proline.
Hexaphyrin(1.0.1.0.0.0). A new colorimetric actinide sensor

Abstract Hexaphyrin(1.0.1.0.0.0) (isoamethyrin) undergoes a significant color change in the presence of UO 2 2+ , PuO 2 2+ , and NpO 2 2+ . The complexation of the first of these dioxo actinide cations was studied in semi-quantitative fashion in 1:1 MeOH–CH 2 Cl 2 . Under these conditions, the detection limit for UO 2 2+ was found to be ca. 5.8 ppm by naked eye monitoring and
Beyond fair use: a framework for digital information use in academia

As information security has gained so much importance in the last two decades and continues to do so, intellectual property (IP) lies at the core of information security discourse. IP represents one of the pillars of the economic order and, accordingly, has faced many challenges over the years from a variety of sources. Today, widespread use of digitized IP, primarily via the Internet, is a primary driver of both IP risk and value. This paper proposes a framework for ethical and productive use of digital information in academic settings. It begins with an overview of the fair use doctrine, continues with a literature review illustrating the lack of a framework to help academia with proper Fair Use and, along the way, recommends practical steps that may be taken by institutions of higher education to maximize value added by digital media while minimizing the risk of fair-use litigation.
Fish Assemblages and Habitat Gradients in a Rocky Mountain–Great Plains Stream: Biotic Zonation and Additive Patterns of Community Change

Abstract We examined the importance of zonation and species additions in explaining longitudinal changes in the fish assemblage of a Rocky Mountain stream that descends onto the Great Plains of Wyoming. Community changes along an elevational gradient from 2,234 to 1,230 m above mean sea level reflected a combination of zonation and downstream addition of species. Zonation was evident on a broad spatial scale as a result of stream temperatures. A coldwater trout (Salmonidae) assemblage dominated headwater reaches but was replaced by a warmwater minnow–sucker (Cyprinidae–Catostomidae) assemblage below 2,000 m. Within the warmwater zone, fish community change was due mainly to the addition of new species downstream. Headwater sites were dominated by members of the insectivore feeding guild, and other trophic guilds were added downstream. The major gradient of habitat change downstream consisted of a decrease in pool habitat and increases in stream width, depth, current velocity, turbidity, and proportion of ...
Activity of eravacycline against Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter baumannii, including multidrug-resistant isolates, from New York City

ABSTRACT Eravacycline demonstrated in vitro activity against a contemporary collection of more than 4,000 Gram-negative pathogens from New York City hospitals, with MIC 50 /MIC 90 values, respectively, for Escherichia coli of 0.12/0.5 μg/ml, Klebsiella pneumoniae of 0.25/1 μg/ml, Enterobacter aerogenes of 0.25/1 μg/ml, Enterobacter cloacae 0.5/1 μg/ml, and Acinetobacter baumannii of 0.5/1 μg/ml. Activity was retained against multidrug-resistant isolates, including those expressing KPC and OXA carbapenemases. For A. baumannii, eravacycline MICs correlated with increased expression of the adeB gene.
Social problem-solving deficits, dependency, and depressive symptoms

Depressive symptoms have been linked to deficits in social problem solving. We extended earlier work by evaluating the specificity of problem-solving deficits to depressive (vs. anxiety) symptoms and by incorporating another correlate of depression, interpersonal dependency. Specifically, we addressed (a) a prediction that problem-solving skill and dependency would correlate inversely and (b) the question of whether problem-solving skill is associated with depressive symptom severity, controlling for dependency. In an unselected sample (N=115), results varied for different aspects of social problem solving. Problem-solving skills (e.g., generating multiple alternatives, evaluating pros and cons before deciding) were unrelated to depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, or dependency. Problem orientation (a constructive attitude toward problems involving seeing them as manageable challenges) was inversely related to dependency and to both depressive and anxiety symptom severity. The relation between problem orientation and depressive symptoms was reduced but not eliminated by controlling statistically for dependency.
An Investigation of Distortions of the Dion−Jacobson Phase RbSr2Nb3O10 and Its Acid-Exchanged Form with 93Nb Solid State NMR and DFT Calculations

The different niobium sites in a Dion−Jacobson triple-layered perovskite, RbSr2Nb3O10, and its acid-exchanged version, HSr2Nb3O10, were investigated by using solid state NMR and DFT methods. 93Nb electric field gradient (EFG) and chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) tensor values were extracted and site assignments made by using DFS, VOCS, MQMAS, and {1H}-93Nb CP NMR techniques. The exterior niobium site exhibited a quadrupolar coupling (CQ) of 45 MHz and a CSA span of 820 ppm while the interior site exhibited a reverse trend with a CQ of 93 MHz and a CSA span of 530 ppm. Both EFG and CSA tensors for the sites exhibited near axial symmetry although the CSA tensors had a greater deviation. The symmetry of the tensors is in conflict with the previously proposed structure for RbSr2Nb3O10 and implies a lower symmetry space group and a possible tilting of the octahedra. Acid exchange altered the EFG tensors for both sites reducing their CQ values to 39 and 86 MHz, respectively, while not substantially changing the ...
Cloud Service Portal for Mobile Device Management

Mobile device has become an important tool and component in many businesses and used widely as a successful platform to invent and develop new applications to increase efficiency and reduce cost. Maintaining a fleet of devices for the mobile task force in a secure and scalable fashion is critical to ensure the long-term success of enterprise mobility platforms. Many mobile device management suites have been designed and implemented lately to provide some management functions to enterprise mobile fleet, but to the best of our knowledge, none of them have leveraged the power of emerging cloud computing infrastructure and there are several areas that we see great potentials for significant improvements. In this paper, we present our design for a portal to provide remote management access to virtualized device management servers hosted in a service cloud. Our design is targeted to hide the details of the device management behind a standard-based, uniform control interface that can be viewed from a cross-platform agent that can run on multiple mobile platforms. We will also describe briefly the prototype we are developing as an internal pilot.
Statistical guarantee of QoS in communication networks with temporally correlated loss

We present an analytical study for the Gilbert loss model describing temporally correlated loss observed in the Internet and other communication systems. We obtain closed-form solutions describing the transient and steady-state behavior of the model. Additionally, starting from recursive equations of the Gilbert loss model, we derive closed-form solutions for arrival and loss patterns of the systems governed by the model. We show that utilizing our model yields a lower complexity compared to existing recursive models, attracting special attention for use in many different wired and wireless networking applications relying on such a model.
Impact of harness fit on suspension tolerance.

Objective: This study investigated the effect of body size and shape and harness fit on suspension tolerance time. Background: Fall victims may develop suspension trauma, a potentially fatal reduction of return blood flow from legs to the heart and brain, after a successfully arrested fall if they are not rescued quickly or the harness does not fit them well. Method: For this study, 20 men and 17 women with construction experience were suspended from the dorsal D-ring of a full-body fall-arrest harness. Their suspension tolerance time, physical characteristics, and harness fit levels were assessed. Results: Body characteristics (i.e., weight, stature, upper- and lower-torso depths) were associated with decreased suspension tolerance time (r = –.36 ~ –.45, p ≤ .03). In addition, harness fit affected suspension tolerance time; workers with a torso angle of suspension greater than 35°, a thigh strap angle greater than 50°, or a poorly fitting harness size had shorter suspension tolerance time (mean differences = 14, 11, and 9.8 min, respectively, p ≤ .05). Conclusion: Body size and harness fit were predictors of suspension tolerance time. Selecting wellfit harnesses and establishing a 9-min rescue plan are suggested to ensure that no more than 5% of workers would experience suspension trauma. Applications: The study provides a basis for harness designers, standards writers, and manufacturers to improve harness configurations and testing requirements for better worker protection against suspension trauma.
Regiospecific synthesis of 11-desoxyanthracycline antibiotics starting with aloe-emodin

Abstract The regiospecific synthesis of an established 11-desoxyanthracycline synthon ( 8b ) from aloe-emodin ( 3a ) is described.
Col. Robert R. McCormick: Radio speaker on WGN

In these days of the Fairness Doctrine and programming by committee, there is a nostalgia in recalling the day when the “radio talk” was an accepted feature. Dr. William D. Brooks has served on the faculties of McPherson College and Ohio University. He is presently Assistant Professor of Speech at the University of Kansas.
Global governance, international health law and WHO: looking towards the future

The evolving domain of international health law encompasses increasingly diverse and complex concerns. Commentators agree that health development in the twenty-first century is likely to expand the use of conventional international law to create a framework for coordination and cooperation among states in an increasingly interdependent world. This article examines the forces and factors behind the emerging expansion of conventional international health law as an important tool for present and future multilateral cooperation. It considers challenges to effective international health cooperation posed for intergovernmental organizations and other actors involved in lawmaking. Although full consolidation of all aspects of future international health lawmaking under the auspices of a single international organization is unworkable and undesirable, the World Health Organization (WHO) should endeavour to serve as a coordinator, catalyst and, where appropriate, platform for future health law codification. Such leadership by WHO could enhance coordination, coherence and implementation of international health law policy.
FEMINIST CONTRIBUTIONS TO COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY

In this article we first identify and provide evidence for feminist contributions to counseling psychology in four broad areas. These are policy and leadership in the field, theory and research, training and practice, and recognition of feminist scholarship and contributions by women. In view of the evidence, we conclude that feminist perspectives are irrevocably changing the field of counseling psychology by stimulating the rethinking of its premises and models with regard to normal development and by developing new approaches to inquiry and practice.
Effect of Surfactants on Absorption through Membranes III: Effects of Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate and Poloxalene on Absorption of a Poorly Absorbable Drug, Phenolsulfonphthalein, in Rats

The influence of dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate and poloxalence on the GI absorption of phenolsulfonphthalein in the rat was studied. Urinary excretion data after oral administration of the drug to intact rats and loss of the drug from the whole small intestine as a loop were both utilized to assess the effect of the surfactants on absorption. Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate markedly increased the absorption of the drug, and the extent was dependent on the surfactant concentration. Maximum effect was observed at the reported ED50, in rats, of the surfactant as a fecal softener. The mechanism responsible for absorption enhancement seems to be an alertation of the permeability of the intestinal membrane. Micellar complexation between the drug and the surfactant resulted in a lesser increase in absorption at the higher surfactant concentrations. Poloxalene did not increase drug absorption due to micellar entrapments of the peritoneal absorption of the drug was also investigated. Lower doses of the surfactant increased absorption of the drug by altering the membrane permeability. Higher doses decreased absorption due to unavailability of the drug molecules entrapped in the micelles.
Relationship Between the Neurotoxicity and In Vivo Toxicity of Certain Cyclodiene Insecticides in the German Cockroach

Attempts were made to correlate in vivo toxicities of certain cyclodiene insecticides with their nenrotoxicities in situ in Blatttlla germanica (L.). Cyclodiencs with epoxide rings were always more neurotoxic than their noncpoxy counterparts; in contrast, the latter compounds were always more toxic than the former counterparts in vivo. All aldrin analogues (hexachlorinated endomethanonaphthalenes) required unusually long latent periods to elicit neurotoxic symptoms. Dieldrin, in particular, required 35 min to express its neurotoxicity regardless of its concentration, implying that a factor (s), yet unknown, plays an important role in dieldrin poisoning.
Relaxation in Sub-Micron Si-1-xGex Strain-Layer Mesas

Finite element modelling of strain-layer mesa structures shows that edge effects can contribute to the relaxation of in-plane misfit stress. Calculations were performed for a 200 nm thick layer of Si90Ge10 grown epitaxially on an Si substrate which was patterned into 400-nm-high mesas ranging in diameter from 0.6 to 7 μm. These calculations were experimentally investigated using plan-view TEM to study relaxation in patterned and unpatterned material. This composition and film thickness exceeds the critical thickness predicted using simple strain energy considerations. In one experiment, an initially defect-free 200-nm-thick Si90Ge10 layer was annealed at 960°C for 1 hr to create a nearly fully relaxed layer which was then lithographically patterned into an array of sub-micron mesas. The wafer was then annealed for a second time and changes in the character of die pre-existing dislocations were studied.
Process Variation Aware Transistor Sizing for Load Balance of Multiple Paths in Dynamic CMOS for Timing Optimization

The complexity in timing optimization of high performance microprocessors has been increasing with the number of channel-connected transistors in various paths of dynamic CMOS circuits and the rising magnitude of process variations in nanometer CMOS process. In this paper, a process variation aware transistor sizing algorithm for dynamic CMOS circuits while considering the Load Balance of Multiple Paths (LBMP) is proposed. The proposed iterative optimization algorithm is a deterministic approach and is illustrated first by a 2-b weighted binary-to-thermometric converter (WBTC) and of which the critical path was optimized from an initial delay of 355 ps to an optimal delay of 157 ps, which accounts for a 55.77% delay improvement. A 4-b unity weight binary-to-thermometric converter (UWBTC) was also designed and of which the critical path was optimized from an initial delay of 152 ps to an optimal delay of 103 ps, which accounts for a 32.23% delay improvement. Finally, a 64-b parallel binary adder was partitioned to a mixed dynamic-static CMOS style and the critical path and the power delay product were optimized to 632 ps and 84.17 pJ respectively.
Multisensor data fusion for impact-echo testing of concrete structures

Based on the investigation of spatial variations of impact-echo signals for different source and receiver locations, a simple multisensor data fusion strategy is proposed to increase the accuracy of nondestructive evaluation of concrete structures using the impact-echo test. The data fusion strategy fuses the ratios between spectral amplitudes of the delamination and concrete bottom echo signals (D/B ratios) from multiple source–receiver arrays. The fused D/B ratios demonstrate different characteristics for test locations above the delamination, above the sound concrete, and across the delamination boundary. These characteristics can be used to accurately locate the delamination and its boundaries without increasing testing time. The applicability of the multisensor data fusion for impact-echo testing is validated using both numerical simulation and experimental testings.
Complement Inhibition in the Treatment of SLE-Associated Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a well-described complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).1 Historically, plasma exchange has been the mainstay of treatment for TTP as well as for other thrombotic microangiopathies.2 Recently, the complement inhibitor eculizumab has demonstrated efficacy in treating atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).3 Whether eculizumab therapy could be beneficial in the treatment of TTP is unknown. We report a case of pediatric SLE-associated TTP treated with eculizumab, in conjunction with steroids, plasma exchange, and additional immunosuppressant therapies.
Biogenesis of YidC cytoplasmic membrane substrates is required for positioning of autotransporter IcsA at future poles

Localization of proteins to specific sites within bacterial cells is often critical to their function. In rod-shaped bacteria, proteins involved in diverse and important cell processes localize to the cell poles. The molecular mechanisms by which these proteins are targeted to the pole, however, are poorly understood. The Shigella autotransporter protein IcsA, which is localized to the pole on the surface of the bacterium, is targeted to the pole in the cytoplasm by a mechanism that is conserved across multiple Gram-negative bacterial species and has thus served as an important and informative model for studying polar localization. We present evidence that in Escherichia coli, the establishment of polar positional information recognized by IcsA requires the activity of the cytoplasmic membrane protein insertase YidC. We show that the role of YidC in IcsA localization is independent of the cell septation and cytokinesis proteins FtsQ and FtsEX. FtsQ is required for polar localization of IcsA and, based on cross-linking studies, is inserted in the vicinity of YidC, but, we find, is not dependent on YidC for membrane insertion. FtsEX is a YidC substrate, but we find that it is not required for polar localization of IcsA. These findings indicate that polar positional information recognized by IcsA depends on one or more membrane proteins that require YidC for proper membrane insertion.
Bone density in relation to alcohol intake among men and women in the United States.

Studies of postmenopausal women have shown a positive association between BMD and alcohol intake. We found that BMD was higher in men, and possibly postmenopausal women, who drank alcohol compared with those who abstained. Drinking alcohol, but not binge drinking, may benefit bone health of men and postmenopausal women. Osteoporotic fractures account for over 2.5 million physician visits annually for persons ages ≥45 years in the United States. Studies of postmenopausal women show a positive association between bone mineral density (BMD) and alcohol intake, but for men and premenopausal women, the bone–alcohol relationship remains unclear. We examined the association between total hip (TH) and femoral neck (FN) BMD and alcohol intake of men and pre- and postmenopausal women. We conducted multiple regression analyses using data from 13,512 persons ages ≥20 years from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–1994. Alcohol intake and binge drinking were measured by questionnaire and hip BMD by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Accounting for covariates, TH BMD was higher in men (n = 6,868) who had 5–29 (+2.1%, p 29 drinking occasions/month (+1.7%, p 29 drinking occasions/month than those who abstained (p = 0.06). Binge drinking was not associated with BMD of men or women. Drinking alcohol, but not binge drinking, appears to be beneficial to bone health of men and possibly postmenopausal women.
The Lackey Self-Timed Switch-Fabric Design Framework

This paper demonstrates how to rapidly build useful, and high performance self-timed or elastic communication networks. The networks are elegantly extensible to include an arbitrary number of Producers and Consumers. Each switch within the network is built from multiple instances of a Latch Control Element (LaCkEy). The Lackey is a general circuit for self-timed data control. It is built once and then configured to implement a wide range of data routing functions. The circuits presented in this paper seek to maintain high performance, at a minimal cost in complexity.
Compiler scheduling of mobile agents for minimizing overheads

Mobile code carried by a mobile agent can automatically travel to several data sources in order to complete a designated program. Traditionally, most mobile agent systems [7][8][13] need explicit involvement of the programmer to designate migration and computation schedule of the agent. In this paper, we study the compiler-supported agent scheduling to optimize either the number of the migrations or the amount of data transfer. Two approaches are proposed and evaluated in our experiments, i.e. the static and dynamic scheduling algorithms. The first algorithm works totally offline. After converting the program control flow, graph (CFG) to program dependency graph (PDG), the schedule is worked out. On the other hand, in order to dynamically schedule the agent when it reaches predicate (control flow) nodes, our dynamic scheduling algorithm generates the motion schedule incrementally. Finally, our results show good improvement over unoptimized agent code both in terms of data transfer sizes and number of agent migrations.
Research on GPS antennas at Mitre

This paper presents the results of various investigations related to GPS adaptive nulling antennas that were conducted in 1997 under a research program sponsored by The Mitre Corporation. Under this program, MITRE has demonstrated the feasibility of using fundamental and higher order modes within a single microstrip patch radiator to create a relatively simple, low cost adaptive antenna capable of forming a null in the vicinity of the horizon where the jamming threat is the greatest. Resistivity tapered ground planes have been built and tested to reduce the high back lobes of GPS microstrip antennas caused by fields diffracted from the outer edges of the ground plane on which the antenna is mounted; a 10 to 20 dB reduction of these back lobes has been measured, thereby providing the antenna with greater immunity against jammers and external interference. Investigations have been performed to determine the performance limitations imposed by an airborne platform on jamming suppression of GPS adaptive antennas through scale model measurements and analysis. Antenna pattern measurements have been made on a scaled, right hand circularly polarized GPS antenna placed on a 1/8 scale model of a typical tactical aircraft. An extensive electromagnetic analysis has also been conducted to investigate the effects of platform interaction of a GPS microstrip antenna installed on a cruise missile. The accuracy of the simulation has been validated by comparison with measurements. These investigations will help to quantify the effect on the nulling performance of these airborne arrays by electromagnetic effects such as finite size and curvature of the platform, multipath, creeping waves and mutual coupling between the main and the auxiliary elements in the adaptive array.
Pityriasis Rosea in Children A Review

Pityriasis rosea is a common disorder of unknown etiology that may simulate a number of other dermatologic entities. Secondary syphilis should always be ruled out, particularly in adolescents. Pruritus occurs more frequently than is generally appreciated. The herald patch may not always be present. Secondary lesions occasionally occur distal to the elbows and knees and on the face. Over the more proximal parts of the body the secondary lesions will characteristically align themselves with the long axis following the skin lines of cleavage. The natural course is that of spontaneous resolution within 6 to 8 weeks. Sequelae are rare and usually medically insignificant. Management with oral antipruritics and/or topical steroids may be necessary to relieve the itching.
The embryogenesis of rod photoreceptors in the teleost fish retina, Haplochromis burtoni

Development of the retina, like that of other tissues, occurs via an orderly sequence of cell division and differentiation, producing the functional retina. In teleost fish, however, cell division and differentiation in the retina continue throughout the life of the animal in two distinct ways. Stem cells in a circumferential germinal zone at the periphery of the retina give rise to all retinal cell types and progenitor cells located throughout the retina in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) produce new rod photoreceptors. These processes in adult retina recapitulate in space the embryonic events responsible for forming the retina. Analysis of these events in an African cichlid fish, Haplochromis burtoni, confirmed that cone photoreceptors differentiate first, followed by rod photoreceptors. Correspondingly, at the margin of the eye, cone photoreceptors differentiate nearer to the margin than do rods. Control of photoreceptor production is not understood. Here we present the time of appearance and distribution pattern of GABA and vimentin which are candidates for the control of retinal cell division and differentiation. Antibody staining reveals that both GABA and vimentin exhibit unique patterns of expression during embryonic retinal development. Vimentin immunoreactivity is evident throughout the retina in a spoke-like pattern between developmental Days 4 and 7, as both cone and rod photoreceptors are being formed. GABA is expressed in horizontal cells between Days 5 and 7, corresponding to the onset of rod differentiation in time and in position within the retina. Moreover, the wave of GABAergic staining in the horizontal cells parallels the wave of rod differentiation across the embryonic retina of H. burtoni. Thus, GABA may play a role in the development of rod photoreceptors.
Developing a department-wide learning assessment program

During the last several years (to 2000), the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) shifted the focus of its accreditation visits from resource-based to outcome-based. Faced with an accreditation visit by NCA in the fall of 1999, Purdue University began developing a university-wide learning assessment program. A council was formed at the university level, with committees in each of the schools within the university. The School of Technology was one of the lenders in developing an assessment program, which was to be expected as it is a teaching-based, rather than research-based school. Most of the faculty were reluctant to have new requirements added to their workload. Thus, it was necessary to work as a team to develop requirements that were acceptable or at least palatable to the faculty. The paper describes how an assessment program was developed in the Department of Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) at Purdue in the hope that it will provide help to others who are starting the process of developing an assessment program.
Modelling of ultrashort laser pulse material processing

We have used a modified version of the hydro code HYADES to simulate the interaction of intense laser pulses with various materials, both metals and dielectrics. Here we discuss two effects. Because the ultrashort laser pulse (USLP) energy is absorbed in a very thin layer, at high laser intensities, the plasma temperature in this layer becomes so high during the pulse that the plasma layer, which hasn't had time to expand, works as an ideal plasma mirror. Our experiments and simulations indicate >90% reflectivity for 0.5-ps pulses with fluence over about 200 J/cm/sup 2/. We find that, as a result of this plasma mirror effect, the optimal fluence for material processing is not very high compared with the ablation threshold. Optimization of laser parameters for material processing will be discussed. Very often prepulses materially affect USLP material processing. Prepulses produce an initial plasma, which can expand and shield the underlying material. On the other hand, a small-scale-length plasma layer increases absorption near the ablation surface and can compensate the plasma mirror effect. Optimization of the prepulse will also be discussed. Finally, simulation results are compared with the experimental data.
Effectiveness and efficacy of early detection of hearing impairment in children.

Throughout the industrial world, technology and techniques are now available so that any child, no matter how young or how impaired, can have an accurate and precise assessment of middle ear function, auditory reactivity, and physiological processing of auditory stimuli. Yet, a major problem exists in the lack of timely identification of many children with hearing impairments. Presently, identification systems are primarily proactive and are based on technology. These consist of testing of infants with biological risk factors and the use of hearing screening programs at various times during the first decade of life. The reactive sources of referral appear to be inadequate, an impression that is supported by the data on the delay of diagnosis. These inadequacies appear to be due to a lack of awareness on the part of health providers as to the potential hearing losses; ignorance concerning the ability to diagnose them; and a lack of awareness of the potential of effective intervention. Two additional approa...
Time regularity of the evolution solution to fractional stochasticheat equation

We study the time-regularity of the paths of solutions to stochastic partial differential equations (SPDE) driven by additive infinite-dimensional fractional Brownian noise. Sharp sufficient conditions for almost-sure Holder continuity, and other, more irregular levels of uniform continuity, are given when the space parameter is fixed. Additionally, a result is included on time-continuity when the solution is understood as a spatially Holder-continuous-function-valued stochastic process. Tools used for the study include the Brownian representation of fractional Brownian motion, and sharp Gaussian regularity results.
Spectral-shape optimized FM noise radar for pulse agility

A non-repeating, spectrum-optimized FM waveform suitable for radar pulse agility is described. The waveform is an alternative manifestation of the recently developed pseudo-random optimized (PRO) FMCW framework for FM noise radar, now implemented in a pulsed form. Each pulsed FM waveform is iteratively optimized to match a spectrum shape with low range sidelobes and good spectral properties, while the random initialization for each waveform ensures sufficient diversity that the resulting optimized form is unique, thereby providing decoherence of range sidelobes. The performance of this pulse-agile structure is examined in simulation and subsequently demonstrated with measured results of static and moving targets.
The Blood–Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier: Structure and Functional Significance

The choroid plexus (CP) of the blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB) displays fundamentally different properties than blood-brain barrier (BBB). With brisk blood flow (10 × brain) and highly permeable capillaries, the human CP provides the CNS with a high turnover rate of fluid (∼400,000 μL/day) containing micronutrients, peptides, and hormones for neuronal networks. Renal-like basement membranes in microvessel walls and underneath the epithelium filter large proteins such as ferritin and immunoglobulins. Type IV collagen (α3, α4, and α5) in the subepithelial basement membrane confers kidney-like permselectivity. As in the glomerulus, so also in CP, the basolateral membrane utrophin A and colocalized dystrophin impart structural stability, transmembrane signaling, and ion/water homeostasis. Extensive infoldings of the plasma-facing basal labyrinth together with lush microvilli at the CSF-facing membrane afford surface area, as great as that at BBB, for epithelial solute and water exchange. CSF formation occurs by basolateral carrier-mediated uptake of Na+, Cl-, and HCO3-, followed by apical release via ion channel conductance and osmotic flow of water through AQP1 channels. Transcellular epithelial active transport and secretion are energized and channeled via a highly dense organelle network of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi; bleb formation occurs at the CSF surface. Claudin-2 in tight junctions helps to modulate the lower electrical resistance and greater permeability in CP than at BBB. Still, ratio analyses of influx coefficients (Kin) for radiolabeled solutes indicate that paracellular diffusion of small nonelectrolytes (e.g., urea and mannitol) through tight junctions is restricted; molecular sieving is proportional to solute size. Protein/peptide movement across BCSFB is greatly limited, occurring by paracellular leaks through incomplete tight junctions and low-capacity transcellular pinocytosis/exocytosis. Steady-state concentration ratios, CSF/plasma, ranging from 0.003 for IgG to 0.80 for urea, provide insight on plasma solute penetrability, barrier permeability, and CSF sink action to clear substances from CNS.
SU-G-201-16: Thermal Imaging in Source Visualization and Radioactivity Measurement for High Dose Rate Brachytherapy

Purpose: High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy poses a special challenge to radiation safety and quality assurance (QA) due to its high radioactivity, and it is thus critical to verify the HDR source location and its radioactive strength. This study demonstrates a new method for measuring HDR source location and radioactivity utilizing thermal imaging. A potential application would relate to HDR QA and safety improvement. Methods: Heating effects by an HDR source were studied using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Thermal cameras were used to visualize an HDR source inside a plastic applicator made of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). Using different source dwell times, correlations between the HDR source strength and heating effects were studied, thus establishing potential daily QA criteria using thermal imaging Results: For an Ir1?2 source with a radioactivity of 10 Ci, the decay-induced heating power inside the source is ∼13.3 mW. After the HDR source was extended into the PVDF applicator and reached thermal equilibrium, thermal imaging visualized the temperature gradient of 10 K/cm along the PVDF applicator surface, which agreed with FEA modeling. For Ir192 source activities ranging from 4.20–10.20 Ci, thermal imaging could verify source activity with an accuracy of 6.3% with a dwell time of 10 sec, and an accuracy of 2.5 % with 100 sec. Conclusion: Thermal imaging is a feasible tool to visualize HDR source dwell positions and verify source integrity. Patient safety and treatment quality will be improved by integrating thermal measurements into HDR QA procedures.
The Naturally Occurring Compound Garcinia Indica Selectively Impairs the Reconsolidation of a Cocaine-Associated Memory

Sustained abstinence from cocaine use is frequently compromised by exposure to environmental stimuli that have previously been strongly associated with drug taking. Such cues trigger memories of the effects of the drug, leading to craving and potential relapse. Our work has demonstrated that manipulating cocaine-cue memories by destabilizing them through interfering with the reconsolidation process is one potential therapeutic tool by which to prolong abstinence. Here, we examine the use of the naturally occurring amnestic agent garcinol to manipulate an established cocaine-cue memory. Rats underwent 12 days of cocaine self-administration training during which time active lever presses resulted in an i.v. infusion of cocaine that was paired with a light/tone cue. Next rats underwent lever extinction for 8 days followed by light/tone reactivation and a test of cue-induced cocaine-seeking behavior. Systemic injection of garcinol 30 min after reactivation significantly impaired the reconsolidation of the cocaine-associated cue memory. Further testing revealed that garcinol had no effect on drug-induced cocaine-seeking, but was capable of blocking the initial conditioned reinforcing properties of the cue and prevents the acquisition of a new response. Additional experiments showed that the effects of garcinol are specific to reactivated memories only, temporally constrained, cue-specific, long-lasting, and persist following extended cocaine access. These data provide strong evidence that the naturally occurring compound, garcinol, may be a potentially useful tool to sustain abstinence from drug abuse.
International Liquidity and the Stability of Exchange Markets

The fundamental question for monetary theory is why do people hold money which is barren, rather than interest-bearing securities or productive physical goods? The answer involves uncertainty about the future and the resulting inability to assure precisely the coordination of cash inflows with contractual cash outflow commitments. The holding of liquidity avoids the embarrassment, economic paralysis and perhaps even the death of any household or enterprise due to an inability to meet one’s contractual cash payment commitments.1