cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Temporal lobe epilepsy in infants and children

Temporal lobe epilepsy in adults and adolescents is a fairly homogeneous syndrome, both in terms of seizure semiology and in terms of its pathology, and it has been studied extensively. Temporal lobe epilepsy in infants and young children has begun to receive increasing attention in recent years, and a different clinico-pathological picture has emerged. Clinically, the concept of complex partial seizures, which may be useful in adults, is difficult to apply to infants, since it is often not possible to assess impairment of consciousness in this age group. The main distinctive features of complex partial seizures of temporal lobe origin in infants are (1) a predominance of behavioral arrest with possible impairment of consciousness, (2) no identifiable aura, (3) automatisms that are discrete and mostly orofacial, (4) more prominent convulsive activity, and (5) a longer duration (more than 1 min). In addition, seizures of temporal lobe origin in infants may appear clinically generalized, such as infantile spasms or generalized tonic seizures, or can occasionally represent a benign syndrome. The neuropathological findings of temporal lobe epilepsy in infants differ even more than the clinical seizure semiology. In contrast to adult and adolescent patients, mesial temporal sclerosis is a rare finding in infants, in whom the pathological abnormalities associated with seizures of temporal lobe origin consist mostly of dysplasias, migrational disorders, hamartomas, and low-grade tumors such as gangliogliomas. Mesial temporal sclerosis is seen more often in older children than in infants, and its pathogenesis remains a subject of controversy.
Blindness, deafness, quadriparesis, and a retinal malformation: the ravages of neurofibromatosis 2.

Abstract Advances in molecular biology have established that the diseases once collectively referred to as neurofibromatosis are actually genetically distinct and clinically heterogeneous conditions. This realization has led to separate definitions for neurofibromatosis (NF) type 1 and 2. Although ophthalmologic manifestations of NF1 have long been recognized, the distinguishing ocular features of NF2 have only recently received attention. We describe an inferior retinopapillary malformation with an overlying glial hamartoma in a deaf, quadriparetic patient with NF2. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging initially showed bilateral vestibular schwannomas and a large cervical ependymoma. Over six years of follow-up, the patient developed multiple intracranial meningiomas.
Associations between SNPs in candidate immune-relevant genes and rubella antibody levels: a multigenic assessment

The mechanisms of immune response are structured within a highly complex regulatory system. Genetic associations with variation in the immune response to rubella vaccine have typically been assessed one locus at a time. We simultaneously assessed the associations between 726 SNPs tagging 84 candidate immune response genes and rubella-specific antibody levels. Blood samples were obtained from 714 school-aged children who had received two doses of MMR vaccine. Associations between rubella-specific antibody levels and 726 candidate tagSNPs were assessed both one SNP at a time and in a variety of multigenic analyses. Single-SNP assessments identified 4 SNPs that appeared to be univariately associated with rubella antibody levels: rs2844482 (p = 0.0002) and rs2857708 (p = 0.001) in the 5'UTR of the LTA gene, rs7801617 in the 5'UTR of the IL6 gene (p = 0.0005), and rs4787947 in the 5'UTR of the IL4R gene (p = 0.002). While there was not significant evidence in favor of epistatic genetic associations among the candidate SNPs, multigenic analyses identified 29 SNPs significantly associated with rubella antibody levels when selected as a group (p = 0.017). This collection of SNPs included not only those that were significant univariately, but others that would not have been identified if only considered in isolation from the other SNPs. For the first time, multigenic assessment of associations between candidate SNPs and rubella antibody levels identified a broad number of genetic associations that would not have been deemed important univariately. It is important to consider approaches like those applied here in order to better understand the full genetic complexity of response to vaccination.
Rate of and factors affecting sonographic visualization of the appendix in asymptomatic children.

Reported sonographic visualization rates of the appendix in children are variable. Visualization rates may be affected by patient’s age and various patients’ physical characteristics. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of sonographic visualization of the appendix by pediatric sonographers, to assess factors that may affect visualization of the appendix, and to define the characteristics of the appendix and periappendiceal region in asymptomatic children. Asymptomatic children between the ages of 2 and 18 were prospectively enrolled and evaluated for 15 min by pediatric sonographers. Of the 123 patients, the entire appendix was seen in 68 patients (55.2 %) and at least partially visualized in an additional 14 for a total of 82 patients (66.7 %). Visualization rate was not affected by body mass index, age, or gender. Appendiceal characteristics and periappendiceal findings were similar to previously published data. The average time required to initially detect the appendix was 275.2 + 211.3 s.
Bi-Complementarity and Duality: A Framework in Nonlinear Equilibria with Applications to the Contact Problem of Elastoplastic Beam Theory☆☆☆

Abstract Nonlinear complementarity problems and variational inequalities in nonlinear equilibrium problems are studied within a unified framework. Based on the generalized Rockafellar–Tonti diagram, a bi-complementarity problem with both internal and external nonlinear complementarity conditions is proposed. A general duality theory in variational inequality is established and the Mosco dual variational inequality has been generalized to the nonsmooth systems. In order to study the frictional contact problem of beam theory, a two-dimensional elastoplastic beam model is proposed. The external complementarity condition provides the free boundary of contact region, while the internal complementarity condition gives the interface of the elastic–plastic regions. Our results shown that in nonsmooth equilibrium problems, the dual approaches are much easier than the primal problems.
Sublexical and Lexical Representations in Speech Production: Effects of Phonotactic Probability and Onset Density.

Phonotactic probability, neighborhood density, and onset density were manipulated in 4 picture-naming tasks. Experiment 1 showed that pictures of words with high phonotactic probability were named more quickly than pictures of words with low phonotactic probability. This effect was consistent over multiple presentations of the pictures (Experiment 2). Manipulations of phonotactic probability and neighborhood density showed only an influence of phonotactic probability (Experiment 3). In Experiment 4, pictures of words with sparse onsets were named more quickly than pictures of words with dense onsets. The results of these experiments provide additional constraints on the architecture and processes involved in models of speech production, as well as constraints on the connections between the recognition and production systems.
A preliminary study of the role of modulated electron beams in intensity modulated radiotherapy, using automated beam orientation and modality selection

Abstract Purpose To develop an algorithm for optimal beam arrangement selection in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) of mixed photon and electron beams. To apply this algorithm to study the utility of modulated electron beams in the context of IMRT planning. Methods and materials The optimization algorithm selects, for a user-specified number of beams, the optimal IMRT arrangement (beam orientations, and photon/electron modality for each orientation) using a novel fast heuristic intensity modulation procedure. The algorithm was employed to select optimal beam arrangements for breast (two, four, and six axial beams) and head-and-neck (three, four, five, and seven nonaxial beams) cases. Results For the two cases, increasing the number of selected beams: (1) increased the number of electron beams for the breast case, but not more than one electron beam was selected for the head-and-neck case; (2) decreased critical structure doses for both cases; and (3) decreased target homogeneity for the breast case, but improved it for the head-and-neck case. Conclusions In the two cases analyzed using the selection algorithm, the primary role of modulated electrons differs based on treatment site—normal tissue dose reduction in breast and target homogeneity improvement in head and neck. Although this preliminary study with two cases appears to suggest that the role of intensity-modulated electrons differs based on treatment site, further investigation of large numbers of cases and varied treatment sites are required to establish a definitive conclusion.
Investigating the Significance of “One-to-Many” Mappings in Multiobjective Optimization

Significant research has focused on multiobjective design optimization and negotiating trade-offs between conflicting objectives. Many times, this research has referred to the possibility of attaining similar performance from multiple, unique design combinations. While such occurrences may allow for greater design freedom, their significance has yet to be quantified for trade-off decisions made in the design space (DS). In this paper, we computationally explore which regions of the performance space (PS) exhibit “one-to-many” mappings back to the DS, and examine the behavior and validity of the corresponding region associated with this mapping. Regions of interest in the PS and DS are identified and generated using indifference thresholds to effectively “discretize” both spaces. The properties analyzed in this work are a mapped region’s location in the PS and DS and the total hypervolume of the mappings. Our proposed approach is demonstrated on two different multiobjective engineering problems. The results indicate that one-to-many mappings occur in engineering design problems, and that while these mappings can result in significant design space freedom, they often result in notable performance sacrifice.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Anterior intravaginal slingplasty tunneller device for stress incontinence and posterior intravaginal slingplasty for apical vault prolapse: a 2-year prospective multicenter study

Objective The purpose of this study was to report the outcome for (1) anterior intravaginal slingplasty in the treatment of urodynamic stress incontinence and (2) posterior intravaginal slingplasty for apical prolapse (≥stage II). Study Design This was a 2-year prospective multicenter study: patients, 430; anterior intravaginal slingplasty, 144; posterior intravaginal slingplasty, 164; both procedures, 122 (552 tapes total). At 6 and 12 months, the results of the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, cough stress test, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantitation were assessed. Statistical analyses used paired t -tests. Results Of the women in the study, 95% (42 women) had a negative cough stress test result through 12 months (n = 44 women), and 96% (127 women) had a negative cough stress test result at 6 months (n = 132). At 6 months, apical support was optimal in 95.3% (143/150 women) and was satisfactory in 2.7% (4/150 women) and at 12 months, 98.1% (52/53 women), 1.9% (1/53 women). Seventeen of 430 patients (4.0%) had vaginal mesh extrusion. Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire scores significantly improved ( P Conclusion Anterior intravaginal slingplasty and posterior intravaginal slingplasty are safe and effective when performed with other procedures. For anterior intravaginal slingplasty, the rates of perforation and retention are low, but early extrusions are seen. Patients showed improvements in the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, regardless of extrusion.
Legal Consciousness and Responses to Sexual Harassment

Studies of legal mobilization often focus on people who have perceived some wrong, but these studies rarely consider the process that selects them into the pool of potential "mobilizers." Similarly, studies of victimization or targeting rarely go on to consider what people do about the wrong, or why some targets come forward and others remain silent. We here integrate sociolegal, feminist, and criminological theories in a conceptual model that treats experiencing sexual harassment and mobilizing in response as interrelated processes. We then link these two processes by modeling them as jointly determined outcomes and examine their connections using interviews with a subset of our survey respondents. Our results suggest that targets of harassment are selected, in part, because they are least likely to tell others about the experience. We also discuss strategies that workers employ to cope with and confront harassment. We find that traditional formal/informal dichotomies of mobilization responses may not fully account for the range of ways that individuals respond to harassment, and we propose a preliminary typology of responses.
Automatic disposable stapling devices for wound closure

Specially designed automatic disposable staplers are proving to have an important role in wound closure. Staple closure is accomplished with significantly less damage to the wound defenses than with the least reactive suture. A comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical performance of the commercially available staplers demonstrates that the Premium™ stapler is superior to the other staplers.
TRANSFORMATIONS OF INDEX SET FOR SKOROKHOD INTEGRAL WITH RESPECT TO GAUSSIAN PROCESSES

We consider a Gaussian process {Xt, t E T} with an arbitrary index set T and study consequences of transformations of the index set on the Skorokhod integral and Skorokhod derivative with respect to X. The results applied to Skorokhod SDEs of diffusion type provide uniqueness of the solution for the time-reversed equation and, to Ogawa line integral, give an analogue of the fundamental theorem of calculus.
Heat-pipe Earth

The heat transport and lithospheric dynamics of early Earth are currently explained by plate tectonic and vertical tectonic models, but these do not offer a global synthesis consistent with the geologic record. Here we use numerical simulations and comparison with the geologic record to explore a heat-pipe model in which volcanism dominates surface heat transport. These simulations indicate that a cold and thick lithosphere developed as a result of frequent volcanic eruptions that advected surface materials downwards. Declining heat sources over time led to an abrupt transition to plate tectonics. Consistent with model predictions, the geologic record shows rapid volcanic resurfacing, contractional deformation, a low geothermal gradient across the bulk of the lithosphere and a rapid decrease in heat-pipe volcanism after initiation of plate tectonics. The heat-pipe Earth model therefore offers a coherent geodynamic framework in which to explore the evolution of our planet before the onset of plate tectonics. A heat-pipe model of Earth, whereby interior heat is brought to the surface through localized channels, yields predictions that agree with craton data and the detrital zircon record, and offers a global geodynamic framework in which to explore Earth’s evolution before the onset of plate tectonics. The Hadean era of Earth's history (4.5–3.8 billion years ago) is the dark age of geology, illuminated by occasional scraps of data. On the basis of a geodynamical model formerly applied to Jupiter's volcanically active moon Io, William Moore and Alexander Webb propose a 'heat-pipe' model to explain heat transport and lithospheric dynamics of an early Earth in transition between the early magma ocean and the era of plate tectonics. The model suggests that a cold, thick, single-plate lithosphere developed as a result of frequent volcanic eruptions that cycled surface materials downwards. The model's predictions compare well with the geological record, and indicate that declining heat sources over time could have precipitated an abrupt transition to plate tectonics.
A multicommodity flow problem

This paper presents an algorithm for finding maximal sized sets of flows in a certain class of multicommodity flow networks. The class consists of networks with integer capacity edges and with each node being a source or sink for all but at most one commodity. This new procedure lifts a restriction in a previous algorithm that required flow in edges joining source and sink of the same commodity.
Quantitative value management: the way ahead

Investment markets are becoming less rather than more efficient. The author argues that this is because qualitative analysis depends on individuals who are not objective but rely on value judgements which are sometimes successful and sometimes not. The results also depend on the particular individuals remaining within the organisation. The alternative is quantitative value management, which depends far more on independent number‐crunching and computer analysis.
Evaluation of Electromagnetic Induction as a Reconnaissance Technique to Characterize Unsaturated Flow in an Arid Setting

The use of apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) measured with electromagnetic (EM) induction was examined as a reconnaissance tool for characterizing unsaturated flow in a semiarid region in the Chihuahuan Desert of Texas. Aboveground conductivity meters (EM31 and EM38) were used to measure ECa along transects in various geomorphic settings. Eight boreholes were drilled at different locations along the transects, and a downhole conductivity meter (EM39) was used to measure ECa. Samples were collected for analysis of clay, water, and chloride content to evaluate factors affecting spatial variability in ECa. Variations in ECa measured with the aboveground EM31 meter were affected by variations in clay content in a playa/interplaya setting, water content in a fissure, and chloride content adjacent to a drainage system. These factors affecting ECa were confirmed by comparing ECa measured with the downhole EM39 meter and clay, water, and chloride content of soil samples from boreholes. The hydrologic significance of parameters controlling ECa was evaluated. Variations in clay content are not hydrologically significant in this basin. High correlations between ECa and water content are difficult to interpret because in some areas water content variations simply reflect variations in clay content, as in the playa/interplaya setting, whereas in other areas higher water contents reflect higher water flux, as in the fissure. In some areas water content was below threshold values; therefore, ECa did not respond to water content or salinity in these areas. Although EM induction alone cannot distinguish causes of ECa changes, it provides a valuable tool for delineating variations in ECa that can be used to guide borehole locations and to provide valuable information for interpolating and extrapolating from point estimates provided by borehole data.
Microwave measurements for seniors: applications of computer-based instruction

The integration of computer-based instruction with advanced, automated instrumentation, making use of the automated system's capability for individualized, self-paced tutoring in its own operation, is discussed. Details are presented on two such computer-based tutorials: one to provide an introduction to a microwave vector network analyzer, and the other to train students in the operation of a spectrum analyzer. The technique has broad potential for use in systems of PC instruments, and as an instructional tool for industry as well as academia. >
Modelling aftershock migration and afterslip of the San Juan Bautista, California, earthquake of October 3, 1972

Abstract The San Juan Bautista earthquake of October 3, 1972 ( M L = 4.8), located along the San Andreas fault in central California, initiated an aftershock sequence characterized by a subtle, but perceptible, tendency for aftershocks to spread to the northwest and southeast along the fault zone. The apparent dimension of the aftershock zone along strike increased from about 7–10 km within a few days of the earthquake, to about 20 km eight months later. In addition, the mainshock initiated a period of accelerated fault creep, which was observed at 2 creep meters situated astride the trace of the San Andreas fault within about 15 km of the epicenter of the mainshock. The creep rate gradually returned to the preearthquake rate after about 3 yrs. Both the spreading of the aftershocks and the rapid surface creep are interpreted as reflecting a period of rapid creep in the fault zone representing the readjustment of stress and displacement following the failure of a “stuck” patch or asperity during the San Juan Bautista earthquake. Numerical calculations suggest that the behavior of the fault zone is consistent with that of a material characterized by a viscosity of about 3.6×10 14 P, although the real rheology is likely to be more complicated. In this model, the mainshock represents the failure of an asperity that slips only during earthquakes. Aftershocks represent the failure of second-order asperities which are dragged along by the creeping fault zone.
Deductively Definable Logics of Induction

A broad class of inductive logics that includes the probability calculus is defined by the conditions that the inductive strengths [A|B] are defined fully in terms of deductive relations in preferred partitions and that they are asymptotically stable. Inductive independence is shown to be generic for propositions in such logics; a notion of a scale-free inductive logic is identified; and a limit theorem is derived. If the presence of preferred partitions is not presumed, no inductive logic is definable. This no-go result precludes many possible inductive logics, including versions of hypothetico-deductivism.
Biomechanical evaluation of chronic boutonnière reconstructions

The magnitudes of the extensor forces generated across the proximal interphalangeal joint by the Littler-Eaton, Matev, Hellmann, and Fowler reconstructive procedures for posttraumatic chronic boutonniere deformity were measured in a laboratory study. The purpose of the experiment was to determine whether the mechanical design of a procedure had a significant impact on biomechanical performance. Results showed that each method produced adequate extensor forces and restored full proximal interphalangeal joint extension. There were few statistically significant differences among the procedures for the different joint angles and load conditions tested. The data suggest that the mechanical designs of these reconstructions are satisfactory for correction of the extensor deficit of the deformity. The preoperative condition of the finger is probably responsible for the variations seen in clinical results.
Creep of zirconium and zirconium alloys

Cumulative zirconium and zirconium alloy creep data over a broad range of stresses (0.1 to 115 MPa) and temperatures (300 °C to 850 °C) were analyzed based on an extensive literature review and experiments. Zirconium obeys traditional power-law creep with a stress exponent of approximately 6.4 over stain rates and temperatures usually associated with the conventional “five-power-law” regime. The measured activation energies for creep correlated with the activation energies for zirconium self-diffusion. Thus, dislocation climb, rather than the often assumed glide mechanism, appears to be rate controlling. The common zirconium alloys (i. e., Zircaloys) have higher creep strength than zirconium. The stress exponents of the creep data in the five-power-law regime were determined to be 4.8 and 5.0 for Zircaloy-2 and Zircaloy-4, respectively. The creep strength of irradiated Zircaloy appears to increase relative to unirradiated material. It was found that the creep behavior of zirconium was not sensitive to oxygen in the environment over the temperature range examined.
Determination of master production schedule replanning frequency for various forecast window intervals

This paper examines the impact of forecast window intervals on replanning frequencies for a rolling horizon master production schedule (MPS). The problem environment for this study is an actual MPS operation of a paint company and includes features such as multiple production lines, multiple products, capacity constraints, minimum inventory requirements. A mixed integer goal programming model formulated for the MPS problem is used to analyze the impact of forecast window interval length on replanning frequencies and MPS performance in a rolling horizon setting. Given demand certainty, results indicate that the length of the forecast window interval influences the choice of replanning frequency for this company environment. A three‐month forecast window interval with a two‐month replanning frequency provided the best MPS performance in terms of total cost.
A Fortran IV Program for Multiple-Choice Tests with Predetermined Minimal Acceptable Performance Levels

A Fortran IV multiple-choice test scoring program for an IBM 370 computer is described that computes minimally acceptable performance levels and compares student scores to these levels. The program accommodates up to 500 items with no more than nine alternatives from a group of examinees numbering less than 10,000.
Retaining extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulae after extracorporeal support in the neonate: Is it safe?

The retention of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) cannulae of ECMO is discontinued was originally developed to avoid reexploration of the neck in patients who may require a second course of ECMO. Because of the incidence, at the authors' institution, of thrombi noted on the ends of retained cannulae and their potential to cause significant morbidity, a critical review of this procedure was initiated. A telephone survey of 72 Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) centers was conducted, and ELSO registry forms were requested for patients who had their cannulae retained. Twenty-four of these centers had performed the procedure of retaining ECMO cannulae. There were 324 neonatal and pediatric patients who had their cannulae retained, with 41 patients (12%) requiring a second course of ECMO and 17 of 41 (41%) surviving the second course. Twelve of the 24 ELSO centers that retain cannulae have reported complications. Analyses of the patients who had their cannulae retained showed that the three best predictors for requiring a second course of ECMO were the diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) a high oxygenation index just before the initiation of ECMO, and a lengthy first ECMO course. The only difference between the survivors and nonsurvivors of the second course of ECMO was the length of the first ECMO course (P < .05). Five of the 25 patients who required two courses of ECMO had serious complications from their retained cannulae and all were nonsurvivors. The authors conclude that patients with retained ECMO cannulae are at high risk for developing thrombi, which can lead to severe embolic events. Therefore, the procedure of retaining cannulae should only be used in patients at high risk for requiring a second course of ECMO and not for the convenience of surgical availability to remove the cannulae.
Jean Claude Risset’s Duet for One Pianist: Challenges of a Real-Time Performance Interaction with a Computer-Controlled Acoustic Piano 16 Years Later

This study aims to discuss the work Duet for one Pianist (1989) by the French composer Jean-Claude Risset (b. 13 March 1938) by analyzing the challenges of the music performance of this Computer-Aided Composition work Disklavier and implies Human-Computer Interaction performance. Extremely honored to perform the revised version of the 8 Sketches for One Pianist and Disklavier within a research project of CITAR and a new Sketch Reflections (2012) by Jean-Claude Risset dedicated to me in a World premiere in the closing ceremony of Black&White 2012 Film Festival promoted by the Catholic University of Portugal. Several issues on the performance of this work are analysed as a case-study, from the point of view of the performer, particularly the components of expressive performance in a real-time interaction between performer and computer. These components can work as analysis criteria of a piano interpretation, in here, of a pianist and Disklavier interpretation.
Pharmacist's role in a Parkinson's disease and movement disorders clinic.

Purpose The expanding role of a clinical pharmacist at a Veterans Affairs (VA) out-patient clinic for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and movement disorders is described. Summary San Francisco VA Medical Center added a clinical pharmacist to the multi-disciplinary team serving patients at an outpatient clinic operated by its Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center (PADRECC). During the first six months after joining the clinic team, the pharmacist met with 131 patients and made a total of 69 drug therapy recommendations that were implemented by neurologists, clinical nurse specialists, and other PADRECC providers. The results of a retrospective chart review suggested that in about 21% of the cases evaluated, the pharmacist’s recommendations contributed to an improved medical outcome or the resolution of a medical problem. Anonymous surveys indicated that clinic providers ( n = 33) and patients ( n = 20) were satisfied with the pharmacist’s services. Using a five-point Likert scale (scores ranged from 1 for “strongly disagree” to 5 for “strongly agree”) that they had more time to devote to other clinic responsibilities with the pharmacist present in the clinic (mean score, 4.79); patients indicated that they had an improved understanding of their medications after speaking with the pharmacist (mean score, 4.88). Conclusion A clinical pharmacist’s regular involvement in an outpatient PD and movement disorders clinic has been well received by patients and clinic providers. The study results suggest that the pharmacist has made important contributions in areas such as therapeutic problem solving and medication education while freeing up providers for other responsibilities.
Aminotransferase activities and amino acid excretion of bivalve mollusks and brachiopods

Abstract 1. 1. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferase activities of tissue homogenates from seven species of bivalve mollusks and the brachiopod Lingula were determined by measuring amounts of oxaloacetate or pyruvate formed from standard amounts of substrates. 2. 2. The same animals were kept for 24 hr in smal volumes of sea water, which were analyzed for ammonia, amino acids, uric acid and urea. 3. 3. Total aminotransferase activities and rates of amino acid loss were directly proportional, and both were inversely proportional to the logarithm of total body weight. 4. 4. Ammonia made up 50–75 per cent and amino acids 21–34 per cent of the identified products, except for Teredo and Lingula.
Caregivers’ gestures direct infant attention during early word learning: the importance of dynamic synchrony

Abstract How do young infants discover word meanings? We have theorized that caregivers educate infants’ attention (cf. Gibson, J.J., 1966) by synchronizing the saying of a word with a dynamic gesture displaying the object/referent ( Zukow-Goldring, 1997 ). Detecting an amodal invariant across gesture and speech brackets the word and object within the auditory and visual flow of events and constitutes the basis for perceiving them as belonging together ( Zukow-Goldring and Rader, 2001 ; cf. Spence, 2007 ). To test the effect of gesture on infant attention and word learning, we presented 9–14-month-old infants with videos of speakers using synchronous dynamic, static, or asynchronous dynamic gestures. We hypothesized that infants would attend more to the object at the time the word was spoken when the gesture was dynamic and synchronous with speech and that this synchrony would result in better word learning. We found that infants looked more at the object at the critical time and displayed better word learning in the dynamic synchronous condition compared with the other gesture conditions. These results highlight the key role that synchronizing word and gesture plays in infants’ learning of the correspondence between word and referent.
Battling the Inland Sea: American Political Culture, Public Policy, and the Sacramento Valley, 1850-1986.

In its natural condition the Sacramento Valley was a flood-ravaged region where an inland sea a hundred miles long regularly formed during the rainy season, to drain slowly away by the summer months. Today the Valley is marvelously productive, with a great capital city at its center, but only after a seventy-year struggle to devise and build an intricate thousand miles of levees and drains. Robert Kelley sets that battle within the encompassing national political culture, which produced, through the Republican and Democratic parties, widely diverging ideas about how best to reclaim the Valley from flood. He draws on approaches developed in the field of policy analysis to examine the relationship between American political culture and environmental policy-making. We find that the prolonged controversy over the Sacramento Valley illuminates American decision-making, then and now.
HLA-B27 screening by flow cytometry

A flow cytometric assay for lymphocyte HLA-B27 expression using a two-color direct immunofluorescent assay was compared to traditional microlymphocytotoxicity testing on 209 clinical samples. For the flow cytometric assay, whole blood was mixed with a monoclonal anti-B27 conjugated to fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC) and anti-CD3 conjugated to phycoerythrin (PE). The samples were analyzed with flow cytometry by gating on CD3 positive events and anti-B27 staining intensity was evaluated as median channel fluorescence of the histogram peak. The median channel fluorescence was least with B27 negative and B7 negative samples (84 +/- 17), intermediate with samples that were B27 negative but B7 positive (118 +/- 13), and greatest with samples that were B27 positive (155 +/- 13). In addition to cross-reactivity with the B7 antigen (n = 38), the monoclonal anti-B27 cross-reacted with HLA-B37 positive samples (n = 3) and HLA-B39 positive samples (n = 3). Using a median channel fluorescence cutoff of 136, 39 of the 40 B27 positive samples gave positive results in the flow cytometric assay for a sensitivity of 97.6%. The specificity was 95.9% with 7 false positives of 169 B27 negative samples. The flow cytometric HLA-B27 assay is a convenient, useful screening test. For greatest specificity, samples positive by flow cytometry should be confirmed by conventional microlymphocytotoxicity or by use of other monoclonal antibodies directed against B27.
Connecticut virus: a new Sawgrass group virus from Ixodes dentatus (Acari: Ixodidae).

A new member of the Sawgrass serogroup, Connecticut virus, was isolated from a pool of 21 nymphal Ixodes dentatus removed from 2 nonviremic Eastern Cottontails ( Sylvilagus floridanus ) trapped on 22 August 1978 in Lyme (New London Co.), Connecticut, USA. This strain (Ar-1152-78) killed suckling but not weanling mice by intracerebral inoculation; neither suckling nor weanling mice were killed by intraperitoneal or subcutaneous inoculation. The only evidence of infection in adult female laboratory rabbits and guinea pigs inoculated subcutaneously was neutralizing antibody in the guinea pigs. Plaques were first observed in Vero and BHK-21 cell cultures on 6 and 8 days, respectively, after inoculation. Neutralizing antibody was detected in 3 of 14 (21.4%) Eastern Cottontails from south-central Connecticut, suggesting an I. dentatus –rabbit maintenance cycle.
Changes in agro-meteorological indicators in the contiguous United States: 1951–2000

Mosaic changes in regional and local surface air temperatures and precipitation have occurred along with the increase of the average global surface air temperature in the 20th century, particularly in the recent two decades since 1980. From those changes have emerged these questions: how have the changes altered the local and regional agro-meteorological environment and affected the crop productions? These questions especially their spatially varying aspects have not been well examined. The aim of this study is to examining the effects of regional climate change on agro-meteorological environment, in terms of indicators, such as the thermal time (or Growing Degree Days) and growing season length, and to evaluate the influence of environmental change on crop yield. Major results of this study show a significant trend of increase in the thermal time across the western United States and a trend of decrease in thermal time from the U.S. Great Plains to the east coasts at a rate of 20 Growing Degree Days per 10 years. Results also show a significant trend of decreasing annual number of frost days at a rate of 3 days per decade and a trend of lengthening growing season by 4 days per decade in the western United States. Concurrently, the rainfall patterns in the warm season indicate more persistent weeklong wet spells and fewer dry spells in recent decades. These spatial variations of changes in the agrometeorological environment across the contiguous United States indicate substantial regional effects on crop production from the changing climate in the last 5 decades. Detailed geographical variations of the agrometeorological indicators revealed in this study can be beneficial for updating management decisions and practice routines in local and regional agricultural productions.
Determination of the composition of uronic acid mixtures

Abstract A method has been developed to determine the relative proportions of three uronic acids in a compound or mixture, which uses data obtained from analysis of samples by the carbazole method under four different reaction conditions. The method works equally well with synthetic mixtures and natural products, such as alginates.
Theoretical aspects of the structural chemistry of biotin. I. The electronic structure of biotin and protonated biotins.

Abstract All valence-electron self-consistent field molecular orbital calculations (CNDO/2) were performed on biotin, tetrahydrothiophene, and 2-imidazolidone as well as several species of protonated biotin. The possibility of a transannular interaction between the carbonyl carbon and sulfur of biotin was investigated, and the results obtained are seen to be consistent with previous experimental studies. The geometry of sulfur protonation and its effect on electronic structure, as a model for hydrogen bonding between biotin and biotin-dependent enzyme systems, was also examined.
Bridging the treatment gap

The leading cause of death and disability in the United States today is cardiovascular disease (CVD). The main risk factor, hypercholesterolemia, is grossly undertreated, although it is widely appreciated that lowering cholesterol levels is key to reducing the incidence of CVD. Cholesterol-lowering therapy decreases total mortality, cardiovascular events, the need for revascularization procedures, and hospitalization costs. A 25-35% reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) indicates significant benefits with regard to morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, most patients who are candidates for cholesterol-lowering treatment do not receive it. Wider use of lipid-lowering agents could, in fact, make a significant difference in patient outcomes. There is strong interest on the part of consumers in over-the-counter (OTC) cholesterol-lowering products that may help them reduce their risk of developing heart disease and live healthier lives. Surveys estimate that half of all patients with high cholesterol would like to have an OTC statin product made available. Increased availability of cholesterol-lowering therapies as well as changes in physician prescribing practices could benefit a broad spectrum of the population that is currently untreated or undertreated. Current prescribing practices and guidelines have not resulted in widespread use of these therapies; therefore, outcomes for CVD prevention remains suboptimal. The proposed advantages of making statins available over-the-counter include their known efficacy, dose consistency, and proven safety profile.
Called to Service: The Changing Institutional Identities of American Denominations

This article outlines the ways that religious schools, hospitals, and social service institutions have affected their sponsoring denomination or church group in the past. Three basic channels of influence are described. The institutions impacted the sponsor’s very identity and purpose, they defined the requisites of holy activity, and they served as a channel for membership recruitment and leadership development. Implications for denominations and other religious groups of the current attenuation of ties with their former institutions are then explored.
Impact of a Community-Based Multiple Risk Factor Intervention on Cardiovascular Risk in Black Families With a History of Premature Coronary Disease

Background— Black subjects with a family history of premature coronary heart disease (CHD) have a marked excess risk, yet barriers prevent effective risk reduction. We tested a community-based multiple risk factor intervention (community-based care [CBC]) and compared it with “enhanced” primary care (EPC) to reduce CHD risk in high-risk black families. Methods and Results— Black 30- to 59-year-old siblings of a proband with CHD aged <60 years were randomized for care of BP ≥140/90 mm Hg, LDL cholesterol ≥3.37 mmol/L, or current smoking to EPC (n=168) or CBC (n=196) and monitored for 1 year. EPC and CBC were designed to eliminate barriers to care. The CBC group received care by a nurse practitioner and a community health worker in a community setting. The CBC group was 2 times more likely to achieve goal levels of LDL cholesterol and blood pressure compared with the EPC group (95% CI, 1.11 to 4.20 and 1.39 to 3.88, respectively) with adjustment for baseline levels of age, sex, education, and baseline use o...
A large dielectric vacuum facility.

I the experimental study and developmental testing of plasma propulsion devices of various types, interference of the vacuum chamber walls with the exhaust plume has proved to be a major limitation on simulation of space operation. This interference may take the form of an artificial constriction of the exhaust plume dimensions, of a recirculation of a portion of the ambient gas in the chamber through the plume, of a participation of the walls in the arc current conduction pattern, or of remote electromagnetic interactions between currents in the plume and induced currents in the walls. The first difficulty clearly relates to chamber size; the second relates to chamber size and to the ambient pressure that can be sustained during thruster operation. The remaining interactions are fostered by the electrical conductivity of the metallic walls of the conventional stainless steel or aluminum vacuum chambers. The desirable facility would thus seem to be a large, dielectric-walled vacuum vessel, capable of low ultimate pressure. Glass or quartz has the most desirable vacuum properties but is essentially unmanageable in the desired sizes. Plastic materials are structurally more convenient, but considerable uncertainty has surrounded their vacuum behavior for the large surface exposures involved in this application. In connection with a program of pulsed plasma acceleration studies described in detail elsewhere," design, construction, and testing of a 50-ft plastic vacuum tank was undertaken, as much to determine its actual vacuum capabilities as to provide a more satisfactory environment for experiments on the ejected plasma. Specifically, this is a vessel of l-in.-thick Plexiglas G~l in the form of a cylinder 3 ft in diameter, 6 ft long, with a hemispherical fixed end and a dish-shaped removable end. Ports are provided for the plasma accelerator at the removable end and for exhaust sampling diagnostics at the fixed end. Each side of the tank also has four large access ports for pumping equipment, gages, diagnostic probes, and photographic flats. Figure 1 shows a sketch of this vessel. The tank was fabricated at a nearby industrial shop§ in the following way. The main body of the vessel was formed by heating a l-in.-thick plane sheet of Plexiglas to about 350°F and bending it over a half-cylinder mandrel, whereon it was
The use of dynamic programming in optimally allocating funds for highway safety improvements

An integrated system approach to traffic accident countermeasure selection is presented. This approach draws primarily upon the resources of a computerized accident records system for identifying high accident locations. Once high accident locations are identified by type, local investigations of these locations are conducted producing standardized cost and benefit data. These data are processed through a dynamic programming algorithm to produce optimal policies for implementation. Since this system has been in operation in two states in the United States for about five years, it should be of special interest to practitioners.
THE STRUCTURE OF BACTERIOPHAGE SP8.

Abstract The structure of the large Subtilis bacteriophage SP8 has been studied by electron microscopy. Capsomeres have been resolved in the icosahedral head. The structural changes occurring in the act of triggering the tail are discussed.
Classical confidence intervals and Bayesian probability estimates for ends of local taxon ranges

The observed local range of a fossil taxon in a stratigraphic section is almost certainly a truncated version of the true local range. True endpoints are parameters that may be estimated using only the assumption that fossil finds are distributed randomly between them. If thickness is rescaled so that true endpoints lie at 0 and 1, the joint distribution of gap lengths between fossil finds is given by the Dirichlet distribution. Observed ends of the range are maximum likelihood estimators of true endpoints, but they are biased seriously. Extension of the observed range at each end by a distance equal to the average gap length yields unbiased point estimators. Classical statistics can generate confidence intervals for ends of the taxon range; but with Bayesian inference, the probability that true endpoints lie in a certain region can be stated. For a 95% confidence level (classical) or a 95% probability (Bayesian), the range extensions exceed the observed range if the range is established on less than six finds; if only two finds are used, such range extensions are an order of magnitude longer than the observed range. Evidently the standard biostratigraphic practice that identifies zonal boundaries as horizons rather than confidence intervals may not be justified at the resolution of typical fossiliferous sections.
Feeding ecology of early marine phase Atlantic salmon Salmo salar post‐smolts

Dietary analyses of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar post-smolt stomachs collected from 2001 to 2005 in Penobscot Bay, Maine, U.S.A., have yielded insights into the feeding ecology of early marine phase post-smolts from different rearing origins. Most stomachs contained only one or two prey types, suggesting active prey selection. Post-smolts that lived in the river longer (i.e. from naturally reared and parr-stocked origins) were smaller and consumed more fishes than invertebrates compared to larger post-smolts that emigrated immediately post-stocking (i.e. from smolt-stocked origins). Naturally reared S. salar consumed c. 84% fishes and 16% crustaceans and parr-stocked S. salar consumed 64% fishes and 34% crustaceans. Stocked smolts consumed 48% fishes and 40% crustaceans. Differences in the type and quantity of consumed prey may be indicative of behavioural differences among rearing origins that influence post-smolt survival.