cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationships among aggressiveness, fearfulness and response to humans in finisher pigs

Abstract Mixing unfamiliar pigs is common in modern production, resulting in intense aggression potentially leading to injury and stress. One solution is breeding against aggressiveness. However, in order to anticipate the consequences of such selection, we need to understand how individual aggressiveness is related to other behavior traits. Tests were used to assess three traits of importance to pig producers: interaction with humans, response to handling, and fearfulness. Test responses (human approach (HAT), handling, and novel object (NOT)) were compared with skin lesions for 257 grow-finish pigs, mixed at 10 wk of age. Skin lesions, a reliable proxy for aggressiveness, were counted pre-mixing, 24 h post-mixing, and 3 wk post-mixing. Lesions were recorded by body location (front, middle, rear). HAT was conducted at 14 wk of age in home pens by all-occurrence scans every 30 s for 9 min. Frequency and intensity (low/moderate or extreme force) of oronasal contact with observer was recorded. Activity and reactivity while entering, in, and leaving a weigh crate were recorded in the handling test (14 and 17 wk of age). NOT was conducted at 17 wk of age. Pigs were moved to an arena, given a 1 min acclimation period, then 5 min exposure to a novel object (basketball). Pigs were scored for latency to approach within 1 m, 0.5 m, and to touch the ball, and on number of times crossing the 1 m and 0.5 m lines, and touching the ball. Generalized linear mixed models compared behavior test variables and lesions. Test responses were compared using a Mantel test. Pigs with more 24 h post-mix front lesions took longer to cross the 1 m line (P = 0.049). Pigs with more 24 h post-mix rear lesions interacted intensely with observer (P = 0.026). Pigs with more 3 wk post-mix front lesions were less active in the weigh crate (P = 0.021) and took longer to touch the ball (P = 0.033). Pigs with more 3 wk post-mix middle lesions were faster to the 0.5 m line (P = 0.005), took longer to touch (P = 0.006), but touched it more (P = 0.049). There were no significant relationships between behavior tests, suggesting no consistency in responses across contexts. In conclusion, responses in HAT and NOT were related to 24 h post-mix lesions, while responses in NOT and handling test were related to 3 wk post-mix lesions suggesting that selecting for less aggressive pigs could have unintended consequences for other important behavior traits and that these relationships should be explored further.
Bifurcation and Persistance of Minima in Nonlinear Parametric Programming

In this paper, the structure of solutions to the nonlinear parametric programming problem $$\min \{ {\text{f(x,}}\alpha {\text{):h(x,}}\alpha {\text{) = 0,g(x,}}\alpha {\text{)}} \geqslant {\text{0\} }}$$ (1.1) is studied as the parameter α ∈ Rvaries. Here f: R n+1→ R, g: R n+1← R p , h: R n+1← R q will be assumed at least twice continuously differentiable. Both the bifurcation of curves of critical points and the persistance of minima along these curves will be examined. There has been considerable recent interest [1,4,5,8,10–13,16,17,19–25] in this problem, stemming from the solution of parameter-free optimization problems by homotopy methods, from multi-objective optimization, and from applications requiring a parametric analysis of sensitivity and stability.
Chapter 3 Development of the Reach to Grasp Movement

Summary Coordinated prehension in humans develops relatively late during ontogeny. For example, the precision grip between the thumb and forefinger does not emerge until around 10 months of age. Once it appears, skilled manipulation of objects requires precise control of finger-tip forces using both feedback and feedforward control. Young children first beginning to use the precision grip use excessive forces with large variability. Furthermore, they exhibit prolonged delays between movement phases and are unable to use information gained during previous experience with the object to scale the force output in advance. During the second year, children are capable of using sensory information more reliably to adjust the force output and anticipatory control emerges. However, it does not approximate adult performance until six to eight years of age and subtle improvements continue until adolescence. Emerging evidence suggests that the development of the grip coordination may coincide with the development and maturation ofCNS structures underlying prehension.
Cell Therapies: New Frontier for the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulceration

While stem cells hold great potential to improve existing therapies for diabetic foot ulcers, their promise has not been fully exploited. There is a critical need to further develop existing sources of adult stem cells known to improve DFU healing and to test novel, replenishing sources of pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that may overcome impaired wound repair when delivered to DFUs. This chapter summarizes the capacity of multiple adult stem cell sources, including bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoetic stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, bone marrow and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and adipose stem cells, to improve DFU healing outcomes in preclinical animal models and human clinical trials. We also review novel technologies, such as iPSC-derived cell sources, CRISPR gene editing, and 3D human tissue models, to generate and modify stem cells that can give rise to multiple cell types needed for DFU healing and to streamline their preclinical testing. By further understanding how stem cells and other new technologies can best stimulate tissue regeneration, we will be able to overcome existing barriers to improve DFU therapies.
Level of Reconciliation Payments by Safety-Net Hospital Status under the First Year of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Program

This study uses data from the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement program to assess the level of Medicare reconciliation payments and examine these levels by hospital size and teaching hospital status to understand hospital performance.
Two Elements MIMO Antenna for Tablet Size Ground Plane with Reconfigurable Lower Bands and Consistent High Band Radiating Elements

A 3G/4G (704 MHz to 960 MHz) compact printed planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) with reconfigurable lower bands and simultaneous consistent higher band between 1710MHz–2690MHz on a tablet size ground plane is presented in two elements multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna arrangement. The reconfiguration for the lower bands is realized by employing four PIN diode switches. This antenna offers acceptable MIMO antenna performance parameters.
Access and Interconnection Pricing: How Efficient is the

This paper critiques some of the properties of the so-called "efficient component pricing rule" (ECPR) for access to a bottleneck (monopoly) facility. When a rival and the bottleneck monopolist both produce a complementary component to the bottleneck service, the ECPR specifies that the access fee paid by the rival to the monopolist should be equal to the monopolist's opportunity costs of providing access, including any forgone revenues from a concomitant reduction in the monopolist's sales of the complementary component. We focus especially on the case in which the monopolist's price for the complementary component is above all relevant marginal costs. In this case the ECPR's exclusion of rivals may be socially harmful, since it may be preventing a substantial decrease in the price of the complementary component.
A Review of the Quality Indicators of Rigor in Qualitative Research.

Attributes of rigor and quality and suggested best practices for qualitative research design as they relate to the steps of designing, conducting, and reporting qualitative research in health professions educational scholarship are presented. A research question must be clear and focused and supported by a strong conceptual framework, both of which contribute to the selection of appropriate research methods that enhance trustworthiness and minimize researcher bias inherent in qualitative methodologies. Qualitative data collection and analyses are often modified through an iterative approach to answering the research question. Researcher reflexivity, essentially a researcher’s insight into their own biases and rationale for decision-making as the study progresses, is critical to rigor. This article reviews common standards of rigor, quality scholarship criteria, and best practices for qualitative research from design through dissemination.
Pyrolysis biochar has negligible effects on soil greenhouse gas production, microbial communities, plant germination, and initial seedling growth

Biochar has been promoted as a soil amendment that enhances soil quality and agronomic productivity and reduces greenhouse gas production. However, these benefits are not always realized. A major hurdle to the beneficial use of biochar is our limited knowledge regarding the mechanisms directing its effects on soil systems. This project aimed to eliminate some of this uncertainty by examining the biological responses (plant productivity, greenhouse gas production, soil microbial community structure) of a suite of soils (10) to the addition of biochars produced by different processes (pyrolysis, gasification, burning) from a range of feedstocks (corn stalks, hardwood, grass). Results indicated that these three responses were not significantly impacted by the addition of pyrolysis biochars from different feedstocks at 1 and 5% (w/w) addition levels. On the other hand, both an open-air burned corn stalk (5%) and raw corn stalks (1 and 5%) additions did alter the measured soil functionality. For example, the 5% burnt corn stalks addition reduced total above ground plant biomass (∼30%), increased observed N2O production by an order of magnitude, and altered soil bacterial community structure. The bacterial groups that increased in relative abundance in the burnt corn stalks-amended soils included families associated with cellulose decomposition (Chitinophagaceae), plant pathogens (Xanthomonadaceae), and biochar/charcoal-amended media (Gemmatimonadetes). In contrast, the abundance of these bacterial groups was not impacted by the pyrolysis biochars. Therefore, this research suggests that pyrolysis biochar represents a stabilized form of carbon that is resistant to microbial mineralization and has negligible effects on soil biological responses.
Our Separate Struggles Are Really One: Building Political Race Coalitions for Educational Justice.

In this article, we explore political race theory as a framework for building coalitions between Black and Brown communities as part of a shared struggle for educational justice and community power...
Unfolding adsorption on metal nanoparticles: Connecting stability with catalysis

Metal nanoparticles have received substantial attention in the past decades for their applications in numerous areas, including medicine, catalysis, energy, and the environment. Despite these applications, the fundamentals of adsorption on nanoparticle surfaces as a function of nanoparticle size, shape, metal composition, and type of adsorbate are yet to be found. Herein, we introduce the first universal adsorption model that accounts for detailed nanoparticle structural characteristics, metal composition, and different adsorbates by combining first principles calculations with machine learning. Our model fits a large number of data and accurately predicts adsorption trends on nanoparticles (both monometallic and alloy) that have not been previously seen. In addition to its application power, the model is simple and uses tabulated and rapidly calculated data for metals and adsorbates. We connect adsorption with stability behavior of nanoparticles, thus advancing the design of optimal nanoparticles for applications of interest, such as catalysis.
Endotracheal tube fastening device-related pressure necrosis of the upper lip.

A 73-year-old man with a history of coronary artery underwent four-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting at an outside hospital. On postoperative day (POD) 5, he developed acute respiratory failure in the setting of sepsis due to mediastinitis and required endotracheal intubation. His hospital
The Relationship of Volar Plate Position and Flexor Tendon Rupture: Should We Question the Validity of the Soong Classification?

Background The authors sought to determine the reliability of the Soong classification, which relates the position of the implant to the watershed line of the distal radius, for predicting flexor tendinopathy in distal radius fractures treated with volar plate fixation. Methods Medical records were reviewed, including demographics, fracture and operative characteristics, tendon-related complications, and radiographic outcomes. Six hundred fifty-nine distal radius fractures were reviewed with a mean duration of clinical follow-up of 12.9 ± 0.7 months. Results The incidence of isolated flexor tendinopathy and tendon rupture was 0.9 and 0.3 percent, respectively. The Soong classification failed to independently predict flexor tendon rupture or tendinopathy. Fractures classified as inadequately reduced were significantly associated with Soong grade 0 or grade 2, whereas adequately reduced fractures were significantly associated with Soong grade 1. Conclusion The Soong classification is not the sole predictor of flexor tendinopathy and may be viewed as a reflection of the overall appropriateness of fracture reduction. Clinical question/level of evidence Risk, III.
Mass Murder and the Mass Media: Understanding the Construction of the Social Problem of Mass Shootings in the US

Nearly as soon as the first shot is fired in a mass shooting, the news media already are rushing to break coverage, the likes of which typically last days or, in the more extreme cases, weeks. Though mass shootings are rare in occurrence, the disproportionate amount of coverage they receive in the media leads the public to believe that they occur at a much more regular frequency than they do. In order to understand how the public comes to understand mass shooting events, however, one first must understand how the stories are constructed by the media. The present study takes this important step by examining The New York Times coverage of 91 shootings occurring between 2000 and 2012. Using Best’s (1987, 2006) three-stage model for the creation of social problems, this study considers the naming or defining of the issue, the incorporation of examples, and the use of statistics. The findings indicate that the coverage (a) overemphasized the shooters, (b) highlighted the most extreme examples for comparison, including Columbine and the Oklahoma City bombing, and (c) relied heavily on the use of statistics, particularly victim counts, while omitting any national data that could ground these events in the larger discourse of violence in the nation. Thus, the disproportional coverage of mass shootings, both individually and as a collective phenomenon, serves to solidify these events as a social problem in the US. Directions for future research, as well as potential policy implications for the coverage, also are discussed.
Decoupling Poly(3-alkylthiophenes)' Backbone and Side-Chain Conformation by Selective Deuteration and Neutron Scattering

Although considerable progress has been made to optimize the optoelectronic properties of conjugated polymers (CPs), the rational design of CPs with tailored physical properties for end-use applica...
Learning-aided SDC control in mobile ad hoc networks

Software Defined Coalition (SDC) is a promising architecture for flexibly controlling network resources in tactical environments. In highly dynamic mobile ad hoc network scenarios, however, the SDC controllers may be fragmented from the mobile nodes they manage rendering impossible their in-time resource reconfiguration and causing severe network performance degradation. To address this challenge, we explore the idea of complementing the SDC controllers with distributed control mechanisms running locally at the mobile nodes in a hybrid architecture design. We then apply learning methods to predict the network dynamics and fragmentation events, so that we can tune the routing policies in time to prevent network failures from happening. We show the benefits of our hybrid approach in a demo emulating a real tactical ad hoc network scenario using the Anglova tactical ad hoc network dataset.
Outcomes of Naviculectomy for Severe Recurrent Clubfoot Deformity

Background:Naviculectomy was originally described for resistant congenital vertical talus deformity but was later expanded to use in rigid cavus deformity. This study reviews the operative outcomes...
Rhomboid flap: Indications, applications, techniques and results. A comprehensive review

Cutaneous defects may result from trauma, infection, chronic illness, poor healing, or surgical resections. Traditionally, the concept of the reconstructive ladder suggests that primary closure and skin grafting should be considered first in reconstruction of such defects. However, these techniques may lead to increased likelihood of dehiscence, distortion of key structures, poor cosmetic outcomes, and less-than-total graft acceptance. To overcome these limitations, various local skin flaps and tissue rearrangement techniques have been developed, including rhomboid flap. This flap is quickly and easily designed, does not require any special instruments, and provides excellent contour, texture, thickness, color match, long-term good cosmesis and high patient satisfaction. The following article presents a comprehensive review of rhomboid flaps in the English literature and discusses the indications, applications, and results. Nearly 100 years after it was first described by A.A. Limberg, the time has come to embrace this simple and elegant flap as the preferred method of reconstruction of cutaneous defects of any size, caused by any etiology and on any part of the body.
Sensitivity analysis of in-pile CHF experiments in the TREAT facility: Characterization of impacts of fuel system thermal properties

Abstract Understanding fuel-to-coolant heat transfer mechanisms under transient heating irradiation conditions is an important aspect of pressurized-water reactor (PWR) safety. The work here aims to elucidate the potential impacts of critical heat flux (CHF) events on nuclear fuel systems, utilizing the heat transfer time constant (HTTC) as the fundamental basis. A set of thermophysical material and heat transfer coolant properties was established to represent the HTTCs of two Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) facility experimental fuel/cladding designs. Pool and flow boiling conditions were used to model these fuel systems within TREAT experimental capabilities, and a power pulse was used to represent a transient insertion of energy. Using Sobol sensitivity analysis and the Reactor Excursion and Leak Analysis Program (RELAP5-3D) code, an investigation was conducted to identify the most important HTTC parameters pertaining to the output of the peak outer cladding temperature (POCT), maximum fuel centerline temperature, and the time of CHF. The maximum fuel centerline temperature was shown to be highly dependent on the UO2 volumetric heat capacity. Regarding the POCTs, DNB was determined to have a dominant effect on the heat transfer mechanisms of these fuel systems. Further, the HTTC significantly impacted POCT predictions with the UO2 volumetric heat capacity, the film boiling heat transfer coefficient, and the CHF multiplier being most influential regardless of coolant flow conditions. Gap variations were shown to influence the POCT in cases that experienced the DNB event. In non-DNB cases, the HTTC had no significant impact on POCT. For the time of CHF, variations in gap thickness, and the CHF multiplier were overwhelmingly dominant.
Recurrence in skeletal muscle from squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix: a case report and review of the literature

Background The occurrence of skeletal muscle metastases is a very rare event. Only two cases of late skeletal muscle recurrence from cervical cancer have been documented until now.
Recording over Old Standards: TiVo’s “More Than Colorably Different” Standard for Patent Injunction Contempt Proceedings

On April 20, 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in TiVo Inc. v. EchoStar Corp. overruled KSM Fastening Systems, Inc. v. H.A. Jones Co. and outlined a new analysis for patent injunction contempt proceedings when an adjudged infringer has modified an infringing product. In doing so, the court balanced two competing policies: protecting patentee’s exclusive rights through effective, inexpensive patent injunction enforcement and encouraging adjudged infringers to attempt good-faith design-arounds. This Comment argues that by transforming the KSM “more than colorable differences” standard from a procedural hurdle to a substantive requirement, the Federal Circuit successfully weighed these policies, fulfilling fundamental goals of the U.S. patent system.
r p Process and Masses of N ≈ Z ≈ 34 Nuclides

High-precision Penning-trap mass measurements of the $N\ensuremath{\approx}Z\ensuremath{\approx}34$ nuclides $^{68}\mathrm{Se}$, $^{70}\mathrm{Se}$, $^{70m}\mathrm{Br}$, and $^{71}\mathrm{Br}$ were performed, reaching experimental uncertainties of 0.5--15 keV. The new and improved mass data together with theoretical Coulomb displacement energies were used as input for $rp$ process network calculations. An increase in the effective lifetime of the waiting point nucleus $^{68}\mathrm{Se}$ was found, and more precise information was obtained on the luminosity during a type I x-ray burst along with the final elemental abundances after the burst.
Identifying the First Grade Underachiever

AbstractFour methods of judging achievement relative to ability were investigated: (1.) Achievement and ability T scores within on standard deviation of each other, (2) Achievement T score subtracted from ability T score ratios, (3.) Regression of achievement on ability, and (4.) Teacher judgement as to the juxtaposition of achievement and ability. The Metropolitan Achievement Test (Primary I) and the Kuhlman-Anderson Intelligence Test, (A), were administered to 157 first graders. One hundred of these were chosen at random as a criterion group. Means, standard deviations, and regression equations were computed separately for boys and girls. The scores of the remaining fifty-seven were transformed using these estimates of the parameters. The number of overachievers, adequate-achievers, and underachievers identified by each of the four definitions differed significantly.
Comparing the auditability of optical scan, voter verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) and video (VVVAT) ballot systems

With many states beginning to require manual audits of election ballots, comparing the auditability of different types of ballot systems has become an important issue. Because the majority of counties in the United States are now using either Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) voting systems equipped with Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) modules or optical scan ballot systems, we examined the usability of an audit or recount on these two systems, and compared it with the usability of a prototype Voter Verified Video Audit Trail (VVVAT) system. Error rates, time, satisfaction, and confidence in each recount were measured. For the VVPAT, Optical Scan, and Video systems, only 45.0%, 65.0% and 23.7% of participants provided the correct vote counts, respectively. VVPATs were slowest to audit. However, there were no meaningful differences in subjective satisfaction between the three methods. Furthermore, confidence in count accuracy was uncorrelated with objective accuracy. These results suggest that redundant or error-correcting count procedures are vital to ensure audit accuracy.
Targeting ER Stress in Parkinson's Disease

Neurodegenerative diseases are a major health concern for our aging population. It has been challenging to model these diseases and identify effective treatment strategies. Monogenic forms of neurodegenerative diseases have revealed some important targets for study. For example, the A53T mutation in the α-synuclein (α-syn) protein results in a highly penetrant form of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in which patients develop the disease at a young age. α-Syn is involved in vesicular trafficking in cells, and the accumulation of misfolded α-syn leads to the formation of Lewy body inclusions in the brain, neuronal dysfunction, and neuronal death. However, little is known about the early pathogenic mechanisms that underlie α-syn–induced toxicity in neurons. Over the past several years, Lindquist and colleagues have used genetic screens in yeast to identify several potent modifiers of α-syn toxicity. The authors now report that nitrosative stress, ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress, and the accumulation of ER-associated degradation substrates are central processes in α-syn–mediated toxicity. Nitrosative stress is a process in which reactive nitric oxide (NO) species alter cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA. A genetic screen in yeast revealed that increased expression of Fzf1, a regulator of nitrosative stress responses, decreased α-syn–induced toxicity and protein nitration. Additionally, the authors demonstrated that increased NO in the context of elevated α-syn resulted in increased ER stress that impaired trafficking of proteins and the accumulation of ER degradation substrates. Having defined early pathogenic processes underlying α-syn–mediated toxicity in yeast, the authors turned to a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model of PD that harbors the A53T α-syn mutation. Remarkably, the cellular phenotype identified in yeast involving increased nitrotyrosine and ER stress was also seen in the mutant iPSC–derived neurons and was evident in brain tissue from PD patients with the A53T mutation. Last, the authors demonstrated that a small molecule, an N -arylbenzimidazole called NAB-2 discovered in a chemical genetic screen, rescued the disease phenotypes in yeast and iPSC-derived neurons from PD patients. These studies provide a new mechanistic understanding of the cellular processes underlying α–syn-induced neuronal death and provide a target to block these processes in human neurons. Future work will test the safety and efficacy of NAB-2 in animal models of PD. C. Y. Chung et al., Identification and rescue of α-synuclein toxicity in Parkinson patient–derived neurons. Science , published online 24 October 2013 (PMID: 24158904). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/early/2013/10/23/science.1245296.long
ESTIMATION OF TOTAL BODY FAT AND PROTEIN BY DENSITOMETRY

Densitometry usually is used to estimate body fat and lean body mass (LBM). The method assumes a constant value for density of LBM, which is invalid in the growing infant. The densitometric method was used to estimate total body fat and protein. The body was divided into 4 components: water(w), fat(f), protein(p), and minerals(m). Two fundamental equations were used: eq.1, WT = Ww + Wf + Wp + Wm; and eq. 2, VT = Vw + Vf + Vp + Vm. Using the relationship V=W/D, where D=density, eq. 3 was derived from eq. 2: WT/DT = Ww/Dw + Wf/Df + Wp/Dp + Wm/Dm. Using eq. 1 and 3 simultaneously, p and f in the human infant can be calculated. Required were the measurements of WT, WW using 2H218O dilution method,and DT using WT/VT. VT was measured by an acoustic method.The following were taken from the literature: m for the reference fetus and infant, Dw, Df, Dp and Dm. This 4-component model was validated in 6 infant minipigs. Calculated values of f were compared to those measured chemically; calculations overestimated measured f. Their linear relationship was described by the regression equation: meas. f = −10.9 + .39 × cal f (±13.3). Because of high correlation between measured and calculated f (r=0.98), body fat can be predicted from calculated f using the regression equation. Body protein then can be calculated from eq. 1. The linear relationship between measured and calculated f makes the indirect measurement of f and p possible without assumptions regarding the chemical maturity of the LBM compartment.
Minimum cost partitions of a rectangle

We consider the problem of partitioning (in a certain manner) a rectangle into n regions of equal area so that the total lengths of the boundaries is a minimum. A closed form solution to the problem is presented.
Evidence for the strongest version of the 4d a-theorem via a-maximization along RG flows

Abstract In earlier work, we (KI and BW) gave a two line “almost proof” (for supersymmetric RG flows) of the weakest form of the conjectured 4d a-theorem, that a IR a UV , using our result that the exact superconformal R-symmetry of 4d SCFTs maximizes a = 3 Tr R 3 − Tr R . The proof was incomplete because of two identified loopholes: theories with accidental symmetries, and the fact that it is only a local maximum of a. Here we discuss and extend a proposal of Kutasov (which helps close the latter loophole) in which a-maximization is generalized away from the endpoints of the RG flow, with Lagrange multipliers that are conjectured to be identified with the running coupling constants. a-maximization then yields a monotonically decreasing “a-function” along the RG flow to the IR. As we discuss, this proposal in fact suggests the strongest version of the a-theorem: that 4d RG flows are gradient flows of an a-function, with positive-definite metric. In the perturbative limit, the RG flow metric thus obtained is shown to agree precisely with that found by very different computations by Osborn and collaborators. As examples, we discuss a new class of 4d SCFTs, along with their dual descriptions and IR phases, obtained from SQCD by coupling some of the flavors to added singlets.
Multimodal communication in the classroom: what does it mean for us?

Experimentation has shown that in-class educational technologies, by permitting anonymous, authored participation, can dramatically alter student communications in the classroom. Now, the appearance of dual pen-and-keyboard computing devices in the university classroom, notably Tablet PCs, motivates thinking critically about how different expressive modalities could improve in-class student problem -solving and communication.This paper describes the use of Ubiquitous Presenter 2.0 in a study to discover the driving issues of multimodality for both in-class technologies and student exercises. This paper sensitizes instructors to the issues of modality and makes specific recommendations for application design. We find that the choice of modality is not merely one of efficiency or naturalness, but is loaded with numerous personal, social, and material considerations. Although use of the pen (over typed text) is generally preferred, we find that choice itself is critical to encouraging student creativity, collaboration, and communication.
Accessibility of Internet references in Annals of Emergency Medicine: is it time to require archiving?

Study objective We seek to evaluate the accessibility of all Internet references appearing in Annals of Emergency Medicine from 2000, 2003, and 2005. Secondary objectives are to determine whether the number of Internet references is increasing and to describe how Internet references are inaccessible. Methods We visually scanned all articles for references made in the printed version of Annals of Emergency Medicine for 2000, 2003, and 2005. We identified the Internet references and grouped them into 11 categories according to the results of entering the uniform resource locator (URL) into the Internet browser. Results We identified 15,745 references published in Annals of Emergency Medicine . The proportion of Internet references increased from 1% of the total references in 2000 to 5.4% in 2005. Internet references were not readily accessible for 40 of 51 Internet references in 2000 (78%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 65% to 88%), 161 of 286 Internet references in 2003 (56%; 95% CI 50% to 62%), and 111 of 249 Internet references in 2005 (45%; 95% CI 39% to 51%). Inaccessibility was most commonly manifested by URLs that no longer link to active Web sites (172 of 312 inaccessible Internet references [55%]; 95% CI 50% to 61%) and URLs that linked to generic home pages where the authors' referenced material could not be found (115 of 312 inaccessible Internet references [37%]; 95% CI 32% to 42%). Conclusion In Annals of Emergency Medicine , older Internet references appear to be less accessible than newer references. Internet reference archiving is one solution to preserving this information for future readers.
Management of extended-wear contact lenses in infant rhesus monkeys

Infant rhesus monkeys were fitted with extended-wear contact lenses (EWCLs) to correct surgically induced aphakia. The protocol that produced the most favorable experimental outcome, including good lens-wear compliance, involved: (1) custom-made EWCLs with parameters adjusted for each animal, (2) selection for study of neonates who seemed to tolerate EWCLs most naturally, (3) individual housing of monkeys, (4) lens check at 2-h intervals around the clock by trained personnel, (5) a large inventory of EWCLs for each animal, (6) periodic ophthalmologic examinations, and (7) darkroom housing of monkeys during treatment of lens-wear-related incidents. The EWCL is a new tool for studies of the visual system and is a useful complement to existing experimental techniques.
Manganese Transport Via the Transferrin Mechanism

Excessive manganese (Mn) uptake by brain cells, particularly in regions like the basal ganglia, can lead to toxicity. Mn2+ is transported into cells via a number of mechanisms, while Mn3+ is believed to be transported similarly to iron (Fe) via the transferrin (Tf) mechanism. Cellular Mn uptake is therefore determined by the activity of the mechanisms transporting Mn into each type of cell and by the amounts of Mn2+, Mn3+ and their complexes to which these cells are exposed; this complicates understanding the contributions of each transporter to Mn toxicity. While uptake of Fe3+ via the Tf mechanism is well understood, uptake of Mn3+ via this mechanism has not been systematically studied. The stability of the Mn3+Tf complex allowed us to form and purify this complex and label it with a fluorescent (Alexa green) tag. Using purified and labeled Mn3+Tf and biophysical tools, we have developed a novel approach to study Mn3+Tf transport independently of other Mn transport mechanisms. This approach was used to compare the uptake of Mn3+Tf into neuronal cell lines with published descriptions of Fe3+ uptake via the Tf mechanism, and to obtain quantitative information on Mn uptake via the Tf mechanism. Results confirm that in these cell lines significant Mn3+ is transported by the Tf mechanism similarly to Fe3+Tf transport; although Mn3+Tf transport is markedly slower than other Mn transport mechanisms. This novel approach may prove useful for studying Mn toxicity in other systems and cell types.
Evaluation of resonance line lasers as excitation sources for atomic spectrometry

Abstract Three resonance line lasers (RLLs), employing GaI3, InI and TlI, were constructed and characterized. The figures of merit of the RLLs such as spectral output, source irradiance, temporal behavior, and source lifetime were determined. A novel approach for the estimation of the upper limit for the laser bandwidth is presented.
Performance documentation of the Longard Tube at Del Mar, California 1980–1983

Abstract The Longard Tube experimental revetment installed in Del Mar, California in December 1980 has been monitored and its performance documented until it subsided and became ineffective during the severe winter storms of December 1982 to March 1983. The data suggest that the tube had no measurable effect on the sand level at Del Mar beach. The beach profile monitoring program conducted by Scripps in Del Mar since 1974 served as important background information for the design and interpretation of the monitoring program measurements. The tube experienced relatively minor storm wave interaction during winter 1980–1981. This was followed by heavy beach accretion on the entire reach in spring 1981 and an unusually mild winter of 1981–1982. By July 1982 the tube was totally buried behind a berm extending 35 m seaward. The severe winter storm waves of 1982–1983 coupled with high sea level due to high spring astronomical tides, sustained onshore westerly winds and low atmospheric pressure, eroded the sand level on Del Mar beach to the lowest level in at least 10 years. The Longard Tube settled differentially by up to 2 m and was continually overtopped at high tide, rendering it ineffective by late January 1983. It was removed in March 1983. The principal conclusion of the study is that the Longard Tube configured as it was in the Del Mar test is not a substantial enough barrier to effectively prevent beach sand erosion during severe storm events on the Southern California coast.
The effects of increased milking frequency during early lactation on milk yield and milk composition on commercial dairy farms.

Abstract Increased milking frequency (IMF) during early lactation has the potential for carryover responses following the return to normal herd milking frequency. The objective was to determine the consistency of response of cows in commercial dairy farms to IMF during early lactation. Cows (n = 398) were assigned randomly at calving within each of the 4 participating farms to 1 of 2 treatments. The control group was milked twice-daily (2×) during the entire lactation. The IMF group was milked 4-times daily (4×) starting on d 1 to 7, depending on farm, until d 21 postcalving and 2× thereafter. Cows in the IMF group were milked at the beginning and again at the end of the normal milking routine. Milking intervals differed across the farms for the 4× cows with a minimum interval of 3.5, 4.0, 5.0, and 6 h for each of the 4 farms, respectively. The milk yield of cows subjected to IMF increased by 2.2 ± 0.4 kg/d during the first 7 mo of lactation. Interactions of treatment with lactation group (primiparous vs. multiparous) were not significant. Although percentages of fat and protein in milk were decreased by early lactation IMF (3.69% ± 0.03 fat and 3.05% ± 0.02 true protein for control vs. 3.57% ± 0.03 fat and 2.99% ± 0.02 true protein for IMF), overall yields of protein were increased by IMF (1.02 ± 0.01 vs. 0.98 ± 0.01 kg/d). Early lactation IMF did not affect udder health as assessed by somatic cell count linear score. Cows subjected to IMF were 1.4 times more likely classified as subclinically ketotic than the control cows. Early lactation IMF has the potential to increase milk yield on commercial dairy farms. Although the direction of response was the same on all farms, the magnitude of the response was different among farms and appears influenced by management practices specific to each farm, which included, but were not limited to, housing system, stocking density, nutrition, genetics, and other covariates differing among farms.
Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Exenatide Once Weekly in Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel study assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of exenatide once weekly (QW) in 30 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) suboptimally controlled by diet and exercise alone or combined with biguanide, sulfonylurea, thiazolidinedione, or combinations of these agents (58.6% male; 58+/-9 years; body mass index 26.3+/-2.9 kg/m(2); hemoglobin A(1c) [HbA(1c)] 7.4+/-0.8%; fasting plasma glucose [FPG] 156.1+/-29.1 mg/dL; duration of T2D 6+/-5 years; means +/- SD). Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to subcutaneous placebo QW, exenatide QW 0.8 mg, or exenatide QW 2.0 mg for 10 weeks. All evaluable patients were analyzed (placebo QW, n=10; exenatide QW 0.8 mg, n=10; exenatide QW 2.0 mg, n=9), unless otherwise stated. Steady-state plasma exenatide concentrations were observed by Week 8 of the study. For the evaluable pharmacokinetic population, geometric mean (90% confidence interval) steady-state plasma concentrations (pg/mL) were 81.2 (68.3-96.4) and 344.5 (256.5-462.7) with exenatide QW 0.8 mg (n=8) and exenatide QW 2.0 mg (n=5), respectively. Baseline-to-Week 10 glycemic improvements with placebo QW, exenatide QW 0.8 mg, and exenatide QW 2.0 mg, respectively, were: HbA(1c) (%): -0.4+/-0.3, -1.0+/-0.7, and -1.5+/-0.7; FPG (mg/dL): -20.5+/-20.4, -25.2+/-10.9, and -50.8+/-27.8; and 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose excursions (mg/dL): -8.8+/-26.9, -50.0+/-41.1, and -59.7+/-26.8 (means +/- SD). No serious adverse events (AEs) were reported and no AEs led to study discontinuation in any group. The most frequent AE observed was mild-to-moderate injection site induration. No serious hypoglycemia was reported. Exenatide QW for 10 weeks was well tolerated and improved short-term glycemic control in Japanese patients with suboptimally controlled T2D.
Atomic polarizability in negative-ion photodetachment

The influence of a strong atomic polarizability on photodetachment processes is isolated. In a model study of ${\mathrm{K}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ photodetachment near the $4{p}_{\frac{1}{2}}$, $4{p}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ levels of K, the polarizability (${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{4p}\ensuremath{\simeq}600{a}_{0}^{3}$) is shown to cause a striking energy dependence of the parameters which determine the cross section. This study extends the effective range theory of O'Malley, Spruch, and Rosenberg to a broader energy range and to multichannel systems. An appendix provides a derivation of the polarization potential (and correction terms) starting from the electron-atom close-coupling equations, showing some new features.
A prospective study of the effect of childbearing on weight gain in African-American women.

Objective: To prospectively assess the influence of bearing a first, second, or later child on weight gain among African-American women in the context of other risk factors. Research Methods and Procedures: Data were obtained in a prospective follow-up study of African-American women from across the U.S. who are participants in the Black Women's Health Study. Postal questionnaires were used to collect baseline data in 1995 and follow-up data in 1997 and 1999. Parous and nulliparous women (11, 196) (21 to 39 years old at baseline), of whom 1230 had a singleton birth during follow-up, are the subjects of the present analyses. We assessed change in BMI (kilograms per meter squared) in relation to childbearing during 4 years of follow-up, with use of multivariable linear regression to control for important risk factors. Results: During 4 years of follow-up, the BMI of participants increased by an average of 1.6 kg/m2, equivalent to a weight gain of ∼4.4 kg. Women who had a child during follow-up gained more weight than women who remained nulliparous, and those who had a first child gained more than those who had a second or later child. The weight gain associated with childbearing increased with increasing baseline BMI and was appreciable among heavier women. For example, among women with a baseline index of 36, the increase in BMI for women who bore a first child was 1.1 kg/m2 more than that of nulliparous women, equivalent to a difference in weight gain of ∼3.0 kg. Discussion: Childbearing is an important contributor to weight gain among African-American women.
Multivariate analysis of donor risk factors for pancreas allograft failure after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

Background Donor and recipient selection criteria for pancreas allograft are not standardized and may vary from center to center. Methods Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations performed between April 1988 and June 1994 were reviewed (n=61), and univariate and multivariate analyses of factors that affect pancreas graft survival were performed. Analysis of all cases and cases excluding early thrombosis were performed separately. Results Pancreas graft survival when early thrombosis was excluded and in the overall group was 76% and 70%, respectively, at 1 year. Although blood group and donor gender were weak predictors of graft survival by univariate analysis, neither affected graft survival in the multivariate model. Risk factors for graft failure as determined by Cox regression analysis and in descending order of significance were (1) duration of brain death before procurement, (2) length of donor admission, and (3) donor age of 40 years or older. The risk of graft failure for each of these factors was increased 2.2-, 3.2-, and 4-fold, respectively. Prolonged brain death was the only risk factor in the overall group, suggesting an association with early thrombosis. iConclusions Center-specific donor risk factors for pancreas graft survival after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation were identified in this study, the importance of which need to be better defined.
Prostate cancer prior to solid organ transplantation: the Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry experience.

Abstract Introduction Prostate adenocarcinoma (PCA) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, and with routine prostrate specific antigen (PSA) screening, is being diagnosed with increasing frequency. To date, reported experiences with transplantation in men with a history of PCA are limited to only a few patients. This study presents the first series of transplant recipients with a history of PCA. Methods Analysis of transplant recipients with a history of pretransplant PCA was performed on the Israel Penn International Transplant Tumor Registry database. PCA were staged using American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria. Statistics analysis was performed by chi-square and Student t tests. Results Ninety patients with preexisting PCA were identified: 77 renal, 10 heart, and three liver transplant recipients. Mean age at PCA diagnosis was 61.3 ± 6.3 years. Median interval between diagnosis and transplantation was 19.3 months, and median follow-up after transplantation was 20.5 months. Median time to PCA recurrence was 10.6 months after transplantation and median survival time with recurrent PCA was 49.2 months after transplant. Patient mortality was 28.8%, and PCA-related death rate was 7.8%. PCA recurrence rate was 17.7%. Tumor recurrence rates in stage I and II disease (14 and 16%) were lower than in stage III disease (36%). Conclusions In conclusion, death rate to disease other than PCA is three times that due to PCA. PCA recurrence rates are relatively low in patients who initially presented with stage I and II disease, and are half that of patients with stage III disease.
Short-term load forecasting using artificial neural networks

The deregulation of the power system industry has made short term load forecasting increasingly important. This paper presents an artificial neural network based hour ahead load forecasting model that improves upon previous models by using the entire load profile of the previous day, rather than making potentially unjustified assumptions about the functional relationship between past hours load and current load. Historical load data for the ISO-New England control area was used to test the proposed model. The mean absolute percentage error for the hour ahead load forecasting was found to be 0.439%, which compares favorably to previous models. In addition, seasonal changes and weekends appear to have relatively small effects on the network performance. This suggests that the use of the 24 past hours load as input variables can potentially create better hour-ahead forecasting models.
Rapid Determination of Water in Animals and Plants

THE quickest and also the most accurate method of determining the percentage of water in animals or plants or tissues in general is a simple modification of the recognized method of determining the percentage of water in oils by means of a Dean and Stark's tube.