cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Progress in Photobiomodulation for Bone Fractures: A Narrative Review.

Objective: The aim of this article is to examine current concepts and the future direction of implementing photobiomodulation (PBM) for fracture treatment. Background data: The effectiveness of PBM for bone regeneration has been demonstrated throughout in vitro studies and animal models. Yet, insufficient clinical trials have been reported on treating fractures with PBM. Materials and methods: A narrative review was composed on the basis of a literary search. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies between 2000 and 2019 using animal or human fracture models. Exclusion criteria consisted of studies that did not pertain to complete fractures or used other forms of intervention. Results: Ten animal studies on rats and rabbits and four clinical trials were found on using PBM for complete fractures. Conclusions: Based on positive outcomes in animal trials, parameter optimization of PBM for human fractures still requires extensive research on factors such as dosage, wavelength, penetration depth, treatment frequency, and the use of pulsed waves.
Hearing loss in individuals at risk for neurosyphilis.

Otosyphilis is a serious complication of syphilis.329 participants enrolled in a study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities in syphilis underwent portable audiometry (250 Hz to 8000 Hz at 5–7...
Assessing the Impact of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Characteristics on COVID-19 Prevalence Across Seven States in the United States

Introduction: The spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) across the United States has highlighted the long-standing nationwide health inequalities with socioeconomically challenged communities experiencing a higher burden of the disease. We assessed the impact of neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics on the COVID-19 prevalence across seven selected states (i.e., Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia). Methods: We obtained cumulative COVID-19 cases reported at the neighborhood aggregation level by Departments of Health in selected states on two dates (May 3rd, 2020, and May 30th, 2020) and assessed the correlation between the COVID-19 prevalence and neighborhood characteristics. We developed Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a composite measure to rank neighborhoods by their socioeconomic characteristics, using the 2018 US Census American Community Survey. The higher ADI rank represented more disadvantaged neighborhoods. Results: After controlling for age, gender, and the square mileage of each community we identified Zip-codes with higher ADI (more disadvantaged neighborhoods) in Illinois and Maryland had higher COVID-19 prevalence comparing to zip-codes across the country and in the same state with lower ADI (less disadvantaged neighborhoods) using data on May 3rd. We detected the same pattern across all states except for Florida and Virginia using data on May 30th, 2020. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that not all Americans are at equal risk for COVID-19. Socioeconomic characteristics of communities appear to be associated with their COVID-19 susceptibility, at least among those study states with high rates of disease.
Progression of human subjective perceptions during euhydration, mild dehydration, and drinking.

Abstract Thirst motivates consumption of water necessary for optimal health and cognitive-physiological functions. Other than thirst, little is known about coexisting perceptions and moods that provide information to the brain and participate in body water homeostasis. The purpose of this investigation was to observe perceptions, somatic sensations, and moods during controlled changes of hydration status. During routine daily activities interspersed with laboratory visits, 18 healthy young men (age, 23±3 y; body mass, 80.13±10.61 kg) self-reported hourly ratings (visual analog scales, VAS) of 17 subjective perceptions, across two 24-h periods (ad libitum food and water intake while euhydrated; water restriction with dry food intake [WR]) and during a 30-min rehydration session (R30, 1.46±0.47 L water intake). At the end of WR, body mass loss reached 1.67 kg (2.12%). Distinct perceptions were identified during euhydration, WR and immediately after R30. Starting approximately 4 h after WR began (body mass loss of ∼0.5%), perceptual changes included progressively intensifying ratings of thirst, mouth dryness, desire for water, and pleasantness of drinking. In comparison, immediately after R30, participants reported a reversal of the perceptions observed during WR (above) plus cooler thermal sensation, increased satisfaction, and stomach fullness. These VAS ratings suggested that aversive moods contributed to drinking behavior and supported previously published animal studies. In conclusion, this investigation delineates previously unreported perceptions and their evolution (e.g., appearance, extinction, time course) that motivated drinking during WR and discouraged overdrinking after R30.
Electrochemical additive manufacturing of graded NiCoFeCu structures for electromagnetic applications

Abstract This study introduces the concept of compositionally-graded electrochemical additive manufacturing of advanced metal alloys. The feasibility was demonstrated using a NiCoFeCu system for electromagnetic applications. The effects of grading frequency and voltage on output geometry and elemental composition were studied. Application of constant signals throughout pillar build yielded varying width and elemental composition along the pillar length. Additional grading of voltage from low to high favoured wider pillars and enhanced copper content. Auxiliary plating effects were used to explain compositional deviations from conventional electroplating. Frequency response varied with voltage, suggesting its use as a secondary, fine-tuned parameter.
Is There a Correlation Between Dog Obesity and Human Obesity? Preliminary Findings of Overweight Status Among Dog Owners and Their Dogs.

Background and Aim: Obesity is a serious health issue in people and their pets, with a need for innovative and engaging prevention strategies. One possible strategy is a One Health approach incorporating dogs into prevention programs; however, little data exist in the U.S. about the association between weight status among dog owners and their dogs. The objective of this study was to determine if there was an association between body mass index of adult dog owners and corresponding weight status in their dogs. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional correlation study collected data from 38 adult dog owners aged 18 years and older and their dogs at three pet festivals throughout New England. Body mass index of dog owners and body condition scores of dogs were measured on site. Spearman correlation was used to compare weight status in dogs and their owners. Results: The median body mass index of dog owners was 26 (range of 17–53) and the median body condition score of dogs was 6 (range of 4–9). Frequency of overweight and obesity in dog owners was 31.6 and 26.3%, respectively, and 50.0 and 13.2% in dogs, also, respectively. Owner body mass index was positively correlated with dog body condition score (r = 0.60, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings support a possible association between overweight status in dogs and their owners. These findings could be leveraged in future interventions to promote healthier and more active lifestyles for both dog owners and their dogs in an engaging and innovative obesity prevention approach.
Genetic Effects of Radiation

Evaluation of the genetic risk of exposure to ionizing radiation rests on a variety of experiences. These include (1) exposure to diagnostic and therapeutic doses of X-ray and radioactive materials such as radium or cobalt, (2) occupationally incurred exposures, e. g., in uranium mining or the maintenance of nuclear reactors, (3) geographic areas with “high” natural or man- made background radiation levels, and (4) the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Exposure from these sources varies substantially, qualitatively and quantitatively. It may be acute or chronic, of a single quality or several, whole body or partial, prompted by illness and hence possibly confounded by health status, and so forth. So disparate is such exposure and the methods of ascertainment used that it is impossible to examine these data in any collective manner. Accordingly, for this and several other reasons, this presentation will emphasize the studies of the offspring of the A-bomb survivors conducted initially by the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission (ABCC) and now the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF). First, from these experiences has been gathered the largest body of data, exceeding that from all other studies collectively.
Does C-Reactive Protein Predict the Long-Term Progression of Interstitial Lung Disease and Survival in Patients With Early Systemic Sclerosis?

Objective There are no identified clinical markers that reliably predict long-term progression of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have been reported in SSc patients. We examined the predictive significance of CRP level for long-term ILD progression in a large early SSc cohort.
Specific protein synthesis in cellular differentiation: III. The eggshell proteins of Drosophila melanogaster and their program of synthesis☆

Abstract The eggshell of Drosophila melanogaster is composed of a set of proteins synthesized by the follicular epithelium during the last third of oogenesis and organized into an inner zone (vitelline membrane) and an outer zone (chorion). To study these proteins, the authors developed techniques for mass-isolating follicles of mixed stages, mature (stage 14) follicles, chorion from stage 14 follicles, and chorion and vitelline membrane from laid eggs. The eggshell is composed mainly of protein and is unusually rich in proline and alanine. Six proteins of the chorion have been identified on polyacrylamide gels. The program of synthesis of these proteins was studied by incubating follicles of different developmental stages in culture with 3 H-labeled amino acids and displaying the labeled proteins on gels with the aid of autofluorography. The proteins are synthesized in a specific overlapping sequence during stages 10–14, a period when chorion deposition is known to occur. In addition, putative vitelline membrane proteins have been identified by their preferential incorporation of [ 3 H]proline and [ 3 H]alanine during stages of active vitelline membrane synthesis.
Excessive trust in authorities and its influence on experimental design.

Most graduate curricula in biological sciences offer courses that cover various scientific disciplines, but they give relatively little formal instruction in experimental design. Students learn the latter primarily through hands-on experience in the laboratory, and some find this learning process bewildering and frustrating. So, what is the root of the problem, and how can young researchers get experiments to work more predictably and reproducibly?
A digital learning object for teaching human embryology: version 2 of Embryon (725.13)

Learning human embryology is very important in the understanding of congenital anomalies, in the development of accurate diagnoses, and in the construction of effective treatment plans to address congenital anomalies. However, addressing concepts in human embryology can be difficult in medical and dental student populations with different learning styles and different levels of prior knowledge. Here, we have incorporated prior focus group, curricular implementation, and student learning data into an existing digital interactive educational module designed to teach human facial development to pre-clinical medical and dental students. This second version addresses issues in interface, interactivity, and content of the initial learning object that were considered detrimental to learning during analyses of the initial version. In addition, active learning assessment has been incorporated into the learning object in the form of short quizzes and internal data tracking. Focus group analysis, limited implementat...
Terminology and classification of bio-optical algorithms

Bio-optical algorithms have been classify with different terms such as empirical, semi-empirical, semi-analytical, quasi-analytical or analytical algorithms. However, one algorithm has been classified differently in remote sensing literature and a lack of a consistent terminology was found. In this article, description of types of bio-optical algorithm is present as well as a procedure to define the most suitable terminology. This procedure is based on the goal, processes and products of the bio-optical algorithm. The adoption of the proposed classification and terminology for this relatively new area for remote sensing applications is an important step for the development of this growing field.
Exercise and exhaustion effects on glycogen synthesis pathways

Female Sprague-Dawley rats were infused with [1-13C]glucose to measure the effect of endurance training and the effect of various metabolic conditions on pathways of hepatic glycogen synthesis. Four metabolic states [sedentary (S), trained (T), sedentary exhausted (SE), and trained exhausted (TE)] were studied. T and TE rats were trained on a motor-driven treadmill (30 m/min, 15% grade, 1.0 h/day, 5 days/wk) for 8-10 wk. After a 24-h fast, SE and TE rats were run to exhaustion (sedentary average = 78 min, trained average = 155 min) at a training pace and immediately infused with labeled glucose for 2 h. S and T rats were infused after a 24-h fast. After infusion, tissues were removed and glycogen was isolated and hydrolyzed to glucose. The glucose was measured for distribution of 13C by using nuclear magnetic resonance. Glycogen was synthesized predominantly by the indirect pathway for all metabolic states, indicating that infused glucose was first metabolized primarily in the peripheral tissue. The direct-pathway utilization was greater in rested S than in rested T animals (30 vs. 14%); however, for exhausted animals, the trained use of the direct pathway was greater (22 vs. 9%). Both TE and rested T animals utilize the indirect pathway a comparable amount. Sedentary animals, on the other hand, dramatically decreased utilization of the direct pathway, with exhaustive exercise changing from 30 to 9%. The results indicate that endurance training modifies glucose utilization during glycogen synthesis after fasting and exhaustive exercise.
Creation of DICOM—Aware Applications Using ImageJ

The demand for image-processing software for radiology applications has been increasing, fueled by advancements in both image-acquisition and image-analysis techniques. The utility of existing image-processing software is often limited by cost, lack of flexibility, and/or specific hardware requirements. In particular, many existing packages cannot directly utilize images formatted using the specifications in part 10 of the DICOM standard (“DICOM images”). We show how image analyses can be performed directly on DICOM images by using ImageJ, a free, Java-based image-processing package (http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/). We demonstrate how plug-ins written in our laboratory can be used along with the ImageJ macro script language to create flexible, low-cost, multiplatform image-processing applications that can be directed by information contained in the DICOM image header.
The Design, Implementation and Assessment of an On-Line, Open-Book Quizzing Environment for an Introductory Materials Science Course.

The authors have developed, implemented and assessed an on-line, open-book quizzing environment for the introductory materials science course, “Materials In Today’s World”. The course is offered as an E-Education course and students may complete the course from anywhere that permits access to our course management system, ANGEL. For reasons that were both pragmatic and philosophical, we decided that the exams/quizzes would not be proctored, they would be delivered wholly on-line, and would be open-book. In the current paper, we will present and justify our philosophy, of on-line, open-book quizzes: the rich feedback, which is a feature or our quizzing system, Question Mark Perception, is used both as a teaching tool, and as a means to refine the quiz database. We have replaced the original “high-stakes” midterm and final exam, with a series of lower-stakes, weekly quizzes, which are generated from a large question database. Student response to the quizzing environment is generally very positive.
An application of a fuzzy random variable to vulnerability modeling

Abstract Fuzzy random variables have unique value in a modeling context because of their ability to distinguish model components which are incompletely known due to stochastic variation from components which are unknown due to imprecise measurement or inherent vagueness in their quantification. In this paper we present a straightforward application of fuzzy methods to an important and ongoing defense problem, that of evaluating the susceptibility of an armored vehicle to attack.
Frontally Mediated Control Processes Contribute to Source Memory Retrieval

Remembering is a cognitively demanding task that requires the strategic selection of information from memory. In this issue of Neuron, Dobbins et al. present functional MRI (fMRI) data that shed insight into the specific, dissociated contributions of frontal regions to remembering.
Early gene interaction during prepupal expression of Drosophila arginine kinase.

Arginine kinase displays a distinctive rise and fall in specific activity and specific protein levels during the prepupal stage of Drosophila development with maximal activity occurring at morphological stage P3. This developmentally regulated peak is under the influence of ecdysone. Altered doses of the major ecdysone-inducible “early” genes at cytological regions 75B and 2B5 alter this pattern of expression while altered doses of another major “early” gene at 74EF have no effect. We hypothesize that a product of the 2B5 locus and a product of the 75B locus interact to effect this developmental pattern of expression of Drosophila arginine kinase. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
[Muscle dysmorphia, body image and eating behaviors in two male populations].

Background: Muscle dysmorphia or vigorexia is a disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with the idea that he or she is not muscular enough. Aim: To assess physical exercise, eating behaviors and the presence of muscle dysmorphia among weightlifters and medical students. Subjects and Methods: Cross sectional evaluation of 88 male weightlifters aged 27 ± 7 years and 84 male medical students aged 22 ± 1 year was made. Eating behaviors were evaluated using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40) and the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI). The perception of body image was assessed using the Graduate Hannover Scale (GHS). Results: Prevalence of muscle dysmorphia among weightlifters was 13.6%. Both groups did not differ in body dissatisfaction. Interest in appearance among weightlifters was significantly higher than in students and ranged significantly higher in EAT-40 and EDI (p < 0.001). Other sports were practiced with the same frequency by weightlifters and students. Weightlifters expended more time than students exercising to improve their appearance (p < 0.005). Forty two percent of weightlifters with muscle dysmorphia displayed abuse of anabolics and 67% used other substances to improve their performance (p < 0.005). Conclusions: The presence of muscle dysmorphia among weightlifters was confirmed. They were dissatisfied with their body image and more concerned with their physical appearance than those without muscle dysmorphia and/or students. Their anabolic abuse rate was high. Our findings were similar to those reported in the international literature.
Band radiation of isothermal gases within diffuse-walled enclosures

Abstract A method for obtaining highly accurate approximate solutions of the spectrally integrated, zonal, radiative transfer equations for arbitrary enclosures containing a nongray, isothermal gas is developed in this paper. The procedure is general enough to be applied to any nongray absorption-emission spectrum but is particularly appropriate for band radiation of molecular gases. It represents a fundamentally based alternative to presently available gray-band or gray-gas procedures.
Maskelynite formation via solid-state transformation: Evidence of infrared and x-ray anisotropy

We present the results of a combined study of shocked labradorite from the Lonar crater, India, using optical microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, high-energy X-ray total scattering experiments, and micro-Fourier transform infrared (micro-FTIR) spectroscopy. We show that maskelynite of shock class 2 is structurally more similar to fused glass than to crystalline plagioclase. However, there are slight but significant differences—preservation of original preimpact igneous zoning, anisotropy at infrared wavelengths, X-ray anisotropy, and preservation of some intermediate range order—which are all consistent with a solid-state transformation from plagioclase to maskelynite.
Historical perspective on nutritional support of cancer patients

Initially, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was not used in cancer patients because of the fear of sepsis and the potential for stimulation of tumor growth. It was used first in cancer patients who had failed all attempts at enteral nutrition and in whom adequate anticancer therapy would have been otherwise impossible. TPN candidates today remain patients with responsive tumors who cannot tolerate the toxicity of cancer therapy because they are malnourished.
The human genome initiative--do databases reflect current progress?

Mapping and sequencing the entire human genome in a timely fashion requires organization of all available resources to the common goal. Federal funding agencies have established individual genome centers that will focus on one or more chromosomes. Further, chromosome-specific workshops are being organized to permit individual centers, researchers, or groups to pool their results with other colleagues working on the same chromosome. The activities imply the following: (1) each chromosome community should have its own database; (2) the databases should permit inclusion of data from many different groups and give different map interpretations of the same chromosome region; and (3) similar formats for data storage and representation should be used across the databases to simplify data exchange and interpretation. However, no matter how sophisticated modern database management systems may be, they cannot realistically fulfill their responsibilities until all parties concerned are prepared to submit their data to centralized databases. To do this they need to be provided with adequate tools and incentives. Provision of the tools is the task of the database organizations. Provision of incentives is partly a question of adequate peer recognition for direct submission, partly a willingness to openly share information with the community at large, andmore » partly the need for funding organizations to insist on data sharing as a requisite for their continued support.« less
Triple Eyewall in Hurricane Juliette.

|urricane eyewalls are one of the more enigmatic phenomena in the atmosphere. Even more mysterious are concentric eyewall cycles: the development of a ring of deep convection within a larger ring of deep convection, with a “moat” between them. On radar, the moat would appear as a nearly echofree annulus, while an eyewall would appear as an annulus with radar echoes typically greater than 35 dBZ. From the first days of aircraft reconnaissance into hurricanes during the 1940s, these “double eyes” were occasionally observed in strong storms, and the advent of satellite meteorology in the 1960s has provided additional cases that we otherwise would not have known about. In particular, passive microwave imagery is the most ideal and prominent tool available for monitoring the internal precipitation structure, concentric eyewalls, and eyewall replacement cycles (Hawkins and Helveston 2004). Concentric eyewalls are ephemeral; once formed, they typically are not maintained for much longer than 12 h. As the new outer eyewall forms, the original inner eyewall usually lacks the necessary inflow to maintain itself, and it gradually dissipates. In time, dynamic processes cause the outer eyewall to contract, and the process can repeat itself; this is called an eyewall replacement cycle (Black and Willoughby 1992). Multiple eyewalls are more commonly observed in intense tropical cyclones (i.e., Category 3, 4, and 5 on the Saffir–Simpson scale; Simpson 1974). From a study of western North Pacific tropical cyclones (TCs) during 1969–71, Willoughby et al. (1982) estimated that approximately 53% of intense TCs (winds greater than 65 m s −1 ) exhibit concentric eyewalls, while only 14% of weaker TCs do.
Growth Responses of Selected Quail Lines to Goitrogenic Stresses

Abstract Three quail lines were evaluated on 28 percent protein diets containing different goitrogenic compounds to study the nature of resistance to thiouracil in one of the lines. The results of five trials involving more than 2100 quail indicate that an inherent change that allows quail to negate the growth depressing effect of 0.2 percent thiouracil on early growth rate is the result of a specific change in thyroid activity. Although quail from the resistant line were more tolerant to goitrogenic compounds that act by different metabolic pathways than thiouracil, they were not resistant to thiouracil levels above 0.2 percent. Evidence for the involvement of a threshold mechanism is suggested by the failure of quail to tolerate higher levels of thiouracil.
Mothers' Repartnering after a Nonmarital Birth

This article examines the prevalence, predictors and outcomes of unmarried mothers' repartnering patterns following a nonmarital birth. Results indicate that, within five years after a birth, approximately two-thirds of unmarried mothers end their relationship with the focal child's biological father, and more than half of these mothers enter new partnerships. Among those who repartnered, 60 percent of mothers formed unions with men who had higher economic capabilities than their former partners, 20 percent formed unions with men of similar capabilities, and 20 percent formed unions with men who had lower capabilities. This pattern holds for both nonresidential and coresidential unions. Our findings are consistent with marriage market, learning and evolutionary biology theories about union formation, and they provide support for qualitative evidence that unmarried mothers have high standards for new partners. While many mothers find new partners who seem to offer a higher level of economic security, many other mothers remain unpartnered, likely due (at least in part) to the limited pool of potential partners with relatively high levels of economic promise.
Creativity and craft: the information‐seeking behavior of theatre artists

Purpose – The aim of this study is to explore the information needs and behaviors of practicing theatre artists. Psychological research into creativity provides a framework for understanding both theatre artists' information‐seeking behavior and the role of information seeking and gathering in the creative process.Design/methodology/approach – The exploratory study presents findings from an online questionnaire of 73 practicing theatre artists and qualitative data gathered from eight interviews with theatre professionals.Findings – The study reveals that theatre artists seek information for six primary purposes: understanding a work's historical, cultural, and critical background; finding sources of inspiration; learning about contemporary or historical theatre productions, artists, and events; learning technical or process information; finding performance materials; and furthering career goals. Theatre artists view the information search process as being essential to their creative activities, and their ...
Basic Transcription Element Binding Protein (BTEB) Transactivates the Cholesterol 7α-Hydroxylase Gene (CYP7A)

Abstract Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step in the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids in the liver. Previously, we have identified two bile acid response elements located in nt −74 to −54 (BARE-I) and −148 to −118 (BARE-II) regions. The nucleotide sequences in these BAREs are highly conserved and shared a novel sequence, AGTTCAAG. To identify and isolate nuclear protein factors that bind to these BAREs, we have screened a human liver cDNA expression library with oligonucleotide probes containing the sequence from nt −149 to −127. Twenty positive clones were selected and purified. Partial nucleotide sequences of these clones were determined. Nucleotide homology search of DNA databases of the sequences of these clones revealed that sequence of one clone, G13, is identical to basic transcription element binding protein (BTEB), a GC box-binding protein of Sp1 family transcription factors known to regulate many cytochrome P450 genes. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays have identified a basic transcription element (BTE) in BARE-II and a Sp1 binding site located in the nt −100/−82 region of the CYP7A promoter. Transient transfection assays have confirmed that BTEB was able to transactivate the CYP7A promoter/luciferase chimeric gene.
Fluorescence Image Analysis of Process Cheese Manufactured with Trisodium Citrate and Sodium Chloride

Fluorescence imaging and cryomicrotomy were used to study the size and shape distribution of fat particles in a model process cheese product. The technique generated data with reproducibility and consistency as confirmed by the statistical results. The process cheese product was manufactured with Cheddar cheese, NaCl, and trisodium citrate in a batch-type, twin-screw process cheese cooker with a 4.5-kg capacity. After reaching 65.5°C, samples were collected from each batch at cooking times of 0, 5, 10, and 15 min. The geometry of fat particles (circularity and diameter of the area equivalent circle) from both types of model process cheese was evaluated. Fat particles in the process cheese product that was manufactured with trisodium citrate were more circular than those in the process cheese manufactured with NaCl only. The diameter of the area equivalent circle of fat particles in process cheese containing trisodium citrate decreased and stabilized after 5 min of cooking time, but those in process cheese containing NaCl did not change.
Electrostrictive polymers for mechanical energy harvesting

Recent advances in electroactive polymers including high field induced strain, high elastic energy density (~1 J/cm3), and relatively high energy conversion efficiency, approaching those of natural muscles, create new opportunities for many applications. Harvesting electric energy from mechanical sources such as a soldier during walking is one such example. Several electroactive polymers developed recently are briefly reviewed. The paper further presents analysis on the key steps in achieving energy harvesting effectively. It is shown that one may make use of smart electronics to modify the electric boundary conditions in the electroactive polymers during the energy harvesting cycle to realize higher energy conversion efficiency in the systems compared with the efficiency of the material itself. Due to the fact that the energy density of the electromagnetic based energy harvesting devices scales with the square root of the device volume, the paper shows that the electroactive polymers based energy harvesting devices exhibit higher energy density and therefore are more suitable for this application.
Modeling the catalysis of anti-cocaine catalytic antibody: competing reaction pathways and free energy barriers.

The competing reaction pathways and the corresponding free energy barriers for cocaine hydrolysis catalyzed by an anti-cocaine catalytic antibody, mAb15A10, were studied by using a novel computatio...
Separation of oyster hemocytes by density gradient centrifugation and identification of their surface receptors

Abstract Glutaraldehyde-fixed hemocytes of Crassostrea virginica were subjected to differential centrifugation on a 5, 10, 15, and 25% discontinous sucrose gradient. Five subpopulations of cells were separated by this technique. Subpopulation 1 coincides with the small granulocytes, subpopulation 2 is comprised of hyalinocytes, subpopulation 3 of medium-sized granulocytes, subpopulation 4 of large granulocytes, and subpopulation 5 of a mixture of very large granulocytes and aggregates of small cells. By using several plant and animal lectins, it was ascertained that cells of subpopulations 1, 3, and 4 were agglutinated with Con A and extracts of the albumin glands of Helix pomatia and Cepaea nemoralis while those of subpopulation 2 were agglutinated by the same three lectins as well as wheat germ agglutinin. By applying the Con A-peroxidase cytochemical technique, it was determined that approximately 20% of the granulocytes of subpopulations 1 and 3 do not possess Con A-binding sites and only 18% of the large cells comprising subpopulation 5 possess such sites. These results suggest that the subpopulations of C. virginica granulocytes distinguishable by their dimensions and densities may be further subdivided by differences in specific surface binding sites.
Ire, Envy, Irony, and ENFI: Electronic Conferences as Unreliable Narrative.

Abstract This article describes the electronic network for interaction (ENFI) used by the author's writing classes and offers a brief example of the conversation that it has helped students negotiate. The article then shows how four mental activities often associated with reading in a literary way—dialogization (heteroglossia), defamiliarization, refraction of the implied author's intent, and multiple reading—permeate not only student discourse mediated by networked computers, but also the processes of composing and revising formal essays. Arguing that these mental activities can help the writer make room for a self, the article concludes that student discussions mediated by electronic networks for interaction can powerfully enrich not only literature classes but also classes in writing. The discussion ends with evidence of how the specific sample of computer-mediated discourse quoted may have helped one student improve an essay that he was working on at the time.
Application of group theory to the band theory of solids

Abstract The application of group theoretical methods relating to the band structure of solids is reviewed and discussed. Particular emphasis is given to the reduction of space groups possessing screw axes; the reduction of such groups presents special difficulties, and methods for obtaining their irreducible representations are discussed. Time reversal symmetry and the spin double group are treated. The proper linear combinations of wave functions (appropriate to different irreducible representations) are obtained using an idempotent operator method. Application to the LCAO method is discussed.
Effect of dietary fiber concentration on apparent digestibility and digesta passage in non‐human primates. I. Ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata variegata and V. v. rubra)

Two test diets with different fiber concentrations (15% acid detergent fiber [ADF], 30% ADF) were fed to five adult female ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata). Apparent digestibility (%) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and fiber components (neutral detergent fiber [NDF], ADF, hemicellulose [HC], and cellulose [C]) were measured. Rates of digesta transit (TT1) and retention time (RGIT) were assessed using acetate beads, Co-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and Cr-mordanted fiber. Apparent digestibilities (%) of components of the 15ADF and 30ADF diets, respectively, were 51.0 and 41.7 for DM, 47.0 and 39.7 for GE, and 20.4 and 20.7 for NDF. TT1 was approximately 2.7 hours. RGIT was 3.8 hours. No differences in TT1 or RGIT between dietary treatments or marker types were detected. Results of this study support anecdotal observations that Varecia variegata have a limited capacity to utilize plant cell wall constituents as a significant energy source, when compared with more folivorous prosimans. Zoo Biol 18:529–536, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ankle sprains: surgical treatment for recurrent sprains Report of 10 patients treated with the Chrisman-Snook modification of the Elmslie procedure

A group of 10 patients (3 women and 7 men; 17 to 57 years old, average 23.9; mean, 21 years) was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively following surgical repair with a modification of the Elmslie procedure (i.e., by using one-half of the tendinous portion of the peroneus brevis ligament to reconstruct the anterior and middle fasciculi of the lateral ligament). The patients were athletes who participated in bicycling, boxing, tennis, hockey, basketball, football, soccer, or a combination of sports. Each patient gave a history of spraining the ankle numerous times. Stress films were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively. The talar tilt was generally reduced in post operative films (average preoperatively, 12.4°; average post operatively, 5.6°). We conclude that the Elmslie procedure, as modified by Chrisman and Snook, is simpler to perform than the Watson-Jones procedure and has provided the majority of our patients with satisfactory results.
Characteristics of a Pennsylvanian ravinement surface

Abstract A transgressive ravinement surface is documented above the Mary Lee coal zone of the Lower Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation, Black Warrior basin, northwestern Alabama. This ravinement surface separates an underlying non-marine regression sequence from an overlying marine one, and is marked by a thin ravinement bed. Two types of ravinement beds are identified: (1) a mudstone bed with an autochthonous pelecypod and brachiopod assemblage; and (2) a sandstone bed with an autochthonous Zoophycos and an allochthonous trilobite-crinoid-brachiopod assemblage. Under a subcritical condition, in which the shoreface angle is greater than the gradient of coastal areas, gradual rise of sea level causes erosion of the existing shoreface. Landward and upward migration of the shoreface has two genetic consequences: (1) the formation of a ravinement surface consisting of a series of erosional surfaces; and (2) the deposition of ravinement beds, the sediments of which are controlled by the properties of the eroded shoreline. The areal distribution of the two types of the ravinement beds represents a more than 60-km retreat of the shoreline in response to a long-term change of sea level. The recognition of the Pennsylvanian ravinement surface not only provides a correlative surface for coal-bearing rocks, but also documents the basinal transgressive histories not previously recognized.
Large oscillations arising in a dispersive numerical scheme

Abstract We study the oscillatory behavior that arises in solutions of a dispersive numerical scheme for the Hopf equation whenever the classical solution of the equation develops a singularity. Modulation equations are derived that describe period-two oscillations so long as the solution of those equations takes values for which the equations are hyperbolic. However, those equations have an elliptic region that may be entered by its solutions in a finite time, after which the corresponding period-two oscillations are seen to break down. This kind of phenomenon has not been observed for integrable schemes. The generation and propagation of period-two oscillations are asymptotically analyzed and a matching formula is found for the transition between oscillatory and nonoscillatory regions. Modulation equations are also presented for period-three oscillations. Numerical experiments are carried out that illustrate our analysis.
Medication use for low back pain in primary care.

STUDY DESIGN A longitudinal observational study of primary care patients with low back pain. OBJECTIVES 1) To describe medications prescribed for back pain, 2) to identify patient characteristics associated with type of drug therapy, 3) to determine if the prescription of certain drugs is associated with better outcomes, and 4) to compare physician prescribing behavior with national guidelines. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Few previous studies have focused on medication prescribing patterns for back pain in primary care. METHODS Two-hundred nineteen patients aged 20-69 years who were making a first visit for an episode of back pain were studied. After the visit, patients completed questionnaires regarding sociodemographic characteristics, health status, back pain experience, and use of medications. Symptom severity and dysfunction were assessed by telephone 1 week after the visit. RESULTS Sixty-nine percent of patients were prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 35% muscle relaxants, 12% narcotics, and 4% acetaminophen. Twenty percent received no medications. Patients were more likely to receive medications if they had a desire for medication, pain below the knee, less than 3 weeks of pain before visit, more severe symptoms, or greater dysfunction. Patients with more severe symptoms were more likely to receive narcotics or muscle relaxants. Patients with greater dysfunction were also more likely to receive narcotics. Type of drug therapy predicted symptom severity but not dysfunction after 1 week. Controlling for other factors, those receiving medications had less severe symptoms after 1 week than patients who received no medication. Patients receiving both muscle relaxants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs had the best outcomes. Medication use for back pain in this health maintenance organization was generally concordant with national guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often augmented by muscle relaxants, are a standard medical treatment for back pain in primary care. In this observational study, patients prescribed medications, particularly muscle relaxants, reported less severe symptoms after 1 week than those receiving no medications. However, randomized trials are needed to determine which medication or combinations of medications are most effective.
Properties of incomplete Sendai virions and subgenomic viral RNAs

Abstract A strain of Sendai virus encapsidated 19 S and 25 S RNAs in addition to 50 S RNA genomes. The 19 S and 25 S RNAs hybridized with Sendai virus-specific RNAs from infected cells, but not with 50 S viral RNA, indicating that they contained nucleotide sequences similar to 50 S viral genomes. Sendai virions were separated by rate zonal centrifugation into groups sedimenting at about 400 S, 1000 S, and greater than 1000 S. Virions sedimenting at 1000 S or greater were infectious and contained 19 S, 25 S, and 50 S RNAs. The 400 S virions contained only 19 S and 25 S RNAs; they were not infectious, and they interfered with replication of infectious virions. Passage of Sendai virus at low multiplicity gave progeny lacking 400 S virions and 19 S and 25 S RNAs. The evidence indicates that noninfectious virions containing incomplete genomes occur in Sendai virus replication.
Sa1495 Elderly Veterans With Dual Eligibility: Where Do They Get Their Colonoscopy?

Data were collected about caecal intubation rate, bowel preparation, adverse events (serious gastrointestinal, minor gastrointestinal and cardiovascular) and diagnostic yield. Chi-Square test (p:0.01) was performed to analyze data. Results: In Group A colonoscopy was completed in 132 cases (68.3%) and in Group B in 177 cases (93.1%) (p 000.1). In Group A 14 pts (7.2 %) had incomplete examination for a neoplastic stenosis 21 pts. (10.8%) for poor bowel preparation, 18 pts (9.3%) for diverticular strictures and 8 pts (4.1%) for incomplete sedation. In Group B 12 pts ( 6.2%) had incomplete examination for a neoplastic stenosis and 4pts. (2.1%) for poor bowel preparation (p 0001). In Group A 176 pat (91.1%) had comorbid conditions and 124 (64.2%) more than one associated disease; in Group B 85 pts (44.0%) had comorbid conditions ( 0.0001). In Group A 4 patients (2.1%) had serious GI adverse events,106 pts.(59.9%) minor GI adverse events (p 0.001) and 4 pts (2.1%) cardiovascular adverse events. In group B no patients had serious GI adverse event,34 patients (17.6%) minor GI adverse events and 3 pts (1.5%) cardiovascular adverse events. In Group A 114 pts (59.0%) had normal colonoscopy (11.4%) or diverticulosis (47.5 %); in 8 patients with anemia (4.1%) the exam failed for divertucular stenosis; colonoscopy identified a problem that explained the patient’s symptoms in 72 cases only (37.3%). Conclusions: Our study shows a low caecal intubation rate. Failure to complete exams is mainly attributable to severe diverticular disease, but difficulties with bowel preparation and analgesia contribute too. Colonoscopy has a low diagnostic yield also in patients with symptoms. As diverticular stricture, sedation risks and incomplete preparation are major issues in the elderly, CT colonography might be the first line exam in patients with high risk to undergo incomplete colonoscopies.
The tanh method for travelling wave solutions to the Zhiber–Shabat equation and other related equations

Abstract The tanh method and the extended tanh method are used for handling the Zhiber–Shabat equation and the related equations: Liouville equation, sinh-Gordon equation, Dodd–Bullough–Mikhailov (DBM) equation, and Tzitzeica–Dodd–Bullough equation. Travelling wave solutions of different physical structures are formally derived for each equation.
When the half affects the whole: Priming identity for biracial individuals in social interactions

Abstract In two studies we investigate how the fluid identities of biracial individuals interact with contextual factors to shape behavior in interracial settings. In Study 1, biracial Black/White participants ( n = 22) were primed with either their Black or White identity before having a race-related discussion with a Black confederate. Study 2 ( n = 34) assessed the influence of our prime on racial self-identification and examined interactions with a White confederate. Self-reports and nonverbal behavior indicated that when the primed racial ingroup matched that of an interaction partner, biracial participants behaved much like participants in same-race interactions in previous studies, exhibiting lower levels of anxiety. Priming the opposite racial identity, however, led to greater signs of anxiety, mimicking past interracial interaction findings. These results extend previous findings regarding the influence of contextual factors on racial identification for biracial individuals, and are the first to demonstrate the implications of these effects for behavioral tendencies.
A new iterative scheme for waveform estimation with application to frame-to-frame image motion estimation

A new gradient-based technique for waveform estimation is developed and implemented for frame-to-frame image motion estimation. The algorithm assumes that the waveform components are sample functions from zero-mean Gaussian fields with known covariance functions. Using the steepest ascent routine, the procedure seeks the maximum a posteriori estimates of the Karhunen-Loeve expansion coefficients of the waveform. Necessary conditions are established for the convergence of the algorithm in the presence of noise. Experimental results are presented that illustrate the behavior of the algorithm for real images. >