cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Goal-Programming Approach to Planning for Population Balance in a Multiregional System:

This paper is concerned with the problem of settlement or resettlement of a remote region through the development of a collection of interacting human settlements. It is assumed that the government specifies a fixed development budget for housing and economic programs, as well as desired population growth profiles in time and space for the planning horizon. Goal programming is used to find the spatial–temporal scheduling of new housing construction, and development of job opportunities, that minimizes the sum of the weighted deviations between predicted and desired population trajectories over all regions. Benefits and limitations of the proposed model are proffered, as well as an exposition of related work in the literature.
Safe Multirobot Navigation Within Dynamics Constraints

This paper introduces a refinement of the classical sense-plan-act objective maximization method for setting agent goals, a real-time randomized path planner, a bounded acceleration motion control system, and a randomized velocity-space search for collision avoidance of multiple moving robotic agents. We have found this approach to work well for dynamic and unpredictable domains requiring real-time response and flexible coordination of multiple agents. First, the approach employs randomized search for objective maximization and motion planning, allowing real-time or any-time performance. Next, a novel cooperative safety algorithm is employed which respects agent dynamics limitations while also preventing collisions with static obstacles or other participating agents. An implementation of our multilayer approach has been tested and validated on real robots, forming the basis for an autonomous robotic soccer team
Correlation between replication and degradation of cellular DNA in polyoma virus-infected cells

Abstract Although approximately only 20% of the cells in polyoma virus-infected mouse embryo cultures synthesize viral antigen, approximately 93% of the cells synthesize DNA at some time during the infective process. The synthesis of DNA is not synchronized and in some of the cells in the cultures there is a delay in the onset of DNA synthesis. This delay is dependent upon the stage of the growth cycle of the cell at the time of infection. In all the cells in the infected cultures, the DNA is degraded during the later stages of the infective process and elutes from methylated albumin kieselguhr columns in a position characteristic of DNA with a molecular weight approximately that of viral DNA; this degradation occurs only after the DNA has replicated in the infected cells.
A new basic form for vapor pressure equations

A general model for the saturated vapor-pressure-temperature relationship is presented. The development of this model centered on the discovery that, on the basis of a constant latent heat, the volume change in vaporization can be described with a simple function of pressure. This relationship substitutes into the Clapeyron equation to give an integrateable form. The resulting model is simple, thus it is readily adaptable to computer use, and tends to be inherently reliable as the critical is approached. Constants evaluated for water gave an equation which predicts pressure with 0.2 mean percent error and limited range equations with 0.04 or less. On presente un modele general pour le systeme vapeur saturee-pression-temperature. Ce modele est base sur le fait que, la chaleur latente de vaporisation etant constante, la variation de volume durant la vaporisation est une fonction simple de la pression. Cette fonction est integree a L'equation de Clapeyron et il en resulte un modele simple, aisement utilisable par calculatrice, et fiable aux approches de la region critique. Les constantes evaluees pour L'eau donnent une equation qui permet de predire la pression avec une erreur moyenne de 0.2% et měme de 0.04% ou moins pour des regions de portee restreinte.
The Larval Odonata of Ponds in the Prairie Region of Missouri

ABSTRACT Despite a proliferation of regional faunistic treatments throughout North America in recent years, knowledge of the Odonata fauna of Missouri has lagged behind that of other midwestern states. Samples of larval Odonata were collected from 105 ponds in the Prairie Region of Missouri over three sampling periods: Fall 1998, Spring 1999, and Summer 1999. Some ponds were sampled during more than one sampling period, resulting in a total of 117 unique pond and sampling period combinations. Sites were selected from Missouri Department of Conservation owned lands and the University of Missouri owned Baskett Wildlife Area. Within each pond, sampling was conducted separately in each distinct vegetational mesohabitat. Supplemental rearing of difficult or uncommon taxa was carried out in in the laboratory. More than 30,000 specimens, representing 51 species, 22 genera, and 6 families of larval Odonata were collected from ponds in the Prairie Region of Missouri. Overall, the ponds of the Prairie Region suppor...
Assessment of low-expansion tungstates for thermal-shock-resistant infrared windows

Abstract: Low-thermal-expansion tungstate materials have the potential to be used as thermal-shock-resistant midwave (3-5 µm) infrared windows. Material properties that favor thermal shock resistance are high strength, high thermal conductivity, low elastic modulus, and low thermal expansion. Sapphire, for example, owes its high thermal shock resistance to high strength and high thermal conductivit y. In principle, it is possible to obtain even higher thermal shock resistance if a window materi al with near-zero thermal expansion can be made. This paper assesses recent work on Zr(WO 4 ) 2 and Al 0.5 Sc 1.5 (WO 4 ) 3 . It is concluded that multi-phonon absorption in the midwave spectral region limits the optical capabilities of tungstate materials. These materials have more absorptionand therefore, more emissionthan aluminum oxynitride in the 4-5 µm wavelength region. Thermal Shock Resistance For applications including missile domes and industrial process monitoring, an infrared-transparent window material could be heated so rapidly that significant, transient temperature differences develop in the materi al. Different thermal expansion between the warmer and cooler regions can lead to mechanical stress that causes the brittle material to shatter. Resistance to failure from thermal shock for mild heati ng rates is favored by the following factors: x High strength permits a material to survive high stress without failure x Low Youngs modulus (ie., low stiffness) creates litt le stress even from high strain x High thermal conductivity does not allow large temperature differences to exist x Low thermal expansion in the absence of expansion, there is no thermal stress These factors are contained in the Hasselman therma l shock figure of merit, R', for mild heating: R' = S (1- Q) kD E . (1) where the material properties are S = tensile strength, = Poissons ratio, = thermal kconductivity, . = thermal expansion coefficient, and E = Youngs modulus. The greater the thermal shock figure of merit, the greater the rate of heat transfer that can be tolerated without mechanical failure. _______________________________
Regulation of the cell-surface expression of an HTLV-I binding protein in human T cells during immune activation.

Little is known about the requirements for human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) entry, including the identity of the cellular receptor(s). Recently, we have generated an HTLV-I surface glycoprotein (SU) immunoadhesin, HTSU-IgG, which binds specifically to cell-surface protein(s) critical for HTLV-I–mediated entry in cell lines. Here, expression of the HTLV-I SU binding protein on primary cells of the immune system was examined. The immunoadhesin specifically bound to adult T cells, B cells, NK cells, and macrophages. Cell stimulation dramatically increased the amount of binding, with the highest levels of binding on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Naive (CD45RAhigh, CD62Lhigh) CD4+ T cells derived from cord blood cells, in contrast to other primary cells and all cell lines examined, bound no detectable HTLV-I SU. However, following stimulation, the level of HTSU-IgG binding was rapidly induced (fewer than 6 hours), reaching the level of binding seen on adult CD4+ T cells by 72 hours. In contrast to HTLV-I virions, the soluble HTSU-IgG did not effect T-cell activation or proliferation. When incubated with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a mixed leukocyte reaction, HTSU-IgG inhibited proliferation at less than 1 ng/mL. These results indicate that cell-surface expression of the HTLV SU binding protein is up-regulated during in vitro activation and suggest a role for the HTLV-I SU binding proteins in the immunobiology of CD4+ T cells.
CASE-mediated organizational and deutero learning at NASA

Deutero learning (DL) involves the use of an organizational learning (OL) strategy for the adoption of learning behavior, or simply `learning to learn.' This article describes the application of an evolutionary prototyping form of action research in a federal government department to address problems stemming from systemic bureaucracy. We developed two approaches, each mediated by computer-aided software engineering (CASE), that are relevant to initiating OL and DL. The first approach, CASE-Mediated Organizational Learning (CMOL), was found to be useful in the initiation, development, and guidance of OL behavior in the research setting. The second approach, named CASE-Mediated Deutero Learning (CMDL), is a guide for generalizing the CMOL approach to other settings. We validate both approaches using criteria drawn from the action research literature. These findings should be useful to managers interested in adopting OL and contributes to several streams of MIS literature.
Minimal Trauma Fractures: Lifting the Specter of Misconduct by Identifying Risk Factors and Planning for Prevention

Minimal trauma fractures are an unfortunate, yet not uncommon, event for frail elderly individuals in long term care facilities. These fractures result in significant morbidity including pain and loss of function along with significantly increased mortality. Further concern exists for the medico-legal issues raised after a minimal trauma fracture is discovered. The controversy at hand is whether such fractures are primarily the result of inadequate, careless, or abusive care practices. We build a case to the contrary. Although the data regarding this condition are limited, there exists a reasonable evidence base to identify an at-risk patient population. We present a representative case and subsequent literature review of minimal trauma fractures to illustrate the condition, including risk factors, mode of presentation, and patient outcomes. No direct research has been conducted on the pathophysiology of these fractures. Extrapolating from other similar conditions and likely associated comorbid illnesses, we explore possible physiologic explanations for their occurrence. Again, no direct investigation into prevention or treatment of minimal trauma fractures has been published. Instead, we consider a variety of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions that may modify the risk for minimal trauma fractures considering the previously identified risk factors and probable pathophysiologic changes leading to fracture development. We propose that reducing minimal trauma fractures in the frail elderly nursing home population will require careful staff education, close attention to identify at-risk patients, and implementation of select interventions aimed at preventing such fractures.
Democratizing School Authority: Brazilian Teachers' Perceptions of the Election of Principals.

Abstract The idea of collective decision making in schools has been a popular democratic educational reform model. One of its claims is that participation in school decision making empowers teachers and improves teaching. This research investigates this claim by exploring seven teachers’ experiences with a unique democratic school reform in Porto Alegre, Brazil, the election of principals by teachers, students, parents, and staff. Results showed that the elections reshaped the school authority relations, resulting in greater freedom for teachers to introduce democratic teaching methods, while articulating the school as a democratic institution and teachers as citizens.
Clean tests of quantum chromodynamics in μp scattering

Hard gluon bremsstrahlung in μp scattering produces final-state hadrons with a large component of momentum transverse to the virtual-photon direction. Quantum chromodynamics can be used to predict not only the absolute value of the transverse momentum, but also its angular distribution relative to the muon scattering plane. The angular correlations should be insensitive to nonperturbative effects.
Cardiometabolic Risk and Cognitive Function Decline in U.S. Elderly

Purpose Several studies have reported an association between cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and cognition and dementia, but these studies have been small, and large nationally representative studies are lacking. The present study aimed to examine this association using data from the cross-sectional studies of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 1999–2002.) Methods A total of 2238 participants aged ≥65 (M: 1084 and F: 1154) who had CMR and cognitive function (CF) measurements were included in the study. CMR factors included the following seven components: BMI ≥30 kg/m2; low HDL ( Results Mean (SD) DSST scores w ere 37.3 (17.2) and 40.1 (18.3) in males and females, respectively. Forty-one percent of males and 47% of females had three or more of the seven CMR factors, and 19% of males and 21% of females had four or more components. Age-adjusted logistic regression analyses indicated that people with ≥3 components of CMR were significantly associated with CF decline. The odds ratios (OR) for CF decline, compared to those with Conclusion Although cross-sectional associations do not necessarily imply causality, the present study extends our understanding of CMR in relation to CF, and indicates useful avenues for further study on the prevention of CF decline in the elderly.
Tetrandrine potently inhibits herpes simplex virus type-1-induced keratitis in BALB/c mice.

This study investigated the effect of tetrandrine (TDR) on experimental herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) in mice. BALB/c mice were divided as follows: Group 1, untreated; Group 2, acyclovir (ACV)-treated from day 0 postinfection; Group 3, ACV-treated from day 7; Group 4, TDR-treated from day 0; and Group 5, TDR-treated from day 7. All mice were infected in the right cornea with herpes simplex virus (HSV) type I. TDR 30 mg/kg and ACV 120 mg/kg were administered intraperitoneally daily. The mice were observed for 14 days postinfection. Clinical inflammatory reactions and ocular histopathology were analyzed. The herpes specific antibody response and the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response were studied. Of the 22 untreated mice, 16 developed HSK (incidence, 72.7%). TDR given from day 7 reduced the HSK incidence to 8.5% (p 0.05). Systemic ACV given from day 0 inhibited HSK development (p 0.05). The specific anti-HSV antibody response in the serum of mice treated with TDR or ACV either from day 0 or day 7 was significantly less than that of untreated mice (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively), and TDR treatment suppressed DTH responses to HSV (p < 0.05). Systemic TDR administered after HSV inoculation of the cornea significantly modulates murine HSK development at least partly by modifying the host immune/inflammatory response to the virus.
Gaze behavior and affect at 6 months: predicting clinical outcomes and language development in typically developing infants and infants at risk for autism

This paper presents follow-up longitudinal data to research that previously suggested the possibility of abnormal gaze behavior marked by decreased eye contact in a subgroup of 6-month-old infants at risk for autism (Merin, Young, Ozonoff & Rogers, 2007). Using eye-tracking data and behavioral data recorded during a live mother-infant interaction involving the still-face procedure, the predictive utility of gaze behavior and affective behaviors at 6 months was examined using diagnostic outcome data obtained longitudinally over the following 18 months. Results revealed that none of the infants previously identified as showing lower rates of eye contact had any signs of autism at outcome. In contrast, three infants who were diagnosed with autism demonstrated consistent gaze to the eye region and typical affective responses at 6 months. Individual differences in face scanning and affective responsivity during the live interaction were not related to any continuous measures of symptom frequency or symptom severity. In contrast, results of growth curve models for language development revealed significant relationships between face scanning and expressive language. Greater amounts of fixation to the mother's mouth during live interaction predicted higher levels of expressive language at outcome and greater rates of growth. These findings suggest that although gaze behavior at 6 months may not provide early markers for autism as initially conceived, gaze to the mouth in particular may be useful in predicting individual differences in language development.
Split-spectrum intensity-based optical fiber sensors for measurement of microdisplacement, strain, and pressure.

A self-referencing technique compensating for fiber losses and source fluctuations in reflective air-gap intensity-based optical fiber sensors is described. A dielectric multilayer short-wave-pass filter is fabricated onto or attached to the output end face of the lead-in–lead-out multimode fiber. The incoming broadband light from a white light or a light-emitting diode is partially reflected at the filter. The transmitted light through the filter projects onto a mirror. The light returning from the reflecting mirror is recoupled into the lead-in–lead-out fiber. These two reflections from the filter and the reflecting mirror are spectrally separated at the detector end. The power ratio of these two reflections is insensitive to source fluctuations and fiber-bending loss. However, because the second optical signal depends on the air-gap separation between the end face of the lead-in–lead-out fiber and the reflecting mirror, the ratio provides the information on the air-gap length. A resolution of 0.13 μm has been obtained over a microdisplacement measurement range of 0–254 μm. The sensor is shown to be insensitive to both fiber-bending losses and variations in source power. Based on this approach, a fiber-strain sensor was fabricated with a multilayer interference filter directly fabricated on the end face of the fiber. A resolution of 13.4 microstrain was obtained over a measurement range of 0–20,000 microstrain with a gauge length of 10 mm. The split-spectrum method is also incorporated into a diaphragm displacement-based pressure sensor with a demonstrated resolution of 450 Pa over a measurement range of 0–0.8 MPa.
Spectrum sharing with rotating radar: Implications for cognitive radio rendezvous

To date, research on spectrum sharing has almost exclusively studied dynamic access limited to agility in time & frequency. Even prior work specifically on sharing with radar systems typically proposes switching to another frequency upon detection of radar activity. An opportunity exists for a more comprehensive reuse of spectrum in the space & time dimensions in the case of rotating radars. Drawing from measurements of an actual radar system, this paper studies how an ad hoc network of cognitive radios lacking a common control channel can discover one another-the rendezvous problem-while simultaneously coexisting with this class of radar.
The impact of nodal status on outcome in older patients with papillary thyroid cancer

Background The impact of clinically or radiologically detected nodal metastases on survival in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is controversial but seems more important and relevant in older patients. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of clinically or radiologically detected nodal metastases on outcome in patients 45 years of age or older. Methods Retrospective analysis of 834 patients 45 years or older who underwent operation for PTC between 1986 and 2005. Results With a median follow up of 77 months, the 5 year disease-specific survival (DSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 99% and 94%, respectively. Patients with clinically N+ nodes with pathologic confirmation were stratified into pN0/Nx, pN1a, and pN1b, respectively. Five-year DSS was 100%, 100%, and 91% for pN0/Nx, pN1a, and pN1b disease; P Conclusion Older patients with PTC and N1b disease at presentation have poorer DSS compared with patients with pN0/Nx or N1a disease. The cause of death in these patients is due to distant metastases rather than locoregional recurrence.
Infection and cellular activation by human T-cell leukemia viruses, types I and II

Abstract Resting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or purified T-cells can be induced to proliferate when cocultured in vitro with fixed HTLV-infected T-cells. This process of HTLV-dependent cellular activation and induction of proliferation has been considered distinctive because of an apparent independence from conventional T-cell costimulatory signals. We have examined several HTLV-infected cell lines and found that proliferation was readily induced in resting PBMC by T-cells that were productively-infected with HTLV. However, equivalent HTLV-productive infection in a B-cell line failed to induce proliferation in PBMC, suggesting that HTLV-dependent induction of proliferation in PBMC was, at least in part, dependent upon a T-cell-specific signal. Furthermore, the induction of proliferation in PBMC populations was found to overlap with, and actually require, transfer and establishment of HTLV infection within the T-cell compartment of the PBMC population. These findings suggest that virus-induced activation of target cells may be directly associated with transfer and spread of HTLV infection.
γ-Butyrobetaine Is A Proatherogenic Intermediate in Gut Microbial Metabolism of L-Carnitine to TMAO

L-carnitine, a nutrient in red meat, was recently reported to accelerate atherosclerosis via a metaorganismal pathway involving gut microbial trimethylamine (TMA) formation and host hepatic conversion into trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). Herein, we show that following L-carnitine ingestion, γ-butyrobetaine (γBB) is produced as an intermediary metabolite by gut microbes at a site anatomically proximal to and at a rate ∼1,000-fold higher than the formation of TMA. Moreover, we show that γBB is the major gut microbial metabolite formed from dietary L-carnitine in mice, is converted into TMA and TMAO in a gut microbiota-dependent manner (like dietary L-carnitine), and accelerates atherosclerosis. Gut microbial composition and functional metabolic studies reveal that distinct taxa are associated with the production of γBB or TMA/TMAO from dietary L-carnitine. Moreover, despite their close structural similarity, chronic dietary exposure to L-carnitine or γBB promotes development of functionally distinct microbial communities optimized for the metabolism of L-carnitine or γBB, respectively.
Ethnic tourism, the state, and cultural change in Southeast Asia.

Abstract International tourism in Southeast Asia increasingly involves a restructuring of the relationship between the state and local cultures. A typology identifies the roles that culture and ethnicity play in Southeast Asian tourism. Tourism involves the state in new relationships with local cultures—as planner of tourist development, as marketer of cultural meanings, as arbiter of cultural practices displayed to tourists, and as an arena for new forms of politics. The state's role is contradictory and complex, as tourism leads to increased state intervention in local cultures and, at the same time, provides cultural groups with new means of pressing claims against the state.
Influence of osmolality on seizure amplitude and propagation in the rat dentate gyrus

We tested the role of changes in extracellular space on synchronization and propagation of epileptiform activity in the dentate gyrus in vitro by manipulating the osmolality of the perfusing solution. Increasing the osmolality reduced the amplitude of the population spikes and slowed the propagation of the epileptiform activity. Decreasing the osmolality had the opposite effect. Assuming there were significant changes in the size of the extracellular space, and therefore the ease with which ephaptic interactions can occur, these results support the hypothesis that ephaptic interactions play a role in the synchronization and propagation of epileptic activity in the dentate gyrus.
Stiffening and Mechanical Load Effects on Thermal Buckling of Stiffened Cylindrical Shells

A study of combined thermal andmechanical buckling of stiffened cylindrical shells using the structural geometry of a preliminary supersonic transport fuselage design from 1970 is presented. The buckling analysis is performed using BOSOR4, a nonlinear axisymmetric shell-of-revolution analysis code. The mechanical load is from axial compression and internal pressure and the thermal loading is from heated skins. Results indicate that the location of longitudinal eccentric stiffening has a significant effect on the thermal and axial buckling strength of longitudinally stiffened shells with and without ring frames. Buckling-interaction curves of the results with the associated mode shapes and a surface plot of the results are presented in which the eccentricity of the stringer, axial load, and temperature load are varied.
Defining Medical Futility and Improving Medical Care.

It probably should not be surprising, in this time of soaring medical costs and proliferating technology, that an intense debate has arisen over the concept of medical futility. Should doctors be doing all the things they are doing? In particular, should they be attempting treatments that have little likelihood of achieving the goals of medicine? What are the goals of medicine? Can we agree when medical treatment fails to achieve such goals? What should the physician do and not do under such circumstances? Exploring these issues has forced us to revisit the doctor-patient relationship and the relationship of the medical profession to society in a most fundamental way. Medical futility has both a quantitative and qualitative component. I maintain that medical futility is the unacceptable likelihood of achieving an effect that the patient has the capacity to appreciate as a benefit. Both emphasized terms are important. A patient is neither a collection of organs nor merely an individual with desires. Rather, a patient (from the word “to suffer”) is a person who seeks the healing (meaning “to make whole”) powers of the physician. The relationship between the two is central to the healing process and the goals of medicine. Medicine today has the capacity to achieve a multitude of effects, raising and lowering blood pressure, speeding, slowing, and even removing and replacing the heart, to name but a minuscule few. But none of these effects is a benefit unless the patient has at the very least the capacity to appreciate it. Sadly, in the futility debate wherein some critics have failed or refused to define medical futility an important area of medicine has in large part been neglected, not only in treatment decisions at the bedside, but in public discussions—comfort care—the physician’s obligation to alleviate suffering, enhance well being and support the dignity of the patient in the last few days of life.
Development of TNKase-specific cleavable peptide-linked radioimmunoconjugates for radioimmunotherapy

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a method for selectively delivering radionuclides to cancer cells while reducing the radiation dose to normal tissues. However, because of slow clearance of MAbs, normal tissues also received radiotoxicity. One of the promising strategies is linking on-demand cleavable (ODC) peptides between radiometal chelates and the tumor targeting agents. We have tested this proof-of-concept by using ODC peptides that are designed to be cleaved only by TNKase and are resistant to cleavage by enzymes present in the plasma and the tumor. TNKase-specific peptide linkers using l- and d-amino acids were screened by OBOC combinatorial peptide libraries. One of the best peptides was linked to radiometal chelate and ChL6-MAb to prepare radioimmunoconjugate (RIC). Optimization and characterization of the linker conjugation to MAb show (a) 1-2 peptides linked to each MAb; (b) immunoreactivity >80%; (c) specific activity of the RIC 0.7-1 microCi/microg; (d) RIC stable over 7 days in human plasma; and (e) radiometal-chelated ODC peptide cleaved from the RIC in plasma by TNKase at clinical dose levels of 10 microg/ml. The percent release of radiochelate from RIC was 50% at 24h and 85% over 7 2h in vitro. This novel ODC-linked RIC could be a potential molecule for RIT.
Induction of Osteopontin Expression by Nicotine and Cigarette Smoke in the Pancreas and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a lethal disease with etiological association with cigarette smoking. Nicotine, an important component of cigarettes, exists at high concentrations in the bloodstream of smokers. Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted phosphoprotein that confers on cancer cells a migratory phenotype and activates signaling pathways that induce cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Here, we investigated the potential molecular basis of nicotine's role in PDA through studying its effect on OPN. Nicotine significantly (p < 0.02) increased OPN mRNA and protein secretion in PDA cells through activation of the OPN gene promoter. The OPN mRNA induction was inhibited by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, mechamylamine. Further, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein inhibited the nicotine-mediated induction of OPN, suggesting that mitogen activated protein kinase signaling mechanism is involved. Nicotine activated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, but not p38 or c-Jun NH2-terminal MAP kinases. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation reduced the nicotine-induced OPN synthesis. Rats exposed to cigarette smoke showed a dose-dependent increase in pancreatic OPN that paralleled the rise of pancreatic and plasma nicotine levels. Analysis of cancer tissue from invasive PDA patients, the majority of whom were smokers, showed the presence of significant amounts of OPN in the malignant ducts and the surrounding pancreatic acini. Our data suggest that nicotine may contribute to PDA pathogenesis through upregulation of OPN. They provide the first insight into a nicotine-initiated signal transduction pathway that regulates OPN as a possible tumorigenic mechanism in PDA.
The Effects of Three Levels of Contextual Interference on Performance Outcomes and Movement Patterns in Golf Skills

The motor learning literature is replete with studies investigating the contextual interference (CI) effect. However, CI research has focused on performance outcome measures, largely ignoring the influence varying levels of CI may have on performance production measures, particularly with tasks involving inter-limb coordination. It was the purpose of this study to explore the effects of three levels of CI on both categories of performance measures in adults who were naive to a sport skill. Participants were taught the basic movement pattern of two golf strokes: the putt and pitch. Following an instructional period, subsequent practice involved 160 trials performed under low, moderate, or high CI. No significant group differences emerged from practice data. Analysis of post-test data indicated that the high CI group was generally superior on both production measures. These results add to a limited body of research that suggests CI can benefit the development of coordinated movements.
Cochlear Structure and Hearing in Murine Congenital Hypothyroidism Caused by Targeted Gene Mutations in the Mouse Dual Oxidase A1 and A2 Genes

Conclusion: The targeted deletion used is a new mouse model and functions by disrupting two genes simultaneously: Dual oxidase maturation factor 1 and 2. The knock-out mice developed provide a model for complete functional deficiency of the dual oxidases. Such mice display essentially no iodide organification within the thyroid and subsequently undetectable serum T4. Since such a severe defect in hormonogenesis would occur, we expect to encounter sequelae of congenital hypothyroidism, such as hearing impairment. From this study, we have noted no significant difference between wild type and knock out mice with regards to auditory brainstem response testing and cochlear histopathology. The two arms of the study included analysis of hearing impairment and cochlear histopathology:
Reproductive Status and Survival of Alfalfa Weevil Adults: Effects of Certain Foods and Temperatures

The reproductive status of female alfalfa weevils, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and the survival of both sexes were found to be increased by reducing the storage temperature from 24 to 1.7°C, and also to be improved by increasing food quality and quantity at 7 and 24°C. After 16 weeks of storage, the best weevil survival and reproductive condition resulted from storage at 1.7°C with alfalfa bouquets or a 2% sucrose solution as food. Survival of parasites ( Microctonus spp.) in diapause inside the host weevils was not affected by the various cold storage treatments tested but was reduced by feeding sucrose to the weevils at 24°C. The sexual regression of female weevils induced by certain of the storage conditions was corrected by feeding them alfalfa bouquets for 4–6 weeks after the cold storage period had ended. The poststorage and certain of the storage procedures markedly increased the yield of reproductive weevils, which was necessary for more economical production of the parasite Microctonus aethiops (Nees). Weevils were able to feed on alfalfa foliage and to deposit fertile eggs during extended storage periods at 1.7°C, but mating was not observed at temperatures below 7°C. Measurements of ovarioles and testes of New Jersey weevils showed that measurements alone were not a reliable index of reproductive status.
Nutrient demand interacts with grass maturity to affect milk fat concentration and digestion responses in dairy cows

Effects of grass maturity on dry matter intake (DMI), milk production, ruminal fermentation and pool sizes, digestion and passage kinetics, and chewing activity and the relationship of these effects with preliminary DMI (pDMI) were evaluated using 13 ruminally and duodenally cannulated Holstein cows in a crossover design with a 14-d preliminary period and two 18-d treatment periods. During the preliminary period, pDMI of individual cows ranged from 23.5 to 28.2 kg/d (mean = 26.1 kg/d) and 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM) yield ranged from 30.8 to 57.2 kg/d (mean = 43.7 kg/d). Experimental treatments were diets containing orchardgrass silage harvested either (1) early-cut, less mature (EC) or (2) late-cut, more mature (LC) as the sole forage. Early- and late-cut orchardgrass contained 44.9 and 54.4% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and 20.1 and 15.3% crude protein, respectively. Forage:concentrate ratio was 58:42 and 46:54 for EC and LC, respectively; both diets contained approximately 25% forage NDF and 30% total NDF. Preliminary DMI, an index of nutrient demand, was determined during the last 4 d of the preliminary period when cows were fed a common diet and used as a covariate. Main effects of grass maturity and their interaction with pDMI were tested by ANOVA. The EC diet decreased milk yield and increased milk fat concentration compared with the LC diet. Grass maturity and its interaction with pDMI did not affect FCM yield, DMI, rumen pH, or microbial efficiency. The EC diet increased rates of ruminal digestion of potentially digestible NDF and passage of indigestible NDF (iNDF) compared with the LC diet. The lower concentration and faster passage rate of iNDF for EC resulted in lower rumen pools of iNDF, total NDF, organic matter, and dry matter for EC than LC. Ruminal passage rates of potentially digestible NDF and starch were related to level of intake (quadratic and linear interactions, respectively) and subsequently affected ruminal digestibility of these nutrients. The EC diet decreased eating, ruminating, and total chewing time per unit of forage NDF intake compared with the LC diet. When grass silage was the only source of forage in the diet, cows supplemented with additional concentrate to account for decreasing protein and increasing fiber concentrations associated with more mature grass had similar feed intake and produced similar FCM yields as cows fed less mature grass.
QUALITY OF LIFE BEFORE DEATH FOR MEN WITH PROSTATE CANCER: RESULTS FROM THE CaPSURE DATABASE

Purpose: We examined changes in health related quality of life during the 12 months before death in men with prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: We studied patients from CapSure, which is a longitudinal observational cohort of men with biopsy proved prostate cancer treated in community and academic urology practices across the United States. Of all men in the cohort who died while being followed for prostate cancer 131 who had submitted health related quality of life surveys during the 6 months before death were included in this analysis. Health related quality of life was measured with the RAND 36-Item Health Survey, an established validated instrument that comprises 4 physical and 4 mental domains.Results: On univariate analysis all 8 domains of the 36-Item Health Survey substantially decreased in the final year of life. On multivariate analysis only physical function decreased more rapidly in men dying of prostate cancer compared to those dying of other cancer or benign causes.Conclusions: Quality o...
Population dynamics of pond zooplankton II Daphnia ambigua Scourfield

Calcium was the most important of 27 environmental components affecting density for a 50 week period. Simultaneous stepwise regression accounted for more variability in total number/1 and in the number of ovigerous females/1 than did any of the lag analyses; 1-week lag accounted for the greatest amount of variability in clutch size. Total number and clutch size were little affected by measures of food.
Delamination detection in reinforced concrete using thermal inertia

We investigated the feasibility of thermal inertia mapping for bridge deck inspections. Using pulsed thermal imaging, we heat-stimulated surrogate delaminations in reinforced concrete and asphalt-concrete slabs. Using a dual-band infrared camera system, we measured thermal inertia responses of Styrofoam implants under 5 cm of asphalt, 5 cm of concrete, and 10 cm of asphalt and concrete. We compared thermal maps from solar-heated concrete and asphalt-concrete slabs with thermal inertia maps from flash-heated concrete and asphalt-concrete slabs. Thermal inertia mapping is a tool for visualizing and quantifying subsurface defects. Physically, thermal inertia is a measure of the resistance of the bridge deck to temperature change. Experimentally, it is determined from the inverse slope of the surface temperature versus the inverse square root of time. Mathematically, thermal inertia is the square root of the product of thermal conductivity, density, and heat capacity. Thermal inertia mapping distinguishes delaminated decks which have below-average thermal inertias from normal or shaded decks.
The "megalencephaly-capillary malformation" (MCAP) syndrome: the nomenclature of a highly recognizable multiple congenital anomaly syndrome.

We acknowledge and appreciate the concerns raised byMs. Collins in the above letter to the Journal. Indeed, this unique syndrome been renamed several times, primarily as understanding of its’ distinguishing features evolved. Originally termed the macrocephalycutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (M-CMTC) syndrome [Moore et al., 1997], the name was later shortened to “macrocephalycutis marmorata” (M-CM) syndrome as the former name was considered “unwieldy” [Cohen, 2003]. Soon after, experts in dermatology, dysmorphology, and vascular surgery recognized that both terms aremisnomers for the characteristic cutaneous vascular anomalies, which are predominantly simple capillary malformations, and proposed the term “macrocephaly-capillary malformation” syndrome [Toriello andMulliken, 2007]. In our recent study of this syndrome, we sought to further correct the remaining inaccuracy in its’ name [Mirzaa et al., 2012]. Arguably the most striking feature of this syndrome is brain overgrowth or megalencephaly, which is most often congenital and appears to be universally progressive, despite neurosurgical intervention for associated ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus [Conway et al., 2007; Mirzaa et al., 2012]. True megalencephaly is a specific feature seen in a small group of syndromes, much smaller than the heterogeneous group of disorders with large head size overall. We plan to continue to use the term “megalencephaly-capillary malformation” syndrome (MCAP) in our ongoing studies for several very clear reasons. First, we propose that “megalencephaly”
Measuring the Levels of Reflective Judgment in Interprofessional Projects

The interprofessional projects program (IPRO) at IIT is comprised primarily of undergraduate student project teams focused on solving a real world problem. Reflection in service-learning and applied settings has been found to increase student ability to analyze problems. In the spring of 2006 we implemented a reflections pilot to test the level of reflective judgment in the students involved in the IPRO program. Reflections were coded to assess the degree of reflective judgment. Our results from spring 2006 indicate students function at pre to quasi reflective level of reflective judgment. The data has provided information to improve our reflections within the IPRO program.
Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assay for Detection of Mumps Virus RNA in Clinical Specimens

The mumps virus is a negative-strand RNA virus in the family Paramyxoviridae. Mumps infection results in an acute illness with symptoms including fever, headache, and myalgia, followed by swelling of the salivary glands. Complications of mumps can include meningitis, deafness, pancreatitis, orchitis, and first-trimester abortion. Laboratory confirmation of mumps infection can be made by the detection of immunoglobulin M-specific antibodies to mumps virus in acute-phase serum samples, the isolation of mumps virus in cell culture, or by detection of the RNA of the mumps virus by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. We developed and validated a multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay for rapid mumps diagnosis in a clinical setting. This assay used oligonucleotide primers and a TaqMan probe targeting the mumps SH gene, as well as primers and a probe that targeted the human RNase P gene to assess the presence of PCR inhibitors and as a measure of specimen quality. The test was specific, since it did not amplify a product from near-neighbor viruses, as well as sensitive and accurate. Real-time RT-PCR results showed 100% correlation with results from viral culture, the gold standard for mumps diagnostic testing. Assay efficiency was over 90% and displayed good precision after performing inter- and intraassay replicates. Thus, we have developed and validated a molecular method for rapidly diagnosing mumps infection that may be used to complement existing techniques.
Biomechanics of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disk: A Review

This article reviews the literature on the biomechanics of the lumbar intervertebral disk according to: 1) disk structure and properties, 2) biomechanical principles and their application to the disk, 3) biomechanics and intradiskal pressures as they relate to posture, work, and exercise, and 4) prophylactic measures.
Adaptive reduction of motion artifact in a portable ECG system

The reduction of motion artifact in the ECG applications has become a more and more important issue. In this paper, we have successfully developed a novel motion artifact reduction method by the combination of G-sensor and skin-stretched sensor for the hardware and a master-slave multiple noise reduction algorithm for the software. A portable ECG system with our proposed noise reduction method can easily be used in living activities, such as walking and chest expansion.
On the localization performance measure and optimal edge detection

The localization performance measure of edge detectors is addressed. A one-dimensional formulation of the problem is considered. A linear space-invariant filter is used for the detection. The locations of local maxima in the thresholded output of the filter are declared to be the edges. The limitations of conventional performance measures are shown, and a localization performance measure for edge detection is suggested. This performance measure is based on the theory of zero-crossings of stochastic processes. It is shown that the derivative of a Gaussian is the optimal edge detector for the measure. >
Contemporary Epidemiological Trends in Complex Congenital Genitourinary Anomalies

Purpose: Anecdotal evidence suggests that complex congenital genitourinary anomalies are occurring less frequently. However, few epidemiological studies are available to confirm or refute this suggestion.Materials and Methods: The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) is a national, all payer database of several million inpatient pediatric hospitalizations per year, including complicated and uncomplicated in-hospital births. We reviewed the 1997 to 2009 KID to determine the birth prevalence of spina bifida, posterior urethral valves, bladder exstrophy, epispadias, prune belly syndrome, ambiguous genitalia and imperforate anus. For posterior urethral valves and prune belly syndrome we limited our search to newborn males only.Results: During the study period, there was a diagnosis of spina bifida in 3,413 neonates, bladder exstrophy in 214, epispadias in 1,127, ambiguous genitalia in 726, prune belly syndrome in 180, posterior urethral valves in 578 and imperforate anus in 4,040. We identified no significant chang...
An edge detection technique using genetic algorithm-based optimization

Abstract In this paper we present a genetic algorithm-based optimization technique for edge detection. The problem of edge detection is formulated as one of choosing a minimum cost edge configuration. The edge configurations are viewed as two-dimensional chromosomes with fitness values inversely proportional to their costs. The design of the crossover and the mutation operators in the context of the two-dimensional chromosomal representation is described. The knowledge-augmented mutation operator which exploits knowledge of the local edge structure is shown to result in rapid convergence. The incorporation of meta-level operators and strategies such as the elitism strategy, the engineered conditioning operator and adaptation of mutation and crossover rates in the context of edge detection are discussed and are shown to improve the convergence rate. The genetic algorithm with various combinations of meta-level operators is tested on synthetic and natural images. The performance of the genetic algorithm-based cost minimization technique is compared both qualitatively and quantitatively with local search-based and simulated annealing-based cost minimization approaches. The genetic algorithm-based technique is shown to perform very well in terms of robustness to noise, rate of convergence and quality of the final edge image.