cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A clinical evaluation of total variation-Stokes image reconstruction strategy for low-dose CT imaging of the chest

One hundred “normal-dose” computed tomography (CT) studies of the chest (i.e., 1,160 projection views, 120kVp, 100mAs) data sets were acquired from the patients who were scheduled for lung biopsy at Stony Brook University Hospital under informed consent approved by our Institutional Review Board. To mimic low-dose CT imaging scenario (i.e., sparse-view scan), sparse projection views were evenly extracted from the total 1,160 projections of each patient and the total radiation dose was reduced according to how many sparse views were selected. A standard filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm was applied to the 1160 projections to produce reference images for comparison purpose. In the low-dose scenario, both the FBP and total variation-stokes (TVS) algorithms were applied to reconstruct the corresponding low-dose images. The reconstructed images were evaluated by an experienced thoracic radiologist against the reference images. Both the low-dose reconstructions and the reference images were displayed on a 4- megapixel monitor in soft tissue and lung windows. The images were graded by a five-point scale from 0 to 4 (0, nondiagnostic; 1, severe artifact with low confidence; 2, moderate artifact or moderate diagnostic confidences; 3, mild artifact or high confidence; 4, well depicted without artifacts). Quantitative evaluation measurements such as standard deviations for different tissue types and universal quality index were also studied and reported for the results. The evaluation concluded that the TVS can reduce the view number from 1,160 to 580 with slightly lower scores as the reference, resulting in a dose reduction to close 50%.
Whispering gallery mode sensor for phase transformation and solidification studies

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) sensors are created by coupling a dielectric microresonator with the evanescent field of an optical fiber. Since the sensor is created by two separate entities, most of the existing studies are limited to using them in fluid environments, such as air or water, for the ease of manipulation and placement in the optimum configuration. This work is focused on studying the possibility of using WGM sensors inside a solid material. The sensor is immersed in water, which is cooled to solid state and the sensor survival is monitored. In subsequent studies, three remelting cycles are carried out and temperature measurements are obtained through the sensor. The sensor output is calibrated with the temperature data obtained from a thermocouple. The results show that a linear relationship exists between temperature and WGM shift, which enables application of these sensors in temperature measurement. Considering that the sensitivity of WGM sensors is very high (10−6 N force and 10−5 K temp...
Growth hormone deficiency after mild combat-related traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been recognized as a cause of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in civilians. However, comparable data are sparse in veterans who incurred TBI during combat. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of GHD in veterans with a history of combat-related TBI, and its association with cognitive and psychosocial dysfunction. Single center prospective study. Twenty male veterans with mild TBI incurred during combat 8–72 months prior to enrollment. GHD was defined by a GH peak <3 μg/L during glucagon stimulation test. Differences in neuropsychological, emotional, and quality of life of the GHD Veterans were described using Cohen’s d. Large effect sizes were considered meaningful. Mean age was 33.7 years (SD 7.8) and all subjects had normal thyroid hormone and cortisol levels. Five (25 %) exhibited a subnormal response to glucagon. Sixteen participants (80 %) provided sufficient effort for valid neuropsychological assessment (12 GH-sufficient, 4 GHD). There were large effect size differences in self-monitoring during memory testing (d = 1.46) and inhibitory control (d = 0.92), with worse performances in the GHD group. While fatigue and post-traumatic stress disorder were comparable, the GHD group reported more depression (d = 0.80) and lower quality of life (d = 0.64). Our study found a 25 % prevalence of GHD in veterans with mild TBI as shown by glucagon stimulation. The neuropsychological findings raise the possibility that GHD has adverse effects on executive abilities and mood. Further studies are needed to determine whether GH replacement is an effective treatment in these patients.
Untamable text of an untamable God: Genesis and rethinking the character of scripture

The power of scripture cannot be confined to any one model of canonical authority. Readers invariably discover the biblical text as a place of surprising encounter with the untamable God.
Synthesis and Reactivity of a Vanadium(III)−Methyl Complex Stabilized by Hexamethylsilazanate Ligands

The vanadium(III)−Me complex [(Me3Si)2N]2VMe(THF) (1) was prepared by reaction of the corresponding V−Cl derivative with Me2Mg, and its X-ray crystal structure has been determined. The methyl complex reacts with 3 equiv of RNC (R = But, Xylyl) to give isocyanide-coupled products, is oxidized by styrene oxide affording a V(IV) μ-O dimer, and on heating eliminates CH4 via metalation of a −N(SiMe3)2 ligand.
Testing two classes of theories about group induced shifts in individual choice

Abstract One class of theories explains group induced shifts in individual choice in terms of interpersonal comparison process. By comparing himself with others a member finds out that his position is uncomfortably discrepant, e.g., he is overly cautious or overly risky. Knowledge of this discrepancy presumably is necessary and sufficient to induce him to change his initial choice. Another class of theories holds that merely knowing one is different from others is unimportant. Shifts in choice occur because during discussion a member is exposed to persuasive arguments which prior to discussion were not available to him. Two experiments were conducted, the results of which give considerable support to persuasive-argument theories and none to those based on interpersonal comparison: When a member did not know whether others were arguing for their own position or were forced to support a position contrary to the one they had originally chosen, and the former in fact was the case, typical shifts in choice were obtained. However, if a member had to argue for a position contrary to the one he had initially chosen (and thus he would not be able to muster highly persuasive arguments) typical shifts did not occur, even though another's initial choice could be accurately inferred.
Enhancement of Transport Selectivity through Nano-Channels by Non-Specific Competition

The functioning of living cells requires efficient and selective transport of materials into and out of the cell, and between different cellular compartments. Much of this transport occurs through nano-scale channels that do not require large scale molecular re-arrangements (such as transition from a ‘closed’ to an ‘open’ state) and do not require a direct input of metabolic energy during transport. Nevertheless, these ‘always open’ channels are highly selective and pass only their cognate molecules, while efficiently excluding all others; indeed, these channels can efficiently transport specific molecules even in the presence of a vast excess of non-specific molecules. Such biological transporters have inspired the creation of artificial nano-channels. These channels can be used as nano-molecular sorters, and can also serve as testbeds for examining modes of biological transport. In this paper, we propose a simple kinetic mechanism that explains how the selectivity of such ‘always open’ channels can be based on the exclusion of non-specific molecules by specific ones, due to the competition for limited space inside the channel. The predictions of the theory account for the behavior of the nuclear pore complex and of artificial nanopores that mimic its function. This theory provides the basis for future work aimed at understanding the selectivity of various biological transport phenomena.
Generalized parametric sensitivity: Application to a CSTR

Abstract We have recently introduced a generalized condition for thermal runaway or parametric sensitivity. The condition defines criticality as the point in the parameter space at which the system's behavior exhibits maximum sensitivity to small, unstructured perturbations. Here we use the same concept to study the steady-state behavior of a single irreversible nth-order exothermic reaction occurring in a nonadiabatic CSTR. Although the new condition provides critical parameter values in good agreement with the results of earlier methods, it reveals that the notion of parametric sensitivity in steady-state models considerably differs from the notion of parametric sensitivity in dynamical systems. First, in the steady-state CSTR criticality is related to the near-singularity of the model equation. Second, unlike in dynamical systems, there exist no well-defined boundary between subcritical and supercritical behavior. The close connections between thermal runaway and steady-state multiplicity, as well as thermal runaway and self-similarity of the sensitivity functions are discussed.
Engineering lower inhibitor affinities in β-D-xylosidase of Selenomonas ruminantium by site-directed mutagenesis of Trp145.

β-d-Xylosidase/α-l-arabinofuranosidase from Selenomonas ruminantium is the most active enzyme reported for catalyzing hydrolysis of 1,4-β-d-xylooligosaccharides to d-xylose. One property that could use improvement is its relatively high affinities for d-glucose and d-xylose (K i ~ 10 mM), which would impede its performance as a catalyst in the saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of biofuels and other value-added products. Previously, we discovered that the W145G variant expresses K i -glucose and K i -xylose twofold and threefold those of the wild-type enzyme. However, in comparison to the wild type, the variant expresses 11% lower k cat -xylobiose and much lower stabilities to temperature and pH. Here, we performed saturation mutagenesis of W145 and discovered that the variants express K i values that are 1.5–2.7-fold (d-glucose) and 1.9–4.6-fold (d-xylose) those of wild-type enzyme. W145F, W145L, and W145Y express good stability and, respectively, 11, 6, and 1% higher k cat -xylobiose than that of the wild type. At 0.1 M d-xylobiose and 0.1 M d-xylose, kinetic parameters indicate that W145F, W145L, and W145Y catalytic activities are respectively 46, 71, and 48% greater than that of the wild-type enzyme.
The Effect of Anterior Dislocation on the Mechanical Properties of the Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament

The glenohumeral joint is the most frequently dislocated major joint in the body with about 2% of the population dislocating their shoulders between the ages of 18 and 70 [1]. Instability due to permanent deformation of the glenohumeral capsule is commonly associated with dislocation [2]. Current surgical repair techniques for shoulder dislocations typically consist of plication of the glenohumeral capsule, or folding the tissue over on itself, to reduce redundancy in the capsule and restore stability to the shoulder. Up to 25% of patients who undergo surgery for a shoulder dislocation still experience pain, instability, and recurrent dislocation after surgery [3]. It is hypothesized that the mechanical properties of the glenohumeral capsule change in response to dislocation. In addition, the magnitude and location of these changes may have implications for the ideal location and extent of plication. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the mechanical properties of the axillary pouch of the glenohumeral capsule in tension and shear after anterior dislocation.© 2012 ASME
Divine Discourse: Philosophical Reflections on the Claim that God Speaks

Prominent in the canonical texts and traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam is the claim that God speaks. Nicholas Wolterstorff argues that contemporary speech-action theory, when appropriately expanded, offers us a fascinating way of interpreting this claim and showing its intelligibility. He develops an innovative theory of double-hermeneutics - along the way opposing the current near-consensus led by Ricoeur and Derrida that there is something wrong-headed about interpreting a text to find out what its author said. Wolterstorff argues that at least some of us are entitled to believe that God has spoken. Philosophers have never before, in any sustained fashion, reflected on these matters, mainly because they have mistakenly treated speech as revelation.
Life Prediction and Verification under Multiaxial Fatigue Loading

The strain change characteristics of multiaxial fatigue are analyzed under the condition of the combined tension and torsion loading for thin-tube specimen. Based on the principle of multiaxial critical plane approach, a multiaxial fatigue damage parameter is established, which takes account of the effect of not only the maximum shear strain amplitude and normal strain amplitude on the critical plane but also the parameter of non-proportionality. The non-proportionality is the function of loading parameters which is closely contact with the strain change characteristics of multiaxial fatigue and it can indicate the whole material damage. The experiments under the tension-torsion proportional and non-proportional loading were conducted to verify the multiaxial fatigue life model proposed in this paper. The life prediction has a good correlation with the experimental results.
Necessity conditions in voting theory

Abstract In this paper we take some concepts of necessity conditions in voting theory first developed by Inada, Sen, and Pattanaik and refine those concepts to deal with the more commonly discussed case of fixed numbers of voters. These new concepts are then applied to the study of domain restrictions designed to yield quasitransitive and transitive social preference relations. Along the way, a conjecture of Pattanaik is settled.
The differential effects of excitatory amino acids on uptake of 45CaCl2 by slices from mouse striatum.

Exposure to l-glutamate (10mM) or 60 mM K+ for 1 min significantly stimulated the uptake of 45Ca2+ in slices from mouse striatum. Glutamate-indueed stimulation was antagonized by 30 mM Mg2+ and by 5 or 10mM l-glutamic acid diethyl ester, but not by 5 μM tetrodotoxin. Under these 1-min incubation conditions, neither kainate nor N-methyl-d,l-aspartate significantly affected the uptake of 45Ca2+ ion. By contrast, following preincubation for 10 min, glutamate and the conformationally restricted analogues, ibotenate, quisqualate, and kainate significantly inhibited the 60 mM K+ -induced stimulation of the uptake of 45Ca2+. These effects of glutamate and kainate were not significantly affected by the presence of 1 mM Ca2+ in the preincubation medium. These results suggest that glutamate may activate a receptor directly linked to Ca2+ channels, whereas kainate may indirectly modulate the intracellular disposition of Ca2+.
A system dynamics simulation of educational finance policies

What happens when two different simulation approaches are used to explore the same social policy question?1 This question is explored using the problem of school finance reform with an emphasis on special education finance as an example. The out put from two simulation models is briefly described. A static simulation model, based on an extensive data base, provides one-year projections on a locality-by-locality basis. A pilot system dynamics model provides multi-year aggregate fore casts, but fails to provide detailed locality-by-locality projec tions and relies upon several empirically uncertain relation ships. Where one technology excels, the other falls short. Pilot results appear promising and development work continues on the system dynamics approach to simulating school finance questions.
Powcor: A Power Analysis and Sample Size Program for Testing Differences between Dependent and Indepwendent Correlations:

POWCOR is a BASIC program that computes power or needed sample sizes for detecting the differences between pairs of correlated or independent correlation coefficients. The program can compute power for unequal samples sizes, given independent correlations.
Segmental arterial mediolysis, a vasculitis mimic: Case report and review of literature

Segmental Arterial Mediolysis (SAM) is a non-inflammatory vascular condition that most commonly affects the medium sized vessels in the abdomen including splanchanic and renal arteries. Its angiographic appearance closely mimics other conditions affecting these blood vessels, such as polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), infections such as syphilis and fibromuscular dysplasia. SAM is under-recognized, however it is important to distinguish it from PAN because the management of the two conditions differs significantly. Here we report a case of a woman presenting with intra-abdominal bleeding, with imaging evidence for large retroperitoneal hematoma. Arteriography revealed diffuse, segmental dilation and aneurysms of the arterial supply to the entire colon. Discussion includes review of current understanding of physiopathology, clinical features, imaging, and differential diagnosis of this rare disease. Recent highlights on the disease course are also discussed.
Ultrashort Laguerre-Gaussian pulses with angular and group velocity dispersion compensation

Coherent optical vortices are generated from ultrashort 6.4 fs pulses. Our results demonstrate angular dispersion compensation of ultrashort 6.4 fs Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) pulses as well as what is believed to be the first direct autocorrelation measurement of 80 fs LG amplified pulses. A reflective-mirror-based 4f-compressor is proposed to compensate the angular and group velocity dispersion of the ultrashort LG pulses.
Experiences With Strobe Lights

Harold E. Edgerton was born in Fremont, Nebraska. He received the Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska in 1925. After one year with the General Electric Company, he entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has been there, first as student and then as teacher, ever since. He received the .S. degree in 1927 and the hP octor of Science degree in electrical engineering four years later. At that time he was beginning his life's work, prefecting the stroboscope, which has revolutionized ultra-high-speed motion and still photography. Dr. Edgerton organized and helped in the initial operation and management of Edgerton, Germeshausen, and Grier, Inc. (EG&G). He has pioneered the development of flash photography in the ocean depths. Out of this work has grown the sonic probe of the ocean bottom. He has become widely known as an underwater explorer. Above all, Dr. Edgerton is a master teacher who understands well the meaning of relevance and the sources of motivation in education. He is a prolific contributor to scientific journals and the holder of over forty patents. He has received honorary degrees of Doctor of Engineering from the University of Nebraska, and Doctor of Laws from the University of South Carolina. A recipient of numerous awards from the foremost engineering and photographic societies of the world, he is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cardiovascular and electrodermal responses to support and provocation: Interpersonal methods in the study of psychophysiological reactivity

This study examined the joint and independent effects of experimentally manipulated social contexts and individual differences in hostility and perceived social support on physiological responses to a social stressor, while illustrating the use of the interpersonal circumplex for integrative social psychophysiological research. Undergraduate women completed a speech task in a supportive, neutral, or provoking context and completed measures of hostility and perceived social support. The provoking context evoked the largest blood pressure and heart rate (HR) responses, followed by the neutral and the supportive context. Social context also influenced HR and electrodermal reactivity during task preparation. Hostility elicited higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) reactivity during preparation, speech, and recovery. Perceived social support interacted with context to affect SBP and HR during speech and preparation. The roles of interpersonal characteristics and contexts in the physiological stress response and the utility of interpersonal methods in studying these associations are discussed.
PALATABILITY OF PANCAKES AND COOKED CORN MEAL FORTIFIED WITH LEGUME FLOURS

Various types of laboratory preparations of navy and pinto beans and commercial soy flours were used as fortifying agents to improve the nutritional quality of some relatively low protein foods-corn meal products and pancake mixes. The detectable level of legume products in these foods by a trained laboratory panel varied from about 10–25%. Sensory evaluation of the fortified and unfortified foods by paired comparison and hedonic scale methods indicated that up to 50% of some legume products could be added without significant loss in palatability.
The characterization and localization of frog skin cholinesterase.

Frog skin cholinesterase is largely of the serum (pseudocholinesterase) type. For whole skin, the activity at 10 --1 ~ AcChC1 is 4.9/~l./mg. N/hr. Tela subcutanea isolated by dissection exhibits an activity of 65 #l./mg. N/hr. at 10 --j ~ AcChC1. Since about one-tenth of the nitrogen of the skin is located in the tela subcutanea, it is estimated that more than 90 per cent of the enzyme is associated with this tissue layer. Kirschner (8) has reported that inhibitors of cholinesterase inhibit active sodium transport in frog skin. These inhibitors are more effective when applied to the inside of the skin than when applied to the outside. The action of each inhibitor on sodium flux has the same reversibility properties as its action on the enzyme. Thus, eserine, a reversible inhibitor of cholinesterase, reversibly inhibits active sodium transport, while tetraethylpyrophosphate, an irreversible inhibitor of the enzyme, exhibits irreversible inhibition of transport. Van der Kloot (10) has presented evidence that the sodium pump in frog muscle requires cholinesterase activity. He measured the equilibrium intracellular sodium concentration and the residual cholinesterase activity of frog sartorii which had been bathed in graded concentrations of physostigmine eserine, a cholinesterase inhibitor capable of penetrating into the muscle fibre. It was found that the equilibrium intracellular sodium concentration paralleled the degree of cholinesterase inhibition, the 50 per cent values
Life-extension and the Malthusian Objection.

The worst possible way to resolve this issue is to leave it up to individual choice. There is no known social good coming from the conquest of death (Bailey, 1999). —Daniel Callahan Dramatically extending the human lifespan seems increasingly possible. Many bioethicists object that life-extension will have Malthusian consequences as new Methuselahs accumulate, generation by generation. I argue for a Life-Years Response to the Malthusian Objection. If even a minority of each generation chooses life-extension, denying it to them deprives them of many years of extra life, and their total extra life-years are likely to exceed the total life-years of a majority who do not want life-extension. This is a greater harm to those who want extended life than the Malthusian harms to those who refuse extended life, both because losing an extra year of life is worse than enduring a year of Malthusian conditions, and because the would-be Methuselahs have more life-years at stake. Therefore, even if life-extension seems l...
Changes in sediment–water column phosphorus interactions following sediment disturbance

Stream and ditch sediments are an important part of the ecosystem that can play a pivotal role in buffering nutrient and contaminant concentrations in surface water. Removal of existing sediments and deposition of new sediments will change the physiochemical parameters controlling P transport in drainage ditches; however, these phenomena are not well documented. This study was conducted to determine the impact of severe storms on sediment P interactions with water column P in tile-fed drainage ditches within agricultural watersheds in northeast Indiana. Easily exchangeable P (MgCl2 extractable) in ditch sediments ranged from 0.5 to 1.32 mg kg −1 . The equilibrium P concentration (EPCo) between the aqueous phase and sediments ranged from 0.02 to 0.11 mg L −1 . When comparing sediment EPCo with dissolved P concentrations in ditch water, sediments acted as a P sink in five of the seven data collection sites. The ability of the sediment to buffer water column P, as measured by the slope of the linear relation used to calculate sediment EPCo, ranged from 2.7 to 13.8 mg P sorbed kg−1 sediment per unit in mg P L−1 in the aqueous solution. In contrast to previous studies, chemical amendments did not alter easily exchangeable P in sediments nor sediment EPCo and the slopes observed in the linear P sorption isotherms. While chemical amendment can be used to increase P sorption by sediments and reduce exchangeable P in sediments, this showed that this practice should be targeted to times of the year when they would be the most effective. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Distinct determinants on collagen support alpha 2 beta 1 integrin-mediated platelet adhesion and platelet activation.

Abstract Recent studies have revealed that the sequence of amino acids asp-gly-glu-ala represents an essential determinant of the site within the alpha 1(I)-CB3 fragment of collagen recognized by the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin cell surface collagen receptor (Staatz et al., 1991). Studies employing chemical modifications of collagen amino acid side chains confirm both the essential nature of the acidic side chains of aspartic acid and glutamic acid residues and the nonessentiality of lysine epsilon-amino groups in supporting adhesion mediated by the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin. The approach also indicates the presence of a distinct determinant on collagen separate from the alpha 2 beta 1 recognition site that contains essential lysine side chains and that is necessary for subsequent interactions with the platelet surface that give rise to collagen-induced platelet activation and secretion. The two-step, two-site model for cellular signaling involving both an integrin and a signal-transducing coreceptor suggested by these data may be common to other integrin-mediated processes.
A Training Intervention for Supervisors to Support a Work-Life Policy Implementation

Background: Effective policy implementation is essential for a healthy workplace. The Ryan-Kossek 2008 model for work-life policy adoption suggests that supervisors as gatekeepers between employer and employee need to know how to support and communicate benefit regulations. This article describes a workplace intervention on a national employee benefit, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and evaluatestheeffectivenessoftheinterventiononsupervisorknowledge,awareness,andexperiencewithFMLA. Methods: The intervention consisted of computer-based training (CBT) and a survey measuring awareness and experience with FMLA. The training was administered to 793 county government supervisors in the state of Oregon, USA. Results: More than 35% of supervisors reported no previous training on FMLA and the training pre-test revealed a lack of knowledge regarding benefit coverage and employer responsibilities. The CBT ach
Association between Body Mass Index and Acute Traumatic Workplace Injury in Hourly Manufacturing Employees

In this study, the authors examined the distribution and odds of occupational injury among hourly employees of a US aluminum manufacturing company by body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m)(2)). In 2002, height and weight data on 7,690 workers at eight plants were extracted from medical records from annual physicals, and body mass index was categorized. Information on traumatic injuries recorded between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2004, was obtained from a company injury surveillance system. Twenty-nine percent of the employees (n = 2,221) sustained at least one injury. Approximately 85 percent of injured workers were classified as overweight or obese. The odds of injury in the highest obesity group as compared with the ideal body mass index group were 2.21 (95% confidence interval: 1.34, 3.53), after adjustment for sex, age, education, smoking, physical demands of the job, plant process and location, time since hire, time in the job, and significant interaction terms. Injuries to the leg or knee were especially prevalent among members of this very obese group. Research findings support an association between body mass index and traumatic workplace injuries among manufacturing employees. Workplace safety personnel might consider adding policies or programs that address weight reduction and maintenance as part of ongoing comprehensive workplace safety strategies.
Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition of Titanium Nitride from Titanium Bromide and Ammonia

Titanium nitride films were formed by chemical vapor deposition from titanium tetrabromide and ammonia at atmospheric pressure and substrate temperatures from about 400 to 600 C. Although titanium tetrabromide is a highly hygroscopic solid at room temperature, it can be handled conveniently as a very concentrated liquid solution (85 weight percent) in bromine as a solvent. This solution can be vaporized by a direct liquid injection system. Alternatively, the solution can be pumped into a bubbler, from which the bromine solvent is then removed by fractional distillation. Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy was used to determine that the bromine content of TiN deposited at 500 C was about one atomic percent. Growth rates were about 17 nm/min, and electrical resistivity was found to be about 200 {micro}{Omega}-cm.
Sex differences in elite swimming with advanced age are less than marathon running

The sex difference in marathon performance increases with finishing place and age of the runner but whether this occurs among swimmers is unknown. The purpose was to compare sex differences in swimming velocity across world record place (1st-10th), age group (25-89 years), and event distance. We also compared sex differences between freestyle swimming and marathon running. The world's top 10 swimming times of both sexes for World Championship freestyle stroke, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events and the world's top 10 marathon times in 5-year age groups were obtained. Men were faster than women for freestyle (12.4 ± 4.2%), backstroke (12.8 ± 3.0%), and breaststroke (14.5 ± 3.2%), with the greatest sex differences for butterfly (16.7 ± 5.5%). The sex difference in swimming velocity increased across world record place for freestyle (P < 0.001), breaststroke, and butterfly for all age groups and distances (P < 0.001) because of a greater relative drop-off between first and 10th place for women. The sex difference in marathon running increased with the world record place and the sex difference for marathon running was greater than for swimming (P < 0.001). The sex difference in swimming increased with world record place and age, but was less than for marathon running. Collectively, these results suggest more depth in women's swimming than marathon running.
Community Structure in West Bengal

The intent of this paper is to determine the most meaningful and useful model of community for the purpose of anthropological research in India. Redfield's “little community” approach is assessed first, and it is argued that this is a limiting one for India, whatever its applicability elsewhere in the world. Arensberg's approach to community as a minimal unit of organization and transmission of culture is next considered. Utilizing this concept, a model of community is then constructed. It exhibits five structural elements, of which “village” is only one. Once the ethnographer is freed from the necessity of viewing the village alone as a “little community” he may find it more possible to study, with equal facility, all the rubrics and institutions of anthropological interest.
Verbal Protocol Analysis as a Method to Document Engineering Student Design Processes

Undergraduate engineering programs have faced numerous chal- lenges in recent years. One of these challenges is to improve the way open-ended design is taught. Although changes are underway in schools throughout the United States, not enough evaluation has been done to determine the impact of these changes. In this paper we describe a research tool that can also be used to assess stu- dent learning: verbal protocol analysis. In particular, this tool can be used to document the processes that engineering students use to solve open-ended engineering design problems. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the use of verbal protocol analysis as a method to assess student design processes. We also discuss the re- search questions that can be addressed by verbal protocol analysis and the opportunity to include this type of study as part of an engi- neering program evaluation. Analysis of these data can be used to gain an in-depth understanding of the processes stu- dents use to solve engineering design problems. Comparison of verbal protocol data can be used to evaluate differences between groups of subjects. For example, approaches by one group of students can be compared to other student groups, to "expert" de- signers, or to prescriptive models of the design process. For the pur- poses of program evaluation, groups of students can be tested and compared to a control group in order to determine if specific class- room experiences affect student design processes. The objective of this paper, then, is to demonstrate the applica- tion of verbal protocol analysis as a tool to document the processes engineering students use to approach design problems. We first de- fine verbal protocol analysis and describe some previous studies that have applied this method. We then present a detailed application of verbal protocol analysis to an engineering design problem. An in- depth examination of two sample subjects from this study demon- strates the type of analyses that are possible and the kinds of ques- tions that can be addressed by verbal protocol analysis. The purpose of this paper is to provide an example of a verbal protocol study, and we do not attempt to draw specific conclusions about student de- sign processes. We also discuss the value of using this tool as one of the many assessment tools that can be used to evaluate an engineer- ing program. Although verbal protocol analysis is too time consuming to use as a method for routine student assessment, the insight it provides into student processes can be very useful to classroom teachers. Therefore we conclude the paper with a brief description of other methods that can be used to provide insight into student processes.
Therapeutic developments in multiple sclerosis

Recently there have been considerable advances made in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. For the first time since its initial clinical description in the 1800s, there are now available several medications which unequivocally exert favourable clinical effects through the lowering of the biological activity of the human illness. The therapeutic efficacy of IFN-β preparations seems particularly well established in this regard on the basis of five large, independent, trials of this agent. These trials have demonstrated remarkably consistent reductions in both attack rates and disability levels using a combination of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging outcome measures. The therapeutic benefit of glatiramer acetate also has been well established, although there is less available data on this agent than there is for interferon. It is important to recognise, however, that, although these agents represent an important first step in the management of patients with multiple sclerosis, they are only partial t...
Nonlinear control under input delays that depend on delayed states

We recently introduced a design methodology for the stabilization of nonlinear systems with input delays that depend on the current state of the plant. In the present paper we consider nonlinear systems with delays that depend on the delayed state of the plant, that is, the delay is defined implicitly as a nonlinear function of the state at a past time which depends on the delay itself. Since the prediction horizon and the delay depend on the state of the plant, the key design challenges are how to compute the predictor state and the delay (since the delay needs to be available in order to compute the predictor). We resolve these challenges and we establish closed-loop stability with the aid of a strict Lyapunov functional that we construct. We present an example of a strict-feedforward nonlinear system with input delay.
Two Orphan Seven-Transmembrane Segment Receptors Which Are Expressed in CD4-positive Cells Support Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Clinical isolates of primate immunodeficiency viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), enter target cells by sequential binding to CD4 and the chemokine receptor CCR5, a member of the seven-transmembrane receptor family. HIV-1 variants which use additional chemokine receptors are present in the central nervous system or emerge during the course of infection. Simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIV) have been shown to use CCR5 as a coreceptor, but no other receptors for these viruses have been identified. Here we show that two orphan seven-transmembrane segment receptors, gpr1 and gpr15, serve as coreceptors for SIV, and are expressed in human alveolar macrophages. The more efficient of these, gpr15, is also expressed in human CD4+ T lymphocytes and activated rhesus macaque peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The gpr15 and gpr1 proteins lack several hallmarks of chemokine receptors, but share with CCR5 an amino-terminal motif rich in tyrosine residues. These results underscore the potential diversity of seven-transmembrane segment receptors used as entry cofactors by primate immunodeficiency viruses, and may contribute to an understanding of viral variation and pathogenesis.
Image Registration of SPECT and CT Images Using an External Fiduciary Band and Three-Dimensional Surface Fitting in Metastatic Thyroid Cancer

Image registration of {sup 131}I SPECT with CT scans was performed in a patient with metastatic thyroid carcinoma using an external fiduciary band and a three-dimensional surface-fitting algorithm. Areas of metastatic disease taking up {sup 131}I were accurately localized to the liver, lungs and vertebral bodies, providing information that could not be obtained by planar or SPECT images alone. Based on these findings, further invasive diagnostic procedures were not performed, therefore considerably altering management in this patient. This approach to image registration has immediate clinical utility in the registration and interpretation of SPECT studies with corresponding CT or MRI scans. 20 refs., 3 figs.
Helping one's way to the top: self-monitors achieve status by helping others and knowing who helps whom.

The authors argue that high self-monitors may be more sensitive to the status implications of social exchange and more effective in managing their exchange relations to elicit conferrals of status than low self-monitors. In a series of studies, they found that high self-monitors were more accurate in perceiving the status dynamics involved both in a set of fictitious exchange relations and in real relationships involving other members of their social group. Further, high self-monitors elevated their social status among their peers by establishing a reputation as a generous exchange partner. Specifically, they were more likely than low self-monitors to be sought out for help and to refrain from asking others for help. This behavior provides one explanation for why high self-monitors acquire elevated status among their peers—they are more attuned to status dynamics in exchange relations and adapt their behavior in ways that elicit status.
Elevated thyroxine-binding globulin with X-chromosome linked inheritance.

Summary A new kindred with elevated levels of serum thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) as an inherited trait has been reported. Of the twenty-four family members tested, three males and nine females had elevated serum TBG. The pedigree was consistent with an X-chromosome linked mode of inheritance.
Experimental results for almost global asymptotic and locally exponential stabilization of the natural equilibria of a 3D pendulum

Feedback controllers that guarantee asymptotic stabilization of either the hanging equilibrium or the inverted equilibrium of the 3D pendulum are presented and experimentally evaluated using the triaxial attitude control testbed (TACT). Asymptotic stabilization results obtained previously are shown to guarantee almost global response properties, but the local response properties near the equilibrium show non-exponential convergence. These feedback controllers are modified to guarantee almost global response properties and improved local response near the equilibrium. Experimental results illustrate the closed loop time responses for various feedback controllers.
Blocking: exploiting spatial locality for trace compaction

Trace-driven simulation is a popular method of estimating the performance of cache memories, translation lookaside buffers, and paging schemes. Because the cost of trace-driven simulation is directly proportional to trace length, reducing the number of references in the trace significantly impacts simulation time. This paper concentrates on trace driven simulation for cache miss rate analysis. Previous schemes, such as cache filtering, exploited temporal locality for compressing traces and could yield an order of magnitude reduction in trace length. A technique called blocking and a variant called blocking with temporal data are presented that compress traces by exploiting spatial locality. Experimental results show that blocking filtering combined with cache filtering can reduce trace length by nearly two orders of magnitude while introducing about 10% error in cache miss rate estimates.
Empirical evidence on legal levers aimed at addressing child maltreatment

Abstract Law is a powerful tool for combatting public health issues. This article reviews existing empirical research on the effect of eight legal levers on outcomes related to child maltreatment. Laws created with the intent to address child maltreatment are often enacted without empirical basis. Further, following implementation, there is little empirical research on whether such statutes reduce or deter child maltreatment and improve child outcomes. This is in part due to the difficulty in studying the effects of a specific statute on measurable child outcomes.
Warman v. Lemire, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Expert Report [Hate Speech Regulation in a Democratic State]

This report is prepared at the request of the Attorney General of Canada to address the impact of hate speech on a pluralistic society. After careful examination of legal, historical, and sociological sources, this report concludes that the prohibition of hate speech addresses a pressing and substantial concern relating to the general welfare purposes of civil society. The prohibition of hate speech through laws such as section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act is rationally connected to this goal. Such laws minimally impair free speech needed to maintain a tolerant democratic society since hate speech has no truth value. The salutary effect of a law regulating the use of hate propaganda protects individual rights at an extremely minimal cost to the fundamental value of free speech.
A Study of Intensified Wake Deflection by Multiple Yawed Turbines based on Large Eddy Simulations

Yawed turbines are known to cause wake deflection, which has been considered in wake controlling concepts for the purpose of reducing wake loss. However, an isolated yawed turbine can only produce a small amount of wake shifting for downstream turbines, resulting in an overall loss of power output. For this reason, yawing as a wake controlling method is often found to be ineffective. Based on our Large Eddy simulation (LES) results, it is discovered that wake deflection can be intensified by multiple yawed turbines in a line. While each turbine is yawed by a relatively small angle, collectively they can deflect the wake significantly to reduce wake loss of other turbines, so that the overall power output can be increased. An analysis on skew angle is carried out based on existing skew model and the challenges of combined wake skew prediction is identified.
Estimation of combat-related blood group alloimmunization and delayed serologic transfusion reactions in U.S. military veterans.

ABSTRACTThe goals of this study were to estimate blood group alloimmunization arising from combat-related transfusion and the prevalence of delayed serologic transfusion reactions (DSTRs) in military veteran patients. Blood group alloantibodies documented in the transfusion records at a Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center were categorized according to whether they developed before (“pre-existing”) or during (“hospital-acquired”) VA care and whether they were associated with anamnestic immune responses. Combat-related alloantibodies were estimated by adding anamnestic to pre-existing antibodies, revealing that 256 veterans made 322 combat-related alloantibodies. The combat-related alloimmunization rate was 1.37% (256/18,750), and combat-related alloantibodies represented 55.8% (322/577) of total alloantibodies. The highest rate of combat-related alloimmunization was observed in World War II-era veterans. Approximately 11.2% (25/224) of veterans with hospital-acquired antibodies experienced a DSTR due to p...
Oxidized low-density and high-density lipoproteins regulate the production of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -9 by activated monocytes

Monocytes/macrophages are prominent in atherosclerotic plaques where the vascular remodeling and plaque rupture may be influenced by the lipids and cytokines at these sites. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of factors found within the vascular wall, such as cytokines, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), on monocyte-derived matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and -9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1). ox-LDL, LDL, and HDL alone had no effect on MMP-1, MMP-9, or TIMP-1 production. However, in the presence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and GM-CSF, ox-LDL enhanced MMP-1 significantly by two- to threefold, increased MMP-9 slightly, and had no effect on TIMP-1 production. In contrast, HDL suppressed the induction of MMP-1 by TNF-alpha and GM-CSF as well as the ox-LDL-mediated increase in MMP-1 production. The enhancement of MMP-1 production by ox-LDL occurred through, in part, a prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-dependent pathway as indomethacin suppressed and PGE2 restored MMP-1 production. This conclusion was supported further by ox-LDL-mediated increases in PGE2 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) production. These data suggest that the interaction of primary monocytes with ox-LDL and proinflammatory cytokines may contribute to vascular remodeling and plaque rupture.