cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Eyelid sebaceous carcinoma: clinicopathologic and multiparametric immunohistochemical analysis that includes adipophilin.

Purpose To evaluate the fine cytopathologic features and immunohistochemistry of eyelid sebaceous carcinoma. Design Retrospective clinicopathologic study. Methods Clinical records and microscopic glass slides of 12 patients diagnosed with sebaceous carcinoma were reviewed. Paraffin-embedded tissue recuts were immunoreacted for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), Ber-EP4, p53, Ki-67, and adipophilin for cytoplasmic lipid. Invasive growth and intraepithelial spread were analyzed separately. Cytoplasmic and nuclear characteristics were correlated with the results of the immunohistochemical profiling. Results Five patients experienced recurrences, but no metastases or tumor-related deaths were discovered. The nuclei in 11 invasive tumor cells were typically round with finely divided, granular, or smudgy chromatin without prominent margination at the nuclear membrane; they exhibited small punctate nucleoli. Positivity for EMA (both diffuse and focal), p53 (72% of nuclei), and Ki-67 (45% proliferation index) was demonstrated. Adipophilin positivity in vesicular and granular forms was detected in paraffin sections in all invasive tumors, most prominently in moderately differentiated and well-differentiated lesions. Among 9 cases exhibiting intraepithelial extensions, 6 showed mostly granular positivity and 3 vesicular positivity. p53 identified residual atypical intraepithelial cells when conjunctival epithelial sloughing occurred. Conclusions Immunohistochemistry can make significant contributions to the diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma. p53 and vesicular granular adipophilin positivity were highly reliable in supplementing the routine microscopic diagnosis of infiltrative tumors and both can be used in paraffin sections, thereby obviating cumbersome oil red O staining of frozen sections. The cells found in intraepithelial spread were strongly EMA and p53 positive, with more granular than vesicular adipophilin positivity.
Testing the nonlinearity of the BVICJHKS period-luminosity relations for the Large Magellanic Cloud Cepheids (Research Note)

Aims. A number of recent works have suggested that the period-luminosity (PL) relation for the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) Cepheids exhibits a controversial nonlinear feature with a break period at 10 days. Therefore, the aim of this Research Note is to test the linearity/nonlinearity of the PL relations for the LMC Cepheids in BV IcJHKs band, as well as in the Wesenheit functions. Methods. We show that simply comparing the long and short period slopes, together with their associated standard deviations, lea ds to a strictly larger error rate than applying rigorous stati stical tests such as the F-test. We applied various statistical tests to the current published LMC Cepheid data. These statistical tests include the F-test, the testimator test, and the Schwarz information cri terion (SIC) method. Results. The results from these statistical tests strongly suggest t hat the LMC PL relation is nonlinear in BV IcJH band but linear in the Ks band and in the Wesenheit functions. Using the properties of period-color relations at maximum light and multi-phase relations, we believe that the nonlinear PL relation is not caused by extinction errors.
The word order myth.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the function of word order, inflections and discourse context in the sentence comprehension process. Ten 2; 6 and ten 3; 6 Polish children acted out sentences with toys. The target sentences were either inflected or uninflected, and given inflectional information sentences were ordered SVO or OVS. Context sentences established given information which was in initial or final position in the target sentences. When inflectional information was available, all the children used it effectively with very little interference from OVS and new–given arrangements. In spite of the fact that word order distributes given and new information in adult Polish, children could utilize word order to recover semantic functions with uninflected sentence problems.
Verification and validation of artificial intelligent systems with applications to power systems

Software maintenance is a prominent issue in the practical environment of knowledge-based system applications. In the case of rule-based systems in power systems, both the rules and data have to be modified and updated to the continuously changing power system environment. In order to ensure the accuracy of the expert system, testing of the software is required. Validation and verification are well known expert systems maintenance tasks. Validation is a task to ensure that specifications of the expert system are met. Verification, on the other hand, is to ensure that the expert system is built correctly. Both tasks are important parts in establishing the functionality, reliability and flexibility of any software. Other type of artificial intelligent systems face similar challenges. This paper provides a summary of relation-checking, equivalence class and contextual representation methods that have been applied to the verification and validation of rule-based and logic-based systems. These methods have been motivated by power system applications, but they are generally applicable to similar classes of rule-based and logic-based systems.
Bioluminescent Imaging of HPV-Positive Oral Tumor Growth and Its Response to Image-Guided Radiotherapy

The treatment paradigms for head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) are changing due to the emergence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated tumors possessing distinct molecular profiles and responses to therapy. Although patients with HNSCCs are often treated with radiotherapy, preclinical models are limited by the ability to deliver precise radiation to orthotopic tumors and to monitor treatment responses accordingly. To better model this clinical scenario, we developed a novel autochthonous HPV-positive oral tumor model to track responses to small molecules and image-guided radiation. We used a tamoxifen-regulated Cre recombinase system to conditionally express the HPV oncogenes E6 and E7 as well as a luciferase reporter (iHPV-Luc) in the epithelial cells of transgenic mice. In the presence of activated Cre recombinase, luciferase activity, and by proxy, HPV oncogenes were induced to 11-fold higher levels. In triple transgenic mice containing the iHPV-Luc, K14-CreER(tam), and LSL-Kras transgenes, tamoxifen treatment resulted in oral tumor development with increased bioluminescent activity within 6 days that reached a maximum of 74.8-fold higher bioluminescence compared with uninduced mice. Oral tumors expressed p16 and MCM7, two biomarkers associated with HPV-positive tumors. After treatment with rapamycin or image-guided radiotherapy, tumors regressed and possessed decreased bioluminescence. Thus, this novel system enables us to rapidly visualize HPV-positive tumor growth to model existing and new interventions using clinically relevant drugs and radiotherapy techniques.
The intrinsic nanofibrillar morphology of polyaniline

Polyaniline nanofibers are shown to form spontaneously during the chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. The nanofibrillar morphology does not require any template or surfactant, and appears to be intrinsic to polyaniline synthesized in water. Two approaches—interfacial polymerization and rapidly-mixed reactions—have been developed to prepare pure nanofibers. The key is suppressing the secondary growth that leads to agglomerated particles. The effects of different dopant acids and solvents are discussed. Changing the dopant acid can be used to tune the diameters of the nanofibers between about 30 and 120 nm. Changing the organic solvent in interfacial polymerization reactions has little effect on the product. A brief discussion of the processibility of the nanofibers is presented. The possibility of creating nanofibrillar structures for selected polyaniline derivatives is also demonstrated.
Acute myocardial infarction during percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty

Balloon valvuloplasty has been shown to be a relatively safe and effective intervention in palliating the symptoms of severe calcific aortic stenosis in the elderly [1-7]. Although the mechanism of balloon valvuloplasty is plastic deformation and fracture of the calcified valve tissue [2], complications such as embolic events or acute myocardial infarction due to aortic balloon valvuloplasty are very rare. Previously published reports mentioned only one case of cerebral embolism [5] and two patients with late fatal myocardial infarction [4]. In this report we present an elderly patient with calcific aortic stenosis who developed an acute lateral myocardial infarction during percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty.
Evaluating the credibility of transport processes in simulations of ozone recovery using the Global Modeling Initiative three-dimensional model

The Global Modeling Initiative (GMI) has integrated two 36-year simulations of an ozone recovery scenario with an offline chemistry and tra nsport model using two different meteorological inputs. Physically ba sed diagnostics, derived from satellite and aircraft data sets, are d escribed and then used to evaluate the realism of temperature and transport processes in the simulations. Processes evaluated include barri er formation in the subtropics and polar regions, and extratropical w ave-driven transport. Some diagnostics are especially relevant to sim ulation of lower stratospheric ozone, but most are applicable to any stratospheric simulation. The global temperature evaluation, which is relevant to gas phase chemical reactions, showed that both sets of me teorological fields have near climatological values at all latitudes and seasons at 30 hPa and below. Both simulations showed weakness in upper stratospheric wave driving. The simulation using input from a g eneral circulation model (GMI(GCM)) showed a very good residual circulation in the tropics and Northern Hemisphere. The simulation with inp ut from a data assimilation system (GMI(DAS)) performed better in the midlatitudes than it did at high latitudes. Neither simulation forms a realistic barrier at the vortex edge, leading to uncertainty in the fate of ozone-depleted vortex air. Overall, tracer transport in the offline GML(GCM) has greater fidelity throughout the stratosphere tha n it does in the GMI(DAS)
Outpatient management of partial-thickness burns: Biobrane® versus 1% silver sulfadiazine

A randomized, prospective study comparing the use of Biobrane ® (group 1) with the use of 1% silver sulfadiazine (group 2) in treating 56 partial-thickness burn wounds was carried out in 52 outpatients with burns that comprised less than 10% of their total body surface area. The two groups were similar in age, gender, race, and extent of burn. Wounds of patients in group 1 (30) were compared with those of group 2 (26) for healing time, pain, compliance with scheduled visits, and costs. Infected and skin-grafted wounds were excluded from healing time analysis. Infection rates of the two groups were similar (three of 30 vs two of 26). One patient in each group underwent skin grafting. Healing times of group 1 wounds were significantly less than those of group 2 (10.6 ± 0.8 vs 15.0 ± 1.2 days, P ® -treated patients averaged lower pain scores at 24 hours after the burn (1.6 ± 0.8 vs 3.6 ± 1.3, P ® -treated group (88.6% vs 63.2% attendance, P ® therapy can significantly decrease pain and total healing time without increasing the cost of outpatient burn care. Improved patient compliance may be an added benefit.
On cryodenaturation of chicken myofibrillar proteins

Summary Myofibrillar protein preparations isolated from chicken pectoralis major containing 81 to 95% protein and 3 to 4% lipids, on dry weight basis, were used as a model system to study the nature of protein and lipid changes occurring as a result of frozen storage. Freezing and storage caused a loss of sulfhydryl group content, solubility, adenosine triphosphatase activity, and water-holding capacity of proteins, but lipid changes were small. The protein changes occurred in the absence of proteolytic action. Blocking of sulfhydryl groups with p -hydroxymercuribenzoate destroyed the ATPase activity only, while hydrogen peroxide oxidation of sulfhydryl groups destroyed solubility, hydration property, and the ATPase activity of the myofibrillar proteins. It appears that frozen storage destroys the sulfhydryl groups which are responsible for the structural integrity and enzymatic properties of protein, and causes the aggregation and loss of hydration property of protein.
Using a Media-Article Approach to Quantitative Reasoning as an Honors Course: An Exploratory Study

In this study, we investigate student performance on a basic skills assessment of percentages and ratios in two cohorts of students: the general (non-STEM) student body (cohort G) and (non-STEM) honors students (cohort H). Both cohorts used a media-article approach to the study of quantitative reasoning. A preand a post-intervention assessment were administered with a two-week intervention period consisting of critical analyses of the use of percentages and ratios in media articles. Using non-parametric techniques, no statistically significant improvement was measured in cohort G while cohort H students showed statistically significant improvement on several items.
Molecular diagnosis of experimental Chagas disease

Diagnostic methods for detecting Trypanosoma cruzi infection are important to allow administration of chemotherapy and as an experimental tool when trying to understand the pathogenesis of Chagas disease. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approach was recently used to demonstrate preferential heart and skeletal muscle tropism in mice of a Mexican T. cruzi isolate. The authors of this study also demonstrated higher sensitivity for this PCR setup compared with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.
Why mathematical models

ROBERT A. BJORK University of MichiganIf you are a member of the set of people to whomthis article is addressed, that is, if you are anundergraduate student in psychology, you certainlypossess some or all of the following characteristics:(a) you are interested in understanding behavior;(b) you are concerned about a number of environ-mental, social, and political issues; (c) you findthe topics on the "soft" side of psychology some-what more interesting than the topics on the"hard" side of psychology; (d) you know little,if anything, about mathematical psychology (andare somewhat suspicious of the whole endeavor);and (e) you do not have the time to do everythingthat you want to do.Given an audience with those characteristics,this article has relatively limited goals. It says alittle about what mathematical models are, givestwo specific examples, and indicates why youshould care to know something about mathematicalmodels.There is a real question as to whether or notundergraduate students in psychology should spenda chunk of their limited time on mathematical psy-chology. For some of you the question does notexist because no such course exists among theundergraduate courses available to you. The ab-sence of such a course is sometimes by designsome of those in charge of undergraduate curriculain psychology do not feel that such a course isappropriate for undergraduatesand is sometimesnecessitated by there being no faculty member whois (or feels he is) qualified to teach such a course.Teaching such a course is not easy; at least it isnot easy to teach it well. In fact, for those ofyou at schools where there is a course of sorts inmathematical psychology, the way it is taught is
High Charge-Carrier Mobility in an Amorphous Hexaazatrinaphthylene Derivative

An isomeric mixture of a tris(pentafluorobenzyl ester) derivative of hexaazatrinaphthylene forms stable amorphous films with an effective charge-carrier mobility of 0.02 cm2/Vs, while the pure 2,8,15-isomer exhibits widely differing morphologies and carrier mobilities (0.001−0.07 cm2/Vs), depending critically on the processing conditions.
For richer, if not for poorer? Marriage and divorce over the business cycle

Despite anecdotal evidence that recessions affect marriage and divorce rates, researchers do not agree about the direction and magnitude of the relationship. This paper reexamines the effect of business cycles on flows into and out of marriage, finding that increased unemployment rates are associated with reductions in both outcomes. The results are robust to the use of alternative measures of economic conditions, hold for both blacks and whites, and are concentrated among working-age individuals. Lag specifications and impulse response functions suggest that the effect of an unemployment shock on marriage is permanent, while the effect on divorce is temporary.
Monitoring protein aggregation and toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models using in vivo imaging

Aggregation of amyloid beta peptide into senile plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau protein into neurofibrillary tangles in the brain are the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Despite over a century of research into these lesions, the exact relationship between pathology and neurotoxicity has yet to be fully elucidated. In order to study the formation of plaques and tangles and their effects on the brain, we have applied multiphoton in vivo imaging of transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. This technique allows longitudinal imaging of pathological aggregation of proteins and the subsequent changes in surrounding neuropil neurodegeneration and recovery after therapeutic interventions.
The impact of measurement error in the data on estimates of the agricultural demand for electricity in the USA

Abstract This paper begins by discussing some of the problems frequently encountered in obtaining demand elasticity estimates. To these problems is added that associated with inaccuracy in the measurement of the dependent variable and one or more of the independent variables that affect the quantity demanded. Two diagnostics — the regression coefficient bounds and the bias correction factor — are introduced to assess the effect that such measurement error has on the estimated coefficients of the demand relationships. In considering the demand for electricity for irrigation and the demand for electricity for other (non-irrigation) uses by farmers in the USA, both the quantity demanded and the price data available for demand model estimation purposes contain measurement error. The regression coefficient bounds diagnostic is used to indicate a range over which the true price responsiveness of farmers to changes in energy prices lies. The bias correction factor is computed to evaluate the magnitude of the underestimation of the responsiveness of the quantity of electricity demanded for irrigation and electricity for other uses to a change in the number of acres irrigated and the number of acres planted.
Opportunistic spectral usage: bounds and a multi-band CSMA/CA protocol

In this paper, we study the gains from opportunistic spectrum usage when neither sender or receiver are aware of the current channel conditions in different frequency bands. Hence to select the best band for sending data, nodes first need to measure the channel in different bands which takes time away from sending actual data. We analyze the gains from opportunistic band selection by deriving an optimal skipping rule, which balances the throughput gain from finding a good quality band with the overhead of measuring multiple bands. We show that opportunistic band skipping is most beneficial in low signal to noise scenarios, which are typically the cases when the node throughput in single-band (no opportunism) system is the minimum. To study the impact of opportunism on network throughput, we devise a CSMA/CA protocol, multi-band opportunistic auto rate (MOAR), which implements the proposed skipping rule on a per node pair basis. The proposed protocol exploits both time and frequency diversity, and is shown to result in typical throughput gains of 20% or more over a protocol which only exploits time diversity, opportunistic auto rate (OAR).
Gender and Agreement Processing in Children with Developmental Language Disorder.

Two experiments tested whether Russian-speaking children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) are sensitive to gender agreement when performing a gender decision task. In Experiment 1, the presence of overt gender agreement between verbs and/or adjectival modifiers and postverbal subject nouns memory was varied. In Experiment 2, agreement violations were introduced and the targets varied between words, pseudo-words, or pseudo-words with derivational suffixes. In both experiments, children with DLD did not differ from typically developing children in their reaction time or sensitivity to agreement features. In both groups, trials with feminine gender resulted in a higher error rate. Children with DLD displayed lower overall accuracy, which was related to differences in phonological memory in both experiments. Furthermore, in Experiment 1 group differences were not maintained after phonological memory was entered as a covariate. The results are discussed with respect to various processing and linguistic theories of DLD.
Prevalence of Hemoglobin A1c Greater Than 6.5% and 7.0% among Hospitalized Patients without Known Diagnosis of Diabetes at an Urban Inner City Hospital

Context: Bronx, New York, an urban county with a large low-income, immigrant and minority population, has a prevalence of diabetes that is among the highest in the United States. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in identifying patients at risk for diabetes on an in-patient medical service of a hospital serving a high prevalence community. Design and Setting: We conducted a prospective cohort study at an urban public hospital. Patients: The study included 971 patients (1132 admissions) admitted to the general medicine service over 4 months. Main Outcome Measures: HbA1c was measured on all patients. Records were checked for prior diagnosis of diabetes and other clinical data. Follow-up data were obtained for those with repeat HbA1c testing or glucose within 1 yr after admission. Results: We found that 35.2% of the patients (n = 342) had an established diagnosis of diabetes. The remaining 629 patients defined the study cohort of patients without known diab...
Cowboys with cameras: an interactive expedition

Utilizing the same technologies pioneered by the embedded journalists in Iraq, the University of Central Florida (UCF) teamed up with TracStar, Inc to create a small-scale, satellite-based expedition transmission package to accompany a university film and digital media professor into parts of Utah and the Moab Desert that had a historical significance to American Western Films. The expedition took the group to many locations where scenes from John Wayne and John Ford movies were filmed. Students along on the trip camped out and suffered similar tough conditions as did the original film crews, experienced the wilderness, and participated in lectures and interviews with locals, who supported the films and acted as extras and stunt persons. The project brought a live experience back to the university campus in which students personally interact firsthand with the people, places, things in as real a manner as what the remote travelers encountered. This article presents details about the experiences of the first implementation of the live broadcasts from the remote desert and the reactions of focus groups to the experience. One group watched archived broadcast, convinced that they were live. Their impressions and reactions were recorded and analyzed and compared to those who were part of a control group. Conclusions and recommendations for future trips are introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
On the minimization of correlated residuals

SUMMARY A variety of methods for solving overdetermined linear systems of equations are considered. The Gaussian method of least squares assumes a noise-free matrix of coefficients. The maximum-likelihood method assumes the same amount of noise in each column of the matrix and the resulting vector. Both methods represent special cases of the general problem of deriving unbiased solutions in the presence of noise. Here, the minimization of correlated residuals is introduced. A set of boundary conditions is required to adjust the statistical properties of the solution. This method minimizes the second term of the autocovariance function of the residuals and is independent of the noise. The operation of the method is outlined analytically using an univariate scatter problem and applied numerically to synthetic data of a linear regression problem. To demonstrate the applicability of the method in practical situations, geomagnetic response functions are derived from observational data using the Z : H method.
Using thin films as debris shields for laser micro-machining and high energy laser target interactions

Target debris has long been an a problem when using low f-number optics for laser micro-machining applications or high energy laser target interactions. A debris shield can be used to protect the final focusing optics from damage. For long pulse, ns scale lasers, one can use debris shields in the order of cm thickness without aquireing too much nonlinear phase on transmission. Short pulse laser beams on the other hand are focused with a parabola in a vacuum environment to mitigate self-focusing, filamentation, self-phase modulation and other nonlinear interactions. As such, significantly thinner (sub mm) debris shields are required for fs applications.
A unified analysis of noncomparative methods for measuring the molar absorptivity of triplet-triplet transitions

Noncomparative techniques for the measurement of the molar absorptivity of triplet-triplet absorption transitions, eT*, are reviewed. The methods covered include singlet depletion, total depletion, intensity variation (and its pulsed analog), partial saturation, and the so-called kinetic method. A critical analysis of the conceptual foundations of these varied approaches is performed. The fundamental equations of each technique are derived from a general three-state kinetic model of excitation and decay. From this unified approach it becomes very clear where assumptions are made in the traditional derivations of the methods. Additionally, one comparative method, that termed relative actinometry, is discussed, since it may be treated in a unimolecular fashion consistent with the above approach. The only major eT* method excluded from this review is that involving intermolecular energy transfer, a technique which has been thoroughly documented elsewhere.
The evolution of model catalytic systems; studies of structure, bonding and dynamics from single crystal metal surfaces to nanoparticles, and from low pressure ( 10−3 Torr) to liquid interfaces

The material and pressure gap has been a long standing challenge in the field of heterogeneous catalysis and have transformed surface science and biointerfacial research. In heterogeneous catalysis, the material gap refers to the discontinuity between well-characterized model systems and industrially relevant catalysts. Single crystal metal surfaces have been useful model systems to elucidate the role of surface defects and the mobility of reaction intermediates in catalytic reactivity and selectivity. As nanoscience advances, we have developed nanoparticle catalysts with lithographic techniques and colloidal syntheses. Nanoparticle catalysts on oxide supports allow us to investigate several important ingredients of heterogeneous catalysis such as the metal-oxide interface and the influence of noble metal particle size and surface structure on catalytic selectivity. Monodispersed nanoparticle and nanowire arrays were fabricated for use as model catalysts by lithographic techniques. Platinum and rhodium nanoparticles in the 1–10 nm range were synthesized in colloidal solutions in the presence of polymer capping agents. The most catalytically active systems are employed at high pressure or at solid–liquid interfaces. In order to study the high pressure and liquid interfaces on the molecular level, experimental techniques with which we bridged the pressure gap in catalysis have been developed. These techniques include the ultrahigh vacuum system equipped with high pressure reaction cell, high pressure Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) vibration spectroscopy, High Pressure Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (HP-STM), and High Pressure X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (HP-XPS), and Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM). In this article, we overview the development of experimental techniques and evolution of the model systems for the research of heterogeneous catalysis and biointerfacial studies that can shed light on the long-standing issues of materials and pressure gaps.
Semifolding 2 k–P Designs

This article addresses the varied possibilities for following a two-level fractional factorial with another fractional factorial half the size of the original experiment. Although follow-up fractions of the same size as an original experiment are common practice, in many situations a smaller followup experiment will sufIice. Peter John coined the term “semifolding” to describe using half of a foldover design. Existing literature does include brief mention and examples of semifolding but no thorough development of this follow-up strategy. After a quick examination of the estimation details for semlfoldmg the 24 – 1 IV design, we focus on following 16-run fractions with a semifold design of eight runs. Two such examples are considered—one in which the initial fraction ia resolution IV, the other resolution III. A general result is proven for semifolding 2 k – p IV designs. Conducting full foldover designs in two blocks is also recommended.
Relationships between bone mass and circulating leptin concentrations in Hutterites

A limited number of previous studies have shown inverse associations between bone mass or density and circulating leptin in humans. Relationships between bone mass and circulating leptin in Hutterites, who have elevated bone density, are unknown. Knowledge gained from studies in mice suggests that Hutterites exhibit traits consistent with a deficiency in circulating leptin or in leptin signaling. We examined relationships between whole body (WB) and regional (lumbar, total hip, femoral neck, trochanter) bone mineral content (BMC) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and circulating leptin in 249 Hutterites (137 female) ages 20-55 years and 72 similarly aged non-Hutterites (37 female). We tested the hypothesis that (1) Hutterites will have low circulating leptin concentrations for a given amount of body fat compared to non-Hutterites, and (2) controlling for body fat, there will be an inverse relationship between BMC and circulating leptin among Hutterites. Hutterites had higher BMC than non-Hutterites at all skeletal sites after adjusting for site-specific bone area, age, and sex (P </= 0.02). Hutterite females had higher leptin concentrations than non-Hutterite females [geometric mean and 95% confidence interval (CI): 18.38 (17.18, 19.67) vs. 14.30 (12.55, 16.28), P </= 0.001) after adjusting for WB fat mass. Hutterite males also had higher leptin concentrations than non-Hutterite males [geometric mean and 95% CI: 6.53 (6.11, 6.98) vs. 5.62 (4.98, 6.35), P = 0.03) after adjusting for WB fat mass. We used backward stepwise regression to determine significant (P </= 0.10) covariates to include in models predicting WB and regional BMC among Hutterites (separately by sex). Subsequently, we entered leptin (log-transformed) to models to test for significance (P </= 0.05). After adjusting for covariates, leptin concentration was not a significant predictor of BMC at any site, in either sex, among Hutterites. It is possible that genetic influences that interfere with hypothalamic leptin signaling, in a manner unrelated to adipocyte leptin production, contribute to elevated Hutterite bone density.
Universal modeling and coding

The problems arising in the modeling and coding of strings for compression purposes are discussed. The notion of an information source that simplifies and sharpens the traditional one is axiomatized, and adaptive and nonadaptive models are defined. With a measure of complexity assigned to the models, a fundamental theorem is proved which states that models that use any kind of alphabet extension are inferior to the best models using no alphabet extensions at all. A general class of so-called first-in first-out (FIFO) arithmetic codes is described which require no alphabet extension devices and which therefore can be used in conjunction with the best models. Because the coding parameters are the probabilities that define the model, their design is easy, and the application of the code is straightforward even with adaptively changing source models.
Sonographic patterns of intraperitoneal hemorrhage associated with blunt splenic injury.

Objective. To determine the correlation between sonographic detection of free fluid in the left upper quadrant and blunt splenic injury. Methods. A retrospective review was conducted of all consecutive emergency blunt trauma sonograms obtained at a level I trauma center from January 1995 to January 2001. Data were collected on demographics, free fluid location, and patient outcome. Injuries were determined from computed tomography, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, laparotomy, or a combination thereof. Results. A total of 4320 blunt trauma sonograms were obtained, and 596 patients (14%) had intra-abdominal injuries. The mean age was 33.7 ± 19.1 years (range, 1‐95 years), with 294 (49%) male and 302 (51%) female. There was no statistical difference between age, sex, or mechanism for all subgroups. There were 409 true-positive, 187 false-negative, 88 false-positive, and 3636 true-negative findings. Sensitivity of sonography for detecting all intra-abdominal injuries was 68%, and specificity was 97.6%; sensitivity for detecting isolated splenic injuries was 73.8%. Locations of free fluid in patients with nonsplenic injuries were compared with those in patients with splenic injuries. Isolated left upper quadrant free fluid was significantly associated with splenic injury (odds ratio = 3.0; P = .002), followed by diffuse free fluid (odds ratio = 2.1; P = .005). A subanalysis of isolated splenic injuries also revealed a significant association with left upper quadrant free fluid (odds ratio = 3.1; P = .007) and diffuse free fluid (odds ratio = 2.7; P = .0007). Conclusions. Free fluid in the left upper quadrant is significantly associated with splenic injury. This finding should triage patients
Pulmonary aspiration syndromes.

Purpose of reviewPulmonary aspiration syndromes are a common cause of morbidity and mortality. These syndromes are often misdiagnosed and their management is frequently suboptimal. This paper reviews the clinical features and management of the most common aspiration syndromes.Recent findingsPulmonar
Growth factor delivery for oral and periodontal tissue engineering

The treatment of oral and periodontal diseases and associated anomalies accounts for a significant proportion of the healthcare burden, with the manifestations of these conditions being functionally and psychologically debilitating. Growth factors are critical to the development, maturation, maintenance and repair of craniofacial tissues, as they establish an extracellular environment that is conducive to cell and tissue growth. Tissue-engineering principles aim to exploit these properties in the development of biomimetic materials that can provide an appropriate microenvironment for tissue development. These materials have been constructed into devices that can be used as vehicles for delivery of cells, growth factors and DNA. In this review, different mechanisms of drug delivery are addressed in the context of novel approaches to reconstruct and engineer oral- and tooth-supporting structures, namely the periodontium and alveolar bone.
Towards a Robust Physics-Based Object Recognition System

A successful 3D object recognition system must take into account imperfections in the input data, due for example to fragmentation or sensor noise. In this paper we propose a methodology for robust 3D object recognition using uncertain image data. In particular, we present a method capable of achieving acceptable performance in the presence of both segmentation problems and sensor uncertainty, thus eliminating the need for ad hoc heuristics. The proposed method is based upon the use of probabilistic models suggested by the underlying physics processes. These models are statistically validated and tested under controlled experimentation.
Karaoke: A Tool for Promoting Reading

_______________ This article is a description of a teaching strategy that we have experimented with promising results as a motivational tool. The strategy uses Karaoke as a tool to build and enhance reading behaviors such as fluency and motivation as a twofold purpose for struggling readers. An audio and video sample of children engaged in reading and singing using Karaoke is enclosed. Some modified Karaoke instructional approaches are mentioned for a whole group / classroom use. _______________
The separation of water–ethanol mixtures by pervaporation through hydrophilic—hydrophobic composite membranes

A new kind of polymer composite membrane, which we refer as hydrophilic–hydrophobic composite membrane, is prepared by the concentrated emulsion polymerization method6,7 and employed to separate permselectively ethanol–water mixtures. This composite contains polyacrylamide as the dispersed phase and crosslinked polystyrene as the continuous phase. The swelling in water of this composite membrane is around 4 g water/g polymer and its swelling in ethanol is negligible. The permeation of the composite membrane by pervaporation decreases with increasing ethanol concentration in the feed and increases with increasing polyacrylamide fraction in the composite. The rate of permeation is in the range of 30–103 g/m2 h. The selectivity of the membrane ranges between 2 and 50 and increases with increasing ethanol concentration in the feed and increasing polyacrylamide fraction in the composite. The permeation increases and the selectivity decreases with increasing feed temperature. The activation energy of permeation varies between 1.8 and 4.9 kcal/mol, depending upon the compositions of the feed and membrane.
The impact of stress on the development and expression of atopy

Summary Psychological stress may be conceptualized as a social pollutant that, when ‘breathed’ into the body, may disrupt biological systems related to inflammation through mechanisms potentially overlapping with those altered by physical pollutants and toxicants.
Specific epithets of the flowering plants of central French Guiana

The epithets of the flowering plants of central French Guiana are classified into derivation categories. Specific epithets of the flowering plants of central French Guiana refer mostly to shapes (274 species), persons (252), places (212), appearance (146), and size (140). These categories account for 55% of names given to the plants of this flora. The most prolific publishers of names for the flora of central French Guiana are Aublet and Linnaeus, who were respectively the authors of 177 and 110 of the names of species (15% of the total) found in the flora of central French Guiana. Although many of the species names, such as those relating to place and person, are easy to categorize, many others are open to different interpretations. Specific epithets with different orthographies derived from Guiana or Guyana are discussed. In addition, problems in the use of diacritical marks and inconsistencies with spacing between the abbreviations of given names and surnames of authors of plant names are noted.
Russian citizens' perceptions of corruption and trust of the police

Since 1991, Russian citizens' perception of the police has been consistently overwhelmingly negative. Both direct and vicarious citizen experiences with the police were examined to identify potential factors that may explain the pervasive and persistent negative perceptions. An original survey of citizens (N=509) was analysed with structural equation modelling techniques to determine how various forms of corruption (including bribery, unfair treatment and abuse of power), and social class standing influenced perceptions. Experiences with corruption had significant negative correlations with police trust. Trust was found to be independent of social class position. Bribery and abuse of power had significant co-variations with unfair treatment. Citizens actively avoid any police contact; therefore, their perceptions appear to be predominately influenced by a lack of institutional trust. The findings are consistent with the extant research.
Stressing Out Over Survival: Glutamine as an Apoptotic Modulator

Introduction The amino acid glutamine (GLN) has received considerable attention as a potential therapeutic adjuvant in critical illness and in improving postoperative clinical outcomes. Most studies on the role of GLN in cellular physiology have historically focused on its anabolic roles in specific cell types and its contribution to growth in cancer cells. However, an emerging body of work that examines the consequences of GLN deprivation on cellular survival and gene expression has constructed a new paradigm for this amino acid, namely, that limited extracellular GLN supplies modulate stress and apoptotic responses. Methods A survey of the scientific literature was conducted on GLN in cell survival signaling and apoptosis. Work from our laboratory in liver cancer cells also was included in this review. Results Most studies on this topic have used mammalian cell lines derived from the gut, immune system (including hybridomas), and various cancers. GLN limitation, even in the presence of an adequate glucose supply, impacts stress-related gene expression, differentially modulates receptor-mediated apoptosis, and directly elicits apoptosis through signaling mechanisms and caspase cascades that are specific to cell type. To date, GLN transporters, cellular hydration, glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase, ATP levels, mRNA stability, and glutathione economy have been variably implicated in GLN-dependent survival signaling. Conclusion The cell type-specific mechanisms underlying the regulatory role of GLN in cell survival continue to unfold at a steady pace through in vitro studies. These results have collectively provided testable hypotheses for further in vivo studies into their physiological relevance during GLN “nutritional pharmacology.”
Multiple-short-pulse stimulated Brillouin scattering for trains of 200 ps pulses at 1.06 mu m

High-reflectivity, good-fidelity multiple-short-pulse stimulated Brillouin scattering phase conjugation is demonstrated for pulse trains containing pulses of 200-ps duration with interpulse separations of 7.5 ns. The reflectivity is seen to build up from pulse to pulse to a final value of 52%. The Brillouin medium is high-pressure SF/sub 6/ gas having a Brillouin lifetime of 35 ns. Severe competition with optical breakdown is discussed. >
Effects of Multiple Disturbances (Fire and Hurricane) on Epiphyte Community Dynamics in a Subtropical Forest, Florida, U.S.A.1

Abstract We addressed the interacting effects of a natural large-scale fire and a subsequent major hurricane on relative positions of epiphytes in a subtropical forest. In Everglades National Park, subtropical hammocks (hardwood tree “islands”; burned and unburned) during the Ingraham Fire (1989) were surveyed for trees and epiphytic bromeliads (Tillandsia spp.) one year before, as well as one and five years after, Hurricane Andrew (1992). We measured trees (species, diameter, and status [alive/dead]) and epiphytes (species, height, host tree characteristics, substrate life status, and density). The fire decreased the height of epiphytes during the hurricane because branches and bark of trees killed by the fire were unstable epiphyte substrates in the high winds. Proportions of epiphytes on Quercus virginiana were equally increased after the hurricane in both unburned and burned hammocks; the large size and bark characteristics resulted in greater proportional survival of epiphytes on this species. During...
Wisdom at the End of Life: An Analysis of Mediating and Moderating Relations Between Wisdom and Subjective Well-Being

OBJECTIVES Several studies have shown that wisdom, measured as an integration of cognitive, reflective, and compassionate dimensions, is positively related to subjective well-being in old age. This study investigated whether wisdom might be particularly beneficial for people at the end of life, when extrinsic means to increase well-being largely disappear, and whether the association between wisdom and well-being is mediated by mastery and purpose in life. METHODS Samples of 156 older community residents (M = 71 years) and 41 older hospice patients and nursing home residents (M = 77 years) were analyzed, using a moderated and mediated path model. RESULTS (a) Wisdom was positively related to subjective well-being in the later years, even after controlling for physical health, socioeconomic status, financial situation, social involvement, age, gender, race, and marital status. (b) The association between wisdom and well-being was significantly stronger in the nursing home and hospice sample than the community sample. (c) The relation between wisdom and well-being was partially mediated by purpose in life, both directly and via a sense of mastery. CONCLUSION Aging well at the end of life might depend to a larger extent on psychosocial growth across the life course than on present circumstances.
Reflectivity and Liquid Water Content Vertical Decomposition Diagrams to Diagnose Vertical Evolution of Raindrop Size Distributions

AbstractThis study consists of two parts. The first part describes the way in which vertical air motions and raindrop size distributions (DSDs) were retrieved from 449-MHz and 2.835-GHz (UHF and S band) vertically pointing radars (VPRs) deployed side by side during the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E) held in northern Oklahoma. The 449-MHz VPR can measure both vertical air motion and raindrop motion. The S-band VPR can measure only raindrop motion. These differences in VPR sensitivities facilitates the identification of two peaks in 449-MHz VPR reflectivity-weighted Doppler velocity spectra and the retrieval of vertical air motion and DSD parameters from near the surface to just below the melting layer.The second part of this study used the retrieved DSD parameters to decompose reflectivity and liquid water content (LWC) into two terms, one representing number concentration and the other representing DSD shape. Reflectivity and LWC vertical decomposition diagrams (Z-VDDs and LWC...
Reciprocal and nonreciprocal social support: contrasting sides of intimate relationships.

This study focused on the perception of reciprocal and nonreciprocal support within the natural support network of family and friends. Data from a national probability sample of 718 middle-aged and older adults were examined. Hypotheses based on equity theory were developed to test the effect of perceived reciprocated versus nonreciprocated confiding and sick care vis-a-vis spouse, children, and friends. Initial results indicated that the modal response for all age groups was reciprocated confiding and sick care. However, a closer examination revealed a complex pattern of the extent and effects of perceived support when considering different relationships. These findings are discussed within a life-course perspective with individuals providing and receiving support over time.