cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impaired functional activity of alveolar macrophages from GM-CSF-deficient mice

We hypothesized that pulmonary granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is critically involved in determining the functional capabilities of alveolar macrophages (AM) for host defense. To test this hypothesis, cells were collected by lung lavage from GM-CSF mutant mice [GM(-/-)] and C57BL/6 wild-type mice. GM(-/-) mice yielded almost 4-fold more AM than wild-type mice. The percentage of cells positive for the beta(2)-integrins CD11a and CD11c was reduced significantly in GM(-/-) AM compared with wild-type cells, whereas expression of CD11b was similar in the two groups. The phagocytic activity of GM(-/-) AM for FITC-labeled microspheres was impaired significantly compared with that of wild-type AM both in vitro and in vivo (after intratracheal inoculation with FITC-labeled beads). Stimulated secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and leukotrienes by AM from the GM(-/-) mice was greatly reduced compared with wild-type AM, whereas secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was increased. Transgenic expression of GM-CSF exclusively in the lungs of GM(-/-) mice resulted in AM with normal or supranormal expression of CD11a and CD11c, phagocytic activity, and TNF-alpha secretion. Thus, in the absence of GM-CSF, AM functional capabilities for host defense were significantly impaired but were restored by lung-specific expression of GM-CSF.
DFIG Wind Power Generation System for Connected to Grid Based on Internal Model Control

The AC-excited doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) has become the one of main generators for variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) wind power generation systems. A detailed mathematical model of DFIG was derived according to generator convention. A novel S-function was proposed to describe the mathematics model of DFIG and simulate subsystems of no-load operation ,and generation operation were developed based on the state equation. The control of the rotor current inner loop and the rotating speed outer loop were designed based on Internal model control (IMC) strategies,respectively. The output active and reactive powers were decoupled based on stator-flux-oriented control. A full connection to grid VSCF DFIG wind power generation system model was developed based on mathematics model in Matlab development environment. The dynamic response behavior of a 850 kW for connection to grid system under various and large three-phase disturbance conditions at rotating speed was studied. The results demonstrate that the proposed simulation model has preferable control performance and dynamic response under various operation conditions.
Nonparametric Statistics for the Biological Sciences

Nonparametric statistics provide a useful purpose for inferential analyses when data: (1) do not meet the purported precision of an interval scale, (2) there are serious concerns about extreme deviation from normal distribution, and (3) there is considerable difference in the number of subjects for each breakout group. It is not totally uncommon to hear terms such as ranking tests and distribution-free tests to describe the inferential tests associated with nonparametric statistics, due to the use of nominal and ordinal data and data that may not meet the desired assumption of normal distribution (i.e., bell-shaped curve). Although those who work in the biological sciences would ideally like to have precise measurement for their data, to have data that follow normal distribution patterns, and to have adequately-sized samples for all breakout groups, only too often these three desires are not met. Nonparametric statistics and the many inferential tests associated with nonparametric statistics provide a valuable set of options on how these data can be used to good effect. Following along with these aspirations, the R environment and the many external packages associated with R offer many practical applications that support inferential tests associated with nonparametric statistics.
Value Attunement: Exploring the Potential for Responsible Executive Decision Making

As mentioned in the Introduction, society increasingly expects corporations to respond affirmatively to a wide variety of social concerns (Butler, 2001; Grace & Cohen, 1998). This expectation is consistent with the origin of the business corporation as a creation of government to be held accountable for serving the public interest (Waddell, 2000). Yet this institutional mission has become increasingly complicated as large corporations operate across the globe and small firms develop worldwide stakeholder networks (Vidaver-Cohen & Altman, 2000). Faced with such complexity, it is difficult for corporate leaders to know how to proceed. Their hesitation is not helped by the widely-held fallacy, addressed in Chapter 2, that values — or normative beliefs about right and wrong — are subjective preferences that cannot be identified and analyzed (Frederick, 1986; Trevino & Weaver, 1994, 1999, 2003). Given this fallacy, it is not surprising that many executives place low priority on integrating policies of social responsibility into organizational cultures and core business practices (Birch & Batten, 2001;Milne, Owen & Tilt, 2001). Accordingly, they may downplay social issues, unless the values at stake just happen to coincide with their own personally held beliefs (Swanson, 1999). And even this ‘value coincidence’ may be uncommon (see Birch & Batten, 2001).
Two-Sided Language Equations

Two-sided language equations are the most general types of language equations. We discuss several approaches to determining whether a solution exists and of determining such a solution. The question of uniqueness is also of interest. However, in general, none of these approaches is guaranteed to work; in fact, it is not known how to determine whether a given system of m two-sided equations in n variables has a solution, even in the case where m = n = 1.
Probability Maps for Evaluating Automated Visual Fields

A computer system has been devised for the Octopus 2000R automated perimeter to transmit, analyze, display, and print statistical evaluations of visual field data. By using this system and its specific programs, three graphic displays have been devised to determine probabilities and directions of changes of visual fields. With an initial visual field, such as that using program 31, a probability contour plot is obtained in comparison to a reference population to determine by probability level whether the visual field has significant areas of abnormality. Two approaches can be used to indicate whether there is a change with visual fields over time: paired t test and regression analysis. If a paired t test is appropriate, selected areas of visual fields are compared to obtain a probability area plot. The t values and their probabilities are combined to obtain a three-dimensional plot indicating direction and significance. A similar procedure is used for a regression analysis: a contour plot of the probability values associated with the slopes of the regression lines is displayed. The slope values and their probabilities can be combined into a three-dimensional graphic display to indicate significance and direction of change. These graphic displays can provide a data analysis of visual fields that is easily visualized and clinically useful.
Consumers’ Demographic Differences and the Country-of-Origin Effects on Evaluations of Product Categories: An International Study

The aim of this study is to fill in a gap in Country-of-Origin (COO) studies by assessing the relationship between COO and consumer decision-making processes in Morocco, an emerging market, and non-Western Mediterranean country and culture. Specifically, this research study demonstrates that the consumer demographic characteristic of age does make a difference in the COO influence for product categories within Morocco. Age was shown to interact with the impact of COO with regard to purchasing decisions regarding products from more industrialized/economically advanced nations, compared to products from less economically advanced/industrialized nations. These results have managerial implications in assisting multinational organizations in their market segmentations and positioning strategies.
Leveraging Technology for Infrastructure Condition and Performance Assessment

The primary objective of this discussion is to argue that the need for innovation in civil engineering practice is becoming more critical, especially as the goals and expectations associated with infrastructure performance expand to include Livability, Sustainability, and Resilience (LSR). Current approaches to assess and characterize constructed infrastructures rely primarily on visual inspection procedures, which largely serve to guard against blatant safety problems. These efforts generally include a thorough documentation of visual appearance guided by heuristics. Unfortunately, the relationship between key limit states (e.g. structural safety, serviceability, functionality, etc.) and visual condition is nebulous and thus decision-makers are often forced to rely on conservatism at the expense of accuracy. Further, documenting visual distresses do not always lend to understanding the root causes. As a result, visual assessment procedures make organizations struggle to design proper and effective maintenance and make prudent asset management decisions. In general completely visual infrastructure evaluation may lead to incomplete diagnoses followed by ineffective prognoses, often leading to highly consequential disruptions impacting LSR. To illustrate this argument further the paper draws upon the authors’ experiences evaluating bridges over the last several decades. More specifically, this paper aims to present an overview of the current highway bridge engineering and management practices in the US and to postulate how technologies may be incorporated to achieve LSR goals. Wherever possible, the authors have tried to present this discussion in sufficiently general terms as many aspects of it may equally apply to other infrastructure nodes and sectors as well.
Project EMPOWER: An Innovative Approach to Community Behavioral Health Service Delivery

Project EMPOWER was a grant funded initiative targeted to positively impact a rural community by providing behavioral health services and case management to low- income families. An interdisciplinary service team, comprised of behavior health specialists and graduate level interns in the fields of social work, psychiatric nursing and counseling, worked to provide services under the supervision of a doctorate level clinical social work professor. Community partnerships were forged to increase opportunities for community members to have accessible affordable services. Using an empowerment model rooted in systems and integrated practice, the services included assessments, referrals, group counseling, individual counseling, child care, and psychoeducational workshops. The service model include three primary stages (intake, intervention, and termination). Behavioral health services were provided by local, contracted, licensed behavior health specialists who specialized in a wide range of behavioral health interventions (e.g., cognitive behavior, mindfulness training, motivational therapy, hypnosis, play therapy).
GaN: From selective area to epitaxial lateral overgrowth

The evolution of the topography of GaN stripes as a function of stripe width (2 - 120 μm), fill factor and substrate smoothness has been explored. The spatially resolved optical properties of these structures have been characterized by cathodoluminescence imaging and line scans. Implications from the optical study have been discussed.
Successive odor matching- and non-matching-to-sample in rats: A reversal design

There is a growing body of research on matching- and non-matching-to-sample (MTS, NMTS) relations with rats using olfactory stimuli; however, the specific characteristics of this relational control are unclear. In the current study we examine MTS and NMTS in rats with an automated olfactometer using a successive (go, no-go) procedure. Ten rats were trained to either match- or non-match-to-sample with common scents (apple, cinnamon, etc.) as olfactory stimuli. After matching or non-matching training with four odorants, rats were tested for transfer twice with four new odorants on each test. Most rats trained on MTS showed immediate transfer to new stimuli, and most rats trained on NMTS showed full transfer by the second set of new odors. After meeting criterion on the second transfer test, the contingencies were reversed with four new odor stimuli such that subjects trained on matching were shifted to non-matching and vice versa. Following these reversed contingencies, the effects of the original training persisted for many trials with new odorants. These data extend previous studies on same-different concept formation in rats, showing strong generalization requiring few exemplars. The critical role of olfactory stimuli is discussed.
Distribution of Spiked Drugs between Milk Fat, Skim Milk, Whey, Curd, and Milk Protein Fractions: Expansion of Partitioning Models

The distributions of eight drugs (acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid/salicylic acid, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, flunixin, phenylbutazone, praziquantel, and thiamphenicol) were determined in milk products (skim milk, milk fat, curd, whey, and whey protein) and used to expand a previous model (from 7 drugs to 15 drugs) for predicting drug distribution. Phenylbutazone and praziquantel were found to distribute with the lipid and curd phases (≥50%). Flunixin distribution was lower but similar in direction (12% in milk fat, 39% in curd). Acetaminophen, ciprofloxacin, and praziquantel preferentially associated with casein proteins, whereas thiamphenicol and clarithromycin associated preferentially to whey proteins. Regression analyses for log [milk fat]/[skim milk] and log [curd]/[whey] had r2 values of 0.63 and 0.67, respectively, with p of <0.001 for 15 drugs (7 previously tested and 8 currently tested). The robustness of the distribution model was enhanced by doubling the number of drugs originally tested.
Compliance with International Humanitarian Law by Non-State Armed Groups: How Can It Be Improved?

How can compliance of non-state armed groups with international humanitarian law (IHL) be improved? In answering this question, this chapter presents a political science perspective and approach to achieve three goals. First, the author discusses the current state of our understanding about the compliant behavior of non-state armed groups in contemporary security. Second, existing legal tools and policy instruments are outlined, with an eye toward enhancing IHL compliance by armed groups. Third and finally, the author provides conjectures regarding the conditions under which some policies might work better than others. This examination of rebel groups and IHL non-compliance calls for more systematic policy evaluation in future research for the improvements of compliance mechanisms to better attain the goals of IHL.
TEC – Some problems and some prospects

The Theory of Event Coding (TEC) is a significant contribution to the study of purposeful perceptual behavior, and can be made more so by recognizing a major context (the work of Tolman, Liberman, Neisser); some significant problems (tightening predictions and defining distal stimuli); and an extremely important area of potential application (ongoing anticipation and perceptual inquiry, as in reading and movies).
Towards a Perfectionist Response to Ethical Conflict

This paper argues for a pluralist perfectionist response to ethical conflict. This sets for states and their public schools the task of helping people adjudicate conflicts between ethical orientations and of promoting or discouraging particular conceptions of a good life. The aim of deliberation is mutual ethical recognition and growth, judged against a thick yet universally shared conception of human flourishing. The political justification of perfectionism is that it provides a better defense against repression and discrimination than state neutrality on issues of the good life. The paper addresses liberal concerns and counters claims that adjudication threatens human relationships.
Our Army Nurses: Stories from Women in the Civil War/Turn Backward, O Time: The Civil War Diary of Amanda Shelton

Reviews of: "Our Army Nurses: Stories from Women in the Civil War," by Mary Gardner Holland and "Turn Backward, O Time: The Civil War Diary of Amanda Shelton," by Amanda Shelton.
Optimization of the Mode-Dependent Signal Delay Method for the Measurement of Modal Dispersion

The mode-dependent signal delay method can be used to estimate the modal dispersion vector of multimode fibers. We compute optimal launch modes minimizing the noise error in this estimate. The electronic SNR is improved asymptotically by almost 6 dB compared to conventional mode combinations.
A Decision Analysis for Rectal-Sparing Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Total Colectomy With Ileorectal Anastomosis Versus Proctocolectomy With IPAA.

Background There are different approaches for the surgical management of rectal-sparing familial adenomatous polyposis with variable impacts on both quality of life and survival. Objective The aim of this study was to quantify the trade-offs between total proctocolectomy with IPAA versus total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis using decision analysis. Design We created a disease simulation Markov model to simulate the clinical events after IPAA and ileorectal anastomosis for rectal-sparing familial adenomatous polyposis in a cohort of individuals at the age 30 years. We used available literature to obtain different transition probabilities and health-states utilities. The output parameters were quality-adjusted life-years and life-years. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Settings A decision analysis using a Markov model was conducted at a single center. Patients Patients with rectal-sparing familial adenomatous polyposis at age 30 years were included. Rectal-sparing familial adenomatous polyposis is defined as the presence of 0 to 20 polyps that can be removed endoscopically. Main outcome measures Quality-adjusted life-years were measured. Results Our model showed that the mean quality-adjusted life-years for IPAA was 25.12 and for ileorectal anastomosis was 27.12 in base-case analysis. Mean life-years for IPAA were 28.81 and 28.28 for ileorectal anastomosis. A 1-way sensitivity analysis was performed for all of the parameters in the model. None of the deterministic sensitivity analyses changed the model results across the range of plausible values. Probabilistic analysis identified that, in 86.9% of scenarios, ileorectal anastomosis had improved quality-adjusted life-years compared with IPAA. Limitations The study was limited by characteristics inherent to modeling studies. Conclusions Ileorectal anastomosis was found to be preferable for patients with rectal-sparing familial adenomatous polyposis when quality of life is taken into consideration. This model was robust based on both deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. These data should be taken into consideration when counseling patients regarding a surgical approach in rectal-sparing familial adenomatous polyposis. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A715.
Estimating the Value of Second Life Batteries for Residential Prosumers

Mass adoption of Electric Vehicles (EV) will become the center of low carbon energy transition policies in transportation, requiring millions of batteries to be made available in the market during the next decade. When these batteries are considered exhausted for its EV application, they can still provide value in other less demanding uses, known as the Second Life (SL). A potential SL for EV batteries is the behind the meter space, providing benefits to prosumers and the grid. Nevertheless, the main barrier for the deployment of a SL battery market oriented to prosumers connected to the distribution system is the quantification of the economic value of those benefits and its relation with different operating conditions and tariff scenarios. This paper proposes a methodology to estimate the value of SL batteries that takes into account the degradation state at the end of the First Life (FL) and the potential operating conditions for the Second Life. A case study involving a typical residential prosumer in California is presented to illustrate the methodology.
Visit Characteristics Associated With Opioids Administered or Prescribed During Emergency Department Visits for Ankle Sprain Between 2010 and 2015.

BACKGROUND Recent research has demonstrated that patients with ankle sprain who are discharged from the emergency department (ED) are prescribed an opioid. Minimizing the exposure to opioids is important to help prevent future abuse and misuse of these medications. OBJECTIVE Identify ED visit characteristics for an ankle sprain that are associated with an opioid given in the ED, prescribed at discharge, or both. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). SETTING Hospital. PARTICIPANTS Isolated ankle sprain visits to a United States ED. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS The main outcome was an opioid given in the ED, prescribed at discharge, or both between 2010 and 2015. Explanatory variables included age, sex, race, attending physician or resident, and geographic location of the hospital. A multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the independent association between an opioid given in the ED, prescribed at discharge, or both, and all explanatory variables. The analysis accounted for the cluster, strata, and probability weights for each year of the NHAMCS. RESULTS Ankle sprain visits for patients ≤17 years of age had a lower odds of an opioid being given in the ED, prescribed at discharge, or both, compared to visits for patients 18 to 24 years of age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.26 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.1, 0.5]; P < .001). Visits in the West (aOR = 2.5 [95% CI = 1.2, 5.4]) or South (aOR = 2.9 [95% CI = 1.6, 5.4]; P = .010) had higher odds of an opioid being given in the ED, prescribed at discharge, or both, compared to visits in the Northeast. CONCLUSIONS Ankle sprain visits for patients ≤17 years of age had a lower odds of an opioid compared to visits for patients 18 to 24 years of age. Ankle sprain visits in the South or West had a higher odds of an opioid compared to visits in the Northeast. These findings provide a direction for future work aimed at minimizing exposure to opioids after an ankle sprain.
Deep-Learning-Based Artificial Intelligence for PI-RADS Classification to Assist Multiparametric Prostate MRI Interpretation: A Development Study.

BACKGROUND The Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) provides guidelines for risk stratification of lesions detected on multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of the prostate but suffers from high intra/interreader variability. PURPOSE To develop an artificial intelligence (AI) solution for PI-RADS classification and compare its performance with an expert radiologist using targeted biopsy results. STUDY TYPE Retrospective study including data from our institution and the publicly available ProstateX dataset. POPULATION In all, 687 patients who underwent mpMRI of the prostate and had one or more detectable lesions (PI-RADS score >1) according to PI-RADSv2. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE T2 -weighted, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI; five evenly spaced b values between b = 0-750 s/mm2 ) for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping, high b-value DWI (b = 1500 or 2000 s/mm2 ), and dynamic contrast-enhanced T1 -weighted series were obtained at 3.0T. ASSESSMENT PI-RADS lesions were segmented by a radiologist. Bounding boxes around the T2 /ADC/high-b value segmentations were stacked and saved as JPEGs. These images were used to train a convolutional neural network (CNN). The PI-RADS scores obtained by the CNN were compared with radiologist scores. The cancer detection rate was measured from a subset of patients who underwent biopsy. STATISTICAL TESTS Agreement between the AI and the radiologist-driven PI-RADS scores was assessed using a kappa score, and differences between categorical variables were assessed with a Wald test. RESULTS For the 1034 detection lesions, the kappa score for the AI system vs. the expert radiologist was moderate, at 0.40. However, there was no significant difference in the rates of detection of clinically significant cancer for any PI-RADS score in 86 patients undergoing targeted biopsy (P = 0.4-0.6). DATA CONCLUSION We developed an AI system for assignment of a PI-RADS score on segmented lesions on mpMRI with moderate agreement with an expert radiologist and a similar ability to detect clinically significant cancer. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.
Tuning the morphology and band gap of CdSe nanoparticles via solvothermal method

Abstract This work focuses on the preparation of CdSe nanostructures as they have attracted more interest in recent years due to their size and morphology dependent properties. CdSe nanoparticles have been prepared through solvothermal method using Cadmium nitrate and sodium biselenite as precursors and ethylenediamine as solvent. The effect of reaction time on the properties of CdSe especially on the morphology and size have been investigated and reported. With increase in the reaction time, the sizes of the particles are found to increase considerably. The XRD pattern also confirms the improvement in the crystallinity of the prepared samples with increase in reaction temperature. The TEM results show the formation of nanorods like structures in the sample prepared at higher temperature for longer hours.
Modeling and Evaluating Public Transit Equity and Accessibility by Integrating General Transit Feed Specification Data: Case Study of the City of Charlotte

AbstractThis study models and evaluates the accessibility to public transit and public transit equity by integrating the general transit feed specification (GTFS) data. A transit gap index (TGI) an...
Almost Optimal Algorithms for Two-player Markov Games with Linear Function Approximation.

We study reinforcement learning for two-player zero-sum Markov games with simultaneous moves in the finite-horizon setting, where the transition kernel of the underlying Markov games can be parameterized by a linear function over the current state, both players' actions and the next state. In particular, we assume that we can control both players and aim to find the Nash Equilibrium by minimizing the duality gap. We propose an algorithm Nash-UCRL-VTR based on the principle "Optimism-in-Face-of-Uncertainty". Our algorithm only needs to find a Coarse Correlated Equilibrium (CCE), which is computationally very efficient. Specifically, we show that Nash-UCRL-VTR can provably achieve an $\tilde{O}(dH\sqrt{T})$ regret, where $d$ is the linear function dimension, $H$ is the length of the game and $T$ is the total number of steps in the game. To access the optimality of our algorithm, we also prove an $\tilde{\Omega}( dH\sqrt{T})$ lower bound on the regret. Our upper bound matches the lower bound up to logarithmic factors, which suggests the optimality of our algorithm.
Decreasing External Ventricular Drain Infection Rates in the Neurocritical Care Unit: 12-Year Longitudinal Experience at a Single Institution.

OBJECTIVE External ventricular drain (EVD) placement is a common neurosurgical procedure, and EVD-related infection is a significant complication. We examined the effect of infection control protocol changes on EVD-related infection incidence. METHODS Changes in EVD placement protocol and incidence density of infections after implementation of protocol changes in the neurocritical care unit were tracked from 2007 to 2019. EVD infections were defined using a modified U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network surveillance definition of meningitis/ventriculitis for patients with EVDs in situ for at least 2 days confirmed by positive culture. Contribution of protocol changes to EVD infection risk was assessed via multivariate regression. RESULTS Fifteen major changes in EVD protocol were associated with a reduction in infections from 6.7 to 2.0 per 1000 EVD days (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1-5.3; P < 0.001). Gram-positive bacterial infection incidence decreased from 4.8 to 1.7 per 1000 EVD days (95% CI, 2.3-3.9; P = 0.00882) and gram-negative infection incidence decreased from 1.9 to 0.5 per 1000 EVD days (95% CI, 0.6-2.3; P = 0.0303). Of all protocol changes since 2007, the largest reduction in incidence was 3.9 infections per 1000 days (95% CI, 0.50-7.30; P = 0.011), associated with combined standardization of reduced EVD sampling frequency, cutaneous antisepsis with alcoholic chlorhexidine before EVD placement, and use of a subcutaneous tunneling technique during EVD insertion. CONCLUSIONS The most significant reduction in EVD infections may be achieved through the combination of reducing EVD sampling frequency and standardizing alcoholic chlorhexidine cutaneous antisepsis and subcutaneous tunneling of the EVD catheter.
Online Course Increases Nutrition Professionals' Knowledge, Skills, and Self-Efficacy in Using an Ecological Approach to Prevent Childhood Obesity.

Abstract Objective To assess the impact of an online continuing education course on the knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy of nutrition professionals to use an ecological approach to prevent childhood obesity. Design Quasi-experimental design using intervention and delayed intervention comparison groups with pre/post-course assessments. Setting Online continuing education course. Participants Nutrition and health professionals in an online course (n = 105) and a delayed intervention comparison group (n = 37). Intervention A 6-week, facilitated online course titled, Preventing Childhood Obesity: An Ecological Approach. Main Outcome Measures Changes in knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in using an ecological approach to address childhood obesity. Analysis Paired and independent sample t tests, factor analysis, regression analysis. Results In contrast to a comparison group, nutrition and health professionals who participated in a 6-week online course had statistically significant increases ( P Conclusions and Implications A facilitated online course can be effective at increasing the knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy of community-based nutrition and health professionals in using an ecological approach to prevent childhood obesity in their communities.
Fundamentals of Modeling, Data Assimilation, and High-Performance Computing

This lecture will introduce the concepts of modeling, data assimilation and high- performance computing as it relates to the study of atmospheric composition. The lecture will work from basic definitions and will strive to provide a framework for thinking about development and application of models and data assimilation systems. It will not provide technical or algorithmic information, leaving that to textbooks, technical reports, and ultimately scientific journals. References to a number of textbooks and papers will be provided as a gateway to the literature.
Ischemic Heart Disease

History of ischemic heart disease is a significant risk factor for perioperative cardiac complications, including postoperative myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and death. A careful history and physical exam in patients with ischemic heart disease, including prior infarction and/or extent of coronary artery disease (CAD), is crucial prior to surgery to better assess and communicate risk to the patient and surgeon and to suggest management that may mitigate risk perioperatively.
Variable Stiffness and Variable Ride-height Suspension System and Application to Improved Vehicle Dynamics

In this paper, we have presented a novel design for a customizable automotive suspension system with independent control of stiffness, damping and ride-height; and demonstrated the concept through a suspension prototype. The major motivation for this design is to avoid the trade-offs, involved in suspension design, which arise from the conflicting requirements of comfort and handling. The objective of this paper is to explore the possible applications of variable stiffness and variable ride-height suspension system to achieve improved vehicle dynamics. The capability of achieving the desired performance depending on user preference, vehicle speed, road conditions and maneuvering inputs using the proposed system is demonstrated. The application of variable stiffness to achieve real-time alteration of pitch and bounce motion centers, and real time alteration of anti-pitch and anti-dive characteristics is discussed. Moreover the possibility of ensuring stability through real-time alteration of understeer-oversteer characteristics is explored. Numerous other applications of variable stiffness are possible as stiffness affects almost every aspect of ride and handling. Since the proposed system is the first system with independent control of ride-height and stiffness, the research area has been virtually unexplored. Hence it is also the objective of this paper to initiate further research in this area and to create a suitable strategy for controlling all the adaptive parameters to get improved performance.
Purification of Dihydrofolate Reductase via Amethopterin-Aminoethyl Starch

Abstract Amethopterin has been linked covalently, via a carbodiimide-promoted synthesis, to the aminoethyl derivative of soluble starch. The resulting material (mol wt g 300,000) has been used in a novel procedure for purification of chicken liver dihydrofolate reductase (mol wt 22,000). Amethopterin-aminoethyl starch was admixed with the crude enzyme at pH 6.0 and the resulting high molecular weight, enzyme-inhibitor complex was separated from small molecular weight proteins by filtration through Sephadex G-100. The complex was then dissociated by changing the pH to 8 (in the presence of added dihydrofolate), and the highly purified enzyme was recovered by refiltration through Sephadex.
An Insertion into the Chomsky Hierarchy

This review paper will report on some recent discoveries in the area of Formal Languages, chiefly by F. Otto, G. Buntrock and G. Niemann. These discoveries have pointed out certain break-throughs connected with the concept of growing context-sensitive languages, which originated in the 1980’s with a paper by E. Dahlhaus and M.K. Warmuth. One important result is that the deterministic growing context-sensitive languages turn out to be identical to an interesting family of formal languages definable in a certain way by confluent reduction systems.
Methodological issues in measuring alcohol use.

Various methodological issues influence the measurement of alcohol consumption in surveys. One factor is the reference period for which questions are asked--that is, whether respondents are asked for an exact recall of their intake during a short, recent period or for a summary of their drinking behavior over a longer period, such as the past year. Longer recall periods provide sufficient time to link consumption data with concurrently collected data on the prevalence of alcohol-related outcomes. Another factor influencing survey results is the approach used to measure alcohol consumption. Two commonly used measures are the usual quantity/frequency (QF) and graduated frequency (GF) approaches, both of which allow researchers to estimate the volume of alcohol intake. Other issues that researchers conducting surveys should consider include the use of beverage-specific versus overall questions, open-ended versus categorical responses, and measurement of standard versus actual drink sizes. Finally, features of the overall survey design--such as the mode of interview (i.e., in person versus by telephone), the use of computerized survey instruments, and measures to ensure confidentiality--influence the reliability and validity of the data.
Inwardly rectifying K+ channels that may participate in K+ buffering are localized in microvilli of Schwann cells

The presence of K+ channels on the Schwann cell plasma membrane suggests that Schwann cells may participate actively during action potential propagation in the peripheral nervous system. One such role for Schwann cells may be to maintain a constant extracellular concentration of K+ in the face of K+ efflux from a repolarizing axon. This buffering is likely to involve the influx of K+ through inward rectifying K+ channels. The molecular cloning of these genes allowed us to examine their expression and localization in Schwann cells in detail. In this study, we demonstrate the expression of two inward rectifying K+ channels, IRK1 and IRK3, in adult rat sciatic nerve. Immunocytochemistry using a polyclonal antibody against these proteins showed that the channels were highly localized at nodes in sciatic nerve. By immunoelectron microscopy, the nodal staining was shown to be concentrated in the microvilli of Schwann cells (also called nodal processes). The large surface area of the microvilli and their presence in the nodal space suggest involvement with ionic buffering. Thus, IRK1 and IRK3 are well suited to K+ buffering by virtue of both their biophysical properties and their localization. The restricted distribution of the inward rectifying K+ channels also provides an example of the highly regulated localization of ion channels to their specialized membrane domains. In the Schwann cell, where the nodal processes are a minute fraction of the total cell membrane, a potent mechanism must be present to concentrate the channels in this structure.
An Exploratory Investigation Of The Impact Of National Culture On Motivation And Learning Styles Of B-School Students From India

India has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Business magazines and newspapers routinely refer to India as an emerging global powerhouse along with Brazil, China, and Russia (commonly referred to as the BRIC economies). The Indian GDP has experienced a real growth of 8.9 percent from 2003-2007 and is projected to grow by 7.1 percent in 2009 and 7.5 percent in 2010. India’s GDP was US$911 billion in 2007 (data obtained from Economist.com and EconomyWatch.com). The rapid economic growth rate can be attributed to the following three factors: 1) deregulation policies adopted by the Indian government in the early 1990s, 2) dynamics of globalization, and 3) ever advancing capabilities of the Internet and other forms of telecommunication.
Early Childhood Disadvantage for Sons of Mexican Immigrants: Body Mass Index Across Ages 2-5.

Abstract Purpose. To distinguish the origins of higher weight status and determine when and why intra- and interracial/ethnic disparities emerge. Design. The study used a longitudinal analysis of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). Setting. The study was conducted in the United States. Subjects. Participants were children of non-Hispanic white mothers and children of U.S.- and foreign-born mothers of Mexican origin from a nationally representative sample of children born in the year 2001 (N ≈ 3700). Measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts determined sex- and age-specific weight status. Covariates were obtained from birth certificate records and parent interviews. Analysis. Frequencies, growth curve trajectories, and ordinary least squares regression examined body mass index (BMI) and obesity across survey waves. Results. Compared to their peers with non-Hispanic white mothers, children of Mexican-heritage mothers have higher average BMI and greater ...
An unusual nasal foreign body in an unusual nasal cavity.

44-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Deartment (ED) complaining of a foreign body in her right aris that could not be removed. She had attempted to islodge some mucous from her nasal cavity using the roken articulating arm of an umbrella. She stated that he had successfully performed this maneuver several imes in the past. The patient had a long history of hronic nasal cocaine use with a resultant nasal septal efect. On physical examination, the patient had normal vital igns. She was comfortable and had a long metallic mbrella arm protruding from her right naris. The patient ad no signs of airway obstruction. The distal tip of the etallic object could not be visualized with a nasal peculum from either naris. There was no drainage from ither naris. She had a normal neurological examination adiographs were obtained to determine the exact placeent of the foreign body (Figure 1 a–d). After the distal tip of the foreign body was localized ithin the nasopharynx, the Otolaryngology service was onsulted to assist in visualizing the distal portion of the oreign body and the possible removal with a flexible beroptic nasopharyngoscope. After the application of opical anesthesia, the tip of the foreign body was visulized through the left naris and confirmed to have assed through the nasal septal defect. With the assisance of long forceps, the distal tip was carefully dis-
Subcellular targeting: a new frontier for drug-loaded pharmaceutical nanocarriers and the concept of the magic bullet.

The ability of a pharmacologically active molecule selectively to find its target is closely linked with its potential as a successful therapeutic drug. It has become increasingly evident that there are several pharmacologically active molecules that exert their action on molecular targets inside cell organelles. In the case of a drug molecule with no defined specificity for a particular organelle, the molecule would either need to have sufficiently long metabolic stability to allow for random interaction with the organelle to occur, or a targeting strategy for the intended subcellular compartment would need to be devised in order to potentiate therapeutic effect. In the case of molecules with a stronger affinity for a non-target subcellular compartment, there exists even greater need for the ability to control subcellular disposition. Subcellular or organelle-specific targeting has thus emerged as a new frontier in drug delivery. In this review selected examples of recent work are discussed that the auth...
Garre’s osteomyelitis of the mandible resolved by endodontic treatment

A case of Garre's osteomyelitis of the mandible is presented. The occlusal radiographs are good examples of the redundant cortical layering of the bone (onion skinning) that is classically found with this phenomenon. The cause of this case was a necrotic pulp in a carious molar with a periapical radiolucent area. We believe this is the first reported case in which an odontogenic source of infection (carious tooth) was treated not by extraction but by endodontic therapy. During the year after the root canal filling, the periapical radiolucent area filled in with new bone and the bony expansion of the mandible was completely resolved.
Stimulating R&D and Innovation to Address Romania's Economic Crisis: A Bridge Too Far?

This paper discusses the effects of the global crisis on the Romanian economy, in general, and the R&D and innovation system, in particular, and the set of anti-crisis measures that the government adopted in the attempt to contain the damage. Notably absent from the anti-crisis package were measures in support of R&D and innovation, a sector that was heavily affected by the crisis and that could have had a significant potential to contribute to the economic recovery, if supported by adequate policies and funding schemes. We argue that, learning from the missed opportunities of the recent years, bold and integrated measures in support of R&D and innovation need to be adopted in the country in the short to medium term, in order to speed up the economic recovery and realize a significant national and regional innovation potential that has been largely underexploited so far. The “creative destruction” (Schumpeter (1942) Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy (New York: Harper)) in the R&D and innovation system t...
Theoretical and 27Al CPMAS NMR investigation of aluminum coordination changes during aluminosilicate dissolution

Abstract Ab initio molecular orbital calculations were performed, and 27 Al CP MAS-NMR spectra were evaluated in order to investigate the possible tetrahedral to octahedral coordination change of Al at the feldspar-water interface under acidic conditions. Aluminum coordination is octahedral in solution, and tetrahedral in feldspar crystals. Whether this change in coordination can occur on feldspar surfaces as part of the dissolution mechanism has been debated. Molecular orbital calculations were performed on aluminosilicate clusters with a few surrounding water molecules to partially account for solvation effects at the feldspar-water interface. The calculations on both fully-relaxed and partially-constrained clusters suggest that the energy difference between [4] Al and [6] Al where both are linked to three Si-tetrahedra (i.e., Q 3 Al) in the feldspar structure, is small enough to allow for the conversion of Q 3 [4] Al to Q 3 [6] Al in a hydrated layer of feldspar, prior to the release of Al ions to the aqueous solution. The introduction of a few water molecules to the clusters introduced the possibility of multiple optimized geometries for each Al coordination, with energy differences on the order of several hydrogen bonds. The calculation of activation energies and transition states between Q 3 [4] Al, Q 3 [5] Al, and Q 3 [6] Al was complicated by the introduction of water molecules and the use of fully-relaxed aluminosilicate clusters. Calculated isotropic shifts for Q 1 [6] Al, Q 2 [6] Al, and Q 3 [6] Al suggest that the [6] Al observed on aluminosilicate glass surfaces using 27 Al CP MAS-NMR is Q 1 [6] Al and therefore formed as part of the dissolution process. The formation of [6] Al in situ on a feldspar surface (as opposed to re-precipitation from solution) has significant implications for the dissolution mechanism and surface chemistry of feldspars.
Phosphorylated tau immunoreactivity of granulovacuolar bodies (GVB) of Alzheimer's disease: localization of two amino terminal tau epitopes in GVB

An immunocytochemical study of Alzheimer's disease hippocampus with a panel of anti-tau antibodies revealed two antibodies that stained granulovacuolar bodies (GVB) in pyramidal neurons of Ammon's horn. These two affinity-purified anti-tau antibodies were raised in rabbits against synthetic peptides homologous to sequences (amino acids 44–55 and 75–87) in the 58 amino acid insert in the amino terminus of the longest form of human tau. This region is homologous to exons 2 and exon 3 of bovine tau. The exon 2 peptide contains a serine (amino acid residue 46), which has been shown to be a phosphorylated site in paired helical filaments. Antibodies to a nonphosphorylated exon 2 peptide failed to immunostain GVB, but those to the phosphopeptide consistently stained GVB. Staining, however, was most consistent with the antibody to the exon 3 sequence. As in previous studies, GVB were also stained by RT97, a neurofilament antibody whose epitope in tau appears to be a phosphorylated site in or near exon 2, perhaps at serine residue 46 (Brion et al. 1992). Antibodies to epitopes in the amino terminus, mid-region and carboxy terminus of tau failed to consistently stain GVB. More often they produced staining around the periphery of the GVB, giving the appearance of an “empty vacuole.” Most GVB were also immunoreactive with an antibody to ubiquitin. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that GVB are derived from sequestered altered tau possibly mediated by ubiquitin. The failure to detect most regions of tau in GVB is consistent with the idea that tau is partially degraded or highly modified in GVB.