cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio as a predictor of β-cell function in African American women.

Abstract Background The TG/HDL-C ratio is used as a marker of insulin resistance (IR) in Caucasians. However, there are conflicting data on TG/HDL-C ratio as a predictor of IR in African Americans. Compared to Caucasians, African Americans have lower TG levels and increased insulin levels despite a greater risk for diabetes. We hypothesized that the TG/HDL-C ratio is predictive of IR and/or β-cell function in African American (AA) women. Methods Non-diabetic AA women (n=41) with a BMI>25kg/m 2 underwent frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT). Insulin sensitivity (S I ) and the acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg) were measured using minimal model and β-cell function was determined by disposition index (DI=S I *AIRg). IR was defined as the lowest tertile of S I ( −4 min −1 /μU/ml) and inadequate β cell compensation was defined as the lowest tertile of DI ( 0.70 was defined as significant discrimination. Results The mean (± SD) age was 38.5±11.3years, with BMI of 33.5±6.7kg/m 2 and fasting glucose of 86.5±10.5mg/dL. The AUC-ROC for the prediction of DI Conclusion This study confirmed that the TG/HDL-C ratio is a poor predictor of IR in AA women. However, we did show an inverse association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and β-cell function, suggesting that this simple tool may effectively identify AA women at risk for DM2.
Do lesions of the superior colliculus affect acoustic orientation in echolocating bats

Abstract We made lesions in the superior colliculus (SC) of blinded big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) to study the possible role of the SC in the echolocation and avoidance of 0.5 mm and 0.3 mm wire obstacles. The animals were also tested for orienting responses to sound and light touch. Sham-operated bats avoided obstacles and oriented to novel stimuli as well as before surgery. Three bats with SC lesions performed significantly lower in the obstacle avoidance tests, the percentage of flights on which they missed the obstacles being reduced between 3 and 14 percent. Lesions in these animals included damage of the SC and periaqueductal gray (PAG) throughout the rostralcaudal extent of the SC. Five other animals exhibited no significant decrease in obstacle avoidance abilities. Lesions in these bats were mostly confined to the caudal SC. Although other midbrain structures were lightly damaged, we believe that the greater damage to the SC and PAG was responsible for the small but statistically significant decrease of post-operative obstacle avoidance in the three bats.
Nonthoracotomy- versus thoracotomy-implantable defibrillators. Intention-to-treat comparison of clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND Nonthoracotomy-implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) systems may represent a significant advance in the treatment of patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, but their merits relative to those of the well-established thoracotomy systems remain largely unknown. The objective of this study was to compare the short- and long-term clinical outcomes after attempted ICD implantation via a nonthoracotomy versus thoracotomy approach in similar groups of patients. METHODS AND RESULTS Between September 1990 and December 1992, 212 consecutive patients underwent attempted ICD system implantation without concomitant cardiac surgery at a single institution. Approach selection was not randomized but rather was based primarily on hardware availability. Primary comparisons of short- and long-term outcome were performed according to the "intention-to-treat" principle. Implantation was attempted via a nonthoracotomy approach in 120 patients (57%) and via a thoracotomy approach in 92 patients (43%). Prior cardiac surgery was more prevalent in the nonthoracotomy patients; otherwise, groups did not differ significantly in terms of prognostically relevant clinical characteristics. Nonthoracotomy implantation was successful in 101 patients (84%). After crossover to thoracotomy implantation (14 patients), the eventual success rate for ICD system implantation was 96% in the nonthoracotomy group. Thoracotomy implantation was successful in 89 patients (97%). Operative mortality was 3.3% in the nonthoracotomy and 4.3% in the thoracotomy groups (P = .73). Nonthoracotomy group patients were less likely to experience postoperative congestive heart failure (6% versus 16%; P = .02) or supraventricular arrhythmia (6% versus 18%; P = .004) and had significantly shorter postoperative intensive care and total hospitalization. Total hospital costs were significantly lower in the nonthoracotomy group ($32,205 versus $37,265; P = .001). After a follow-up of 16 +/- 9 months, there were 17 deaths in the nonthoracotomy group (none sudden) and 12 deaths in the thoracotomy group (1 sudden). One- and 2-year Kaplan-Meier survival probabilities were .87 (95% CI, .78 to .91) and .80 (95% CI, .68 to .88) in the nonthoracotomy group and .90 (95% CI, .82 to .95) and .87 (95% CI, .77 to .93) in the thoracotomy group (P = .56; log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS Nonthoracotomy ICD implantation is associated with reduced surgical morbidity, postoperative hospital care requirement, and hospital costs and has similar efficacy in preventing sudden death relative to the thoracotomy approach. From these nonrandomized data, it appears that a nonthoracotomy approach should be considered preferable in most patients requiring ICD therapy.
Shearing transformation of a linear system at an irregular singular point

Consider an nth-order linear ordinary differential equationSuppose the αj(x) are holomorphic for x ∈ S, 0 < x0 ≤ |x| < ∞, where S is an open sector of the complex plane with vertex at the origin and positive central angle not exceeding π. Suppose as x → ∞ in each closed subsector of S. The problem of finding a basis for the solutions of (1) can be reduced by a sequence of transformations (see, for example, Gilbert (1)) to the problem of finding a fundamental matrix for a system of the formwhere q is a non-negative integer, A(x) is an m by m matrix which is holomorphic for x ∈ S, x0 < ≤ |x| < ∞, and as x → ∞ in each closed subsector of S. If m ≥ 2, A0 is an m by m matrix with elements all zero except for l's on the upper off-diagonal, and the elements of Ar for r ≥ 1 are all zero except possibly in the last row. (There is one such problem (2) for each root, μ of the equation with multiplicity m ≥ 2. Recall that the coefficient αn−r, 0 the first term in the asymptotic expansion of the coefficint αn−r(x) of equation (1).) We denote the elements of the last row of Ar by 1 ≤ k ≤ m. The system (2) has an irregular singular point at infinity.
One-particle ionization energies from correlated wavefunctions: Applications to Be

One-particle ionization energies are calculated from an N-particle reference ground state configuration interaction wavefunction by solving the secular equation in a space of (N - 1)-particle functions formed by annihilation of orbitals ψi from the reference wavefunction, ψi(N-1) = Nsol12∫ψi(XN) ψ0(N) (X1 … XN)dXN. The 1s and 2s ionization energies obtained from a 95 configuration ground state wavefunction for Be are 4.701 and 0.3428 au, respectively.
Probabilistic optimization of a continuum mechanics model to predict differential stress-induced damage in claystone

Abstract Phenomenological modeling of anisotropic damage in rock raises many fundamental thermodynamic and mechanical issues. In this paper, the maximum likelihood method is used to analyze the performance of the Differential Stress Induced Damage (DSID) model recently formulated by Xu and Arson [1] . The stress/strain relationship is a nonlinear function of parameters including unknown constants (i.e., damage constitutive parameters) and known variables (e.g., elastic parameters and controlled stress state). Logarithmic transformation, normalization and forward deletion are employed, in order to find the optimum number of constitutive parameters, as a trade off between accuracy and simplicity. For Eastern France claystone subject to deviatoric stress loading (e.g., triaxial and proportional compression loading), it is found that (1) only one damage parameter ( a 2 ) is needed in the expression of the free energy to predict stress/strain curves; (2) a 2 controls the deviation of the current principal directions of stress to the principal directions of damage; (3) model parameters involved in the damage criterion can be related to a 2 . As a result, a 2 is the only parameter needed to model differential-stress induced damage in Eastern France claystone. It is also shown that within the set of assumptions made in this study, the DSID model is not sensitive to the initial damage threshold C 0 , except for C 0 > 10 6 Pa , a range of values in which only one constitutive parameter becomes insufficient to predict the stress/strain curves of damaged claystone. Coupling probabilistic calibration and optimization methods to numerical codes promises to allow adapting the complexity of anisotropic damage models to different rocks and stress paths.
Activation of DNA damage repair pathways in response to nitrogen mustard-induced DNA damage and toxicity in skin keratinocytes

Nitrogen mustard (NM), a structural analog of chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard (SM), forms adducts and crosslinks with DNA, RNA and proteins. Here we studied the mechanism of NM-induced skin toxicity in response to double strand breaks (DSBs) resulting in cell cycle arrest to facilitate DNA repair, as a model for developing countermeasures against vesicant-induced skin injuries. NM exposure of mouse epidermal JB6 cells decreased cell growth and caused S-phase arrest. Consistent with these biological outcomes, NM exposure also increased comet tail extent moment and the levels of DNA DSB repair molecules phospho H2A.X Ser139 and p53 Ser15 indicating NM-induced DNA DSBs. Since DNA DSB repair occurs via non homologous end joining pathway (NHEJ) or homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathways, next we studied these two pathways and noted their activation as defined by an increase in phospho- and total DNA-PK levels, and the formation of Rad51 foci, respectively. To further analyze the role of these pathways in the cellular response to NM-induced cytotoxicity, NHEJ and HRR were inhibited by DNA-PK inhibitor NU7026 and Rad51 inhibitor BO2, respectively. Inhibition of NHEJ did not sensitize cells to NM-induced decrease in cell growth and cell cycle arrest. However, inhibition of the HRR pathway caused a significant increase in cell death, and prolonged G2M arrest following NM exposure. Together, our findings, indicating that HRR is the key pathway involved in the repair of NM-induced DNA DSBs, could be useful in developing new therapeutic strategies against vesicant-induced skin injury.
Thermal conductivity of one-dimensional lattices

Abstract A numerical study is made of the equilibrium properties and thermal conductivity of one-dimensional lattices with various degrees of anharmonicity and coupling defects. The equilibrium energy flux autocorrelation function is determined, and its relationship to the coefficient of thermal conductivity is discussed. The coefficients of thermal conductivity, together with other nonequilibrium properties, are determined for several applied temperature gradients and lattice conditions.
Expression of α2 adrenoceptors during rat brain development—II. α2C messenger RNA expression and [3H]rauwolscine binding

Abstract The distributions of α 2C adrenoceptor messenger RNA and high-affinity [ 3 H]rauwolscine binding sites were characterized in developing rat brain. Using in situ hybridization with 35 S-labeled riboprobes directed against the third intracellular loop, α 2C messenger RNA expression appeared in an adult-like pattern during the first and second postnatal weeks, in the anterior olfactory nucleus, caudate–putamen, olfactory tubercles, islands of Calleja and hippocampus, following the time-course of maturation of these structures. Only in the cerebellum was α 2C messenger RNA transiently expressed during the critical period of granule cell development. High-affinity [ 3 H]rauwolscine binding sites were detected using receptor autoradiography and revealed a similar spatial and temporal time-course of appearance during rat brain development. The highest numbers of binding sites were detected in the olfactory tubercles and islands of Calleja, and moderate numbers in the anterior olfactory nucleus, caudate–putamen and hippocampus. Like α 2C messenger RNA expression, high-affinity [ 3 H]rauwolscine binding sites were transiently expressed in the cerebellum. In some areas (e.g., the substantia nigra), [ 3 H]rauwolscine binding sites were detected even though α C2 messenger RNA expression was absent. The strong spatial and temporal correspondence between messenger RNA expression and radioligand binding supports the conclusion that [ 3 H]rauwolscine selectively labels α 2C adrenoceptors in the rat brain. The developmental pattern which was observed is in marked contrast to the early, transient expression of the α 2A adrenoceptor. Thus, the α 2A and α 2C receptor types may serve distinct functional roles in the developing brain.
Lipoblastoma: pathophysiology and surgical management.

Abstract Background/Purpose: Lipoblastoma/lipoblastomatosis is a poorly understood and uncommon soft tissue tumor of infancy and early childhood. Twenty-four patients that presented to a single institution over a 15-year period were reviewed for clinical features and outcome. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted. Results: Twenty-five cases were identified; 1 chart was not available for review. Fourteen girls and 11 boys with a median age of 20 months (2 months, 10 years) presented with 26 separate tumors. Nineteen were focal and 7 diffuse. The tumors were located on the trunk (n = 13), leg (n = 6), arm (n = 3), and head and neck (n = 4). Five patients (all with diffuse type) had up to 3 recurrences. Conclusions: Patients with focal lipoblastoma are unlikely to require further surgery after initial resection. Patients with diffuse lipoblastoma (lipoblastomatosis) are likely to have recurrent disease (usually within 2 years) and should undergo close follow-up. Genetic analysis of the specimen will help exclude liposarcoma. Recurrent lesions are best imaged with magnetic resonance imaging to assess extent and plan reconstruction if necessary. J Pediatr Surg 36:229-231. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Expression of Tfap2d, the gene encoding the transcription factor Ap-2δ, during mouse embryogenesis

Abstract Tfap2d encodes a novel member of the AP-2 family of transcription factors, called Ap-2δ. Ap-2δ has a unique DNA sequence binding specificity and lacks a PY motif as well as several highly conserved residues in the transactivation domain that are essential for transcriptional activation for other AP-2 proteins. In this study, we characterized the expression pattern of Tfap2d in mouse embryos from E7.5 to E16.5 using in situ hybridization as a first step towards understanding the role of Ap-2δ during development. Overall, Tfap2d is expressed with a more restricted temporal and spatial pattern than the other Tfap2 genes, with signals observed in the central nervous system, retina, and, uniquely, in the developing heart. Signals were not detected in tissues such as the neural crest, facial mesenchyme, and limbs where the other Tfap2 genes are expressed. The expression of Tfap2d was first noted at E9.5, later than other Tfap2 genes, with signals from the heart and brain. The expression in the developing myocardium persisted through E10.5. Expression of Tfap2d was diffuse in the developing brain at E10.5 to E11.0, but became restricted to the roof of the third vesicle with two narrow columns extending forward along the wall of the third vesicle and the roof of the heopallial cortex in the forebrain from E12.5 onwards. Tfap2d expression was also observed in the spinal cord at E10.5. From E13.5 to E16.5, Tfap2d was expressed in the retinal epithelium. Based on Tfap2d 's unique expression pattern and functional features, we believe that Ap-2δ plays a role during mammalian development that is non-overlapping with those of the other Ap-2 transcription factors.
Brain size: A global or induced cost of learning?

The role of brain size as a cost of learning remains enigmatic; the nature and timing of such costs is particularly uncertain. On one hand, comparative studies suggest that congenitally large brains p
Pharmacokinetics of vincristine, vinblastine, and vindesine in rhesus monkeys.

The pharmacokinetics of vincristine, vindesine, and vinblastine following IV bolus doses of 0.05 mg, 0.10 mg, and 0.20 mg/kg body weight, respectively, were studied in adult male rhesus monkeys. The alkaloid concentrations were determined by a sensitive radioimmunoassay. Pharmacokinetic data were analyzed by a non-linear least-square regression program NONLIN, and the data fit a two-compartment open model. The average terminal half-lives of vincristine, vinblastine, and vindesine in the serum were 189, 152, and 175 min, respectively. The areas under the alkaloid concentration-time curve from 0 to ∞ for these drugs for a 1-mg dose were as follows: vincristine, 26,572 nM · min; vinblastine, 16,745 nm · min; and vindesine, 12,708 nM · min. The clearance rate (ml/min/kg) for vincristine (4.8) was slightly lower than that for vinblastine (7.0) or vindesine (7.8). The apparent volumes of distribution for vincristine, vinblastine, and vindesine were, respectively, 1.3, 1.5, and 1.9 l/kg body weight. In the two-compartment open model, the transfer rate constant from compartment 2 to compartment 1 (k21) was lower than the other rate constants (k10 and k12) for each of the alkaloids. The total average excretion of the alkaloids over a 4-day period in urine and feces for vincristine, vinblastine, and vindesine were, respectively, 36.7%, 18.2%, and 25.3% of the injected dose. These data indicate avid tissue retention of the Catharanthus alkaloids in this non-human primate. The similarities between these pharmacokinetic parameters and those previously reported for man suggest that the rhesus monkey is an ideal animal model in which to study the pharmacologic properties of these alkaloids.
Linear stability of convection in a rigid channel uniformly heated from below

Abstract A two-dimensional Galerkin formulation of the three-dimensional Oberbeck-Boussinesq equations is used to determine the onset of convection in an infinite rigid horizontal channel uniformly heated from below. Earlier results (Chana and Daniels, J. Fluid Mech . 199 ,257–279 (1989)) are extended to higher levels of truncation and to include modes of convection not previously examined.
Jónsson and HS Modules over Commutative Rings

Let be a commutative ring with identity and let be an infinite unitary -module. (Unless indicated otherwise, all rings are commutative with identity 1&#x2260;0 and all modules are unitary.) Then is called a J&#xf3;nsson module provided every proper submodule of has smaller cardinality than . Dually, is said to be homomorphically smaller (HS for short) if for every nonzero submodule of . In this survey paper, we bring the reader up to speed on current research on these structures by presenting the principal results on J&#xf3;nsson and HS modules. We conclude the paper with several open problems.
Use of a correlational method to estimate a listener's weighting function for speech

The purpose of this study was to determine if it is feasible to use the correlational method (Lutfi, 1995; Richards and Zhu, 1994) to estimate how listeners use or weight the information contained within various frequency bands of speech. Three naturally spoken vowel–consonant–vowel (VCV) syllables (/aba/, /aga/, and /ada/) were presented monaurally to listeners. Each of the VCV waveforms were filtered into three separate frequency bands (i.e., low, mid, and high). Each band was then independently and randomly degraded at various signal‐to‐noise (S/N) levels (−7, −5, −3, −1, or +1). On each trial, listeners were asked to identify the VCV that was presented to them. For each trial, the S/N level of each frequency band, the stimulus that was presented, and the listener’s responses were all recorded and stored in a file. From this trial‐by‐trial data, a point biserial correlation was computed between the listener’s response (correct or incorrect identification) and the degradation within each frequency band. The stronger the correlation, the greater influence that given frequency band had on the listener’s performance on the task. From these relations it was shown that it is possible to obtain a listener’s weighting function for speech. Results showed that although most listeners weighted the mid‐frequency band the greatest, several of the listeners used different weighting strategies to perform the task. Several methodological issues are discussed in regard to improving the future application of the correlational method to speech.
Ultrastructure of Ependymoma

Twenty-six ependymomas were studied by light and electron microscopy. By electron microscopy, the acellular zones around small vessels in light microscopic sections were seen to be composed of large numbers of closely packed, filament-rich, cytoplasmic processes ringing small vessels. Lumina were consistently present but many of them were too small to be seen by light microscopy. The lumina contained slender, curving microvilli and variable numbers of cilia. Their bordering cells were connected by unusually long tight junctions. Electron microscopy can be useful to establish or confirm a diagnosis of ependymoma when the light microscopic appearance is atypical, or when the tumor arises in an unusual location. The clinical data on the 26 cases has been reviewed; follow-up information was available on 23 patients.
Hyperpolarizing membrane responses induced in lumbar motoneurons by stimulation of the nucleus reticularis pontis oralis during active sleep.

Intracellular recordings were obtained from lumbar motoneurons in unanesthetized, undrugged, normally respiring cats during the states of wakefulness, quiet sleep and active sleep. The objective was to examine the state-dependent control of spinal cord motoneurons exerted by the pontomesencephalic reticular formation. Accordingly, electrical stimulation was applied to the nucleus reticularis pontis oralis while the membrane potential of lumbar motoneurons was recorded. Short latency depolarizing and/or hyperpolarizing potentials were observed throughout sleep and wakefulness; no state-dependent pattern was found in the direction of polarizition or amplitude for these early potentials. However, a long latency hyperpolarizing potential emerged exclusively during active sleep; it was characterized by a peak latency of45 ± 1 (S.E.M.) ms, a duration of40 ± 2ms, and an amplitude of3 ± 0.5mV. This active sleep-selective potential was capable of inhibiting spontaneous motoneuron activity. These and previously obtained data support the notion that excitation of the nucleus reticularis pontis oralis results in somatomotor inhibition at the level of the spinal cord and brainstem selectively during the state of active sleep.
Outsourcing practices of Midwest US public universities

Universities face increased pressures to reduce and contain costs while simultaneously offering high-quality, non-core value-added services to their students, faculty and staff. The purpose of the study was to empirically assess whether and how various dimensions of the outsourcing process for non-core operations in higher education impact performance. Our findings suggest that there is wide disparity in the level of sophistication of outsourcing processes for non-core operations and their impact on performance measurement. The study revealed that organisational variables have an impact and direct relationship to operational revenue and cost. This study focused on Midwest US public universities in seven states.
Three-Dimensional Molecular Illustrations I: Isoelectron Density Contours and Isoelectrostatic Energy Contours

A method of depicting dimensional illustrations of molecules in vacuo that are sensitive to small electronic perturbations was attempted. This method would be useful in determining the effects of either perturbing groups from other molecules or changes produced by the addition or modification of an existing atom or chemical group on the same molecule. Isoelectron density contours for small molecules such as benzene, ammonia, and formaldehyde were first considered using the CNDO/2 molecular approximation method and then extended to the use of deorthogonalized CNDO/2 eigenvectors. These methods were similar in molecular projections but insensitive to electronic alterations. Therefore, the electrostatic potential energy was considered in developing contour surfaces of several of the molecules studied. In this case, acute and visually discernible changes were evidenced by electron exchange in the three-dimensional illustration of formaldehyde. The effect on the two-dimensional contour map of ammonia was strikingly altered by the addition of a proton, further substantiating the sensitivity of electrostatic contours to perturbing influences. These methods are considered and amplified in this report.
Specific detection of nitrogen in gas—liquid chromatographic effluents by fluorescent detection of ammonia

Abstract a -Phthalaldehyde (OPA) reacts with ammonia under the same conditions as it does with primary amines and amino acids to yield a similar fluorescent product. The fluorescence is maximal 2 min after the reagents have been mixed and fades rapidly thereafter. With continuous flow analysis used to keep the time for development of fluorescence constant, ammonia in aqueous solution was measurable at concentrations down to 10 −3 m M . Injection of small volumes of solution into the flowing reagent permitted as little as 10 −10 g to be detected at the noise level with peaks that were 6 sec wide at half-height. The fluorescent product could also be extracted into ethyl acetate and some other organic solvents, offering increased sensitivity from both enhancement of fluorescence and concentration of the product. Organic nitrogen in a gas—liquid chromatographic (GLC) effluent can be converted into ammonia by reaction with hydrogen at high temperature in the presence of a catalyst. The ammonia can be “scrubbed” in the OPA reagent, offering the high sensitivity and specificity of this wet-chemical reaction as a detector for GLC.
POLLEN-MEDIATED GENE FLOW IN CUCURBITA FOETIDISSIMA (CUCURBITACEAE)

Pollen-mediated gene flow along a linear series of patches of the functionally gynodioecious, bee-pollinated Cucurbita foetidissima was assessed using electrophoretic analysis of seed allozymes. Gene flow was documented at distances up to 0.7 km. For the 13 patches examined, interpatch pollen must have sired from 0% to 48.3% (X = 8.5%) of the seeds of monoecious plants (hermaphrodites). Rates of interpatch siring of seeds of pistillate plants (females) averaged 20.4% (range 8.60/o-40%) for the three patches examined. Heterogeneity among fruits in seeds sired by interpatch pollen indicates that the arrival of interpatch pollen is clumped with respect to stigmas. Within patches, plants of the same sex type usually shared identical five-locus genotypes, suggesting that clonal propagation predominates. Since approximately 90% of seeds are sired by intrapatch pollen, seeds of monoecious plants appear to result primarily from geitonogamous (self-) fertilization. This may help explain the existence of female plants in natural populations, since self-fertilization has been shown to severely reduce the survival of seedlings in this species.
Inhibition of cell-associated HIV-1 by silver nanoparticles.

The glycoprotein gp120 and gp41 of HIV are the main targets for neutralizing antibodies (NABs). It appears that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) also inhibit HIV-1 targeting same glycoproteins. In this study, we demonstrated that silver nanoparticles are efficient in neutralizing HIV-1 at non toxic concentrations. We also found an additive effect between the four NABs and AgNPs when combined against cell-associated HIV-1 infection in vitro.
Analysis and Synthesis of Multi-Rotor Aerial Vehicles

This work addresses two basic problems of the multi-rotor aerial vehicle (MRAV). The first problem is the force analysis of the rotors. In order to save energy and maximize the lifetime of a given MRAV, the force distribution of the rotors is analyzed. As a result, an optimal set of angular velocities is obtained. The second problem is the configuration synthesis of the MRAV. In order to maximize the acceleration and improve the maneuverability of the MRAV, the geometric configuration (position and orientation) of the rotors is synthesized. The approaches for analysis and synthesis are presented and demonstrated by several case studies. The obtained results can be applied in the design of the MRAV and used as a guide for experimental studies.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Computed tomographic evaluation of corpus callosum agenesis and associated malformations

Agenesis of the corpus callosum is not an uncommon congenital malformation in neurologically symptomatic children. The computed tomographic scan characteristics of uncomplicated agenesis of the corpus callosum include: (a) widely separated parallel or nonconverging lateral ventricles; (b) "Bat wing" or "bullhorn" appearance of the frontal horns; (c) High-riding third ventricle which may be enlarged and have a tear-drop or rhomboid appearance; and (d) Selective dilatation of the occipital horns occurs frequently. Associated malformations identifiable by computed tomographic scan include Dandy-Walker cysts, interhemispheric cysts, porencephaly, Arnold-Chiari II malformations, and skull deformities.
Fiber-optic distance sensor based on speckle velocity detection

Abstract A distance sensor to a moving object using optical fibers is described, which is based on speckle velocity detection. A laser beam is guided through an optical fiber to illuminate the object which is moving with a known velocity and an optical-fiber-array spatial filter is used for the speckle velocity detection. The distance to the moving object can be determined by measuring the center frequency of the output signal from the spatial filter. By using optical fibers, a distance sensor for a moving object can be simply constructed.
Beryllium-7 and lead-210 in the atmosphere and surface snow over the greenland ice sheet in the summer of 1989

The concentrations of 7Be and 210Pb were measured in surface air and fresh and aging snow samples from Summit (72°20′N, 38°45′W) and Dye 3 (65°10′N, 44°45′W) Greenland, during June and July 1989. The aerosol concentrations of these radionuclides showed rapid variations at both sites, but were nearly twice as high, on average, at Summit. Concentrations in the 16 fresh snowfall events that were sampled also showed wide variability, but the averages were the same at the two sites. The apparent difference in air-snow fractionation and the lack of coherence in the concentration in air time series between the two sites indicate previously unsuspected complexity in atmospheric dynamics over the ice sheet. Improved understanding of atmospheric processes, and how the results of those processes are recorded in snow and ice, is crucial for full interpretation of the information about past atmospheric chemistry and climate contained in the snow and ice of glaciers around the world.
Solution structure and backbone dynamics of Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) nucleocapsid protein.

Retroviral nucleocapsid proteins (NCPs) are CCHC-type zinc finger proteins that mediate virion RNA binding activities associated with retrovirus assembly and genomic RNA encapsidation. Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV), a type D retrovirus, encodes a 96-amino acid nucleocapsid protein, which contains two Cys-X2-Cys-X4-His-X4-Cys (CCHC) zinc fingers connected by an unusually long 15-amino acid linker. Homonuclear, two-dimensional sensitivity-enhanced 15N-1H, three-dimensional 15N-1H, and triple resonance NMR spectroscopy have been used to determine the solution structure and residue-specific backbone dynamics of the structured core domain of MPMV NCP containing residues 21-80. Structure calculations and spectral density mapping of N-H bond vector mobility reveal that MPMV NCP 21-80 is best described as two independently folded, rotationally uncorrelated globular domains connected by a seven-residue flexible linker consisting of residues 42-48. The N-terminal CCHC zinc finger domain (residues 24-37) appears to adopt a fold like that described previously for HIV-1 NCP; however, residues within this domain and the immediately adjacent linker region (residues 38-41) are characterized by extensive conformational averaging on the micros-ms time scale at 25 degrees C. In contrast to other NCPs, residues 49-77, which includes the C-terminal CCHC zinc-finger (residues 53-66), comprise a well-folded globular domain with the Val49-Pro-Gly-Leu52 sequence and C-terminal tail residues 67-77 characterized by amide proton exchange properties and 15N R1, R2, and (1H-15N) NOE values indistinguishable to residues in the core C-terminal finger. Twelve refined structural models of MPMV NCP residues 49-80 (pairwise backbone RMSD of 0.77 A) reveal that the side chains of the conserved Pro50 and Trp62 are in van der Waals contact with one another. Residues 70-73 in the C-terminal tail adopt a reverse turn-like structure. Ile77 is involved in extensive van der Waals contact with the core finger domain, while the side chains of Ser68 and Asn75 appear to form hydrogen bonds that stabilize the overall fold of this domain. These residues outside of the core finger structure are conserved in D-type and related retroviral NCPs, e.g., MMTV NCP, suggesting that the structure of MPMV NCP may be representative of this subclass of retroviral NCPs.
A theoretical model for the development of a diagnosis-based clinical decision rule for the management of patients with spinal pain

Spinal pain is a common problem, and disability related to spinal pain has great consequence in terms of human suffering, medical costs and costs to society. The traditional approach to the non-surgical management of patients with spinal pain, as well as to research in spinal pain, has been such that the type of treatment any given patient receives is determined more by what type of practitioner he or she sees, rather than by diagnosis. Furthermore, determination of treatment depends more on the type of practitioner than by the needs of the patient. Much needed is an approach to clinical management and research that allows clinicians to base treatment decisions on a reliable and valid diagnostic strategy leading to treatment choices that result in demonstrable outcomes in terms of pain relief and functional improvement. The challenges of diagnosis in patients with spinal pain, however, are that spinal pain is often multifactorial, the factors involved are wide ranging, and for most of these factors there exist no definitive objective tests. The theoretical model of a diagnosis-based clinical decision rule has been developed that may provide clinicians with an approach to non-surgical spine pain patients that allows for specific treatment decisions based on a specific diagnosis. This is not a classification scheme, but a thought process that attempts to identify most important features present in each individual patient. Presented here is a description of the proposed approach, in which reliable and valid assessment procedures are used to arrive at a working diagnosis which considers the disparate factors contributing to spinal pain. Treatment decisions are based on the diagnosis and the outcome of treatment can be measured. In this paper, the theoretical model of a proposed diagnosis-based clinical decision rule is presented. In a subsequent manuscript, the current evidence for the approach will be systematically reviewed, and we will present a research strategy required to fill in the gaps in the current evidence, as well as to investigate the decision rule as a whole.
Crystallization of β-galactosidase from Escherichia coli

Two crystal forms of beta-galactosidase have been obtained from Escherichia coli. One crystal form is hexagonal space group P6222 or enantiomorph, with cell dimensions a = b = 154 A, c = 750 A. The second form is monoclinic, space group P21, with cell dimensions a = 107.9 A, b = 207.5 A, c = 509.9 A, beta = 94.7 degrees. The monoclinic form seems better suited to detailed structural analysis. The crystals are radiation-sensitive, but by using synchrotron radiation in conjunction with a long (400 mm) crystal-to-film distance it was possible to resolve the individual reflections. On the basis of crystal density measurements, there are four tetramers each of molecular weight 465,000 per asymmetric unit. The Patterson function strongly suggests that two of the tetramers are related to the other two by translation. The data are consistent with the tetramers having 222 point symmetry, but this is not proven.
The relationship between contrast sensitivity, gait, and reading speed in Parkinson's disease.

ABSTRACT Parkinson's disease (PD) results in reduced walking speed and visual difficulties, including difficulty reading (Davidsdottir, Cronin-Golomb, & Lee, 2005). PD is characterized by a reduction in dopamine, which is instrumental in determining a person's contrast sensitivity (CS). This study assessed the relationship between CS, gait (step length and walking speed), and reading speed in 18 non-demented PD volunteers with normal acuity. We found that CS correlated with walking speed (r = .57, p = .01), step length (r = .53, p = .02), and reading speed (r = .54, p = .02). Visual acuity (which has not been tied to dopamine in the same way) correlated with reading speed (rs = –.65, p = .004), but not with gait measures. We also assessed the contribution of age, education, and cognitive status (Shipley Institute of Living Scale) to these variables. We conclude that CS and age both play an important role in determining gait in PD, while reading speed is related to both acuity and CS, but not age.
The likelihood ratio test statistic of mean-variance efficiency without a riskless asset

Abstract The question whether a given porfolio is mean-variance efficient is a basic problem of investment analysis. Mean-variance efficiency is also the basis of the Capital Asset Pricing Model. This paper presents the explicit form of the likelihood ratio test of the hypothesis that a given portfolio, or a particular market index, is ex-ante mean-variance efficient in the case where there is no riskless asset. Geometric relations are illustrated to provide intuition about the constrained maximum likelihood estimators and the test statistic, and two simple economic interpretations of the test are given.
Effects of USDA carcass maturity on sensory attributes of beef produced by grain-finished steers and heifers classified as less than 30 months old using dentition

This study compared sensory properties of LM steaks from A maturity and B maturity or older carcasses that were produced by grain-finished steers and heifers classified as less than 30 mo old at the time of slaughter using dentition. Carcasses were selected to represent 2 maturity groups and 3 marbling categories within each maturity group, resulting in 6 maturity × marbling subclasses, each subclass consisting of 75 carcasses. Maturity groups consisted of carcasses classified by USDA graders as either A(00) to A(99) overall (A) maturity or B(00) to C(99) overall (B-C) maturity; marbling categories consisted of carcasses with instrument marbling scores of Slight (SL), Small (SM), or Modest(00) or greater (MT+). Carcasses were selected in pairs so that each carcass chosen to represent the B-C maturity group was paired with an A maturity carcass of the same sex and marbling score (± 30 marbling units). Strip loin (LM) steaks were obtained from both sides of each carcass. After a 14-d aging period, 1 LM steak was measured for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and slice shear force (SSF), whereas the other LM steak was used for sensory analysis by a trained descriptive attribute panel. No differences (P > 0.05) in WBSF, SSF, or sensory panel ratings for tenderness, juiciness, or flavor were detected between LM steaks from carcasses classified as A maturity and steaks from B-C maturity carcasses. However, marbling categories effectively stratified carcasses (MT+ > SM > SL) according to differences (P < 0.0001) in LM tenderness, juiciness, meaty/brothy flavor, and buttery/beef fat flavor. Increased marbling also was associated with lesser (P < 0.01) intensities of bloody/serumy and livery/organy flavors and reduced (P < 0.01) values for WBSF and SSF. Of the traits tested, only bloody/serumy flavor was affected (P < 0.05) by the maturity × marbling interaction. Interaction means showed that LM steaks from B-C maturity carcasses with SL marbling had a less intense bloody/serumy flavor than did steaks from A maturity carcasses with SL marbling. Results of this study suggest that, when applied to carcasses from grain-finished cattle whose dental ages are less than 30 mo old at the time of slaughter, USDA quality grades would be no less effective in identifying eating quality differences if the A and B-C maturity groups were combined and quality grades were assigned using only marbling.
Post-fluorination of fluoride films for VUV lithography in order to improve their optical properties

Post-fluorination process that consists of 'fluorination of F-poor areas' and 'modification to denser structure' has been developed. This process reduces the optical losses of fluoride films and prevents the losses from increasing with elapsed time.
Gender differences and the effects of perceived internet privacy on self-reports of sexual behavior and sociosexuality

The use of the Internet for conducting research has found that the level of anonymity intrinsic to web-based surveys is useful in deterring various participant biases. Though, concerns about Internet privacy could interfere with the effects of perceived anonymity and influence how a person responds. In this study, participants were asked to take an Internet survey and then were randomly assigned to conditions with varying degrees of implied privacy in which they answered questions about their desire for casual sex (sociosexuality) and their lifetime sexual partners. Only in the condition without any threat to the participant's anonymity was there no difference between men and women's reports of their sexual behavior. However, in every condition men reported having a significantly higher sociosexuality than women. Findings are consistent with both the biologic and gender-biased explanations in differences of self-report for sexual information. Implications for social constraints and Internet based research are discussed.
Distress among hospitalized pediatric cancer patients modified by pet-therapy intervention to improve quality of life

This state of the science, integrative literature review focuses on animal-facilitated therapy (AFT) and the benefits provided to quality of life in hospitalized pediatric oncology patients. Results showed physiological and psychological benefits in pediatric inpatients settings. AFT has been shown to decrease pain, change vital signs, provide distraction, decrease fear, increase socialization, increase pleasure and decrease emotional distress in hospitalized pediatric patients. AFT needs to be implemented with appropriate medical discretion, but for the appropriate high-risk patients, AFT can improve quality of life. Pain, adjustment difficulties, mood changes and symptom management can be improved in inpatient pediatric cancer patients receiving AFT, thus improving overall quality of life.
Hydrologic controls on nitrogen availability in a high-latitude, semi-arid floodplain

Past research shows a discrepancy between apparent nitrogen supply and the annual growth requirements for early successional plant communities along the Tanana River floodplain in interior Alaska. Because previous measurements of nitrogen fixation, mineralization, and deposition can only account for approximately 26% of these communities' nitrogen requirements, other mechanisms of nitrogen supply should be operating. This study examined the potential for subsurface hydrology to supply nitrogen to the rooting zones of early successional plant communities. Three transects of ground water wells were established along the floodplain, and hydrologic characteristics and soil/water chemistry were measured for 2 y. Hydrologic measurements were then used to model the potential nitrogen contributions from advective flow and capillary rise. Ion exchange membranes and stable isotope tracers were used to identify the use of hyporheic nitrogen by vegetation. Nitrogen accumulation on ion exchange membranes showed a large input of nitrogen during a period of high water in 2003. Plants showed uptake of hyporheic 15 N-labelled nitrogen at 2 of 4 locations. Models of capillary rise and advective flow estimated that nitrogen supply from subsurface water equalled or exceeded total nitrogen supply from nitrogen mineralization and nitrogen fixation combined. These findings underscore the importance of hyporheic processes in controlling nutrient supply
Integration of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for small cell carcinoma of the lung

Abstract Two chemotherapy trials using cyclophosphamide, doxorubicine hydrochloride and high-dose vincristine sulfate with or without methotrexate have induced a 93% incidence of complete remission in limited disease presentation of small cell bronchogenic carcinoma of the lung and 39 % incidence in extensive disease. The first trial without consolidation radiotherapy had a local failure rate of 65%, which dropped to 17% with consolidation radiotherapy to the primary and mediastinum. Prophylactic whole brain radiotherapy prevented local recurrence in 98% of evaluable patients. One carcinomatous meningitis and 5 intraspinal recurrences were noted among the 38 patients in the CAV-M trial. We conclude that high-dose vincristine sulfate is associated with an improved incidence of complete remission; that prophylactic whole brain radiotherapy has been highly successful; that prevention of intraspinal recurrence will necessitate the use of craniospinal axis radiation therapy and consolidation radiation therapy improves local control of primary and mediastinum.
Resistance to IT Change in the AEC Industry: An Individual Assessment Tool

Change management theory and attitude-behavior connections provide a framework to study variables associated with impeding/promoting the use of technologies. Data collected from a 50-person sample of the AEC population allowed reductions of the attitudes, fears, and beliefs variables. Reducing the variables indicative of resistance to information technology change facilitated the creation of a detailed social architecture factor model. Subsequently, a Resistance to Change Index (RTCI) was created, enabling estimations of the intensity of resistance an individual is likely to exhibit using the personality traits and behavioral characteristics identified in the revised social architecture factor model. The RTCI assists practitioners in developing new technology implementation plans. The RTCI also enables researchers to understand how individual participants resist and adapt to change allowing the development of enhanced organizational adoption models for new technology implementation within the building industry.