cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An exponential inequality for the distribution function of the kernel density estimator, with applications to adaptive estimation

It is shown that the uniform distance between the distribution function F K n (h) of the usual kernel density estimator (based on an i.i.d. sample from an abso- lutely continuous law on R) with bandwidth h and the empirical distribution function Fn satisfies an exponential inequality. This inequality is used to obtain sharp almost sure rates of convergence ofF K n (hn) − Fn� ∞ under mild conditions on the range of bandwidths hn, including the usual MISE-optimal choices. Another application is a Dvoretzky-Kiefer-Wolfowitz-type inequality forF K n (h)− F� ∞, where F is the true distribution function. The exponential bound is also applied to show that an adaptive estimator can be constructed that efficiently estimates the true distribution function F in sup-norm loss, and, at the same time, estimates the density of F—if it exists (but without assuming it does)—at the best possible rate of convergence over Holder-balls, again in sup-norm loss.
Failure Characteristics of Bilayer Lipid Membranes (BLMs) Formed over a Single Pore

A new methodology has been developed to measure the maximum pressure that can be withstood by a bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) formed over porous substrates. A custom test fixture was fabricated to pressurize BLMs in very fine increasing increments until they fail. This experiment was performed on 1-Stearoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphatidylocholine (SOPC) BLMs formed over polycarbonate substrates with a single pore ranging from 5 to 20 microns in diameter. Failure pressure was found to be inversely proportional to pore diameter. The same set of experiments was repeated for BLMs that were formed from a mixture of SOPC and 50 mol% cholesterol (CHOL). The presence of cholesterol was found to increase the failure pressure of the BLMs by 56% on average. A model of the characteristic pressure curve from this experiment was developed based on the pressurization and flow of fluid through a porous substrate. The model was found to accurately fit the experimental pressure curves.
Dual Purpose Lens for an Eye-Tracked Projection Head-Mounted Display

We propose a novel conceptual design for a Head-Mounted Projection Display (HMPD) with Eye-Tracking (ET) capabilities based on sharing the optical path between the HMPD and the ET. A lens performing both tasks is presented.
Neck-motor interactions trigger rotation of the kinesin stalk

Rotation of the coiled-coil stalk of the kinesin-14 motors is thought to drive displacements or steps by the motor along microtubules, but the structural changes that trigger stalk rotation and the nucleotide state in which it occurs are not certain. Here we report a kinesin-14 neck mutant that releases ADP more slowly than wild type and shows weaker microtubule affinity, consistent with defective stalk rotation. Unexpectedly, crystal structures show the stalk fully rotated - neck-motor interactions destabilize the stalk, causing it to rotate and ADP to be released, and alter motor affinity for microtubules. A new structural pathway accounts for the coupling of stalk rotation - the force-producing stroke - to changes in motor affinity for nucleotide and microtubules. Sequential disruption of salt bridges that stabilize the unrotated stalk could cause the stalk to initiate and complete rotation in different nucleotide states.
Revision of Vernonia section Eremosis (Compositae) in North America

A taxonomic treatment based upon morphology is presented for the recognized North American species ofVernonia sect.Eremosis (DC.) Benth. & Hook. Keys, synonymies, descriptions, typifications, and range maps or specimen citations are given for the 20 species in the section. A new species,V. macvaughii, is described from Oaxaca, Mexico.V. obtusa ssp.parkeri is described as new from Hidalgo, Mexico, andVernonia duncanii ssp.duncanii and ssp.bartlettii are described from Tamaulipas, Mexico. Two changes in rank are made:V. palmeri is reducedto V. triflosculosa ssp.palmeri, andV. salicifolia var.baadii is raised toV. baadii. One taxon,V. calderonii, is shown to be of hybrid origin. Sect.Critoniopsis (Sch. Bip.) Benth. & Hook. is combined with sect.Eremosis (DC.) Benth. & Hook. Chromosome numbers of n = 17, 18, 19, 36, and 37 ± 1 are reported. The sesquiterpene lactones, glaucolides A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, are found in the section.
Comparison of percutaneous and surgical approaches to renal tumor ablation: metaanalysis of effectiveness and complication rates.

Purpose To determine the effectiveness and complication rates of ablation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) performed with a percutaneous approach versus a surgical approach. Materials and Methods A search performed on PubMed identified series of renal tumor ablations. Keywords searched included "radiofrequency" (RF), "cryoablation", "cryosurgery", "cryotherapy", "ablation", "renal", "kidney", and "RCC". Review articles were excluded from the search of English-language literature from January 1996 through August 2006. Inclusion criteria were (i) more than one case, (ii) use of RF ablation or cryoablation, (iii) effectiveness based on follow-up imaging, and (iv) report of complication rate. Effectiveness was defined by the proportion of tumors without residual enhancement after one treatment session (ie, primary effectiveness) or after repeated treatments (ie, secondary effectiveness). Major complications were defined as events with substantial morbidity, disability, or increasing level of care. Metaanalysis was performed on primary effectiveness, secondary effectiveness, and major complication rates with a random-effects model. Differences were considered significant if the 95% CIs did not overlap. Results Forty-six series (28 percutaneous, 18 surgical) met all inclusion criteria. The primary effectiveness rate for the percutaneous group (87%) was significantly lower than that in the surgical group (94%; P P > .05). The major complication rate in the percutaneous treatment group (3%) was significantly lower than that in the surgical treatment group (7%; P Conclusions Based on a metaanalysis, when ablating renal tumors, a percutaneous approach was safer than an open or laparoscopic approach and was equally effective. However, more than one procedure was needed to treat the tumor completely.
Invading Monotypic Stands of Phalaris arundinacea: A Test of Fire, Herbicide, and Woody and Herbaceous Native Plant Groups

Phalaris arundinacea L. is an aggressive species that can dominate wetlands by producing monotypic stands that suppress native vegetation. In this study invasion windows were created for native species in monotypic stands of P. arundinacea with either fire or herbicide. Three native species groups, herbaceous plants, herbaceous seeds, and woody shrubs, were planted into plots burned or treated with herbicide in the early spring. Fire did not create an effective invasion window for native species; there was no difference in P. arundinacea root and shoot biomass or cover between burned and control plots (p≥ 0.998). Herbicide treatment created an invasion window for native species by reducing P. arundinacea root and shoot biomass for two growing seasons, but that invasion window was fast closing by the end of the second growing season because P. arundinacea shoot biomass had nearly reached the shoot biomass levels in the control plots (p= 0.053). Transplant mortality, frost, and animal herbivory prevented the herbaceous species and woody seedlings from becoming fully established in the plots treated with herbicide during the first year of the experiment. Transplanted monocots had a greater survival than dicots. By the second growing season the herbaceous group had the greatest mean areal cover (5%), compared to the woody seedlings (3%) and seed group (0%). Long-term monitoring of the plots will determine whether the herbaceous transplants will compete effectively with P. arundinacea and whether the woody species will survive, shade the P. arundinacea, and accelerate forest succession.
Biologic response to peripheral and central administration of recombinant human leptin in dogs.

LEBEL, CARL, AMY BOURDEAU, DAVID LAU, AND PAMELA HUNT. Biologic response to peripheral and central administration of recombinant human leptin in dogs. Obes Res. Objective: Because leptin is believed to act within the central nervous system, the objective of this study was to test that presumption by comparing the biologic responses to recombinant human leptin (rHuLeptin) when delivered either subcutaneously or intrathecally in a large animal species, the beagle dog. Methods and Procedures: Adult beagle dogs were used for all studies (n = 3 to 14). Treatment with rHuLeptin was either as daily subcutaneous or intermittent intrathecal injections. Results: Subcutaneously administered rHuLeptin was absorbed with peak concentrations appearing at 2 to 4 hours. After intrathecal administration, cerebral spinal fluid concentrations declined in a bi-phasic manner with a terminal half-life of −6 to 8 hours. When lean beagles were given leptin subcutaneously, at 0. 05 to 5 gkglday for up to 6 months, reductions in body weight (up to 30%) and food intake (up to 75%) were observed. Body fat loss was observed in both lean and obese dogs, and confirmed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and histology of adipose tissue. When rHuleptin was delivered intrathecally at 4 to 1000 μg/dose for up to 3 months, the primary effects observed were reductions in body weight and food intake. In general all findings reported in the intrathecal studies were consistent with those noted in the subcutaneous studies; however, the required intrathecal dose was substantially lower than that for subcutaneous delivery. Discussion: These studies demonstrate that both subcutaneous and intrathecal treatment of rHuLeptin was associated with effects on body weight, food intake, and body fat in dogs. These results support the concept that the central nervous system is the probable primary site of action for leptin and suggest that rHuLeptin has similar physiologic activities that influence body weight, body fat, and metabolism in large animals to those reported previously in rodents.
Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Activities of Nucleosides and Nucleotides: Correlation with Molecular Electrostatic Potential Data

Examination of the anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) data of some normal and isomeric dideoxynucleosides (ddNs and isoddNs), their three-dimensional (3-D) electron density patterns, their electrostatic potential surfaces (EPS), and their conformational maps reveals some interesting correlations. For example, the EPS of (S,S)-isoddA shows regions of high and low electrostatic potential remarkably similar to those of β-d-3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (β-d-AZT), (−)-oxetanocin A, and (−)-carbovir. Such correlations involving EPS data and anti-HIV activity were also found with many other active nucleosides. Conversely, inactive compounds had EPS different from those of compounds in the same series that were active. For example, apio-ddNs, which are inactive against HIV, exhibit clear differences in electrostatic potential and 3-D electron density shape from isoddNs that are active against HIV. Additionally, the inactivity of (S,S)-isoddC and (S,S)-isoddT can be correlated convincingly with a combination of their EPS data and their conformational energy maps. The electrostatic potential distributions of active nucleoside triphosphates show remarkable correlations. For example, (S,S)-isoddATP, AZT triphosphate (AZTTP), and oxetanocin A TP have similar 3-D electron density surface patterns and similar high and low regions of electrostatic potential, which may suggest that these compounds proceed through related mechanisms in their interactions with, and inhibition of, HIV reverse transcriptase (RT). Docking of AZTTP, (S,S)-isoddATP, and other active triphosphates into the active site of HIV RT and calculation of the EPS of both the nucleotide and the active site show that there is excellent matching between inhibitor and enzyme binding site EPS data. The structure-activity profile discovered has contributed to the development of a first predictive quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis in the area.
Influence of cargo size on Ran and energy requirements for nuclear protein import

Previous work has shown that the transport of some small protein cargoes through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) can occur in vitro in the absence of nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis. We now demonstrate that in the importin α/β and transportin import pathways, efficient in vitro transport of large proteins, in contrast to smaller proteins, requires hydrolyzable GTP and the small GTPase Ran. Morphological and biochemical analysis indicates that the presence of Ran and GTP allows large cargo to efficiently cross central regions of the NPC. We further demonstrate that this function of RanGTP at least partly involves its direct binding to importin β and transportin. We suggest that RanGTP functions in these pathways to promote the transport of large cargo by enhancing the ability of import complexes to traverse diffusionally restricted areas of the NPC.
Polymorphisms in DNA damage response genes and head and neck cancer risk

Background: Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes have been reported contributing factors in head and neck cancer risk but studies have shown conflicting results.Objective: To clarify the impact of DNA repair gene polymorphisms in head and neck cancer risk.Method: A meta-analysis including 30 case–control studies was performed.Results: Marginally statistically significant association was found for XRCC1 codon 399 (for Caucasians only), XPD Asp312Asn and XRCC1 codon 194 variants and head and neck cancer.Conclusion: Assessments of the effects of smoking, alcohol, human papillomavirus and race/ethnicity on the association between DNA repair gene polymorphisms and head and neck cancer are needed.
Relationship of sodium retention and induction of hypertensive arterial necrosis in rabbits.

AbstractDuring the first 15 days of one-kidney, one-wrapped (1K1W) hypertension in rabbits, retention of sodium occurred compared with essentially normotensive 2K1W control rabbits (1K1W, 30 ± 9 meq/15 days vs 2K1W, −6 ± 15 meq/15 days, P < 0.02). Most of the sodium retention occurred between the fifth and eighth days of the hypertensive period (3.7 ± 0.9 meq/day vs control period, 0.8 ± 0.9 meq/day, P < 0.02). Sodium retention occurred even though sodium intakes were reduced (hypertensive period, 8.7 ± 1.0 meq/day vs control period, 16.3 ± 0.9 meq/day, P < 0.001), serum sodium and potassium levels remained normal, and no potassium retention occurred. Positive sodium balances of individual 1K1W rabbits for the first 8 days of the hypertensive period correlated directly with the degree of arterial necrosis and with the degree of cardiac enlargement (P < 0.05). Change in voluntary dietary sodium intake for the entire hypertensive period correlated directly with the elevation in blood pressure (δBP vs δNa in...
The 41 and 35 MeV helium ion-induced fission of 185Re and 187Re

Abstract Extension of the particle induced fission of elements of atomic number less than 84 has produced a pattern for the characteristics of the observed symmetric fission fragment mass distribution curves. The enriched isotopes 185 Re and 187 Re were bombarded with 41 and 35 MeV helium ions and produced fission fragment curves which have widths at half maximum, W 1 2 , of the order of 9±2 a.m.u. for each species. The results are somewhat uncertain due to what appears to be a residual low level contamination in the Re powder targets. This yields a rather broad based mass distribution curve out of which rises the apparent fission fragment distribution curve of the 185 Re and 187 Re. These determinations are further complicated by the fact that the total fission cross sections, σ f , for these two species are of the order of 10μbarn. The pseudo fission fragment cross sections for the suspected contamination are of the order of ·01 μbarn or more. The total cross sections for fission of 185 Re and 187 Re were 12·7 and 9·6 μbarn respectively at 41 MeV and 5·1 and 5·8 μbarn respectively at 35 MeV with an error of approximately ±20 per cent in all cases.
Identification of a second inducible DNA-protein interaction in the kappa immunoglobulin enhancer

Control of kappa immunoglobulin light-chain gene expression requires the interaction of tissue specific and developmentally regulated DNA-binding proteins with the kappa gene enhancer. Deletion of enhancer sequences upstream from the NF-kB binding site has been shown to impair enhancer function, implying additional proteins may interact with these sequences. In surveying this region for sites of protein binding, a novel DNA-protein interaction, designated kBF-A, was detected. The binding activity of this factor appears to be specific to activated pre-B cells and correlates with high level induction of kappa transcription in these cells.
Synthesis of conformationally North-locked pyrimidine nucleosides built on an oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane scaffold.

Beginning with a known 3-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane scaffold (I), the relocation of the fused cyclopropane ring bond and the shifting of the oxygen atom to an alternative location engendered a new 2-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane template (II) that mimics more closely the tetrahydrofuran ring of conventional nucleosides. The synthesis of this new class of locked nucleosides involved a novel approach that required the isocyanate II (B = NCO) with a hydroxyl-protected scaffold as a pivotal intermediate that was obtained in 11 steps from a known dihydrofuran precursor. The completion of the nucleobases was successfully achieved by quenching the isocyanate with the lithium salts of the corresponding acrylic amides that led to the uracil and thymidine precursors in a single step. Ring closure of these intermediates led to the target, locked nucleosides. The anti-HIV activity of 29 (uridine analogue), 31 (thymidine analogue), and 34 (cytidine analogue) was explored in human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells or modified HOS cells ...
Determination of triptolide in root extracts of Tripterygium wilfordii by solid-phase extraction and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Extracts of Tripterygium wilfordii roots have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and have shown great promise in recent clinical trials as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. The major active component of Tripterygium root extracts is the diterpenoid triptolide. This paper describes a method for the determination of triptolide in root extracts that is suitable for the analysis of many small samples simultaneously. Extracts are applied to aminopropyl solid-phase extraction (SPE) tubes that are then eluted with dichloromethane-methanol (49:1, v/v). The eluate is chromatographed on a pentafluorophenyl HPLC column using an acetonitrile:water gradient. Triptolide is quantified by ultraviolet detection at 219 nm. Using this method, it was shown that smaller diameter roots with secondary growth contained higher triptolide concentrations than larger roots. This suggests that roots to be used for production of the drug extract could be harvested while still small, which would reduce the growing time necessary and thus be economically beneficial for the growers.
Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in left bundle branch block: A perspective on the issue from image analysis in a clinical context

Among selected study populations, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) has been reported to show a low specificity for the diagnosis of coronary disease. However, the stress electrocardiogram (ECG) is nondiagnostic in this setting. To place this method in its appropriate clinical context, we evaluated MPS in all 69 consecutive patients with LBBB studied with scintigraphy for clinical reasons during a 4-year period. Among 32 patients who underwent coronary angiography for clinical indications, per patient sensitivity, 96%; per vessel sensitivity, 84%, 50%, and 100% for left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA) involvement, respectively; and per vessel specificity, 95% and 68% for LCX and RCA disease, respectively, were not significantly different from those previously published for the method in patients without LBBB. Although per patient specificity, 38%, and specificity, 39%, for LAD disease were low, the predictive value of a positive test remained relatively high (83%) owing to the small number of patients selected for angiography, in part based on scintigraphic findings, with normal coronary anatomy. In addition to a possible specific pathophysiologic cause related to LBBB, apparent perfusion abnormalities in the LAD distribution may relate to generic conditions that can make scintigraphic interpretation ambiguous, often in the anterior distribution, regardless of the clinical setting. Additionally, the apparent lack of scintigraphic specificity in the LAD distribution could relate in part to a selection bias toward catheterization of patients with induced scintigraphic abnormalities, especially in the LAD distribution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Prospective comparative evaluation of gentamicin or gentamicin plus cephalothin in the production of nephrotoxicity in man

Recent studies in animal models have demonstrated that in contrast with humans, cephalothin (CTIN) does not increase gentamicin (GENT) nephrotoxicity, but rather protects against it, particularly when CTIN is given simultaneously with GENT. To investigate this phenomenon in humans a study was designed in which 67 patients suffering from mild infections were investigated. Thirty-three of them served as the control group receiving GENT alone at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg/8 hourly, while the remaining 34 received CTIN at a dose of 2 g or 3 g 8 hourly by i.v. bolus, either simultaneously with GENT or separated by a 4-h interval. Findings showed that: (a) cylindruria developed in 66.6% and 82.3% and 82.3% in the GENT and GENT + CTIN groups respectively, (b) urinary beta-glycuronidase activity increased in 57.5% and 75% (c) serum creatinine exceeded by 0.3 mg the initial values in 21.2% and 27.6% and (d) the blood urea was above 50 mg% in 18.1% and 17.6% of the patients. These results indicate that: (a) regardless of the route and order of administration simultaneous treatment did not protect against nephrotoxicity in humans; (b) the combination of GENTA plus CTIN has no synergistic effect on the production of elevated serum creatinine and rising blood urea; (c) urinary beta-glycuronidase is not a significant predictor of eventual nephrotoxicity; (d) the following risk factors influenced the appearance of nephrotoxicity in both groups: (1) elevated GENT trough levels greater than or equal to 2 mg/l; (2) a course of treatment longer than 10 days.
Semiempirical theory of magnetic resonance parameters. I. Theory of chemical shielding constants, using gauge-invariant atomic orbitals, parameterization, and carbon-13 chemical shifts

Abstract The present calculation can account for the gross structural trends in13C shieldings for hydrocarbons. These trends appear to be governed by the so-called “one-center” contribution to the total shielding constant. It is argued that when one is utilizing a CNDO/INDO semiempirical wavefunction, one is logically obligated to include all of the possible two-center contributions to the shielding constant. However, it is also demonstrated that for certain experimental systems, three-center contributions to the shielding constant are essential for a complete description of substituent effects. That is, two-center and three-center contributions to the shielding constant serve to augment certain types of substituent effects. For those systems that appear to be insensitive to three-center contributions, the present calculation is consistent with experimental experience of the stereochemical dependence of13C chemical shifts.
Interactions of ultraviolet radiation, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate and retinoic acid in the skin of hairless mice

Epidermal changes (mitosis, DNA synthesis, hyperplasia and acanthosis) were used to assay the effects of three different treatments on the dorsal skin of hairless mice: ultraviolet radiation (UVR), all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and/or 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Mice receiving 20 exposures to fluorescent sunlamps in 4 wk (200 Robertson-Berger counts, or about one erythema dose daily, 5 days/wk) and subsequent topical application of methanol (3 applications/wk, beginning 3 wk after the end of UVR treatment) still displayed hyperproliferative cellular activity at least 17 wk after the final UV irradiation. Alone, either RA or TPA (0.001% in methanol, applied topically 3 times/wk) had similar hyperproliferative effects on the epidermis initially, but the skin appeared to adapt to continued treatment with TPA after 14 wk while RA-treated skin remained hyperproliferative. To study the effects of each reagent on UVR-exposed skin, an initiation-promotion protocol was used: repeated applications of the test compound were started 3 wk after the end of 4 wk of UVR exposures. By this method, treatment with either TPA or RA resulted in additional epidermal activity initially. However, although TPA-treated epidermis returned to the control level of activity by wk 21, no significant adaptation to RA treatment was seen.
Fiber Optic Local Area Networks In U. S. Navy Surface Ships

While the benefits of fiber optics have been known for over a decade, the implementation of fiber optics into the U.S. Navy has only begun to accelerate in the last few years. Reason dictates that this must be a carefully planned and controlled process. Standardization of fiber optic components, in type and performance, is the first and most important step in fiber optic system development. There is no doubt that fiber optics will have a great impact on shipboard data communications systems. The coincident evolution of fiber optic technology and distributed data transfer architectures (Local Area Networks) will enable ship designers to dramatically improve shipboard combat system performance and survivability. Data transfer architectures such as the Survivable Adaptable Fiber Optic Embedded Network (SAFENET) are currently being developed for implementation into the U.S. fleet before the end of the century. This paper will address the physical media portion of the SAFENET network architecture currently being developed by the Navy laboratories and industry. Additionally, it will highlight the supporting development of fiber optic component standards.
Origin of Stratification in Creaming Emulsions.

Colloidal suspensions aging under gravity have long been known to spontaneously separate into layers. We demonstrate through flow visualization experiments that a lateral temperature gradient as small as $10\mathrm{mK}/\mathrm{cm}$ can be responsible for such stratification and that strata correspond to a stack of convection rolls. A linear stability analysis suggests that the onset of stratification results from a convective instability peculiar to fluids with inhomogeneous mass densities subjected to lateral thermal gradients.
Manualized family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa: a case series

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe a case series of children and adolescents (mean age=14.5 years, SD=2.3; range 9-18) with anorexia nervosa who received manualized family-based treatment for their eating disorder. Method: Forty-five patients with anorexia nervosa were compared pre- and post-treatment on weight and menstrual status. Results: After an average of 17 treatment sessions, patients were significantly improved on primary measures of outcome (body mass index and percentage of ideal body weight). Defining outcome categorically (Morgan-Russell outcome criteria), 56% ( n = 25) had a good outcome (>85% ideal body weight and menses), 33% ( n = 15) an intermediate outcome (>85% IBW and menses intermittent), and 11% ( n = 5) responded poorly ( Conclusions: Findings provide preliminary support for the feasibility of an outpatient approach with active parental involvement in the treatment of children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa. However, randomized, controlled studies are needed to establish the relative efficacy of this family-based treatment approach.
Health Care Utilization by Body Mass Index in a Pediatric Population.

Abstract Objective We tested the hypothesis that the frequency of emergency department (ED) visits, outpatient clinic visits, and hospitalizations were higher among children with higher body mass index (BMI) categories, even after controlling for demographics, socioeconomic status, and presence of other chronic medical conditions. Methods We obtained electronic height, weight, and utilization data for all residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, aged 2 to 18 years on January 1, 2005 (n = 34,335), and calculated baseline BMI (kg/m 2 ). At least 1 BMI measurement and permission to use medical record information was available for 19,771 children (58%); 19,528 with follow-up comprised the final cohort. BMIs were categorized into underweight/healthy weight ( Results Compared to children with BMI P for trend P for trend Conclusions Children who are overweight or obese utilize the ED and outpatient clinics more frequently than those who are underweight/healthy weight, but are not hospitalized more frequently.
The RDP (Ribosomal Database Project) continues.

The Ribosomal Database Project (RDP-II), previously described by Maidak et al., continued during the past year to add new rRNA sequences to the aligned data and to improve the analysis commands. Release 7.1 (September 17, 1999) included more than 10 700 small subunit rRNA sequences. More than 850 type strain sequences were identified and added to the prokaryotic alignment, bringing the total number of type sequences to 3324 representing 2460 different species. Availability of an RDP-II mirror site in Japan is also near completion. RDP-II provides aligned and annotated rRNA sequences, derived phylogenetic trees and taxonomic hierarchies, and analysis services through its WWW server (http://rdp.cme.msu.edu/ ). Analysis services include rRNA probe checking, approximate phylogenetic placement of user sequences, screening user sequences for possible chimeric rRNA sequences, automated alignment, production of similarity matrices and services to plan and analyze terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) experiments.
Molecular theory of the smectic E , H , and VI phases

The molecular theory of the smectic $B$ and $H$ phases is extended to the smectic $E$ and VI phases by including the phenyl-phenyl interaction in addition to the dipole-dipole potential used previously. This phenyl-phenyl interaction contains quadrupole-quradrupole, dispersive, and exchange terms. The possibility of both dipolar and "herringbone" order is considered in the self-consistent-field approximation. Four phases are found, all with a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice assumed: (1) a disordered phase (smectic $B$); (2) an oriented phase in which dipoles align (smectic $H$); (3) a herringbone phase with phenyl groups ordered (smectic $E$); (4) and a herringbone phase with both phenyl groups and dipoles ordered (smectic VI). In the phases with dipolar order the director is tilted with respect to the normal to the plane. The transitions vary in order. The temperature dependence of the order parameters, entropy, and specific heat are computed.
Active regulation of grasp stiffness in neuroprosthesis for restoration of hand function in quadriplegics

An active, closed-loop stiffness regulation system is being incorporated into a neuroprosthesis for hand grasp for quadriplegic patients. The stiffness regulator controls the activation of the thumb in lateral grasp and the fingers in palmar grasp. The opposing digits are fixed in place by an open-loop system that operates in parallel. A single continuous input specifies the size of grasp opening and the grasp force under a wide range of loading conditions. The parameters of the system can be tuned to specify the static input-output properties of the grasp as well as a stable and rapid response under isometric, compliant and unloaded conditions. >
Support for School‐based Sexuality Education Among South Carolina Voters

A random-digit dialed telephone survey was conducted in a traditionally conservative southern state to determine the level of support for sexuality education in the public schools including support for specific sexuality education topics, the earliest grade level at which each topic should be taught, and the amount of instruction time required for sexuality education in the high schools. Survey data were obtained from 534 South Carolina registered voters in late January/early February 1997. Results demonstrated that most South Carolina registered voters: 1) supported sexuality education in the public schools; 2) supported instruction on a variety of sexuality education topics; 3) supported instruction at all grade levels, especially beginning in middle school; and 4) believed instruction time for sexuality education in the high schools should either remain the same or be increased. In addition, a significant increase in support for sexuality education occurred from the beginning of the survey to the end, suggesting that the instrument itself may have served as an educational tool for respondents. The characteristics of registered voters who supported sexuality education at the beginning of the survey and at the end were examined and compared. These results may assist in the development of educational and marketing strategies designed to build support for school-based sexuality education programs in South Carolina and elsewhere.
Multifunctional regulatory proteins that control gene expression in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm

Summary The multistep pathway of eukaryotic gene expression involves a series of highly regulated events in the nucleus and cytoplasm. In the nucleus, genes are transcribed into pre-messenger RNAs which undergo a series of nuclear processing steps. Mature mRNAs are then transported to the cytoplasm, where they are translated into protein and degraded at a rate dictated by transcript- and cell-typespecific cues. Until recently, these individual nuclear and cytoplasmic events were thought to be primarily regulated by different RNA- and DNA-binding proteins that are localized either only in the nucleus or only the cytoplasm. Here, we describe multifunctional proteins that control both nuclear and cytoplasmic steps of gene expression. One such class of multifunctional proteins (e.g., Bicoid and Y-box proteins) regulates both transcription and translation whereas another class (e.g., Sex-lethal) regulates both nuclear RNA processing and translation. Other events controlled by multifunctional proteins include assembly of spliceosome components, spliceosome recycling, RNA editing, cytoplasmic mRNA localization, and cytoplasmic RNA stability. The existence of multifunctional proteins may explain the paradoxical involvement of the nucleus in an RNA surveillance pathway (nonsense-mediated decay) that detects cytoplasmic signals (premature termination codons). We speculate that shuttling multifunctional proteins serve to efficiently link RNA metabolism in the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments. BioEssays 23:775‐787, 2001. fl 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Venous Thrombosis

The heart pumps oxygenated blood through the aorta to smaller arteries. After the blood supplies nutrients to vital organs, it returns through veins for reoxygenation in the lungs (Figures 1 and 2⇓). Blood clots called deep vein thrombi (DVT) often develop in the deep leg veins. Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when clots break off from vein walls and travel through the heart to the pulmonary arteries. The broader term venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to DVT, PE, or to a combination of both. Figure 1. The arterial (red) and venous systems (blue) are depicted. The left ventricle (LV) ejects oxygenated blood into the aorta, which circulates blood to vital organs. Deoxygenated blood travels through the venous system to the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery. Adapted with permission from MediClip, Clinical Cardiopulmonary Images 1997, CCP01026.TIF, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, Md. Figure 2. Deoxygenated blood returns to the heart and lungs for reoxygenation. SVC indicates superior vena cava; IVC, inferior vena cava; RA, right atrium; RV, right ventricle; and PA, pulmonary artery. Adapted with permission from MediClip, Clinical Cardiopulmonary Images 1997, CATHRHT.TIF, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, Md. VTE poses a public health threat with an estimated incidence in the United States of 250 000 to 2 million cases per year. Predisposition to VTE arises from acquired conditions, inherited disorders, or both. Many of the acquired risk factors can be modified, thus lessening the likelihood of PE or DVT. Long-haul air travel is the most talked-about risk factor for PE. Other acquired risk factors include obesity, …
Target tissue receptors for progesterone: the influence of estrogen treatment.

The effects of estrogen treatment on the specific progesterone binding protein (receptor) in the chick oviduct were investigated. The progesterone receptor is present in non-estrogen treated oviducts but the tissue concentration of this protein increases several fold during a 2- week-period of estrogen treatment. In addition, qualitative changes in the receptor protein are indicated by its sedimentation properties on sucrose gradients. Following estrogen treatment, the 4-5S progesterone-receptor complex is apparently altered to a form which sediments in the 6-8S region on sucrose gradients. These results suggest that the enhanced responsiveness of the oviduct to progesterone following estrogen treatment may arise through quantitative and qualitative changes in progesterone receptor molecules. (Endocrinology 90: 1041, 1972)
Intersectin, an Adaptor Protein Involved in Clathrin-mediated Endocytosis, Activates Mitogenic Signaling Pathways*

Intersectin is a member of a growing family of adaptor proteins that possess conserved Eps15 homology (EH) domains as well as additional protein recognition motifs. In general, EH domain-containing proteins play an integral role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Indeed, intersectin functions in the intermediate stages of clathrin-coated vesicle assembly. However, recent evidence suggests that components of the endocytic machinery also regulate mitogenic signaling pathways. In this report, we provide several lines of evidence that intersectin has the capacity to activate mitogenic signaling pathways. First, intersectin overexpression activated the Elk-1 transcription factor in an MAPK-independent manner. This ability resides within the EH domains, as expression of the tandem EH domains was sufficient to activate Elk-1. Second, intersectin cooperated with epidermal growth factor to potentiate Elk-1 activation; however, a similar level of Elk-1 activation was obtained by expression of the tandem EH domains suggesting that the coiled-coil region and SH3 domains act to regulate the EH domains. Third, intersectin expression was sufficient to induce oncogenic transformation of rodent fibroblasts. And finally, intersectin cooperated with progesterone to accelerate maturation of Xenopus laevis oocytes. Together, these data suggest that intersectin links endocytosis with regulation of pathways important for cell growth and differentiation.
Thoracoscopic resection of computed tomography-localized lung nodules in children.

Purpose Detection and treatment of small lung nodules are important in managing pediatric cancer. We studied the effectiveness of preoperative localization of pulmonary nodules by CT-guided needle hook wire placement followed by thoracoscopic resection in children with cancer.
Anticipatory emotions in decision tasks: Covert markers of value or attentional processes?

Anticipatory emotions precede behavioral outcomes and provide a means to infer interactions between emotional and cognitive processes. A number of theories hold that anticipatory emotions serve as inputs to the decision process and code the value or risk associated with a stimulus. We argue that current data do not unequivocally support this theory. We present an alternative theory whereby anticipatory emotions reflect the outcome of a decision process and serve to ready the subject for new information when making an uncertain response. We test these two accounts, which we refer to as emotions-as-input and emotions-as-outcome, in a task that allows risky stimuli to be dissociated from uncertain responses. We find that emotions are associated with responses as opposed to stimuli. This finding is contrary to the emotions-as-input perspective as it shows that emotions arise from decision processes.
Prediction of Long-term Creep of Composites from Doubly-shifted Polymer Creep Data

Environmental effects on the creep response of composites are of great interest because these materials are very sensitive to temperature and other environmental conditions. Short and long-term creep effects have been studied for composites under various environmental conditions, but most studies rely on experimental testing of particular laminates. Here, a novel micro-mechanical/laminate model is developed to predict the creep response of laminated polymer matrix composites from matrix creep data. Furthermore, a novel two-parameter superposition method is used to predict the long-term response of the polymer matrix as a function of two environmental parameters: moisture and temperature. The procedure used to compute the two shift factors is described. The resulting master curve can be used to predict the long-term properties of the matrix and for any temperature and humidity conditions. Once the matrix behavior is known, the micro-mechanical/ laminate model allows for accurate prediction of long-term pro...
EFFECTS OF ROAD SALT AND PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS INVASION ON THE VEGETATION OF A WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS CALCAREOUS LAKE-BASIN FEN

Abstract Kampoosa Bog in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, USA is a 70-ha wetland comprised of calcareous basin fen and red maple swamp bordered, in part, by roads including the Massachusetts Turnpike. High salt concentrations in the ground water (due to the application of deicing salts on the Turnpike) and Phragmites australis colonies appear to be impacting the native vegetation at this site. Sodium and chloride concentrations at Kampoosa Bog are generally below previously published threshold levels for impacting vegetation, although such levels vary by species and in relation to other environmental stress conditions. Giant reed (Phragmites), a salt-tolerant invasive species, invaded the northern portion of the wetland adjacent to the Turnpike and a gas pipeline sometime after they were built in the 1950s. By 1998, Phragmites had formed dense colonies that continued to spread across the wetland, which supports several state-listed rare plant and animal species. High salt concentrations (Na+ > 112 mg/L, Cl- > ...
Study of Bidimensional Empirical Mode Decomposition Method for Various Radial Basis Function Surface Interpolators

Scattered data interpolation is an essential part of bidimensional empirical mode decomposition (BEMD) of an image. In the decomposition process, local maxima and minima of the image are extracted at each iteration and then interpolated to form the upper and lower envelopes, respectively. Because of the properties of radial basis function (RBF) interpolators, they are good candidates for use in BEMD. However, only one or two of the RBF interpolators have been utilized for BEMD so far. This paper employs seven RBF interpolators for BEMD, compares their performances, and finds out the useful ones for BEMD. The analysis is done using synthetic and real texture images. Simulations are made to focus mainly on the effect of interpolation methods by providing less or negligible control on the other parameters of the BEMD process. The study is believed to work as a guideline in the area of BEMD based image analysis.
Turning to the masters: motion capturing cartoons

In this paper, we present a technique we call "cartoon capture and retargeting" which we use to track the motion from traditionally animated cartoons and retarget it onto 3-D models, 2-D drawings, and photographs. By using animation as the source, we can produce new animations that are expressive, exaggerated or non-realistic.Cartoon capture transforms a digitized cartoon into a cartoon motion representation. Using a combination of affine transformation and key-shape interpolation, cartoon capture tracks non-rigid shape changes in cartoon layers. Cartoon retargeting translates this information into different output media. The result is an animation with a new look but with the movement of the original cartoon.
Determination of Progesterone and Its Metabolic Products

Progestational changes of the endometrium of the uterus can be induced by a number of steroid substances commonly referred to as progestins. The early work of Corner and Allen [1] showed that in the normal female a progestational hormone is released by the corpus luteum. Several research groups in the early 1930’s proved this to be the steroid progesterone.
Abstract T MP33: Younger Age And Anticoagulation Are Risk Factors For Pseudoaneurysm In Cases Of Cervical Arterial Dissection

Background: Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is a frequent cause of ischemic stroke and pseudoaneurysm (PA) formation is a common complication. There is limited literature on the risk factors for PA formation. In particular, the influence of specific medical therapy for CAD\_antiplatelet versus anticoagulation\_is unknown. We hypothesized that anticoagulation in the treatment of CAD is a risk factor for PA formation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 250 cases of CAD admitted to a single hospital between 2011 and 2014. A neuroradiologist diagnosed CAD and PA by CTA. We reviewed patient charts for several risk factors: antithrombotic therapy, associated trauma, subsequent stroke, and age. Outcome (resolution or growth at 3 months) and largest size (at any point in time) of PA was recorded. Statistics were non-parametric. Results: 35 patients had a diagnosis of CAD, PA, and follow-up vascular imaging at 3 months after onset. 27 patients presented concomitantly with CAD and PA; 8 patients later developed PA. Median patient age was 48 years, median PA length along longest axis was 8mm, 84% were treated with antiplatelets and 16% were treated with therapeutic anticoagulation. All patients treated with anticoagulation experienced PA growth versus 44% of those treated with antiplatelet agents (Fisher’s Exact p = 0.046). Younger age was also associated with PA growth (Wilcoxon rank sum test p = 0.0198) and there was a trend towards larger median pseudoaneurysm size in patients receiving anticoagulation (median size 17mm versus 5mm, p=0.09). Traumatic dissection and ischemic stroke were not associated with pseudoaneurysm development or size. Discussion: Our study finds that in the setting of CAD, treatment with anticoagulation and younger age are risk factors for PA growth; furthermore, patients on anticoagulation tend to have larger PAs. While the natural history of PAs is typically benign, many patients undergo invasive treatments and face the fear of other complications. Given the clinical equipoise surrounding CAD treatment, our findings may have important implications for patient care and should be replicated in a larger dataset.