cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Group Level Activity Recognition in Crowded Environments across Multiple Cameras

Environments such as schools, public parks and prisonsand others that contain a large number of people are typi-cally characterized by frequent and complex social interac-tions. In order to identify activities and behaviors in suchenvironments, it is necessary to understand the interactionsthat take place at a group level. To this end, this paper ad-dresses the problem of detecting and predicting suspiciousand in particular aggressive behaviors between groups ofindividuals such as gangs in prison yards. The work buildson a mature multi-camera multi-target person tracking sys-tem that operates in real-time and has the ability to han-dle crowded conditions. We consider two approaches forgrouping individuals: (i) agglomerative clustering favoredby the computer vision community, as well as (ii) decisiveclustering based on the concept of modularity, which is fa-vored by the social network analysis community. We showthe utility of such grouping analysis towards the detectionof group activities of interest. The presented algorithm isintegrated with a system operating in real-time to success-fully detect highly realistic aggressive behaviors enacted bycorrectional officers in a simulated prison environment. Wepresent results from these enactments that demonstrate theefficacy of our approach.
The red and the black: habituation and the dear-enemy phenomenon in two desert Pheidole ants

Many species of territorial animals are more aggressive toward strangers than neighbors, a pattern of aggression referred to as the ’dear-enemy phenomenon.’ In many cases, the mechanism by which neighbors are discriminated from strangers and the function of neighbor-stranger discrimination remain controversial. We investigated the spatial patterns of inter-colony aggression within and between two Pheidole species of seed-harvesting ants in the Mojave Desert of California by quantifying aggression between colonies in standardized staged encounters. We also tested whether the level of fighting between workers of two colonies is affected by previous exposure to each other. We show that neighbors (i.e., colonies less that 2.6 m away) of either species are treated less aggressively than more distant colonies and that habituation may be a mechanism by which this discrimination is achieved. The variation in aggression among spatially distant colonies also suggests that additional genetic or environmental factors are involved in recognition. The function of the dear-enemy phenomenon in these ant species may be related to the greater risk to the resources of a colony presented by strange workers than workers from a neighboring colony.
Torsional strain considerations in the mechanism of the proteolytic enzymes, with particular application to carboxypeptidase A

Abstract Torsional deformation of the peptide linkage by anti distortion of cis substituents (i.e., forcing groups attached to one side of an amide partial π bond out of plane in opposite directions) leads to rehybridization of the constituent atoms (nitrogen and carbonyl carbon) toward tetrahedral geometry. In consequence the partial π bond is uniquely activated toward trans (antarafacial) addition with defined steric orientation of addends. Application of these considerations to the known structure of an enzyme-substrate complex of carboxypeptidase A leads to a unique mechanistic hypothesis for proteolytic cleavage by this enzyme. Extant evidence concerning the mode of catalysis is considered in light of a mechanism involving electrostatically induced torsional activation of the scissile peptide bond, Lewis acid coordination of zinc to amide carbonyl, proton donation from Glu 270 to the amide nitrogen of the scissile bond, with concerted attack upon the amide carbonyl by solvent water.
Status quo bias in decision making

Most real decisions, unlike those of economics texts, have a status quo alternative—that is, doing nothing or maintaining one's current or previous decision. A series of decision-making experiments shows that individuals disproportionately stick with the status quo. Data on the selections of health plans and retirement programs by faculty members reveal that the status quo bias is substantial in important real decisions. Economics, psychology, and decision theory provide possible explanations for this bias. Applications are discussed ranging from marketing techniques, to industrial organization, to the advance of science.
Emergence temperature indices and relative retention times of pesticides and industrial chemicals determined by linear programmed temperature gas chromatography.

Abstract Emergence temperature indices and relative retention times of nearly 600 pesticides and industrial chemicals are sequentially tabulated to provide a basis for the identification of unknowns detected on methyl silicone columns when programmed temperature gas chromatography is used. A technique of normalizing column parameters is described to enable duplication of the tabulated data on columns which have different dimensions, amount of stationary phase, and/or other operating parameters. Suggestions for enhancing the precision with which these data can be reproduced on other equipment are presented.
Characterizing Nonwoven-web Structure by Using Image-analysis Techniques. Part V: Analysis of Shot in Meltblown Webs

The feasibility of using a personal-computer-based instrument and image-analysis techniques to characterize major structural features of nonwoven webs accurately and comprehensively Is investigated. These features include pores, fiber orientation, web uniformity, fiber diameter, and defects. This paper reports results of developing an image-analysis technique for automated shot analysis and presents experimental results using both subjective human-based and automated image-analysis-based measurement techniques. Results from these techniques are compared with each other as well as with true measurements of shot reported previously.
Preparing On-the-Job Teachers for Urban Schools: Implications for Teacher Training.

This study examines the effectiveness of a program in the preparation and retention of on-the-job teachers to serve students with mild-moderate disabilities in urban schools. Special education teachers with emergency certification participated in the two year program designed to provide: competencies specific to serving urban students with special needs; experiential and reflective experiences that linked coursework and classroom practices; and ongoing support and guidance through on-site support teachers, university supervision and cohortparticipation. Data examining teacher development, teachers'perceptions of theprogram and job experiences were collected on 35 participants. Findings from the study indicated that teachers developed competency over time and viewed seminars and on-site assistance as critical sources of support. However, despite preparation and program supports, teachers continued to experience significant challenges and stress on-the-job. Implications for the preparation and retention of ...
Introduction to this special section: High-performance computing

It goes without saying that the geoscientist's appetite for more detailed information about the Earth can never be completely satisfied. As geoscientists we want to understand the Earth at higher and higher resolution and on a larger and larger scale. Over the past decades, geoscientists have developed methods for investigating the Earth using complicated theoretical models applicable to huge data sets. The many game-changing applications deployed in recent years include: 3D prestack depth migration for imaging the Earth's reflectivity, 3D wavefield tomography for deriving complex velocity models, sophisticated fluid-flow simulators for understanding oil and gas production, and digital rock simulators for understanding the subtle relationships between the measured fields and the underlying geology. All these applications are linked together by one attribute: They are all extremely compute-intensive.
Efficacy studies of Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion, M291 Skin Decontamination Kit, 0.5% bleach, 1% soapy water, and Skin Exposure Reduction Paste Against Chemical Warfare Agents, part 1: guinea pigs challenged with VX

Objective: This report, first in a series of five, directly compares the efficacy of 4 decontamination products and Skin Exposure Reduction Paste Against Chemical Warfare Agents (SERPACWA) in the haired guinea pig model following exposure to VX.Methods: In all experiments, guinea pigs were close-clipped and given anesthesia. In the decontamination experiments, the animals were challenged with VX and decontaminated after a 2-minute delay for the standard procedure or at longer times for the delayed-decontamination experiments. Skin Exposure Reduction Paste Against Chemical Warfare Agents was applied as a thin coating (0.1 mm thick), allowed to dry for 15 minutes, and challenged with VX. After a 2-hour challenge, any remaining VX was blotted off the animal, but no additional decontamination was done. Positive control animals were challenged with VX in the same manner as the treated animals, except that they received no treatment. In addition, the positive control animals were always challenged with 5% VX in...
A robust parallel conformal FDTD algorithm and its application to electrically large antenna array simulation

In this paper, we describe an optimized parallel conformal FDTD technique in which the field exchange is carried out between the neighboring processors in a highly efficient way. A robust conformal mesh design technique, based on the proposed parallel scheme, is also developed. In addition, this paper introduces a novel approach to realizing the FDTD excitation and collecting the computed field values in the parallel processing scheme. Several representative examples are presented to validate the proposed techniques.
Renal trehalase: Function and development☆

1. Following injection of trehalose into the bloodstream, no trehalose was found in urine of rabbits until the concentration of trehalose in blood exceeded 0.6 mg/ml. 2. Absence of trehalose in urine of the rabbit when the concentration of the sugar in blood is elevated supports the hypothesis that renal trehalase functions as a digestive enzyme in kidney. 3. The rat does not possess renal trehalase, and excretion of trehalose was in direct relation to the concentration of trehalose in blood. 4. There are differences in expression of the disaccharidases in kidney and intestine although they share many structural and enzymatic characteristics.
Activation of cystathionine synthase by adenosylmethionine and adenosylethionine.

Summary The administration of ethionine results in a rapid and marked increase in cystathionine synthase in rat liver. The specific activity doubles within 20 minutes following a dose of 400 mg/kg. Pretreatment with either cycloheximide or actinomycin D fails to prevent this response. Preincubation of crude liver extracts with ethionine, methionine or ATP does not affect the specific activity. However, preincubation with ATP together with either methionine or ethionine leads to a marked increase in cystathionine synthase. This finding is duplicated by the preincubation of partially-purified cystathionine synthase with S-adenosylmethionine.
Immunoassays for pentamidine and related compounds: development of a facile inhibitory ELISA suitable for clinical use.

Aromatic dicationic drugs have a broad spectrum of activity against protozoal and fungal pathogens including Pneumocystis carinii, Leishmania mexicana amazonensis, Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptococcus neoformans. Pentamidine serves as the exemplar for an extensive collection of newly synthesized related compounds, which have reduced toxicity and a wider range of target organisms. Assays of pentamidine and related compounds have depended on HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-TMS) for the quantitation and identification of drug and metabolites. Immunoassays for pentamidine would have many advantages over the HPLC methods including relative simplicity of assay format and required equipment, convenience in sample preparation and reduction in time and cost of assays. In this report we describe a simple ELISA based immunoassay for pentamidine and pentamidine-like drugs with requisite sensitivity and specificity for use as a clinical assay (EC50 value of about 50 nanomolar). Immunogen was synthesized by coupling the hapten aminopentamidine to ovalbumin (chemically modified to provide an optimal number of –SH groups) using sulfo-MBS. Maleic-anhydride activated ELISA plates were covalently sensitized using the aminopentamidine hapten and used in an inhibitory ELISA assay format whereby the ability of analyte to suppress antibody binding to sensitized plate was measured. The assay detects primarily the phenolic amidine of pentamidine when in a para position and hence can also detect structurally related derivatives of pentamidine of potential interest as new therapeutic agents. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 14:73–82, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Enzyme-Induced Gelation of Extensively Hydrolyzed Whey Proteins by Alcalase: Peptide Identification and Determination of Enzyme Specificity

Extensive hydrolysis of whey protein isolate by Alcalase was shown to induce gelation mainly via hydrophobic interactions. The aim of this work was to characterize the peptides released in order to better understand this phenomenon. The apparent molecular mass distribution indicated that aggregates were formed by small molecular mass peptides (<2000 Da). One hundred and thirty peptides with various lengths were identified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Alcalase was observed to have a high specificity for aromatic (Phe, Trp, and Tyr), acidic (Glu), sulfur-containing (Met), aliphatic (Leu and Ala), hydroxyl (Ser), and basic (Lys) residues. Most peptides had an average hydrophobicity of 1-1.5 kcal/residue and a net charge of 0 at the pH at which gelation occurred (6.0). Therefore, an intermolecular attractive force such as hydrophobic interaction suggests the formation of aggregates that further leads to the formation of a gel.
HMGN5/NSBP1: A new member of the HMGN protein family that affects chromatin structure and function

The dynamic nature of the chromatin fiber provides the structural and functional flexibility required for the accurate transcriptional responses to various stimuli. In living cells, structural proteins such as the linker histone H1 and the high mobility group (HMG) proteins continuously modulate the local and global architecture of the chromatin fiber and affect the binding of regulatory factors to their nucleosomal targets. HMGN proteins specifically bind to the nucleosome core particle through a highly conserved "nucleosomal binding domain" (NBD) and reduce chromatin compaction. HMGN5 (NSBP1), a new member of the HMGN protein family, is ubiquitously expressed in mouse and human tissues. Similar to other HMGNs, HMGN5 is a nuclear protein which binds to nucleosomes via NBD, unfolds chromatin, and affects transcription. This protein remains mainly uncharacterized and its biological function is unknown. In this review, we describe the structure of the HMGN5 gene and the known properties of the HMGN5 protein. We present recent findings related to the expression pattern of the protein during development, the mechanism of HMGN5 action on chromatin, and discuss the possible role of HMGN5 in pathological and physiological processes.
EPOC Comparison Between Isocaloric Bouts of Steady-State Aerobic, Intermittent Aerobic, and Resistance Training

Purpose: Excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) is dependent on intensity, duration, and mode of exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of both exercise mode and intensity on EPOC while controlling for caloric expenditure and duration. Method: Ten low to moderately physically active men (22 ± 2 yrs) performed 3 nonrandomized isocaloric bouts of exercise separated by 7 days. The 1st session was resistance training (RT), followed by moderate-intensity steady-state (SS) aerobic exercise, and concluding with a high-intensity intermittent (IT) aerobic session. Results: Total energy expenditure, rate of energy expenditure, and duration did not differ among trials (p>.05). Respiratory exchange ratio was greater during the RT trial than the SS trial (p < .05). At 12 hr postexercise, resting metabolic rate (RMR) was higher after the RT trial (4.7 ± 0.67 mL/kg/min) and IT trial (4.6 ± 0.62 mL/kg/min) compared with their respective baseline measurements (p < .008) and the SS trial (4.3 ...
Can Estrogens Prevent Neurodegeneration

Estrogen replacement therapy appears to have significant beneficial effects on cognition and mood in the elderly. In recent studies, its use has been associated with short term symptomatic cognitive improvement and with a decreased risk of (or a delay in) developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Clinical reports are supported by substantial basic scientific evidence of the neuroprotective effects of estrogens. Their specific effects on dementia and cognitive impairment remain to be delineated. Ongoing randomised trials in AD will only provide information on the symptomatic effects of estrogens. Although basic research will progress, there is currently sufficient knowledge to promote active clinical research on the possible disease-modifying or neuroprotective effects of estrogens in the elderly.
Estimating distributions of long-term particulate matter and manganese exposures for residents of Toronto, Canada

Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT), a manganese-based gasoline additive, has been used in Canadian gasoline for about 20 yr. Because MMT potentially increases manganese levels in particulate matter resulting from automotive exhausts, a population-based study conducted in Toronto, Canada assessed the levels of personal manganese exposures. Integrated 3-day particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure measurements, obtained for 922 participant periods over the course of a year (September 1995–August 1996), were analyzed for several constituent elements, including Mn. The 922 measurements included 542 participants who provided a single 3-day observation plus 190 participants who provided two observations (in two different months). In addition to characterizing the distributions of 3-day average exposures, which can be estimated directly from the data, including the second observation for some participants enabled us to use a model-based approach to estimate the long-term (i.e. annual) exposure distributions for PM2.5 mass and Mn. The model assumes that individuals’ 3-day average exposure measurements within a given month are lognormally distributed and that the correlation between 3-day log-scale measurements k months apart (after seasonal adjustment) depends only on the lag time, k, and not on the time of year. The approach produces a set of simulated annual exposures from which an annual distribution can be inferred using estimated correlations and monthly means and variances (log scale) as model inputs. The model appeared to perform reasonably well for the overall population distribution of PM2.5 exposures (mean=28 μg m-3). For example, the model predicted the 95th percentile of the annual distribution to be 62.9 μg m-3 while the corresponding percentile estimated for the 3-day data was 86.6 μg m-3. The assumptions of the model did not appear to hold for the overall population of Mn exposures (mean=13.1 ng m-3). Since the population included persons who were potentially occupationally exposed to Mn (in non-vehicle-related jobs), we used responses to questionnaire items to form a subgroup consisting of non-occupationally exposed participants (671 participant periods), for which the model assumptions did appear to hold. For that subpopulation (mean=9.2 ng m-3), the model-predicted 95th percentile of the annual Mn distribution was 16.3-ng m-3, compared with 21.1 ng m-3 estimated for the 3-day data.
Differential limb regeneration in diploid and triploid Rana pipiens larvae with reference to spinal motor neuron development

Developmental manipulations that can alter nerve-limb relationships can assist in understanding the neural control of limb regeneration. Pressure-induced triploidy in Rana pipiens tadpoles results in alterations of the quantitative characteristics of the spinal motor neurons that innervate the limbs, whereas the limbs appear unaltered. Unilateral midthigh amputations at larval stages IX, XI, and XIII of diploid and triploid animals resulted in complete regeneration for only stage IX animals regardless of ploidy. Nevertheless, triploid limbs regenerated much faster than did diploids, an event that can be related to the differential dynamics of nerve fiber extension and/or the altered numbers and sizes of triploid spinal motor neurons. Although normal limb development from stage IX to the endpoint at stage XVIII was the same in diploids and triploids, the rate of regeneration in triploids was nearly twice that of diploids. The data of this noninvasive means of altering the quantitative relationship of nerve-to-peripheral target suggest a unique means of studying nerve-dependent limb regeneration in an animal that progressively loses its regenerative capability during development.
Batteries Not Included: Moving Toward Long-Term Sustainable Sensing

As a research community, we are always trying to create smaller, cheaper, more mobile, longer-lived sensing devices, to help us collect data that is difficult to collect, while staying within budget. By consuming less energy and supplementing energy stores with harvested energy, it is often possible today---with significant effort---to deploy untethered sensing devices that can last for 1--2 years, without human intervention. Unfortunately, long-term deployments lasting decades are simply not practical, and our dependence on batteries is the single greatest limiting factor. This talk presents a vision of the future with cheaper, smaller, longer-lived sensors that rely on harvested energy and last for decades with little or no maintenance, and without batteries. Realizing this vision will require us to rethink how we design system components, ranging from power supplies, clocks, task schedulers, and even programming abstractions. Drawing on recent and ongoing work, we will delve into research efforts that are bringing this future closer to reality, and challenges that still stand in our way. Along the way, we will undoubtedly be left with more questions than answers, as we look into the integral role that batteries play in the design of today's sensor systems, and try to imagine what our systems will eventually look like when designed intentionally without them.
Densities and compressibilities of aqueous sodium carbonate and bicarbonate from 0 to 45°C

The densities and the sound speeds of aqueous NaHCO3 and Na2CO3 solutions were measured from 0.05 to 1.0m and from 0 to 45°C. These data were fitted to functions of molality and temperature and were used to calculate the apparent molal volumes Vϕ and compressibilites κφ of these solutions. Polynomial expression for Vϕ and κφ as functions of molality and temperature have been determined. The partial molal volumes and compressibilities of these solutions and literature data have been used to determine the volume ΔV and compressibility Δκ changes for the ionization of carbonic acid in aqueous solutions. These values of ΔV and Δκ have been used to estimate the effect of pressure on the ionization constants for carbonic acid from 0 to 45°C. The calculated pressure coefficients are in good agreement with the measured values.
Potentiation of the negative dromotropic effect of adenosine by rapid heart rates: possible ionic mechanism

Adenosine-induced slowing of atrioventricular nodal conduction is a rate-dependent process that is potentiated by the A1-adenosine receptor allosteric enhancer, PD 81,723. The ionic mechanisms underlying these phenomena were investigated in guinea pig isolated hearts and single atrial myocytes by measuring the atrium-to-His bundle (A–H) interval and using patch-clamp recordings, respectively. A decrease in atrial cycle length from 300 to 190 ms decreased the concentration of adenosine needed to cause atrioventricular nodal block from 7.8 ± 1.0 to 2.6 ± 0.7 μmol/L (P < 0.001). Ba2+ (100 μmol/L), a selective blocker of the adenosine-activated inward rectifier K+ current IK,ADO in the atrioventricular node, failed to abolish this rate-dependent effect of adenosine. PD 81,723 (5 μmol/L) potentiated the negative dromotropic effect of adenosine even after IK,ADO was blocked by Ba2+ and after attenuation of ICa,L by adenosine was prevented by 8-Br-cAMP (1.5 mmol/L). In atrial myocytes, adenosine augmented a time- and voltage-dependent K+ current (Ado-IK). Ado-IK was more sensitive to adenosine than IK,ADO (EC50 values, 0.8 versus 1.4 μmol/L, P < 0.01). PD 81,723 blocked IK,ADO, but potentiated Ado-IK. Ado-IK was insensitive to Ba2+ (P = 0.98), whereas it was blocked by chromanol 293B (5 μmol/L, P < 0.001). Unlike IK,ADO, Ado-IK increased during rapid stimulation of myocytes (P < 0.001). Adenosine augments a time- and voltage-dependent K+ current, Ado-IK. The pharmacological and kinetic properties of Ado-IK are consistent with it playing an important role in the negative dromotropic effect of adenosine at lower concentrations of the nucleoside, at fast heart rates and in the presence of PD 81,723.
Time‐resolved photoluminescence studies of high‐brightness 340‐nm LEDs under current injection

We present time-resolved photoluminescence studies on high-brightness, 340-nm LEDs under current injection. Devices exhibiting >5 mW at 100 mA drive current from a 100 µm × 100 µm area have been fabricated. PL lifetime measurements of InAlGaN multiple quantum well active regions under current injection are correlated with device operating parameters by using a nonlinear downconversion, optical-gating technique. In wafer level measurements, a decrease in PL lifetime by ∼17% from 410 to 340ps as the injection current is increased from turn-on to the onset of roll-over (∼150 mA) may be at tributed to enhanced nonradiative recombination associated with device heating. An increase in the low-current PL lifetime relative to that measured in the unbiased device is representative of trap saturation and screening of the MQW electric field through current injection prior to device heating. In addition, the PL lifetime was found to vary little over an operating time of ∼1900 hours, despite the drop in EL power by ∼50 percent. This result suggests that the degradation of the active region is not the major cause of the decrease in device performance over time. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Interactions between eye and head control signals can account for movement kinematics.

Advances in understanding the neural control of saccades (visual orienting movements made when the head is prevented from moving) stem largely from early modeling efforts which provided a framework for developing and testing hypotheses about the relationships between neural activity and observed behaviors. When the head is free to move, visual orienting is often accomplished with coordinated movements of the eyes and head. A recent description of the temporal progression (i.e., kinematics) of these movements led to the hypothesis that eye and head control signals interact. This hypothesis is now formalized as a control systems model which accounts for existing data and makes explicit predictions about the neural control of orienting gaze shifts.
Performance and diacetyl production of commercial strains of malolactic bacteria in wine

This study compares 11 commercial cultures of Leuconostoc oenos and Lactobacillus plantarum in Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Performance of the cultures was found to be greatly influenced by wine type. Better survival of the bacteria was observed in Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir wines. The time necessary to complete malolactic fermentation (MLF) was 65 ± 14 d for Chardonnay, 71 ± 3 d for Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25 ± 8 d for Pinot Noir. The maximal rate of malate utilization was 0·4 g d-1 for Pinot Noir, and 0·2 g d-1 for the two other wine types. Final diacetyl concentration was lower in Chardonnay wines (highest 0·58 mg l-1) compared to the other wines (highest 5·8 mg l-1). Malic and citric acid were co-metabolized by all strains. None of the strains metabolized glycerol. Significant differences in final diacetyl concentration of wine vinified with the different strains were found. Panelists could reliably differentiate MLF wines from non-MLF wines, irrespective of their diacetyl content, indicating that diacetyl is not the only important MLF flavour.
Genomic analyses detect Eurasian-lineage H10 and additional H14 influenza A viruses recovered from waterfowl in the Central United States.

The accurate and timely characterization of influenza A viruses (IAV) from natural reservoirs is essential for responses to animal and public health threats. Differences between antigenic and genetic subtyping results for 161 IAV isolates recovered from migratory birds in the central United States during 2010–2011 delayed the recognition of four isolates of interest. Genomic sequencing identified the first reported Eurasian-origin H10 subtype in North America and three additional H14 isolates showing divergence from previously reported H14 isolates. Genomic analyses revealed additional diversity among IAV isolates not detected by antigenic subtyping and provided further insight into interhemispheric spread of avian-origin IAVs.
Urban Adults' Perceptions of Factors Influencing Asthma Control

AbstractObjective: To identify urban adults' perceptions of facilitators and barriers to asthma control, including the role of self-care, medications, environmental trigger remediation, and primary care. Methods: Semi-structured open-ended qualitative interviews were conducted. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and entered into NVivo 10.0 (QSR International Pty Ltd, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia) for coding, analysis, and integration with demographic and asthma control data. Results were analyzed by the level of asthma control. A modified grounded theory approach was used in the analysis. Results: Thirty-five adults with persistent asthma (94% Black; 71% female; 71% with uncontrolled asthma) from the five West Philadelphia zip codes with the highest asthma burden participated. Generally, all participants understood the roles of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and short-acting β-2 agonist (SABA) therapies in asthma self-care although they attributed systemic side effects to topical ICS administratio...
Trismus Pseudocamptodactyly Syndrome.

A hand, foot, and mouth combination of anomalies, which is apparent on motion, has been traced through eight generations of a southern Appalachian family. The clinical features from birth to old age are presented, and attention is called to the handicapping aspects. There is a great variability in severity of the trait. Inheritance occurs as an autosomal dominant trait, but there are fewer affected persons than expected, especially females.
TAGUCHI-AIDED SEARCH METHOD FOR DESIGN OPTIMIZATION OF ENGINEERING SYSTEMS

Abstract The Taguchi method emphasizes the design of a robust product that is insensitive to disturbances (noises). This feature of the Taguchi method is useful in mechanical design since an optimal design obtained through the application of the Taguchi method will also be inherently robust. The Taguchi concept of design of experiments (DOE) is used to solve unconstrained and constrained optimization problems. The signal-to-noise ratio used in the conventional Taguchi method uses only positive function values and hence is not applicable to design optimization directly. In this work, a modified form of signal-to-noise ratio is proposed so that both positive and negative objective function values can be handled. In the case of unconstrained optimization, the search directions are determined by using the Taguchi philosophy. The partial factorial design of experiments provides an efficient way of determining a good search direction. The procedure is extended to constrained optimization problems in the presenc...
Quantitative measures of democracy in Africa: An assessment

Given the fact that quantitative measures of democracy in Africa are increasingly used in scholarly research, it is appropriate to ask the question: ‘Are such measures accurately reflecting empirical observations?’ To answer this question, data‐sets compiled by Zahra Arat, Tatu Vanhanen, Mark Gasiorowski, Keith Jaggers and Ted Robert Gurr, and Freedom House/Raymond Gastil are compared with qualitative observations of events affecting liberal democracy in Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. Two types of problems are found. First, there are many discrepancies between empirical observations and what is shown by the data‐sets. Second, there are inconsistencies in the quantitative measurement of democracy across countries, for example, the same phenomenon does not seem to be measured by the Jaggers and Gurr and the Freedom House/Gastil indices in South Africa and Tanzania. The discrepancies in the quantitative measures suggest that the observations of area specialists of events related to liberal democ...
Stochastic modeling of carcinogenesis: Some new insights

By surveying recent studies by molecular biologists and cancer geneticists, in this paper we have proposed some stochastic models of carcinogenesis and provided some biological evidences for these models. Because most of these models are quite complicated far beyond the scope of the MVK two-stage model, the traditional Markov theory approach becomes too complicated to be of much use. In this paper, we thus propose an alternative approach through stochastic differential equations. For validating the model and for estimating unknown parameters, we further use these stochastic differential equations to develop state space models (Kalman filter models) for carcinogenesis. In this paper, we have used the multievent model as an example to illustrate our modeling approach and some basic theories. These theories will be used by these authors to analyze data from experiments by scientists at BPNNL (Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) in Richland, WA.
Methionine, Choline, and Sulfate Supplementation of Practical-Type Diets for Young Turkeys

Abstract Three experiments were conducted using a total of 2,448 poults to study the interrelationships of methionine, choline, and sulfate in practical-type diets. A 6 × 2 × 2 factorial was used involving DL-methionine at increments of .06% from 0 to .30%, choline chloride at 0 and .20%, and potassium sulfate at 0 and .10%. The variables were added to a 21% protein basal diet containing 61% ground yellow corn and 32% dehulled soybean meal but devoid of supplemental choline or sulfate. Each of the 24 diets was fed to four pens of poults in each experiment. Medium-type turkeys between 4 and 8 weeks of age were used in the first experiment and Large White turkeys between 3 and 7 weeks of age in each of the next two experiments. With diets containing 0, .06, .12, .18, .24, and .30% added methionine, body weight gains were 1340, 1457, 1520, 1559, 1538, and 1558 g, respectively, indicating that at least .18% added methionine (.86% total dietary sulfur amino acids) was required in a 21 % protein diet for maximum growth. Average increases in body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed efficiency from the three highest levels of added methionine over the unsupplemented diets were 15.8, 4.8, and 10.6%, respectively. These parameters failed to be affected by adding choline to diets already containing 1250 mg choline/kg. Added sulfate significantly increased average body weight and feed efficiency only in methionine-deficient diets containing 0 and .06% added methionine, and these increases amounted to 2.8 and 3.5% in body weight and to 1.7 and 2.7% in feed efficiency.
Multiple model estimator for a tightly coupled HRR automatic target recognition and MTI tracking system

The goal of this research is to exploit couplings between tracking and ATR systems employing high range resolution radar (HRRR) and moving target indicator (MTI) measurements. As will be shown, these systems are coupled via pose, kinematic, and association constraints. Exploiting these couplings results in a tightly coupled system with significantly improved performance. This problem deals with two different types of spaces, namely the continuous space kinematics (e.g. position and velocity) and the discrete space target type. A multiple model estimator (MME) was chosen for this problem. The MME consist of a bank of extended Kalman filters (one for each target type). The continuous space kinematics are dealt with via these extended Kalman filter. Further, the probability of each Kalman filter is computed and used to determine the corresponding discrete space target probability. Presented in this paper are empirical results that show improvement over conventional techniques.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor contributes to ethanol-induced liver injury by mediating cell injury, steatohepatitis, and steatosis

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a multipotent protein that exhibits both cytokine and chemotactic properties, is expressed by many cell types, including hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells. We hypothesized that MIF is a key contributor to liver injury after ethanol exposure. Female C57BL/6 or MIF−/− mice were fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet or pair-fed control diet for 4 (11% total kcal;early response) or 25 (32% kcal; chronic response) days. Expression of MIF messenger RNA (mRNA) was induced at both 4 days and 25 days of ethanol feeding. After chronic ethanol, hepatic triglycerides and plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were increased in wildtype, but not MIF−/−, mice. In order to understand the role of MIF in chronic ethanol-induced liver injury, we investigated the early response of wildtype and MIF−/− to ethanol. Ethanol feeding for 4 days increased apoptosis of hepatic macrophages and activated complement in both wildtype and MIF−/− mice. However, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression was increased only in wildtype mice. This attenuation of TNF-α expression was associated with fewer F4/80+ macrophages in liver of MIF−/− mice. After 25 days of ethanol feeding, chemokine expression was increased in wildtype mice, but not MIF−/− mice. Again, this protection was associated with decreased F4/80+ cells in MIF−/− mice after ethanol feeding. Chronic ethanol feeding also sensitized wildtype, but not MIF−/−, mice to lipopolysaccharide, increasing chemokine expression and monocyte recruitment into the liver. Conclusion: Taken together, these data indicate that MIF is an important mediator in the regulation of chemokine production and immune cell infiltration in the liver during ethanol feeding and promotes ethanol-induced steatosis and hepatocyte damage. (HEPATOLOGY 2013)
miRNAs: Miracle or Mirage?: The Limes Against the Barbaric Floods of Leaky and Undesired Transcripts.

The evolution of complex animals such as insects and mammals is achieved with surprisingly few additions in protein coding genes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, have emerged as important regulators of organogenesis in insects, fish and mammals. The microRNA repertoire of animals has expanded significantly during evolution especially in vertebrates, insects and nematodes, accompanying the appearance of complex body plans. MicroRNAs therefore have gained enormous interest in recent years. They are now regarded as key modulators of gene expression in many tissues during embryogenesis, in adult organisms and in disease processes. Therefore, these small RNA molecules have entered the center stage of molecular biology and are promising candidates not only for the regulation of key biological processes such as proliferation and apoptosis, but also for therapy of human diseases.
Perspective: E-Health, HIPAA, And Beyond

De sp ite rap id and vast changes in our ability to process and share information, the encounter between patient and doctor is little different today from what it was at the dawn of the twentieth century. A bright future where health information systems can revolutionize the doctor/patient encounter on a vast scale is within our reach. However, two obstacles stand in the way: concerns over privacy and lack of uniform standards. The National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS), a congressionally appointed advisory body on e-health, has begun to address both of these barriers. A major step on this journey was made with the adoption on 11 August 2000 of the first set of rules that derive from a littleknown provision of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. The Administrative Simplification provisions of HIPAA direct the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to begin the process of establishing standards for health information, securing that information, and protecting the privacy of the individuals to whom that information refers. HIPAA also designates the NCVHS to advise the HHS secretary and Congress on these matters. The NCVHS, “the statutory public advisory body” to the HHS secretary “in the area of health data and statistics,” was created by Congress nearly fifty years ago to provide advice and assistance to the department. Its eighteen representatives come from the private sector, sixteen of whom are appointed by HHS and two by Congress. It now serves as a “forum for interaction with interested private-sector groups on a variety of key health data issues.” Its charter was revised in early 2000 to include the mandate to implement HIPAA’s Administrative Simplification provisions for U.S. health data and to cooperate with other countries in devising internationally comparable health data standards that support cross-national research.
Epidemiology, Biology, and Outcome in Multiple Myeloma Patients in different Geographical Areas of the World

Multiple myeloma has an incidence rate of 102,000 and death rate of 72,000 people per year worldwide. The incidence varies by ethnicity with highest rates observed in African Americans followed by people from industrialized nations. Consistent risk factors for MM include increasing age, male gender, black race, MGUS, and family history with familial aggregates seen globally. Chromosome abnormalities commonly seen include hyperdiploidy, translocations involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain, monosomy of chromosome 13, gains of chromosome 1q, and deletion of 17p. These chromosome abnormalities have also been observed in Asian and South American countries, although mild variability in frequencies has been seen. The International Staging System (ISS) was first validated in MM patients from North America and Europe and has shown significant correlation to survival in cohorts from South America and Asia. High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and the novel agents, thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib are recent advances that have improved response rates and survival. The original studies proving efficacy were primarily performed in the United States and European countries. Although, African Americans were seen to be 23% less likely to receive chemotherapy, similar response rates and survival were seen when given equal access to care. Recent data from several countries in South America and Asia have also shown similar advances in response rates and survival to ASCT and novel agents. The parallel improvements signify that monitoring adequate and equal access to care is critically important in order to improve the long term outcome of MM globally. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jaim.v1i1.5837 Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine. 2012; 1(1): 20-32
Systemic ICI 182,780 alters the display of sexual behaviors in the female rat.

Abstract The present study investigates the effects of the antiestrogen ICI 182,780 (ICI) on the display of sexual behaviors in female rats. ICI 182,780 is a pure anti-estrogen and when given systemically, ICI is thought to act only in the periphery, and is not believed to cross the blood brain barrier. The present study examines the effects of ICI on sexual receptivity and on paced mating behavior following treatment with estradiol benzoate (EB) and progesterone (P) (Experiment 1) or with EB alone (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, ICI (250.0 μg) did not affect the display of receptivity or paced mating behavior induced by EB and P. In contrast, in Experiment 2 female rats receiving EB alone displayed a decrease in the level of sexual receptivity following treatment with 500.0 and 750.0 μg ICI (but not 250.0 μg ICI). In addition, in Experiment 2 EB-treated female rats receiving 250.0 μg ICI spent more time away from the male rat following an intromission and were more likely to exit from the male compartment following a mount. Last, ICI had potent antiestrogenic effects on vaginal cytology (Experiment 2) and on the uterus (Experiments 1 and 2). The present study supports a role for peripheral estrogen receptors in sexual receptivity and paced mating behavior and suggests that estrogen receptor activation may decrease the aversive sensation associated with sexual stimulation.
A Proximal Strengthening Program Improves Pain, Function, and Biomechanics in Women With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Background: It is hypothesized that patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) have hip and core muscle weakness leading to dynamic malalignment of the lower extremity. Thus, hip strengthening is a common PFPS treatment approach.Purpose: To determine changes in hip strength, core endurance, lower extremity biomechanics, and patient outcomes after proximally focused rehabilitation for PFPS patients.Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods: Nineteen women (age, 22.68 ± 7.19 years; height, 1.64 ± 0.07 m; mass, 60.2 ± 7.35 kg) with PFPS participated in an 8-week program to strengthen the hip and core muscles and improve dynamic malalignment. Paired t tests were used to compare the dependent variables between prerehabilitation and postrehabilitation. The dependent variables were pain; functional ability; isometric hip abduction and external rotation strength; anterior, lateral, and posterior core endurance; joint range of motion (ROM; rearfoot eversion, knee abduction and internal rotatio...
Differential effects of environment on potato phenylpropanoid and carotenoid expression

Background Plant secondary metabolites, including phenylpropanoids and carotenoids, are stress inducible, have important roles in potato physiology and influence the nutritional value of potatoes. The type and magnitude of environmental effects on tuber phytonutrients is unclear, especially under modern agricultural management that minimizes stress. Understanding factors that influence tuber secondary metabolism could facilitate production of more nutritious crops. Metabolite pools of over forty tuber phenylpropanoids and carotenoids, along with the expression of twenty structural genes, were measured in high-phenylpropanoid purple potatoes grown in environmentally diverse locations in North America (Alaska, Texas and Florida).
Epidural Morphine in Goats after Hindlimb Orthopedic Surgery

Morphine (0.1 mg/kg) diluted with 0.9% saline to a volume of 0.13 mL/kg was administered into the epidural space at the lumbosacral junction in 10 halothane-anesthetized goats immediately before discontinuation of halothane. The same volume of 0.9% saline was given to control group of eight anesthetized goats. Both groups had undergone an orthopedic procedure that replaced the anterior cruciate ligament with a patellar tendon autograft. The appearance and unprovoked behavior of goats in the morphine group were significantly different (p < .05) from the saline groups. The goats in the morphine group were more sedate and struggled less during recovery. Epidural morphine did not produce respiratory depression or bloat during a 9 hour observation period. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure (mean, systolic, and diastolic) of the morphine group did not differ from those of the control group.