cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis and control of flexible space structures employing distributed actuators and sensors

A theory is developed that incorporates the piezoelectric effect into slewing flexible composite materials using classical laminate theory. Using the piezoelectric material as a modal sensors allows for placement of all of the poles of the system without the need for a state observer design. Pole placement is used on a numeric example involving a graphite epoxy beam and a DC motor. Critical damping of both the motor and beam are achieved.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Hotspot-migrating ridge interaction in the South Atlantic

Short-wavelength geochemical anomalies in the basaltic layer 2A occur along the South Atlantic mid-ocean ridge opposite Ascension, St Helena and Tristan hotspots, further evidence that preferential subcrustal flow channels develop between mantle upwelling zones (hotspots) and migrating ridge axes. Geochemical variability suggests that the plume along these channels would be schlieren-like rather than continuous.
Soil‐Test Methods for Florida Sands Treated with an Aluminum–Water Treatment Residual and Various Phosphorus Sources

Use of aluminum (Al)–rich water treatment residuals (Al‐WTR) has been suggested as a practice to immobilize excessive phosphorus (P) in Florida soils that could represent an environmental hazard. Fertilizer P requirements can differ in WTR‐amended and unamended soil, so careful selection of soil‐testing methodology is necessary. Acidic extractants can dissolve WTR sorbed P and overestimate plant‐available P. We evaluated the suitability of the Mehlich 1 P (M‐1P) and other agronomic soil‐test procedures in an Al‐WTR‐treated Florida soil. Bahiagrass (paspalum notatum Fluggae), ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and a second bahiagrass crop were grown in succession in a Florida topsoil amended with four sources of P at 44 kg P ha−1 (P‐based rates) and 179 kg PAN ha−1 [nitrogen (N)–based rates] and three WTR rates (0, 10, and 25 g kg−1 oven‐dry basis). Both water‐extractable P (WEP) and iron (Fe) strip P (ISP), but not M‐1P, values of soil sampled at planting of each grass were greater in the absence than in the p...
Explaining Cynicism among City and County Police

This research extends our understanding of the determinants of police cynicism. The focus of the research is on contrasting levels of cynicism among police officers fiom varying organizational types.The data for the project came from responses of 189 law enforcement officers (73 from the county agency; 1 16 from the city agency.) Each officer responded to a survey instrument which had him indicate his agreement or disagreement with a set of police cynisicm items. The data were analyzed through gamma correlation coefficients. The findings revealed specific areas of difference between members of the two types of agencies, particularly on the dimensions of police cynicism likely to develop in each.The significance of this project is that it demonstrates the importance of exploring the relationship of alternative variables, from those traditionally used in the past, with the development and continuance of police cynicism. Further, the research suggests ap propriate avenues of inquiry for additional research.
Long-term Results of ePTFE Stent-Graft versus Angioplasty in the Femoropopliteal Artery: Single Center Experience from a Prospective, Randomized Trial

PURPOSE To describe a single-center experience as part of a U.S. multicenter prospective randomized trial of PTA versus percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA)-and ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene)-covered endoprosthesis placement for the treatment of superficial femoral artery (SFA) and proximal popliteal artery stenoses and occlusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-eight patients with claudication or ischemia were treated by PTA alone ( n = 13) or PTA and endoprosthesis placement ( n = 15). Baseline characteristics, including exercise ankle/brachial index (ABI), number of patent runoff vessels, Rutherford-Becker ischemia score, and lesion length, were equivalent. Follow-up included postprocedure, objective, noninvasive vascular evaluation and a clinical status scale for a minimum of 24 months. RESULTS Technical success was achieved in 15 of 15 patients (100%) in the endoprosthesis group and 12 of 13 patients (92%) in the PTA group. Complications in the endoprosthesis group included clinically significant embolization ( n = 1, successfully treated by thrombolysis) and transient thigh pain that required medication in three patients (20%). Clinical improvement was achieved initially in all patients with a significant increase in exercise ABI in both groups (mean increase from baseline was 0.51 with 95% CI: 0.37–0.64 in endoprosthesis patients and 0.39 with 95% CI: 0.31–0.47 in PTA patients; P = .13). At 6-month follow-up with duplex US, 93% of patients (14 of 15) treated with the Hemobahn endoprosthesis (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) remained primarily patent versus 42% of patients (five of 12) treated with PTA alone. At 2 years follow-up, primary patency remained 87% (13 of 15 patients) in the endoprosthesis group versus only 25% (three of 12 patients) in the PTA group ( P = .002). Exercise ABI was >0.15 higher than baseline in 93% of patients (14 of 15) treated with endoprosthesis placement versus 54% of patients (seven of 13) treated by PTA alone. Clinical success was maintained in 87% of patients (13 of 15) in the endoprosthesis group versus 46% of patients (six of 13) in the PTA group. CONCLUSION This single-center experience with placement of the Hemobahn endoprosthesis (W.L. Gore & Associates) in the SFA demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in both patency and clinical outcome compared with PTA alone.
Formation of acetylcholine receptor clusters in mammalian sternohyoid muscle regenerating in the absence of nerves.

Abstract When the sternohyoid muscle from the rat is grafted, the original muscle fibers, including the membranes at the neuromuscular junction, degenerate irreversibly. New muscle fibers regenerate inside of the basal laminae remaining from the original muscle fibers. In this study rhodamine-α-bungarotoxin and electron microscopy have been used to demonstrate that acetylcholine receptor (AchR) clusters and synaptic folds are restored to the regenerating myotubes even when innervation to the grafts is prevented. The AchR clusters and synaptic folds colocalized with acetylcholinesterease that persisted at the original synaptic basal lamina. The AchR clusters were not restored if the original innervation band was removed from the muscle at the time of grafting. Lengths of the AchR clusters were measured in animals ranging in weight from 50 to 700 g. The lengths of clusters in the grafts were proportional to the lengths of those in the preoperative controls, suggesting that quantitative morphogenetic information persists through the period of degeneration and regeneration. However, the distribution of the AchRs within the clusters differed slightly from controls. Extrajunctional AchR clusters were present initially, but later disappeared. The sizes of these clusters were unrelated to the sizes of the junctional AchR clusters. This study demonstrates that morphogenetic cues persist within the region of the original motor and plate, possibly associated with the synaptic basal lamina.
DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY-ASSOCIATED PROTEINS AND THEIR PRESENTATION IN A WWW-ACCESSIBLE TWO-DIMENSIONAL GEL PROTEIN DATABASE

High resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and computer-assisted image analysis were used to screen 13 patients suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) versus 15 control patients for quantitative and qualitative differences in their myocardial protein expression. Right atrial tissue samples were obtained from end-stage failing explanted hearts and control hearts. Fifty-two spots differed significantly in average intensity between the DCM and the control groups. Myosin light chain 2, ventricular (MLC2) and heat shock protein HSP 27 were identified by protein microsequencing and gel map comparison with other databases. These proteins were found to be characteristic protein markers for DCM in the right atrium. In DCM patients, the spot intensity (protein abundance) of MLC2 is increased to 336% and HSP 27 is decreased to 59%, compared to the control group. The HEART-2DPAGE, a World Wide Web-accessible 2-DE database, was used and extended for the presentation of these disease-associated proteins. Retrievable via Internet we present a list of disease-associated proteins, their altered level of expression in DCM, and their position on a right atrial protein pattern. The accession number to protein sequence databases confers a connection to databases like SWISS-PROT to obtain a detailed functional and structural description of disease-associated proteins. New DCM-associated proteins are detected and their presentation in a 2-DE gel protein database is described.
Holography in the high school laboratory

During the past ten years a number of workshops were conducted which introduced holography into about 25 high schools in central Indiana. Sand box systems were constructed. Participants were provided with minimal equipment including a 5 mW laser and associated optics. both reflection and transmission holograms were produced. The workshops included several phases. During the first phase teachers were introduced to basic principles and gained hands-on experience with their systems. During the second phase staff visits to the classes assisted teachers in implementation. During the third phase teachers brought selected students for training and review. Second year workshops utilized first year participants as workshop trainers. Workshops were concluded with a review session which included a section on curriculum design to include holography in the physics lesson planning. Continuing enthusiasm for optics and specifically holography suggests that this is a great way to generate science interest in the secondary schools. The workshops were supported with Eisenhower funds administered by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
A comparative analysis of quality of life data from a Southwest Oncology Group randomized trial of advanced colorectal cancer

Longitudinal quality of life measurements from an advanced-stage cancer clinical trial are analysed using a variety of methods, and the results compared. The methods used require different assumptions about the mechanism that produces the missing data. They include analyses that require the data to be missing completely at random; fixed-effects models and weighted generalized estimating equations, which require missing at random data; and a fully parametric approach where the outcomes and the missingness mechanism are jointly modelled, allowing non-ignorable missing data. The data show evidence of non-random missingness, but a formal test of non-ignorable missing data is not significant.
Association Between Lung Function and Exposure to Smoke Among Firefighters at Prescribed Burns

We investigated the short-term effects of exposures to PM3.5, acrolein, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide on lung function in a group of firefighters performing prescribed burns. Spirometric measurements were made on 65 firefighters at the beginning, midpoint, and end of their work shift, while exposure was measured over the entire day. The interquartile range (IQR) of daily personal PM3.5 exposures was 235 μg/m3 to 1317 μg/m3, with an average daily exposure of 882 μg/m3. Concentrations of acrolein (IQR: [0.002, 0.018] ppm), formaldehyde (IQR: [0.008, 0.085] ppm), and carbon monoxide (IQR: [2.10, 10.48] ppm) were similarly elevated. In this group of firefighters, FEV1 changed by −0.125 L from preshift to postshift (p < .001). We examined the association between this cross-shift lung function decrement and smoke exposure. A 1000 μg/m3 increase in PM3.5 was associated with a −0.030 L change in the cross-shift FEV1 (95% CI [−0.087, 0.026]). Acrolein, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide exposure were also not s...
Nonmanuals, semantic operators, domain marking, and the solution to two outstanding puzzles in ASL

This paper provides an analysis of certain nonmanuals from a semantic perspective with respect to the different types of semantic operators they are associated with. The categories of operators include simple/monadic and tripartite/dyadic. This semantic analysis will explain different phonological spreading among upper face/head nonmanuals: negative headshake, brow lowering, and structurally varied use of brow raise. Negative headshake and [+wh]-question brow lowering spread over their c-command domain. However, brow raise does not spread over its c-command domain, and its spreading domain is harder to characterize. The operator analysis provides a coherent explanation for the spreading domain. This distinction underlies a new analysis of the derived sign understand′, and helps resolve two puzzling issues related to its use: (1) why it has brow raise; and (2) what position it occupies in CP. This solution offers additional evidence in support of the claim that ASL has the spec,CP on the left.
Economic Restructuring, Gender, and Informal Work: A Case Study of a Rural County1

This paper combines three issues that have previously been considered separately: economic restructuring, gender, and participation in the informal economy. Drawing on two complementary data sets of interviews with the residents of a rural county, the paper first suggests that the participation in the informal economy is extensive. The second major finding is that households whose members have held on to “good” work in the formal economy participate in the informal economy in a different way than do households whose members are less fortunate. Third, the paper demonstrates that participation in the informal economy is highly differentiated by gender. Finally the intersections among location in the formal economy, gender, and informal economic activities are discussed.
Registration for 3D surfaces with large deformations using quasi-conformal curvature flow

A novel method for registering 3D surfaces with large deformations is presented, which is based on quasi-conformal geometry. A general diffeomorphism distorts the conformal structure of the surface, which is represented as the Beltrami coefficient. Inversely, the diffeomorphism can be determined by the Beltrami coefficient in an essentially unique way. Our registration method first extracts the features on the surfaces, then estimates the Beltrami coefficient, and finally uniquely determines the registration mapping by solving Beltrami equations using curvature flow. The method is 1) general, it can search the desired registration in the whole space of diffeomorphisms, which includes the conventional searching spaces, such as rigid motions, isometric transformations or conformal mappings; 2) global optimal, the global optimum is determined by the method unique up to a 3 dimensional transformation group; 3) robust, it handles large surfaces with complicated topologies; 4) rigorous, it has solid theoretic foundation. Experiments on the real surfaces with large deformations and complicated topologies demonstrate the efficiency, robustness of the proposed method.
Two Types of Phonological Alexia

It is hypothesized, on the basis of a lexical model of reading, that there are two different underlying causes of phonological alexia. It is predicted that these two types of phonological alexia will be accompanied by different sets of symptoms. Published cases of phonological alexia are examined for evidence in support of these predictions. Two distinct groups of phonological alexic patients are observed. These results support the notion of two types of phonological alexia. The failure to find any phonological alexic patients who do not fall into one of these two categories provides evidence against non-lexical reading models.
Locking the hydrophobic loop 262-274 to G-actin surface by a disulfide bridge prevents filament formation.

Models of F-actin structure predict the importance of hydrophobic loop 262-274 at the interface of subdomains 3 and 4 to interstrand interactions in filaments. If this premise is correct, prevention of the loop conformational change-its swinging motion-should abort filament formation. To test this hypothesis, we used site-directed mutagenesis to create yeast actin triple mutant (LC) 2 CA (L180C/L269C/C374A). This mutation places two cysteine residues in positions potentially enabling the locking of loop 262-274 to the monomer surface via disulfide formation. Exposure of the purified mutant to oxidation catalysts resulted in an increased electrophoretic mobility of actin on SDS PAGE and a loss of two cysteines by DTNB titrations, consistent with disulfide formation. The polymerization of un-cross-linked mutant actin by MgCl 2 was inhibited strongly but could be restored to wild type actin levels by phalloidin and improved greatly through copolymerization with the wild-type actin. Light scattering measurements revealed nonspecific aggregation of the cross-linked actin under the same conditions. Electron microscopy confirmed the absence of filaments and the presence of amorphous aggregates in the cross-linked actin samples. Reduction of the disulfide bond by DTT restored normal actin polymerization in the presence of MgCl 2 and phalloidin. These observations provide strong experimental support for a critical role of the hydrophobic loop 262-274 in the polymerization of actin into filaments.
Momentum imparted to double-sheet and tubular structures by hypervelocity impact

Structural configurations effect on momentum imparted to spacecraft by hypervelocity meteoroid impact
Monte Carlo study of high electric field quantum transport in SiO2

Abstract Transport in SiO 2 under the influence of electric fields of the order of several MV/cm is considered. We perform a Monte Carlo computer simulation in which the effect of higher conduction bands is included. In agreement with recent experiments, we find that the electronic distribution is stable at average energies of a few eV. It is found that for the high energies and collision rates in this energy and field regime, the inclusion of quantum mechanical effects is important. In particular, we model the collisional broadening of the final energy and the intra-collisional field effect, i.e. the acceleration during a finite collision duration. We find that the net effect of these quantum corrections is an increase in average energy for fields up to 3 MV/cm and a decrease in average energy for still higher fields.
Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as a Promising Cellular Therapeutic Strategy for the Management of Graft-versus-Host Disease

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), a treatment option in hematologic malignancies and bone marrow failure syndromes, is frequently complicated by Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The primary treatment for GVHD involves immune suppression by glucocorticoids. However, patients are often refractory to the steroid therapy, and this results in a poor prognosis. Therefore alternative therapies are needed to treat GVHD. Here, we review data supporting the clinical investigation of a novel cellular therapy using Wharton’s jelly (WJ)-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as a potentially safe and effective therapeutic strategy in the management of GVHD. Adult-derived sources of MSCs have demonstrated signals of efficacy in the management of GVHD. However, there are limitations, including: limited proliferation capacity; heterogeneity of cell sources; lengthy expansion time to clinical dose; expansion failure in vitro; and a painful, invasive, isolation procedure for the donor. Therefore, alternative MSC sources for cellular therapy are sought. The reviewed data suggests MSCs derived from WJ may be a safe and effective cellular therapy for GVHD. Laboratories investigated and defined the immune properties of WJ-MSCs for potential use in cellular therapy. These cells represent a more uniform cell population than bone marrow-derived MSCs, displaying robust immunosuppressive properties and lacking significant immunogenicity. They can be collected safely and painlessly from individuals at birth, rapidly expanded and stored cryogenically for later clinical use. Additionally, data we reviewed suggested licensing MSCs (activating MSCs by exposure to cytokines) to enhance effectiveness in treating GVHD. Therefore, WJCs should be tested as a second generation, relatively homogeneous allogeneic cell therapy for the treatment of GVHD.
A model for R&D project selection with combined benefit, outcome and resource interactions

Capital budgeting of R&D projects is complicated by several types of interactions. Three types of interactions are generally recognized to occur within a set of projects: benefit interactions, resource interactions, and outcome interactions. The author presents a model that accounts for the combined effect of benefit, outcome, and resource interactions within a single set of projects. The model also allows for the allocation of several different resources. A branch and bound algorithm is presented to solve the resulting nonlinear integer program with multiple quadratic constraints. >
Determinants of normative processes: comparison of two empirical methods of specification

This study focused on how an action determines impressions of the individuals participating in the action, a substantive area with problematic data in the form of constricted variances, multicollinearity, and excessive influence of a few extreme cases. Stepwise regression often is used to determine which variables influence an outcome, but can lead to mis-specifications with problematic data. Thus this study compared two methods of discovering determinants of impression formation: stepwise regressions and analyses of variance (ANOVA). About three-quarters of the specifications obtained with one method also were obtained with the other method. The shared specifications especially related to stability of impressions, the effect of behavior morality, and consistency between evaluation of behaviors and evaluations of the participants in the action. Unique specifications from ANOVA were easier to interpret than those from stepwise regressions because stepwise regressions brought in more complex interactions than did ANOVA. With both methods, results from sub-samples constituted approximate subsets of results from larger samples, indicating that key effects can be found in small studies. However, compared with ANOVA, stepwise regressions with sub-samples brought in more effects that were absent in results from the full sample. The advantages of ANOVA derived from dichotomizing exogenous variables, which ameliorated data problems.
On the utility of radium isotopes as tracers of hydrocarbon discharge

Abstract Natural seepage of hydrocarbons commonly occurs in the Gulf of Mexico and numerous other locations around the world's oceans. In-situ quantification of discharge and transport of these hydrocarbons through the water column is somewhat limited by a lack of available tracers. Here, we consider the utility of using radium isotopes, which are commonly enriched in formation fluids contained within hydrocarbon reservoirs, as tracers of hydrocarbons discharged into the deep ocean. During a cruise in November/December 2010 through the Gulf of Mexico, radium isotopes (224Ra and 226Ra) revealed anomalous concentrations in near-bottom samples associated with the presence of hydrocarbons at several sites where hydrocarbon seepage was known to occur and observed real-time via the human-occupied vehicle Alvin. These tracers also indicated the presence of near-bottom hydrocarbons in the vicinity of the Macondo wellhead where the Deepwater Horizon blowout occurred months earlier. These hydrocarbons are presumed to originate from nearby gas seeps later identified by water column sonar returns. The short half-life of 224Ra (3.66 days) suggests that anomalously high unsupported activities of this isotope must be derived from recent (days to weeks) discharge. Sampling at the sediment–water interface confirmed that the source of the water column radium isotope anomalies is likely benthic sources. These results suggest that radium isotopes may serve as useful tracers of hydrocarbons in such an environment, and we outline steps required to quantify discharge rates and transport time scales with these tracers.
Identification of a 15-kDa cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase-anchoring Protein Associated with Skeletal Muscle L-type Calcium Channels *

Voltage-dependent potentiation of skeletal muscle L-type calcium channels requires phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) that is localized by binding to a cMP-dependent protein inase-nchoring rotein (AKAP). L-type calcium channels purified from rabbit skeletal muscle contain an endogenous co-purifying protein kinase activity that phosphorylates the α1 and β subunits of the channel. The co-purifying kinase also phosphorylates a known PKA peptide substrate, is stimulated by cAMP, and is inhibited by PKA inhibitor peptide-(5-24), indicating that it is PKA. PKA activity co-immunoprecipitates with the calcium channel, suggesting that the channel and the kinase are physically associated. Using biotinylated type II regulatory subunit of PKA (RII) as a probe, we have identified a 15-kDa RII-binding protein in purified calcium channel preparations, which we have designated AKAP-15. Anti-peptide antibodies directed against the α1 subunit of the calcium channel co-immunoprecipitate AKAP-15. Together, these findings demonstrate a physical link between PKA and the calcium channel and suggest that AKAP-15 may mediate their interaction.
Higher-order factors of the Big Five in a multi-informant sample.

In a large community sample (N = 490), the Big Five were not orthogonal when modeled as latent variables representing the shared variance of reports from 4 different informants. Additionally, the standard higher-order factor structure was present in latent space: Neuroticism (reversed), Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness formed one factor, labeled Stability, and Extraversion and Openness/Intellect formed a second factor, labeled Plasticity. Comparison of two instruments, the Big Five Inventory and the Mini-Markers, supported the hypotheses that single-adjective rating instruments are likely to yield lower interrater agreement than phrase rating instruments and that lower interrater agreement is associated with weaker correlations among the Big Five and a less coherent higher-order factor structure. In conclusion, an interpretation of the higher-order factors is discussed, including possible neurobiological substrates.
Simulation of multiproduct batch chemical processes

Abstract Multiproduct chemical plants typically contain a collection of units, some of which operate continuously and others which operate intermittently. Some material flows are continuous and others discrete. Such plants can not be modelled accurately by existing simulation programs. This paper reports the development of DISCON, a flexible simulation package for system of this type. Use of the program package is illustrated by a study to remove bottlenecks in a simplified but representative polymerization facility.
Theory of Absolute Intensities for Vibration-Rotation Transitions in Methane

Transition dipole moments have been calculated for lines in the ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{3}$, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{4}$, $2{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{3}$, and $3{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{3}$ vibration-rotation bands of $^{12}\mathrm{C}$${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$. The values of ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{2}$ are 0.76 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.10, 0.69 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.04, (1.86 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.07) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$, and (2.96 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.16) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ ${\mathrm{D}}^{2}$, respectively. These results have been applied to predict absolute line intensities. In particular, for the $P7F$ line at 2947.912 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, the calculated intensity is (1.34 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.17) ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ ${\mathrm{atm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} K. Furthermore, ultraweak absorption features observed in the $3{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{3}$ region may be accounted for on the basis of transitions with $J\ensuremath{\approx}30$.
Relationship of hepatic steatosis to adipose tissue distribution in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective: Central adiposity, a component of insulin resistance syndrome, is a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults. To determine whether a similar relationship occurs in children, hepatic fat content and adipose tissue distribution were assessed in obese children at risk for NAFLD. Methods: We reviewed the charts of obese children undergoing evaluation for NAFLD because of hepatomegaly or elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) without obvious etiology. Hepatic fat fraction and adipose tissue distribution were obtained by rapid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Hepatic fat content was determined by a modification of the Dixon method that involves fast gradient echo. Body fat distribution was assessed by using heavily Tl-weighted fast gradient echo technique on a single slice at the level of the umbilicus, and regions of interest were demarcated based upon pixel intensity threshold value including visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue content (SAT). Results: Ten children underwent hepatic MRI only. Twenty-nine children underwent hepatic and adipose tissue distribution MRI. There was a correlation between hepatic fat fraction and VAT (r = 0.37, P < 0.05) but not body mass index or SAT. Elevated serum ALT was associated with a higher hepatic fat fraction (P < 0.001) and VAT (P = 0.06). Conclusion: Visceral adiposity is a risk factor for pediatric NAFLD.
Northeastern Ohio trauma study III: Incidence of fractures

To determine the frequency with which fractures are encountered in emergency care and to estimate the incidence of fractures in a well-defined population, a population-based sample of emergency department (ED) visits was examined. Eleven percent of ED visits for trauma involved fractures. The incidence of fractures was 21 per 1,000 persons per year and had two peaks, the first at ages 10 to 14 and the second at ages greater than 60. Among young people, falls (often related to sports or recreation), striking objects, motor vehicle injuries, and assaults were the major causes of fractures. Among the elderly, falls caused 87% of all fractures.
A study of Schistosoma mansoni transferred into permissive and nonpermissive hosts.

Abstract A study of Schistosoma mansoni transferred into permissive and nonpermissive hosts. The International journal for Parasitology 7: 293–297. A study was made of the survival, growth and egg laying capacity of S. mansoni worms surgically transplanted from mice into rats or from rats into hamsters. Worms in the rat are stunted, remain localized in the liver and lay non-fertile eggs in small numbers. When transferred to the hamster, they increase in size, localize in the mesenteric veins and produce numbers of eggs approaching normal hamster-grown worms within 3 weeks following transplantation. Conversely, when adult mouse worms are injected into rats, they regress in size, remain in the liver and produce small numbers of incompletely developed eggs. These studies indicate that the physiological and reproductive status of the worm is strongly influenced by the host. Furthermore, in the nonpermissive host (the rat), the suppression of growth and egg laying is not permanent, since on transfer into a permissive environment (the hamster), stunted worms can resume growth and oviposition.
Recent experience with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy/jejunostomy (PEG/J) for enteral nutrition.

Background: Enteral feeding is the preferred means of nutritional support in patients unable to eat orally. Jejunal-placed feeding tubes are often considered optimal for this purpose. Successful administration of such tube feedings depends on the method of placement and the size of the tube. Herein we review our experience with endoscopically placed jejunal feeding tubes.
Performing South Africa's Truth Commission: Stages of Transition

Performing South Africa's Truth Commission: Stages of Transitionby Catherine M. Cole Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, African Expressive Cultures Series, 2009, 264 pp, ISBN 9780253221452 (pa...
Knowledge of genetics and attitudes toward genetic testing in two hereditary ataxia (SCA 1) kindreds.

Molecular genetic predictive or prenatal genetic testing is now possible in families with one form of adult-onset, autosomal dominant ataxia (SCA 1). Before the SCA 1 gene was isolated, we began a study of the knowledge of genetics, the perception of the disease, and the intended use of genetic testing among members of two large SCA 1 kindreds. Questionnaires were sent to 210 consenting affected, at-risk, and spouse members of two SCA 1 kindreds; data from the 117 respondents were analyzed on a personal computer. Sixty-nine percent of respondents thought predictive testing (by genetic linkage) should be made available immediately, and 42% thought prenatal testing should be made available. The kindreds differed in several important aspects: knowledge of genetic concepts, family size, and anticipated emotional responses to genetic testing. No respondent had obtained individualized genetic counseling. There is moderate interest in genetic testing for this fatal neurodegenerative disease of adulthood. Members of our kindreds have not received genetic counseling outside of the research setting. Finally, factors specific to a particular kindred may influence or predict individual responses to genetic testing. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Workflow study on human-robot interaction in USAR

This paper presents findings from field trials observing human-robot interaction between certified rescue workers and two types of tactical mobile robots at a rescue training site. Data was collected on how members of a fire rescue department directed the use of two types of robots for four tasks (climbing stairs to investigate condition of upper floors, searching dark, cluttered environments with two different sensor suites, and exploring vertical voids). The prototypical workflow, the type and frequency of errors during each task, how the robot workflow compared with existing urban search and rescue (USAR) practices, and any additional information that came out during debriefing is reported for each task. Two major workflow patterns that could be partially or fully automated were identified: stairwell search and topological search. In addition, collaborative teleoperation appeared to be an important multi-robot strategy. Rescue workers rated the robots' performance superior to existing methods for searching and for exploring vertical voids, but not for stairwells.
Do "capitalization effects" for public goods reveal the public's willingness to pay?

This article develops a welfare theoretic framework for interpreting evidence on the impacts of public programs on housing markets. We extend Rosen's hedonic model to explain how housing prices capitalize exogenous shocks to public goods and externalities. The model predicts that trading between heterogeneous buyers and sellers will drive a wedge between these �capitalization effects� and welfare changes. We test this hypothesis in the context of changes in measures of school quality in five metropolitan areas. Results from boundary discontinuity designs suggest that capitalization effects understate parents� willingness to pay for public school improvements by as much as 75%.
Nutritional effects of egg shell membrane supplements on chicken performance and immunity

Eggshell membranes (ESM) contain a variety of proteins and peptides which help in the development of embryo and provide protection to it. Many of the peptides and proteins associated with ESM have antimicrobial, immune-modulatory, and adjuvant properties. We hypothesized that the membrane byproducts from egg, provided as posthatch nutritional supplements to chickens, may improve their performance and immunity. To explore its effect, we fed 3 groups of broiler chicks with feed containing 0, 0.2, and 0.4% ESM from d 1 posthatch through 14 d and regular feed thereafter. The birds were individually weighed at the onset of the study and at weekly intervals until the termination at third wk when they were bled and euthanized. The relative weights of liver, spleen, bursa, and heart, hematology profiles, and clinical chemistry variables including serum IgM, IgG, and corticosterone concentrations were measured. The chickens in the ESM treated groups showed a statistically significant increase in BW with no impact on relative organ weights. Compared with controls, the WBC and lymphocyte percentage increased in chickens fed 0.4% ESM whereas the monocyte percentage decreased at both levels of ESM. Except for the serum protein which increased in ESM fed birds no other metabolic clinical chemistry variables showed any significant change. Both IgM and IgG(Y) levels were elevated and corticosterone levels reduced in chickens fed ESM supplemented diets. Our results suggest that ESM supplements during the early phases of growth may improve immunity and stress variables, and enhance their growth performance without any detrimental effect on other physiological parameters.
When the Whites of the Eyes are Red: A Uniquely Human Cue

Redness of the human eye is produced primarily by vasodilation of blood vessels of the conjunctiva, a membrane positioned over the sclera, the eye’s tough, white outer layer. Reddened eyes are a uniquely human cue because other primates lack the background of white sclera necessary to make the reddened conjunctiva visible. This study evaluates red eyes as a social and biological cue by contrasting the perception of eyes with normal ‘whites’ with copies of those eyes whose sclera were reddened by digital editing. Individuals with reddened sclera were perceived as sadder, less healthy, and less attractive than individuals with normal (white) sclera. Scleral whiteness joins such cues as smooth skin, long, lustrous hair, symmetry, averageness and sexually dimorphic traits as signs of health, beauty and reproductive fitness.
Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis and the Beginning of Proteomics

Featured article: O'Farrell PH. High resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis of proteins. J Biol Chem 1975;250:4007–21.2 No one had heard of proteomics in 1971. The invention of the word was 25 years away (1). At the time, doing molecular biology meant studying bacteria or their viruses, the bacteriophage. But as a starting graduate student in Boulder, Colorado, I wanted to study eukaryotic embryonic development. I joined the laboratory of Jacques Pene, which was focused on bacteriophage replication, because he was interested in starting a new system for study. He suggested the colonial algae, Volvox, which undergoes a simple embryogenesis to make two types of cells and a beautifully structured colony. Based on the bacteriophage paradigm, I chose to isolate mutants altered at different points in development. I assessed how the mutants interrupted or derailed morphogenesis, and then I wanted to compare this to how they influenced the changing pattern of gene expression, which, at the time, was best defined by changes in the proteins expressed. The most …
Analysis of Log Files Intersections for Security Enhancement

In this paper we discuss our research in developing general and systematic methods for intrusion prevention. The key idea is to use data mining techniques to discover regular patterns of system features that describe program and user behavior. Server systems invariably write detailed activity logs whose value is useful in detecting intrusion. Unfortunately, production volumes overwhelm the capacity and manageability of traditional approach. This paper discusses the issues involving large-scale log processing that helps analyze log records. In this paper we propose to analyze intersections of log files that come from different applications and firewalls installed on one computer, and intersections resulting from log files coming from different computers. Intersections of log files are substantially smaller than full logs and consist of records that indicate abnormalities in accessing single computer or set of computers. The paper concludes with some lessons we learned in building the system.
A study of the efficacy of a comprehensive memory enhancement program in healthy elderly persons

Well educated, high functioning older adults (ages 60-90) were given a comprehensive memory enhancement training program to determine the effectiveness of the program in increasing cognitive performance and positively influencing self-assessments of memory efficacy. The 68 subjects who participated in the memory enhancement training were compared to 74 subjects who were enrolled in a video control group. Between subject differences were analyzed prior to the interventions and at three time points following the interventions (immediately post, 3 months and 6 months). Only one cognitive measure, assessing verbal memory, revealed a significant difference between the groups, with participants in the memory enhancement group showing less decline from baseline than the video control group immediately following the intervention but with no difference between groups at 6 months post-intervention. Several self-report measures showed that the memory enhancement training subjects experienced improved memory functioning and decreased memory concerns relative to the video control group. The self-reported effects of the training were sustained over the 6-month follow-up period.
Role of Programmed Ventricular Stimulation and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in Patients with Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Syncope

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of programmed ventricular stimulation and ICDs in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and syncope. Between 1990 and 1998, 54 (mean age 67+/-11 years, 76% men) patients presented with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and syncope. An electrophysiological study was done in 37 of the 54 patients: 10 had inducible sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, 12 had conduction system disease or neurocardiogenic syncope, and 15 had a normal study. Overall, 17 patients received an ICD, 15 patients received a pacemaker, and 22 patients received no device. Nine of the 15 patients with a negative electrophysiological study eventually received an ICD: 3 because they were considered high risk and 6 because of recurrent syncope or presyncope. In the 17 patients who received an ICD, incidence of appropriate shocks at 1 and 3 years was 47% and 74%, respectively, in the inducible sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia group, and 40% and 40%, respectively, in the group without inducible sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (P = 0.29, log-rank test). In conclusion, programmed ventricular stimulation is not useful in risk stratification of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and syncope and may delay necessary ICD implantation.
Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Cytogenetic Damage in White, Hispanic and Black Skin Melanocytes: A Risk for Cutaneous Melanoma

Cutaneous Melanoma (CM) is a leading cause of cancer deaths, with reports indicating a rising trend in the incidence rate of melanoma among Hispanics in certain U.S. states. The level of melanin pigmentation in the skin is suggested to render photoprotection from the DNA-damaging effects of Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR). UVR-induced DNA damage leads to cytogenetic defects visualized as the formation of micronuclei, multinuclei and polymorphic nuclei in cells, and a hallmark of cancer risk. The causative relationship between Sun exposure and CM is controversial, especially in Hispanics and needs further evaluation. This study was initiated with melanocytes from White, Hispanic and Black neonatal foreskins which were exposed to UVR to assess their susceptibility to UVR-induced modulation of cellular growth, cytogenetic damage, intracellular and released melanin. Our results show that White and Hispanic skin melanocytes with similar levels of constitutive melanin are susceptible to UVR-induced cytogenetic damage, whereas Black skin melanocytes are not. Our data suggest that the risk of developing UVR-induced CM in a skin type is correlated with the level of cutaneous pigmentation and its ethnic background. This study provides a benchmark for further investigation on the damaging effects of UVR as risk for CM in Hispanics.
Genescene: An ontology-enhanced integration of linguistic and Co-occurrence based relations in biomedical Texts

The increasing amount of publicly available literature and experimental data in biomedicine makes it hard for biomedical researchers to stay up-to-date. Genescene is a toolkit that will help alleviate this problem by providing an overview of published literature content. We combined a linguistic parser with Concept Space, a co-occurrence based semantic net. Both techniques extract complementary biomedical relations between noun phrases from MEDLINE abstracts. The parser extracts precise and semantically rich relations from individual abstracts. Concept Space extracts relations that hold true for the collection of abstracts. The Gene Ontology, the Human Genome Nomenclature, and the Unified Medical Language System, are also integrated in Genescene. Currently, they are used to facilitate the integration of the two relation types, and to select the more interesting and high-quality relations for presentation. A user study focusing on p53 literature is discussed. All MEDLINE abstracts discussing p53 were processed in Genescene. Two researchers evaluated the terms and relations from several abstracts of interest to them. The results show that the terms were precise (precision 93%) and relevant, as were the parser relations (precision 95%). The Concept Space relations were more precise when selected with ontological knowledge (precision 78%) than without (60%).
Exploring German preservice teachers’ electronic and professional literacy skills

This article presents findings from an exploratory pilot project which aimed at fostering electronic and professional literacy skills of preservice language teachers through computer-mediated peer collaboration. The research context is a qualitative case study involving cooperation via the email and chat functions of FirstClass among preservice teachers at the Justus-Liebig Universitat in Giessen and the Padagogische Hochschule Heidelberg in Germany. The author investigates participants’ prior experiences with regard to computer skills, Internet proficiency, and technology-based language learning and teaching. Next, she discusses benefits and challenges for preservice teachers with respect to collaborating via computers (computer-mediated communication or CMC) with their transatlantic partners. In collecting and analyzing preservice teachers’ reflections, a Grounded Theory approach (Strauss & Corbin, 1998) was used. Instances of electronic and professional literacies were identified and triangulated with data from pre-course questionnaires, post-course self-assessments, logs, email and chat transcripts, and field notes. The author discusses benefits and challenges which preservice teachers encountered through the collaboration. Findings include preservice teachers’ differing levels of electronic literacy skills, tolerance for ambiguity, institutional constraints, peer feedback, and perception of the final product. Based on her findings, the author stresses the need to encourage preservice teachers’ meta-level reflections on the challenges of the collaboration and suggests conducting longitudinal follow-up studies in order to investigate if and how in-service teachers apply the knowledge they gained from their teacher education program to their own teaching.