cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cerebrospinal fluid glucose: turnover and metabolism.

: The turnover of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose was studied in cats during steady-state perfusion. In all experiments, the perfusion fluid contained either tracer [14C]glucose alone or tracer glucose along with 4.45 mM unlabeled glucose. In some studies, serum glucose was lowered with insulin. The concentration of glucose and [14C]glucose in the effluent fluid was measured, and the distribution of 14C between glucose and lactate was determined by chromatography. From these values, the extraction of glucose and the metabolism of glucose to lactate were calculated. From the decrease in the specific activity of glucose in the perfusion fluid, the influx of glucose from serum was also determined. During steadystate perfusion, 71% of the radioactivity was recovered in the effluent fluid: 50% in the form of glucose, 6% in the form of lactate, and 15% in forms that were not identified. Thus, 50% of the perfusion fluid glucose was cleared, of which 29% was extracted and 21% metabolized. The influx of glucose was proportional to the serum glucose when the latter was about 2.5 mM or 10.0 mM. During perfusion with tracer glucose only, the concentration of glucose in the effluent fluid was 25% that of serum. The transport of glucose from serum was independent of the glucose concentration gradient between serum and perfusion fluid. However, when perfusion fluid glucose concentration was greater than that of serum, transport was inhibited. These studies suggest that in maintaining CSF glucose at a lower concentration than serum glucose, with equal amounts of glucose entering and leaving the CSF, 50% of CSF glucose concentration cleared is replaced by 25% of serum glucose concentration.
A randomized clinical trial comparing low-glycemic index versus ADA dietary education among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Objective We compared the effects of a low glycemic index (GI) diet with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods Forty individuals with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes were randomized to a low-GI or an ADA diet. The intervention, consisting of eight educational sessions (monthly for the first 6 mo and then at months 8 and 10), focused on a low-GI or an ADA diet. Data on demographics, diet, physical activity, psychosocial factors, and diabetes medication use were assessed at baseline and 6 and 12 mo. Generalized linear mixed models were used to compare the two groups on HbA1c, diabetic medication use, blood lipids, weight, diet, and physical activity. Results Participants (53% female, mean age 53.5 y) were predominantly white with a mean body mass index of 35.8 kg/m 2 . Although both interventions achieved similar reductions in mean HbA1c at 6 mo and 12 mo, the low-GI diet group was less likely to add or increase dosage of diabetic medications (odds ratio 0.26, P = 0.01). Improvements in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and weight loss were similar between groups. Conclusion Compared with the ADA diet, the low-GI diet achieved equivalent control of HbA1c using less diabetic medication. Despite its limited size, this trial suggests that a low-GI diet is a viable alternative to the ADA diet. Findings should be evaluated in a larger randomized controlled trial.
Preparation and in vitro dissolution tests of egg albumin microcapsules of nitrofurantoin

Abstract Egg albumin microspheres of nitrofurantoin with and without ethylcellulose coating have been prepared by the methods of heat coagulation and phase separation. The effects of experimental conditions on the properties of beads and drug release rate were studied. In vitro dissolution tests in pH 7.2 phosphate buffer showed that release rate of nitrofurantoin from albumin beads was significantly reduced as compared to the nitrofurantoin powder. Ninety percent of the drug dissolved from the nitrofurantoin powder in about 1 h, while approximately 2 h were needed for half of the drug to be released from the albumin beads. The release of nitrofurantoin from ethylcellulose-coated microcapsules followed an apparent zero-order rate, although the drug was not completely released from the beads during the 8 h dissolution time. The constant rate of drug release from the coated beads suggests that the release of the drug was largely controlled by the permeability of nitrofurantoin through the coating.
Laser Stark spectroscopy of CD3Cl at λ=337μm

A submillimeter laser Stark spectrum has been observed for fully deuterated Methyl Chloride (CD3Cl) with the 337 μm line of the HCN laser up to Stark fields of about 54000 V/cm. The spectra were taken for both Parallel and Perpendicular Polarizations and the multiplet transitions were identified as JK=42K←41K in the ground vibrational state. Three families with K=12, 13 and 14 have been identified and their zero field frequencies have been given with improved accuracy over those calculated from available molecular constants.
Lasing with resonant feedback in random media

We studied experimentally lasing with resonant feedback in disordered media. The lasing threshold and the number of lasing modes exhibit strong dependence on the mean free path. Using a spectrally resolved speckle technique, we obtained the spatial field correlation function for individual lasing states. The electric field amplitude of a lasing state falls exponentially with the transverse coordinate at the sample surface. The spatial extent of a lasing state shrinks as the scattering length decreases.
Modeling active imager performance

Active imaging systems with coherent or partially coherent illuminators differ significantly from passive incoherent imagers. The impact of atmospheric turbulence in active systems can be greater than in a passive systems and rough surface induced speckle is often present in the imagery. The nature of the target illumination is also of a significantly different character than in passive systems. Currently released NVESD models do not address these aspects of imaging for full or partially coherent illumination. Extensions of the NVESD models to account for the performance impact of turbulence and speckle have been completed. This paper outlines the methods used for modeling the performance of active imaging systems with particular attention to the impact of speckle and atmospheric scintillation. Results from perception experiments using simulated imagery are presented.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Gastric nitrite processing in the surgically altered maximal and minimal bile reflux ferret model

Ingested nitrate and nitrite have been shown to contribute to endogenous, N-nitroso compound formation in man and experimental animals. N-nitroso compounds have long been suspected of contributing to higher levels of gastric cancer in various populations. Reconstructive gastric surgery to treat ulcers is accompanied by a change in bile reflux, gastritis and an increased incidence of gastric cancer in humans. To evaluate possible connections between gastric nitrite processing, reconstructive surgery and gastric cancer, the surgically altered domestic ferret, Mustela putorius furo, was used as an experimental model. The aim of the study was to determine if surgery would alter the stomach in a way which would increase gastric nitrite concentration, and thereby enhance the likelihood of gastric N-nitroso compound formation. Three groups of ferrets, one control group (n = 6) and two groups of surgically altered ferrets, one to simulate maximal bile reflux (MABR, n = 6), and the other to model minimal bile reflux (MIBR, n = 7), were studied. Each group's response to an exogenously administered dose of sodium nitrite did not differ significantly with respect to rate of gastric nitrite absorption, with half-lives in the 13-min range. Permeability of gastric mucosa to nitrite did not differ between controls and MIBR ferrets. Mean doubling time of gastric nitrate appeared slowed in surgically altered ferrets. Mean rate of gastric emptying was the same in the three groups, but appeared delayed initially in MIBR ferrets. Thiocyanate concentrations, pH and HCl secretion, all parameters which have been shown to affect gastric nitrite processing, did not differ significantly between groups. Gastric mucosal endoscopic biopsies obtained at 6-month intervals showed no clear difference in degree of mucosal inflammation and/or dysplasia in the three groups. These findings indicate that gastric mucosal neoplasia has not occurred in this model and that changes in parameters favoring gastric N-nitrosation, even if relevant to the disease process, are not apparent at this time.
Optimal Parallel Randomized Algorithms for the Voronoi Diagram of Line Segments in the Plane

Abstract. We present an optimal parallel randomized algorithm for the Voronoi diagram of a set of n nonintersecting (except possibly at endpoints) line segments in the plane. Our algorithm runs in O(log n) time with high probability using O(n) processors on a CRCW PRAM. This algorithm is optimal in terms of work done since the sequential time bound for this problem is Ω(n log n) . Our algorithm improves by an O(log n) factor the previously best known deterministic parallel algorithm, given by Goodrich, O'Dunlaing, and Yap, which runs in O( log 2 n) time using O(n) processors. We obtain this result by using a new ``two-stage'' random sampling technique. By choosing large samples in the first stage of the algorithm, we avoid the hurdle of problem-size ``blow-up'' that is typical in recursive parallel geometric algorithms. We combine the two-stage sampling technique with efficient search and merge procedures to obtain an optimal algorithm. This technique gives an alternative optimal algorithm for the Voronoi diagram of points as well (all other optimal parallel algorithms for this problem use the transformation to three-dimensional half-space intersection).
Perceived and Ideal Family Communication Patterns and Family Satisfaction for Parents and their College-Aged Children

A sample of 120 dyads consisting of a parent and their college-aged child provided reports of perceived and ideal family communication patterns (FCP) in addition to indicating their satisfaction with the family. Results indicated high correlations between perceived and ideal FCP dimensions for both parents and their children. Parents reported higher scores than children did on perceived conversation orientation, ideal conversation orientation, and ideal conformity orientation. Children reported a larger gap between perceived and ideal conformity orientation, the result of a perceived excess of conformity orientation in the family. For both parents and children, unmet conversation ideals were largely the result of insufficient conversation orientation to meet desires. After controlling statistically for perceived conversation orientation, parent satisfaction was negatively predicted from the parent-child discrepancy on conversation orientation, and child satisfaction was negatively predicted from the paren...
New concepts in vascular nitric oxide signaling

Low levels of nitric oxide (NO) control the activities of guanylate cyclase and mitochondrial respiration. Increasing NO levels interact with multiple signaling systems through the formation of peroxynitrite and other oxidation products. Signaling mechanisms linked to NO participate in the prevention of acute responses such as vasoconstriction, thrombosis and the recruitment of inflammatory cells. In contrast, processes related to vascular remodeling, and responses to injury that are associated with the progression and adaptation to disease processes, are not as well understood. Many of the opposing processes involved in these adaptations may originate from the diverse signaling mechanisms that NO and its oxidized products can regulate in a cell-specific manner in the vessel wall.
Challenges in pre-clinical testing of anti-cancer drugs in cell culture and in animal models

Experiments with cultures of human tumor cell lines, xenografts of human tumors into immunodeficient mice, and mouse models of human cancer are important tools in the development and testing of anti-cancer drugs. Tumors are complex structures composed of genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous cancer cells that interact in a reciprocal manner with the stromal microenvironment and the immune system. Modeling the complexity of human cancers in cell culture and in mouse models for preclinical testing is a challenge that has not yet been met although tremendous advances have been made. A combined approach of cell culture and mouse models of human cancer is most likely to predict the efficacy of novel anti-cancer treatments in human clinical trials.
Coronavirus 229E susceptibility in man-mouse hybrids is located on human chromosome 15

Human coronavirus 229E, an enveloped, RNA-containing virus, causes respiratory illness in man and is serologically related to murine coronavirus JHM, which causes acute and chronic demyelination in rodents. 229E displays a species-specific host range restriction whose genetic basis was studied in human-mouse hybrids. 229E replicated in human WI-38 cells but not in three mouse cell lines tested (RAG, LM/TK−, and A9). Human coronavirus sensitivity (HCVS) was expressed as a dominant phenotype in hybrids, indicating that mouse cells do not actively suppress 229E replication. HCVS segregated concordantly with the human chromosome 15 enzyme markers mannose phosphate isomerase (MPI) and the muscle form of pyruvate kinase (PKM2), and analysis of hybrids containing an X/15 translocation [t(X;15)(p11;q11)] localized HCVS to the q11 → qter region of chromosome 15. HCVS might code for a specific surface receptor, allowing 229E to be absorbed to and received within the host cell.
Quantization Noise in Adaptive Weighting Networks

Adaptive weighting networks can be implemented using in-phase and quadrature, phase-phase, or phase-amplitude modulators. The statistical properties of the quantization error are derived for each modulator and the quantization noise power produced by the modulators are compared at the output of an adaptive antenna. Other relevant characteristics of the three types of modulators are also discussed.
Bias-temperature stability of nitrided oxides and reoxidized nitrided oxides

It is well known that bias-temperature stressing of MOS devices produces increased interface state densities and insulator fixed charges, thus limiting the high temperature applications of these devices. Nitrided oxides have previously been reported to offer increased resistance to interface state generation and insulator charge buildup in ionizing radiation and room temperature hot electron stress, but under some nitridation conditions are known to suffer from problems which include a low field bias temperature instability. We will report that reoxidized nitrided oxides can offer increased resistance to both bias-temperature stress-induced interface state generation and insulator charge buildup compared with the original oxides.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Structure and Properties of Low Silica Yttrium Aluminosilicate Glasses

Yttrium aluminosilicate glasses are of technological importance in photonics, nuclear waste disposal, and as a delivery vehicle for radiation therapy. Their structures are also of great interest in glass science to elucidate the principles of glass formation and structures. We provide classical molecular dynamics simulation results of a series of yttrium aluminosilicate glasses with low silica concentration. Detailed structure analyses including coordination number, pair and bond angle distributions, Si-O and Al-O network structures, and primitive ring statistics are reported. It is found that the average aluminum coordination number decreases from 4.7 to 4.2 with increasing silica content from 5 to 20 mol%, while maintaining alumina at 55 mol%. Four-coordinated aluminum ions increase from 40% to 84% in the series and the fraction of edge-sharing alumino-oxygen polyhedra decreases, indicating an increased network former role of aluminum ions with increasing silica content. Physical properties such as elastic constant, bulk modulus, Young's modulus, and Possion's ratio were calculated. The results show a decrease of bulk, Young's, and shear moduli with increasing silica and decreasing yttria contents that is in good agreement with experimental data.
Regulation of leukocyte locomotion by Ca2

Abstract Neutrophils migrate towards sites of inflammation and infection by chemotaxis. Their motility is dependent on the actin cytoskeleton and on adhesion to extracellular substrates, but how these are regulated in response to stimuli is not clear. This review focuses on the potential role of Ca 2+ as a second messenger in neutrophil motility. Several effects of Ca 2+ and Ca 2+ -binding proteins on the stability and crosslinking of actin polymers have been demonstrated in vitro. Nevertheless, the complex mechanism by which Ca 2+ regulates actin in neutrophils is not fully understood. In addition, intracellular Ca 2+ regulates the intergin-mediated adhesion of neutrophils to extracellular matrix.
A sensitive enhanced chemiluminescent-ELISA for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite antigen in midguts of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes.

Abstract Efforts to develop a successful malaria vaccine are hampered due to lack of assays that are predictive of protective immunity without conducting large clinical studies. The effect of experimental vaccines and drugs on malaria transmission is yet more difficult to measure. Knowledge on the Plasmodium infection rate in mosquito populations will aid the measurement of effects from intervention measures for malaria control. Here, we report the development of a chemiluminescent sandwich ELISA (ECL-ELISA) that can detect Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (Pf CSP) produced in recombinant form at concentrations of 4.4 pg and in P. falciparum sporozoites (Pf SPZ) derived from mosquito salivary glands at levels corresponding to 5 Pf SPZ. Most importantly, we demonstrate reliable Pf CSP-based detection of 0.056 day 8 P. falciparum oocysts developing inside mosquito midguts in whole mosquito lysates. Cumulatively, the ECL-ELISA is 47 × more sensitive for the detection of Pf CSP than a colorimetric ELISA while greatly simplifying sample preparation, obviating the need for cumbersome midgut dissections and allowing high throughput screening of Plasmodium infection in mosquito populations. The ECL-ELISA may also have broader application in diagnosis of infectious diseases and the prognostic value in cancer and other diseases such as auto-immunity and genetic disorders based on antigen detection, or quality validation of biological vaccine components.
Detection of viruses in water: A review of methods and application☆

Abstract One of the major problems facing environmental health officials in regard to water quality is related principally to the unavailability of reliable and standard methods to concentrate, detect, and isolate low-multiplicities of virus from very large volumes of water. The critical examination of all water supplies for the presence of viruses (including waters used for drinking, recreation, and food production) requires a quantitative approach. In order to be quantitative, measurable quantities of water must be examined. This is the only way in which a definitive assessment can be made as to the distribution and extent of virus contamination of our water resources. The challenge to the virologist is related to the need for developing new and/or improved techniques in the laboratory that have a high likelihood for adaptation to the real world situation. In this regard, a number of techniques have been shown experimentally to be good candidates for assessing the occurrence of viruses in various types of water. The most promising methods are: (i) membrane-adsorption technique; (ii) adsorption to precipitable salts, iron oxide, and polyelectrolytes; (iii) aqueous polymer two-phase separation technique; and (iv) soluble alginate filter technique. Most of these methods have shown good-to-excellent virus recovery efficiencies as well as a reasonable efficacy for concentrating viruses from water in controlled laboratory experiments. Other methods such as (i) continuous-flow ultracentrifugation; (ii) forced-flow electrophoresis and electro-osmosis, and (iii) hydroextraction have also shown favorable virus recovery efficiencies under laboratory-controlled conditions but fall short as candidate techniques for real world virus-in-water problems. From the data, it would appear that the most promising methods for detecting and isolating low-multiplicities of virus in clean and finished waters are those that rely on virus adsorption and/or retention coupled with a flow-through sampling system. For waters that are moderately or grossly turbid, it would appear that aqueous polymer two-phase separation may be the better approach. In this review paper, the above methods are briefly described in terms of mechanisms, procedure and efficiency. The methods are evaluated in terms of speed, simplicity, and economy of application.
Fabrication and applications of two-dimensional periodic waveguides using colloidal crystals

Two-dimensional periodic waveguides have been made by depositing colloidal crystals on top of a planar waveguide. We present a fabrication technique and discuss applications of 2D periodic waveguides in optical coupling, filtering, and wavelength demultiplexing.
A new adaptive Kalman filtering method for block-based motion estimation

This paper presents a new adaptive Kalman filtering method to improve the performance of block-based motion estimation. In our work, measured motion vectors are obtained by a conventional block-matching algorithm (BMA). A first order autoregressive model is employed to fit the motion correlation between neighboring blocks and then to achieve the predicted motion information. To further improve the performance, a new approach is proposed for adaptively adjust the state parameters of the Kalman filter during each filtering iteration according to the statistics of the motion vector (MV) measurements. The experimental results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method in terms of peak-signal-to-noise-ratio (PSNR) of the motion compensated images with smoother motion vector fields. Furthermore, since the Kalman filtering is independent of motion estimation, it can be applied to any block matching motion estimation algorithm for performance improvement with little modification. Another benefit from the Kalman filtering is the fraction pixel accuracy of motion vectors with no additional bits to transmit for MV.
Use of a notation system for digital control and recording

This paper describes (1) a notation system for digital control and recording, (2) some improvements to SKED, and (3) future developments and uses of minicomputers.
“The New Deal”: Burkean Identification and Working-Class Poetics

Working-class people perform class identities. These performances are marked with ironies in which working class symbolizes power and powerlessness. Such performances elide linear meaning-making in favor of poetic paradox and help us understand the contradictions of working-class life. The New Deal, a chapbook by my great-grandfather, represents an occasion for understanding how one working-class person used language to consider his life's contradictions. The chapbook articulates a unique “working-class poetics” and suggests why rhetoricians ought to locate representations of the paradoxes of working-class life.
Patient-Specific iPSC-Derived RPE for Modeling of Retinal Diseases

Inherited retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, are the leading cause of blindness in the developed world. Currently, treatments for these conditions are limited. Recently, considerable attention has been given to the possibility of using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a treatment for these conditions. iPSCs reprogrammed from adult somatic cells offer the possibility of generating patient-specific cell lines in vitro. In this review, we will discuss the current literature pertaining to iPSC modeling of retinal disease, gene therapy of iPSC-derived retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells, and retinal transplantation. We will focus on the use of iPSCs created from patients with inherited eye diseases for testing the efficacy of gene or drug-based therapies, elucidating previously unknown mechanisms and pathways of disease, and as a source of autologous cells for cell replacement.
Pediatric deep space neck infections in U.S. children, 2000-2009.

Abstract Objective Deep space neck infections (DNI) are common pediatric illnesses, which can lead to significant morbidity and healthcare expenditures. Recent studies suggest that the incidence of pediatric DNI in the United States is increasing, but no nationally representative studies exist. This study sought to characterize pediatric DNI at the national level over the past decade and to determine whether U.S. incidence of pediatric DNI and associated resource utilization changed from 2000 to 2009. Methods The Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) was used to evaluate pediatric DNI incidence, demographics, and outcomes from 2000 to 2009. Cases were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnostic codes for peritonsillar abscess (475), parapharyngeal abscess (478.22), and retropharyngeal abscess (478.24). Regression analyses within each year and across the entire study period were performed on variables of interest including performance of imaging studies, operative intervention, length of hospital stay and total hospital charges. Results The incidence of retropharyngeal abscess increased significantly from 0.10 cases per 10,000 in 2000 to 0.22 in 2009 (p = 0.02). There was no significant change during this time period in the incidence of combined DNI (1.07–1.37 cases per 10,000, p = 0.07), peritonsillar abscess (0.82–0.94 cases per 10,000, p = 0.12) or parapharyngeal abscess (0.08–0.14 cases per 10,000, p = 0.13). The percentage of retropharyngeal abscess patients managed surgically decreased (48–38%, p = 0.04) and the average length of hospital stay also decreased during this time (4.6–3.9 days, p = 0.03). There was a marked increase in the total inflation-corrected hospital charges per case for all DNI ($9,486–16,348, p = 0.005). Conclusions The incidence of pediatric retropharyngeal abscess has increased significantly from 2000 to 2009, without concurrent increases in the incidence of combined DNI, peritonsillar, or parapharyngeal abscesses. There has been a change in management of retropharyngeal abscesses during this time with a decrease in operative intervention and a decrease in the length of hospital stay. Hospital charges associated with all pediatric DNI have nearly doubled during this timeframe, warranting future epidemiologic resource utilization studies in this population.
Causes and Prevention of Diabetic Foot Skin Breakdown

As the number of persons with diabetes increases, there is an increased incidence of foot skin breakdown and lower extremity amputations. Approximately 44%–85% of those amputations can be prevented. Prevention requires an understanding of the causes of diabetic foot skin breakdown and the measures necessary for prevention. As rehabilitation nurses, we care for patients with strokes, hip fractures, spinal cord injuries, or joint replacements, who are diabetic and are at risk for foot skin breakdown. We also care for patients with amputations who are at risk for skin breakdown of the remaining foot. This article identifies the causes of foot skin breakdown, such as neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, trauma, and infection. Discussion includes patients who are at risk, the foot areas at risk, preventive measures, and patient and family education for the prevention of foot skin breakdown in the diabetic patient.
Middle School Attitude Survey

The investigation explored some aspects of attitudes held by teachers towards the 9‐13 Middle School. The data were obtained from teachers working in 9‐13 Middle Schools within one northern Metropolitan District. The sample consisted of 708 Middle School teachers, from a total Middle School teaching population of 1063 teachers. The data were collected during the period November 1980 to March 1981. Findings indicated that a majority of these practising teachers held positive attitudes towards the 9‐13 Middle School. Separate ratings were obtained for a variety of subgroups within the total population based on age, sex, status in school and previous training and experience. A questionnaire, in addition to the attitude questionnaire, produced data indicating almost a 2:1 preference for the 9‐13 as opposed to the 8‐12 Middle School. Even accepting the fact that some teachers may prefer the status quo when asked to state a preference in an unstable educational climate such as we have now, it is still felt to b...
A Review of: “HUNGERING FOR AMERICA: ITALIAN, IRISH, AND JEWISH FOODWAYS IN THE AGE OF MIGRATION”

(2005). A Review of: “HUNGERING FOR AMERICA: ITALIAN, IRISH, AND JEWISH FOODWAYS IN THE AGE OF MIGRATION”. Food and Foodways: Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 237-240.
El desarrollo de la intersubjetividad y la colaboración

ResumenEn este articulo se analiza el concepto de intersubjetividadcomo un proceso basico para la coordinacion social y la comunicacion, que se desarrolla con la participacion en actividades productivas realizadas conjuntamente, en un marco significativo historico y sociocultural. Se discute la idea de que los ninos se involucran intersubjetivamente con otras personas desde edades muy tempranas, iniciandose asi el desarrollo de la colaboracion facilitado por actividades culturales en que ocurre la interaccion co-participativa. Esto contrasta con los contextos escolares tradicionales que siguen un enfoque de transmision de la ensenanza; se argumenta que tales contextos no ofrecen suficientes oportunidades de colaboracion y afectan, ademas, a las formas de interaccion de los ninos, especialmenteen la forma en que abordan actividades de aprendizaje.
“Come Heavy, or Not at All” Defended Neighborhoods, Ethnic Concentration, and Chicago Robberies; Examining the Italian American Organized Crime Influence

Several qualitative studies, conducted in Chicago, provide the framework for the argument that, despite the massive illicit dealings of the Italian American organized crime, the residential neighborhoods in which they live and work remain relatively free of violent crime, more so than other similar urban neighborhoods. This study quantitatively examines the characteristics of the "defended neighborhood," and how they are uniquely applied to Chicago neighborhoods. Focusing on neighborhood reputation, this research considers the influence of public reputation as informal social control over violent street crime. The results indicate that neighborhoods with an Italian American concentration have significantly lower rates of robbery compared with the rest of the city of Chicago. Language: en
Congenital malformations in offspring of Hispanic and African-American women in California, 1989–1997

BACKGROUND Little is known about risks of most specific birth defects among infants born to U.S.-born and foreign-born Hispanic or African-American women. METHODS Using data from a large population-based registry, we explored risks of selected congenital malformation phenotypes in offspring of U.S.-born and foreign-born Hispanic and African-American women, relative to non-Hispanic white women, in California. Approximately 2.2 million live births and stillbirths occurred during the ascertainment period, 1989–1997. Information on maternal racial-ethnic background and other covariates was obtained from birth certificate and fetal death files. RESULTS Adjusted relative risks (ARRs) for the 20 groupings of malformations designated by three-digit British Pediatric Association (BPA) codes ranged from 0.6 (genital organ malformations, among infants born to foreign-born Hispanics) to 1.7 (anencephaly, also among infants born to foreign-born Hispanics). Grouping by four-digit BPA codes revealed that among infants born to U.S.-born Hispanics, 46 of the ARRs were ≤0.8 and 12 were ≥1.3; among infants born to foreign-born Hispanics, 75 of the ARRs were ≤0.8 and 15 were ≥1.3; and among infants born to African-American women, 45 ARRs were ≤0.8 and 25 were ≥1.3. For each racial-ethnic group of women, the observed variability in risks covered most organ systems. CONCLUSIONS Although the results suggested that (in comparison with non-Hispanic whites) each racial-ethnic group was more likely to have reduced risk for specific defects (rather than elevated risk), in general, the range of the relative risks was comparatively narrow. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Detection of Atmospheric Pollutants at Parts-per-Billion Levels by Infrared Spectroscopy

Infrared detection of air pollutants has been extended to the parts-per-billion sensitivity range. The increased detection sensitivity results from the use of the scanning Michelson interferometer, cooled solid state detectors, the fast minicomputer, and the multiple pass long path cell. Forming ratios of spectra with the aid of the computer extracts obscure information and minimizes the interferences of atmospheric water and carbon dioxide. Almost all of the significant gaseous pollutants can be measured by the method described, even at concentrations smaller than one part pollutant to one billion parts air.
Hip muscle co-contraction: evidence from concurrent in vivo pressure measurement and force estimation

The biomechanical literature over the past three decades reports direct measurements of human hip joint contact forces from instrumented implants which in general are quite different than estimates of contact forces based on external kinematic-ground reaction force data and inverse Newtonian analyses. Because direct physical measurement establishes veridical values in science, the higher analytical estimates may overestimate the balanced muscle force increments in agonist-antagonistic muscles about the joint (called co-contraction) which control joint impedance and contribute to joint stability. We studied the extent of muscle co-contraction by comparing in vivo endoprosthesis pressure measurements on hip articular cartilage and intersegmental force estimations from concurrent kinetic-kinematic data. Muscle co-contraction was evident from pressure magnitudes higher than those consistent with external data, from pressure rises before foot-floor contact, and substantial differences in the locations on the acetabulum of the highest pressures compared with the corresponding force vectors estimated from external data. Therefore, joint force and pressure inferences from external kinematic and kinetic data, without corroborating direct, internal measurements, should be made with more caution than is evident in the current literature.
Quarrying Evidence at the Quispisisa Obsidian Source, Ayacucho, Peru

Artifacts made from Quispisisa obsidian are widely disseminated in the Peruvian Andes, but the geological source of the Quispisisa geochemical type was only recently located in southern Ayacucho. Following the positive identification of the source in 1999 by Richard Burger and colleagues, we found evidence of broad quarrying activities in unexplored portions of the source area. We describe 34 quarry pits, some as large as 80 m across, together with evidence of early- stage lithic reduction at the source. We encountered high concentrations of reduction debris associated with more extensive knapping in two localities, but our preliminary evaluation of surface evidence suggests that much of the material quarried was removed from the area as intact nodules or after minimal reduction at the source area. Los estudios geoquimicos de la obsidiana en los Andes Centrales han demostrado que la gran mayoria de los artefactos prehispanicos hechos de obsidiana se produjeron utilizando materia prima de ocho fuentes, cada una de las cuales es distinta en terminos de composicion geoquimica. De las ocho fuentes, material de Alca, Chivay, y Quispisisa predomina en las colecciones de todas las epocas prehispanicas. El tipo geoquimico de obsidiana llamado Quispisisa ocupa una posicion importante en la historia del Peru prehispanico, pues herramientas hechas de este material se han encontrado en muchos sitios de la costa y sierra de la parte norcentral del pais. Esos sitios se caracterizan por encontrarse dispersos en un amplio marco espacial y temporal, pues algunos se ubican en lugares distantes de la fuente y corresponden a epocas diversas, inclusive, algunas de ellas tan antiguas como el Preceramico Temprano. A pesar de esa importancia evidente, hasta la fecha solo se habia ubicado la fuente, y faltaba cualquier exploracion y registro detallado de los afloramientos de obsidiana y de los rasgos de explotacion humana de la zona. A partir del ano 2007 Tripcevich y Contreras visitaron la fuente ubicada por Richard Burger y sus colegas en la zona de Huanca Sancos, Ayacucho; posteriormente en el ano 2009 los autores, con el apoyo de unas colegas, ampliaban las investigaciones y como producto de ello han revelado que el area geografica que abarca la fuente de obsidiana tipo Quispisisa es mucho mas extensa de lo que se habia pensado. Asimismo, han logrado documentar la existencia de varios rasgos de explotacion de la fuente tales como: pozos de cantera, lascas de reduccion inicial de material, y caminos, los mismos que evidencian la presencia de la actividad de la canteria de obsidiana a una escala unica en los Andes.
Financing and disseminating small energy systems in rural areas

Abstract The viability of small energy systems, primarily photovoltaic systems, is discussed as an alternative for rural electrification via traditional grid extension. A dissemination model that incorporates financing to allow access to a much larger population of users and technology support (e.g., training for sales and service and small business development) is described. The experience of two successful programs is presented to illustrate the keys to effective program development and implementation.
Prediction of the Sandia Fracture Challenge using a shear modified porous plasticity model

Blind analyses of the localization and ductile fracture behavior of an arbitrarily shaped coupon, performed for the Sandia Fracture Challenge, are presented. These analyses were performed using a shear-modified Gurson porous plasticity model that was calibrated using standard mechanical test data. The blind predictions were found to be in good agreement with experimental data, thus increasing confidence in the calibration methodology where test data is not available. In addition to the analyses submitted to the Challenge, additional non-blind analyses examining the role of both as-machined versus nominal coupon geometry and the selected value of initial porosity were conducted. It was found that by capturing the as-machined, out of tolerance, geometry in numerical calculations the fracture mode was altered from tension to shear. This agrees well with the experimental observation that all in-tolerance coupons failed in a tensile mode while all out-of-tolerance coupons failed in a shear mode. Additionally, it was found that by modifying the initial void volume fraction to a lower value still within the range that the calibration methodology provided, calculations capturing this as-machined geometry were able to closely match experimental results.
Surgically Implanted Energy Harvesting Devices for Renewable Power Sources in Insect Cyborgs

This work details the implantation process of an energy harvester platform within a Manduca sexta Hawkmoth for the purpose of creating a cyborg insect. Also included is an evaluation of energy harvesting with respect to present lightweight battery technology and the magnitudes of ambient energy available for the cyborg insect application. Specific emphasis is given to kinetic energy harvester development, with theory and fabrication of the devices detailed.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Some Econometrics of Growth: Great Ratios of Economics

Introduction, 173. — Statistical estimation of the model, 174. — The savings-income ratio, 175. — The capital-output ratio, 178. — Labor's share, 180. — Velocity of circulation, 184. — The capital-labor ratio, 186. — The model as a whole, 188. — Some remarks on the rate of interest, 192. — The aggregate production function and factor substitution, 195. — Another possible great ratio, 197.
In vivo flow speed measurement of capillaries by photoacoustic correlation spectroscopy

We recently proposed photoacoustic correlation spectroscopy (PACS) and demonstrated a proof-of-concept experiment. Here we use the technique for in vivo flow speed measurement in capillaries in a chick embryo model. The photoacoustic microscopy system is used to render high spatial resolution and high sensitivity, enabling sufficient signals from single red blood cells. The probe beam size is calibrated by a blood-mimicking phantom. The results indicate the feasibility of using PACS to study flow speeds in capillaries.
Embedded IC and high-Q passives technology for ultra-compact Ku-band VCO module

In this letter, we present a novel ultra-compact embedded IC integration approach for system-on-package (SOP) based solutions for RF and wireless communication applications. This concept is applied to the integration of a Ku band VCO module. The module fabrication is described and the impact of the packaging on the chip-set performances is discussed. The final thickness of the module is about 150 /spl mu/m. The embedded VCO exhibits an oscillation frequency of 15.4 GHz, a phase noise of -99.2 dBc/Hz at a 1 MHz offset and maximum output power of 10.67 dBm. Multilayer interconnects built with modified MCM-D technology using advanced photosensitive epoxy Intervia 8000 is described. Characterization and modeling of RF inductors are detailed and show quality factor as high as 80 at 10 GHz.
A limited electronically scanned Cassegrain antenna at Q-band

A unique limited scan satellite antenna at Q-band (44GHz) is described. The configuration presented is a conventional Cassegrain reflector systefme d by an electronically scanned phased array with a dielectric "field lens" between the array and the subreflector. The purpose of this field lens is to reduce the scan loss of the single scanned beam as compared with other limited scan configurations. A mall 18 inch diameter proof-of-concept (PoC) model was designed, built and tested. The measured performance of the model agreed quite well with computer calculated patterns and it is therefore felt that calculated predictions of a full scale model would also be accurate.
An integer linear programming based approach for parallelizing applications in on-chip multiprocessors

With energy consumption becoming one of the first-class optimization parameters in computer system design, compilation techniques that consider performance and energy simultaneously are expected to play a central role. In particular, compiling a given application code under performance and energy constraints is becoming an important problem. In this paper, we focus on an on-chip multiprocessor architecture and present a parallelization strategy based on integer linear programming. Given an array-intensive application, our optimization strategy determines the number of processors to be used in executing each nest based on the objective function and additional compilation constraints provided by the user. Our initial experience with this strategy shows that it is very successful in optimizing array-intensive applications on on chip multiprocessors under energy and performance constraints.
Continuous Delivery Message Dissemination Problems under the Multicasting Communication Mode

We consider the continuously delivery message dissemination (CDMD) problem over the n processor single-port complete (all links are present and are bi-directional) static network with the multicasting communication primitive. This problem has been shown to be NP-complete even when all messages have equal length. For the CDMD problem we present an efficient approximation algorithm to construct a message routing schedule with total communication time at most 3.5d, where d is the total length of the messages that each processor needs to send or receive. The algorithm takes O(qn) time, where n is the number of processors and q is the total number of messages that the processors receive.
Evaluation of the Treatment of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcal Urinary Tract Infections in a Large Academic Medical Center

BACKGROUND:Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a common cause of nosocomial urinary tract infections (UTIs) among hospitalized patients. Clinicians need to differentiate between VRE-associated urinary colonization, asymptomatic bacteriuria, and UTIs to determine the need for treatment and length of therapy.OBJECTIVE:To characterize the diagnosis and management of VRE from urinary sources, including compliance with institutional treatment guidelines, and identify risk factors associated with clinical failure.METHODS:We performed a retrospective, single-center, cohort study among patients with VRE-positive cultures from urinary sources over a 3-year study period (July 2008-September 2011). Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate demographics, diagnostics, guideline compliance, pharmacotherapy, and outcomes. Risk factors associated with clinical failure were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS:Two hundred sixty-nine distinct episodes of VRE met inclusion criteria among...
Accuracy of free energies of hydration for organic molecules from 6-31G-derived partial charges

Absolute free energies of hydration have been computed for 13 diverse organic molecules using partial charges derived from ab initio 6-31G* wave functions. Both Mulliken charges and charges fit to the electrostatic potential surface (EPS) were considered in conjunction with OPLS Lennard–Jones parameters for the organic molecules and the TIP4P model of water. Monte Carlo simulations with statistical perturbation theory yielded relative free energies of hydration. These were converted to absolute quantities through perturbations to reference molecules for which absolute free energies of hydration had been obtained previously in TIP4P water. The average errors in the computed absolute free energies of hydration are 1.1 kcal/mol for the 6-31G* EPS charges and 4.0 kcal/mol for the Mulliken charges. For the EPS charges, the largest individual errors are under 2 kcal/mol except for acetamide, in which case the error is 3.7 kcal/mol. The hydrogen bonding between the organic solutes and water has also been characterized. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Diagnosis and treatment of Candida vertebral osteomyelitis: clinical experience with a short course therapy of amphotericin B lipid complex.

BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal candidiasis occurs in some patients with candidemia resulting from organ infection, IV drug use, or indwelling central venous catheters. Diagnosis is often difficult because of vague symptomatology and a frequent afebrile course. CASE DESCRIPTION Three patients with Candida vertebral osteomyelitis are presented. All followed the use of indwelling central venous access catheters and antimicrobial therapy between 6 months and 3 years earlier. In 2, fungemia with the same Candida spp. preceded the spondylodiskitis. These 3 patients bring to nearly 75 the number of reported individuals with what was once quite rare. Although IV amphotericin B doxycholate and fluconazole have usually been effective therapy over prolonged periods of time, we used liposomal amphotericin B to treat 2 of our 3 patients. Both received 5 mg/kg daily for 18-42 days that resulted in total disappearance of signs and symptoms. CONCLUSION This relatively brief duration of therapy reduces treatment time and is cost-effective.