cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Length of first stage of labor: Is it predictive of perinatal outcomes?

YVONNE W. CHENG (F), TINA O. TAN, ALLISON S. BRYANT, LINDA M. HOPKINS, NAOMI E. STOTLAND, AARON B. CAUGHEY, University of California, San Francisco, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, California OBJECTIVE: To examine how length of 1st stage of labor is associated with maternal and neonatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of 17,264 nulliparous women with term, singleton pregnancies, excluding cesarean delivery without labor. Length of 1st stage of labor was stratified by multiples of the median (MoM). Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between each successive subgroup by chi-square test for trend for categorical outcomes. In order to determine the change in risk from increasing by one median, the categorical variable was included in a multivariate logistic regression model along with potential confounding factors. RESULTS: The median length of 1st stage for the study population was 9.75 hours. Rates of cesarean delivery and maternal complications increased with lengthening 1st stage of labor. Duration of 1st stage was associated with higher risks for 5-minute apgar !7 and meconium stained amniotic fluid (see Table). For example, the risk of chorioamnionitis was 5 times higher in patients with a first stage of labor 2 MoM above the median as compared to those below the median (p!0.001). CONCLUSION: Even when controlling for potential confounders, there was a statistically and clinically significant increase in perinatal morbidity when increasing from one median length of labor category to the next, throughout labor. These differences can be used to adjust clinical suspicion for complications of labor and delivery throughout the labor course.
Self-Propagating High Temperature Synthesis (SHS) of Intermetallic Compounds Titanium and Nickel Aluminides

Abstract The self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) of titanium and nickel aluminides was investigated. Effect of experimental variables on SHS temperature, burning rate, product composition, and microhardness are discussed. The densities of the products are 70.80% of theoretical values and the microhardness of Ni3Al produced is similar to that of low carbon steel. It is also shown that the SHS process is affected by the reactant ratios. Small reactant particle size and moderate preheating result in high SHS rates. A small addition of boron and a small change in the green density do not significantly affect the process.
Simulations of inner magnetosphere dynamics with an expanded RAM‐SCB model and comparisons with Van Allen Probes observations

Simulations from our newly expanded ring current-atmosphere interactions model with self-consistent magnetic field (RAM-SCB), now valid out to 9 RE, are compared for the first time with Van Allen Probes observations. The expanded model reproduces the storm time ring current buildup due to the increased convection and inflow of plasma from the magnetotail. It matches Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer (MagEIS) observations of the trapped high-energy (>50 keV) ion flux; however, it underestimates the low-energy ( 20 keV) energy are better reproduced using a high-resolution convection model. In agreement with Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science (EMFISIS) observations, RAM-SCB indicates that the large-scale magnetic field is depressed as close as ∼4.5 RE during even a moderate storm. Regions of electromagnetic ion cyclotron instability are predicted on the duskside from ∼6 to ∼9 RE, indicating that previous studies confined to geosynchronous orbit may have underestimated their scattering effect on the energetic particles.
Effects of resting ischemia assessed by thallium scintigraphy on QRS scoring system for estimating left ventricular function quantified by radionuclide angiography in acute myocardial infarction patients

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether resting ischemia limits the usefulness of the QRS scoring system in predicting left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) in patients with acute infarction. We studied 48 patients after acute infarction by means of 12-lead ECG, thallium-201 scintigraphy, and radionuclide angiography. The thallium-201 scintigrams showed fixed defects in 25 patients, perfusion defects with partial or complete redistribution in the delayed images in 19 patients, and normal images in the remaining four patients. In the 48 patients there was a significant correlation between the QRS score and LVEF (r = −0.67; p
Loudness and reaction time: I

It is widely assumed, based on Chocholle’s (1940) research, that stimuli that appear equal in loudness will generate the same reaction times. In Experiment 1, we first obtained equal-loudness functions for five stimulus frequencies at four different intensity levels. It was found that equal loudness produced equal RT at 80 phons and 60 phons, but not at 40 phons and 20 phons. It is likely that Chocholle obtained equivalence between loudness and RT at all intensity levels because of relay-click transients in his RT signals. One main conclusion drawn from Experiment 1 is that signal detection (in reaction time) and stimulus discrimination (in loudness estimation) require different perceptual processes. In the second phase of this investigation, the RT-intensity functions from six different experiments were used to generate scales of auditory intensity. Our analyses indicate that when the nonsensory or “residual” component is removed from auditory RT measures, the remaining sensory-detection component is inversely related to sound pressure according to a power function whose exponent is about — 3. The absolute value of this exponent is the same as the .3 exponent for loudness when interval-scaling procedures are used, and is one-half the size of the .6 exponent which is commonly assumed for loudness scaling.
Activity-based protein profiling of microbes

Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) in conjunction with multimodal characterization techniques has yielded impactful findings in microbiology, particularly in pathogen, bioenergy, drug discovery, and environmental research. Using small molecule chemical probes that react irreversibly with specific proteins or protein families in complex systems has provided insights in enzyme functions in central metabolic pathways, drug-protein interactions, and regulatory protein redox, for systems ranging from photoautotrophic cyanobacteria to mycobacteria, and combining live cell or cell extract ABPP with proteomics, molecular biology, modeling, and other techniques has greatly expanded our understanding of these systems. New opportunities for application of ABPP to microbial systems can enhance protein annotation, characterize protein activities in myriad environments, and reveal signal transduction and regulatory mechanisms in microbial systems.
Metal cladding for roofs and walls — will it meet your needs?

Abstract A brief history of the development of metal cladding systems is presented, together with a description of current techniques for manufacture. Matters which affect cladding performance are discussed and some guidance is given to the specifier on the selection of appropriate materials. A summary of test results obtained is also given.
Structure of the accretionary complex of Barbados, I: Chalky Mount

The island of Barbados is underlain by a basal tectonic complex that may be representative of rocks and structures of the structural high of the accretionary prism of the Lesser Antilles arc. At Chalky Mount, the complex consists of six fault-bounded packets of east-northeast strike and steep dips. The packets are composed of deformed but generally coherent Cenozoic sedimentary rocks, terrigenous turbidite in five of the packets and hemipelagic rocks in the sixth. There is no evident stratigraphic affiliation among beds in any of the six packets. Rocks in fault packets underwent sequential deformations, most of which can be timed as early, contemporaneous, or late with respect to cessation of interpacket motions. Early structures in packet 1 consist of a main fold train with easterly striking axial planes and related thrusts, broken formation, and homoaxially refolded folds. Packet 1 also contains later open folds with northeast strikes. Packets 2–4 are relatively thin slices within a fault complex, the Chalky Mount fault zone, in which late left-oblique slip occurred on two of the four faults of the zone. Packet 5 contains three phases of deformation: an early near-recumbent major fold, marginal belts of fault-related second folds, and open post-fault third folds. Packet 6 includes early folds that are tightened and reoriented toward its northern fault boundary where it is locally a thrust. Early structures in each packet are the most pervasive and record the major stratal shortening. Shortening in each packet is approximately normal to packet boundaries, and early axes lie in the plane of the boundaries. Packet boundaries are interpreted as surfaces of accretion and early structures as deformations generated during transfer of layer successions from an ocean floor to the front of the accretionary prism. Contemporaneous and post-fault structures are local and are due to displacements during reactivation of faults, mainly inter-packet, within the accretionary prism. Early structures at Chalky Mount developed in the brittle state, apparently with displacements taken up by sliding between grains and along layer boundaries. All structures record distinctly nonmetamorphic environments.
Swimming Pool Diving Accidents: Human Factors Analyses of Case Study Data

As many as 350 serious spinal cord injuries occur in the United States every year as a result of diving into swimming pools. While there is substantial data on the demographics of injured divers an...
Alternate Roles for the Elderly: An Example from a Midwestern Retirement Community

Increasing numbers of individuals are surviving to retirement age in relatively good health. With the loss of the work role and other roles typically associated with middle age, they are faced with the dilemma of the "roleless role," an absence of well-articulated, age-appropriate expectations and standards of behavior by which to structure everyday life. Recent anthropological, sociological, and psychological studies indicate the possibility of the development of alternate roles and age-appropriate normative systems in age-homogeneous environments. An example of one such alternate behavioral system is provided from data collected on a small retirement community in the Midwest. A normative system seems to have developed in which personal qualities such as trust, friendliness, and concern for others are more highly valued than former achievements or occupational status. Residents most frequently cited as having made a good adjustment to aging were not necessarily those who were most active, but rather those individuals who showed a determination to "keep going," lacked self-pity, kept mentally alert and aware, were willing to help others, and showed a sense of responsibility to the community. Various roles were developed and were expected to be assumed by incoming residents: alternate "work roles," represented by committee memberships and volunteer activity; "family roles," represented by the supportive or helping relations adopted toward other residents; and leisure-type roles. These behavioral standards and expectations helped to structure the relationships and everyday life of residents within the community.
TeleAdvisor: a versatile augmented reality tool for remote assistance

TeleAdvisor is a novel solution designed to support remote assistance tasks in many real-world scenarios. It consists of a video camera and a small projector mounted at the end of a tele-operated robotic arm. This enables a remote helper to view and interact with the workers' workspace, while controlling the point of view. It also provides the worker with a hands-free transportable device to be placed anywhere in his or her environment. Active tracking of the projection space is used in order to reliably correlate between the camera's view and the projector space.
Restoration of aminoacylation activity of undermethylated transfer RNA by in vitro methylation.

Abstract Undermethylated tRNA isolated from a RCrel mutant of Escherichia coli has been examined to determine whether its capacity to accept amino acids was comparable to that of normal tRNA from the same organism. Previously, little, if any differences have been reported (see Littauer and Milbauer, 1965 , Borek and Srinivasan, 1966 ). In this communication we report the restoration of aminoacylation activity of undermethylated tRNA by in vitro methylation. In a mixture of undermethylated tRNAs 2 from E. coli , we found that for four amino acids tested (Phe, Leu, Tyr, and His), the corresponding tRNAs showed decreased aminoacylation activities when compared to normal tRNA. Upon in vitro methylation of the undermethylated tRNAs with methylases free of RNase, an increase in the aminoacylation activities occurred. With two tRNA species (Phe and His), complete restoration of aminoacylation activity was observed.
Concurrent multiresolution finite element: formulation and algorithmic aspects

A multiresolution concurrent theory for heterogenous materials is proposed with novel macro scale and micro scale constitutive laws that include the plastic yield function at different length scales. In contrast to the conventional plasticity, the plastic flow at the micro zone depends on the plastic strain gradient. The consistency condition at the macro and micro zones can result in a set of algebraic equations. Using appropriate boundary conditions, the finite element discretization was derived from a variational principle with the extra degrees of freedom for the micro zones. In collaboration with LSTC Inc, the degrees of freedom at the micro zone and their related history variables have been augmented in LS-DYNA. The 3D multiresolution theory has been implemented. Shear band propagation and the large scale simulation of a shear driven ductile fracture process were carried out. Our results show that the proposed multiresolution theory in combination with the parallel implementation into LS-DYNA can capture the effects of the microstructure on shear band propagation and allows for realistic modeling of ductile fracture process.
Computer control of robotic manipulators using predictors

Model-based robot control algorithms require the on-line evaluation of robot dynamics, leading to hybrid continuous/discrete-time implementations. The performance of these fixed-gain control algorithms varies in the workspace and it is not adequate for trajectory-tracking. In this paper, we present a coherent discrete-time framework for the analysis of model-based algorithms and introduce predictors to compensate for modeling and discretization errors. The basic controller structure is not altered; an added supervisory module is proposed to monitor performance and adjust the command signal accordingly. The module injects a degree of adaptiveness in the controller and reduces the sensitivity of the design to unmodeled dynamics. Our preliminary simulation experiments confirm that one-step-ahead predictors lead to a more uniform performance and are suitable for trajectory-tracking applications.
Imidazolriazole and oxazolotriazole analogs of midafltir |4-amino-2,2,5,5, -tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)-3-imidazolin|

Imidazotriazole (5) and oxazolotriazole (10) analogs of CNS depressant 4-amitio-2,2,5,5-tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)-3-imidazoline (miduflur) were prepared and found to he much less active.
Fair Trade Coffee and Human Rights in Guatemala

This paper explores how the fair trade coffee market translates consumer action and shopping habits into the promotion of human rights in distant locales. This process does not occur through direct producer–consumer contact. Instead, it is channeled through two interrelated avenues. First, the fair trade certification system which requires producer groups to be democratic, transparent, and accountable and second, the relationships between producers and coffee roasters and importers, who, in this specific commodity chain, act as conduits for consumer actions and intentions. These two facets of the fair trade consumer market promote and protect the secure organizational space that is necessary for producer initiated community development. This freedom to identify and fulfill economic and social development goals through cooperation also reaffirms existing cultural traditions of service and mutual aid among producers. These key components of human rights compliance are critically important in countries such as Guatemala with its history of violent repression, structural inequality, and cultural discrimination against indigenous populations and community organizers. The analysis emerges from ongoing ethnographic research on a group of indigenous, fair trade coffee producers in Guatemala and their relationships with outside buyers and certifiers.
Increasing duodenal intraepithelial lymphocytosis found at upper endoscopy: time trends and associations.

Background Increased intraepithelial lymphocytosis (IEL) with preserved villous architecture is a common yet nonspecific finding on duodenal biopsies. Objective To study the change in frequency of isolated IEL on duodenal biopsy over time and determine whether previously reported disease associations have changed during that period. Design Retrospective study. Setting Single tertiary-care referral center. Patients Adults with a duodenal biopsy that showed normal villi and increased number of intraepithelial lymphocytes. Intervention Duodenal biopsy. Comprehensive electronic medical record search from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2010. Main Outcome Measurements Demographic and clinical information. Results Of the 15,839 duodenal biopsies performed during the study period, 1105 (7.0%) had the histologic finding of interest. The odds of finding newly diagnosed celiac disease (CD) decreased by 0.9 on average during each year, whereas the odds of finding a non-celiac association increased by 1.12 times each year. Isolated increased IEL attributed to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use and small-intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) increased by 1.06 and 1.3 times, respectively, for each year on average. Limitations Retrospective design, single center. Conclusion During the years 2000 through 2010, there has been an increased frequency with which duodenal biopsies were noted to have isolated increased IEL. The odds of a diagnosis of CD accounting for this finding have been decreasing, whereas the odds of NSAID use and SIBO have been increasing. Although the finding of isolated increased IEL on duodenal biopsy warrants work-up for CD in all patients, further investigation for other possible causes, including NSAID use and SIBO, should be considered as well.
On-Chip Measurement of Single-Event Transients in a 45 nm Silicon-on-Insulator Technology

Direct observation of fast-transient single event signatures often involves considerable uncertainty due to the limitations of monitoring circuitry. A built-in-self-test circuit for the measurement of single-event transients (SET) has been implemented in a 45 nm partially depleted silicon-on-insulator technology that allows for the extraction of measurement-induced uncertainty. SET pulse width data from heavy-ion experiments are provided and compared to technology computer aided design simulations. A method for compensating for the measurement bias and skew is provided.
Construction of CPA admittance with distributions of series rc-pairs

Abstract A systematic method of constructing ladder networks, each of which contains a distribution of series rc -pairs and gives a constant-phase-angle (CPA) admittance, has been developed. These networks can be useful in understanding the non-Debye dielectric response in solids and the CPA impedance of some metal-electrolyte interfaces.
Comparative selectivities of immobilized lipases from Pseudomonas cepacia and Candida antarctica (fraction B) for esterification reactions with glycerol and glycerol analogues in organic media

Abstract Esterification reaction selectivity in homogeneous organic media was evaluated for Candida antarctica B and Pseudomonas cepacia lipases toward members of an homologous series of even carbon number, saturated n -fatty acids (FAs) of 4–16 carbons (C4–C16), glycerol, and glycerol analogues ( n -propanol, isopropanol, 1,2-, and 1,3-propanediols). Dual FA optima were observed in almost all reaction mixtures, with C. antarctica and P. cepacia lipases generally favoring C10/C6 and C8/C16, respectively. Several explanations are offered to account for multiple FA optima. Reaction selectivity toward FAs was more influenced by steric than electronic features of FA substrates. Relative selectivity and discriminatory power among the series of FAs was modulated by the specific alcohol acceptor used. This may be founded on partial sharing of binding pockets by alcohol and FA co-substrates. Evidence was obtained that implicates the sn -2 alcohol functional group as being a determinant of FA selectivity and lipase discriminatory power.
Connecting the Mind, Heart and Hands throughIntentional Community at Calvin College1

This study examines three different models of building intentional community at Calvin College. Emphasis is placed on understanding if and how intentional communities can connect academics (mind), faith (heart) and service (hands) for a fully integrated life.
Some laser velocimeter measurements in the turbulent wake of a supersonic jet

^ehlberg, E., "Low-Order Classical Runge-Kutta Formulas with Step-Size Control and Their Application to Some Heat Transfer Problems," NASA TRR-315, 1969. Fehlberg, E., "Classical Fifth-, Sizth-, Seventh-, and EighthOrder Runge-Kutta.Formulas with Stepsize Control," NASA TR R387, 1968. Shampine, L. • F. and Gordon, M. K., Computer Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations, W. H. Freeman and Co., San Francisco, Calif., 1975. Shampine, L. F. and Watts, H. A., "Comparing Error Estimators for Runge-Kutta Methods," Mathematics of Computation, Vol. 25, July 1971, pp. 445-455. Lapidus, L. and Seinfeld, J. H., Numerical Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations, Academic Press, New York, 1971. Ralston, A., "Runge-Kutta Methods with Minimum Error Bounds," Mathematics of Computation, Vol. 16, 1962, p. 431. Gear, C. W., Numerical Initial Value Problems in Ordinary DifferntialEquations, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., 1971.
Rat uterine stromal cells: thrombin receptor and growth stimulation by thrombin

The estrogen-stimulated maturation of the immature rat uterus is mediated by peptide growth factors whose expression is regulated by estradiol. We present evidence that thrombin is a uterine growth factor. When an immature rat is given a single injection of estradiol, the uterus increases 50% in wet weight within 3 h through the imbibition of water and plasma proteins, including prothrombin. Tissue factor, the initiator of coagulation, is induced 3- to 4-fold over the same time period. Thrombin is generated in situ from prothrombin through the coagulation cascade. It acts as a growth factor through the proteolytically activated thrombin receptor. Thrombin's role as a growth factor in uterine stromal cells is proven by two lines of evidence: demonstrations that the proteolytically activated thrombin receptor is present and that cultured cells are stimulated to grow by thrombin. Thrombin receptor in the uterus is demonstrated by reverse transcription-PCR for receptor messenger RNA by specific [125I]peptide ...
Structural organization of MAP-kinase signaling modules by scaffold proteins in yeast and mammals

MAP-kinase signaling pathways are activated by multiple extracellular stimuli. The specificity of activation and function of MAP-kinase signaling modules is determined, in part, by scaffold proteins that create multienzyme complexes. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two MAP-kinase-scaffold proteins have been identified. Recent studies of mammalian cells have also led to the identification of putative scaffold proteins. These scaffold proteins appear to facilitate MAP-kinase activation, in response to specific physiological stimuli, and to insulate the bound MAP-kinase module against activation by irrelevant stimuli. Scaffold proteins are therefore critical components of MAP-kinase modules and ensure signaling specificity.
Information technology and education: public policy and America's future

This review is largely based on the findings of our report, Informational Technology and the Impact on American Education, conducted by the Office of Technology Assessment and delivered to the Congress a little over a year ago. We also take into account subsequent events and analyses, including the recent release of an OTA report on manufacturing automation that examined the impacts of automation on education and training.
Evaluation of a post-fire tree mortality model for western USA conifers

Accurately predicting fire-caused mortality is essential to developing prescribed fire burn plans and post-fire salvage marking guidelines. The mortality model included in the commonly used USA fire behaviour and effects models, the First Order Fire Effects Model (FOFEM), BehavePlus, and the Fire and Fuels Extension to the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FFE-FVS), has not been tested with independently collected post-fire tree mortality data. The model predicts mortality for a wide range of conifer species based on crown scorch and species-specific bark thickness. We evaluated the mortality model on 13 western USA conifers: subalpine fir, red fir, white fir, Douglas-fir, incense cedar, western larch, western hemlock, Engelmann spruce, whitebark pine, lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, and sugar pine. Predicted stand-level mortality was within ±20% of observed mortality for all species except incense cedar, western larch, red fir, and western hemlock. Individual tree mortality prediction was most accurate for subalpine fir, incense cedar, ponderosa pine, and Jeffrey pine. Evaluation of the model provides managers with an accuracy assessment for estimating the probability of mortality for the majority of western USA conifers when using the mortality model to make land management decisions.A
Estimation of pulmonary artery pressure from pulmonary vein wedge pressure

Correlations between pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein wedge pressures were investigated in 13 patients with atrial septal defect and 1 patient with Tetralogy of Fallot. Pulmonary vein wedge pressure wave form resembled that of pulmonary artery pressure, and the former lagged behind the latter by 70 to 110 msec (mean 88 +/- 14) as observed by the fluid-filled catheter system. Diastolic pulmonary artery and diastolic pulmonary vein wedge pressures were nearly identical. Although systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressures correlated well with respective pulmonary vein wedge pressures, there were discrepancies when systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressure exceeded 35 and 20 mm Hg, respectively. However, systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressures could be estimated by adding the difference between the diastolic pulmonary vein wedge pressure and the mean left atrial pressure to corresponding systolic or mean pulmonary artery pressure. In conclusion, pulmonary artery pressures can be estimated by measuring pulmonary vein wedge pressures and the mean left atrial pressure.
Control of CD4 effector fate: transforming growth factor beta 1 and interleukin 2 synergize to prevent apoptosis and promote effector expansion

The signals that determine the size and duration of the primary T cell immune response are not well defined. We studied CD4 T cells at an important checkpoint in their development: when they have become effectors and are ready to rapidly mediate effector functions, both via direct interaction with antigen (Ag)-presenting cells and via cytokine production. We determined the effects of specific Ag and the cytokines interleukin (IL) 2 and transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1 on T helper cell type 2 (Th2) effector apoptosis versus expansion. Th2-polarized effector cells were generated in vitro from naive CD4 T of T cell receptor transgenic mice, and then restimulated with or without peptide Ag plus Ag-presenting cells and cytokines. In the absence of added cytokines, effector cells cultured without Ag died of apoptosis after 4-7 d. Paradoxically, Ag both induced proliferation and high levels of cytokine synthesis and accelerated effector cell death. IL-2 directly induced proliferation of effectors, supported and prolonged Ag-induced proliferation, and partially blocked apoptosis. TGF-beta did not effect proliferation or influence cytokine secretion, but it also partially blocked apoptosis. Together, IL-2 and TGF-beta synergized to almost completely block apoptosis, resulting in prolonged effector expansion and leading to the accumulation of a large pool of specific effectors. When Ag and both cytokines were present, the effector population increased 10(4)-10(5) fold over 20 d of culture. The synergy of IL-2 and TGF-beta suggests that they interfere with programmed cell death by distinct mechanisms. Since Th2 effectors are specialized to help B cells develop into antibody-secreting plasma cells, these results suggest that the availability of Ag and of the cytokines IL-2 and TGF-beta is a key factor influencing the fate of Th2 effector cells and thus the size and duration of the primary antibody response.
Gremlin1 is required for skeletal development and postnatal skeletal homeostasis

Gremlin is an antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins, and its overexpression causes suppressed osteoblastogenesis and osteopenia. Inactivation of Grem1 results in severe developmental defects, but the consequences of the global inactivation of Grem1 on the postnatal skeleton are not known. To study the function of gremlin, Grem1 was inactivated by homologous recombination, and mice were maintained in a C57BL/6/FVB mixed genetic background due to embryonic and neonatal lethality in the uniform C57BL/6 background. Grem1 null mice exhibited developmental skeletal abnormalities, leading to incomplete formation of metatarsal bones and of fore limbs and hind limbs. Grem1 null mice exhibited decreased weight and body fat and shortened femoral length. Bone histomorphometric and microarchitectural analyses of distal femurs revealed decreased bone volume and increased bone formation in 1-month-old Grem1 null mice. Trabecular femoral bone volume was restored in older Grem1 null female mice, and to a lesser extent in male mice. Vertebral microarchitecture confirmed the osteopenia observed in 1-month-old Grem1 null mice and demonstrated recovery of trabecular bone in older female, but not in older male Grem1 null mice, which exhibited persistent vertebral osteopenia. In conclusion, Grem1 is not only necessary for skeletal development, but also for postnatal skeletal homeostasis; its inactivation causes osteopenia, which is partially reversed in a spatial, temporal, and sex-dependent manner due to an increase in bone formation.
Path planning and control for multiple point surveillance by an unmanned aircraft in wind

In this paper, we explore the surveillance of multiple waypoints by a constant velocity aircraft in the presence of wind. It is assumed that the aircraft has a maximum turning rate and that the wind is equal to a known constant plus small possibly time varying components. The proposed strategy consists of separate path planning and control algorithms. The path planning is done by calculating the shortest time path through all of the waypoints in the presence of a known constant wind. During this step, the allowed turning rate is assumed to be less than the actual maximum turning rate of the vehicle. This algorithm produces a ground path that can be tracked by the control algorithm. The control algorithm breaks the desired trajectory into smaller sections which can each be approximated by a polynomial. A spatial sliding surface controller is then used to track each polynomial in the presence of the unknown wind disturbances.
On the geographic distribution of on-line game servers and players

With a shift in the on-line gaming landscape from individually hosted game servers, to gaming services centrally hosted by game publishers, game console manufacturers, and third-party infrastructure providers, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the geographic distribution of current game servers and players. Much like content-distribution networks are key in improving user web experience, game server placement is key in improving game player experience. This paper explores the current geographic distribution of a global set of servers for several popular on-line games as well as the geographic distribution of a set of players for a particular on-line game server. Our results quantify the breakup of current game servers across continents and show, quite suprisingly, that players do not necessarily migrate to servers that are geographically close.
Characteristics of the PET Component of a Dedicated Breast PET/CT Scanner Prototype

A dedicated breast PET/CT system is being constructed at our institution. In this work, we characterize aspects of the performance of the PET component, and investigate the accuracy of image registration for the PET and CT systems. Energy resolution was determined on a per-crystal basis from a segmented flood image. Reconstructed spatial resolution was determined using a phantom consisting of four point sources at a range of positions. A miniature Derenzo phantom was also imaged for visual inspection of resolution. Data were reconstructed with both FBP and MAP. A registration phantom with fiducial makers was constructed to test image registration accuracy. The overall average energy resolution achieved was 25%. The spatial resolution achieved by FBP reconstruction was 3.8 mm. In the Derenzo phantom experiment, 4.8, 4.0 and 3.2 mm rods were clearly resolved by FBP, and 4.8, 4.0, 3.2 and 2.4 mm were clearly resolved by MAP. The accuracy of registration was measured as 0.30 mm. The results show that PET component of our PET/CT system is yielding reasonable tomographic images, particularly when MAP reconstruction is used. Image registration between the PET and CT systems is effective.
Preference of Dairy Cows for Free-Stalls Bedded with Sand or Granite Fines and Changes in Bacterial Counts in Those Materials

Abstract Sand and granite fines were compared as bedding in free stalls for lactating cows. Eighteen stalls were randomly bedded with sand or granite fines. Lactating cows [100 to 160; 31 to 90 d in milk (DIM)] had access to these stalls plus 142 other stalls bedded with sand. Experimental stalls were observed on 6 d (4 times/d) during the 27-d study. Using a logistic procedure, experimental stalls bedded with sand were 2.8 times more likely to be used than those bedded with granite fines (P
Sparse representation and Bayesian detection of genome copy number alterations from microarray data

Motivation: Genomic instability in cancer leads to abnormal genome copy number alterations (CNA) that are associated with the development and behavior of tumors. Advances in microarray technology have allowed for greater resolution in detection of DNA copy number changes (amplifications or deletions) across the genome. However, the increase in number of measured signals and accompanying noise from the array probes present a challenge in accurate and fast identification of breakpoints that define CNA. This article proposes a novel detection technique that exploits the use of piece wise constant (PWC) vectors to represent genome copy number and sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) to detect CNA breakpoints. Methods: First, a compact linear algebra representation for the genome copy number is developed from normalized probe intensities. Second, SBL is applied and optimized to infer locations where copy number changes occur. Third, a backward elimination (BE) procedure is used to rank the inferred breakpoints; and a cut-off point can be efficiently adjusted in this procedure to control for the false discovery rate (FDR). Results: The performance of our algorithm is evaluated using simulated and real genome datasets and compared to other existing techniques. Our approach achieves the highest accuracy and lowest FDR while improving computational speed by several orders of magnitude. The proposed algorithm has been developed into a free standing software application (GADA, Genome Alteration Detection Algorithm). Availability: http://biron.usc.edu/~piquereg/GADA Contact:[email protected] and [email protected] Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A comprehensive study of sensorimotor cortex excitability in chronic cocaine users: Integrating TMS and functional MRI data

Background Disruptions in motor control are often overlooked features of chronic cocaine users. During a simple sensorimotor integration task, for example, cocaine users activate a larger area of cortex than controls but have lower functional connectivity between the cortex and dorsal striatum, which is further correlated with poor performance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether abnormal cortical excitability in cocaine users was related to disrupted inhibitory or excitatory mechanisms, as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Congestion control algorithms from optimal control perspective

This paper is concerned with understanding the connection between the existing Internet congestion control algorithms and the optimal control theory. The available resource allocation controllers are mainly devised to derive the state of the system to a desired equilibrium point and, therefore, they are oblivious to the transient behavior of the closed-loop system. This work aims to investigate what dynamical functions the existing algorithms maximize (minimize). In particular, it is shown that there exist meaningful cost functionals whose minimization leads to the celebrated primal and dual congestion algorithms. An implication of this result is that a real network problem may be solved by regarding it as an optimal control problem on which some practical constraints, such as a real-time link capacity constraint, are imposed.
Modelling the Interaction in Game Sports - Relative Phase and Moving Correlations

Model building in game sports should maintain the constitutive feature of this group of sports, the dynamic interaction process between the two parties. For single net/wall games relative phase is suggested to describe the positional interaction between the two players. 30 baseline rallies in tennis were examined and relative phase was calculated by Hilbert transform from the two time-series of lateral displacement and trajectory in the court respectively. Results showed that relative phase indicates some aspects of the tactical interaction in tennis. At a more abstract level the interaction between two teams in handball was studied by examining the relationship of the two scoring processes. Each process can be conceived as a random walk. Moving averages of the scoring probabilities indicate something like a momentary strength. A moving correlation (length = 20 ball possessions) describes the momentary relationship between the teams' strength. Evidence was found that this correlation is heavily time-dependent, in almost every single game among the 40 examined ones we found phases with a significant positive as well as significant negative relationship. This underlines the importance of a dynamic view on the interaction in these games. Key PointsGame sports.Mathematical modelling.Relative phase.Random walks.
Crystal plasticity analysis of the effect of dispersed β-phase on deformation and fracture of lamellar γ+α2 titanium aluminide

Abstract A finite element analysis based on the crystal plasticity theory was carried out to investigate the deformation and fracture behavior of polycrystalline lamellar γ -TiAl+ α 2 -Ti 3 Al material containing 10 vol.% of b.c.c. β -phase precipitates. The effects of both the stable β -phase precipitates which deform by slip and the metastable β -phase precipitates which deform by a combination of stress-induced martensitic transformation and slip are studied. To model the cracking along the grain boundaries and the matrix–precipitate interfaces, the grain boundaries and interfaces were modelled using a cohesive zone approach. All the calculations were carried out using the commercial finite element code ABAQUS. The results obtained suggest that incompatibilities in the plastic flow between the adjacent grains give rise to a large build-up in hydrostatic stress in the region surrounding certain three-grain junctions which, in turn, leads to the nucleation of grain boundary cracks and ultimate failure. The stable β -phase precipitates located at the three-grain junctions help accommodate the incompatibilities in plastic flow doubling the strain to failure. The lattice expansion, which accompanies martensitic transformation in the metastable β -phase precipitates, further delays nucleation of the grain boundary–interface cracks giving rise to an additional increase in the fracture strain.
Using textual demographics to understand computer use: 1950-1990

Between 1950 and 1990, a large number of publications appeared in the USA discussing the nature and role of computers. By looking at the topics of these articles, we can begin to understand what such systems were used for and why. The sampling of more than 1,600 articles and books surveyed in this paper is such a beginning.
Opiates, Glia, and Neurotoxicity

Activated glial cells (microglia and astrocytes) are a histopathologic feature of numerous neurodegenerative diseases. Microglial cells have been demonstrated to migrate to and to proliferate and differentiate at sites of inflammation (1). In the cerebral cortex, glia comprise greater than 85% of the total population of brain cells. Of these, astrocytes account for about 85% of the glial cell population, while microglia constitute up to 10 to 15% of brain glial cells. Functional evidence has suggested that glial cells express receptors for opiates, such as morphine (2, 3) and endogenous opioids, such as dynorphin (4). A rapidly growing body of studies suggests that activated glial cells cause neuronal injury via releasing immune mediators, such as cytokines, reactive oxygen or nitrogen intermediates, and toxins (5). Results of these studies have raised an interesting question regarding the potential role of opiates in modulating neuronal injury.
The Influence of Calorie Labeling on Food Orders and Consumption: A Review of the Literature

Obesity is a challenging public health problem that affects millions of Americans. Increasingly policy makers are seeking environmental and policy-based solutions to combat and prevent its serious health effects. Calorie labeling mandates, including the provision in the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that is set to begin in 2014, have been one of the most popular and most studied approaches. This review examines 31 studies published from January 1, 2007 through July 19, 2013. It builds on Harnack and French's 2008 review and assesses the evidence on the effectiveness of calorie labeling at the point of purchase. We find that, while there are some positive results reported from studies examining the effects of calorie labeling, overall the best designed studies (real world studies, with a comparison group) show that calorie labels do not have the desired effect in reducing total calories ordered at the population level. Moving forward, researchers should consider novel, more effective ways of presenting nutrition information, while keeping a focus on particular subgroups that may be differentially affected by nutrition policies.
Work in Progress: International Symposium in Distributed Learning and Collaboration (DLAC)

This paper reports on an international symposium on distributed learning and collaboration (DLAC) held at the E-learning lab at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The workshop will be held in June 2006, involving approximately 50 US, Chinese, Australian and European counterparts, to frame critical research issues in distributed learning and collaboration. The testbed venue for this conference is the Network College of Engineering, China's leading online degree program in engineering, and the country's leading distributed learning research center. This project is funded by the National Science Foundation's International Programs Office.
Chemical shift effects in the 13C-NMR spectra of [(C5H5)(CO)2FeII]-substituted cyclohexanes, dioxanes and tetrahydropyrans

Abstract A set of empirically derived 13 C-NMR chemical shift additivity constants have been calculated for the Fp-substituent on cyclohexane, tetrahydropyran and dioxane rings. These were tested against a series of alkyl substituted Fp-complexes. These parameters prove to be highly reliable; the calculated and experimental chemical shifts are within ±1 ppm. The parameters vary greatly between ring systems. One explanation for the differences relates to changes in conformation about the bond connecting the Fp-group to the various rings.
Design and development of a serious game for central line placement

Serious games are gaining popularity in being used for training purposes in various fields. They were first used for training various medical and military procedures. At present, there are several platforms available for developing serious games. In this paper, we present a serious game designed using a gaming engine called Unreal Engine, which facilitates the development of serious games for PCs as well as mobile iOS devices. The serious game that is presented in this paper is designed to provide training for the aseptic method for Central Venous Catheter (CVC), also known as central line, placement procedure. The pilot study was performed with first year residents from the department of anesthesiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, NY and the residents claimed they felt it aided them in their line placements.
CAM: a context-aware transportation protocol for HTTP

The rendering mechanism used in Web browsers have a significant impact on the user behavior and delay tolerance of retrieval. The head-of-line blocking phenomena prevents the browser to render partial results within the HTTP document. This phenomena stems from two factors: TCP's in-order data uploading to the browsers and HTML tag matching constraint. We propose a context-aware transportation protocol (CATP) to run on top of UDP. This protocol does not transmit HTML pages in-order Instead, it reorganizes the pages and transmit HTML tags first before transporting their enclosed data. Conforming browsers receive the page structures and fill them in with subsequent data packets in whatever sequence they arrive. As a result, lost and delayed packets do not hinder rendering of those that are logically behind but have already arrived at the client sides. Thus the retransmission of the lost frames can be concealed and overall user perceived performance improved. The user-perceivable performance is quantified in terms of silent time during which no activity is observed at the browser display. The protocol also facilitates partial content caching, non-interactive applications of Web services. We validated this protocol through prototype implementation and compared the performance with TCP and in-order delivery UDP schemes. Our protocol provides better user-perceivable performance under various loss loss rates and document sizes.