cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cross-vendor harmonization of T2 -relaxation-under-spin-tagging (TRUST) MRI for the assessment of cerebral venous oxygenation.

Purpose Cerebral venous oxygenation (Yv) is an important physiological parameter and has potential clinical application in many brain diseases. T2-relaxation-under-spin-tagging (TRUST) is a commonly used MRI method to measure Yv. Harmonization of this technique across MRI vendors is important for dissemination and multi-center studies of brain oxygenation and metabolism as a disease biomarker. Methods TRUST pulse sequence components and imaging parameters were carefully matched between two major MRI vendors, Philips and Siemens. Each subject (N=10) was scanned on both scanners within a 2.5-hour period. On each scanner, the subject was scanned in two sessions to assess inter-session reproducibility. A hyperoxia challenge was also included in both sessions and on both scanners to evaluate the sensitivity of the technique to Yv changes. Measured Yv values, confidence interval of Yv estimates (eYv), as well as intra-session and inter-session coefficient of variation (CoV) of Yv, were compared between the two scanners. Results Yv measured on the two vendors were highly compatible and strongly correlated (R2=0.957). Yv changes associated with hyperoxia challenge were significant on both scanners (P Conclusion This work suggests that harmonized TRUST MRI can yield highly compatible Yv measurements across different vendors.
Advanced practice registered nurses attitudes toward suicide in the 15- to 24-year-old population.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) attitudes toward suicide in the 15- to 24-year-old population. Design and methods A convenience sample of national psychiatric and pediatric APRNs was obtained from postings on professional websites and sending invitations to members utilizing anonymous Qualtricsⓒ survey that included demographic questions and the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ). Findings The pediatric APRNs demonstrated more positive attitudes toward suicide as measured by the SOQ when individual items were analyzed. Practice implications One of the outcomes of this study is to raise awareness and foster prevention related to suicide for advanced practice registered nurses and the 15- to 24-year-old population.
A Visit to the Physician: Diagnoses and Enabling Technologies

Many folks regard an appointment with a physician with fear and trepidation; after all, something is wrong, and it’s likely that by the time the appointment is made, the patient is in some discomfort. The memory of other, earlier appointments, when diagnostic tests were ordered and the results came back with an indecipherable or incomplete explanation, only contributes to the patient’s anxiety.
Neuroimaging Approaches to Understanding Youth Antisocial Behavior

Youth antisocial behavior (AB) is a costly problem to youth and society. This article reviews functional imaging studies of neural reactivity to affective and cognitive tasks among antisocial youth. Additionally, we discuss structural imaging studies of antisocial youth and highlight relevant findings from adult populations. Research has linked youth AB to differences in amygdala reactivity to affective tasks and differences in reactivity of prefrontal areas in response to learning, inhibition, and attention tasks. Structural neuroimaging and studies of antisocial adults provide convergence in identifying these neural regions as key to the development of AB.
Laterally varying basal conditions beneath Ice Streams B and C, West Antarctica

The study of the phase of reflections of Ρ waves off the base of Ice Streams Β and C, and Ridge BC, indicates that acoustic impedances of the beds of both ice streams vary laterally. In some places, the impedance is higher than in the ice (a high-impedance bed) and in some places it is less (a low-impedance bed). The estimated impedances in a dilated bed (porosity 0.4) and in a model of the lowermost ice that takes into account the relatively low P-wave speed in ice at or very near the melting point are nearly the same. Whether the impedance in the bed is greater or less than in the ice could depend on minor changes in the nature of the sediments composing the bed, or the physical state of the bed (e.g. porosity) that could occur laterally. Lateral variations of this kind provide a ready explanation for the observations on Ice Stream B. The bed under a substantial part of Ice Stream C that exhibits a low-impedance bed also must be dilated. The evaluation of the state of the bed under the rest of Ice Stream C and on Ridge BC requires further analysis, which is in progress.
Signal transduction by the platelet Fc receptor

We have evaluated the mechanism by which crosslinking human platelet Fc receptor (FcR) for IgG triggers platelet aggregation and the platelet release reaction. Platelet FcR was crosslinked by incubating purified human platelets with anti-FcRII monoclonal antibody and F(ab')2 anti-mouse Ig. The resultant [Ca2+]i increase, monitored by Fura-2 and measured in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, reached a peak of 750 +/- 50 nmol/L. The effects of cyclooxygenase inhibitors, aspirin and indomethacin, and a phospholipase A2 inhibitor, dibromoacetophenone, were examined. Regardless of the inhibitor, at least 25% of the [Ca2+]i increase remained. Thrombin (0.2 U/mL) stimulated an immediate [Ca2+]i increase that reached 1.95 +/- 0.8 mumol/L. The [Ca2+]i increase generated by thrombin was only slightly reduced by these inhibitors. Crosslinking the FcRII of platelets resulted in a fivefold increase in the production of [3H]inositol phosphates, (IP) which, in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ was insensitive to aspirin. The activation of a [Ca2+]i increase along with the measured increases in IP indicate that FcRII crosslinking leads to the activation of phospholipase C (PLC). In contrast to thrombin, platelet activation via FcRII depends to a large extent on arachidonic acid metabolites. However, neither cyclooxygenase nor phospholipase A2 inhibitors completely blocked FcRII-stimulated [Ca2+]i increase. These observations led us to propose that crosslinking of platelet FcRII initially activates PLC.
Implosion of a Tube Within a Closed Tube: Experiments and Computational Simulations

A comprehensive series of experiments were conducted to study the mechanics of an implosion of a tube occurring within a closed tube. The outer tube has an inner diameter of 0.178 m (7″), a length of 1.82 m (72″), and a maximum hydrostatic pressure of 10.3 MPa (1,500 psi). The implodable volumes consist of aluminum 6061-T6 cylindrical tubing and were placed concentrically within the outer tube and equidistant from the two ends. The effect of the length to diameter (L/d) ratio on the mechanics of the implosion was investigated by varying the outer diameter of the implodable volume while holding the length constant, 0.304 mm (12″). The L/d ratios of 3, 4, 6, and 8 were utilized. The wall thicknesses of the tubes were chosen so as to obtain approximately constant collapse initiation pressures in all of the experiments. The pressure histories generated by the implosion event were captured by dynamic pressure transducers mounted on the inner surface of the outer tube. Computational models of the implosion experiments are currently being developed using the Dynamic System Mechanics Analysis Simulation (DYSMAS) software package. The computational results will be provided in the presentation.
THE FORMATION OF AMPHETAMINE METABOLIC INTERMEDIATE COMPLEXES WITH CYTOCHROME P-450 IN MICROSOMES AND INTACT TISSUES

The formation of metabolic intermediate (MI) complexes from norbenzphetamine and N-hydroxyamphetamine occurs at similar rates in phenobarbital-induced rat and rabbit liver microsomes. However, in intact tissues (in vivo and in isolated perfused organs) MI complexes from these compounds are only formed in the lung. For all microsomal fractions and intact lung tissue more cytochrome P-450 forms a complex with N-hydroxyamphetamine as substrate than with norbenzphetamine.
Role of prolactin in developmental differentiation of hypophysiotropic tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the studies that evaluate whether the dopamine (DA) deficiency develops in the postnatal differentiation of TIDA neurons in Ames dwarf hypothalamus and the effect of PRL on that differentiation. In mice, dwarf and normal brains were assessed from seven days of age through adulthood for hypothalamic DA levels and TIDA neuron number; the effect of PRL replacement at an identified critical period was compared with that in adults. A12 DA neurons in dwarfs are comparable to those of normal mice neonatally, and the adult deficit in DA levels develops postnatally. In rats, significant levels of PRL are present in the circulation from day 1 through 21 years of age; a majority of this PRL may be derived from PRL in maternal milk, which is absorbed by pups and has been shown to be important for normal development of TIDA neuron function. The collective data in PRL-deficient df/df mice indicate that the DA producing inhibitory neurons are not only deficient in adults but also exhibit a critical period for maintenance of normal population size and transmitter content by PRL feedback. The results suggest actual cell loss and aberrant terminal contacts in A12 when dwarfs fail to produce the PRL signal.
Damage Evolution During Impact Of An Ice Bar With Lateral Confinement

A study is presented of the theoretical response of ice subjected to constant velocity impact. The ice medium is idealized as a bar of fine grained polycrystalline ice that is confined in one direction perpendicular to the impact axis. A three-dimensional continuum damage model is used to define the constitutive response of the ice. The physical model consists of a finite length bar, and the impact problem is formulated by prescribing the boundary conditions of zero velocity at one end and a constant velocity at the other end. A finite difference scheme is employed to solve the governing system of differential equations. Comparisons are made for conditions of uniaxial stress, biaxial stress and plane strain. The contact stresses and the evolution of damage are found to be highly dependent on the degree of lateral confinement. It is also found that higher velocities lead to more highly concentrated damage zones.
Measurement and Evaluation in Education and Psychology. William A. Mehrens and Irvin J. Lehmann

(1974). Measurement and Evaluation in Education and Psychology. William A. Mehrens and Irvin J. Lehmann. Measurement and Evaluation in Guidance: Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 248-249.
Emergent Colon Resections: Does Surgeon Specialization Influence Outcomes?

Background Relationships between high-volume surgeons and improved postoperative outcomes have been well documented. Colorectal procedures are often performed by general surgeons, particularly in emergent settings, and may form a large component of their practice. The influence of subspecialized training on outcomes after emergent colon surgery, however, is not well described. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether subspecialty training in colorectal surgery is associated with differences in postoperative outcomes after emergency colectomy. Design This was a retrospective cohort study. Settings Three tertiary care hospitals participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project were included. Patients Patients undergoing emergent colon resections were identified at each institution and stratified by involvement of either a colorectal surgeon or a general or acute care surgeon. Main outcome measures Propensity score matching was used to isolate the effect of surgeon specialty on the primary outcomes, including postoperative morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and the need for unplanned major reoperation, in comparable cohorts of patients. Results A total of 889 cases were identified, including 592 by colorectal and 297 by general/acute care surgeons. After propensity score matching, cases performed by colorectal surgeons were associated with significantly lower rates of 30-day mortality (6.7% vs 16.4%; p = 0.001), postoperative morbidity (45.0% vs 56.7%; p = 0.009), and unplanned major reoperation (9.7% vs 16.4%; p = 0.04). In addition, length of stay was ≈4.4 days longer among patients undergoing surgery by general/acute care surgeons (p Limitations This study was limited by its retrospective design, with potential selection bias attributed to referral patterns. Conclusions After controlling for underlying disease states and illness severity, emergent colon resections performed by colorectal surgeons were associated with significantly lower rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality when compared with noncolorectal surgeons. These findings may have implications for referral patterns for institutions. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A767.
Doing fieldwork in China … with kids! The dynamics of accompanied fieldwork in the People’s Republic of China with kids

“If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be famous, just take a blond baby to a small Chinese town.” Quoting from a popular book about foreigners living in China (Strother and Strother, 2013: 83)...
Long-term follow-up of pediatric open and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Abstract Background Pediatric laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is not widely accepted. Study design Children 0–14 years who underwent inguinal hernia repair during 2010–2016 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California were classified into five groups: (1) open unilateral repair without contralateral exploration; (2) open unilateral repair with contralateral laparoscopic exploration (“open + explore”); (3) open bilateral repair; (4) laparoscopic unilateral repair; and (5) laparoscopic bilateral repair. Outcomes included ipsilateral reoperation, metachronous contralateral repair, incision time, and complications. Results The study included 1697 children. Follow-up averaged 3.6 years after open (N = 1156) and 2.6 years after laparoscopic (N = 541) surgery. Metachronous contralateral repair was performed in 3.8% (26/683) of patients with open unilateral surgery without contralateral exploration, 0.7% (2/275) of open + explore patients, and 0.9% (3/336) of laparoscopic unilateral patients (p Conclusion Our study's laparoscopic and open approaches have similar low ipsilateral reoperation rates, incision times, and complications. The use of laparoscopy to visualize the contralateral side resulted in a significantly lower rate of metachronous contralateral repair. Level of evidence Level III.
Effect of Sodium Thiopental on the Serum Protein Binding of Bupivacaine

The effect of sodium thiopental (6 and 20 μg/ml) on the protein binding of bupivacaine in human serum was determined at pH values of 7.40 and 7.00. The protein binding of bupivacaine decreased from 96% to 58% as the concentration of this drug in serum was increased from 1 μg/ml to 100 μg/ml. A decrease in pH lowered the protein binding of bupivacaine by approximately 2% at 1 μg/ml and 10% at 100 μg/ml. Addition of sodium thiopental to human serum did not significantly alter the protein binding of bupivacaine. The results suggest that the use of sodium thiopental to treat convulsive episodes caused by bupivacaine is unlikely to exacerbate the potential cardiovascular toxicity of this agent by increasing the amount of unbound bupivacaine present in blood.
Using Syndromic Surveillance to Classify and Capture Non-Fatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses

Objectives To evaluate the use of a real-time surveillance tool to track a variety of occupationally-related emergency room visits through the state based syndromic surveillance system, EpiCenter. Introduction This study uses data from the New Jersey syndromic surveillance system (EpiCenter) as a data source to enhance surveillance of current non-fatal occupational injuries, illnesses, and poisonings. EpiCenter was originally developed for early detection and monitoring of the health of communities using chief complaints from people seeking acute care in hospital emergency rooms to identify health trends. Currently, syndromic surveillance has not been widely applied to identify occupational injuries and illnesses. Incorporating syndromic surveillance data from EpiCenter, along with hospital discharge data, will enhance the classification and capture of work-related non-fatal injuries with possible improved efforts at prevention. Methods EpiCenter Emergency Department data from January to December 2014 was evaluated, using work-related keywords and ICD-9 codes, to determine its ability to capture non-fatal work-related injuries. A collection of keywords and phrases specific to work-related injuries was developed by manually assessing the free text chief complaint data field’s. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV), along with descriptive statistics was used to evaluate and summarize the occupational injuries identified in EpiCenter. Results Overall, 11,919 (0.3%) possible work-related injuries were identified via EpiCenter. Of these visits 956 (8%) indicated Workman’s Compensation as payer. Events that resulted in the greatest number of ED visits were falls, slips, trips (1,679, 14%). Nature of injury included cuts, lacerations (1,041, 9%), burns (255, 2%), and sprains, strains, tears (185, 2). The part of the body most affected were the back (1,414, 12%). This work-related classifier achieved a sensitivity of 5.4%, a specificity of 99.8%, and a PPV of 2.8%. Conclusions Evaluating the ability and performance of a new and existing surveillance data source to capture work-related injuries can lead to enhancements in current data collection methods. This evaluation successfully demonstrated that the chief complaint reporting system can yield real-time knowledge of incidents and local conditions for use in identifying opportunities for prevention of work-related injuries.
Current Protocols for the Treatment of Peri-implantitis

Peri-implant diseases are becoming a major problem in modern dentistry. A clear understanding of the pathogenesis of peri-implant diseases may provide key aspects for decision-making on their approach and obtaining predictable results. The purpose of the present article is to provide a narrative review of current protocols (2015–present) used for treatment of peri-implantitis. Current evidence reflects the level of diagnostic and therapeutic complexity; and multifactorial effect of conditions associated with peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. Non-surgical therapy, by means of mechanical detoxification with or without adjuncts, has proven somehow effective for the treatment of mild forms of peri-implantitis. Conversely, open flap mechanical debridement with resective and/or regenerative treatment modalities have been advocated more towards moderate-to-severe forms. There is a lack of evidence to support the use of adjuncts (e.g. systemic/locally-delivered antibiotics, antimicrobial mouth rinses, biologic agents, laser therapy, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, soft tissue augmentation) with conventional mechanical therapy upon the long-term outcomes after the peri-implantitis treatment. Emerging long-term results found surgical outcomes after peri-implantitis therapy to remain unpredictable in arresting inflammation, but effective in preventing further bone destruction and implant loss. In the presence of further peri-implant breakdown, the need for rescue therapy and implant removal was observed in retrospective and prospective studies. To the present date, inconclusive evidence exists to support a gold standard protocol for an effective surgical implant detoxification.
Generation of Octave-Spanning Microresonator Solitons with a Self Injection-Locked DFB Laser

We report the first demonstration of octave spanning frequency combs generated by self-injection locking a distributed feedback laser to a Kerr microresonator. This method benefits from mitigated thermal transients and eliminates an optical isolator which simplifies photonic integration.
Are Fathering Interventions Acceptable to Veterans? A Needs and Preferences Survey

INTRODUCTION Military deployments cause stress for both service members and their families. Returning Veterans often report significant trauma exposure, and experience increased stress and mental health problems following deployment. These factors can in turn increase family problems and parenting strain among Veterans who are parents, exacerbating mental health symptoms. Men are generally less likely to seek treatment for mental health problems, and male Veterans, in particular, report lower rates of mental health treatment use. Interventions that target fathering or parenting skills may be more acceptable and less stigmatizing to male Veterans while serving the dual function of improving parental relationships and reducing mental health symptoms. However, it is unclear whether Veteran fathers will engage in these services. MATERIALS AND METHODS As a preliminary evaluation of the acceptability of fathering interventions, 50 returning Veteran fathers completed an anonymous survey designed to assess their needs and preferences regarding this type of service. All procedures were approved by the local Institutional Review Board and Research and Development Committee. RESULTS Ninety-eight percent of participants reported experiencing at least one parenting issue either that started postdeployment or that got noticeably worse following postdeployment. The majority (86%) stated that they would be open to participating in a fathering program if offered. CONCLUSIONS Returning Veteran fathers demonstrate interest in and willingness to participate in fathering programs suggesting that parenting programs may be a way to engage Veterans in mental health care following deployment.
Participatory Design of a Personalized Genetic Risk Tool to Promote Behavioral Health

Despite major advancements in genomic medicine, research to optimize the design and communication of genetically informed interventions in behavioral health has lagged. The goal of this study was to engage potential end users in participatory codesign of a personalized genetically informed risk tool to intervene on high-risk health behaviors. We used structured interviews to examine end-user attitudes and interest in personalized genetics, qualitative interviews to guide iterative design of a genetically informed tool, and questionnaires to assess acceptability and potential utility of the tool. Participants expressed strong demand for using personal genetics to inform smoking and alcohol-related disease risk and guide treatment (78%-95% agreed). Via iterative design feedback, we cocreated a genetically informed risk profile featuring (i) explanation of genetic and phenotypic markers used to construct a risk algorithm, (ii) personalized risks and benefits of healthy behavior change, and (iii) recommended actions with referral to freely available resources. Participants demonstrated sufficient understanding and cited motivating behavior change as the most useful purpose of the tool. In three phases, we confirmed strong desire for personalized genetics on high-risk health behaviors; codesigned a genetically informed profile with potential end users; and found high acceptability, comprehensibility, and perceived usefulness of the profile. As scientific discovery of genomic medicine advances in behavioral health, we must develop the tools to communicate these discoveries to consumers who stand to benefit. The potential of genomic medicine to engage populations and personalize behavioral health treatment depends, in part, on preparatory studies to design for the future implementation of genetically informed interventions.
Forests of complex numbers

The Calkin–Wilf tree is an infinite binary tree whose vertices are the positive rational numbers. Each number occurs in the tree exactly once and in the form a/b, where a and b are relatively prime positive integers. In this paper, certain subsemigroups of the modular group are used to construct similar trees in the set &#x1d49f;0 of positive complex numbers. Associated to each subsemigroup is a forest of trees that partitions &#x1d49f;0. The fundamental domain and the set of cusps of the subsemigroup are defined and computed.
Association of first trimester prescription opioid use with congenital malformations in the offspring: population based cohort study.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the risk of first trimester exposure to prescription opioids for major congenital malformations, previously reported to be associated with such exposure. Design Population based cohort study. Setting Nationwide sample of publicly and commercially insured pregnant women linked to their liveborn infants, nested in the Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX, 2000-14) and the MarketScan Research Database (MarketScan, 2003-15). Participants 1 602 580 publicly insured (MAX) and 1 177 676 commercially insured (MarketScan) pregnant women with eligibility from at least three months before pregnancy to one month after delivery; infants with eligibility for at least three months after birth. Interventions Use of prescription opioids was ascertained by requiring two or more dispensations of any opioid during the first trimester. Main outcomes measures Major malformations overall, cardiac malformations overall, ventricular septal defect, secundum atrial septal defect/patent foramen ovale, neural tube defect, clubfoot, and oral cleft, defined based on validated algorithms. Propensity score stratification was used to adjust for potential confounders and/or proxies for confounders. Estimates from each database were combined using meta-analysis. Results 70 447 (4.4%) of 1 602 580 publicly insured and 12 454 (1.1%) of 1 177 676 commercially insured pregnant women had two or more dispensations of an opioid during the first trimester. Absolute risk of malformations overall was 41.0 (95% confidence interval 39.5 to 42.5) per 1000 pregnancies exposed to opioids versus 32.0 (31.7 to 32.3) per 1000 unexposed pregnancies in the MAX cohort, and 42.6 (39.0 to 46.1) and 37.3 (37.0 to 37.7) per 1000, respectively, in the MarketScan cohort. Pooled unadjusted relative risk estimates were raised for all outcomes but shifted substantially toward the null after adjustment; for malformations overall (relative risk 1.06, 95% confidence interval 1.02 to 1.10), cardiovascular malformations (1.09, 1.00 to 1.18), ventricular septal defect (1.07, 0.95 to 1.21), atrial septal defect/patent foramen ovale (1.04, 0.88 to 1.24), neural tube defect (0.82, 0.53 to 1.27), and clubfoot (1.06, 0.88 to 1.28). The relative risk for oral clefts remained raised after adjustment (1.21, 0.98 to 1.50), with a higher risk of cleft palate (1.62, 1.23 to 2.14). Conclusions Prescription opioids used in early pregnancy are not associated with a substantial increase in risk for most of the malformation types considered, although a small increase in the risk of oral clefts associated with their use is possible.
Associations between faecal pathogen detection, E. coli concentrations and youth exhibitor biosecurity practices at California county fairs.

Interactions with livestock in public settings such as county and state fairs can expose people and other livestock to faecal material capable of spreading zoonotic enteric pathogens. The goal of this study was to understand these risks by screening livestock faeces (n = 245) and livestock bedding (n = 155) for common zoonotic pathogens (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Salmonella and Campylobacter spp.) and by measuring faecal indicator, Escherichia coli, concentrations in drinking water (n = 153), feed containers (n = 124) and bedding material (n = 157) in four livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats and swine) from county fairs in California, USA. Results indicated that sheep were most likely to have pathogens detected in faeces and that Giardia was the most frequently detected pathogen in both faeces (11%) and bedding (21%) across all livestock species. Additionally, increasing the number of animals in a holding pen at fairs, increasing the stocking density of animals in transport trailers to fairs, and having access to water in transport trailers significantly increased the odds of detecting pathogens in livestock faeces of any animal species. Observing solid material in water, stale feed and soiled bedding was associated with detecting higher E. coli concentrations. These findings provide evidence of faecal pathogens present at county fairs and suggest that site observations can aid in assessing levels of faecal exposure. The findings also indicate that the use of biosecurity measures such as (a) routine changing of livestock drinking water, feed and bedding, (b) not overstocking animals in holding pens and trailers and (c) keeping species in separate holding areas may reduce the risk of humans and livestock being exposed to faecal pathogens.
A bottom-up approach to creating a cyberattack model with fine grain components

In today's world every system developer and administrator should be familiar with cyberattacks and possible threats to their organizations systems. Petri Nets have been used to model and simulate cyberattacks allowing for additional knowledge on the planning stages of defending a system. Petri Nets have been used since the 1960's and there exists several extensions and variations of how they are designed, in particular Petri Nets with Players, Strategies and Cost has been recently proposed to model individual cyberattacks on target systems. These models can also be broken down into smaller components to build different models. This study introduces the concept of fine-grain components and a bottom-up approach to create a cyberattack model.
Diabetes and Hypertension

Diabetic people are more prone to hypertension than those without this metabolic disorder (1–6). More than 3 million people in the United States have both type II diabetes and hypertension (1–3). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the largest cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic persons with coexistent hypertension. Accordingly, a major focus of hypertension therapy for these persons should be the reduction of CVD morbidity and mortality, while reducing the complications of diabetic nephropathy. The causation of this comorbidity in Westernized societies may be attributed to populations getting older, more obese, and more sedentary (1–6). Up to 80% of the premature mortality in persons with this diabetes is due to CVD (1–6). Hypertension plays a key role in promoting CVD in diabetic persons (1–6). These observations have contributed to the recommendations of more aggressive lowering of blood pressure (BP) (i.e., to <130/85 mmHg) in people with both diabetes and hypertension (2–7). However, it appears that most of such persons are inadequately controlled at this desired BP (5,8). New strategies are being reviewed to improve our ability to reach BPs in this high-risk population.
Mathematical Modelling of Lunar Laser Measures and their Application to Improvement of Physical Parameters

It is important to understand that a lunar range measure is not a distance but a time delay, or aberration. This fact introduces certain complications into the computational procedures required to treat the data that may not be obvious to the non-specialist. This paper is a conceptual description of the step-by-step process required for the computation of lunar range predictions, showing both the nature of all of the mathematical aspects of the physical model, and also their means of application. The necessary departures from classical astronomical practice, such as the computation of lunar predictions in a heliocentric reference frame, are explained in terms of their importance to the accuracy of the final results. Comparable problems exist with respect to the application of the observational residuals to the improvement of parameter values in the physical model, and this process is described also.
Gender Differences in Physical Activity and Walking Among Older Adults

Older women are generally more sedentary and less active than older men, but little is known about the specific factors underlying the differences between the genders in physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to compare men and women regarding their household leisure time PA, walking activity, and personal and environmental factors related to physical activity. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 276 older adults recruited from senior centers. Findings revealed that women were less active overall but more involved in household activities. The women's personal and environmental factors represented poor conditions for PA, and as a result they engaged in lower levels of PA than men.
IMPACT OF SAMPLE THICKNESS ON DESCRIPTIVE TEXTURE ANALYSIS OF CHEDDAR CHEESE: SAMPLE THICKNESS AND CHEESE TEXTURE

Cheeses are available with different levels of fat and in different sizes and shapes (e.g., slices or cubes). This research investigated the effect of moving from a slice to a cube (constant 2-D surface area, increased volume) on textural evaluation of Cheddar cheese at three different fat levels using both descriptive sensory analysis and consumer testing. Thin slices (2 mm thickness) were generally judged to be less firm and hard than thicker (8–20 mm) samples. However, there was no difference because of sample thickness in texture terms evaluated after five chews. Consumer liking (flavor, texture and overall) was not altered by sample thickness and decreased with fat reduction. Consumers preferred large sized (8 and 14 mm) samples over the thin slices. The potential benefit from a less hard, thin slice did not result in improved preference. It can be concluded that sample size does not alter the overall sensory perception such that differences because of fat content are diminished. Practical Applications Sensory analysis requires a choice in sample volume and shape. Some foods, such as cheese, are sold in a range of sizes, varying from slices to cubes. This research was designed to determine if sample size altered the textural perception of Cheddar cheese. Descriptive analysis indicated that slices, the thinnest sample, were generally rated as less firm/hard, but there was no consistent sample size effect on terms evaluated after chewing. Consumer testing showed that differences in liking (flavor, texture and overall) were due to fat level alone and not altered by sample size.
A hierarchical and reflective framework for synchronization and scheduling controls

Synchronization and scheduling of system components form a major part of the requirements of today's complex systems, such as soft-real-time and reactive/adaptive systems. We present a general framework for the reflective, distributed, and hierarchical prioritization of complex system components. Our framework differs from other approaches in a few ways: Synchronization and scheduling policies are expressible as first class constructs; they can be specified and programmed like any other language construct. The framework supports complete locality control: The system components are partitioned into a hierarchy of levels. Each hierarchy level has complete control over its functionality, behavior, actions, synchronization, and scheduling; each level prioritizes only the components within itself. The system dynamically computes and alters a prioritization policy expression at each level during run time. The abstraction treats the synchronization and scheduling controls as it has been the case for data and operations in object-oriented programming languages. The schema allows for the reuse and extension of such controls through specification parts.
CHARTING A PATH TO SUCCESS: THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN INSTITUTIONAL PLACEMENT POLICIES AND THE ACADEMIC SUCCESS OF LATINO STUDENTS

The research reported in this paper took place at an Hispanic-serving, public community college and examined the effects of alternative institutional placement policies on student academic success. Results showed that when placement methods considered multiple measures of academic preparedness, students were initially placed into higher level mathematics courses in which they achieved equal or greater academic success than when only standardized test scores or only high school preparation were considered.
Monotone properties defined from stars of open coverings

Abstract We define some monotone properties using stars of coverings. This relates to work of J. van Mill, V. Tkachuk, R. Wilson, O. Alas, L. Junqueira, M. Matveev and others who generalized the D-space property of E. van Douwen and E. Michael. Given a property P , we call a topological space X monotonically star- P if one can assign to each open cover U a subspace s ( U ) ⊆ X with property P in such a way that st ( s ( U ) , U ) = ⋃ { U ∈ U : U ∩ s ( U ) ≠ ∅ } = X and if V refines U then s ( U ) ⊆ s ( V ) . We study monotonically star- P spaces for various compactness-like properties P .
Traction in developmental dislocation of the hip. Is its use justified

Traction has been used for decades in the treatment of developmental dislocation of the hip. Traction is advocated to facilitate closed reduction and to decrease the need for open reduction. The use of prereduction traction also is advocated to decrease the incidence of proximal femoral growth disturbance (aseptic necrosis). Recently, several studies have called into question this widely accepted adjunct in the treatment of developmental dislocation of the hip. A critical look was taken at the use of traction in the treatment of developmental dislocation of the hip and whether its use can be justified by the existing medical literature was ascertained. Although there are several impressive reports of the positive effects of traction in developmental dislocation of the hip, there are no clinical or experimental studies on the direct effect of traction. There are also no well controlled studies to analyze the effect of traction as a single variable. Thus, it cannot be proven that traction alters the outcome of developmental dislocation of the hip treatment, and hence, there is only anecdotal basis for its use in the treatment of developmental dislocation of the hip.
Distributed object management: integrating distributed information in heterogeneous environment

Abstract Organizations today need an optimized environment that builds and integrates diverse operating systems, hardware and applications. Distributed Computing provides us with a facility to transparently access all data, resources in the network. Current Research, projects that distributed object management concept along with the distributed computing environment can provide a single interface to manage the complexities of a heterogeneous environment. Using a uniform framework based on the DCE standard, we attempt to create an Object Oriented Distributed Computing Environment that will help us create open distributed applications with location independence for client applications in a multivendor network. A better model for Open Distributed Computing aided by Object Oriented concepts is offered. Some of the research issues in realizing such a model are contemplated. We integrate an Object Manager with the OSF' DCE and discuss its benefits.
A novel agent-based transportation model of a university campus with application to quantifying the environmental cost of parking search

This paper develops a novel agent-based transportation model of a university campus, primarily focusing on vehicle-related travel and the associated parking search process. In developing and validating the model, the study uses a wide range of data sources including: (1) a brief “trip-diary” type survey; (2) 24-h traffic counts at the entry and exit points to the campus; (3) information about the university buildings’ class room capacities and class schedules; (4) parking occupancy surveys; and (5) select intersections’ turn movement counts. The agent-based model is designed to explicitly capture trip chaining behavior, and the often-overlooked phenomenon of drivers searching for an available parking spot. The parking search process is modeled using a sequential game-theoretic, neo-additive capacity model which accounts for drivers optimistic and pessimistic attitudes regarding parking availability in their most desirable lot. The agent-based demand model is then integrated with the Transportation Analysis and Simulation System (TRANSIMS), which serves as the traffic micro-simulation engine, and with the MOVES2010 emissions model. Following the validation of the integrated model, it is used to quantify the environmental cost of the parking search process on campus. The study may be regarded as one of the few studies to integrate an agent- or activity based model of travel demand, albeit admittedly simplified, with a fine-grained transportation network, a detailed traffic micro-simulation, and a project-level emissions model. Another contribution of the study is in terms of quantifying the environmental cost, in terms of wasted fuel and increased emissions, associated with the parking search process on campus.
The transfer of surface films through surface channels—geometrical factors

Abstract Mixtures of certain substances, spread as monolayers, can be separated into their components by a process of transferring the monolayer through channels from a higher to a lower surface pressure. When a mixture is separable, the order of separation of the components depends upon their surface pressures. The mechanism of the transfer process has been investigated. The rate of transfer is directly proportional to the difference in surface pressures of the initial and final states of the film and inversely proportional to a “resistance” which is dependent upon the geometry of the channel. Expressions have been derived for the rate of transfer as affected by the angle of the groove of the channel and the height of the barrier over which the channel passes. These formulas have been verified using brass grooves wetted with water and cyclohexyl myristate spread as the monolayer on water.
Validity of Scaling to 10 20 eV and High-Energy Cosmic-Ray Composition

It is shown that evidence on cosmic-ray showers of energy 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{16}$ to ${10}^{20}$ eV indicates that scaling in the fragmentation region is valid up to the highest energies if (and only if) hadron-air inelastic cross sections continue to rise in the manner observed at lower energies. It is also shown, with use of additional air-shower evidence, that $〈\mathrm{ln} A〉$, the logarithmic mean primary mass number, changes from (4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2) at 1.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{15}$ eV to (${0}_{\ensuremath{-}0}^{+0.6}$) at and above 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{16}$ eV.
Time course of changes in cholinergic and neurotrophin-related markers after infusion of colchicine into the basal forebrain.

Abstract After bilateral infusions of colchicine or vehicle in the rat nucleus basalis magnocellularis, the time course of changes in several cholinergic and neurotrophin-related markers were assessed. Animals were sacrificed at 3, 7, 14, 28, 35 and 84 days post-lesion, and both the NBM and cortical areas were assessed. Sections were stained immunohistochemically for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) or p140 trk ( trk ) or histochemically for acetylcholinesterase (AChE). ChAT activity and neurotrophin protein levels were assessed regionally. The number of ChAT immunoreactive NBM neuronal profiles decreased beginning 3 days post-lesion and reach maximal loss by 28 days post-lesion, with no recovery. Examination of trk -IR around the NBM revealed a time-dependent decrease in trk -IR of magnocellular neurons and an increase in trk -IR of astrocytes at 14 and 28 days post-lesion. The density of AChE-stained cortical fibers was maximally decreased 3 days post-lesion followed by an increase in fiber staining across the remaining time points. Cortical ChAT activity showed the largest decrease at 7 days followed by recovery 84 days after colchicine infusion. There was an increase in NGF in the parietal cortex after colchicine infusion but no change in BDNF level. These patterns of changes in the cholinergic and neurotrophin-related markers suggest an association between NGF and lesion-induced compensatory responses in the basal forebrain cholinergic system.
Interleukin-10 as a CNS therapeutic: the obstacle of the blood–brain/blood–spinal cord barrier

Interleukin (IL)-10 exerts beneficial effects on the central nervous system (CNS) after peripheral administration, but its penetration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has not been quantified. We show that 125I-IL-10 is stable in circulating blood but does not cross the intact BBB after intravenous delivery. Thus, peripheral IL-10 probably can serve as a CNS therapeutic only when the BBB is disrupted.
Rehearsal and the word frequency effect in recognition memory

Abstract Performance on low frequency words is better than performance on higher frequency words in recognition memory. Many theorists have suggested that encoding factors contribute to this word frequency effect. In this paper we consider whether rehearsal, a specific encoding factor, contributes to the low frequency advantage in recognition memory. A rehearsal explanation predicts that, all other things being equal, the word frequency effect should increase with presentation duration. We present four experiments whose results are inconsistent with this prediction. We close by discussing two alternative explanations of the current results.
Design and analysis of the absorber component in waste-heat-driven diffusion absorption refrigeration systems

The diffusion absorption refrigeration (DAR) cycle can provide refrigeration in remote locations using waste-heat or other low-grade-thermal input. Unlike conventional absorption systems, the DAR cycle receives no mechanical input, so all flows must be driven by passive mechanisms. Further, a third inert gas is employed to allow refrigerant expansion since conventional throttling devices impart large pressure drops. Thus, DAR absorber design is challenging due to increased mass transfer resistance from the inert gas, multiple outlet flow paths for the inert gas and solution, and limited (passive) external cooling. In the present study, a detailed, coupled heat and mass transfer model is developed for a counter-flow serpentine-tube DAR absorber. The model is applied to the analysis of an absorber for a small-scale refrigeration system with a 36 W cooling capacity. Studies are conducted to investigate the effect of key configuration and operational parameters on absorber performance, and guidelines are provided for component and system design.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Méthode et résultats de mesures de longueurs d'onde avec l'interféromètre a miroirs trièdres

Description d'une methode de comparaison de longueurs d'onde utilisant un interferometre a miroirs triedres. Discussions des sources d'erreurs, et resultats preliminaires pour des raies du proche infra-rouge de Hg, Cd et He.
A semiparametric bootstrap approach to correlated data analysis problems

In this note, we outline a simple to use yet powerful bootstrap algorithm for handling correlated outcome variables in terms of either hypothesis testing or confidence intervals using only the marginal models. This new method can handle combinations of continuous and discrete data and can be used in conjunction with other covariates in a model. The procedure is based upon estimating the family-wise error (FWE) rate and then making a Bonferroni-type correction. A simulation study illustrates the accuracy of the algorithm over a variety of correlation structures.