cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Healthier Students Are Better Learners: High-Quality, Strategically Planned, and Effectively Coordinated School Health Programs Must Be a Fundamental Mission of Schools to Help Close the Achievement Gap

OBJECTIVE: To discuss implications for educational policy and practice relevant to closing the achievement gap based on the literature review and synthesis presented in 7 articles of the October 2011 special issue of the Journal of School Health. METHODS: Implications for closing the achievement gap are drawn from analyses of current literature. RESULTS: During the past several decades, school reform efforts to close the achievement gap have focused on various strategies, yielding very limited progress. Educationally relevant health disparities influence students' motivation and ability to learn, but reducing these disparities has been largely overlooked as an element of an overall strategy for closing the achievement gap. If these health problems are not addressed, the educational benefits of other school reform efforts will be jeopardized. CONCLUSIONS: Healthier students are better learners. School health programs and services that are evidence based, strategically planned to influence academic achievement, and effectively coordinated warrant validation as a cohesive school improvement initiative for closing the achievement gap. National, state, and local responsibilities for supporting school health are outlined, including shared strategies; leadership from the U.S. Department of Education; policy development; guidance, technical assistance, and professional development; accountability and data and software systems; and a research agenda. To date, the U.S. Department of Education has not provided leadership for integrating evidence-based, strategically planned, and effectively coordinated school health programs and services into the fundamental mission of schools. Now is an opportune time for change.
Leptin increases maternal investment

The primary goal of virtually all organisms is to produce genetic offspring, thereby passing on their genes to future generations. Offspring production, however, is limited by available resources w...
Total Synthesis of the Unusual Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloid (±)‐Alstilobanine A

The monoterpene indole alkaloids, which are usually comprised of a tryptamine moiety appended to a single C9- or C10-terpenoid unit, constitute one of the largest known classes of natural products.[1] In 2004, Kam and Choo isolated a new type of monoterpenoid indole alkaloid, angustilodine (1), which contains a unique rearranged skeleton, from the leaves of the Malayan plant Alstonia angustiloba (Figure 1).[2] The structure of angustilodine was determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis to include an indole appended to a cis-fused 2-azadecalin ring system bearing a 7-membered ring ether bridge. An interesting conformational feature of this molecule established by 2D NMR studies is the observation that the piperidine ring exists as a boat. More recently, Morita and coworkers discovered the N-demethyl congener alstilobanine E (2), along with alstilobanine A (3), which lacks the bridging oxepane ring found in 1 and 2, in the same plant.[3] Unlike alkaloids 1 and 2, it was proposed that alstilobanine A has the piperidine ring in a chair conformation as shown in Figure 1. Alstilobanines A and E were found to possess modest relaxant activity against phenylephrine-induced contractions of thoracic rat aortic rings with endothelium. In this communication we describe the first approach to these alkaloids, culminating in a convergent total synthesis of racemic alstilobanine A (3).
Metabolic Acidosis and Chronic Kidney Disease

Metabolic acidosis frequently develops in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) when the glomerular filtration rate falls below 30 mL/min. The acidosis is usually mild with serum bicarbonate concentration ranging from 15 to 23 mEq/L. Early in its course, a nongap acidosis might be present, but as kidney failure progresses, this often evolves into a combined nongap and high anion gap acidosis and then a high anion gap acidosis alone. The acidosis is due primarily to a decrease in net acid excretion arising from a fall in ammonia production, although a decrease in tubular bicarbonate reabsorption can contribute to its genesis. Major adverse effects of the metabolic acidosis can include a decrease in muscle mass and increased protein degradation, production, or exacerbation of bone disease; progression of CKD; and an increased risk of death. Treatment with base in the form of Shohl’s solution, sodium bicarbonate, or increased amounts of fruits and vegetables can all be successful in raising serum bicarbonate concentration. At present, the bicarbonate to be targeted remains unclear, but we recommend it be raised close to or at the normal level of 24 mmol/L.
Taxonomic and size structures of phytophilous macroinvertebrate communities in Vallisneria and Trapa beds of the Hudson River, New York

Phytophilous macroinvertebrates (PMI) were sampled from the surfaces and surrounding water of two aquatic plant species, Vallisneria americana and Trapa natans, which have substantially different morphologies. It was expected that the plants would harbor invertebrate communities of different structure. Total density of PMI was consistently greater in Vallisneria than inTrapa, e.g. 6× greater per m3 water and 21× greater per m2 leaf surface in August. Each macrophyte harbored taxa that were either significantly more abundant or present only with that macrophyte; the herbivore Galerucella nymphaceae (Coleptera: Chrysomelidae) was abundant on Trapa. Vallisneria harbored 34 taxa vs. 40 taxa in Trapa, but similarity was low (Morisita's C=0.55–0.66). Predaceous invertebrates were more prevalent in Trapa than in Vallisneria, as were larger individuals. Both PMI communities exhibited shifts in size distribution between July and August. Standing crop of Trapa was 3× greater than forVallisneria. These two macrophyte beds clearly support PMI communities of different taxonomic and size structure, which is believed to be related to the differences in macrophyte morphology.
Students’ foreign language anxiety and self-efficacy beliefs across different levels of university foreign language coursework

ABSTRACTThis study investigated differences in students’ foreign language anxiety and foreign language self-efficacy related to skill-specific foreign language tasks (i.e., speaking, listening, reading, and writing) across five levels of university foreign language coursework. A total of 206 participants in 12 university Spanish classrooms (ranging from Beginning Spanish I to Intermediate Spanish II) were surveyed for this study. The findings revealed that students who have higher levels of skill-specific foreign language anxieties provided corresponding lower ratings on skill-specific foreign language self-efficacies. Analyses also revealed that students’ ratings for foreign language anxiety for each foreign language-learning skill were not significantly different across the five levels of coursework. However, students’ ratings of foreign language self-efficacies for each foreign language-learning skill were significantly different across different levels of coursework.
LIMITATIONS ON DETERMINISM AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL IN BIOLOGY DUE TO VARIABILITY AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL

Publisher Summary Variability is a major and inescapable property of biological systems at all levels. It arises not as a historical accident based on certain initial conditions; however, it would arise in any system satisfying reasonable postulates for a living system. Because of the way existing cells are constructed, well-established quantum mechanical principles require that certain questions about rather simple experiments have only statistical answers. Thermodynamic fluctuations also act to limit the degree to which thermodynamic parameters can be regarded as exact. The variance of cell-cycle time is an example of a variability that arises on a cellular scale; however, it has macroscopic effects. Such variances are themselves measurable quantities. Therefore, the variances and other parameters of the probability distributions underlying cellular processes must be included in biological theories. As an example, the theory of variance in population biology is generalized to include underlying variability at the molecular level even among genetically identical individuals.
Design consideration of volt-VAR controllers in distribution systems with multiple PV inverters

Advanced control techniques such as Volt-VAR Control (VVC) are required for integration of multiple distributed renewable energy, such as Photovoltaic (PV) resources, on an electric distribution system. However, undesired interactions have been observed among these Volt-VAR controlled PV inverters which leads to oscillation and instability of the system. In this paper, an analytical approach to study the stability of local voltage control in high PV penetrated distribution systems with advanced Volt-VAR control functions is employed. The transient of inverter Volt-VAR Control interactions and dynamics of the interconnected feed-back loops in the distribution circuits are investigated. It is shown analytically that the Grid impedances, droop slope, PI controller parameters, response time and delay time in the VVC are the main factors affecting the dynamic response of the system, and the absence of a standard selection criteria for inverter and controller parameters under different Grid impedances results in undesired potential interactions among the PV inverters and distribution power system.
Timing Multiple Markets: Theory and Evidence from Balanced Mutual Funds

I extend the model of Merton (1981) to multiple factors and derive a general expression for the value of a market timer's forecast. The model implies a measure of total performance that aggregates a manager's selection and timing ability. I develop return-based parametric tests that provide consistent estimates of the performance measures. These tests are applied to a sample of balanced mutual funds, to assess their ability to successfully forecast the relative return on stocks, bonds, and a riskless asset. On aggregate, the timing value of balanced funds is negative and insignificant. After-fee total performance is negative at the fund-level.
Enhanced efficacy of the engineered antimicrobial peptide WLBU2 via direct airway delivery in a murine model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia

Objectives P. aeruginosa is a common cause of pneumonia in cystic fibrosis patients with the property to generate multidrug resistance against clinically used antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a diverse group of effector molecules of the innate immunity that protect the host against pathogens. However, the lack of activity in common biological matrices has hampered efforts towards clinical development. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of engineered antimicrobial peptide WLBU2 via direct airway delivery in a murine model of P. aeruginosa infection.
ASSESSING AND MANAGING EFFECTS OF REDUCED FRESHWATER INFLOW TO TWO TEXAS ESTUARIES

Abstract: While a major objective of coastal zone management plans is to maintain the value and use of estuaries, decisions affecting inflow, a critical component of estuaries, are often based on considerations of water use inland. The functions of estuaries as “filters” for inland based signals is often ignored. For effective management of both inland-water resources and estuarine freshwater inflow, methods for assessing the actual effects of inland perturbations are needed. Because no single method exists, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service used a set of evaluative methods to assess the effects of reduced freshwater inflow on estuaries in Nueces-Corpus Christi and Matagorda Bays and to develop management plans for ensuring fish and wildlife productivity. The set included (1) studying the effects of environmental changes on key species, (2) regression analysis between inflow and fishery harvest data, (3) compilation and analysis of a nutrient budget, and (4) comparison of historical and projected deltaic marsh inundations. Proposed management plans to address the findings of these assessment methods involved the release of freshwater during spring and low inflow, the rerouting of selected wastewater to the river delta, and the diversion of in-channel water to inundate deltaic marshes. These plans all depend upon compromises between inland and coastal needs.
Limb Regrowth and Tissue Engineering Alternatives

We present a review and discussion on the current state of the sciences and research on limb restoration, exploring two potential strategies: (1) regenerative capabilities from the amputated stump and (2) tissue engineering approaches to reconstruct a lost limb. Examining the possibility for a human amputated limb to be regenerated in a fashion similar to that of a salamander’s amputated limb, we discuss current scientific understanding of specific species with regenerative capabilities involving progression through a series of definable stages beginning with wound healing and culminating in the redifferentiation of a new limb. We then examine the regenerative capabilities of mammals, including humans and mice, and discuss the possibility and requirements for enhancing regenerative capabilities in complex tissues such as the finger or limb. The process for driving limb regeneration may parallel the events involved in heterotopic ossification, a condition in which bone cells develop from traumatized tissues or tissues surrounding a certain radius of the trauma. We discuss how discoveries uncovered in the regenerative processes could be used to help control unwanted bone tissue formation of amputated human limbs and thereby enable improved prosthetic fitting and minimized associated pain. Finally, we summarize the current state of tissue engineering capabilities and challenges in reconstructing the human limb.
Dose ranging effects of vitamin D3 on the geriatric depression score: A clinical trial

Depression is a common problem affecting millions, usually treated with selective serotonin uptake inhibitors. Interest in vitamin D as a co-therapy was stimulated by some association studies that correlated depression with low serum 25OHD levels. There are few longitudinal studies of vitamin D and depression and most are single doses of vitamin D. In this study we examined the effect of one-year treatment with several doses of vitamin D on the Geriatric depression score (GDS) in older Caucasian and African American women. The clinical trial was a study of seven daily oral doses of vitamin D (400-4800IU/d) in Black and White older women. The trial was a double blind, randomized and placebo controlled lasting 12-months. The main inclusion criterion was serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD)≤20ng/mL (50nmol/L). Calcium supplements were given to maintain calcium intake 1000mg/day in young people and 1200-1400mg/day in older women. Data on Geriatric depression (GDS) was collected using the validated long form at baseline and 12-months. The change in serum 25OHD was the primary outcome and GDS was one of the secondary outcomes. Adjustments were made for relevant covariates. Analysis of vitamin D effect was by dose low, medium and high compared to placebo or by quintiles. Serum 25OHD increased as a quadratic curve function to a mean of 46ng/mL (115nmol/L) in white women and 49ng/mL (122.5nmol/L) in black women on the highest dose of 4800 IU. In older women mean GDS scores changed from 3.8 (SD±4.2) at baseline to 3.6 (SD±4.1) at 12 months in whites and from 3.0 (SD±3.7) to 3.02 (SD±4.2) in Blacks. (p=0.790 in whites; p=0.958 in blacks). After 12-months there was no effect of dose on change in GDS score in women treated with different doses of vitamin D (p=0.507 in whites and p=0.340 in blacks). When both Caucasians and African Americans were divided into 3 dose groups, low (400-800 IU), medium (1600-3200 IU) and high (4000-4800 IU) doses, the change in score was 0.8 on low dose, -0.30 on medium dose and -0.31 on high dose compared to 0.11 on placebo (p=0.546). In summary, there was no improvement in GDS scores in Caucasians or African Americans on either increasing doses of vitamin D or quintiles of achieved response in serum 25OHD. The changes were small and not significant perhaps because of the relatively lower numbers of depressed women in the groups. Further studies should recruit larger numbers, 3 dose groups covering a serum25OHD range of 20-60ng/mL and more subjects with clinical depression in order to fully address the question of vitamin D effects on depression.
Predictors of adverse psychological experiences surrounding genome-wide profiling for disease risk

This study aimed to identify predictors of adverse psychological experiences among direct-to-consumer (DTC) genomic test consumers. We performed a secondary analysis on data from the Scripps Genomic Health Initiative (SGHI), which studied 2037 individuals tested with commercially available tests yielding personalized risk estimates for 23 common, genetically complex diseases. As part of the original study, the participants completed baseline and follow-up survey measures assessing demographics, personal and family health history, attitudes toward genetic testing, anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)), test-related distress (Impact of Event Scale—Revised (IES-R)), and reactions to receipt of results. To further describe the participants who had an adverse psychological outcome, this secondary analysis defined two different variables (“distress response” and “psychologically sensitive participants”) and examined their relationship to various demographic variables and other survey responses. One hundred thirty participants (6.4%) were defined as having a “distress response” to receipt of results based on changes in STAI and/or IES. Four hundred thirty-one participants (21.2%) were defined as being “psychologically sensitive” based on high STAI scores both pre- and post-receipt of results. For psychologically sensitive subjects, younger age emerged as a predictor (p < 0.0005). Family history and personal history were only significant predictors for Alzheimer’s disease in the psychologically sensitive participants (p = .03) and restless leg syndrome in those with a distress response (p = .03). Psychologically sensitive participants were more likely to indicate a number of pre-test concerns than were controls, but neither group of participants were any more likely to follow up with their physician or a free genetic counseling service after the return of results.
Formal Number Theory and Computability. A Workbook. By Alec Fisher

(1985). Formal Number Theory and Computability. A Workbook. By Alec Fisher. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 92, No. 6, pp. 439-440.
The Nature of Litigation in Early New England

If Bruce Mann had written Neighbors and Strangers as he describes it in his reply,' he might have been right in stating that I mischaracterized his work. But instead his reply presents a version of legal change revised to write out the central aspects of his theory that I critiqued in my Article.2 I used the term "modernization theory" as a simple way of referring to the underlying thrust of Neighbors and Strangers that, in the early eighteenth century, the legal system in colonial Connecticut transformed in response to an expanding economy and other changing social conditions by becoming more formal and predictable and by providing more uniform decisions, thereby creating conditions for a more commercial and market-oriented society.3 In one passage, for example, Mann states:
Joint Prediction of Remaining Useful Life and Failure Type of Train Wheelsets: Multitask Learning Approach

AbstractTrain wheel failures account for disruptions of train operations and even a large portion of train derailments. Remaining useful life (RUL) of a wheelset measures how soon the next failure ...
Children’s perceptions of neighbourhood environments for walking and outdoor play

Through a questionnaire and Photo-Projective Methods (PPM), this study investigates how children perceive their neighbourhood environment for walking and outdoor play. It aims to understand what fe...
The Application of Matrix Solid Phase Dispersion (MSPD) to the Extraction and Subsequent Analysis of Drug Residues in Animal Tissues

The contamination of our environment and of our food supply with industrial, agricultural and pharmaceutical agents possessing toxicologic and/or pharmacologic character are major man-made problems that must be redressed in the coming decade. The prevention, detection and elimination of such contamination constitute major challenges to our technology and our science and will result in significant financial resources being expended by private, State and National agencies to remediate and monitor these problems. Of particular concern is the use of veterinary drugs in the production and maintenance of food animals. The improper use of such drugs leaves residues of the parent and/or its metabolites in the tissues or milk of the animal so treated and, subsequently, in the food products derived from these sources. The presence of such drugs poses a potential threat to human health on toxicologic, immunopathological and microbiological grounds. Toxicological concerns relate to a direct toxic effect of the compound on the consumer, possibly resulting in physiological abnormalities, such as cancer. Immunopathological complications arise when the drug serves as an antigen, resulting in hypersensitivity reactions in sensitized individuals. Microbiological concerns relate to the transmittance of antibiotic resistance to bacteria from low level exposure to antibiotics and the possible emergence of resistant pathogenic bacteria in the natural flora of humans.
Individual decisions and outside influences affecting U.S. commodity markets and cropland used for grain production

This dissertation is composed of four essays broadly focusing on U.S. commodity markets with an emphasis on grains and cropland used to produce grains. The essays each address specific factors surrounding commodity markets and agricultural land-use which have been relevant in individual decision-making processes or recent policy debates. The first essay is motivated by data which reveal that grain producers' hedging decisions have changed over time, and have been strongly correlated with futures price levels. Using prospect theory as the underlying behavioral framework, there are two main goals: to outline a mechanism that allows for this correlation, and to illustrate the corresponding implications for cash prices and volatility at harvest. The second essay uses an empirical approach to determine the extent to which speculative trading has influenced commodity futures prices and volatility. Tests of Granger causality are conducted in the time domain for each of 19 actively-traded commodities individually, as well as in aggregate, using seemingly unrelated regression analysis. Tests of causality are also conducted in the frequency domain to distinguish between long-run and short-run causality. The third essay seeks to provide clarity to the debate on the role of speculation in commodity derivative markets by recognizing that speculation may take more than one form. Encompassing two measures of speculation, an error correction model is used to test for a long-run level relationship between futures prices and speculation and between volatility and speculation. The goal of the final essay is to explore the implications of conventional agricultural life cycle assessments (LCAs) that fail to account for the opportunity cost associated with land scarcity. A model to represent the interests associated with biofuel production in the United States is constructed that minimizes environmental damages and accounts for the external benefits to production by choosing acreage optimally. Corn and switchgrass are modeled as crops competing for land-use.
On the Role of Boundary Conditions in the Nonlinear Dynamic Response of Simple Structures

Nonlinear responses of structures under extreme impact loading with various boundary conditions are studied. A variety of structures including rods and beams are modeled with material and geometric nonlinearities. High fidelity responses are obtained by using the alternating wavelet-time finite element method (AWT-FEM). Nonlinear distortion and dispersion are identified in the response and the influence of the boundary conditions on the nonlinearity is explored.
Semi-Continuous Emulsion Polymerization

There are three types of emulsion polymerization processes: 1. batch polymerization in which all ingredients are added at the beginning of the reaction; 2. semi-continuous or semi-batch polymerization in which the monomer is added continuously or in increments, neat or in emulsion; 3. continuous polymerization in which all of the ingredients are added continuously to one part of the reactor system and partially or completely converted latex is removed continuously from another part. All three processes comprise particle nucleation and particle growth stages, which may occur sequentially or concurrently. All three processes benefit by the use of a seed latex to obviate the particle nucleation stage. The seed latex may be prepared in a separate reaction or by polymerization in situ.
Influence of the Local Food Environment on Hispanics' Perceptions of Healthy Food Access in New York City.

Introduction:Studies have characterized food environments and documented its impact on access and consumption of healthy foods as well as diet-related health conditions. This study aims to characte...
Challenges of enforcing cell phone use while driving laws among police: a qualitative study

Background Cell phone use while driving laws do not appear to be heavily enforced in the USA. This study seeks to gain law enforcements’ perspective and learn potential barriers to cell phone law enforcement. Methods Qualitative interviews (ie, focus groups) were conducted with officers (N=19) from five West Virginia law enforcement agencies. The officers who participated were >18 years of age, sworn into their departments and employed in law enforcement for >1 year. Focus group sessions lasted 45–60 min and followed a standardised, pilot-tested script. These sessions were audio recorded and transcribed. Qualitative content analysis was employed among three researchers to determine themes surrounding enforcement. Results Four themes emerged including current culture, the legal system, the nature of police work and issues with prevention. Specific barriers to enforcement included cultural norms, lack of perceived support from courts/judges, different laws between states, the need for a general distracted driving law, unclear legislation, officers’ habits and perceived risk, wanting to maintain a positive relationship with the public, not being able to see the driver (impediments of vehicle design, time of day), phones having multiple functions and not knowing what drivers are actually doing, risk of crashing during traffic stops and lack of resources. Prevention activities were debated, and most felt that technological advancements implemented by cell phone manufacturers may deter use. Conclusions Numerous barriers to cell phone law enforcement exist. Legislation could be amended to facilitate enforcement. Prevention opportunities exist to deter cell phone use while driving.
Maturation-Related Changes in T2 Relaxation Times of Cartilage and Meniscus of the Pediatric Knee Joint at 3 T.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to use a T2 mapping sequence performed at 3 T to investigate changes in the composition and microstructure of the cartilage and menisci of the pediatric kn...
Phase I trial of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) with cisplatin, mitomycin, and paclitaxel in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and carcinomatosis or positive cytology.

4056Background: This phase I trial evaluated the safety and toxicity of laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal perfusion with chemotherapy (HIPEC) combining mitomycin, cisplatin, and paclitaxel ...
College Students’ Conceptions of Learning of and Approaches to Learning Computer Science:

The purpose of this research was to examine college students’ conceptions of learning computer science and approaches to learning computer science and to examine the relationships among these two i...
From Chaos & Strange Attractors to Quantum Theory

An open debate exists nowadays on how to properly connect chaos theory and strange attractors, on the one hand, to Quantum Field Theory (QFT) and Quantum Mechanics (QM) on the other. We post here a condensed flow-chart reflecting our personal view on this connection.
Effects of Impact Versus Non-impact Cardiovascular Machines in Individuals between Age 50 and 80 Years

Older adults are at increased risk of injury when initiating exercise due to inactivity, functional limitation, illness, or fall risk. We studied a novel non-impact cardio unit in an effort to determine whether there were differences in physiologic, functional, and strength benefits compared to a treadmill (TM), while producing less stress on the knee and lessening the risk of fall and injury. Utilizing a prospective, randomized, non-blinded, cohort design, individuals aged 50–80 years were recruited and enrolled in a 16-week exercise program. Subjects were randomly allocated to either exercise on the Cybex arc trainer or on a TM. Participants exercised for 120 min per week. Resistance was adjusted to achieve a target RPE in each group. Functional, strength, and physiologic markers were analyzed through balance testing, ten – repetition max leg press, body composition analysis, and lipid panel results. Overall health-related quality of life was also measured. There was a significant improvement in triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein levels from baseline to exit within the arc trainer group. An equal and significant increase in strength capacity was observed in both the arc trainer and TM groups, as were feelings of increased energy, improved emotional well-being, and decreased fatigue. Leg strength increased, percentage of body fat decreased, and balance improved following use of either an arc trainer or a TM in a study population of 58 participants over a 16-week period. This study demonstrated that positive change occurs, physiologically and psychologically when an arc trainer or TM is utilized. Given the similar benefits seen in this study, use of a non-impact modality such as the arc trainer may be a better alternative in the older population.
Disability in people with epilepsy: A nationally representative cross-sectional study.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence and predictors of limitations causing disability in patients treated for seizures or epilepsy compared with patients without epilepsy. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We included all participants ≥ 20 years old for 2013–2018. We classified patients as having epilepsy if they reported taking at least one prescription medication to treat seizures or epilepsy. Physical, mental, and social limitations were determined from interview questions. We report the prevalence of any limitation and total number of limitations for participants without vs. with epilepsy using serial negative binomial regressions and severity of individual limitations according to epilepsy status. Results We included 17,057 participants, of whom 148 (0.8%) had epilepsy. Overall, 80% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73%–86%) with epilepsy vs. 38% (95% CI: 36%–39%) without epilepsy reported at least 1 limitation (p Conclusions Patients with epilepsy had 3.1 times as many physical, mental, or social limitations compared with those without epilepsy, and disability severity was consistently higher. This effect was attenuated after considering baseline variables such as smoking and depression severity. Our work implies the importance of structured mental health screening and self-management programs targeting mood, weight, and lifestyle as potential leverage points towards alleviating epilepsy-related disability.
Oral health knowledge and oral health related quality of life of older adults

Objective To assess the relationship between oral health knowledge and oral health related quality of life among older adults with different ethnicities living in San Bernardino County, California. There is a gap in oral health knowledge (OHK) and how it relates to perceived oral health related quality of life. Thus, there is a need to assess OHK as a component of oral health literacy and identify areas in which knowledge gaps exit to develop educational strategies that address the need of the elderly population. Materials and methods The study was a cross-sectional study that included adults 65 years and older using a validated "Comprehensive Measure of Oral Health Knowledge" (CMOHK) and an "Oral Health Profile Index" (OHIP-14). Odds ratios were conducted to determine the factors associated with OHK. Results Mean OHK score were 16.8, 14.6, and 8.9 for Caucasian, Asian, and Hispanics, respectively. "Poor" OHK was significantly associated with participants over the age of 75 years (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.15-3.16), high school education or less (OR = 10.8; 95% CI: 5.92-19.84), minority ethnicity (OR = 7.3; 95% CI: 4.27-12.61), income less than $25,000 (OR = 10.7; 95% CI: 5.92-19.26), and reading ability less than "Excellent" (OR = 7.27; 95% CI: 4.35-12.14). Mean OHIP-Severity scores were 7.4, 12.5, and 24.4 for Caucasian, Asian, and Hispanics, respectively. Respondents with Poor OHK were 5.17 times more likely to be identified with high levels of severity (Severity >10). Conclusion It is imperative to develop communication strategies to inform older adults on oral health knowledge that provide equal opportunities for all ethnicities.
Advanced intermetallic iron aluminide coatings for high temperature applications

Abstract The limitations of traditional engineering materials like steels and nickel based alloys can be overcome with spray coatings of intermetallic iron aluminides, such as Fe3Al and FeAl, due to their unique ability to form alumina layer and protect base materials against high temperature corrosion. This review provides necessary background on the development of ductile iron aluminide alloys as engineering structural materials, as wear resistant materials and compares the high temperature oxidation and corrosion resistant properties with several high temperature steels. We then present the status on the Fe3Al and FeAl coatings and sheets obtained by various spray techniques such as atmospheric plasma spraying (APS), vacuum plasma spraying (VPS), high velocity oxy fuel spraying (HVOF) and cold spraying. The spray parameters, the microstructure, and the properties of the coatings are discussed and compared with the bulk properties of iron aluminide alloys. Finally, the paper discusses the application of spray techniques to obtain net shape three dimensional products with intelligent manufacturing techniques and achieve cost effective manufacturing by applying a layer of material as a coating instead of replacing the product obtained after melting, casting, and processing into desired shape.
High-Accuracy Airborne Integrated Mapping System

A fully digital Airborne Integrated Mapping System (AIMS) for large-scale mapping and other precise positioning applications is currently under development at The Ohio State University Center for Mapping. AIMS is designed to be installed in an aerial platform and incorporates state-of-the-art positioning (differential GPS integrated with INS) and imaging (CCD) technologies. Preliminary test results show that platform position and orientation can be obtained with an estimated accuracy better than 7 cm and 10 arcsec, respectively, over long baselines.
Delivering Copper Inside Yeast and Human Cells

In their Perspective, Valentine and Gralla summarize the emerging picture of a series of transport proteins that shuttle the toxic metal, copper, safely around the cell, delivering it to nascent enzymes that rely on copper for proper catalytic function. A report in this week9s issue by Pufahl et al. describes the delivery of copper to Fet3 by Atx1.
Extrinsic camera calibration using multiple reflections

This paper presents a method for determining the six-degree-of-freedom (DOF) transformation between a camera and a base frame of interest, while concurrently estimating the 3D base-frame coordinates of unknown point features in the scene. The camera observes the reflections of fiducial points, whose base-frame coordinates are known, and reconstruction points, whose base-frame coordinates are unknown. In this paper, we examine the case in which, due to visibility constraints, none of the points are directly viewed by the camera, but instead are seen via reflection in multiple planar mirrors. Exploiting these measurements, we analytically compute the camera-to-base transformation and the 3D base-frame coordinates of the unknown reconstruction points, without a priori knowledge of the mirror sizes, motions, or placements with respect to the camera. Subsequently, we refine the analytical solution using a maximum-likelihood estimator (MLE), to obtain high-accuracy estimates of the camera-to-base transformation, the mirror configurations for each image, and the 3D coordinates of the reconstruction points in the base frame. We validate the accuracy and correctness of our method with simulations and real-world experiments.
The Hydraulics of Constitutional Reform: A Skeptical Response to Our Undemocratic Constitution

This paper is written in response to Sandy Levinson's new book, "Our Undemocratic Constitution". Levinson claims that we ought to make it easier to hold constitutional conventions so we can fix the hard-wired portions of the Constitution - those portions that cannot be changed through the informal amendment process. The problem with Levinson's argument is that it ignores the ways in which informal amendment is linked to formal amendment. Making formal amendment easier might well undermine the informal amendment process in ways we would find significant if we are fans of the latter. The argument rests on a hydraulics metaphor. Levinson argues that Article V has blocked our constitutional reform energies, preventing their release, and he wants to throw open the gate and allow those impulses to take their most natural path - formal constitutional amendment. What I argue here is that by blocking most formal amendments, Article V effectively redirects those constitutional energies into different, potentially more productive channels. I also briefly sketch some of the reasons we might value the informal amendment process. One reason to value informal amendment is that it problematizes constitutional debate in the same way that Bruce Ackerman claims that the separation of powers problematize representation. Just as the existence of other representative institutions makes it difficult for any branch to claim to be the authentic voice of the people, so too do the vagueness and quasi-illicit status of informal amendments make it difficult for anyone to claim unique access to the "right" understanding of the Constitution.
Internal Revenue Code Section 170(h): National Perpetuity Standards for Federally Subsidized Conservation Easements – Part 2: Comparison to State Law

This article is the second of two companion articles. The first article analyzed the requirements in Internal Revenue Code section 170(h) that a deductible conservation easement be “granted in perpetuity” and its conservation purpose be “protected in perpetuity.” That Article concluded that section 170(h) and the Treasury Regulations should be interpreted as establishing uniform national perpetuity standards for tax-deductible conservation easement donations. This second article surveys the over one hundred statutes extant in the fifty states and the District of Columbia that authorize the creation or acquisition of conservation easements. This article concludes that, to be eligible for the federal subsidy under section 170(h), conservation easement donors should be required to satisfy both federal tax law and any state enabling statute requirements relating to the transfer, release, modification, or termination of conservation easements. This article also recommends that the IRS issue guidance regarding satisfaction of the federal perpetuity requirements to promote more efficient and equitable review, interpretation, and enforcement of federally subsidized conservation easements.
Passionate Epistemology: Kierkegaard on Skepticism, Approximate Knowledge, and Higher Existential Truth

In this article, I probe the extent of Kierkegaard's skepticism and irrationalism by examining the nature and limits of his “objective” and “approximate” knowledge.1 I argue that, for Kierkegaard, certain objective knowledge of contingent being is impossible and “approximate” knowledge of the same is funded by the volitional passion of belief. But, while Kierkegaard endorses severe epistemic restrictions, he rejects wholesale skepticism, allowing for genuine “approximate” knowledge of mind-independent reality. However, I further argue that we cannot ignore his criticisms of such knowledge because of its intrinsic dangers, and because epistemic limitations are crucial in developing religious selfhood before God.
Simultaneous Isolation of Ixodidae and Bacterial (Borrelia spp.) Genomic DNA

Tick and tick-borne diseases have become widely distributed throughout the United States. As a result, the interest associated with tick allocation and the potential threat they may pose has increased. Efforts have expanded to understand biotic and abiotic factors which may influence tick/pathogen distribution. Thus, we have developed a procedure which allows the simultaneous isolation of both tick and bacterial DNA. Downstream applications are diverse; however, we describe the use of multiplex PCR to confirm the presence of spirochete DNA from tick samples. We suspect that this procedure is not limited to tick-bacteria systems and may be applied to a variety of arthropod-related endeavors. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 19:1E.2.1-1E.2.11. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: DNA extraction; DNA purification; arthropod-borne disease; spirochete
Regulation of ribosome biosynthesis in Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae: diversity and common principles.

In celebrating the centennial of the American Society for Microbiology, many people will surely recall the central importance that research using microbial systems played in the birth and the subsequent development of molecular biology in the latter half of the 100-year history. Starting from the demonstration of DNA as the genetic material, a series of key experiments, such as the proof of semiconservative replication of DNA, the discovery of mRNA as the information carrier between DNA and protein, and the eventual elucidation of the genetic code, were done mostly with microbial systems, the enteric bacterium Escherichia coli and its bacteriophages in particular. These basic principles in molecular genetics discovered with bacterial systems soon proved to be true for almost all organisms. Consequently, early research activities in molecular biology were concentrated on E. coli and related bacterial and phage systems, generating the initial attitude of many molecular biologists reflected in the well-publicized phrase, “What is true for E. coli is true for elephants.” (The acceptance of such an attitude at that time was not very surprising. Prior to the successful development of molecular biology, research in the field of intermediary metabolism from the 1920s through 1940s had demonstrated abundant evidence for the unity of biochemistry from microorganisms to humans, e.g., the mechanism of energy [ATP] production and its use for anabolic reactions [see also reference 42;]. Starting my first research as a student of fermentation biochemistry in 1950, I was certainly influenced by the prevalent belief, the unity of biochemistry, at that time.) Of course, in view of the bewildering diversity known in biology, especially some fundamental differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes or single-cell versus multicellular organisms, such a view was expected to be too simple and naive. Thus, it was soon realized that the actual mechanisms and principles underlying certain biological functions, including diverse modes found in regulation of gene expression, are the consequences of evolutionary tinkering and may not necessarily be universal among diverse organisms (for a detailed discussion on evolution and tinkering, see reference 27). Nevertheless, attempts to extend factual observations or concepts obtained in one system (e.g., prokaryotes) to another (e.g., eukaryotes) have been made repeatedly and often turned out to be stimulating if not successful. As a person who was engaged in studies of synthesis of ribosomes and ribosomal components first in E. coli and later in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, I will recount some of the research activities on this subject which I have touched upon in this context.
Style of policing adopted by rural police and deputies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that policing research frequently commits two errors: focusing on urban police units and failing to incorporate theory. The current research considers the policing style adopted by officers in a rural setting and tests the utility of Work Redesign, a theory that explains the importance and role of satisfaction with work. Design/methodology/approach – Rural police officers in community policing and traditional motorized patrol assignments were surveyed regarding policing style, the perceived importance of various tasks, and time allocation. Findings – Findings suggest that community policing has a role in rural areas; however, officers generally endorse the practices of traditional motorized patrol uniformly while only community policing officers endorse COP practices. Research limitations/implications – Although generalizing findings derived from several police agencies to other agencies should be done with caution, the findings are potentially important to agency decision makers regarding assignment and implementation of community policing programs. Originality/value – This paper is of interest to those investigating: the impacts of assignment at the officer level, community policing, the influence of job satisfaction on work, and rural law enforcement.
Phosphorus, but not Calcium, Affects Manganese Absorption and Turnover in Chicks

Two balance studies with growing chicks were conducted to evaluate the effects of excess Ca or excess P on endogenous fecal Mn excretion and true Mn absorption. An isotope-dilution technique was used to estimate endogenous manganese in excreta. Supplements were added to a corn-soybean diet containing 1% Ca, 0.7% P (0.5% available P) and 37 mg Mn/kg. In Experiment 1, supplemental Ca levels of 0, 0.5 and 1.0% from feedgrade limestone were compared. True absorption of Mn was not affected by Ca level (P greater than 0.10) and averaged 2.8% for birds fed the Mn-unsupplemented diet. In Experiment 2, a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments included: 100 and 1000 mg/kg supplemental Mn (from MnSO4.H2O) and 0, 0.4 and 0.8% added P supplied by dicalcium phosphate. Excess P significantly decreased true absorption of Mn (P less than 0.01). In birds fed 100 mg/kg supplemental Mn, absorption of Mn decreased 22% as excess P increased from 0 to 0.8%, whereas in birds fed 1000 mg/kg supplemental Mn, Mn absorption decreased 59% as a result of 0.8% P supplementation. These results confirm that the antagonism of Mn by inorganic P is due to reduced gut absorption of Mn.
Energy transfer from vibrationally excited pentafluorobenzene to helium, xenon and water vapor

Abstract Pulsed infrared laser irradiation was used to excite pentafluorobenzene (PFB) in mixtures with helium, argon and water vapor. Measurements of the rates of energy transfer were made as a function of the initial laser excitation energy, total pressure, and composition of the gas mixture using the Hg tracer technique. The results are discussed with respect to the transfer of energy between vibrational, rotational, and translational degrees of freedom.