cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Bovine Mononuclear Cell Proliferation and Cytokine Production by Dietary Copper Insufficiency

Abstract Studies were undertaken to determine immunological effects of subclinical copper deficiency in the bovine. Ten primigravid Holstein heifers were maintained on a basal (6-7 ppm Cu; n = 5 heifers) or copper-supplemented (20 ppm; n = 5 heifers) diet beginning 84 d prepartum. Blood mononuclear cells were isolated at approximately 90 d of lactation. Mononuclear cells were evaluated for proliferative capacity and in vitro cytokine production. The dietary protocol utilized induced significant (p < 0.05) decreases in liver copper stores in unsupplemented heifers without major effects on blood indicators of copper status. Mononuclear cell proliferation was not significantly affected by copper status. Mononuclear cells isolated from copper-supplemented heifers produced significantly (P < 0.05) more interferon in vitro than cells from copper-insufficient animals. Supplementation of copper to previously copper-insufficient animals reversed each of these trends and improved in vitro interleukin-2 production. ...
Soot morphology in a liquid-fueled, swirl-stabilized combustor

Abstract The morphology of particulate soot formed in a liquid-fueled, complex-flow (i.e., turbulent, recirculating) combustor has been studied using thermophoretic sampling and transmission electron microscopy. Soot size information was obtained via computer-aided image analysis. Particle morphology was observed to be similar to that found in other combustion devices (i.e., nearly spherical primary particles fused into aggregate chains and clusters). Axial regions where soot nucleation, growth, agglomeration, and oxidation occur were identified. Primary particle size was observed to increase with combustor height, but the largest primary size reached is small compared to that observed in laminar diffusion flames. From calculated estimates of the specific soot surface growth and oxidation rates, the growth rate was found to be lower and the oxidation rate comparable to those for laminar diffusion flames. Aggregate sizes were also observed to increase with combustor axial location, and were found to be distributed in a lognormal manner during the particle inception and growth stages. Fractal dimensions for characteristic aggregate populations were determined to be around 1.8, and were independent of combustor axial location. The results suggest that cluster-to-cluster aggregation—and not surface growth—is the dominant soot aggregate growth mechanism in the complex-flow reactor. Comparisons with more traditional methods for soot size determination were made with moderate success.
Development and preclinical modeling of a topoisomerase I pharmacodynamic immunoassay for use in clinical trials

B23 Topoisomerase I (TopI) is a proven target for cancer therapeutics. Recent data from the Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, CPT-11: Use and Sequencing (FOCUS) trial demonstrates that nuclear staining of TopI correlates with chemotherapy efficacy [J Clin Oncol (2008) 26, 2690-8]. We have developed and validated a two-site enzyme chemiluminescent immunoassay for TopI; commercially obtained TopI antibodies and purified-recombinant protein were used as standards and assay controls were derived from A375 cell extracts. The LLQ of the assay was 0.8 ng/mL and the LOD (3 SD above the zero) was 0.22 ng/mL. The assay dynamic range was 0.2 to 12.5 ng/mL and the standard curve was linear (R 2 > 0.98). Recovery of recombinant TopI spiked into mouse xenograft extracts ranged from 81% to 105%. Preclinical pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling of topotecan time- and dose-effect was performed in either topotecan-responsive or -nonresponsive xenografts in an athymic nude mouse model [NCr(nu/nu)]. Topotecan-responsive A375 and HCT-116 xenografts showed decreased TopI levels in response to topotecan, with a maximal decrease occurring by 4 to 7 hours post-dose. These results should qualify this TopI assay for use in clinical trials of TopI inhibitors. In addition, this assay could potentially be used to monitor clinical response during therapy and to identify patients most likely to benefit from treatment with TopI inhibitors. Funded by NCI Contract N01-CO-12400 NCI-Frederick is accredited by AAALAC International and follows the Public Health Service Policy for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Animal care was provided in accordance with the procedures outlined in the "Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals" (National Research Council; 1996; National Academy Press; Washington, D.C.)
Design and assessment of a 3D printing vending machine

Purpose – The purpose of this study/paper is to present the design and implementation of a novel vending machine concept based on desktop-scale extrusion additive manufacturing (AM). Due to cost, access to AM technologies at academic institutions tends to be limited to upper-level courses to support project-based coursework. However, with the decreasing cost of desktop-scale AM technology, there is potential to improve student access to such technologies and provide more opportunities for AM education. Design/methodology/approach – The authors present the design and implementation of an AM “vending machine” that is powered by desktop-scale extrusion-based AM systems. This system intends to provide students broad, unrestricted access to entry-level AM tools and promote informal learning opportunities. Findings – Student users of the AM vending machine are found to be primarily engineering majors at various levels in their studies. Manufactured parts are evenly split between functional and decorative parts,...
Improve Your Classroom Testing Skills.

continued assessment of pupil achievement. Ultimately, all of our instructional efforts and all of the student's learning activities are reduced to a single grade. This final grade reflects the teacher's accomplishments, as well as those of the student. Clearly, then, the measurement and evaluation of our pupils is a responsibility we must assume with competence and objectivity. Too many of us simply do not possess all the skills we should. The purpose of this article is to suggest some practical testing skills needed by the classroom teacher.
Three-dimensional fast algorithm solution for octant-based three-dimensional Yule-Walker equations

The paper presents an extension of the solution for two-dimensional (2D) Yule-Walker equations, useful for linear prediction (LP) parameter estimation, to the three-dimensional (3D) case. The resulting fast recursive 3D algorithm has a significant computational advantage over the direct solution of the 3D Yule-Walker equations because it exploits the triply-Toeplitz structure.
Iteration Disambiguation for Parallelism Identification in Time-Sliced Applications

Media and scientific simulation applications have a large amount of parallelism that can be exploited in contemporary multi-core microprocessors. However, traditional pointer and array analysis techniques often fall short in automatically identifying this parallelism. This is due to the allocation and referencing patterns of time-slicing algorithms, where information flows from one time slice to the next. In these, an object is allocated within a loop and written to, with source data obtained from objects created in previous iterations of the loop. The objects are typically allocated at the same static call site through the same call chain in the call graph, making them indistinguishable by traditional heap-sensitive analysis techniques that use call chains to distinguish heap objects. As a result, the compiler cannot separate the source and destination objects within each time slice of the algorithm. In this work we discuss an analysis that quickly identifies these objects through a partially flow-sensitive technique called iteration disambiguation. This is done through a relatively simple aging mechanism. We show that this analysis can distinguish objects allocated in different time slices across a wide range of benchmark applications within tens of seconds even for complete media applications. We will also discuss the obstacles to automatically identifying the remaining parallelism in studied applications and propose methods to address them.
Human Locomotion Analysis: Measurement technique, analyses of kinetics and their errors, determination of dynamic ground reaction vector profile for uniquely characterizing normal and pathological gait

Publisher Summary Mechanics analysis of the gait of normal and disabled subjects enables to characterize normal and pathological gait and to provide specifications for artificial limbs, joints, and bone grafts. In analyzing gait, it is useful to (1) study the basic aspects of the neuromuscular coordination of movement, the contribution of various muscle forces in different phases of the stride and the loss of certain muscle functions for subjects with paralytic disabilities, so as to best design a format of rehabilitation or programmed stimulation in paralytic patients; (2) provide specification of forces, which a skeletal implant or a lower limb prosthesis might be subjected to and must be designed for; and (3) obtain information concerning the instantaneous stresses in the skeleton of the lower limbs, for prescription of the strength of bone grafts and the choice of graft material and its dimension. The kinematics of the various body segments, the reaction forces acting at the joints and inertia forces acting on the segments, the muscle lengths and forces, and the coordination of the instantaneous lower limb muscle forces during walking, need to be determined.
Oxidative stress and the muscle reflex in heart failure

Muscle contraction stimulates thin fibre muscle afferents and evokes a reflex increase in blood pressure. In heart failure (HF) this reflex is accentuated. Of note, superoxide and other reactive oxygen species are increased in HF. In this report, we tested the hypothesis that excess superoxide contributes to the exaggerated muscle reflex in HF. HF was induced in rats by coronary artery ligation. Electrically induced 30 s hindlimb muscle contraction in decerebrate rats with myocardial infarction (MI) (left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) = 24 ± 1%; n= 15) evoked larger (P < 0.05) increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) as compared to control rats (FS = 47 ± 1%; n= 14). In the MI rats, the pressor and RSNA responses to contraction were reduced by intra-arterial injection into the hindlimb circulation of tempol (10 mg), a superoxide dismutase mimetic (ΔMAP: 22 ± 2 vs. 11 ± 1 mmHg; ∫ΔRSNA: 1032 ± 204 vs. 431 ± 73 arbitrary units (a.u.); before vs. after tempol; P < 0.05). Tempol also attenuated the RSNA response to 1 min intermittent (1–4 s stimulation to relaxation) bouts of static contraction in the MI rats (116 ± 17 vs. 72 ± 11 a.u.; P < 0.05; n= 16). In the control rats, tempol had no effect on these responses. These results suggest that excess superoxide in HF sensitizes mechanically sensitive muscle afferents engaged during contraction. We hypothesize that oxidative stress contributes to the exaggerated muscle reflex in HF.
Psychologic and sociologic dimensions of hair: an aspect of the physical attractiveness phenomenon.

Abstract Hair is more than meets the eye. Despite arguments that the study of its psychologic and sociologic implications is frivolous, hair is important. Another person's hair is one of the first characteristics we notice upon meeting. Our own hair is one of the first and last characteristics we attend to before a meeting or a social engagement. Observations of contemporary culture suggest that hair has significance to society as a whole and in the lives of individuals. Existing social science research on hair is not voluminous but recently has noted that "the psychology of hair is a subject of growing interest." 1 At present, social science research addresses hair both directly and indirectly. Direct research focuses on psychologic and sociologic dimensions of hair. While scant, this research investigates color, length/style, and amount (in terms of baldness). Indirect research reflects a greater quantity and involves hair as a determinant of an individual's physical attractiveness. As such, selective social science data about physical attractiveness that is partially determined by hair can be reasonably generalized as social science data that specifically focuses on hair. Given interdependences between hair and physical attractiveness, these relationships reflect a straightforward extrapolation of knowledge. As a result, psychologic and sociologic knowledge of hair exists in a robust body of social science reseach. Accordingly, this article discusses research on "the physical attractiveness phenomena" as well as an overview on the psychologic and sociologic dimensions of an individual's hair.
Enabling a Microfluidic RFID Readout System via Miniaturization and Integration

We present a microfluidic read-out platform concept for miniaturized radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags that will help identifying natural underground sources. Designed microfluidic platform has embedded spiral reader antennas for data communication via near field magnetic coupling. To enable near field magnetic coupling with the reader antennas at reasonably low frequencies, we developed electrically ultrasmall (380 $\mu $ m $\times 380 \mu $ m $\times 15 \mu $ m with resonance $\sim 0.75$ GHz) on-chip antennas. Concept feasibility was proven by a set of experiments. First, data communication between an RFID reader and a printed circuit board-level passive tag was demonstrated through miniaturized antennas. Second, coupling between passive reader and on-chip antennas was shown inside the fluidic environment. In addition, a chip separation mechanism was introduced to the platform to prevent cross-coupling events between RFID tags. [2014-0043]
Polarized properties of the directional-hemispherical reflectance and emissivity of an opaque surface

The measurement of temperature of the earth's surface from space is an important remote sensing parameter and depends upon the surface emissivity. Directional-hemispherical emissivities have been measured for several different soil samples with 10 micrometers CO2 laser radiation. The CO2 laser is a possible polarized source for active remote sensing. The angular variation of the directional-hemispherical emissivity has been calculated from directional reflectance measurements for horizontal and vertical polarized CO2 radiation on different soil samples and they depended upon the polarization of the incident light. In this paper it is demonstrated that the directional-hemispherical reflectance, absorbance, and emissivity are 4 X 4 Mueller matrices. For uniform incident radiance of definite state of polarization incident on an area dA' within a projected solid angle d(Omega) ' equals Cos(Theta) 'd(omega) ' at angles ((Theta) ', (phi) ') Kirchhoff's formula relating the emissivity and reflectance involves definite sums and/or differences of Mueller matrix components of the reflectance and emissivity and depends on the polarization of the incident light. The directional-hemispherical emissivity of opaque soil samples are polarization dependent.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On weak reflection of water waves

The weak reflection of monochromatic water waves is studied for the cases of slowly varying water depth. A coupled system of equations for the forward-scattering (transmitted) and the backward-scattering (reflected) wavefields are derived from the mild-slope equation (Smith & Sprinks 1975). Parabolic approximation is then used to simplify the equations for the diffraction factor. An iterative numerical scheme is proposed to compute the resulting equations. The scheme converges very quickly for the cases of weak reflection. The accuracy of the present approach is shown by comparing with numerical results obtained by a hybrid finite-element formulation.
Effect of Shifting Costs to Patients on Specialty Evaluation for Sleep Disorders

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the introduction of out-of-pocket expenses to medical center employees would lead to decreased use of sleep disorder services. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed and compared the clinical and medical accounting data from visits by Mayo Clinic employees to the Sleep Disorders Center from January 1 to March 31, 2003, with that of January 1 to March 31, 2004, ie, before and after a January 2004 increase in co-payments for evaluation and testing. RESULTS The total number of new patients evaluated in the first quarters of 2003 and 2004 was similar (113 vs 119; P =.37). Snoring, restless legs symptoms, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and prior overnight oximetry testing were more prevalent in 2004 than in 2003 ( P =.05, P =.01, P P =.003, P =.02, respectively). In contrast, insomnia and parasomnia complaints were less common in 2004 ( P P =.01, P =.001, P P =.02), whereas the diagnoses of nonbreathing disorders declined. CONCLUSION The insurance policy changes that resulted in larger empolyee co-payments shifted the spectrum of diagnoses seen at the Sleep Disorders Center toward more symptomatic patients, with more associated comorbidities, and patients who had more severe sleep-related breathing disorders. Total utilization did not decrease.
Color by numbers: exploring color as classification notation

Notation is a fundamental component to bibliographic classification. However, notation often is considered an afterthought despite its inherent role. Advances in technology and changing user needs imply the need for an evolution of classificatory notation. This exploratory poster will investigate the possible potential of color as classificatory notation by distilling the traditional functions of notation, examining theories and standards of color use, and considering their potential applications to classification.
Raising White Privilege Awareness and Reducing Racial Prejudice: Assessing Diversity Course Effectiveness:

Many diversity courses in psychology originally aimed to reduce student racial bias and raise their awareness of racism. However, quantitative data testing the effectiveness of such courses are lacking. This study assessed a required diversity course's effectiveness in raising awareness of White privilege and racism; increasing support for affirmative action; and reducing prejudice, guilt, and fear of other races. Students (N = 146) completed identical surveys during the first and last weeks of the semester. Results indicated greater awareness of White privilege and racism and more support for affirmative action by the end of the term. White students (n = 131) also expressed greater White guilt after completing the course.
Equilibrium Constants for Nonspecific Binding of Proteins to DNA May Be Obtained by Quantitative Zonal DNA Affinity Chromatography

Abstract Quantitative zonal DNA affinity chromatography may be used to determine accurate equilibrium constants for the binding of proteins nonspecifically to DNA. Zonal quantitative affinity chromatography has not previously been applied to the determination of binding constants of proteins to DNA, although its use is quite commonplace for determination of affinity constants for protein–protein or protein–small ligand interactions. Equilibrium constants were measured for the nonspecific binding of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A andEscherichia coli lacrepressor to double-stranded DNA immobilized on cellulose. The equilibrium constants determined agree with literature values evaluated using other techniques. The experimental advantages of the zonal technique, when it can be applied, are that collection of data is fast and data analysis is simple. Detection of the protein elution profile by absorbance at 220 nm with an in-line detector can provide adequate sensitivity when binding constants are in the range 102–104 M −1.
Anticancer and antiinflammatory activities of cucurbitacins from Cucurbita andreana.

Abstract Bioassay-guided purification of an extract of Cucurbita andreana fruits yielded cucurbitacins B ( 1 ), D ( 2 ), E ( 3 ), and I ( 4 ). These cucurbitacins were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the growth of human colon (HCT-116), breast (MCF-7), lung (NCI-H460), and central nervous system (CNS) (SF-268) cancer cell lines, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes and on lipid peroxidation. Inhibitory activities of cucurbitacins B ( 1 ), D ( 2 ), E ( 3 ) and I ( 4 ), respectively, were for colon 81.5, 80.4, 77, and 65% at 0.4 μM, breast 87, 78, 66.5, and 12% at 0.4 μM, lung 96, 43, 37 and 2% at 0.1 μM and CNS 92, 25, 24 and 4% at 0.05 μM. Adriamycin (doxorubicin) was used as a positive control, which showed 64, 47, 45 and 71% inhibition of HCT-116 (colon), MCF-7 (breast), NCI-H460 (lung) and SF-268 (CNS) cell lines, respectively, at 0.3×10 −5 M. Compounds 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 inhibited the COX-2 enzyme by 32, 29, 35, and 27%, respectively, at 100 μg/ml. However these compounds did not inhibit the COX-1 enzyme at this concentration. Ibuprofen, naproxen and vioxx, commercial antiinflammatory drugs, were tested as controls for the inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes at concentrations of 2.1, 2.5 and 1.67 μg/ml, respectively. Ibuprofen and naproxen exhibited 59 and 95% COX-1, and 53 and 79% COX-2 inhibitory activities, respectively. Vioxx showed specific COX-2 inhibition by 71%. Also, cucurbitacins 1 and 4 inhibited lipid peroxidation by 59 and 23%, respectively, at 100 μg/ml.
Non-intrusive localization of passive RFID tagged objects in an indoor workplace

This paper presents our work on localizing a passive UHF RFID tagged object in an indoor workplace. We focus on uncontrolled settings with random orientations of the target object, dynamically moving people in the environment and cluttered rooms with many furniture items. Multiple fixed antennas are used to handle random tag orientations and human body effects. The antennas are placed in a way to minimize the obstruction for human activities and the effect of human presence and movement on the localization system. We use zone-based and exact localization methods incorporating probabilistic and deterministic machine learning techniques. We also propose a combined coarse-to-fine approach to improve accuracy and increase speed. Experimental results show that our system is able to localize an object with an error of 37 cm for exact localization and with an accuracy of 92% for zone-based classification. Experiments in challenging conditions showed that our overall design is robust to human body effects, even exploits the destructive effects of human body on UHF RFID sensing.
Fluid reabsorption in the crayfish kidney labyrinth.

In the crayfish, eyestalk extirpation produced noticeable blood dilution within three to four hours when maintained in tap water. Microscopic examination of kidney labyrinth cells following this treatment revealed an increase in the width and number of intercellular spaces and a decreased cell volume. Conversely, exposure of the intact animal to 50% sea water for the same interval concentrated the blood, and intercellular spaces and cell volumes did not change. Finally, with both treatments together (i.e., eyestalk extirpation and immersion in 50% sea water), blood became concentrated, but intercellular spaces increased in width and cells shrunk, as occurred with eyestalk extirpation alone. Effects of these whole-animal treatments on mitochondria, intracellular compartments and basal invaginations among labyrinth cells are also noted. The findings suggest two conclusions. First, it is proposed that the dilation of intercellular spaces is due to an efflux of fluid from the cells into the lateral compartments. Such movements may be part of a mechanism effecting isotonic transepithelial fluid flow from lumen to blood as demonstrated in other systems. Second, since eyestalk extirpation is known to induce hormonal conditions simulating ecdysis, and since the morphological changes in the labyrinth following extirpation occur whether the blood has become diluted or concentrated, it is suggested that solute reabsorption by the crayfish kidney is under direct hormonal control. Such a mechanism could be especially useful during molt-induced water uptake to enhance reabsorption of solutes and prevent loss of fluid.
Respiratory control disorders in infancy and childhood

Current contributions to the literature on disorders of respiratory control in infancy and childhood are reviewed. These encompass studies of cardiorespiratory control in preterm and term infants, apparent life-threatening events in infants, and obstructive sleep apnea including etiology, diagnosis, and alternatives to surgical management. In addition, alveolar hypoventilation is discussed in children with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, myelomeningocele, and Prader-Willi syndrome.
The enhancement of schedule-induced polydipsia by FR-20 and FR-80 lick-contingent shock

Seven food-deprived female albino rats with electrode attachments to the backs of their necks were divided into two groups, a FR-20 lick-contingent-shock group (four subjects) and a FR-80 lick-contingent-shock group (three subjects). The subjects were exposed to five successive experimental phases, including a baseline phase during which 100 food pellets and water were freely available; a FT 1-min reinforcement schedule phase during which the 100 pellets were delivered intermittently; a FR lick-contingent-shock phase which was the same as the reinforcement schedule phase with the addition that animals were given a.1-mA.5-sec shock for the first 20 or 80 postpellet licks in the interpellet interval; a replication of Phase 2 and a replication of Phase 1, Water intake under intermittent schedules of reinforcement increased when specifically “punished” with the mild electric shock for both groups, with the FR-80 group showing larger increments than the FR-20 group. Increments in water intake associated with shock presentation appeared to be due to an increase in lick-burst length and frequency of initiation of drinking.
Iodine toxicity secondary to continuous povidone-iodine mediastinal irrigation in dogs

Mediastinitis is a devastating complication following median sternotomy. Continuous povidone-iodine (PVP-I) irrigation has been advocated as therapy because of its broad antimicrobial spectrum and its apparent safety. However, several recent clinical reports have warned of suspected local and systemic iodine toxicity. The purpose of this study is to determine if significant amounts of iodine can be absorbed systemically via the mediastinum, and if so, what toxicity (local and/or systemic) may result. PVP-I (0.5%) was continuously irrigated into the pericardial sacs of three dogs via catheters for 48 hr. Serial serum and urine iodine levels were determined. The serum steady-state concentration (Css), the rate elimination constant (k), the urinary clearance (Cl), and the serum half-life (t 1/2) for iodine were assessed. Serum electrolytes, Bun, Cr, and arterial pH were measured to assess systemic iodine toxicity. Tissue samples of the heart, pericardium, liver, and kidney were examined histologically for evidence of local or end-organ iodine toxicity. This study demonstrated that the absorption of iodine during continuous mediastinal irrigation with PVP-I follows zero-order pharmacokinetics, just as if it were being given by continuous intravenous infusion. The baseline serum iodine concentration was 145.9 +/- 64.3 micrograms/dl, Css was 29,290 +/- 101.4 micrograms/dl, k was 0.0996 +/- 0.009/hr, Cl was 872.4 +/- 119.3 ml/hr, and t1/2 was 6.22 hr. Urinary excretion of iodine increased in proportion to the serum iodine. Measured serum chloride increased in a linear manner (r = 0.949), while serum Na, K, Bun, Cr, and pH were unchanged.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Development and initial validation of a dual-language English-Spanish format for the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales

Language, cultural, and educational barriers complicate efforts to validate health status questionnaires that have been translated into Spanish. To overcome these problems, a prototype dual-language format was developed for the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales. Validity testing with 72 patients diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis indicated high levels of test-retest reliability, item-to-scale internal consistency, and construct validity for both Anglo and Hispanic subjects. A technique for developing and pilot-testing a questionnaire written in a regional Spanish dialect is described. Linguistic considerations, questionnaire design, and other applications are discussed in light of the results obtained.
Child abuse and neglect re-reports: combining and comparing data from two national sources

This study compared child-level estimates of child maltreatment re-report and recurrence in two national sets of data on child maltreatment: state administrative data submitted to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) and caseworker interviews from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW). Maltreatment data from NCANDS and NSCAW were merged for 2230 children that had intersecting information from both sets. The percentage of child cases with at least one re-report of abuse or neglect over the study period differed depending on the data set. The NCANDS re-report estimate was 32.3% (95% CI 26.5%, 38.6%) whereas the estimate based on NSCAW caseworker interviews was 22.9% (95% CI 17.6%, 29.2%). More than a quarter of the children with observations from the union of the two data sets had a re-report identified by one source but not the other (set difference). Most often, the set difference in re-reports appeared in NCANDS, but was not reported by an NSCAW caseworker. When the set difference from NCANDS was added to the re-reports by NSCAW caseworkers, the resulting union of re-reports increased the point estimate in the NSCAW-NCANDS intersection to 40.9% (95% CI 34.3%, 47.8%). Restricting the comparisons to only substantiated re-reports (recurrence) narrowed the differences in absolute terms but the set difference in recurrence rates was proportionally similar. Potential explanations for non-intersecting re-reports and recurrence between the two data sets were examined. FINDINGS illuminate methodological challenges that may arise when child maltreatment re-report and recurrence data from administrative and survey sources are merged, and the value of the union of state-level administrative data with national survey data for studies of safety and well-being of children reported for maltreatment.
Multiplexed diode-laser sensor system for simultaneous H2O, O2, and temperature measurements.

A multiplexed diode-laser sensor system has been developed to monitor multiple species and measure multiple flowfield parameters along a single path with optical fibers and scanned-laser absorption techniques. Two InGaAsP lasers were tuned over H2O transitions near 1347 and 1392 nm, and an AlGaAs laser was tuned over an O2 transition near 760.65 nm to record fully resolved absorption concurrently at a repetition rate of 2 kHz. The system was applied to measure H2O, O2, and temperature simultaneously in a heated static cell and in room air. Wavelength modulation with second-harmonic detection, applied simultaneously in the O2 measurements, yielded a minimum detectable absorbance of 1.6 × 10−6/Hz1/2 and an O2 detectivity of 6.3 parts in 106 in a 1-m path length.
Direct visualization of epithelial morphology in the living amphibian urinary bladder

Differential interference-contrast microscopy has been applied to the study of amphibian urinary bladders,in vitro. It is demonstrated that well-resolved images can be obtained with little loss of tissue viability. Direct observations have been made on the structure of microvilli, the distribution of mitochondria in the mitochondria-rich cells, and the patency of lateral intercellular spaces. It is noted that the effective viscosity of cytoplasm is very high-that it is apparently a gel in which there is no Brownian movement of organelles. The frequency, shape, and pattern of distribution of granular and mitochondria-rich cells is determined for the commonly studied varieties ofBufo marinus. Bladders from Colombian toads contain more and larger mitochondria-rich cells than do those of the Dominican variety. There is no specific arrangement of cell-cell contacts to suggest a structural basis for cooperativeness of action. Finally, a longitudinal study of osmotically-induced changes in the structure of the “tight” or “limiting” junctions establishes the validity of previous findings by electron microscopy.
The role of adult feeding in egg production and population dynamics of the checkerspot butterfly Euphydryas editha

Carbohydrate intake increases longevity, body weight maintenance and egg production in female Euphydryas editha. Amino acid intake leads to heavier eggs, larvae from which are more likely to survive. Females fed nectar produce more eggs in later masses than females which are not fed. During years of normal and below normal precipitation, larvae emerging from these later eggs are unlikely to reach obligatory size for diapause before their food dries up. On Jasper Ridge, where mortality is density-independent, nectar plays an important role increasing production of late egg masses during years of greater than normal rainfall when larvae from these masses are likely to reach diapause. The resulting large population increases, though infrequent, are probably important in maintaining population sizes large enough to reduce the chances of extinction during dry years.
Efficient parallel geometric algorithms on a mesh of trees

In this paper, we present some efficient parallel geometric algorithms for computing the All Nearest Neighbors, Delaunay Triangulation, Convex Hull, and Voronoi Diagram of a point set S with N points in the plane. The algorithm of All Nearest Neighbors is to find the nearest-neighbor point for each point in S. It can be applied to cluster analysis, classification theory and computational geometry. A Delaunay Triangulation of S is an triangulation in which the circumcircle of each triangle contains no any other point of S. Delaunay Triangulation has practical applications on finite-element method, computational fluid dynamics, geometric modeling, visualization, numerical analysis, and computational geometry. The Convex Hull of S is the smallest convex polygon that includes all the points of S. Convex hull has many applications in pattern recognition, image processing, stock cutting and allocation, and computational geometry. The straight-line dual of a Voronoi Diagram is a Delaunay Triangulation. Voronoi Diagram is a very useful data structure for robotics, image processing, graph theory, computational fluid dynamics, and computational geometry. We use a mesh of trees with N × N processors as the computation model. All of these parallel algorithms have the same good time complexity O (log N) [1][9].
Waist-Hip-Ratio as a Predictor of All-Cause Mortality in High-Functioning Older Adults

Purpose The relationship between obesity and mortality in older adults is debated, with concern that body mass index (BMI) may be an imperfect measure of obesity in this age group. We assessed the relationship between three measures of obesity and all-cause mortality in a group of healthy older adults. Methods We analyzed data from the MacArthur Successful Aging Study, a longitudinal study of high-functioning men and women, ages 70–79 years at baseline. We examined 12-year, all-cause mortality risk by BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip circumference ratio (WHR). Proportional hazards regression was used to adjust for gender, race, baseline age, and smoking status. We tested for obesity interactions with gender, race, and smoking status and conducted stratified analyses based on the results of interaction testing. Results There was no association between all-cause mortality and BMI or waist circumference in either unadjusted or adjusted analyses. In contrast, all-cause mortality increased with WHR. There was an interaction with sex, so that there was a graded relationship between WHR and mortality in women (relative hazard, 1.28 per 0.1 increase in WHR; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.55) and a threshold relationship in men (relative hazard 1.75 for WHR > 1.0 compared to WHR ≤ 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–2.91). Conclusion WHR rather than BMI appears to be the more appropriate yardstick for risk stratification of high-functioning older adults.
METAL CARBIDE CLUSTERS SYNTHESIS SYSTEMATICS FOR HETERONUCLEAR SPECIES

Abstract The strategies in the synthesis of metal carbide cluster are examined and the full synthesis procedures for a number of heteronuclear metal carbide clusters are presented. Specific classes of carbide clusters prepared are octahedral Fe 5 MC(CO) x y- and Fe 4 M 2 C(CO) x y- clusters and square pyramidal Fe 4 MC(CO) x y- clusters. One synthesis strategy was polyhedral expansion based on [Fe 4 C(CO) 12 2- ] or [Fe 5 C(CO) 14 2- ] reactions with coordinately unsaturated metal complexes or labile complexes that readily yield coordinately unsaturated complexes. Selected oxidative degradations of these octahedral carbide clusters provided a synthesis step comprising elision of an iron center to yield square pyramidal Fe 4 MC(CO) x y- clusters.
Gestures and a chain of signification: the case of equilibrium solutions

This paper provides an exposition of the unfolding and growing complexities of student and instructor gesturing over time. Specifically, it provides an account of how different forms of gestures, all related to the same mathematical idea, can create a chain of signs that support and enhance increasingly sophisticated understanding of one important concept in the learning of differential equations. The chain of gestures presented in this paper offers researchers, instructors, and instructional designers a view of the way in which different gestures can form a common conceptual thread. Expanding on Walkerdine’s (1988) theory of chains of signification, gestures are framed as signs in a chain of signification that captures the evolution of the idea over an extended period of time. Data for the analysis comes from a semester-long classroom teaching experiment in a first course in differential equations.
Microstructure of high modulus solid state extruded polyethylene: 2. X-ray scattering studies of 12, 24 and 36 extrusion draw ratio

Abstract The microstructure of a series of solid state extruded polyethylene fibres was examined by wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering. By measuring absolute intensities using a two dimensional position sensitive detector, accurate values of the small-angle invariant for anisotropic samples were obtained. This measurement coupled with wide-angle X-ray scattering and d.s.c. permitted determination of the density of the noncrystalline component. The use of a two phase model for solid state extruded polyethylene is justified if consideration is given to the effective densities of the crystalline and noncrystalline phases, which change with deformation. The effective density of the crystalline phase decreases by 1% (0.999–0.990 g cm −3 ) from the unextruded billet compared to a 36 draw ratio extrudate, while the noncrystalline phase density increases by 6% (0.84–0.89 g cm −3 ). These changes lead to an overall decrease in the mean squared electron density fluctuation of 63%. The average axial crystallite length measured by wide-angle X-ray scattering increases with extrusion draw ratio while the SAXS long period decreases and weakens considerably. These observations and the electron microscopy results from the previous paper, ( Polymer, 1982, 23 , 1069), are fully consistent with the key features of the Peterlin model of fibre microstructure.
Herbivory of native and exotic North-American prairie grasses by nymph Melanoplus grasshoppers

Although the general interaction between native and exotic plants and specialist insect herbivores has received considerable attention in ecological studies, plant responses to herbivory by generalist insects, as well as feeding preferences of generalist insects, are still poorly understood. Experimental studies comparing leaf damage of native and exotic plants to generalist insects have provided inconsistent results due to irregularities in methodology such as using only one type of experiment or using non-standard measurements. Our study addresses these issues by examining leaf damage caused by generalist Melanoplus grasshoppers in morphologically and physiologically similar native (Andropogon gerardii and Bouteloua curtipendula) and exotic grasses (Miscanthus sinensis and Bothriochloa ischaemum) in Ohio and Maryland. In a 2-year study, we explored whether exotic grasses sustain less damage than native grasses, and consequently, whether generalist grasshoppers may potentially pose biotic resistance to exotic grasses. Using a combination of choice and no-choice feeding experiments with intact plants and with clipped leaves under different (field and greenhouse) conditions, we found that overall both herbivory and grasshopper performance (body length) were greater on the exotic grasses compared to native grasses. Our results suggest that exotic grasses which do not share a coevolutionary history with native generalist Melanoplus grasshoppers might have lower physical and chemical defenses than native plants. Consequently, Melanoplus grasshoppers may provide biotic resistance to these exotic grasses should these plants invade natural areas at the study regions. These results have important applications for predicting the interaction between exotic plants and generalist herbivores in the introduced range, which is critical for understanding factors facilitating plant invasions.
Promiscuous Activation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) Channels by Negatively Charged Intracellular Lipids: THE KEY ROLE OF ENDOGENOUS PHOSPHOINOSITIDES IN MAINTAINING CHANNEL ACTIVITY*

The regulation of the heat- and capsaicin-activated transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels by phosphoinositides is controversial. Data in cellular systems support the dependence of TRPV1 activity on phosphoinositides. The purified TRPV1, however, was recently shown to be fully functional in artificial liposomes in the absence of phosphoinositides. Here, we show that several other negatively charged phospholipids, including phosphatidylglycerol, can also support TRPV1 activity in excised patches at high concentrations. When we incorporated TRPV1 into planar lipid bilayers consisting of neutral lipids, capsaicin-induced activity depended on phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. We also found that TRPV1 activity in excised patches ran down and that MgATP reactivated the channel. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases or enzymatic removal of phosphatidylinositol abolished this effect of MgATP, suggesting that it activated TRPV1 by generating endogenous phosphoinositides. We conclude that endogenous phosphoinositides are positive cofactors for TRPV1 activity. Our data highlight the importance of specificity in lipid regulation of ion channels and may reconcile discordant data obtained in various experimental settings.
Predictors of Pap Smear Screening in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Elderly Women

Predictors of Pap Smear Screening in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Elderly Women OBJECTIVE: The objective for this study was to identify predictors for participation in Pap smear screening in a socioeconomically disadvantaged older population. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: A cross-sectional survey design was used to examine data from 238 southern women 50 years of age and older who were recruited from 24 randomly selected congregate meal sites of the Council on Aging. MEASUREMENTS: The 45-item questionnaire covered demographics, Pap smear screening history, and colorectal cancer screening history. RESULTS: Among this older, very low income population, women who had never had Pap smears (17.2%) were significantly more likely to have no phone or to be unable to use a phone (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–10.6), to have annual incomes of less than $5,800 (aOR = 3.1; 95% CI 1.1–9.0), to be widowed (aOR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.1–7.3), to have no family history of cancer (aOR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.3–10.0), to report having never had a rectal examination (aOR = 5.4, 95% CI 1.8–16.0), and not to have participated in a free fecal occult blood testing program (aOR = 5.0, 95% CI 2.0–10.0). CONCLUSIONS: These data, unique in including very low income (<$10,000) and older women (65 and over), found that income and access to a phone were strongly correlated with cervical cancer screening participation. Women who lacked external incentives for screening (being widowed and not having a family history of cancer) were less likely to obtain screening. This study's finding that “not having a phone” was a strong predictor for nonparticipation in cervical cancer screening has implications for national telephone-derived estimates of cervical cancer screening. J Am Geriatr Soc 43: 267–270, 1995.
Initiation of fatigue cracks in 4340 steel

Electron microscopy of surface replicas has been employed to determine the metallurgical micromechanics of fatigue crack initiation at surface and shallow subsurface inclusions in 4340 steel. The experimental results are considered in terms of current theoretical analyses of elastic stress distributions around hard inclusions imbedded in soft matrices. A model for crack nucleation at surface inclusions is suggested, based upon debonding of the inclusion/matrix interface at the tensile pole of the inclusion, followed by growth of the debond seam toward the inclusion “equator”. Subsequent generation of a matrix crack is associated with the initiation of “point” surface defects some distance from the inclusion/matrix boundary, but in the plane of the inclusion “equator”. Surface slip plays no discernible role in nucleation of surface inclusions, but slip bands are formed at crack sites above sub-surface inclusions. However, the microcracks continue to form through the link-up of point surface defects.
Recent advances in bubble chamber physics

The growth of high energy physics after the advent of particle accelerators in the GeV energy range is closely linked with the bubble chamber technique. By means of a series of examples in strong and weak interaction physics both the early and more recent work is examined. The importance of the technique in the past and its future applications are discussed. Four appendices give thumbnail descriptions of some of the definitions and theory used in the article.
Oil Depletion and the Energy Efficiency of Oil Production: The Case of California

This study explores the impact of oil depletion on the energetic efficiency of oil extraction and refining in California. These changes are measured using energy return ratios (such as the energy return on investment, or EROI). I construct a time-varying first-order process model of energy inputs and outputs of oil extraction. The model includes factors such as oil quality, reservoir depth, enhanced recovery techniques, and water cut. This model is populated with historical data for 306 California oil fields over a 50 year period. The model focuses on the effects of resource quality decline, while technical efficiencies are modeled simply. Results indicate that the energy intensity of oil extraction in California increased significantly from 1955 to 2005. This resulted in a decline in the life-cycle EROI from 6.5 to 3.5 (measured as megajoules (MJ) delivered to final consumers per MJ primary energy invested in energy extraction, transport, and refining). Most of this decline in energy returns is due to increasing need for steam-based thermal enhanced oil recovery, with secondary effects due to conventional resource depletion (e.g., increased water cut).