cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for only two independent pathways for decreasing senescence in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Cold temperature, dietary restriction, reduced insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling, and mutations in mitochondrial genes have all been shown to extend the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (Kenyon et al., Nature 366:461–464, 1993; Klass, Mech Ageing Dev 6:413–429, 1977; Lakowski and Hekimi, Science 272:1010–1013, 1996). Additionally, all of them extend the lifespan of mice (Bluher et al., Science 299:572–574, 2003; Conti et al., Science 314:825–828, 2006; Holzenberger et al., Nature 421:182–187, 2003; Liu et al., Genes Dev 19:2424–2434, 2005; Weindruch and Walford, Science 215:1415–1418, 1982). The mechanism by which these treatments extend lifespan is currently unknown, but our study uses an epistatic approach to show that these four manipulations are mainly additive in terms of lifespan. Classical interpretation of this data suggests that these manipulations are independent of each other. However, using a Gompertz mortality rate analysis, the maximum mortality rate doubling time can be achieved through the use of only dietary restriction and cold temperature, suggesting that the mechanisms by which cold temperature and caloric restriction extend lifespan are the only independent mechanisms.
Polarization and the envelopes of B(e) supergiants in the Magellanic Clouds

We report optical linear polarization observations of nine B(e) supergiants in the Magellanic Clouds. Several of them have large intrinsic polarizations. The data are consistent with nonspherically symmetric envelopes, around the B(e) stars, that possess a range of intrinsic polarizations. Comparison of the polarimetric data with the viewing aspect, inferred from the spectroscopy of the individual objects, agrees with this interpretation. The polarization correlates best with the infrared excess due to dust, suggesting the latter as the cause of most of the polarization. We cannot find, using the available data, a statistically significant difference between the polarization distributions of Galactic and Magellanic B(e) stars. Comparison of our data with previous polarimetric data, recovered from the literature for four stars, seems to indicate that the envelopes are stable.
Comparison of Camera and Road Survey Estimates for White-Tailed Deer

Abstract Wildlife managers require reliable, cost-effective, and accurate methods for conducting population surveys in making wildlife management decisions. Traditional methods such as spotlight counts, drive counts, strip counts (aerial, thermal, infrared) and mark–recapture techniques can be expensive, labor-intensive, or limited to habitats with high visibility. Convenience sampling designs are often used to circumvent these problems, creating the potential for unknown bias in survey results. Infrared-triggered cameras (ITCs) are a rapidly developing technology that may provide a viable alternative to wildlife managers because they can be economically used with alternative sampling designs. We evaluated population-density estimates from unbaited ITCs and road surveys for the endangered Florida Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) on No Name Key, Florida, USA (461-ha island). Road surveys (n = 253) were conducted along a standardized 4-km route each week at sunrise (n = 90), sunset (n = 93), and ni...
Service-based extensions to the JDL fusion model

Extensions to a previously developed service-based fusion process model are presented. The model accommodates (1) traditional sensor data and human-generated input, (2) streaming and non-streaming data feeds, and (3) the fusion of both physical and non-physical entities. More than a dozen base-level fusion services are identified. These services provide the foundation functional decomposition of levels 0 - 2 in JDL fusion model. Concepts, such as clustering, link analysis and database mining, that have traditionally been only loosely associated with the fusion process, are shown to play key roles within this fusion framework. Additionally, the proposed formulation extends the concepts of tracking and cross-entity association to non-physical entities, as well as supports effective exploitation of a priori and derived context knowledge. Finally, the proposed framework is shown to support set theoretic properties, such as equivalence and transitivity, as well as the development of a pedigree summary metric that characterizes the informational distance between individual fused products and source data.
The effect of DPPD on the decarboxylation of retinoic acid in vitro and in vivo

Abstract N,N′-Diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD), 2 an antioxidant and a strong inhibitor of the decarboxylation of retinoic acid in the microsomal fraction of rat liver and kidney, has now been shown to inhibit the reaction in tissue slices as well. DPPD can inhibit the in vitro decarboxylation in all systems not only when added in vitro, but also when injected into the rat intravenously 1 hr prior to sacrifice. The in vitro decarboxylation activity of skin, bone, and brain, as well as of liver and kidney was sensitive to DPPD indicating that the same mechanism was responsible in all these tissues and also that DPPD was widely distributed in the body after injection. Rats fed a diet containing 0.01–0.05% DPPD showed a 20% decrease in the extent of in vivo decarboxylation during the 0–6-hr period. α-Tocopherol was able to strongly inhibit the in vitro decarboxylations but had no effect on the process in vivo. It may be concluded that all in vitro decarboxylations investigated probably result from free-radical attack on the side chain, but that this mechanism most likely accounts for only a part of the in vivo process.
A content-driven access control system

Protecting identity in the Internet age requires the ability to go beyond the identification of explicitly identifying information like social security numbers, to also find the broadly-held attributes that, when taken together, are identifying. We present a system that can work in conjunction with natural language processing algorithms or user-generated tags, to protect identifying attributes in text. The system uses a new attribute-based encryption protocol to control access to such identifying attributes and thus protects identity. The system supports the definition of user access rights based on role or identity. We extend the existing model of attribute-based encryption to support threshold access rights and provide a heuristic instantiation of revocation.
Multiple polylogarithm values at roots of unity

For any positive integer N let μN be the group of the Nth roots of unity. In this note we shall study the Q-linear relations among the values of multiple polylogarithms evaluated at μN. We show that the standard relations considered by Racinet do not provide all the possible relations in the following cases: (i) level N=4, weight w=3 or 4, and (ii) w=2, 7<N<50, and N is a power of 2 or 3, or N has at least two prime factors. We further find some (presumably all) of the missing relations in (i) by using the octahedral symmetry of P1−({0,∞}∪μ4). We also prove some other results when N=p or N=p2 (p prime ⩾5) by using the motivic fundamental group of P1−({0,∞}∪μN). To cite this article: J. Zhao, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 346 (2008).
Carotenoid protection against oxidation

Abstract Based on experimental observations made in photosynthetic organisms which lacked colored carotenoid pigments, a hypothesis was developed that these pigments could serve as protective agents against photosensitized oxidations. Over the last 20 years, many workers have confirmed this hypothesis and have extended the observations to non-photosynthetic bacteria, plants and animals. It has also been possible to demonstrate carotenoid protection in in vitro systems. This article reviews the major mechanisms whereby carotenoid pigments protect cells against harmful photosensitized oxidations. The mechanisms include: (1) Carotenoid quenching of triplet sensitizers. (2) Carotenoid quenching of O2 (1δg). (3) Carotenoid inhibition of free radical reactions.
The projection of neuroendocrine fibers (NCC I and II) in the brains of three orthopteroid insects

Neuronal projections from neuroendocrine tracts (nervi corpori cordiaci I and II) in the brains of the locust (Schistocerca vaga), cricket (Acheta domesticus), and cockroach (Periplaneta americana) were studied using reconstructions of silver-intensified cobalt chloride preparations. Collaterals from the NCC I in these species branch extensively in the dorsal protocerebral neuropile, anterior to the stalk of the corpora pedunculata and ventral to its calyces. Other fibers project from the NCC I bilaterally into the medial protocerebral neuropile, anterior to the central body, and posterior to the beta lobes. NCC II collaterals arborize in the medial, dorsal, and lateral protocerebral neuropile, their region of projection partially overlapping with that of the NCC I. Several NCC II fibers terminate in the superior arch of the central body in Acheta but not in the other two species. Tritocerebral cells filled through the NCC I branch in the medial tritocerebral neuropile in all three species, but most extensively in Schistocerca. No NCC fibers were seen to penetrate any part of the corpora pedunculata, protocerebral bridge, olfactory glomeruli, ocellar tracts, or optic lobes. These neuronal projections from the NCC I and II lie anterior to regions of branching of second-order ocellar fibers and thus provide no anatomical basis for direct ocellar input to neurosecretory cells, contrary to previous reports for orthopteroid species (Brousse-Gaury, '71a, b). However, interneurons filled from the optic lobes were found to terminate in the same region of dorsal protocerebral neuropile as NCC I and II fibers in Acheta, thus providing a possible pathway for optic input to the cerebral neuroendocrine system.
Trend and magnitude of changes in climate variables and reference evapotranspiration over 116-yr period in the Platte River Basin, central Nebraska–USA

Summary Some studies that investigate the climate change and hydrologic balance relationships utilize reference (potential) evapotranspiration (ETref) to either calculate the changes in trends and magnitude of actual ET or to determine changes in atmospheric demand. In such cases, it is important to acquire robust ETref estimates to correctly assess the impact of changes in meteorological variables on atmospheric evaporative demand, hydrologic balances, response of vegetation to climate, and their interactions. Despite its crucial importance, unfortunately, ETref is sometimes poorly addressed in climate change studies as some studies utilize temperature or radiation-based empirical equations due to various reasons (unavailability of climate data to solve combination-based energy balance equations, etc.). Since many climate variables that affect ETref rates have been changing and are expected to change in the future, single-variable equations for estimating the trend in ETref should be avoided due to the inherent nature of the trend passed to ETref from the variable. Here, we showed an integrated approach of practical and robust procedures that are already exist to estimate necessary climate variables [incoming shortwave radiation (Rs), net radiation (Rn), wind speed at 2-m (u2), relative humidity (RH), and vapor pressure deficit (VPD)] only from observed maximum and minimum air temperatures (Tmax and Tmin) and precipitation (P) data to be used in Penman–Monteith-type combination-based energy balance equations to predict grass-and alfalfa-reference evapotranspiration (ETo and ETr, respectively). We analyzed the trends and magnitudes of change in meteorological variables for a 116-yr period from 1893 to 2008 in the agro-ecosystem-dominated Platte River Basin in central Nebraska, USA. Although we found a significant (P 70 mm d−1). We present detailed analyses of relationships between ETref and all meteorological variables. On an annual time step ETref significantly (P
A radial geometry cesium plasma source with improved mechanical features

Abstract An improved version of the radial geometry cesium plasma negative ion source, described by Alton and Blazey, has been designed, evaluated and employed for use during routine operation of the Holifield Heavy Ion Research Facility (HHIRF) tandem accelerator. The mechanical features of the source have been improved to facilitate rapid change of degradable parts such as the sputter probe insulator and cathodes and to provide better thermal isolation of the externally mounted oven from the discharge chamber. The source has demonstrated improved operational stability, higher intensities and increased reliability over its predecessor. Negative ion beams from more than 25 elements have been provided for the HHIRF experimental program including several molecular hydride beams from difficult elements such as Be, Mg, Ti, Sc, Nd and Zr. A detailed description of the mechanical features of the source as well as the negative ion yield dependence on certain operational parameters are presented.
Advantages of an indwelling rectal tube in anterior resection and anastomosis for lesions involving the terminal portion of the colon

To increase the safety of a primary anastomosis of the left colon and rectum after anterior resection, a method has been employed to protect the anastomosis, utilizing a large rectal tube passed through the anal canal into the distal colon, through the suture line of the anastomosis and left in place postoperatvely for 10 days.
The effects of human salivary cystatins and statherin on hydroxyapatite crystallization.

Abstract The adsorption, at hydroxyapatite surfaces of neutral cystatin SN, acidic cystatin S and the phosphoserine-containing acidic cystatin S1 was compared to that of statherin. The effects of these adsorbed proteins on the constant-composition growth kinetics of hydroxyapatite were also studied. The neutral cystatin SN had a higher adsorption maximum than the acidic cystatins S and S1. Although the affinity of cystatin for hydroxyapatite surfaces was lower than that of statherin, their influence on the growth kinetics of hydroxyapatite was considerably greater, with the acidic cystatin S1 being the most active. At a surface concentration of 7.0 × 10 −8 mol m −2 hydroxyapatite, the cystatins decreased the rate of crystal growth by 80–95% as compared to that in the absence of protein. At this concentration, statherin showed a growth inhibition of 40%.
The response of Luidia clathrata (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) to hypoxia

Abstract 1. 1. Luidia clathrata is a common inhabitant of shallow bays in which the dissolved oxygen levels may decrease to less than 3 mg O2/l in the summer. 2. 2. The behavioral activity of L. clathrata was depressed after a 3 day exposure to 29, 36, 44 mm Hg O2; partial recovery occurred after return to air-saturated water for 24 hr. Activity was not significantly depressed at 53 and 67 mm Hg O2. 3. 3. The O2 level below which L. clathrata deteriorated after a 3 day exposure was 38 mm Hg. 4. 4. Luidia clathrata is an apparent oxyregulator down to 30–40 mg Hg but the relation between PO2 and VO2 is not described well by a quadratic regression equation.
Interlocking calvarial bone grafts: A solution for the short, depressed nose

Objectives/Hypothesis In patients severely affected with collapse of the nose, deprojection and upward rotation of the nasal tip are commonly seen. Traditional maneuvers to derotate and project the tip may be insufficient, because of the natural tendency of the nasal skin/soft tissue envelope to pull the tip in a cephalic and posterior direction. If the forces of scar contracture can be resisted, the tip and dorsum should remain adequately positioned. Study Design Retrospective chart review of 20 cases. Methods Using an open rhinoplasty approach, two strips of calvarial bone are fitted together in a tongue-in-groove fashion, and esthetics are analyzed. Rotation and projection are altered as indicated. A screw inserted at the indicated level along the caudal bone graft acts to prevent retrodisplacement of either the dorsal or caudal strut as scarring occurs. Results The procedure has been used in 20 patients. Two patients had displacement of the dorsal bone graft. Two patients have been lost to follow-up. Follow-up in the remainder has ranged from 6 weeks to 4 and a half years. All have maintained adequate tip and dorsal projection without excess upward tip rotation. Bone grafts have undergone minimal resorption. Conclusion The interlocking calvarial bone graft technique stabilizes the nasal tip and dorsum in such a way that resists the forces of contracture and provides improved esthetics and function.
Natural Occurrence of Helenium Virus S in Impatiens holstii

Samples of commercially grown Impatiens holstii from several sources in Minnesota contained a carlavirus which serologically was closely related, if not identical with Helenium virus S described earlier in Germany. The two viruses have similar experimental host ranges and caused similar cytopathogenic effects. After mechanical transmission the Impatiens isolate produced less severe symptoms in Impatiens than the Helenium isolate. Only the latter isolate was transmitted by Myzus persicae in the non-persistent manner.
Glucose and cholesterol elevations during thiazide therapy: Intention-to-treat versus actual on-therapy experience

PURPOSE : This nonrandomized, parallel-group, prospective clinical series in consecutive patients was conducted to determine if the method of analysis of biochemical data collected in long-term treatment trials can explain the controversy regarding the effects of thiazides on plasma glucose or cholesterol. PATIENTS AND METHODS : Fasting serum glucose, potassium, and cholesterol levels were determined before therapy, and yearly thereafter (4.0 ± 0.1 years) in 634 consecutive patients treated for more than 1 year with antihypertensive monotherapy. RESULTS : When the data were analyzed by the intention-to-treat paradigm (ignoring changes in therapy), glucose and cholesterol levels in the thiazide group were significantly higher (compared to baseline or to the other therapy group) only at year 1. When the data were analyzed by actual on-therapy experience (censoring patients when therapy is altered)-a more traditional way to examine side effects - these differences were significant for all 5 years studied. Even if as few as 8% of patients who changed therapies were included in an intention-to-treat analysis, these differences became nonsignificant. CONCLUSION : These comparisons not only indicate why a dichotomy might exist between clinical practice (analyzed by actual on-therapy experience) and randomized trials (analyzed by intention-to-treat methods), regarding biochemical changes in glucose and cholesterol during thiazide therapy, but also that, for secondary hypotheses, analyzing data by both methods of assignment is important.
The solar wind in the outer solar system

The properties of the solar wind including magnetic fields, plasma, and plasma waves are briefly reviewed with emphasis on conditions near and beyond the orbit of Jupiter. An extrapolation of the steady-state wind to large distances, evolution of disturbances and structure, modulation of cosmic rays, interactions with planetary bodies (bow shocks and magnetosheaths), and interactions with interstellar neutral helium and hydrogen are briefly discussed. Some comments on instrumentation requirements to observationally define the above phenomena are also included.
The impact of ZnO nanoparticle aggregates on the embryonic development of zebrafish(Danio rerio)

With extensive use of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in a variety of applications comes a higher potential of release into aquatic environments. NPs tend to form much larger aggregates in water, which are expected to settle down to the bottom of the water column and possibly get mixed with the sediments. However, little is known about the environmental impacts and biological effects of these aggregated NPs in the sediment column. In this study, we examined the sedimentation of nanoscale ZnO particles (nZnO) in zebrafish culture medium, and assessed the toxicity of settled nZnO aggregates on developing zebrafish embryos and larvae. Given the known dissolution of nZnO particles to release Zn(2+), we also assessed the toxic effect of soluble Zn(2+) in this organism. We demonstrated that within 48 h, micron-sized nZnO aggregates were formed and settled out of the culture medium. These aggregates were found to exert dose-dependent toxicity to zebrafish embryos and larvae, reducing the hatching rate and causing pericardial edema. The observed toxicity of the nZnO aggregates was not likely a result solely of particle dissolution, as soluble Zn(2+) alone caused much less toxicity to zebrafish embryos than nZnO. Instead, the combination of both nZnO and Zn(2+) may contribute to the embryonic toxicity, possibly by increasing reactive oxidative species (ROS) and/or compromising the cellular oxidative stress response. Interestingly, we demonstrated that one type of formulated sediments could mitigate the toxicity of nZnO aggregates, highlighting a possible countermeasure to reduce the adverse impact of nZnO aggregates on the environment.
Breast Cancer Predisposition Syndromes

A small, but important, percentage of breast cancer cases is caused by the inheritance of a single copy of a mutated gene. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the genes most commonly associated with inherited breast cancer; however, mutations in TP53 and PTEN cause Li-Fraumeni syndrome and Cowden syndrome, respectively, both of which are associated with high lifetime risks of breast cancer. Advances in the field of breast cancer genetics have led to an improved understanding of detection and prevention strategies. More recently, strategies to target the underlying genetic defects in BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated breast and ovarian cancers are emerging and may have implications for certain types of sporadic breast cancer.
Adult primitive neuroectodermal tumors: the prognostic value of supratentorial location

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are tumors which primarily consist of undifferentiated round neuroepithelial cells. Central nervous system PNETs can be divided into two genetically distinct groups: infratentorial PNET (iPNET)/medulloblastoma and supratentorial PNET (sPNET). Currently, the comparative outcome of adult patients with sPNETs and iPNETs is unknown. In this study we have utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to perform a comparative analysis of 103 cases of adult sPNET and 669 adult medulloblastoma cases. Additionally we have analyzed various factors to identify their prognostic significance and characterize the optimal treatment for these tumors. Patients with sPNETs were seen to have a significantly worse survival than those diagnosed with medulloblastomas (16 vs. 155 months, p < 0.0001). Elderly patients (15 vs. 114 months, p < 0.0001) and those over the age of 40 (68 vs. 147 months, p < 0.0001) experienced significantly worse survival than younger patients. In contrast, radiotherapy (143 vs. 26 months, p < 0.0001), surgical resection (116 vs. 22 months, p = 0.0010) and the extent of resection (EOR) (173 vs. 81 months, p = 0.0005) resulted in significantly improved patient survival. Multivariate analysis revealed age greater than 40 years (HR: 1.57; 95 % CI: 1.17–2.11; p = 0.0028) and sPNET pathology (HR: 3.41; 95 % CI: 2.47–4.72; p < 0.0001) to be poor prognostic factors for survival while radiotherapy (HR: 0.52; 95 % CI: 0.38–0.71; p < 0.0001) and the EOR (HR: 0.73; 95 % CI: 0.55–0.96; p = 0.023) were associated with significantly improved survival. The treatment of sPNETs should therefore include maximal surgical resection when feasible followed by radiotherapy as these treatments have been demonstrated to confer a survival benefit. Additional studies are needed to identify effective chemotherapeutics and specific treatment regimens for adults with sPNETs.
A BLUE LIGHT REACTION INVOLVING FLAVTN NUCLEOTIDES AND PLASTOCYANIN FROM PROTOSIPHON BOTRYOIDES

— A pigment that absorbs yellow light (580 nm) appears in a cell-free preparation of Protosiphon when it is irradiated with blue light (430 nm) in the presence of flavoprotein from Photosiphon or flavin nucleotides. The pigment has been isolated and purified. It is a protein with a molecular weight of approximately 9000 daltons. An amino acid analysis reveals that it lacks arginine and tryptophan. It is colorless when reduced and blue (absorbs at 580 nm) when oxidized. Its normal oxidation–reduction potential is + 0.37 V. It contains one copper ion per molecule and has other properties that match those of plastocyanin isolated from green cells of other species.
Responses of young calves to a diet containing salts of volatile fatty acids.

Summary Nine calves, starting at five days of age, were fed the following diets 12 wk.: Diet I, casein, fat, glucose, starch, and chopped hay; Diet II, casein, fat, glucose, and salts of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids, and Diet III, whole milk. For these diets, the average daily gains during the terminal 9 wk. were 0.82, 0.99, and 1.38lb., respectively. After feeding, blood glucose increased sharply for Diet III but decreased slightly for Diets I and II. Conversely, blood volatile fatty acids (VFA) increased markedly for Diets I and II, but did not change for III. Increases of blood ketone bodies after feeding were somewhat more pronounced for Diets I and II than for III. Only small differences among diets were noted for any of the blood constituents immediately before feeding. At 0-hour, glucose tended to decrease with increasing age, whereas VFA and ketone bodies exhibited no marked change. The quantities of urinary ketones and VFA were largest for calves fed Diet II, whereas the quantities of urinary glucose were greatest for calves receiving Diet III. In general, the total urinary excretion of all these constituents tended to increase with advancing age. The responses indicate that calves at 3 wk. of age definitely are able to absorb VFA.
Anytown: NCCJ's Youth Leadership Experience in Social Justice.

The National Conference for Community and Justice is a national organization whose mission is fighting bias, bigotry, and racism in the United States. Camp Anytown, a four-day residential education program for high school students, is one of the organization's primary programs devoted to youth leadership.
EFFECTS OF RAUNESCINE AND ISORAUNESCINE ON BEHAVIOUR AND ON THE 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE AND NORADRENALINE CONTENTS OF BRAIN

Abstract Some behavioural effects of raunescine and isoraunescine on pigeons have been studied; no qualitative difference was detected between their effects and those of reserpine. Isoraunescine is between five and ten times less potent than raunescine, which, in turn, is much less potent than reserpine in producing these effects. Both raunescine (5 mg./kg.) and isoraunescine (50 mg./kg.) were found to cause a reduction in the concentration of noradrenaline in the brains of rats. Raunescine (5 mg./kg.) also caused a reduction in the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine in brain; isoraunescine did not do so in the same dose; higher dose levels were not studied.
An efficient algorithm for computing least cost paths with turn constraints

Abstract An algorithm is presented for computing least cost paths under turn angle constraints. The approach is almost as efficient as Dijkstra's algorithm for unconstrained least cost paths. Specifically, if a graph representation of a two- or three-dimensional routing problem contains ¦ V ¦ vertices and ¦ E ¦ edges, then our algorithm scales as O (¦ E ¦ log ¦ V ¦) versus the O (¦ V ¦ log ¦ V ¦ + ¦ E ¦) complexity for the most efficient implementation of Dijkstra's algorithm. This result is substantially better than O (¦ E ∥ V ¦) algorithms for the more general problem of routing with turn penalties, which cannot be applied to large scale graphs.
Embolotherapy for small bowel hemorrhage from metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Case report

Embolization for control of hemorrhage in the small bowel carries a significant risk of bowel infarction. A case is presented where severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage from a hypervascular renal cell carcinoma metastasis to the jejunum was effectively controlled by superselective embolization of mesenteric tumor supply arteries with Gelfoam particles. Adjacent normal mesenteric arteries remained open. It is concluded that in specific instances where direct mesenteric feeders to a tumor can be catheterized, such embolization can be performed safely.
Characteristics of sensorineural hearing loss in children with inner ear anomalies

Purpose: To determine whether hearing loss in children with inner ear anomalies has some distinctive characteristics when compared to children with hearing loss but without inner ear anomalies. Methods: Temporal bone computed tomography scans of 69 patients with sensorineural hearing loss were examined for inner ear abnormalities of which 17 were identified. The medical histories of these patients were reviewed for the characteristics of their hearing loss, including initial presentation, natural history, and nature of loss, as well as the family history of hearing loss and risk factors for hearing loss. These were compared to age-matched controls with hearing loss but without inner ear anomalies. Results: Seventeen patients had inner ear anomalies. Records of 14 of these patients were compared to patients without inner ear anomalies. Regarding age of onset, 71.4% of patients with anomalies had onset of their hearing loss at less than 2 years old vs 78.6% without anomalies. Regarding unilateral vs bilateral, 42.9% of patients with anomalies were unilateral vs 28.6% of patients without anomalies. For patients with anomalies, 85.7% were stable and 14.3% were progressive; without anomalies, 71.4% were stable, 21.4% were progressive, and 7.1% were fluctuating. Regarding family history, only 14.3% of patients without anomalies had a positive family history vs 56% of patients with anomalies. Conclusions: Children with inner ear anomalies and sensorineural hearing loss have an increased incidence of unilateral hearing loss and stable hearing loss as compared to controls with sensorineural hearing loss without inner ear anomalies. In addition, children with inner ear anomalies and sensorineural hearing loss are less likely to have a family history of hearing loss.
Academic Drift, Institutional Production, and Professional Distribution of Graduate Degrees in Educational Leadership:

Purpose: This article sheds light on some basic questions about the distribution of educational leadership preparation degree programs among different types of institutions and the distribution of advanced degrees, by type, exploring change over time and the relationship to regional labor market estimates.Method: We used data from five major national data sets (Institutional Postsecondary Education Data System, Survey of Earned Doctorates, Schools and Staffing Survey, National Center for Education Statistics Common Core of Data, and Census data) to explore the production of graduate degrees in educational leadership by institutions of higher education and the distribution of graduate degrees across building level leaders in K-12 public education systems. We used two institutional classification systems— the Carnegie Classification and the U.S. News & World Report higher education classification—to group postsecondary institutions by resources and rank. The time period for our analysis is 1990 to 2003.Find...
A code to compute the action-angle transformation for a particle in an arbitrary potential well

For a Vlasov treatment of longitudinal stability under an arbitrary wake field with the solution of the Haissinski equation as the unperturbed distribution, it is important to have the action-angle transformation for the distorted potential well in a convenient form. We have written a code that gives the transformation q, p/spl rarr/J, /spl phi/, with q(J, /spl phi/) as a Fourier series in /spl phi/, the Fourier coefficients and the Hamiltonian H(J) being spline functions of J in C/sup 2/ (having continuous second derivatives).
Preliminary observations on the effects of sleep time in a sleep restriction paradigm

Abstract Objective : To evaluate of the effect of 7 days of sleep restriction – with sleep placed at the beginning of night or early morning hours – on sleep variables, maintenance of wakefulness test, and serum leptin. Methods : After screening young adults with questionnaires and actigraphy for 1 week, eight young adult males were recruited to participate in a sleep restriction study. The subjects were studied for baseline data for 2.5 days, with 8.5 h per night in bed, and then over 7 days of sleep restriction to 4 h per night with a 22:30 h bedtime for half the group and a 02:15 h bedtime for the other half. At the end of study, after one night of ad libitum sleep, subjects again had 2 days of 8.5 h in bed. Wakefulness was continuously verified and tests, including Maintenance of Wakefulness (MWT), were performed during the scheduled wake time. Blood was drawn six times throughout the 24 h of the 7th day of sleep restriction and after 2 days of the post-restriction schedule. Results : There was individual variability in response to sleep restriction, but independent of group distribution, MWT was significantly affected by sleep restriction, with the early morning sleep group having less decrease in MWT score. Sleep efficiency was also better in this group, which also had shorter sleep latency. Independent of group distribution there was a greater increase in the percentage of slow wave sleep than rapid eye movement sleep, despite a clear internal variability and variability between subjects. Peak serum leptin was significantly decreased with 7 days of sleep restriction for all subjects. Conclusion : Sleep restriction to 4 h affected all subjects, but there were individual and group differences in MWT and sleep data. In this group of young adult males (mean age 19 years), there was a better overall adaptation to the early morning sleep, perhaps related to the general tendency in most adolescents to present some phase-delay during late teen-aged years.
Economic theory and evidence on smoking behavior of adults.

Aims To describe: (i) three alternative conceptual frameworks used by economists to study addictive behaviors: rational, imperfectly rational and irrational addiction; (ii) empirical economic evidence on each framework and specific channels to explain adult smoking matched to the frameworks; and (iii) policy implications for each framework. Methods A systematic review and appraisal of important theoretical and empirical economic studies on smoking. Results There is some empirical support for each framework. For rational and imperfectly rational addiction there is some evidence that anticipated future cigarette prices influence current cigarette consumption, and quitting costs are high for smokers. Smokers are more risk-tolerant in the financial domain than are others and tend to attach a lower value to being in good health. Findings on differences in rates of time preference by smoking status are mixed; however, short-term rates are higher than long-term rates for both smokers and non-smokers, a stylized fact consistent with hyperbolic discounting. The economic literature lends no empirical support to the view that mature adults smoke because they underestimate the probability of harm to health from smoking. In support of the irrationality framework, smokers tend to be more impulsive than others in domains not related directly to smoking, implying that they may be sensitive to cues that trigger smoking. Conclusions Much promising economic research uses the imperfectly rational addiction framework, but empirical research based on this framework is still in its infancy.
The Effect of the Ration Upon Iris Color of Single Comb White Leghorns

Abstract EYE color in the domestic fowl has received increasing attention in the past few years. This interest has resulted from gross and histological studies showing that many of the abnormalities of the eye are due to the ocular forms of lymphomatosis. The work of Lee and Wilcke (1941) and others has led to the general recommendations that birds showing any fading of pigment and any irregularity of the pupil, should be discarded. In some studies, there has been mentioned the disturbing comment that strain and dietary factors may cause a fading or bleaching of pigment from the iris. Unfortunately, the literature contains few critical studies of iris color as affected by heredity or nutrition. Recently, Hollander and Owen (1939), by chemical tests, demonstrated that the yellow pigments in the iris of the domestic fowl were probably carotene and xanthophyll, the same pigments as in green feedstuffs and yellow corn. Previously, . . .
Design-, Operation-, and Inspection-Relevant Factors of Fatigue Crack Growth Rates for Pressure Vessel and Piping Steels

To assure continued safe operation of nuclear reactors used for power generation by the public utilities, a comprehensive and industrious program of inspection and monitoring is carried out. If a flaw indication is found, the reactor owner may proceed in one of two ways: the flaw may be repaired, usually through a weld repair technique, or a fracture mechanics analyses may be carried out resulting in computation of future inspection intervals during which the flaw indication will be carefully monitored to determine whether extension of the flaw has occurred. In addition to knowledge of the stress levels in the neighborhood of the flaw, the fatigue crack growth rates for the material in question must also be known or determined. These fatigue crack growth rates should take into account not only the product form, but also the environment, waveform, temperature and irradiation levels which pertain to the vicinity of the flaw. If satisfactory growth rates are not available, the Appendix A of Section XI of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code1 details a set of default rules, providing crack growth rates which may be used in lieu of actual crack growth rates for the material and conditions which actually pertain.
Aggressive Behavior by Clients Toward Public Relief Administrators: A Configurative Analysis.

This study of aggressive behavior by clients on public relief in Chicago in 1932â€“33 is intended to be relevant to two supplementary kinds of political theory. In so far as relations are found between economic changes and political activity, the findings bear upon the theory of political equilibrium, which seeks to state the general conditions under which political changes occur. In so far as relations are found which bear upon the diffusion of specific political symbols and practices, the results are pertinent to theories of political development, which emphasize the time-bound aspects of political change.
Single Kernel Near-Infrared Analysis of Tetraploid (Durum) Wheat for Classification of the Waxy Condition

ABSTRACT Plant breeding programs are active worldwide in the development of waxy hexaploid (Triticum aestivum L.) and tetraploid (T. turgidum L. var. durum) wheats. Conventional breeding practices will produce waxy cultivars adapted to their intended geographical region that confer unique end use characteristics. Essential to waxy wheat development, a means to rapidly and, ideally, nondestructively identify the waxy condition is needed for point-of-sale use. The study described herein evaluated the effectiveness of near-infrared (NIR) reflectance single-kernel spectroscopy for classification of durum wheat into its four possible waxy alleles: wild type, waxy, and the two intermediate states in which a null allele occurs at either of the two homologous genes (Wx-1A and Wx-1B) that encodes for the production of the enzyme granule bound starch synthase (GBSS) that controls amylose synthesis. Two years of breeders' samples (2003 and 2004), corresponding to 47 unique lines subdivided about equally into the fou...
Observations at the tidal plume front of a high‐volume river outflow

[1] We present shipboard observations of very strong convergence, vertical velocities and mixing, and near-bed impacts associated with the leading-edge front of the tidally-pulsed Columbia River plume. With upwelling-favorable winds and riverflow of 4900 m3s−1, the plume propagates as a buoyant gravity current with a rotary, bore-like vertical frontal circulation and downwelling as strong as 0.35 m s−1. In waters as deep as 65 m, near-bed currents intensify to as much as 1.0 m s−1 after frontal passage, and are often associated with elevated acoustic backscatter. Mixing is locally strong, with an eddy diffusivity of O(0.2 m2s−1) 50 m behind the front, and T-S diagrams imply plume mixing with 10 m deep ocean water. These observations indicate that the leading-edge front of a surface-advected plume can cause exchanges of (a) nutrients between cold subsurface shelf waters and the river plume, and (b) nutrients and sediments across the sediment-water interface.
American Railroads and Agricultural Extension, 1900-1914: A Study in Railway Developmental Techniques

Professor Scott illustrates how railroads came to undertake the furtherance of agricultural education as a part of their business activities and, in some instances, pioneered projects that subsequently became widely copied models in the field.
Assertive community treatment: an evaluation of the experimental evidence.

Experimental studies of assertive community treatment programs based on the Training in Community Living model are reviewed. In most of the programs studied, interdisciplinary treatment teams met with patients in the community, taught them to take care of basic needs, and ensured that they received adequate material support and medical care. Across the service settings and patient populations studied, assertive community treatment reduced hospital utilization. Although early researchers provided evidence that the approach was more effective than conventional treatment in controling symptoms, promoting social functioning, and improving occupational performance, recent studies have generally not replicated these findings. Defining the conditions under which assertive community treatment achieves superior functional outcomes remains an important challenge for future research.
Analysis of ethanol-soluble extractives in southern pine wood by low-field proton NMR

Abstract Low‐field proton NMR was evaluated as a nondestructive and rapid technique for measuring ethanol‐soluble extractives in southern pine wood. Matchstick‐sized wood specimens were steeped in extractive‐containing solutions to generate extractive‐enriched samples for analysis. Decay curves obtained by the Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill (CPMG) pulse sequence were analyzed with Contin, a constrained regularization program used to generate continuous distributions of transverse (spin‐spin) relaxation times. Air‐dry wood samples gave maximum signal amplitudes that did not clearly reflect differences in extractives content. Oven drying removed signals for bound water that were superposed with those for the extractives. Relaxation times and the corresponding amplitudes were then positively correlated with the added extractives. Treatment of air‐dry samples with dichloromethane‐d 2 prior to analysis increased the mobility of the extractives, thereby resulting in a shift of the corresponding signals to longer rel...
Motion estimation for moving target detection

This paper describes a suite of techniques for the autonomous detection of moving targets by processing electro-optical sensor imagery (such as visible or infrared imagery). Specific application scenarios that require moving target detection capability are described, and solutions are developed under the constraints imposed by the scenarios. Performance evaluation results are presented using a test data set of over 300 images, consisting of real imagery (visible and infrared) representative of the application scenarios.
Integrating stages of change models to cast new vision on interventions to improve global retinoblastoma and childhood cancer outcomes.

Background: Retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular tumor globally, represents a curable cancer when diagnosed early and treated promptly. Delay to diagnosis, lag time prior to treatment initiation, and abandonment of treatment including upfront treatment refusal, represent stark causes of high retinoblastoma mortality rates in low- and middle- income settings, particularly regions in Africa. While a health delivery-based approach has been a historic focus of retinoblastoma treatments globally and is essential to quality care, this is necessary but not adequate. Retinoblastoma is a compelling disease model to illustrate the potential insights afforded in theory-informed approaches to improve outcomes that integrate public health and oncology perspectives, prioritizing both health service delivery and social efficacy for cure. Discussion: Given that barriers to appropriate and timely diagnosis and treatment represent main contributors to mortality in children with retinoblastoma in resource-limited settings such as certain areas in Africa, an important priority is to overcome barriers to cure that may be predominantly socially influenced, alongside health delivery-based improvements. While Stages of Change models have been effectively utilized in cancer screening programs within settings of economic and cultural barriers, this application of health behavior theory has been limited to cancer screening rather than a comprehensive framework for treatment completion. Using retinoblastoma as a case example, we propose applying stage-based intervention models in critical stages of care, such as the Precaution Adoption Process Model to decrease delay to diagnosis and a Transtheoretical Model to increase treatment completion rates in resource-limited settings. Summary: Stage-based theories recognize that improved cure and survival outcomes will require supportive strategies to progress households, communities, and social and economic institutions from being unaware and unengaged to committed and sustained in their respective roles. Applying a stage-based model lens to programmatic interventions in resource-limited settings has potential for visible improvement in outcomes for children with retinoblastoma and other cancers.
SPIE: A Framework For Advanced Database Topics

In the ever expanding universe of database skills and knowledge we propose a framework that can be used to classify advanced database topics. We use the framework to present five advanced database modules that can be successfully incorporated in an advanced database course. These modules were built to illustrate advanced topics and were tested and refined in advanced database courses over several semesters. The skills demonstrated in the modules go beyond what is typically taught in an the introductory level database course but are important in today’s highly demanding business environment.
Quantifying B-mode images of in vivo rat mammary tumors by the frequency dependence of backscatter.

Objective. To evaluate the frequency dependence of ultrasonic backscatter for its ability to differentiate between neoplastic and healthy tissue. Methods. Standard B-mode images were created of 5 rats with spontaneous mammary tumors, and regions of interest in the lesion and surrounding tissue were parameterized by the slope of the backscatter amplitude versus frequency. Results. In 4 of the 5 rats, the averaged backscatter slope of the regions of interest in the tumor was significantly (P <.05) different from that of the surrounding tissue, and the fifth case had a moderate difference (P =.20). The consistency of the averaged slope values (1.2-1.8 dB/MHz) across all but 1 of the mammary tumors was encouraging for the prospect of identifying a tissue type by its backscatter slope. Conclusions. This work suggests that characterization and diagnosis of tissue types may be possible by using ultrasonographic images quantified by the frequency dependence of backscatter.