cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polychlorinated biphenyls influence on autism spectrum disorder risk in the MARBLES cohort.

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is suspected to have environmental and genetic contributions. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are environmental risk factors of interest due to their potential as neurodevelopmental toxicants and environmental persistence despite a US production ban in the 1970s. Methods Participants were mother-child pairs from MARBLES, a high-risk pregnancy cohort that enrolls families who have one child diagnosed with ASD and are planning to have another child. PCB concentrations were measured in maternal blood at each trimester of pregnancy using gas chromatography coupled with triple quadruple mass spectrometry. Concentrations were summed into total PCB and two categories based on function/mechanisms of action: dioxin-like (DL), and ryanodine receptor (RyR)-activating PCBs. Multinomial logistic regression assessed risk of clinical outcome classification of ASD and non-typical development (Non-TD) compared to typically developing (TD) in the children at 3 years old. Results A total of 104 mother-child pairs were included. There were no significant associations for total PCB; however, there were borderline significant associations between DL-PCBs and decreased risk for Non-TD outcome classification (adjusted OR: 0.41 (95% CI 0.15–1.14)) and between RyR-activating PCBs and increased risk for ASD outcome classification (adjusted OR: 2.63 (95% CI 0.87–7.97)). Conclusion This study does not provide strong supporting evidence that PCBs are risk factors for ASD or Non-TD. However, these analyses suggest the need to explore more deeply into subsets of PCBs as risk factors based on their function and structure in larger cohort studies where non-monotonic dose-response patterns can be better evaluated.
“The Peaceful and Constructive Battle”: UNESCO and Education for International Understanding in History and Geography, 1947–1967:

From its beginning, UNESCO made education for international understanding in school history and geography a priority. As these were the areas where children were most likely to encounter nationalis...
PMU Multilevel End-to-End Testing to Assess Synchrophasor Measurements During Faults

This paper introduces a framework for comprehensive testing and evaluation of the phasor measurement units (PMUs) and synchrophasor systems under normal power system operating conditions, as well as during disturbances such as faults. The evaluation is suggested to be accomplished using three different testing approaches, namely, type testing, application testing, and end-to-end testing, for each of which, systematic characterization of the hardware and software modules is presented in detail. Through the proposed approach of PMU testing in a controlled environment and detailed analysis of different estimation techniques used in PMU algorithms, one can gain insights on which estimation technique is most accurate for a certain end-use application. This hypothesis has been validated through series of realistic test scenarios on a 23-bus system running on an Opal Real Time simulator using the hardware-in-the-loop interface. In addition, the impact of synchrophasor estimation errors and their propagation from the PMU toward the end-use applications has been quantified for a fault location algorithm that uses only PMU measurements.
Maintenance of affective wellbeing following acute pain in healthy older and younger adults

Over 70% of older adults report chronic or acute pain, and pain threatens affective wellbeing. The strategies older adults use to maintain affective wellbeing following acute pain remain unknown. Specific strategies that can be used to manage pain include recalling, recognizing, and responding to positive stimuli and prioritizing close over knowledgeable social partners. The study tested whether older adults used positivity-enhancing strategies and maintained affective wellbeing following acute pain better than younger adults. Fifty older (ages 65–85) and 50 younger (ages 18–30) pain-free adults experienced a control and a pain condition and were given the chance to employ positivity-enhancing strategies. Older and younger adults similarly used positivity-enhancing strategies following pain. Younger adults demonstrated reduced preference for knowledgeable social partners after experiencing pain. Pain-related affective changes were similar between age groups. Older and younger adults may cope with acute pain similarly, highlighting future directions for exploring age differences in pain coping.
Dermatologic manifestations associated with electronic cigarette use

Background Electronic cigarette use continues to rise, yet there are no reviews summarizing dermatologic manifestations associated with electronic cigarettes in the literature. Objective To review the literature regarding cutaneous manifestations associated with electronic cigarette use and increase awareness of side effects associated with this rapidly developing public health epidemic. Methods The PubMed database was searched for related literature. All studies involving the effects of electronic cigarette use on the skin or mucosa were obtained and reviewed for evidence. Results Contact dermatitis, thermal injuries, and oral mucosal lesions have been reported with the use of electronic cigarettes. Limitations The conclusions presented in individual case reports or series are not based on randomized controlled trials. Conclusion Electronic cigarettes can present with harmful dermatologic manifestations.
DRAINAGE EVOLUTION AND FRESHWATER FISH ZOOGEOGRAPHY IN COASTAL OREGON AND WASHINGTON

In Oregon and Washington coastal streams, there are relatively diverse faunas on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington (Chehalis fauna), in the lower Columbia River, and on the south-central Oregon coast (Tyee fauna). Adjacent to the Tyee fauna are groups of streams with depauperate faunas (0–2 primary freshwater fishes). To the north, from the Nehalem River to the Alsea River, streams have 0–1 species (Oregon Coast Range Isolates), and to the south, from the Rogue River to the Klamath River, streams have 0–2 species (Klamath Isolates). Throughout the entire area there was no relationship between drainage area and freshwater fish diversity. Multiple processes are responsible for these patterns. Two endemic genera, Oregonichthys and Novumbra, originated by the Miocene (23–5.3 Mya) and current distributions are largely bordered by the continental flood-basalt flows of the Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG). It is hypothesized that both genera were isolated by early Miocene Grande Ronde basalt flows, Oregonichthys to the south of the flows in an ancestral Umpqua River, and Novumbra to the north of the flows in an ancestral Chehalis River. The depauperate streams of the Oregon Coast Range Isolates are hypothesized to be the result of bisection of ancient coastal streams by uplift of the Oregon Coast Range and subsequent extinction of the ancestral fauna on west-slope streams either from changing habitats or stochastic events in smaller streams. The Klamath Isolate streams drain the southern Oregon Coast Range and Klamath Mountains, an ancient region otherwise known for its faunal and floral diversity. It is hypothesized that these streams, some of which are relatively large and would be expected to have relatively diverse faunas, have been isolated from diverse primary freshwater fish faunas to the north (Columbia) and south (Sacramento), and most taxa have simply never had access to these streams.
Technical Note: Comprehensive evaluation and implementation of two independent methods for beam monitor calibration for proton scanning beam

PURPOSE To clinically implement and comprehensively evaluate two independent methods for beam monitor calibration of scanning proton beam. METHODS Seven proton energies that represent the lowest to highest energy proton beams were selected. Single energy layer circular fields of diameter 15 cm with 2.5 mm spot spacing and 10 times of repainting (FS15cm ) were designed for all energies. The effective measurement points of Bragg peak chamber (BPC), advanced Markus chamber (AMC) and farmer chamber (FC) were all aligned to 2 cm depth in water using SSD setup. The BPC and AMC were cross-calibrated with farmer chamber (FC) using the field FS15cm . In order to evaluate BPC's lateral response uniformity, a collimated narrow proton beam (5.8 mm diameter) was delivered to the active area and edge of the BPC. The dose area product (DAP) was measured using two methods by two BPCs, one AMC and one FC. For method 1, a single spot proton beam was delivered to the geometric center of the BPC. For method 2, the fields FS15cm were delivered to FC and AMC, respectively. Accumulated charges by these chambers were converted to DAPs, and the quantitative difference of DAPs between both methods was calculated. The causes of the uncertainties were discussed, and the advantages of the two methods were compared. RESULTS The two BPCs showed different lateral response uniformity. BPC1 has a uniform response from the center up to a radius of 3.5 cm. BPC2 has a uniform response only to 2 cm and the response dropped 1% to 2% at 3.5 cm from center. BPC2 also has significant over-response compared to BPC1. A 2.2% systematic error would be transferred to DAP if the over-response from BPC2 was not considered. The DAPs measured by method 1 with two BPCs and by method 2 with FC and AMC were consistent to 0.5%. The major uncertainty component of method 1 is from the cross-calibration of the BPC. CONCLUSIONS The two independent methods for DAP were shown to give consistent results, given the sources of uncertainties were carefully addressed in the measurements. Direct measurement of DAP with BPC is very efficient, but it may be subject to more than 2% systematic error if the BPC lateral response is not carefully evaluated.
TAIL ESTIMATES FOR EMPIRICAL CHARACTERISTIC FUNCTIONS, WITH APPLICATIONS TO RANDOM ARRAYS

In this paper we present an upper bound for the tail of the distribution of the supremum (taken for t in a fixed set K) of the modulus of expressions of the form $$G(t)=\sum_{n=1}^{n}a_{n}(e^{iX_{n}t}-E[e^{iX_{n}t}])$$ where X 1, X 2,…, X N are independent random variables each of which assumes values in some bounded interval [—L, L], a 1,a 2,…,a n are real or complex constants, N is a fixed positive integer, t is a real number, and K is some interval in ℜ1 of Lebesgue measure ∣K∣. Our specific interest in this problem is in obtaining explicit and mathematically rigorous numerical bounds for probabilities of the above type, with the goal of applying our results to response patterns that arise from arrays of randomly placed sensing devices. Thus, in addition to providing the probabilistic bounds described above we devote part of this paper to an explanation of a particular setting to which they apply. We comment at the outset that the problem of the distribution of the supremum of expressions (1.1) has been investigated in both the mathematical and the engineering literature, but that the two disciplines have had somewhat different research objectives and methods. These separate histories are traced briefly below, for there has been relatively little interplay between them.
An Augmentative System with Facial and Emotion Recognition for Improving Social Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are one of the complex, pervasive, and multifactorial neurodevelopmental conditions that affect one in 68 children. Scientific research has shown the efficiency of using technologies to improve communication and social skills of autistic children. The use of software systems, such as mobile applications and multimedia, increases the interest of autistic children to learn while playing games. This paper presents an Andriod mobile application called Ying which is augmented with facial and emotion recognition. This mobile app complements existing traditional therapeutical approaches to autistic children social interaction, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Ying integrates various computer-assisted technologies to enhance autistic children’s social behavior and verbal communication skills. An experiment showing the efficacy of using Ying has been conducted and its results are presented in the study.
Immunomodulatory Nanoparticles Mitigate Macrophage Inflammation via Inhibition of PAMP Interactions and Lactate-Mediated Functional Reprogramming of NF-κB and p38 MAPK

Inflammation is a key homeostatic process involved in the body’s response to a multitude of disease states including infection, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and other chronic conditions. When the initiating event is poorly controlled, severe inflammation and globally dysregulated immune responses can occur. To address the lack of therapies that efficaciously address the multiple aspects of the dysregulated immune response, we developed cargo-less immunomodulatory nanoparticles (iNPs) comprised of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with either poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) or poly(ethylene-alt-maleic acid) (PEMA) as stabilizing surfactants and investigated the mechanisms by which they exert their inherent anti-inflammatory effects. We identified that iNPs leverage a multimodal mechanism of action by physically interfering with the interactions between pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMΦs). Additionally, we showed that iNPs mitigate proinflammatory cytokine secretions induced by LPS via a time- and composition-dependent abrogation of NF-κB p65 and p38 MAPK activation. Lastly, inhibition studies were performed to establish the role of a pH-sensing G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR68, on contributing to the activity of iNPs. These data provide evidence for the multimodal mechanism of action of iNPs and establish their potential use as a novel therapeutic for the treatment of severe inflammation.
Association of a 4-Tiered Classification of LV Hypertrophy With Adverse CV Outcomes in the General Population

Abstract Objectives This study was performed to determine whether a 4-tiered classification of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) defines subgroups in the general population that are at variable risks of adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. Background We recently proposed a 4-tiered classification of LVH where eccentric LVH is subdivided into “indeterminate hypertrophy” and “dilated hypertrophy” and concentric LVH into “thick hypertrophy” and “both thick and dilated hypertrophy,” based on the presence of increased left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume. Methods Participants from the Dallas Heart study who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance and did not have LV dysfunction or a history of heart failure (HF) (n = 2,458) were followed for a median of 9 years for the primary outcome of HF or CV death. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to adjust for age, sex, African-American race, hypertension, diabetes, and history of CV disease. Results In the cohort, 70% had no LVH, 404 (16%) had indeterminate hypertrophy, 30 (1%) had dilated hypertrophy, 289 (12%) had thick hypertrophy, and 7 (0.2%) had both thick and dilated hypertrophy. The cumulative incidence of HF or CV death was 2% with no LVH, 1.7% with indeterminate, 16.7% with dilated, 11.1% with thick, and 42.9% with both thick and dilated hypertrophy (log-rank p Conclusions In the general population, the 4-tiered classification system for LVH stratified LVH into subgroups with differential risk of adverse CV outcomes.
Reliable delivery of event data from sensors to actuators in pervasive computing environments

The event-condition-action (ECA) paradigm holds enormous potential in pervasive computing environments. However, the problem of reliable delivery of event data, generated by low capability sensor devices, to more capable processing points and vice versa, needs to be addressed for the success of the ECA paradigm in this environment. The problem becomes interesting because strong cryptographic techniques for achieving integrity impose unacceptable overhead in many pervasive computing environments. We address this problem by sending the data over the path from the sensor node to the processing point that provides the best opportunity of reliable delivery among competing paths. This allows using much weaker cryptographic techniques for achieving security. The problem is modeled as a problem of determining the most reliable path - similar to routing problems in networks. We propose a trust-based metric for measuring reliability of paths. The higher the trust value of a path the more reliable it is considered. We propose techniques for estimating the trust levels of paths and propose a new algorithm for identifying the desired path.
Using Manipulatives in Mathematical Problem Solving: A Performance-Based Analysis

This article explores problem solving in elementary classrooms while focusing on how children use (perform tasks) manipulatives and/or tools in problem solving while working on mathematical tasks. Ways for teachers to assess children’s learning through performance-based
A modal deconstruction of access control logics

We present a translation from a logic of access control with a "says" operator to the classical modal logic S4. We prove that the translation is sound and complete. We also show that it extends to logics with boolean combinations of principals and with a "speaks for" relation. While a straightforward definition of this relation requires second-order quantifiers, we use our translation for obtaining alternative, quantifier-free presentations. We also derive decidability and complexity results for the logics of access control.
Design based inspection methodology and application in the fab

As the design rule shrinks, detecting smaller key defects of interest is becoming more challenging for wafer inspection tools. A novel Knight™ Design Based Inspection (KDBI™) system was implemented to extend Applied Materials' inspection tools' capability. Using design data, the KDBI™ Recipe Editor helps to expedite the recipe creation process. A CAD database makes it easy to find the array areas automatically. Other region-of-interest (ROI) CAD information can be provided for KDBI™ to convert into inspection tool recipes with different detection sensitivity controls on different ROIs. Most of the die layout process during recipe setup is done off-line, saving in-line inspection tool time.
Impact of Maternal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Following Exposure to the September 11 Attacks on Preschool Children's Behavior

To evaluate whether conjoined maternal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are associated with increased behavioral problems among terrorism-exposed preschool children (N = 116; 18-54 months), this study compared clinically significant child behavioral problem rates among the preschool children of mothers with PTSD and depression, depression alone, and neither disorder. Behavioral problems were independently rated by mothers and preschool teachers. Maternal depression and PTSD, relative to maternal depression alone, and to neither disorder, were associated with substantially increased child problems. Notably, maternal depression and PTSD were associated with increased emotional reactivity (relative risk [RR] = 5.9 by mother's and 3.4 by teacher's reports) and aggressive behavior problems (RR = 11.0 by mother's and RR = 5.9 by teacher's reports). This was corroborated by teacher ratings. Implications for intervening with terrorism-exposed preschool children are discussed.
Evaluation of Kinetic Parameters for the Ozonation of Organic Micropollutants

This paper is focused on the use of ozone for the removal of dissolved organic micropollutants from natural waters. The overall kinetics of the ozonation reactions is described in terms of two key process parameters: (i) specific ozone utilization rate, w (1/hr), for the raw water to be treated, and (ii) total oxidation rate constants, k T (l/mole-s), of organic chemicals to be removed from the water. A simple experimental methodology is presented to measure the kinetic parameters in natural water samples. We have also provided tools for the estimation of w and k T based on the pH, alkalinity, and total organic carbon (TOC) content of the water. These predictive tools can be used for preliminary design purposes.
Lymphoid Malignancies: the dark side of B-cell differentiation

When the regulation of B-cell differentiation and activation is disrupted, lymphomas and leukaemias can occur. The processes that normally create immunoglobulin diversity might be misdirected, resulting in oncogenic chromosomal translocations that block differentiation, prevent apoptosis and/or promote proliferation. Prolonged or unregulated antigenic stimulation might contribute further to the development and progression of some malignancies. Lymphoid malignancies often resemble normal stages of B-cell differentiation, as shown by molecular techniques such as gene-expression profiling. The similarities and differences between malignant and normal B cells indicate strategies for the treatment of these cancers.
A Suggested Ethical Framework for Evaluating Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions

The 1980s witnessed a dramatic increase in hostile takeovers in the United States. Proponents argue that well- planned mergers enhance the value of the firm and the value of the firm to society. Critics typically argue that undesired takeovers ultimately harm society due to external costs not borne by the acquiring firm. To be socially responsible, the manager must consider the effects of the merger/acquisition on all stakeholders. Different traditional ethical frameworks for decision making are proposed and reviewed. A model is proposed.
Ways of Living: Intervention Strategies to Enable ParticipationWays of Living: Intervention Strategies to Enable Participation.

Ways of living: Intervention strategies to enable participation, 4th edition (2011), edited by Charles Christiansen and Kathleen Matuska, provides a comprehensive text describing occupation-oriente...
The immunoregulatory nature of iron. II. Lymphocyte surface marker expression.

Previously, we presented preliminary evidence that supported our hypothesis for the immunoregulatory nature of iron [7�. The objective of the present work was to test that hypothesis in greater detail. Our approach was to examine the effect that iron had on the expression of the surface markers on lymphocytes that had been activated by pokeweed mitogen (PWM). The two categories of lymphoid surface molecules were enumerated on those cells; first were those that identify T lymphocytes and second, those that appear on the membrane of T cells following activation. The results, as regards T cell-associated molecules, demonstrated that iron suppresses the expression of the molecules identified by the monoclonal antibodies OKT3 and OKT4. It suppressed expression of the T4 molecule in PWM-activated cells (30.6% ± 4.5; n = 5) compared with untreated but activated cells (52.2% ± 2.9; n = 5; P = 1.9 x iO-�) resulting in a reduced helper:suppressor T cell ratio from 2.2 ± 0.4 to 1.2 ± 0.3. With regard to activation-associated lymphocyte markers, iron significantly enhanced expression of the receptor for transferrin as identified by the monoclonal antibody, OKT9. However, it failed to change significantly the expression of three other activation-associated markers, namely, Ia, T10, and the receptorthat forms thermostable erythrocyte-rosettes (TE-R) with sheep redbloodcells(SAC).We conclude from those results that iron has a differential immunoregulatory influence on the expression of certain lymphocytesurfacemolecules on actively dividing lymphocytes.
Risk Management Research Report - Winter 2010

Risk Management Research Report (RMRR) surveys and screens the flow of academic articles on risk management and presents extended scholarly summaries of today’s most important scholarly work in a convenient format on a timely basis. Each issue features approximately 15 of the most important scholarly articles in risk management published within the preceding quarter. For each of these articles, RMRR presents an extended summary of about 500-800 words, which contrasts with the brief (approximately 150-word) abstracts that typically accompany publication. The purpose of each summary is to provide a substantive understanding of the content of the article.
Increased in vivo and in vitro platelet function in type II- and type IV-hyperlipoproteinemia.

Abstract Platelet function in vivo and in vitro was examined in 10 patients with type IIa-, 8 patients with type IIb-, and 16 patients with type IV-hyperlipidemia (HLP) and 24 control subjects closely matched for age and sex. Patients with type IIb- and IV-HLP showed significantly shorter template bleeding times in the presence of similar blood platelet concentrations. Increased platelet factor 3-availability in intact platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and PRP exposed to collagen was observed in all patient groups. Plasma antiheparin activity was increased in patients with type IIa- and type IV-HLP. Platelet adhesiveness, platelet aggregation and 14 C-serotonin release in response to ADP, epinephrine and collagen, as well as plasma von Willebrand factor activity, were generally not increased in either patient group. Increased platelet function in endogenous HLP may be related to both increased platelet turnover secondary to premature atherosclerotic disease and abnormalities of platelet lipid composition induced by HLP-plasma.
INVESTIGATION OF THE RELEASE OF ACTH

The ACTH-releasing activity of portal vessel plasma, as estimated by adrenal ascorbic acid depletion in the steroid-depressed rat, was present in protein fraction III0. The reduction in adrenal ascorbic acid concentration following injection of III0 was not attributable to the presence of ACTH in this protein fraction since III0 was inactive in the hypophysectomized rat. The remaining protein fractions had no significant effect on adrenal ascorbic acid concentration. The activity attributable to III0 was lost during dialysis when the protein fraction was dissolved in a buffer solution containing 15.2% ethanol. This suggested either destruction of the active component or dissociation of a dialyzable component from the carrier protein. Fraction III0 from carotid artery plasma was inactive regardless of whether the blood was collected rapidly, slowly, or allowed to remain mixed with macerated skeletal muscle for two hours at 0° C. The ACTH-releasing activity of portal plasma III0 was not attributable to cont...
Combination chemotherapy of diffuse histiocytic lymphoma with cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP)

Twenty-three patients with diffuse histiocytic lymphoma who had not had prior chemotherapy were treated with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone). Sixteen of these patients had previously been treated with radiation therapy. Nine of these 23 patients had a pathologically documented complete response at the conclusion of CHOP with an overall complete response rate of 39%. In patients whose disease was confined to lymph nodes, the complete response rate was 7 of 8 or 88%, while in patients with Stage IV disease, only 2 of 15 or 13% had complete responses. Although prior radiation therapy could not be demonstrated to be an adverse prognostic factor in this small series, it could have accounted for the low overall complete response rate noted. Complete response in this series was well sustained with an actuarial relapse-free survival of 75% and an actuarial survival of 89% at two years. No complete responses occurred in five patients who had received prior chemotherapy. Cancer 42:1705–1710, 1978.
Deriving graphs from graphs by applying a production

Grammar-like systems for manipulating directed graphs (together with information associated with individual nodes and arcs) have many uses in computing but have not been studied as deeply, elegantly, and fruitfully as classical string grammars or even tree grammars. Satisfactory definitions of the most basic concepts have been elusive. When can the left side of a production be said to occur in a graph ? In replacing an occurrence of the left side of a production by the right side, how is the right side to be connected with the rest of the graph ? Ehrig, Pfender, and Schneider recently proposed general definitions adequate for a variety of applications and established some fundamental properties of graph grammars. This paper generalizes and sharpens their work so as to cover more applications. The exposition is mathematically rigorous but departs from that of Ehrig, Pfender, and Schneider's paper in ways that will perhaps render the material more accessible to readers who are not algebraists.
Multiple Irrigation Levels Affect Boll Distribution, Yield, and Fiber Micronaire in Cotton

The boll distribution characteristics of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars are related to cotton maturity and can interact with environment and management practices to determine yield and fiber quality. The boll distributions of six cotton cultivars under four irrigation levels were compared in 2011 and 2012 on the Texas High Plains. In 2011, a year of severe drought and heat, all cultivars had relatively compact fruiting patterns and increases in irrigation affected both boll accumulations up the plant and second-position fruiting sites. In 2012, which was less hot and dry than 2011, all cultivars produced more fruit on higher sympodial branches; however many cultivars followed unique patterns of boll accumulation with increased irrigation. Later-maturing cultivars significantly increased boll production at higher portions of the plant while early maturing cultivars retained more bolls at the bottom of the plant. One cultivar, DP1311, increased yield at the second position as irrigation increased. Micronaire was also compared among the cultivars and irrigation treatments. In 2011, micronaire increased with increasing irrigation, while in 2012, micronaire decreased with increasing irrigation. There was a strong irrigation by cultivar interaction for micronaire in both years, which may have been related to boll accumulation patterns for the cultivars. These findings suggest that the cultivars compensate for yield differently in response to increased irrigation, and the choice of a specific cultivar should also take into account fruiting habits and their potential effect on micronaire in respect to environmental and management factors, particularly water availability.
Neurotensin mediates rat bladder mast cell degranulation triggered by acute psychological stress

Abstract Objectives. An increased number of activated mast cells have been documented in interstitial cystitis (IC), a painful bladder disorder occurring primarily in women and exacerbated by stress. Mast cells in the bladder and in the intestine are often found in juxtaposition to neurons, where they are activated by neuropeptides and neurotransmitters as well as by acute psychological stress. This work was undertaken to investigate whether the neuropeptide neurotensin (NT) is involved in the activation of bladder mast cells by acute psychological stress. Methods. Male 300-g Sprague-Dawley rats were either kept on the bench in a quiet procedure room or stressed by confining them one at a time for 30 minutes in a clear Plexiglas immobilizer and then killed with carbon dioxide. The bladder was removed and fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde. Frozen sections were either stained with acidified toluidine blue or processed for NT immunocytochemical analysis. An immunosorbent assay was used to also measure NT in bladder homogenate before and after stress. Results. Bladder mast cell activation in control rats was 37.3 ± 1.4%, as judged by extrusion of granule contents. Degranulation in stressed animals increased to 75.3 ± 5.5% (P = 0.0003). Treatment of the animals neonatally with capsaicin decreased mast cell degranulation to 48.9 ± 7.5% (P = 0.008), a 35.1% inhibition. Intraperitoneal administration of the nonpeptide NT receptor antagonist SR48692 sixty minutes before stress decreased bladder mast cell degranulation to 25.2 ± 3.6% (P = 0.00007), a 66.5% inhibition. This value is 32.5% below control levels, indicating that NT is involved in basal mast cell degranulation. Stress also reduced the total bladder NT content. Conclusions. The present results indicate that NT mediates the effect of acute, nontraumatic psychological stress on bladder mast cell degranulation. They further suggest that NT receptor antagonists may be useful in subpopulations of patients with IC in whom symptoms worsen under stress.
Synchronization of Power Networks: Network Reduction and Effective Resistance

Abstract In transient stability studies in power networks two types of mathematical models are commonly used – the differential-algebraic structure-preserving model and the reduced dynamic model of interconnected swing equations. This paper analyzes the reduction process relating the two power network models. The reduced admittance matrix is obtained by a Schur complement of the topological network admittance matrix with respect to its bus nodes. We provide a detailed spectral, algebraic, and graph-theoretic analysis of this network reduction process, termed Kron reduction, with particular focus on the effective resistance. As an application of this analysis, we are able to state concise conditions relating synchronization in the considered structure-preserving power network model directly to the state, parameters, and topology of the underlying network. In particular, we provide a spectral condition based on the algebraic connectivity of the network and a second condition based on the effective resistance among generators.
EFFECTIVE FIELD THEORY CALCULATION OF THE MUONIC CONTRIBUTION TO THE ANOMALOUS MAGNETIC MOMENT OF THE ELECTRON

Abstract The muonic contribution ti the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron is calculated using an effective field theory obtained by integrating out the muon from QED. The effective field theory is explicitly Lorentz and gauge invariant but not explicitly renormalizable and naturally organizes the computation as an expansion in powers of light over heavy (electron over muon) masses.
BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF CARVEDILOL IN DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS

Dilated cardiomyopathy in chronic dialysis patients is an independent risk factor for cardiac mortality. Carvedilol has been shown to improve mortality and ejection fraction in heart failure pts. But data looking at similar effect in dialysis pts is lacking. We sought to evaluate the effects of
Alternate Forms of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory

Alternate forms of the state anxiety (A-State) and trait anxiety (A-Trait) scales of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were constructed by dividing the 20 items of each scale into two briefer forms having 10 items each. The alternate forms were equated according to several criteria including item mean scores and itemremainder correlation coefficients. For the A-State scale, the item statistics were taken from the STAI manual. In the case of the A-Trait scale, the item statistics were based on an administration of the scale to 189 female and 113 male introductory psychology students. The alternate forms and item statistics are presented.
Impact of lesion segmentation metrics on computer-aided diagnosis/detection in breast computed tomography.

Evaluation of segmentation algorithms usually involves comparisons of segmentations to gold-standard delineations without regard to the ultimate medical decision-making task. We compare two segmentation evaluations methods—a Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) evaluation and a diagnostic classification task–based evaluation method using lesions from breast computed tomography. In our investigation, we use results from two previously developed lesion-segmentation algorithms [a global active contour model (GAC) and a global with local aspects active contour model]. Although similar DSC values were obtained (0.80 versus 0.77), we show that the global + local active contour (GLAC) model, as compared with the GAC model, is able to yield significantly improved classification performance in terms of area under the receivers operating characteristic (ROC) curve in the task of distinguishing malignant from benign lesions. [Area under the ROC curve (AUC)=0.78 compared to 0.63, p≪0.001]. This is mainly because the GLAC model yields better detailed information required in the calculation of morphological features. Based on our findings, we conclude that the DSC metric alone is not sufficient for evaluating segmentation lesions in computer-aided diagnosis tasks.
A system for photographing cell-sized particles moving at high velocities

A system is described that was used to photograph 3.9 micron diameter DNA-coated beads traveling at speeds up to 30,000 cm/s. The resolution of the optics is 1 micron, so smaller particles moving more slowly could also be photographed. A useful feature is the 15 cm working distance between the optical components and the object to be photographed. Some alternative applications for this type of equipment include studies of cell behavior in turbulence, microbial disruption processes, and membrane poration techniques.
The value of ultrasound in detecting pneumothorax.

To the Editor, We read with interest the recent article, Ultrasound guidance for internal jugular vein cannulation, by Drs. Ayoub et al. that appeared in the May 2010 issue of the Journal. There are a number of points that we believe deserve emphasizing, for example, an absent sliding lung sign, although highly suggestive, is not diagnostic of a pneumothorax. When associated with A-lines, it should trigger a search for the lung point sign, which, if present, confirms an incomplete pneumothorax. The absence of a lung point sign requires other diagnostic modalities to confirm a diagnosis. Other causes of absent sliding lung (e.g., acute respiratory distress syndrome, severe pneumonia, apnea, complete atelectasis, endobronchial intubation, pleural adhesions, high frequency ventilation) and the low prevalence of pneumothorax contribute to its lack of diagnostic certainty. From a purely statistical point, using a prevalence of 0.2% and a positive likelihood ratio of 121 translate into a post-test probability of about 20% for a pneumothorax. Sudden loss of B-lines or a sliding lung (as opposed to their absence) have been reported in cases of pneumothorax, although the evidence for these occurrences comes from case reports and small case series. This incident, however, makes a pre-procedural chest scan an attractive proposition. A pneumothorax may be ruled out in the horizontal supine patient by the presence of anterior lung sliding. In the absence of a sliding lung, a complete pneumothorax may be ruled out by the presence of B-lines. This article has no financial or non-financial affiliation and was not funded by any source.
An H + -ATPase in opposite plasma membrane domains in kidney epithelial cell subpopulations

Vectorial solute transport by epithelia requires the polarized insertion of transport proteins into apical or basolateral plasmalemmal domains. In the specialized intercalated cells of the kidney collecting duct, the selective placement of an apical plasma membrane proton-pumping ATPase (H+-ATPase) and of a basolateral membrane anion-exchange protein results in transepithelial proton secretion. It is currently believed that amino-acid sequences of membrane proteins contain critical signalling regions involved in sorting these proteins to specific membrane domains. Recently, it was proposed that intercalated cells can reverse their direction of proton secretion under different acid-base conditions by redirecting proton pumps from apical to basolateral membranes, and anion exchangers from basolateral to apical membranes. But others have found that antibodies raised against the red cell anion-exchange protein (Band 3) only labelled intercalated cells at the basolateral plasma membrane, providing evidence against the model of polarity reversal. In this report, we have examined directly the distribution of proton pumps in kidney intercalated cells using specific polyclonal antibodies against subunits of a bovine kidney medullary H+-ATPase. We find that some cortical collecting duct intercalated cells have apical plasma membrane proton pumps, whereas others have basolateral pumps. This is the first direct demonstration of neighbouring epithelial cells maintaining opposite polarities of a transport protein. Thus, either subtle structural differences exist between proton pumps located at opposite poles of the cell, or factors other than protein sequence determine the polarity of H+-ATPase insertion.
Standardization as a Means for Globalizing a Commodity: The Case of Rapeseed in China*

Not all commodities are things, nor are all things available in society commodities. Then, what are commodities? Using the case of rapeseed and its products in China, this paper examines the role of grades and standards (G&S) in simultaneously determining the life of things as commodities and the position of humans as market participants. In the first section, we summarize our conceptual understandings of commodities. Next, the paper examines tests and trials to which rapeseed in China were subjected by the mid 1990s. We then discuss how G&S represent political processes among commodity chain actors for creating, legitimizing and maintaining the social relations between things and people. Lastly, we discuss our conclusion that the analysis of tests and trials helps us understand the process of commodification as simultaneous transformations of humans and things in a commodity chain while reorganizing linkages among these actors.
Quantum Chemical Study on Oxygen-17 and Nitrogen-14 Nuclear Quadrupole Coupling Parameters of Peptide Bonds in α-Helix and β-Sheet Proteins

Theoretical calculations of 17O and 14N nuclear quadrupole coupling (NQC) constants (χ) and asymmetry parameters (η) for small α-helix and β-sheet protein fragments have been carried out using the density functional theory. This computational study is intended to shed light on the differences between the two major structural elements found in the secondary structure of proteins. Specific NQDR spectra are computationally simulated for the 17O and 14N nuclei inherent in protein backbones. The separate signals resulting from α-helices and β-sheet models are predicted to be experimentally distinguishable for 17O but not for 14N. In particular, we predict that the differences in χ (in MHz) between α-helix and β-sheet proteins in solution are Δχ(17O) = 0.53(15) and Δχ(14N) = 0.14(16), with the standard deviations in parentheses. It is found that 17O NQC parameters of proteins are dependent on the particular conformation of the backbone, specifically on the hydrogen bond angle θ = ∠H−N···O and the backbone dihed...
The corridorized concept of household shopping highway-travel behavior

This paper reports the results of a study conducted in Jefferson County, Alabama (coterminous with the Birmingham SMSA) to determine whether there is justification for the concept of a household travel behavior corridor. Specifically, the research was designed to yield at least partial answers to the following questions: (1) Is the concept of an inter-area travel behavior corridor for shopping activities justified? (2) What is the general shape of such a corridor? (3) Do gravity models function as satisfactory explanatory devices of consumer household shopping travel behavior? (4) Does shopping travel behavior within corridorized areas depict a rational cost-conscious process in obtaining goods and services? (5) Do demographic and economic variables explain shopping travel behavior within these corridorized areas?
Analysis and ideology in Malthus's Essay on Population.

The author develops the argument that Robert Malthuss Essay on Population was primarily intended to refute the ideas of human perfectibility advanced by Condorcet and Godwin and in particular as a response to their attacks on the concept of property. A reconstruction of Malthuss economic analysis is attempted in order to capture in mathematical form what his production function would have been and to analyze the relationship between population growth and food supply. (ANNOTATION)
Dynamic model of flotation cell banks — circuit analysis

Abstract While all mineral industry flotation circuits are stable, they are sensitive to low-frequency perturbations in the feedrate. In both countercurrent and cocurrent circuits, the lead cell is more sensitive to feed variations. The frequency response predicts the amount of extra cell capacity needed to handle the maximum feed due to a sinusoidal forcing function. Feedback loops are more significant than sump delays. The countercurrent 4 × 4 circuit floating quartz, with a 200-sec retention time, requires 75 minutes for the concentration of quartz in the input to the first cell to reach 95% of its steady-state value. Countercurrent circuits were found superior to cocurrent circuits in all respects.
Defense Expenditures and Private Capital Accumulation in Nigeria

In a dependent capitalist state, state policies, particularly government expenditures, are the fundamental basis for private capital accumulation. The Nigerian Civil War provided the objective conditions and the quadrupling of oil prices provided the resources to fund defense expenditures. Cost over-runs, outright frauds, and corruption are endemic in the defense procurement process in Nigeria. The article argues that these are devices deliberately designed to facilitate private enrichment. The final section of the article examines the contradictions that the use of defense expenditures for private capital accumulation inflict upon the Nigerian economy.