cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcondylar approach for resection of lateral medullary cavernous malformation

Resection of a medullary cavernous malformation requires aggressive exposure, but there is controversy on how much occipital condyle can be safely removed during the transcondylar approach. We describe and demonstrate the use of the transcondylar approach to a medullary cavernous malformation, with emphasis on adequate surgical exposure while preserving the atlanto-occipital joint. Despite conservative handling of the occipital condyle, craniocervical stability may vary in patients after transcondylar surgery. A “dynamic” computer tomography, with views of the atlanto-occipital joint at each end-rotational extreme, may be the best postoperative assessment tool to evaluate the stability of the craniocervical junction.
Ischemic preconditioning modulates ROS to confer protection in liver ischemia and reperfusion

Ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in liver transplantation. When oxygen is reintroduced to the liver graft it initiates a cascade of molecular reactions leading to the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These soluble mediators propagate a sterile immune response to cause significant tissue damage. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is one method that reduces hepatocellular injury by altering the immune response and inhibiting the production of ROS. Studies quantifying the effects of IPC in humans have demonstrated an improved liver enzyme panel in patients receiving grafts pretreated with IPC as compared to patients receiving the standard of care. In our review, we explore current literature in the field in order to describe the mechanism through which IPC regulates the production of ROS and improves IR injury.
Calcimimetic R568 inhibits tetrodotoxin-sensitive colonic electrolyte secretion and reduces c-fos expression in myenteric neurons.

Abstract Aims Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is expressed on neurons of both submucosal and myenteric plexuses of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the CaSR agonist R568 inhibited Cl− secretion in intestine. The purpose of this study was to localize the primary site of action of R568 in the ENS and to explore how CaSR regulates secretion through the ENS. Materials and methods Two preparations of rat proximal and distal colon were used. The full-thickness preparation contained both the submucosal and myenteric plexuses, whereas for the “stripped” preparation the myenteric plexus with the muscle layers was removed. Both preparations were mounted onto Ussing chambers and Cl− secretory responses were compared by measuring changes in short circuit current (Isc). Two tissue-specific CaSR knockouts (i.e., neuron-specific vs. enterocyte-specific) were generated to compare the effect of R568 on expression of c-fos protein in myenteric neurons by immunocytochemistry. Key findings In full-thickness colons, tetrodotoxin (TTX) inhibited Isc, both in proximal and distal colons. A nearly identical inhibition was produced by R568. However, in stripped preparations, while the effect of TTX on Isc largely remained, the effect of R568 was nearly completely eliminated. In keeping with this, R568 reduced c-fos protein expression only in myenteric neurons of wild type mice and mutant mice that contained CaSR in neurons (i.e., villinCre/Casrflox/flox mice), but not in myenteric neurons of nestinCre/Casrflox/flox mice in which neuronal cell CaSR was eliminated. Significance These results indicate that R568 exerts its anti-secretory effects predominantly via CaSR-mediated inhibition of neuronal activity in the myenteric plexus.
On fine-tuning convolutional neural networks for smartphone based ocular recognition

Recent reported advances in smartphone based ocular biometric recognition in visible spectrum demonstrated the efficacy of deep-learning schemes. In this paper, we evaluate convolutional neural networks (CNNs) pretrained for large scale object recognition, namely VGG-16, VGG-19, InceptionNet and ResNet, and fine-tuned for ocular recognition using RGB images captured by smartphones. Fine-tuning pretrained CNN models is advantageous in case of insufficient training data, and the partial training is faster compared to custom CNN trained from scratch. Experiments on VISOB dataset yielded TPR of up to 100% at FPR of 10−4 using VGG-16 model fine-tuned for ocular recognition.
Chronic Hypopituitarism Associated with Increased Postconcussive Symptoms Is Prevalent after Blast-Induced Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

The most frequent injury sustained by U.S. service members deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan is mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), or concussion, by far most often caused by blast waves from improvised explosive devices or other explosive ordnance. TBI from all causes gives rise to chronic neuroendocrine disorders with an estimated prevalence of 25-50%. The current study expands upon our earlier finding that chronic pituitary gland dysfunction occurs with a similarly high frequency after blast-related concussions. We measured circulating hormone levels and accessed demographic and testing data from two groups of male veterans with hazardous duty experience in Iraq or Afghanistan. Veterans in the mTBI group had experienced one or more blast-related concussions. Members of the deployment control (DC) group encountered similar deployment conditions but had no history of blast-related mTBI. Twelve of 39 (31%) of the mTBI participants and three of 20 (15%) veterans in the DC group screened positive for one or more neuroendocrine disorders. Positive screens for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) occurred most often. Analysis of responses on self-report questionnaires revealed main effects of both mTBI and hypopituitarism on postconcussive and PTSD symptoms. Symptoms associated with pituitary dysfunction overlap considerably with those of PTSD. They include cognitive deficiencies, mood and anxiety disorders, sleep problems, diminished quality of life, deleterious changes in metabolism and body composition, and increased cardiovascular mortality. When such symptoms are due to hypopituitarism, they may be alleviated by hormone replacement. These findings suggest consideration of routine post-deployment neuroendocrine screening of service members and veterans who have experienced blast-related mTBI and are reporting post-concussive symptoms.
Designing Robot Personality Based on Fictional Sidekick Characters

Although most social robots introduced in the consumer market devoid of personality, research in HRI shows that designing personality-like behavior for robots could greatly benefit future interactions [2]. This work suggests the relationship between sidekick characters and protagonists, frequently found in media narratives, as a metaphor for designing robot behavior and personality. Findings from a content analysis study that examined fifteen characters from popular books and movies suggest three guidelines for designing personal robots: Reciprocity, Affirmation and Independence.
ACS Green Chemistry Institute focuses on sustainable chemistry

Although the Green Chemistry Institute (GCI) has been part of the American Chemical Society since 2001, many members are not aware of the scope of the institute’s activities, which focus on industry engagement, education, and outreach. In addition, GCI plays a lead role in convening the community of those interested in green and sustainable chemistry, most notably through its annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference (gcande.org). The conference brings together more than 500 scientists, engineers, and related stakeholders from industry, academia, government, and other sectors each year for three days of technical presentations, discussions, and networking. The 22nd annual conference is in Portland, Ore., from June 18 to 20, and its theme is “Product Innovation Using Greener Chemistries.” In 2019, GCI will host the 9th International Conference on Green & Sustainable Chemistry, alongside our annual conference in Reston, Va., enabling participants to share research and build global networks. GCI engages
Efficacy of Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Delivered by Oral Administration

Current immunization against influenza infection employs parenteral injection with inactivated influenza virus vaccines. Although this approach stimulates systemic immunity directed against the protective antigen hemagglutinin (HA) of the virus (Laver and Kilbourne 1966), it only confers a partial protection against infection, at least in some cases. Thus, it is desirable to improve the efficacy of influenza vaccines.
Do alpha-adrenergic receptors participate in control of the circadian rhythm of IOP?

Yoshiaki Kiuchi, Takeshi Yoshiromi, and Douglas 5. Gregory The a2-adrenergic antagonists, yohimbine and rauwolscine, and the a,-adrenergic antagonist, bunazosin, were used to explore the role of a-adrenergic receptors in the regulation of the circadian rhythms of intraocular pressure and aqueous flow in New Zealand white rabbits. Blockade of a2-adrenergic receptors with yohimbine or rauwolscine produced small decreases in intraocular pressure during both light and dark phases. Rauwolscine had no effect on aqueous flow during the light or dark, but it increased the concentration of norepinephrine in the aqueous during both light and dark. These observations are difficult to reconcile with earlier suggestions that increased sympathetic input to the eye increases intraocular pressure and aqueous flow during the dark. The role of a2-adrenergic receptors in the control of the circadian rhythm of intraocular pressure is unclear. Blockade of a,-adrenergic receptors * with bunazosin produced a dose-dependent reduction of IOP during the dark phase of the circadian cycle, a smaller reduction during the light phase, and no reduction during either light or dark in rabbits after superior cervical ganglionectomy or preganglionic section of the cervical sympathetic trunk (decentralization). Bunazosin decreased pupil diameter during the dark phase but had no effect on aqueous flow. Because it is unlikely that a,-adrenergic blockade increased outflow facility or uveoscleral outflow, the mechanism for the role of a,-adrenergic receptors in the control of the circadian rhythm of intraocular pressure in rabbits remains to be identified. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 33:3186-3194, 1992
Prostate size and configuration in adults with bladder exstrophy.

AbstractA total of 13 men born with classical bladder exstrophy underwent magnetic resonance imaging examination of the pelvis to evaluate the size and configuration of the prostate and pelvic organs. Mean patient age was 25.2 years (range 19 to 38). Of the patients 4 are voiding per urethram and 9 have undergone urinary diversion. Measurements included prostate volume, weight and maximum axial cross sectional area; pubic diastasis, and seminal vesicle size. The mean prostatic cross sectional area was 10.1 ± 3.4cm.2. The mean estimated prostatic volume and weight were 20.7 ± 8.2cc and 21.7 ± 8.6gm., respectively. The mean seminal vesicle length and width were 2.1 ± 0.99 and 1.1 ± 0.38cm., respectively. The volume, weight and maximum cross sectional area of the prostate appear normal compared to published norms. In none of the patients did the prostate extend circumferentially around the urethra and the urethra was anterior to the prostate in all patients. Also, the puborectalis muscle group was widely sep...
Book Review: Artificial Intelligence and Tutoring Systems: Computational and Cognitive Approaches to the Communication of Knowledge by Eitenne Wenger (Morgan Kaufmann Publishers)

Upon first encountering Etienne Wenger's book, "Artificial Intelligence and Tutoring Systems: Computational and Cognitive Approaches to the Communication of Knowledge," I assumed that it was the sort of book that would serve only as a reference. To find out about the EXCHECK tutoring system, I would just look it up in the exhaustive subject index. To see what tutoring work Beverly Woolf had done, I would look up her name in the author index. But, upon further examination, Wenger's book was revealed to be a good introductory text, first laying out basic issues in Chapters 1 and 2, then covering systems from SCHOLAR and SOPHIE to GUIDON and ACTP in Chapters 3 through 13. Each review chapter ends with a summary and an excellent set of bibliographic notes, further reinforcing the utility of the book as a reference and introduction to the field. In addition, it became clear that the book had another facet. As John Seely Brown and James Greeno point out in the introduction, "... this book is no mere catalog of programs and techniques... he has also laid out a provocative framework for analyzing and comparing intelligent tutoring systems." This framework is presented in Chapters 14 through 20. Thus, Wenger's book serves three purposes: it acts as a reference, it provides a comprehensive introduction to intelligent tutoring systems, and it develops a coherent framework for thinking about issues in any intelligent system that must communicate its knowledge.
Simulation Approach to Sensor Placement Using Unity 3D

3D game simulation engines have demonstrated utility in the areas of training[1], scientific analysis[2], and knowledge solicitation[3]. This paper will make the case for the use of 3D game simulation engines in the field of sensor placement optimization. Our study used a series of parallel simulations in the Unity3D simulation framework to answer the questions: how many sensors of various modalities are required and where they should be placed to meet a desired threat detection threshold? The result is a framework that not only answers this sensor placement question, but can be easily expanded to differing optimization criteria as well as answer how a particular configuration responds to differing crowd flows or informed/non-informed adversaries. Additionally, we demonstrate the scalability of this framework by running parallel instances on a supercomputing grid and illustrate the processing speed gained.
Fatigue Crack Closure Behavior at High Stress Ratios

Fatigue crack delay behavior at high stress ratio caused by single peak overloads was investigated in two thicknesses of 7475-T731 aluminum alloy. Closure measurements indicated no closure occurred before or throughout the overload plastic zones following the overload. This was further substantiated by comparing the specimen compliance following the overload with the compliance of a low R ratio test when the crack was fully open. Scanning electron microscope studies revealed that crack tunneling and possibly reinitiation of the crack occurred, most likely a result of crack-tip blunting. The number of delay cycles was greater for the thinner mixed mode stress state specimen than for the thicker plane strain stress state specimen, which is similar to low R ratio test results and may be due to a larger plastic zone for the mixed mode cased.
Transformative African American Women Leaders in the Pharmaceutical Industry

This qualitative study documents the experiences of African American women leaders in the pharmaceutical industry in the context of the transformative leadership model. Transformative leadership is a theory that recognizes that the success of individuals and organizations (including pharmaceutical companies) may be impacted by material realities and disparities that exist in a larger societal context. Consequently, transformative leaders seek to promote change (Shields, 2011). Eight African American leaders were interviewed regarding their leadership experiences in the pharmaceutical industry. The interview text was then coded based on the seven tenets of transformative leadership. The results indicated that, collectively, all participants exhibited all tenets, with each participant illustrating at least four of the seven tenets. Three tenets were common to all participants. They included tenet one (acknowledging power and privilege), tenet three (deconstructing and reconstructing knowledge frames), and tenet seven (demonstrating moral courage and activism). While African American women leaders in the pharmaceutical industry represent a small percentage of industry leadership, they are impactful leaders and contributors to its transformation. The findings have relevance to both scholars and practitioners in management leadership generally, as well as to leaders within the pharmaceutical industry.
Resuscitating Private Social Security Accounts: Countering Inequality With Panic and Prevarication.

This article, originally published in Dollars & Sense: Real World Economics, is being reprinted in New Solutions to bring attention to efforts to privatize, dismantle, and fail to protect and expan...
Marriage Practices of North America

Marriage has existed in some form or function in all known societies and cultures. Although it is almost certain that every one of us has had some sort of experience with marriage in some way, sometimes it can be more difficult than expected to actually describe what marriage truly is. According to Waite (2006), marriage is a legal contract between two individuals to form a sexual, productive, and reproductive union. Other definitions include and specify the sex of the partners involved, how many partners can be married at once, and dictate the age requirements of the partners. At one time, it was illegal for persons of different races to marry one another. In some countries in the world, marriage among different social classes is prohibited; in others, marriages are arranged between individuals who have never met before and are operated and conducted as though they were a purely business transaction. The focus of this chapter is the history of marriage practices in North America, specifically the United States. We seek to outline and expand upon information regarding marriage in the United States, using a longitudinal description to understand changes over time.
An iterative approach to improve xylose consumption by Clostridium autoethanogenum: From substrate concentration to pH adjustment

Abstract Clostridium autoethanogenum is an autotrophic acetogen also able to utilize xylose as a carbon source. Here, we evaluated this organism's industrially relevant capability since the transformation of sugars derived from lignocellulosic materials to biofuels is of great interest. Initially, the organism was challenged with different initial xylose levels to determine xylose utilization and maximum inhibitory concentrations for C. autoethanogenum when grown in batch cultures. A critical factor that could limit xylose utilization is culture pH, and this factor was separately examined as a means to provide C. autoethanogenum with more suitable environmental conditions. Finally, optimum pH conditions for growth were tested to assess how efficiently initial xylose concentrations could be fully utilized. C. autoethanogenum specific growth rate was not impacted when cells were exposed to initial xylose concentrations up to 30 g L−1, while cultures amended with concentrations as high as 45 g L−1 showed a delay in growth and in formation of final fermentation product concentrations. Intermittent adjustment of the culture pH to 5.8 allowed for complete substrate utilization when step-wise fed-batch xylose additions were performed. Under these conditions the cultures showed a unique biphasic growth which enhanced biomass and end product formation. In C. autoethanogenum cultures exposed to an initial xylose concentration as high as 30 g L−1, pH adjustment to 5.8 supported full utilization of all available xylose and generation of up to 2.4 g L−1 ethanol and 9.5 g L−1 acetate. This work demonstrated that C. autoethanogenum can effectively biotransform xylose at concentrations typically present in lignocellulosic hydrolysate streams.
Current distributions by moving vortices in superconductors

We take account of normal currents that emerge when vortices move. Abrikosov vortices in the bulk and Pearl vortices in thin films are considered. Velocity-dependent distributions of both normal and persistent currents are studied in the frame of time-dependent London equations. In thin films near the Pearl vortex core, these distributions are intriguing in particular.
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in children: An update on pathogenesis, clinical features and review of literature

Pulmonary alveolar Proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease whereby the alveolar sacs are filled with a lipoproteinaceous material. The accumulation of this material hinders gas exchange, resulting in a variety of presentations involving all age groups. Symptoms range in severity from mild cough and dyspnea in most patients, to respiratory distress and failure to thrive in infants and young children. Depending on the etiology, PAP cases are classified as being hereditary, secondary, or autoimmune. Despite the different mechanisms underlying these, a unifying pathophysiological concept for PAP exists. Diagnosis is often difficult, and takes time to establish, given the vague nature ofthe presenting symptoms ofthis disease. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) remains the preferred radiological diagnostic tool. Diagnosis is confirmed by lung biopsy and bronchoalveolar fluid lavage. Management encompasses whole lung lavage (WLL), exogenous GM-CSF therapy, supportive respiratory measures where necessary, and even lung transplant in some severe cases. Children affected with PAP remain a population with high mortality. Pediatric literature is scarce in comparison to PAP described in adults. This paper focuses on reviewing the pathophysiology in context to recent advances in molecular genetics, diagnosis, and management in children with this disease.
Interval Estimation for the Correlation Coefficient

The correlation coefficient (CC) is a standard measure of a possible linear association between two continuous random variables. The CC plays a significant role in many scientific disciplines. For ...
15 – Static Analysis of Linearly Elastic Bodies

The chapter focuses on fundamental theories, formulas, solution methods, and a set (toolbox) of MATLAB functions for the static analysis of linearly elastic bodies in two and three dimensions. The formulation and solution of an elasticity problem requires basic equations—equations of equilibrium, strain-displacement relations (geometric relations), conditions of compatibility, stress-strain relations (constitutive law), and boundary conditions. According to the strain-displacement relations, the six components of strain at a point are completely determined by the three displacement components u , v , and w . Therefore, the strain components cannot be arbitrary functions of x , y , and z . Depending on the geometric configuration of the elastic body in consideration, a two-dimensional elasticity problem usually falls into one of the two categories—plane stress and plane strain. A problem of plane strain is concerned with a long prismatic or cylindrical body. The body is subjected to external loads that are perpendicular to the longitudinal ( z ) axis and do not change along the length. It is assumed that frictionless constraints are imposed at the two ends of the body, which permit x , y deformation, but do not allow the displacement in the z direction.
Decoding time-varying calcium signals by the postsynaptic biochemical network: Computer simulations of molecular kinetics

Abstract Computer simulations and mathematical analyses were applied to a study of the molecular signaling mechanisms that underlie post-synaptic responses to synaptic activation. In this report three models are described: a new detailed kinetic model examining possible relationships between spike frequency modulation and calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) activity; a second post-synaptic biochemical network model involving CaMKII, calmodulin , calcineurin, adenylate cyclase, phosphodiesterase, cAMP-dependent protein kinase, protein phosphatase 1, inhibitor 1, Ras protein, synaptic Ras-GTPase activating protein (p135 SynGAP), mitogen-activated protein kinase and other regulatory factors; and a biophysical model which combines the post-synaptic biochemical network with known ionic mechanisms in dendritic spines. The kinetic model of CaMKII was first shown to replicate experimental evidence by Koninck and Schulman (Science 279 (1998) 227–230.) that CaMKII can decode the frequency of post-synaptic Ca2+ spikes induced by pre-synaptic activity into distinct amounts of kinase activity. The model was then used to suggest that the functional role of CaMKII may extend beyond simple frequency decoding to allow differential responses to different temporal patterns of pre-synaptic activation. Perturbation analyses of model suggests how CaMKII activity reflects time-varying Ca2+ signals and also suggests that the behavior of this entire biophysical pathway depends on the total amount of CaMKII and other postsynaptic proteins. Our mathematical model provides a tool to quantitatively estimate the role of protein synthesis at the spine head in modulating synaptic function.
Modeling frequency-dependent action potential failures in CA3 pyramidal cell axons.

When CA3 pyramidal cell axons are stimulated repetitively at low frequencies (10-20 Hz) the fiber volley detected in CA1 stratum radiatum is unchanged indicating faithful propagation. However at higher stimulation frequencies (50-100 Hz), the fiber volley is briefly potentiated with shorter latency, but quickly becomes depressed with longer latency. Antidromic action potentials in response to high frequency stimulation become reduced in amplitude, are wider and are prone to failure. To determine the mechanisms responsible for these experimental observations of frequency dependent action potential failure we turned to computational models. We constructed a computational model of a CA3 pyramidal cell with detailed axon morphology taken from the http://Neuromorpho.org database [1]. Synaptic boutons were added to axon collaterals and diameters from the axon hillock to the initial segment to the early proximal axon were modified. Ion channels modeled include Nav1.2, Nav1.6, Kv and Km with kinetics and densities taken from Hu et al. (2009) [2]. The model included a mechanism to track extracellular potassium and intracellular sodium accumulation and the effect this has on the Nernst potentials. The size of the extracellular space for potassium accumulation was varied among simulations. Results were obtained for both low (20 Hz) and high (100 Hz) stimulation frequencies. When stimulation frequency was 20 Hz, there were no propagation failures orthodromically or antidromically. When stimulation frequency was 100 Hz and the space for extracellular potassium accumulation was large, occasional action potential failures were observed in the antidromic direction as the action potential approached the diameter expansions beginning at the proximal axon. However no failures were observed in the orthodromic direction, even at diameter expansions at synaptic boutons. When the space for extracellular potassium accumulation was small, action potential failures became more frequent in the antidromic direction with action potentials first becoming wider and smaller and then dropping out for a period; this again occurred on the approach to the axon diameter expansion. In the orthodromic direction, action potential failures were observed at branch points. Interestingly, the action potential latency of successive action potentials in the train increased gradually until failure occurred. Sodium channel inactivation was found to increase gradually in cases where failure was eventually observed. Our results suggest that ion accumulation, morphology and sodium inactivation kinetics interact to cause frequency dependent action potential failures in CA3 axons. At this time we cannot rule out additional contributions from synaptic transmission at boutons.
'A detective look' at hair biopsies from African-American patients.

Summary Background A patient’s ethnicity can be an important clue in the diagnosis of scarring alopecia as some disorders such as traction alopecia (TA) and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) are more prevalent in or exclusive to African-Americans. Objectives To perform a retrospective review of 60 scalp biopsies from African-American patients including 25 cases of CCCA, 22 cases of TA, five cases of frontal fibrosing alopecia, three cases of discoid lupus erythematosus, three cases of hair breakage and two cases of alopecia areata. Methods Serial horizontal and vertical sections were examined. Results Features characteristic of the African-American scalp include: golf club-shaped bulb, elliptical shape of the hair shaft, asymmetrical outer root sheath and paired grouping of hair follicles. Clues to the diagnosis of CCCA include: premature desquamation of the inner root sheath, goggles and naked hair shafts in fibrous streamers. Diagnosis of TA is suggested by preserved sebaceous glands along with follicular miniaturization and drop-out. Conclusions The clues reported here aim to help the dermatopathologists to: recognize at a glance that they are dealing with a scalp biopsy from an African-American patient; make the most probable diagnosis by connecting the clues (even if only vertical sections are present); and understand the morphological basis for the susceptibility of the African hair to damage.
A new wafer surface charge monitor (CHARM)

An electrical test structure for monitoring surface charge deposited on wafers during process steps is described. The device is a variation of an EEPROM cell with enhanced charge collection due to a large-area control gate. Proof of concept has been demonstrated in ion-implantation and plasma-etching processes. >
Securing Our Children’s Future: New Approaches to Juvenile Justice and Youth Violence

A nation of great resources, the United States is confronted all too often with headlines about shootings in schools and with the unsettling reality that homicide rates for juveniles far exceed that of other industrialized nations. The challenge of reducing youth violence has prompted a flurry of commentary, legislative activity, and scholarly studies umuch of it skewed by lurid pronouncements, alarmist sentiments, and misleading categorizations. Focusing on the role of institutions in combating youth violence, this volume seeks to reflect its complex and multidimensional character. Copublished by the Governance Institute and the Brookings Institution, the book brings together a wide range of skilled professionals and academics across disciplines to focus on the coordination and implementation of youth anti-violence strategies. The work redefines the way we think institutionally about youth violence and collaborative initiatives, providing a pragmatic roadmap for constructive change. The essays constitute a new framework to guide key players in the juvenile justice system: prosecutors, the defense bar, the courts, correction and probation departments, faith-based institutions, schools, the media, nonprofit institutions, and the private sector.
COMPUTER PREDICTION OF POWER AND NOISE FOR TWO-STROKE ENGINES WITH POWER TUNED SILENCED EXHAUSTS

A research effort sponsored by Yamaha Motors, LTD. was undertaken to investigate exhaust system and exhaust silencing concepts for two-stroke engines. A complete one-dimensional gas dynamic computer program was developed for power-tuned exhaust systems. An overall engine-model has been developed for simulation of the internal gas dynamic behavior throughout the engine. This model includes the combustion and induction aspects of the engine cycle as well as a simplified exhaust system model. Engine power and torque can be predicted. Both analytical and experimental programs are described for simulation and testing of candidate mufflers and muffling techniques. /GMRL/
An Elementary Approach to the Macdonald Identities

Elementary proofs are given for the infinite families of Macdonald identities. The reflections of the Weyl group provide sign-reversing involutions which show that all terms not related to the constant term cancel.
Bis(catecholato)diboron

[13826-27-2] C12H8B2O4 (MW 237.81) InChI = 1S/C12H8B2O4/c1-2-6-10-9(5-1)15-13(16-10)14-17-11-7-3-4-8-12(11)18-14/h1-8H InChIKey = WYBQOWXCLDXZNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used in metal-catalyzed diboration reactions of olefins and alkynes) Alternate Name: 2,2′-bi-1,3,2-benzodioxaborole. Physical Data: mp 195–198 °C,1 sublimation (10−4 mm Hg) = 120–130 °C.1 Solubility: sparingly soluble in common organic solvents.1 Form Supplied in: white crystals; Aldrich Chemical Company. Analysis of Reagent Purity: NMR spectroscopy (1H, 11B, 13C).2 Preparative Methods: bis(catecholato)diboron (B2cat2) can be prepared by the reaction of catechol with commercially available tetrakis(dimethylamino)diboron1, 3 followed by treatment with anhydrous HCl to yield the desired product and dimethylamine hydrochloride (eq 1). B2cat2 is isolated as a crystalline solid upon low temperature crystallization from toluene. Bis(pinacolato)diboron and other diboron reagents can be prepared via this route using an appropriate diol. (1) Alternatively, B2cat2 can be prepared via the homocoupling of commercially available chlorocatecholborane in the presence of sodium/amalgam. Using this one-pot method, B2cat2 and other diborons can be prepared from the appropriate halocatecholborane on a large scale (eq 2).2 (2) Purification: crystallization from toluene layered with pentane;2 sublimation at 120–125 °C.1 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: avoid inhalation, skin contact. Store in tightly closed container in a cool dry place. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Toxicity data are not available.
Social Context of Child Development

Theories of child development, no less than the ways in which children develop, are influenced by social context. This thesis is illustrated by examples drawn three areas relevant to pediatrics. First, given the data demonstrating that fewer biologic and social hazards result from first trimester abortion that from carrying an unwanted pregnancy to term, the current controversy about abortion can only be understood in relation to concerns about contemporary patterns of sexual behavior, contraceptive use, and preferred family size. Second, now that the majority of mothers are employed in the work force, stress on the importance of "bonding" in early infancy, on the basis of dubious evidence, leads to unwarranted implications for social policy. Third, in contrast to the traditional American belief in public schools as instruments for the democratization of our society, public education is now being assailed as useless (and thus undeserving of funding) despite data indicating that schools make a difference to both academic and behavioral outcomes. In these controversies, differing value commitments lead to the choice of different data sets to justify a priori conclusions. Social theories are, by their very nature, value-laden but they can nonetheless be effective guides to action if those values are made explicit.
A UNIPOTENT GROUP ACTION ON A FLAG MANIFOLD AND "GAP SEQUENCES" OF PERMUTATIONS

There is a unipotent subgroup of Sl(n, C) whose action on the flag manifold of Sl(n, C) completes the flows of the complex Kostant–Toda lattice (a Hamiltonian system in Lax form) through initial conditions where all the eigenvalues coincide. The action preserves the Bruhat cells, which are in one-to-one correspondence with the elements of the permutation group Σn. A generic orbit in a given cell is homeomorphic to Cm, where m is determined by the "gap sequence" of the permutation, which lists the number inversions of each degree.
The roseau ash: Deep-sea tephra deposits from a major eruption on Dominica, lesser antilles arc

Abstract Two extensive marine tephra layers recovered by piston coring in the western equatorial Atlantic and eastern Caribbean have been correlated by electron microprobe analyses of glass shards and mineral phases to the Pleistocene Roseau tuff on Dominica in the Lesser Antilles arc. Tephra deposition and transport to the deep sea was primarily controlled by two processes related to two different styles of eruptive activity: a plinian airfall phase and a pyroclastic flow phase. A plinian phase produced a relatively thin (1–8 cm) airfall ash layer in the western Atlantic, covering an area of 3.0 × 105 km2 with a volume of 13 km3 (tephra). The majority of the airfall tephra was transported by antitrade winds at altitudes of 6–17 km. Aeolian fractionation of crystals and glass occurred during transport resulting in an airfall deposit enriched in crystals relative to the source. Mass balance calculation based on crystal/glass fractionation indicates an additional 12 km3 of airfall tephra was deposited outside the observed fall-out envelope as dispersed ash. Discharge of pyroclastic flows into the sea along the west coast of Dominica initiated subaqueous pyroclastic debris flows which descended the steep western submarine flanks of the island. 30 km3 of tephra were deposited by this process on the floor of the Grenada Basin up to 250 km from source. The Roseau event represents the largest explosive eruption in the Lesser Antilles in the last 200,000 years and illustrates the complexity of primary volcanogenic sedimentation associated with a major explosive eruption within an island arc environment.
Complement regulation of T cell immunity

Results of studies published since 2002 reveal that T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) produce complement proteins. The immune cell–derived, alternative pathway complement components activate spontaneously, yielding local, but not systemic, production of C3a and C5a. These anaphylatoxins bind to their respective G-protein-coupled receptors, C3aR and C5aR, expressed on both partners. The resultant complement-induced T cell activation and APC activation drive T cell differentiation, expansion and survival. Complement deficiency or blockade attenuates T cell-mediated autoimmunity and delays allograft rejection in mice. Increasing complement activation, achieved by genetic removal of the complement regulatory protein decay-accelerating factor, enhances murine T cell immunity and accelerates allograft rejection. The findings support the need for design and testing of complement inhibitors in humans.
Effects of carbide and nitride inclusions on diamond scribing of multicrystalline silicon for solar cells

Abstract Single grit diamond scribing experiments were carried out to understand the effects of SiC and Si3N4 inclusions in diamond wire sawing or cutting of photovoltaic multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) substrate material. Results show that hexagonal rod-type Si3N4 inclusions can significantly increase the cutting force and lead to large scale localized brittle fracture of the mc-Si substrate. In contrast, SiC filament-type inclusions do not affect the scribing/cutting process. Si3N4 fibers are found to be flexible and are not cut by diamond scribing. Explanations for the observations are given based on the material properties of mc-Si, diamond and inclusions. The detrimental effects of SiC and Si3N4 inclusions on diamond wire sawing are also discussed.
Rurality and other factors associated with adherence to immunosuppressant medications in community-dwelling solid-organ transplant recipients.

Abstract Background Data on immunosuppressant adherence of community-dwelling adult solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) from rural populations in the United States are limited. Therefore, understanding the association of rurality and other factors of immunosuppressant adherence will help providers design and deliver patient-centered adherence enhancing interventions. Objectives The objective was to examine factors associated with a previously validated 4-item Immunosuppressant Therapy Adherence Scale (ITAS) score in community-dwelling adult SOTRs who received a transplant from an academic center in the Midwestern United States. Methods For this observational study, cross-sectional survey data (patient demographic, medical condition, immunosuppressant therapy, and self-reported ITAS) received from adult SOTRs aged 19 years or older with other data from an academic transplant center’s database were merged. Using multivariate logistic regression, significant SOTR characteristics associated with being adherent (ITAS score = 12) versus nonadherent (ITAS score Results The survey response rate was 30% (n = 556/1827). Those SOTRs responding (n = 556) had a kidney (48%), liver (47%), or other (4.5%) transplant. They were more likely to be 50- to 64-year olds (52%), men (55%), white (90%), metroresident (59%), with an annual income less than $55,000. The SOTRs were living with a transplant for 6.3 years (median), reported excellent-to-good health status (77%), and received different immunosuppressant regimens. More than half of the SOTRs (58%) were adherent. In multivariate analyses, compared with patients aged 65 years or older, younger patients, nonmetro rural- versus metroresident, and those having more (≥6) versus less ( Conclusions When designing and delivering patient care-centered interventions including those that use technology to increase immunosuppressant adherence, providers need to consider rural residence besides other well-established patient factors (younger age, immunosuppressant drug, and comorbidities) of nonadherence.
Multiple forms of PRPP synthetase in human leukemic white blood cells seen with isoelectric focusing.

Abstract 1. 1. This paper presents the first description of the isoelectric points (pI) of phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase activity from normal human lymphocytes and granulocytes, PHA-stimulated normal lymphocytes and leukemic white blood cells. 2. 2. The pI values of the enzyme activities from each type of stimulated or leukemic cell were different from the pI values of the normal controls. 3. 3. Different pI values, and therefore different physical characteristics, of these active enzyme forms indicate that it might be possible to differentially inhibit the variant enzyme forms and possibly to decrease the synthesis of ribonucleotides in leukemic vs normal cells.
Cross-field runaway electrons

The phenomenon of cross-field runaway electrons can occur in cases where large dc electric fields with steep gradients exist perpendicular to a magnetic field. A derivation of the circumstances which permit this condition to exist is presented.
Processing the Content of Input–Processing and Processing Instruction Research: A Response to DeKeyser, Salaberry, Robinson, and Harrington

Le modele du traitement mental de la consigne dans l'acquisition de la syntaxe de la langue seconde, propose par l'A. en 1993, est reexamine a la lumiere de debats critiques engages sur la question. Il tente d'eclairer quelques malentendus developpes par les psycholinguistes sur une interpretation erronee du contenu de son modele de depart. L'A. ne reduit pas le traitement des donnees de la consigne a la seule comprehension de ces donnees, tout comme il ne reduit pas la consigne telle qu'elle est donnee dans le cadre de l'enseignement a une simple production du discours
Authigenic associations between selected rare earth elements and trace metals in lacustrine sediments

Surficial sediment samples were collected at 47 stations in Little Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan, to determine the geochemical associations between certain rare earth elements (REE's) and trace metals. Each sample was analyzed for carbonate carbon, organic carbon, grain size, and the elements Al, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Eu, Fe, Hf, La, and Mn. Two distinct Ce subpopulatins were identified by graphical analysis, and an R-mode factor analysis was applied to data from the “enriched” Ce subpopulation (18 samples). Results show that the REE's and trace metals are primarily enriched in the authigenic phase of these sediments. Partial correlation analyses indicate that the REE's are primarily associated with hydrous Fe oxides relative to organic matter in this phase. The ratio of Ce/La concentrations increased markedly from the bay margins to the central trough of the bay, indicating that Ce, similar to Fe, exhibits a variable oxidation state in the authigenic phase of nearshore fine-grained sediments. The results of the present study suggest that the REE's and trace metals behave coherently in the authigenic phase of recent lacustrine sediments, and the REE's may be useful as geochemical tracers to differentiate between trace metal enrichments in surface sediments as a result of diagenesis and pollution loadings.
Radiative transfer between two concentric spheres separated by an absorbing and emitting gas

Abstract The transfer of radiant energy in an atmosphere having spherical symmetry is discussed. As an application, the transfer between two concentric spheres (having black surfaces) kept at different uniform temperatures and separated by an absorbing and emitting gas with a constant absorption coefficient is studied. The temperature in the gas along a radius satisfies a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind. Exact solutions are obtained by a numerical method and limiting solutions pertaining to optically thick and thin conditions are given in closed form. The temperature distribution along a radius depends strongly on the temperature ratio of the two surfaces, the absorption coefficient, and the radii of the spheres.
Ca2+-cardiolipin interaction in a model system Selectivity and apparent high affinity

The interaction of cardiolipin with Ca2+ was assessed by measuring the cardiolipin-mediated extraction of 45Ca2+ from an aqueous to an organic (methylene chloride) phase. Cardiolipin binds Ca2+ with high affinity [Kd(apparent) = 0.70 +/- 0.17 microM (S.D.)]. Cation-cardiolipin interactions are selective. Interaction of cardiolipin with Ca2+ is insensitive to Na+, but is inhibited by divalent cations with Mn2+ greater than Zn2+ greater than Mg2+. In addition La3+ and Ruthenium red are particularly potent inhibitors of Ca2+ binding by cardiolipin. Cardiolipin-mediated extraction of Ca2+ into an aqueous phase is also inhibited by phosphatidylcholine. Inhibition of Ca2+-cardiolipin interaction by phosphatidylcholine (a phospholipid known to stabilize the bilayer conformation) may implicate inverted, non-bilayer lipid structures in the binding.
Familial clustering of 8 minor anomalies

We have carried out a surface examination on 5,500 newborn infants. The incidence of eight minor anomalies among the first 3,000 infants has been determined for both black (B) and white (W) newborns without major anomalies: simian crease (B 2.3%, W 3.3%), syndactyly toes 2-3 (B 0.0, W 1.1), preauricular sinus (B 1.2, W 0.7), preauricular tag (B 0.6, W 0.8), epicanthal fold (B 0.4, W 0.5), Darwinian point (B 0.1 W 1.4), Darwinian tubercle (B 0.1, W 0.5) and clinodactyly (B 4.3, W 10). Only for clinodactyly could varying degrees of severity be measured. All mothers and about 8% of fathers were examined for minor anomalies of the hands and face. Only Darwinian tubercle was more common in the parents than in the infants. Clinodactyly and epicanthal folds were much less common in adults. The rate of recurrence of preauricular sinus and tag and simian crease among the offspring of affected parents was clearly greater than the incidence in the general population. Data on the rate of recurrence of the other anomalies is inconclusive in this sample. The concordance rate for these 8 minor anomalies was determined for 17 sets of MZ twins and 19 sets of DZ twins. There was no significant difference, but the sample size was too small. This study suggests racial and familial clustering of minor anomalies. A mode of inheritance may be evident when the evaluation of the total sample of 8,000 infants is completed.