cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of long-term results of percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy with closed transventricular mitral commissurotomy at a single North American Institution.

Abstract Long-term (>3 years) follow-up data were obtained from 102 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy (PMBV). Data were collected prospectively by review of the medical record, mailed questionnaire, and/or telephone. Data on patients with closed mitral commissurotomy (CMC) at our institution have been previously reported and serve as the comparison group. Follow-up data was 98% complete at a mean of 57 months for PMBV patients. Compared with patients undergoing CMC, these patients were older (54 ± 14 vs 43.6 ± 10 years, p
Commodity family extended formulations of uncapacitated fixed charge network flow problems

Uncapacitated fixed charge network flow problems are single-commodity flow problems with (positive) fixed charges for opening some arcs and no capacities. Previous research has shown that much improved linear programming relaxations can be obtained by reformulating these problems in terms of an extended variable set corresponding to flow commodities for each demand point. In this paper, we develop a theory of reformulations generalizing to families of commodities defined by arbitrary demand subsets. In particular, we show how to produce an extended formulation for any suitable commodity family and isolate simple axioms characterizing the families that yield the most useful reformulations.
Paradoxical Anti-Inflammatory Actions of TNF-α: Inhibition of IL-12 and IL-23 via TNF Receptor 1 in Macrophages and Dendritic Cells

IL-12 and TNF-alpha are central proinflammatory cytokines produced by macrophages and dendritic cells. Disregulation of TNF-alpha is associated with sepsis and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, new evidence suggests an anti-inflammatory role for TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha-treated murine macrophages produced less IL-12p70 and IL-23, after stimulation with IFN-gamma and LPS. Frequency of IL-12p40-producing macrophages correspondingly decreased as measured by intracellular cytokine staining. IL-12p40 production was also inhibited in dendritic cells. TNFR1 was established as the main receptor involved in IL-12p40 regulation, because IL-12p40 levels were not affected by TNF-alpha in TNFR1(-/-)-derived macrophages. Macrophages activated during Listeria monocytogenes infection were more susceptible to inhibition by TNF-alpha than cells from naive animals, which suggests a regulatory role for TNF-alpha in later stages of infection. This nonapoptotic anti-inflammatory regulation of IL-12 and IL-23 is an important addition to the multitude of TNF-alpha-induced responses determined by cell-specific receptor signaling.
Event-based control using quadratic approximate value functions

In this paper we consider several problems involving control with limited actuation and sampling rates. Event-based control has emerged as an attractive approach for addressing the problems of control system design under rate limitations. In event-based control, a system is actuated or a control signal is changed only when certain events occur. For example, a control signal might be applied only when some measure of deviation of the system state from equilibrium is exceeded. Thus, control action is only applied when it is needed, keeping control performance satisfactory while reducing the rate that the system must be sensed and actuated.
The Distortion of Pulse-like Earthquake Signals by Seismographs

Summary A numerical method for calculating the seismogram of any seismograph for an arbitrary continuous ground disturbance is used to investigate the effect of instruments with various physical constants on both theoretical and actual impulsive signals. This calculation solves the equations of motion of the pendulum-galvanometer system by a fourth-order Runge-Kutta process. Variation of instrumental constants produces conspicuously different seismograms, in several cases of practical interest. In order to resolve the apparent discrepancy between the observations of SatG, and those of Benioff and Press for the group velocity of long period Love waves, certain computed seismograms of the long period Love wave arrival, GI, from the New Guinea shock of 1938 February I, were compared with the linear strain recording of this signal. The results of this study confirm the observations of Sat6, that the group velocity of Love waves is essentially flat in the long period range to several hundred seconds. The distortion introduced by instruments whose magnification changes rapidly with period is great enough to mask any small dispersion that might be associated with these pulse-like signals.
Comparative study of meningomyelocele repair or cerebrospinal fluid shunt as primary treatment in spina bifida.

SUMMARY From a study of 119 children with meningomyelocele who were treated in different ways, it is reported that there is a definite advantage in controlling the hydrocephalus before considering local myelodysplasia repair. This approach significantly reduced central nervous system infection and local myelodysplasia repair breakdown rates. Repair of the lesion was unnecessary in 40 per cent of the children treated first by control of the hydrocephalus. The authors recommend primary control of CSF hypertension, with closure of only widely opened dysplastic areas as an emergency measure. There may subsequently be indications for late surgical repair, such as a persistent or enlarging sac, progressive neurological deterioration of the lower limbs, or family concern. Resume Etude compareee de la reparation du meningomyelocele et de la deviation du liquide cerebrospinal en tant que premier traitement de Spina Bifida l'etude de 119 enfants avec un meningomyelocele traites de facons differentes a montre qu'il y avait un avantage certain a controler l'hydrocephalie avant d'envisager la reparation de la myelodysplasie locale. Cette methode reduit de facon significative le taux d'infection du systeme nerveux central et des defaillances des reparations de la myelodysplasie locale. II n'a pas ete necessaire de reparer la lesion chez 50 pour cent des enfants qui avaient ete traites d'abord pour controler l'hydrocephalie. Les auteurs recommandent de controler d'abord l'hypertension du LCR, avec fermeture de la region myelodysplastique en tant que mesure d'urgence. Une reparation surgicale tardive peut etre indiquee par la suite, par exemple par un sac persistant ou s'aggrandissant, une deterioration neurologique progressive des membres inferieurs, ou l'inquietude de la famille. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Vergleichsstudie von Meningomyelozele-Reparatur oder zerebrospinalem Flussigkeits-Shunt als primare Behandlung hie Spina bifida Aus einer Studie von 119 Kindern mit Meningomyelozele, die auf verschiedene Arten behandelt wurden, geht hervor, dass es unbedingt vorteilhaft ist, uber den Hydrozephalus Kontrolle auszuuben, bevor man lokale Myelodysplasie-Reparatur in Betracht zieht. Diese Methode reduzierte bedeutsam zentrale Nervensystem-Infektion und die Zusammen-bruchs-Raten lokaler Myelodysplasie-Reparatur. Reparatur der Lasion erubrigte sich in 40 Prozent der Kinder, die zuerst durch Hydrozephalus-Kontrollierung behandelt wurden. Die Verfasser empfehlen primare Kontrollierung des CSF-Hochdruckes verbunden mit Schliessung der myelodysplastischen Zone als eine Notmassnahme. Es konnen in der Folge Anzeichen fur spatere chirurgische Reparatur entstehen, wie eine hartnackige oder sich vergrossernde Tasche, progressive neurologische Verschlechterung der unteren Gliedmassen oder Besorgtheit der Familie.
On reducing hand impact force in forward falls: results of a brief intervention in young males

Objective. To test the working hypotheses that after a brief (10 min) intervention, (a) young adults can volitionally reduce fallrelated wrist impact forces, and (b) no difference in impact force would exist between intervention and control groups at 3-weeks or 3-months follow-up. Background. The wrist is the most commonly fractured site in the body at any age, most often as a result of impact with the ground while arresting a forward fall. Methods. Twenty-nine healthy young male volunteers participated. A 3-month intervention group ðn ¼ 10Þ performed five standardized forward falls before and after a 10-min instructional intervention aimed at reducing wrist impact forces during the baseline visit. They, along with a 3-month control group ðn ¼ 11Þ who did not receive the intervention, were remeasured in five trials at 3-weeks and 3-months follow-up, without intervening practice. A baseline control group ðn ¼ 8Þ performed the five trials, then repeated them at the baseline visit without receiving the intervention. Unilateral body segment kinematics and bilateral hand-ground impact forces were measured and the hypotheses were tested using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results. At the baseline visit, a significant group-by-trial-block interaction was found ðP ¼ 0:02Þ: the 3-month intervention group reduced their average maximum impact forces by 18% from initial values ðP ¼ 0:002Þ; the baseline control group did not do so (0.5% increase, P ¼ 0:91). The 3-month intervention (20 falls) and control (15 falls) groups did not differ at the 3-month follow-up ðP ¼ 0:62Þ; however, when the groups were combined their maximum impact force had decreased significantly (8.9%, P ¼ 0:04) over that time. Conclusions. Healthy young males learned in 10 min to significantly reduce wrist impact forces in forward falls, but retention was poor at 3-weeks follow-up. Irrespective of group, however, after the 5 falls at 3-weeks subjects had taught themselves to reduce their impact forces at the 3-months follow-up. Relevance
Electroabsorption and electrooptic effect in SiGe-Si quantum wells: realization of low-voltage optical modulators

We have calculated the behavior of the band-to-band absorption coefficient in square, coupled, and graded bandgap Si/sub 0.6/Ge/sub 0.4/-Si quantum wells as a function of the transverse electric field. It is seen that due to the weak confinement of the electrons (/spl Delta/E/sub c//spl les/20 meV) the absorption of photons with energy equal to the interband transition energy can be reduced at very small values of the transverse electric field. This phenomenon lends itself to the design of efficient amplitude modulators. In addition, the resulting change in the refractive index is also large and the corresponding linear electrooptic coefficient is calculated to be as large as 1.9/spl times/10/sup -10/ m/V in square wells. This effect could prove to be the basis for the realization of efficient Si-based electrooptic modulators. Device designs are discussed.
Effec ts of stress temperatures of germination on polyamine titers of soybean seeds

High and low stress temperatures during seed germination and seedling development limit total germination and the rate of germination and growth. Changes in polyamine (PA) concentrations in seeds of different species have been associated with germination, growih and enviroiunental stresses such as temperature, drought, oxygen, chilling injury and osmotic conditions. Two studies were conducted to determine the effect of stress temperatures during germination and seedling development on polyamine titers in soybean seeds. Three germination temperatures, 25, 30, and 36 °C were used in the first study to evaluate their influence on changes in polyamine concentrations in soybean seeds germinated at 76 and 90 hours. The polyamines (PAs), cadaverine (Cad), putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd). agmatine (Agm), and spermine (Spm) were quantified by HPLC using a cation exchange column and an electrochemical detector. Cad, Put, Agm, and Spd declined as the germination temperatures increased from 25 to 36 °C. Conversely, Spm increased considerably with an increase in temperature. Total germination was reduced from 97.2 to 92.5% as germination temperatures increased from 25 to 36 °C. Germination time did not affect Cad, Agm and Spm, and total germination, however, the interaction between temperattire and germination time for Put and Spd concentrations was significant. In the second study, changes in PA concentrations, seedling growth, germination time (tso), fresh and dry weight, and moisture content were measured in the embryonic axis and cotyledons of soybean seeds germinated at 10 and 25 °C through six stages of germination dry seed (DS), testa split (TS), radicle at 10 mm (Ra-10), root hairs visible (RHV), secondary root primordia (SRP), and complete seedling (CS). The concentrations of Cad and Put in the embryonic axis, were significantly higher in seeds
Dependency, Network Integration, and Development

Dependency scholars emphasize the harmful effects of economic incorporation for nations residing in the periphery. Conversely, a network perspective of international relations suggests that the major problem peripheral countries face is isolation. Considered together, peripherality implies both resource and partner dependency. Applying dependency and network principles to the world economy and world polity, the author assembles a set of cross-national measures based on international trade relations and membership in international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs). Analyzing a sample of eighty-two developing countries during the 1980–2000 period, the author tests the effects of dependency and network integration on two measures of development: Economic growth and tertiary school expansion. The author finds that dependent integration in trade and INGOs produces economic underdevelopment, while network integration in trade and INGOs positively affects economic growth and educational expansion. The findin...
A note on the Charleston Gyre

The deflection of the Gulf Stream caused by a topographic feature - the Charleston Bump, located offshore of Savannah, Georgia - results in a quasi-stationary cyclonic eddy - the Charleston Gyre which is situated over the continental slope east of Charleston and Cape Romain. Occasionally, the upwelling associated with this eddy produces an enhancement in the surface layer primary production that is great enough to be detected by the Nimbus 7 coastal zone color scanner (CZCS). In this note a CZCS image with simultaneous hydrography, current, and wind observations is presented that documents an unusual manifestation of the gyre. In addition to the CZCS image a Seasat synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image is included that clearly indicates the presence of the eddy adjacent to the Gulf Stream front.
Intelligent control in safety systems: criteria for acceptance in the nuclear power industry

Hierarchical systems incorporating intelligent controllers have been proposed for use in process control of complex systems, including nuclear power plants. It is noted that, in contrast to these proposals, the controllers that are used in today's operational plants are very simple, and are likely to remain so unless the industry can be convinced that more sophisticated control concepts are compatible with its demanding requirements for reliability, validation, and verification. The authors analyze these requirements and propose a concept of system architecture that has the capacity to meet them. Essential properties of the proposed methodology are modularity of the design and distributed autonomy within each module. These features are needed to ensure a system that can be implemented and tested incrementally and that will exhibit robustness in the event of plant or control system failures that render individual controller subsystems ineffective. The design of an intelligent controller for a feedwater heater provides an illustrative example of the proposed concept. >
Efficacy of Midodrine Hydrochloride in Neurocardiogenic Syncope Refractory to Standard Therapy

Midodrine for Refractory Neurocardiogenic Syncope. introduction: Some patients with neurocardiogenic syncope continue to have recurrent syncope or presyncope despite the use of currently available drug therapy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether midodrine hydrochloride, a selective adrenergic agonist, could he effective in patients resistant to, or intolerant of, currently used medications in the treatment of neurocardiogenic syncope. Methods and Results: Eleven patients with a history of recurrent syncope or presyncope in whom hypotension with syncope or presyncope could be provoked during head-up tilt testing were included. There were 4 men and 7 women with a mean age (± SD) age of 34 ± 13 years. In all patients, standard therapy with beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents, ephedrine, theophylline, disopyramide, fludrocortisone, and sertraline hydrochloride, was either ineffective, poorly tolerated, or contraindicated. Midodrine was initially administered orally at a dose of 2.5 mg three times daily. After adjustment of dosage over 2 to 4 weeks, patients were followed-up clinically. Midodrine was discontinued in one patient because of side effects. Frequency of syncope or presyncope during the 3 months prior to starting treatment was compared during a mean follow-up of 17 ± 4 weeks after starting treatment with midodrine. There was significant (P < 0.01) reduction in syncopal and presyncopal episodes on midodrine. Five patients had complete resolution of symptoms, while four patients had significant improvement. Symptoms did not improve in one patient. Conclusions: Midodrine hydrochloride can he effective in preventing recurrent symptoms in selected patients with neurocardiogenic syncope unresponsive to, or intolerant of, standard drug therapy.
Rational Mechanisms and Natural Mathematics

Chu spaces have found applications in computer science, mathematics, and physics. They enjoy a useful categorical duality analogous to that of lattice theory and projective geometry. As natural mathematics Chu spaces borrow ideas from the natural sciences, particularly physics, while as rational mechanics they cast Hamiltonian mechanics in terms of the interaction of body and mind.
Combination band spectroscopy of H3

Thirty rovibrational transitions of H3+ have been observed near 1.25 μm using a tunable diode laser and a positive column discharge. In addition to the H3+ transitions, over 200 transitions between Rydberg states of H2 were observed—these could be discriminated against by using a discharge dominated by He, which apparently collisionally quenches the Rydberg states of H2 without affecting H3+. Twenty-eight of the H3+ transitions have been assigned to the ν1+2ν22←0 band, and provide experimentally determined energy levels for most of the levels up to J=4 in the ν1+2ν22 state. The remaining two H3+ transitions have been assigned to the 2ν1+ν2←0 band. These bands represent a crucial test of ab initio calculations, as they reach higher vibrational levels of H3+ than any yet observed. We have compared our experimental results with recent variational calculations by several groups.Thirty rovibrational transitions of H3+ have been observed near 1.25 μm using a tunable diode laser and a positive column discharge. In addition to the H3+ transitions, over 200 transitions between Rydberg states of H2 were observed—these could be discriminated against by using a discharge dominated by He, which apparently collisionally quenches the Rydberg states of H2 without affecting H3+. Twenty-eight of the H3+ transitions have been assigned to the ν1+2ν22←0 band, and provide experimentally determined energy levels for most of the levels up to J=4 in the ν1+2ν22 state. The remaining two H3+ transitions have been assigned to the 2ν1+ν2←0 band. These bands represent a crucial test of ab initio calculations, as they reach higher vibrational levels of H3+ than any yet observed. We have compared our experimental results with recent variational calculations by several groups.
ULTRAFINE PARTICLES FROM WTE AND OTHER COMBUSTION SOURCES

The size of combustion generated particles ranges from a few nanometers up to 1 micron, whereas the size of naturally occurring PM such as pollens, plant fragments, and sea salt is generally larger than 1 micron. Particles generated by photochemical processes in the atmosphere are generally smaller than 1 micron. Ultrafine particles (UFP), also called “nanoparticles”, are <0.1 micron and in recent yearshave attracted attention due to potential adverse health effects associated with them. The contribution of UFP to the total PM mass is very small. However, they dominate the total number of particles in urban aerosols. Their sources are both mobile and stationary combustion sources and also gas-to-particle conversions. In coal and waste combustion systems, UFP are hypothesized to be generated mainly by nucleation of metal vapors. Coal naturally contains a vast range of inorganic elements among which are heavy metals. Sources of heavy metals in MSW include batteries, electronic devices, light bulbs, house dust and paint chips, food containers, used motor oils, plastics, yard wastes and some papers. The input of these metals into WTE facilities can be controlled by better source-separation of metal-containing materials. In 2007 almost 50% of the approximately 4.16 billion MWh generated in the United States was produced by coal power plants whereas only 0.3% was generated by the WTE industry. A preliminary study has shown that in terms of contribution to UHF in the atmosphere, MSW combustion has a minor effect in comparison to coal-fired power plants in the U.S. This paper will report on the results of this investigation.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Femtosecond direct space-to-time pulse shaping

The direct space-to-time (DST) pulse shaping apparatus is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The discussion shows how the operation of the DST pulse shaper may be understood in terms of the femtosecond response of a generalized spectrometer. A complete discussion of the advantages and tradeoffs of utilizing this pulse-shaping configuration is given, including the direct scaling between the masking function and the output temporal intensity profile, system efficiency, spectral resolution, and temporal window, compensation/cancellation of chirp, and generation of multiple output waveforms.
Versican/PG-M isoforms in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Abstract—The expression of increased amounts of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix may play a role in vascular stenosis and lipid retention. The large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan versican is synthesized by vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), accumulates during human atherosclerosis and restenosis, and has been shown to bind LDLs. We recently demonstrated that adult rat aortic SMCs express several versican mRNAs. Four versican splice variants, V0, V1, V2, and V3, have recently been described, which differ dramatically in length. These variants differ in the extent of modification by glycosaminoglycan chains, and V3 may lack glycosaminoglycan chains. In this study, we characterized versican RNAs from rat SMCs by cloning, sequencing, and hybridization with domain-specific probes. DNA sequence was obtained for the V3 isoform, and for a truncated V0 isoform. By hybridization of polyadenylated RNA with domain-specific probes, we determined that the V0, V1, and V3 isoforms are present in vascular SM...
Ex-Offenders and the Conformist Alternative: A Job Quality Model of Work and Crime

Criminologists from diverse theoretical perspectives have long asserted that the quality of employment is more strongly associated with criminal behavior than its presence or absence. By this argument, “good jobs” or “meaningful work” are necessary to induce offenders to desist from crime. This paper constructs a satisfaction-based measure of job quality using data from the National Supported Work Demonstration and the 1977 Quality of Employment Survey and tests whether employment in high quality jobs reduces the likelihood of criminal behavior among offenders. After statistical corrections for selection into employment, job quality is found to reduce the likelihood of economic and non-economic criminal behavior among a sample of released high-risk offenders. None of the most salient alternative explanations—sample selection, human capital accumulation, personal expectations, external labor market effects, or prior criminality—appear to diminish the job quality effect.
Characterization and quantitative assessment of interspecific and intraspecific penetration of below‐ground vegetation by cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.) rhizomes

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.), an invasive C4 perennial grass, negatively influences native plant communities by forming dense monotypic stands that alter ecosystem properties and lower local species diversity. A hypothesized mechanism by which cogongrass achieves competitive dominance is a novel use of below-ground vegetative disturbance of neighboring vegetation (i.e. puncturing). However, very little empirical evidence is found in the peer-reviewed literature to quantify this phenomenon, much less establish it as a true form of competitive interaction. The present field study was conducted to quantify the occurrence of rhizome-mediated, below-ground vegetative penetration, both interspecifically and intraspecifically, document how this phenomenon is influenced by spatial location relative to the cogongrass stand, and determine the role that above-ground and below-ground biomass might have in the process. Analyses of 100 sod samples indicated that rhizome-mediated, below-ground vegetative penetration is a much larger intraspecific phenomenon than an interspecific one. The data also strongly suggested spatial location as a significant factor, with most penetrations occurring in the interior of a cogongrass stand as opposed to the advancing border. Significant correlations between rhizome-mediated, below-ground vegetative penetration and above-ground cogongrass biomass were found in the overall plot analysis and most strongly in the advancing border of the cogongrass stands.
Monopole catalysis of proton decay in SO(10) grand unified models

We construct the monopole spectrum in an SO(10) grand unified theory which has an arbitrary pattern of symmetry breakdown to SU(3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U${(1)}_{\mathrm{EM}}$. We show that if the fermion fields are in a 16 of SO(10), then it is impossible to find an SO(10) theory where monopoles do not catalyze proton decay. Furthermore, the branching ratios for monopole-catalyzed proton decay are identical in SO(10) and SU(5) grand unified theories. We also present a criterion for constructing grand unified theories which do not have monopole catalysis of proton decay.
The role of Dickkopf-3 overexpression in esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Objectives Ninety percent of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma ultimately die of their disease, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic targets. The goal of this study was to define the functional significance of overexpression of Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods DKK3 expression was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction in 95 chemonaive and 21 chemoresistant esophageal adenocarcinomas. The esophageal adenocarcinoma cell line OE33 was stably transfected with DKK3 (OE33/DKK3) and evaluated using WST-1 (Roche, Basel, Switzerland), Matrigel (BD Biosciences, San Jose, Calif), endothelial tube formation, and chemosensitivity assays. Tumorigenesis was evaluated by injecting 1 × 10 6 OE33/DKK3 and vector cells in NOD/SCIDγ mice. Results DKK3 was overexpressed (>2-fold) in 75.8% (72/95) of esophageal adenocarcinomas. DKK3 protein was present at moderate to high levels in 46.8% (29/62) of esophageal adenocarcinomas on tissue microarray. Stable transfection of DKK3 significantly increased proliferation ( P P siSMAD4 significantly decreased Matrigel invasion, suggesting that DKK3 acts through the transforming growth factor-β pathway. OE33/DKK3 cells increased endothelial tube formation and were significantly more resistant to 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin, and DKK3 expression was significantly higher in chemoresistant esophageal adenocarcinomas ( P DKK3 , 28 of 32 (88%) versus 42 of 63 (68%) ( P Conclusions These findings suggest that DKK3 may be important in mediating invasion in esophageal adenocarcinoma and could be a novel target in the treatment and prevention of metastatic disease.
Media Violence and Social Neuroscience: New Questions and New Opportunities

Decades of research have demonstrated that exposure to violence on television can cause increases in aggression. The recent emergence of violent video games has raised new questions regarding the effects of violent media. The General Aggression Model (GAM) predicts that exposure to violent media increases aggressive behavior through one of three primary pathways (arousal, cognitions, and affect). Past psychophysiological research has supported GAM but has been limited to examining arousal-related variables. Recent advances in social neuroscience have opened the door to investigations of exposure to violent media on cognitive and affective components and their neurocognitive underpinnings. Neuroscience tools have the potential to provide answers to the new questions posed by recent advances in media technology.
Performance of Single Internal Trip Purpose Methodology to Model Smaller Urban Area Traffic

Urban travel modeling techniques have not found widespread use in small urban communities because traditional forecasting models, designed for use in large urban cities, are very data intensive. In recent years, however, there has been a greater awareness of transportation problems occurring in small urban areas, which are generally defined as communities with a population less than 50,000. Previous transportation planning research efforts directed towards small urban areas have identified the need for planning techniques that are less data intense and less expensive to implement when compared with traditional transportation modeling methods. This paper presents an application of the urban transportation planning processes that has limited data collection and cost requirements, developed specifically for application in smaller urban areas. The data requirements are reduced through the use of a single internal trip purpose based on the total number of households and businesses in each traffic analysis zone...
Zonal Flow–Stationary Wave Relationship during El Niño: Implications for Seasonal Forecasting

Abstract An analysis of the Northern Hemispheric zonal mean flow anomalies during El Nino is performed, and the dynamical effect of such atmospheric flows on the wintertime climatological stationary waves over the Pacific/North American (PNA) region is assessed. Only in the subtropical latitudes can one identify a statistically significant zonal flow anomaly during the El Ni˜os of the historical record. Strong zonal flow anomalies in the midlatitudes are observed during individual El Ni˜o events, although these appear to be manifestations of chaotic atmospheric behavior. The observational results are confirmed by GCM climate simulations using prescribed SSTs for the 1982-93 period. The principal SST-forced zonal flow signal in these experiments is located on the equatorward flank of the subtropical jet. Using a linear diagnostic modes, the authors find the climatological stationary waves over the PNA region to be insensitive to zonal mean flow anomalies in the subtropics. On the other hand, zonal mean ano...
Children’s Oncology Group L991 final study report: Establishing an important benchmark for assessing late effects of trimodality care of pediatric patients treated for high grade gliomas

As advances are made in children’s cancer care, there will be growing numbers of adult survivors of pediatric cancer. In the United States, the number of adult survivors of pediatric cancers is approaching 300,000 (1). According to the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance Epidemiology and End Result’s Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2008, the 5 year overall survival rate for children with brain tumors has risen from 58.8 % in 1975-1977 to 75% from 2001-2007 (2). With improved survivorship from childhood cancers, researchers have generated an abundance of literature pertaining to quality of life. A PubMed literature search with the terms “childhood cancer survivors quality of life” yields 420 citations. Studies focus on late effects in nearly every organ system, secondary malignancies, fertility, productivity, socioeconomic impact, and numerous other effects.
The histochemical distribution of protein-bound sulfhydryl groups

A new specific method for the histochemical demonstration of protein-bound sulfhydryl groups was recently described by Barrnett and Seligman. After fixation in 80 percent alcohol - 1 percent trichloroacetic acid, it was possible to demonstrate histochemically the sulfhydryl groups of aqueous and alcohol-insoluble tissue proteins in histologic sections, and to block the histochemical reaction by the use of well-known sulfhydryl reagents. The method consisted of incubating fixed deparaffinized sections of tissue in an alcohol-barbital buffer solution containing the sulfhydryl reagent, 2, 2.-dihydroxy-6,6.-dinaphthyl disulfide (D.D.D.). After the reagent reacted with the protein-bound sulfhydryl groups in the fixed tissue sections to form a colorless substance, the excess reagent as well as the reaction by-product was removed from the sections by washing and by extraction with alcoholand ether. The colorless product of the reaction between the disulfide of the reagent and the sulfhydryls of tissue, which was alcohol-ether insoluble, was converted to an intensely colored azo dye at the sites of protein-bound sulfhydryl groups by coupling with tetrazotized diorthoanisidine. A study of the distribution of protein-bound sulfhydryl groups by this method in the tissues of the albino rat forms the subject of this communication.
Population Dynamics, Adrenocortical Function, and Pathology in Microtus pennsylvanicus

Levels of renal pathology (pyelonephritis) and hepatic parasitism (cysticercosis) were studied in three populations of the meadow vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus . The prevalence of pyelonephritis was lowest during the year of increasing numbers compared to the years of peak or declining numbers. Cysticercosis showed similar trends. Adrenocortical function in mature females was related to density in these populations. The changes in the prevalence of the two pathological conditions can be explained by reduced immunocompetence, which is related to adrenocortical function.
G383(P) Taking a child home to die: the challenges of discharging a patient home for palliative care from the paediatric intensive care unit

The nature of paediatric intensive care medicine is such that when the battle with a disease process cannot be won, focus needs to be placed on achieving a dignified death. If the situation permits, families will often opt for a peaceful passing away in familiar surroundings, at home or in a hospice. We focus on the common practical considerations that need to be addressed in order to facilitate the return home; as well the necessary planning to conform to legal requirements following a child’s expected death outside the hospital setting. We look into what medications might be needed for symptom control and what the challenges of prescribing these in the community might be. We shall also look into the importance of assessing the home environment and social support in advance, as well as what the logistics of transporting the patient out of hospital are. Furthermore we touch upon who needs to be involved in the on-going medical care of the child, as well as possible contingency plans, should the child survive at home. Finally we shall explore what the role of the intensive care physician is in facilitating what is required by law; including confirmation of death, discussions with the coroner, and transport to the mortuary. Good, advance planning enables clinicians to minimise the invasion of the family’s privacy during these delicate moments, and helps make a child’s death as dignified as possible.
Susceptibility of Field Populations of Beet Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Commercial and Experimental Insecticides

Susceptibility of field-collected strains of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), to commercial and experimental insecticides was evaluated in a diet overlay bioassay by using 2-d-old larvae. Larvae were collected from cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., fields in Alabama, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and from Rio Bravo, Mexico. Several field strains exhibited reduced susceptibility to chlorpymos and thiodicarb, which are the only 2 labeled insecticides recommended for beet armyworm control in Louisiana. In chlorpyrifos bioassays, 7 of the 11 field strains had significantly higher LC50s than the reference strain from the Southern Insect Management Laboratory at Stoneville, MS. In thiodicarb bioassays, 3 of the 10 field strains had significantly higher LC50s than the reference strain. Generally, LC50s of field strains to the experimental insecticides chlorfenapyr, spinosad, and tebufenozide were comparable to those of the reference strain. In chlorfenapyr bioassays, a field strain from Red Cross, LA, had a significantly higher LC50 than the reference strain. In spinosad bioassays, 3 field strains had LC50s that were significantly lower than the reference strain. In tebufenozide bioassays, a field strain from Starkville, MS, had a significantly higher LC50 than the reference strain.
Growing Minds: Evaluating the Relationship between Gardening and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Older Adults

New dietary guidelines recommend eating more than five servings of fruit and vegetables each day without setting upper limitations. Although older adults tend to report a higher intake of fruit and vegetables than other age groups, over half of the U.S. older population does not meet the recommendation of five daily servings of fruit and vegetables. Research has shown that gardening is one way of improving fruit and vegetable intake. The primary focuses of this study were to examine and compare fruit and vegetable consumption of gardeners and nongardeners and to investigate any differences in fruit and vegetable consumption of long-term gardeners when compared with newer gardeners in adults older than age 50 years. An online survey was designed to be answered by older adults (50 years or older) and respondents self-selected themselves for inclusion in the study. A total of 261 questionnaires was completed. Data collected were analyzed using statistical procedures, including descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product-moment correlations, and multivariate analysis of variance. The results of this research supports previous studies that indicated gardeners were more likely to consume vegetables when compared with nongardeners. However, these results were not found with regard to fruit consumption between gardeners and nongardeners. Additionally, the length of time an individual reported having participated in gardening activities seemed to have no relationship to the number of vegetables and fruit reported as consumed, which suggests gardening intervention programs late in life would be an effective method of boosting vegetable and fruit consumption in older adults. Gender was also evaluated with no statistically significant differences found for overall fruit and vegetable intake.
Synthesis and Characterization of 6,6ˊ-bis(1-(2-ethylhexyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-2,2ˊ-bipyridine (EH–BTzBP) for Actinide/Lanthanide Extraction and Separation

ABSTRACTA new N-donor extractant, 6,6ˊ-bis(1-(2-ethylhexyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-2,2ˊ-bipyridine (EH-BTzBP), was synthesized and tested for Am(III)/Ln(III) extraction and separation. EH-BTzBP in combination with 2-bromohexanoic acid (as lipophilic anion source) selectively extracts Am(III) from acidic solutions (HNO3 ≤ 0.1M) with Am(III)/Eu(III) separation factors of about 70. Phase transfer kinetics is rapid, back-extraction of metal ions posed no issues, and there is no evidence of ligand degradation by acid hydrolysis or contact with hydrogen peroxide (which simulates some effects of radiolysis).
The Application of Product Configuration Management in TcAE

This paper describes the background product configuration management,what is configuration management and the common methods of how to configure product,and particularly introduce the concept of option,variant condition and variant rule,finally give an example to describes how to configure product by the method of variant and rule in TcAE.
Analysis on Rubella Outbreak in Schools of Ninghe County in 2007

[Objective]Through epidemiological investigation and analysis on rubella outbreak in schools of Ninghe County of Tianjin City in 2007,to discuss the control measures of rubella.[Methods]Descriptive epidemiological analysis was performed on rubella outbreak information of Ninghe County in 2007.[Results]Epidemic of rubella was found in some areas,7 rubella outbreaks had been detected in schools during March to May,attack rate was between 1.2%~12.9%;male cases were more than female cases,age distribution was mainly in 7~13 age group.The main reasons for rubella outbreak were poor awareness of rubella among local people,untimely early report,and high susceptibility.[Conclusion]This county should adopt targeted control measures of rubella immunization which can effective control rubella outbreak.
Potential evapotranspiration and continental drying

Tendencies towards climate-change-induced continental drying, as characterized by offline-computed runoff and other potential-evapotranspiration-dependent metrics, may be artefactual. Consequently they may be much weaker and less extensive than previously thought.
Atypical audiovisual word processing in school-age children with a history of specific language impairment: an event-related potential study

Visual speech cues influence different aspects of language acquisition. However, whether developmental language disorders may be associated with atypical processing of visual speech is unknown. In this study, we used behavioral and ERP measures to determine whether children with a history of SLI (H-SLI) differ from their age-matched typically developing (TD) peers in the ability to match auditory words with corresponding silent visual articulations. Nineteen 7–13-year-old H-SLI children and 19 age-matched TD children participated in the study. Children first heard a word and then saw a speaker silently articulating a word. In half of trials, the articulated word matched the auditory word (congruent trials), while in another half, it did not (incongruent trials). Children specified whether the auditory and the articulated words matched. We examined ERPs elicited by the onset of visual stimuli (visual P1, N1, and P2) as well as ERPs elicited by the articulatory movements themselves—namely, N400 to incongruent articulations and late positive complex (LPC) to congruent articulations. We also examined whether ERP measures of visual speech processing could predict (1) children’s linguistic skills and (2) the use of visual speech cues when listening to speech-in-noise (SIN). H-SLI children were less accurate in matching auditory words with visual articulations. They had a significantly reduced P1 to the talker’s face and a smaller N400 to incongruent articulations. In contrast, congruent articulations elicited LPCs of similar amplitude in both groups of children. The P1 and N400 amplitude was significantly correlated with accuracy enhancement on the SIN task when seeing the talker’s face. H-SLI children have poorly defined correspondences between speech sounds and visually observed articulatory movements that produce them.
Nonlinear Feedback Control of a Coupled Kinetic Monte Carlo-Finite Difference Code

Abstract Product quality variables for many electronics and materials processes are set at the nanoscale and smaller length scales. Although the control of these processes is of scientific and industrial interest, there is a shortage of feedback controller design methods based on the noncontinuum models that describe such nanoscopic phenomena. In this study, linear, gain-scheduled, and nonlinear feedback controllers are designed for a coupled kinetic Monte Carlo-finite difference code that simulates the manufacture of copper interconnects. The feedback controller designs incorporate a low order stochastic model constructed from the coupled continuum-noncontinuum code
Analysis of Levodopa Content in Commercial Mucuna pruriens Products Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection

Abstract Objectives: Mucuna pruriens (MP) seeds contain levodopa (up to 2% by weight) and have been used in traditional Indian medicine to treat an illness named “Kampavata,” now understood to be Parkinson's disease (PD). Studies have shown MP to be beneficial, and even superior, to levodopa alone in treating PD symptoms. Commercial products containing MP are readily available from online and retail sources to patients and physicians. Products often contain extracts of MP seeds, with significantly higher levodopa content than the seeds. However, MP products have limited regulatory controls with respect to quality and content of active ingredient. The aim of this study was to apply a quantitative method to determine levodopa content in readily available MP products that might be used by patients or in research studies. Design: Levodopa present in six commercial MP products was quantified by solvent extraction followed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to fluorescence d...
Evaluating Teachers in the Big Easy: How Organizational Context Shapes Policy Responses in New Orleans.

Although multiple-measure teacher evaluation systems have gained popularity in the United States, few studies have examined their implementation or how they are shaped by organizational context. Ne...
S. Typhimurium challenge in juvenile pigs modulates the expression and localization of enteric cholinergic proteins and correlates with mucosal injury and inflammation

The cholinergic system plays a central role in regulating critical gastrointestinal functions, including motility, secretion, barrier and immune function. In rodent models of acute, non-infectious gastrointestinal injury, the cholinergic system functions to inhibit inflammation; however, during inflammation local expression and regulation of the cholinergic system is not well known, particularly during infectious enteritis. The objective of this study was to determine the intrinsic expression of the enteric cholinergic system in pig ileum following an acute challenge with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104 (S. Typhimurium). At 2 d post-challenge, a three-fold reduction in ileal acetylcholine (ACh) levels was observed in challenged animals, compared with controls. Ileal acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was decreased (by four-fold) while choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression was increased in both the ileum and mesenteric lymph nodes. Elevated ChAT found to localize preferentially to mucosa overlying lymphoid follicles of the Peyers patch in challenged pigs, with more intense labeling for ChAT in S. Typhimurium challenged pigs compared to controls. Ileal mRNA gene expression of muscarinic receptor 1 and 3 was also increased in challenged pigs, while muscarinic receptor 2 and the nicotinic receptor alpha 7 subunit gene expression were unaffected. A positive correlation was observed between ChAT protein expression in the ileum, rectal temperature, and histopathological severity in challenged animals. These data show that inflammation from S. Typhimurium challenge alters enteric cholinergic expression by down-regulating acetylcholine concentration and acetylcholine degrading enzymes while increasing acetylcholine synthesis proteins and receptors. Given the known anti-inflammatory role of the cholinergic system, the divergent expression of cholinergic genes may represent an attempt to limit tissue damage by preserving cholinergic signaling in the face of low ligand availability.