cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Eruptive and functional changes in periodontal ligament fibroblast orientation in CD44 wild-type vs. knockout mice.

Background and Objective Periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts establish principal fibers of the ligament during tooth eruption, and maintain these fibers during occlusion. PDL development and occlusal adaptation includes changes in the orientation of PDL fibroblasts; however, the mechanism for these changes in orientation is unclear. The objective of this study was to compare PDL fibroblast orientation in different stages corresponding with first molar eruption and occlusion in CD44 wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice. Material and Methods CD44 WT and KO mice were raised to six postnatal stages corresponding with first molar (M1) eruption (postnatal day 8, 11, 14 and 18) and occlusion (postnatal day 26 and 41). Coronal sections of the first mandibular molar (M1) were prepared and the orientation of fibroblasts in the cervical root region was measured. Angle measurements were compared across developmental stages and between strains using Watson–Williams F-test (oriana software) and ANCOVA. Results PDL fibroblast orientation increased significantly in CD44 WT (9–87°) and KO mice (14–93°; p ≤ 0.05) between intraosseous eruption (day 11), mucosal penetration (day 14) and preocclusal eruption (day 18); however, the PDL fibroblast orientation did not change significantly with the onset of occlusion (day 26) or continued function (day 41). Within each strain, the variance in fibroblast orientation during preocclusal eruption (day 18) was significantly higher than the variance of all other time points (p < 0.0005). CD44 WT and KO mice showed a similar pattern of PDL development and eruption with a significant difference in CD44 WT vs. KO fibroblast orientations only during early function (day 26, 92° vs 116°; p = 0.05). Conclusions The development of PDL fibroblast orientation is highly similar between CD44 WT and KO mice. Between early (day 11) and late (day 18) eruptive stages PDL fibroblast orientation increases, corresponding with the upward movement of M1. The PDL fibroblast orientation established in preocclusal eruption (day 18) is maintained during early (day 26) and late (day 41) stages of occlusal function, suggesting that PDL cells adapt to mechanical loads in the oral cavity before M1 occlusion.
Key processing with control vectors

A method is presented for controlling cryptographic key usage based on control vectors. Each cryptographic key has an associated control vector that defines the permitted uses of the key within the cryptographic system. At key generation, the control vector is cryptographically coupled to the key by way of a special encryption process. Each encrypted key and control vector are stored and distributed within the cryptographic system as a single token. Decryption of a key requires respecification of the control vector. As part of the decryption process, the cryptographic hardware verifies that the requested use of the key is authorized by the control vector. This article focuses mainly on the use of control vectors in cryptosystems based on the Data Encryption Algorithm.
Object-oriented programming in scheme

We describe a small set of additions to Scheme to support object-oriented programming, including a form of multiple inheritance. The extensions proposed are in keeping with the spirit of the Scheme language and consequently differ from Lisp-based object systems such as Flavors and the Common Lisp Object System. Our extensions mesh neatly with the underlying Scheme system. We motivate our design with examples, and then describe implementation techniques that yields efficiency comparable to dynamic object-oriented language implementations considered to be high performance. The complete design has an almost-portable implementation, and the core of this design comprises the object system used in T, a dialect of Scheme. The applicative bias of our approach is unusual in object-oriented programming systems.
T-cell-dependent and independent plasma cell differentiation induced by Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Abstract Responsiveness of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide was investigated. Reproducible plasma cell development was observed in LPS-stimulated cultures of human PBLs when two criteria were met: (1) crowded culture conditions, and (2) depletion or removal of adherent cell populations. All isotypes were expressed in culture with IgM-plasma cells being predominant. IgG-and IgA-plasma cells were usually first detectable 1–2 days after IgM-producing cells appeared. Cellular requirements for LPS-induced differentiation of human PBLs were examined. A reproducible IgM-plasma cell response could be detected in cultures of B-cell fractions with less than 2% T cells. When T cells were added to B-cell fractions, IgG- and IgA-plasma cells developed and the IgM response was significantly enhanced. Splenic lymphocytes responded to LPS in a similar manner to PBLs. Minimal thymidine incorporation was seen in LPS-treated blood or spleen lymphocyte cultures. LPS may provide a useful complementary system to pokeweed mitogen for stimulating plasma cell development by human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Expert testimony: Martha Steenstrup

Welcome to the Expert Testimony series, where we interview the leading researchers in mobile computing and wireless networking to get their perspectives on their work, and their thoughts on the evolution of the field.
Exchange Lemmas for Singular Perturbation Problems with Certain Turning Points

Abstract In this work, singular perturbation problems with a certain type of turning point are studied from a geometric point of view. We first describe the delay phenomenon, initially studied by Pontryagin, of dynamics near the slow manifold possessing the turning points. Based on the local properties of such turning points and the center manifold theory for general invariant manifolds developed by Chow, Liu, and Yi, we extend the well-known exchange lemma, first formulated by Jones and Kopell for problems with normally hyperbolic slow manifolds, to problems with this type of turning point. Applications to singular boundary value problems with turning points are discussed.
Critical fixed points in discrete hydrodynamics

Abstract A discrete-cell formulation of hydrodynamics was recently introduced, which is exactly renormalizable in a certain sense: if one knows the discrete equations of motion for a certain cell size W and discrete time interval τ, one can accurately numerically calculate the equations of motion on the coarser scales 2W or 2τ. These coarsening transformations have previously been investigated for the one-dimensional diffusive system. A line of fixed points was found, parameterized by the (positive) diffusivity D'. In this paper we examine the behavior of the coarsening transformation on the D' = 0 manifold in the space of equations of motion for one-dimensional systems. We find another line of fixed points, this one parameterized by the super-Burnett coefficient D'3. This corresponds to a Gaussian critical point. The possibility of generalizing this to non-Gaussian (Ising-like) critical points is discussed.
Closed and complete spacelike hypersurfaces in Minkowski space

Let M be an embedded submanifold of a complete Riemannian manifold V. If M is a closed subset, then it must also be complete. However, the converse is false, even if V is Rn. The situation is quite different for spacelike hypersurfaces in Lorentz manifolds. It is shown that for f:Mn to Ln+1, a spacelike immersion into Minkowski space, if f induces a complete metric on M then f(M) is closed; indeed, f is an embedding, and f(M) is an achronal graph over any spacelike hyperplane. Conversely, it is shown that for Vn+1 a b-complete Lorentz manifold and f:Mn to Vn+1, a spacelike immersion with bounded principal curvatures, if f is proper (e.g. a closed embedding) then it induces a complete metric on M.
Reconstruction of the concha to restore hearing after cartilage harvest for rhinoplasty.

Conchal cartilage is widely used in aesthetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty. Preoperatively, patients must be counseled concerning possible postoperative donor site complications. These include visible scarring and changes in ear position (the distance that the ear protrudes from the side of the head) and shape (the volume and depth of the conchal bowl). To my knowledge, this report provides the first case of a documented hearing loss secondary to cartilage harvest and the subsequent conchal reconstruction done to restore hearing.
GRADER: A computer program that recommends student letter grades

GRADER, a computer program that makes student test and/or course letter grade recommendations to instructors, is described. The program uses an algorithm to combine the content mastery (percentage correct) and peer comparison (“curve”) approaches to set grade cutoffs. In addition to standardizing the procedures with which letter grade cutoffs are made, GRADER may help to reduce instructor grading subjectivity and obviate tendencies toward grade inflation or deflation.
Postscript: research agenda to guide the next generation of public reports for consumers.

There is significant interest in building the next generation of public reporting tools that will more effectively engage consumers and better enable them to make use of comparative performance inf...
Teleradiology/PACS usage: A survey of the American Society of Emergency Radiology Membership

The purpose of this study was to assess the use of teleradiology/picture archiving and communications (PACS) systems for emergency patients by members of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER). Results were tabulated from a survey mailed to ASER members in February 1997. The listed percentages are based on the total number of answers to a particular question.
Application of the ring-on-ring test for abrasive wear modeling of rolling undercarriage components in track-type machines

This study demonstrates the application of the ring-on-ring test to investigate some of the important factors affecting the abrasive wear of rolling undercarriage components in track-type machines. The test involves the rolling contact between two steel rings and the systematic delivery of sand-sized third-body particles into the contact interface to induce abrasive wear. The wear factors addressed in this paper include: the number of cycles, contact load, mineralogical and grain-size composition of abrasive particles, mating combination of steels with different physical properties and moisture (wet versus dry) condition. A contact model is proposed to explain the wear relationships derived by this study. The model involves primary stages of load accommodation at the rolling contact interface. These include the penetration of pristine abrasive particles into the steel (stage 1), fragmentation or crushing of the particles (stage 2), and indentation of hard crushed particles into the steel (stage 3).
Latest Nucleosynthesis Constraints on the Baryon Density of the Universe

Big-bang nucleosynthesis plays a crucial role in constraining big-bang cosmology. Although the uncertainties in the observations of the light elements are governed by systematic effects, firm bounds on the density of baryons in the Universe can be set. On-going observations of deuterium in high-redshift quasar absorption systems will provide tight constraints on the density of baryons.
Evaluation of moisture damage in hot mix asphalt using simple performance and superpave indirect tensile tests

Abstract Moisture damage has been one of the major concerns for hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. In the present study, efforts have been made to evaluate the moisture damage of a dense-graded surface HMA mixture using simple performance test (SPT) and Superpave™ indirect tensile test (IDT). Coarse gravels at three different angularity levels (100, 50 and 0% fractured surface counts) were used to produce mixtures with similar aggregate gradations. Asphalt binders (PG 64-22) with and without amine-based antistrip additive (ASA) were used to make mixtures for laboratory moisture damage evaluations. Specimens were conditioned by four different methods: (1) one cycle of freeze-thaw (F-T), (2) two cycles of F-T, (3) 500 cycles of pore pressure pulses with Moisture Induced Stress Tester (MIST), and (4) 1000 cycles with MIST. The dynamic modulus, Superpave IDT creep, resilient modulus and strength tests were performed on conditioned and unconditioned specimens. The results from this study indicated that the SPT dynamic modulus test and the Superpave IDT with F-T or MIST conditionings were effective to characterize lab-measured moisture susceptibility of HMA mixtures. Increasing F-T or MIST cycles would increase moisture damage in HMA mixtures. Amine-based antistrip additive was effective to decrease the moisture damage in HMA mixtures. Increasing coarse aggregate angularity (CAA) levels could increase dynamic modulus; however, it seemed that CAA had no significant effects on the lab-measured moisture resistance of HMA mixtures.
In the footsteps of Abraham Jacobi, an early international medical graduate: contributions of a single South African medical school to US pediatrics.

Abraham Jacobi is generally recognized as the father of pediatrics in the United States. He was born in Germany and graduated from the University of Bonn in 1851 at a time of political turmoil. He was jailed for 2 years for high treason as a result of his activities as a member of a democratic revolutionary group. He was advised to leave the country to escape additional prosecution. After a brief, unsuccessful attempt to set up a practice in England, he made his way to the United States in 1853 during a period when immigrants from Europe were being welcomed with open arms. He established a practice in the Bowery in New York City, which, at the time, housed a quarter of a million German immigrants and hundreds of thousands of others seeking opportunities in the land of the free. His practice grew by leaps and bounds, and he began translating abstracts of articles from Germany dealing with diseases of children as well as publishing in US journals. In 1859, he co-authored the textbook Midwifery and Diseases of Women and Children. His 1860 appointment as Professor in Infantile Pathology and Therapeutics at New York Medical College was one of the first, if not the first, such academic appointment in pediatrics in the United States. In recognition of his clinical skills, his dynamic bedside teaching, and his contributions to the scientific literature, he was offered and accepted a professorial appointment at Columbia in 1870. However, he had to wait 18 years before he was granted faculty voting privileges. Jacobi’s Therapeutics of Infancy and Children was first published in 1895. He remained at Columbia until his death in 1919, having served as president of both the American Pediatric Society (APS) and the American Medical Association.1–3 As the first international … Reprint requests to (G.S.G.) Emeritus Staff Office, Plummer 10, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905. E-mail: gilchrist-gerald{at}msn.com
Geochemical interactions between constituents in acidic groundwater and alluvium in an aquifer near Globe, Arizona

Abstract Acidic water from a copper-mining area has contaminated an alluvial aquifer and stream near Globe, Arizona. The most contaminated groundwater has a pH of 3.3, and contains about 100 mmol/1 SO4, 50 mmol/1 Fe, 11 mmol/1 Al and 3 mmol/1 Cu. Reactions between alluvium and acidic groundwater were first evaluated in laboratory column experiments. A geochemical model was developed and used in the equilibrium speciation program, MINTEQA2, to simulate breakthrough curves for different constituents from the column. The geochemical model was then used to simulate the measured changes in concentration of aqueous constituents along a flow path in the aquifer. The pH was predominantly controlled by reaction with carbonate minerals. Where carbonates had been dissolved, adsorption of H+ by iron oxides was used to simulate pH. Acidic groundwater contained little or no dissolved oxygen, and most aqueous Fe was present as Fe(II). In the anoxic core of the plume, Fe(II) was oxidized by MnO2 to Fe(III), which then precipitated as Fe(OH)3. Attenuation of aqueous Cu, Co, Mn, Ni and Zn was a function of pH and could be quantitatively modeled with the diffuse-layer, surface complexation model in MINTEQA2. Aluminum precipitated as amorphous Al(OH)3 at pH After the alluvium in the column had reached equilibrium with acidic groundwater, uncontaminated groundwater was eluted through the column to evaluate the effect of reactants on groundwater remediation. The concentration of Fe, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni and Zn rapidly decreased to the detection limits within a few pore volumes. All of the gypsum that had precipitated initially redissolved, resulting in elevated Ca and SO4 concentrations for about 5 pore volumes. Aluminum and pH exhibited the most potential for continued adverse effects on groundwater quality. As H+ desorbed from Fe(OH)3, pH remained below 4.5 for more than 20 pore volumes, resulting in dissolution of AlOHSO4 and elevated aqueous Al.
Will Bush energize U.S. climate and global change research

Climate and global change research is at a major crossroads. Congress is currently considering amendments to the 1990 law that created the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). In addition, the Bush administration is examining how to accelerate progress in climate change research and in the development of efficient energy technologies. The administration is also debating new mechanisms to manage global change research more effectively. These actions are well-supported in the recommendations of a number of National Research Council reports. Hence, the potential for the Bush administration to energize U.S. climate and global change research through new programs and a more integrated management is considerable. However, the administration is holding its cards very closely to the vest, creating considerable unease in the scientific community. The success of these research programs is not assured unless: (1) the scientific community is fully engaged as a partner in the formulation of management plans and scientific priorities, and (2) the president's new climate initiatives complement and enhance a strong U.S. Global Change Research Program.
The effects of acute morphine treatment on the incorporation of [3H]L-lysine by normal and regenerating facial nucleus neurons.

Abstract Although opiates significantly alter RNA and protein synthesis in a variety of neuronal cell types, their effect on the biosynthetic activity of regenerating neurons has not been investigated. In the present study, the effect of morphine on the incorporation of [ 3 H] l -lysine into proteins of facial nucleus neurons was examined by light microscopic radioautography. Silver grains present within various compartments of normal and regenerating (3-, 7-, 14- and 21 days post-axotomy) neurons from saline-treated Wistar rats were compared with the amount present in similar cells from animals receiving 40 mg/kg morphine sulfate i.v. At 14- and 21-days post-axotomy, regenerating neurons were larger and the grain count in the emulsion over these cells was greater than that observed in normal (unoperated) neurons. In normal facial neurons, the accumulation of lysine into the nucleus and nucleolus was significantly lower 60 min after morphine administration. However, morphine's inhibition of lysine incorporation was even more pronounced in regenerating neurons. In these cells, nuclear lysine uptake was depressed at 3 and 7 days, while maximum inhibition of cytoplasmic incorporation occurred at 14-days post-axotomy. Morphine administration decreased nucleolar lysine incorporation at all survival intervals.
A recombinant molecule from a disseminating strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae that confers serum bactericidal resistance.

Abstract A cosmid gene library was prepared from Neisseria gonorrhoeae JC1, a serum-resistant clinical isolate from a patient with disseminated gonococcal infection. From this library a recombinant molecule, pWM3, was isolated which had the ability to transform F62, a serum-sensitive strain of N. gonorrhoeae, to serum resistance. This plasmid contained 2.2 kilobases of insert gonococcal DNA that coded for two peptides, one of 29 kilodaltons (kDa) and one of 17.5 kDa. Deletion of the region coding for the 29-kDa peptide resulted in the loss of the ability of the plasmid to transform F62 to serum resistance. N. gonorrhoeae F62 acquired the ability to bind blocking antibody when transformed with pWM3 or subclones that code for only the 29-kDa protein. Although similar in size, the cloned 29-kDa protein and protein III are antigenically distinct.
An update on prognosis in breast cancer patients with extensive axillary disease.

: Lymph node (LN) status is the most important factor in predicting survival in breast cancer. Historically, patients with 10 or more positive LN have been thought to have a particularly poor prognosis, which has in the past been used to alter therapeutic recommendations. Studies conducted both prior to and after the use of anthracycline-based chemotherapy demonstrate poor survival. We hypothesized that the current survival rate is considerably higher. All patients with breast cancer treated at our institution between July 1991 and December 2005 with at least 10 positive axillary LN were identified. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was performed using age, number of positive nodes, and primary tumor characteristics. Of 55 patients identified, two were excluded for incomplete follow-up information. The median patient age was 53; median follow-up was 5-years. The overall 5-year survival rate was 71.9%. On univariate analysis estrogen receptor (ER) status (p = 0.0001), progesterone receptor status (p = 0.004), use of adjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.01), T-stage (p = 0.03), and adjuvant hormonal therapy (p = 0.002) were statistically significant for survival. In the multivariate analysis, only ER status and the use of adjuvant chemotherapy remained significant for survival. ER negativity conferred a hazard ratio of 12.6 (95% confidence interval: 3.7–43.2) and the use of adjuvant chemotherapy had a hazard ratio of 0.14 (95% confidence interval: 0.04–0.46). In our study, patients with at least 10 positive axillary LN had a 5-year survival of 71.9% which may be due to the improvements in local and systemic therapy.
Studies on microwaves in medicine and biology: from snails to humans.

This d'Arsonval Medal acceptance presentation highlights several research themes selected from Dr. Lin's published works, focusing on the microwave portion of the nonionizing electromagnetic spectrum. The topics discussed include investigation of microwave effects on the spontaneous action potentials and membrane resistance of isolated snail neurons, effects on the permeability of blood brain barriers in rats, the phenomenon and interaction mechanism for the microwave auditory effect (the hearing of microwave pulses by animals and humans), the development of miniature catheter antennas for microwave interstitial hyperthermia treatment of cancer, the application of transcatheter microwave ablation for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, and the use of noninvasive wireless technology for sensing of human vital signs and blood pressure pulse waves. The paper concludes with some observations on research and other endeavors in the interdisciplinary field of bioelectromagnetics. Bioelectromagnetics 25:146–159, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Exploring the Evolved Concept of Newcomer: Experimental Tests of a Cognitive Model

Enduring human coalitions face the adaptive problem of integrating new members. Although newcomers can provide benefits (e.g., additional labor), newcomers can also create costs (e.g., by free riding). Due to the unique adaptive problems they pose, we hypothesize that the mind contains an evolved concept of NEWCOMER. We test the design of this concept experimentally and show that the activation of the NEWCOMER concept elicits a variety of anti-free rider responses (e.g., a decrease in trust) with adaptively-targeted exceptions (e.g., a minimal increase in exclusion sentiment). These results support the hypothesis that the mind contains specialized concepts for understanding, creating, and sustaining intergenerational coalitions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)
Transform image enhancement

Blockwise transform image enhancement techniques are discussed. Previously, transform image enhancement has usually been based on the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) applied to the whole image. Two major drawbacks with the DFT are high complexity of implementation involving complex multiplications and additions, with intermediate results being complex numbers, and the creation of severe block effects if image enhancement is done blockwise. In addition, the quality of enhancement is not very satisfactory. It is shown that the best transforms for transform image coding, namely, the scrambled real discrete Fourier transform, the discrete cosine transform, and the discrete cosine-III transform, are also the best for image enhancement. Three techniques of enhancement discussed in detail are alpha-rooting, modified unsharp masking, and filtering motivated by the human visual system response (HVS). With proper modifications, it is observed that unsharp masking and HVS-motivated filtering without nonlinearities are basically equivalent. Block effects are completely removed by using an overlap-save technique in addition to the best transform.
Metric-Entropy Pairs on Lattices.

We introduce the notion of ∧ -a nd∨-pairs of functions on lattices as an ab- straction of the notions of metric and its related entropy for probability distributions. This approach allows us to highlight the relationships that exist between various prop- erties of metrics and entropies and opens the possibility of extending these concepts to other algebraic structures.
Feedback Decoupling for Affine Nonllnear Systems Possesslng Symmetries

Systems possessing symmetries always have good structure They may also have other good properties. In this paper, Feedback decoupling problems for affine nonlinear systems with symmetries are discussed by using the techniques of differential geometry. The concept of derived distributions is firstly defined for systems with symmetries under the actions of compact connected Lie groups. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the solvability of our problem are given. We can see from the results that our conditions are simpler than those of systems without symmetries. This indicates that systems with symmetries always have good structure as well as other good properties indeed.
Interactions of Sen1, Nrd1, and Nab3 with Multiple Phosphorylated Forms of the Rpb1 C-Terminal Domain in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae SEN1 gene codes for a nuclear, ATP-dependent helicase which is embedded in a complex network of protein-protein interactions. Pleiotropic phenotypes of mutations in SEN1 suggest that Sen1 functions in many nuclear processes, including transcription termination, DNA repair, and RNA processing. Sen1, along with termination factors Nrd1 and Nab3, is required for the termination of noncoding RNA transcripts, but Sen1 is associated during transcription with coding and noncoding genes. Sen1 and Nrd1 both interact directly with Nab3, as well as with the C-terminal domain (CTD) of Rpb1, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. It has been proposed that Sen1, Nab3, and Nrd1 form a complex that associates with Rpb1 through an interaction between Nrd1 and the Ser5-phosphorylated (Ser5-P) CTD. To further study the relationship between the termination factors and Rpb1, we used two-hybrid analysis and immunoprecipitation to characterize sen1-R302W, a mutation that impairs an interaction between Sen1 and the Ser2-phosphorylated CTD. Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicates that the impairment of the interaction between Sen1 and Ser2-P causes the reduced occupancy of mutant Sen1 across the entire length of noncoding genes. For protein-coding genes, mutant Sen1 occupancy is reduced early and late in transcription but is similar to that of the wild type across most of the coding region. The combined data suggest a handoff model in which proteins differentially transfer from the Ser5- to the Ser2-phosphorylated CTD to promote the termination of noncoding transcripts or other cotranscriptional events for protein-coding genes.
High frequency thermal-piezoresistive MEMS resonators for detection of organic gases

This paper reports on high frequency micromechanical resonant silicon microbalances capable of detection and concentration measurement of volatile organic compounds in gas phase. In this work, regular gasoline has been used as the source of organic compounds in gas phase and 1813 photoresist has been used as the absorbent coating on the resonator surfaces. A new technique for formation of thicker polymer coatings on resonator surfaces has been utilized allowing frequency shifts as high as 2200ppm to be achieved for the resonators upon exposure to gasoline vapor. This is equivalent to an effective thickness of ∼40nm for the absorbed organic compounds. Measured response time constants are around 40 seconds. Faster and more sensitive responses are expected to be achievable by maximization of the absorbing surface area using porous resonator structure coatings.
Relationship Between Home Literacy Environment and Reading Achievement in Children with Reading Disabilities

Past research has indicated that a significant relationship exists between young children's early home literacy environment and their reading-related skills. However, this relationship has rarely been investigated among older children with reading disabilities (RD). In the present study, the relationship between parent and child home literacy activities and children's academic functioning was investigated with a sample of 65 elementary-age children with RD. The results indicated that children's home literacy activities were not significantly related to any of their academic abilities, whereas parents' home literacy activities were significantly related to children's passage comprehension and spelling scores. However, relationships between home literacy environment and reading may be different for children with and without RD.
Shallow and deep lunge feeding of humpback whales in fjords of the West Antarctic Peninsula

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) belong to the class of marine mammals known as rorquals that feed through extraordinarily energetic lunges during which they engulf large volumes of water equal to as much as 70% of their body mass. To understand the kinematics of humpback lunge feeding, we attached high-resolution digital recording tags incorporating accelerometers, magnetometers, pressure and sound recording to whales feeding on euphausiids in fjords of the West Antarctic Peninsula. Instances of near vertical lunges gave us the unique opportunity to use the signal from the accelerometer to obtain a fine scale record of the body accelerations involved in lunging. We found that lunges contain extreme accelerations reaching 2.5 m/s2 in certain instances, which are then followed by decelerations. When animals are intensively feeding the inter-lunge interval is similar for both deep and shallow lunges suggesting a biomechanical constraint on lunges. However, the number of lunges per dive varies from one for shallow feeding (<25 m) to a median of six for deeper dives. Different feeding patterns were evident in the kinematic record, for deep and shallow feeding bouts with the much greater mean turn rates occurring in shallow feeding.
Casting a Wider Net: Whole-Cell Assays to Capture Varied and Biased Signaling

The observation of complex receptor behaviors has shown how ligands can have multiple efficacies and can also differentially stimulate certain cellular signaling pathways over others (i.e., biased signaling). Conventional pharmacological assays (usually proximal to the receptor) will detect ligands that produce the signal defined by the assay (i.e., Ca²⁺, cAMP, and others) but otherwise may miss biased ligands that produce little activation of pathways not measured by the assay. In theory, this is less of a hazard for generic whole-cell assays, which may be sensitive to multiple signaling inputs. Whole-cell assays have the advantage of detecting effects induced by a variety of receptor interactions with cytosolic proteins, including those that may be previously unknown. These ideas are discussed within the context of the high-throughput flow cytometry measurement of receptor internalization described by Wu et al. in the current issue of the journal. The internalization of receptors can be a useful therapeutic modality and the article by Wu et al. illustrates how this new assay, targeted to downstream cellular effects, can uncover unique ligand efficacies linked to receptor internalization.
A first-order theory of Stanislavskian scene analysis

At the turn of the last century, Constantin Stanislavski developed a new system of acting, replacing the mannered gestures and forced emotion then popular with a more natural style. The core of his system lay in having actors perform a process of scene analysis, in which an actor would flesh out the circumstances of the play so that the character's motivations and actions would follow logically. This paper is an attempt to ground Stanislavski's method of scene analysis in a formal theory of action. We discuss the relations between Stanislavskian and formal AI theories of action and planning, give a formal definition of the end product of a scene analysis, and characterize the conditions under which a scene analysis is coherent.
Dynamic load distribution in the Borealis stream processor

Distributed and parallel computing environments are becoming cheap and commonplace. The availability of large numbers of CPU's makes it possible to process more data at higher speeds. Stream-processing systems are also becoming more important, as broad classes of applications require results in real-time. Since load can vary in unpredictable ways, exploiting the abundant processor cycles requires effective dynamic load distribution techniques. Although load distribution has been extensively studied for the traditional pull-based systems, it has not yet been fully studied in the context of push-based continuous query processing. In this paper, we present a correlation based load distribution algorithm that aims at avoiding overload and minimizing end-to-end latency by minimizing load variance and maximizing load correlation. While finding the optimal solution for such a problem is NP-hard, our greedy algorithm can find reasonable solutions in polynomial time. We present both a global algorithm for initial load distribution and a pair-wise algorithm for dynamic load migration.
Band-Limited Morphometric Analysis of the Intracardiac Signal: Implications for Antitachycardia Devices

Inappropriate electrical therapy and power efficiency play a major role in algorithm implementation for antitachycardia devices (ATD) that capture, store, and analyze the patient electrogram as an adjunct to rate determination. Morphologically based algorithms have been demonstrated to improve specificity, thereby decreasing occurrences of inappropriate electrical therapy. However, morphologically based algorithms are power demanding. Optimization of power efficiency can be achieved by eliminating unnecessary algorithmic computation, but must not compromise the effectiveness of algorithms, which perform direct analysis on raw signals. Significant reductions can be achieved by reduced sampling rates, which allow for increased overall ATD efficiency via concomitant decreases in computation and data storage. This investigation determined the upper and lower bounds for filter cutoff frequency beyond which detection precision by an established morphometric method for arrhythmia classification, correlation waveform analysis (CWA), was unfavorable. Four measurement statistics were used. In ten patients with inducible VT and VF, all bipolar intraventricular electrograms were classified correctly with a minimum passband of 10–50 Hz using any of the four measurement statistics. There was ± 80% correct classification using all four measurement statistics with passbands having low frequency cutoffs ± 15 Hz and high frequency cutoffs ± 50 Hz. Correct classification of ± 90% of unipolar electrograms during NSR, VT, and VF occurred using all four measurement statistics with a passband of 1–50 Hz. There was ± 80% correct classification with passbands 1, 10, 15, or 20–500 Hz and 10–50 Hz. The classification of NSR, VT, and VF was most accurate on an intrapatient basis. Accuracy decreased using an interpatient rhythm classification. Optimum filter settings of 1–50 Hz and 10–50 Hz were determined for unipolar and bipolar electrograms, respectively. Sampling data at 120 Hz was found to be sufficient. Bipolar electrode configuration statistically outperfomed unipolar data. In conclusion, morphometric analysis of bipolar and unipolar intraventricular electrograms appears to be achievable using band limited data and reduced sampling rates.
Two E2 binding sites (E2BS) alone or one E2BS plus an A/T-rich region are minimal requirements for the replication of the human papillomavirus type 11 origin.

Abstract Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cannot be propagated in vitro, but the DNA can be replicated transiently in an assay in the presence of two trans-acting viral proteins, E1 and E2. Using this assay, we have defined the minimal cis-acting elements of the origin of replication of HPV type 11. Most HPV genomes are conserved at the origin of replication, and the core contains three E2 binding sites (E2BS) surrounding an A/T-rich spacer region. The present results show that the minimal requirement for replication is either two E2BS alone or the A/T-rich region plus one E2BS; in the latter case the relative position of the E2BS is important. In all the studies, the presence of both E1 and E2 proteins was essential for replication, yet only the E2BS was required at the origin. We have shown that E1, E2, and the origin of replication containing an E2BS from a complex in vitro, and our data are consistent with a model in which E2 acts to target E1 to the HPV type 11 replication origin.
Health-related quality of life in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a concept analysis.

Aim The purpose of this concept analysis is to examine the health-related quality of life in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Background COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with moderate to severe COPD has not been clearly defined. Design Walker and Avant's concept analysis methodology was employed. Review Methods The author examined articles focusing on QoL, HRQoL, and HRQoL in COPD. Results The concept analysis explores the negative consequences related to COPD while defining HRQoL and the characteristics of positive HRQoL. Conclusion Patients living with COPD should be assessed for HRQoL status.
NeuralWISP: An energy-harvesting wireless neural interface with 1-m range

We present the NeuralWISP, a wireless neural interface operating from harvested RF energy. The NeuralWISP is compatible with commercial RFID readers and operates at a range up to 1m. It includes a custom low-noise, low power amplifier IC for processing the neural signal and an analog spike detection circuit for reducing digital computational requirements and communications bandwidth. Our system monitors the neural signal and periodically transmits the spike density in a user-programmable time window. The entire system draws an average 20 muA from the harvested 1.8V supply.
Transformed social interaction, augmented gaze, and social influence in immersive virtual environments

Immersive collaborative virtual environments (CVEs) are simulations in which geographically separated individuals interact in a shared, three-dimensional, digital space using immersive virtual environment technology. Unlike videoconference technology, which transmits direct video streams, immersive CVEs accurately track movements of interactants and render them nearly simultaneously (i.e., in real time) onto avatars, three-dimensional digital representations of the interactants. Nonverbal behaviors of interactants can be rendered veridically or transformed strategically (i.e., rendered nonveridically). This research examined augmented gaze, a transformation in which a given interactant's actual head movements are transformed by an algorithm that renders his or her gaze directly at multiple interactants simultaneously, such that each of the others perceives that the transformed interactant is gazing only at him or her. In the current study, a presenter read a persuasive passage to two listeners under various transformed gaze conditions, including augmented gaze. Results showed that women agreed with a persuasive message more during augmented gaze than other gaze conditions. Men recalled more verbal information from the passage than women. Implications for theories of social interaction and computer-mediated communication are discussed.
Complications of sinus surgery using powered instrumentation

Powered instrumentation is a widely employed technical refinement of endoscopic sinus surgery. Its capacity for rapid, accurate dissection, sparing adjacent uninvolved mucosa, has proved popular in a variety of surgical situations. However, the widespread use of powered dissection has been associated with a dramatic increase in the scale of injury resulting from surgical complications. For example, orbital fat exposure, which is often of limited consequence in surgery performed with conventional instrumentation, can result in potentially devastating intraorbital injury if the powered instrument is misdirected. This added potential for surgical complication needs to be factored into decisions regarding the routine use of powered instruments.
Andean Lives: Gregorio Condori Mamani and Asunta Quispe Huamán

Andean Lives: Gregorio Condori Mamani and Asunta Quispe Huaman. Ricardo Valderrama Fernandez and Carmen Escalante Gutierrez. eds. Paul H. Gelles and Gabwela Martinez Escobar. trans. Austin. University of Texas Press, 1997. xii. 199 pp., photographs, glossary, references, index.
Genetic diversity predicts pathogen resistance and cell-mediated immunocompetence in house finches

Evidence is accumulating that genetic variation within individual hosts can influence their susceptibility to pathogens. However, there have been few opportunities to experimentally test this relationship, particularly within outbred populations of non-domestic vertebrates. We performed a standardized pathogen challenge in house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) to test whether multilocus heterozygosity across 12 microsatellite loci predicts resistance to a recently emerged strain of the bacterial pathogen, Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG). We simultaneously tested whether the relationship between heterozygosity and pathogen susceptibility is mediated by differences in cell-mediated or humoral immunocompetence. We inoculated 40 house finches with MG under identical conditions and assayed both humoral and cell-mediated components of the immune response. Heterozygous house finches developed less severe disease when infected with MG, and they mounted stronger cell-mediated immune responses to phytohaemagglutinin. Differences in cell-mediated immunocompetence may, therefore, partly explain why more heterozygous house finches show greater resistance to MG. Overall, our results underscore the importance of multilocus heterozygosity for individual pathogen resistance and immunity.
Quantification of FDG uptake of the joints in rheumatoid arthritis and correlations with clinical disease activity using volumetric PET/CT parameters

368 Objectives Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease affecting small and large joints. Joint Inflammation is detectable with FDG-PET. The purpose of this study is to measure global FDG uptake in the joints of patients with RA and compare to clinical indices of disease activity Methods Fifteen patients with RA underwent whole-body PET/CT. Joint inflammation was assessed by measuring FDG uptake using novel volumetric PET/CT indices such as metabolic active volume (MAV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG=MAV×SUVmean). The association between global joints uptake with clinical measures of disease activity was performed using Spearman correlations Results There were fifteen (male:11) patients with mean age of 56.5 (SD:12.9) and a median disease duration of 7.4 years. On average, composite disease activity scores were low [DAS28=3.74 (1.1)] although the median CRP level was modestly elevated at 1.2 (IQR 0.5,1.6). SUVmean (rho=0.76,p=0.001) and TLG (rho=0.70,p=0.004) strongly correlated with CRP level in 14 cases. TLG tended to correlate with total number of swollen joints (rho=0.369,P=0.17) whereas there was no correlation with subjective clinical measures of Patient Global Assessment scores (rho=-0.363,p=0.18) Physician Global Assessment scores (rho=0.134,p=0.633) or tender joint counts (rho=-0.281,p=0.310). Patients who were positive for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies were more likely to have elevated PET measures (p=0.04) Conclusions FDG uptake in inflamed joints correlates best with measures of systemic inflammation, seropositivity and objective evidence of joint swelling in RA while showing poor correlation with subjective measures of disease activity. Based on these preliminary data we believe approaches in this scientific communication will play a major role in assessing the activity of inflammatory joint disease in patients with RA
Table of Cos ψij, Scalar Products Derived Using Ekman's Formula 5

Ekman, Engen, Kuennapas, and Lindman ( 1964), in a series of experiments which spanned a wide variety of perceptual and judgmental areas, found a general principle which "validated" Ekrnan's (1954, 1955) first proposed method of similarity analysis, a multidimensional scaling scheme. They found that, when assuming the perceived intensities of stimuli are uniform, subjective similarity (stj) was a function of cos $u, slj = cos ~ l ~ / [ c o s ( $ J 2 ) ] . "Subjective similarity is given by the ratio between the projections (cos $) of any of the percept vectors on the other (reference) vector, and the projection [cos ( + / 2 ) ] of the"mean percept' vector on the same reference vector" (Ekman,