cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circumferential fracture of the skull base causing craniocervical dislocation: Case report

Fractures of the craniocervical junction are common in victims of high-speed motor vehicle accidents; indeed, injury to this area is often fatal. The authors present the unusual case of a young woman who sustained a circumferential fracture of the craniocervical junction. Despite significant trauma to this area, she suffered remarkably minor neurological impairment and made an excellent recovery. Her injuries, treatment, and outcome, as well as a review of the literature with regard to injuries at the craniocervical junction, are discussed.
US Welfare Reform: Rewriting the Social Contract

This paper analyses recent developments in US welfare policy and their implications for future reforms. The analysis begins by examining how the enactment of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programme in 1996 changed the essential character of public assistance and the major social forces that accounted for this fundamental shift in US welfare policy. It then shows how the most recent welfare reforms under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 broadened and intensified the TANF requirements, leaving four avenues along which issues of conditionality and entitlement are likely to be played out in future welfare reforms. Finally, the discussion highlights how a new social contract is being forged through progressive and conservative proposals, which shift the focus of public assistance from the right to financial support to the right to work and earn a living wage.
Comparison of Film Quality and Step Coverage for Silicon Dioxide Dielectrics Formed by Rtcvd Using Tetraethoxysilane and Silane

Rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition (RTCVD) oxides formed using TEOS and oxygen (O2) are compared with RTCVD oxides formed using silane (Silfy) and nitrous oxide (N2O)-These oxides were deposited under varying pressure and gas composition to investigate the film step coverage and electrical properties. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used in determining the oxide step coverage. Excellent oxide conformality, greater than 90 %, was achieved with Silfy and N2O over a wide range of aspect ratios. The average breakdown field obtained for the SiH4/N2O oxides is approximately 13 MV/cm, which is greater than values measured for oxides formed by conventional dry thermal process. Oxides deposited using TEOS typically have an average breakdown field of about 8 MV/cm. We conclude that the SiH4/N2O oxide process for the deposition of SiO2 films in a RTCVD reactor is a very promising candidate for sidewall spacer formation in advanced device applications.
A single test for the determination of parameters of the speed-time relationship for running

A validated expeditious method is needed to determine critical speed (CS) and the finite distance that can be covered above CS (D'). We tested the hypothesis that a single all-out 3-min running test would accurately determine CS and D'. Seven healthy subjects completed three constant-speed runs on a treadmill for the determination of CS and D', as well as an all-out 3-min test on a track for the determination of end-test speed (ES) and the distance above end-test speed (DES). ES (13.4 ± 2.8 km h(-1)) was not significantly different from the speed-1/time model CS (13.3 ± 2.8 km h(-1)). While DES (141 ± 34 m) was not significantly different from D' (204 ± 103 m), it underestimated D' in 5 of 7 subjects. Thus, the speed-1/time model CS can be accurately determined using a single 3-min test, while caution should be used in relating DES to D'.
A reevaluation of alternate bearing in pistachio

Abstract Studies documenting pistachio fruiting patterns ( Pistacia vera L.) conclude this species shows evidence of alternate bearing; fruit production fluctuates between an ‘on’ year of high yields and an ‘off’ year of low yields. However, alternate bearing in pistachio has never been statistically tested. We collected yields of 4288 trees over six years to test for alternate bearing in a mature orchard planted with ‘Kerman’ scions grafted onto P. integerrima rootstock – the combination planted on the bulk of the acreage in California. A majority (58%) of the trees exhibited statistically significant alternate bearing patterns. Yet 42% showed yield patterns that were indistinguishable from random fluctuations, the standard measure of alternate bearing ( I ) was only modest (mean I = 0.48), and I varied considerably among trees (range = 0.04–0.83). These findings support that pistachio shows alternate bearing behavior but suggest alternate bearing is less ubiquitous and fruiting patterns are more complex than previously suspected. The presence of such a diversity of yield dynamics creates considerable challenges for crop management and research.
In vivo length patterns of the medial collateral ligament during the stance phase of gait

Purpose The function of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) during gait has not been investigated. Our objective was to measure the kinematics of the medial collateral ligament during the stance phase of gait on a treadmill using a combined dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) and MRI technique.
Impact of childhood rape and aggravated assault on adult mental health

Associations among childhood assault (rape, aggravated assault, or both) and indices of adult mental health (posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive episode) were examined in a national probability sample of 4,008 (weighted) women. Relationships among assault characteristics and these adult mental health indices were also investigated. Findings suggested particularly deleterious effects for childhood aggravated assault and rapes that caused additional physical injury.
Formulation development of Carbamazepine–Nicotinamide co-crystals complexed with γ-cyclodextrin using supercritical fluid process

Abstract The objective of the present study was to formulate and characterize co-crystals of Carbamazepine (CBZ) and Nicotinamide (NCT) and inclusion complexes of these co-crystals with γ-cyclodextrin (CD). Gas anti-solvent method of supercritical fluid process (SCF) was used as the method of preparation. Formulations were evaluated by dissolution studies, differential scanning calorimetry, hot stage microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, 1 H NMR and X-ray powder diffraction. The dissolution studies show a 2.5-fold increase in dissolution rate in the case of co-crystals and a 40-fold increase when co-crystals were complexed with CD. A lower melting point (160 °C) was observed in the case of co-crystals and the exothermic peaks were missing for pure CBZ and co-crystals when they were complexed with CD. The absence of the melting peaks indicates complete complexation. Electron microscopy picture shows the absence of crystallinity in case of inclusion complexes and also the change in crystal structure for CBZ and NCT in the case of co-crystals. X-ray powder diffraction patterns of co-crystals and inclusion complexes were distinct from the starting materials and the shift in peaks of 1 H NMR confirmed intermolecular hydrogen bonding and complexation.
Emergency Contraception and Conscientious Objection

Emergency contraception — also known as the morning after pill — is marketed and sold, under various brand names, in over one hundred countries around the world. In some countries, customers can purchase the drug without a prescription. In others, a prescription must be presented to a licensed pharmacist. In virtually all of these countries, pharmacists are the last link in the chain of delivery. This article examines and ultimately rejects several standard moves in the bioethics literature on the right of pharmacists conscientiously to refuse to dispense emergency contraception. Its central thesis is that the standard ‘moderate’ solution to this problem is mistaken. Thus, when all publicly relevant interests are given their due, it is not acceptable to allow refusals in the big city, where pharmacies are plentiful, but forbid them in rural settings, where pharmacies are scarce. Rather, there should be strong public policy requiring that all pharmacists dispense emergency contraception to customers who request it, regardless of pharmacists' moral or religious objections.
Challenges in the management of exercise-induced asthma.

Exercise and physical activity are common triggers of symptoms in patients with asthma, although some individuals – especially athletes – may have symptoms with exercise alone. Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) describes airway hyper-reactivity that is observed following exercise in a patient who is not otherwise diagnosed with asthma; exercise-induced asthma (EIA) describes airway hyper-reactivity associated with exercise in a patient who has persistent asthma. Specific challenges affecting both the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions are discussed in this review. The past decade has seen substantial advances in our understanding of EIA and EIB, including new guidelines on their management. With appropriate therapy, all patients with exercise-related symptoms should be able to reach their desired level of performance.
Caenorhabditis elegans microRNAs of the let-7 family act in innate immune response circuits and confer robust developmental timing against pathogen stress

Animals maintain their developmental robustness against natural stresses through numerous regulatory mechanisms, including the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression by microRNAs (miRNAs). Caenorhabditis elegans miRNAs of the let-7 family (let-7-Fam) function semiredundantly to confer robust stage specificity of cell fates in the hypodermal seam cell lineages. Here, we show reciprocal regulatory interactions between let-7-Fam miRNAs and the innate immune response pathway in C. elegans. Upon infection of C. elegans larvae with the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the developmental timing defects of certain let-7-Fam miRNA mutants are enhanced. This enhancement is mediated by the p38 MAPK innate immune pathway acting in opposition to let-7-Fam miRNA activity, possibly via the downstream Activating Transcription Factor-7 (ATF-7). Furthermore, let-7-Fam miRNAs appear to exert negative regulation on the worm’s resistance to P. aeruginosa infection. Our results show that the inhibition of pathogen resistance by let-7 involves downstream heterochronic genes and the p38 MAPK pathway. These findings suggest that let-7-Fam miRNAs are integrated into innate immunity gene regulatory networks, such that this family of miRNAs modulates immune responses while also ensuring robust timing of developmental events under pathogen stress.
Modification of sediment geochemistry by the hydrocarbon seep tubeworm Lamellibrachia luymesi: A combined empirical and modeling approach

The sulfide-oxidizing symbiotic tubeworm Lamellibrachia luymesi is a dominant member of deep-sea hydrocarbon seep ecosystems on the Gulf of Mexico seafloor. This tubeworm forms large aggregations that can live for centuries and provide habitat for an assortment of associated fauna. Previous studies have suggested that persistence of these tubeworms for such long time periods is contingent upon their ability to supply sediments with sulfate. To examine this hypothesis, we characterized the tubeworm’s geochemical environment using pore water peepers and compared the measured depth profiles with those predicted by a sulfur diffusion–reaction–supply model. We found a large range of sulfide concentrations in the tubeworm habitat, indicating that this species can live under conditions of both high and low sulfide availability. In sediments rich in hydrocarbons, we found compelling evidence that tubeworms enhance microbial sulfide production, likely through a combination of sulfide uptake and sulfate release through their root-like structures buried in the sediment. Our in situ empirical data combined with the results of the geochemical model corroborate previous physiological studies that indicate that tubeworms release between 70% and 90% of the sulfate produced during sulfide oxidation by their symbionts across their roots into the surrounding sediment. In sediments low in hydrocarbon content, sulfide production is hydrocarbon-limited rather than sulfate-limited, and our model predicts that tubeworm growth could be limited by low sulfide availability.
Changes in Ultrastructure of Egg Albumen Pasteurized With Additives Used to Minimize Heat Denaturation

Abstract Macromolecular changes in albumen ultrastructure were observed with the electron microscope following pasteurization without and with various additives used commercially to minimize heat denaturation. Treatments included heating albumen from 5 and 60 day old refrigerated eggs for various times at 60° C. with (1) no additives, (2) aluminum sulfate plus lactic acid, (3) lactic acid alone, (4) aluminum sulfate alone, and heating at 54.5° C. with (5) hydrogen peroxide, (6) sodium hexameta phosphate, and (7) no additives. Heat denaturation was observed in treatments 1, 3 and 4 at 3.5 minutes and in treatments 5, 6 and 7 at 15 minutes. In treatments 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7, the denaturation was characterized by the formation of electron dense irregular clumps of approximately 0.1 μ. diameter which became more numerous and dense as heating time progressed. These clumps were denser in the center than at the periphery. In treatment 3, uniformly electron dense spheres of denatured protein approximately 0.3 μ. in diameter appeared after 3.5 minutes and their numbers increased with time. In treatment 2 heat denaturation appeared minimal and undenatured protein formed a light sandy image of near uniform electron dense material spotted frequently with only slightly more dense sandy zones of approximately 0.01 μ. diameter. The 5 and 60 day albumen gave similar overall results, except evidences of denaturation in the 60 day samples were slightly more pronounced.
The Temperature-Dependent Spectra of α and β Nitrogen Ice with Application to Triton

We present measurements of the temperature dependence of the near-infrared spectra of α and β nitrogen ice, measured in transmission in 1-cm-thick samples. Our 0.9-cm-1 resolution spectra of β ice reveal that the 4650 cm-1 (2.15 μm) hand is a complex, temperature-dependent absorption, composed of at least two components. For lower temperature α ice, our spectra show a complex, temperature-dependent pattern involving several weak features in addition to the strong, narrow band we attribute to a double phonon transition. We apply our results in modeling telescopic spectra of Triton and conclude that the spectral data are consistent with a surface composed predominantly of β nitrogen ice at temperatures between 35.6 and 41 K, in the form of grains of order 1 cm or larger in size or in the form of a surface glaze with a depth of at least 6 cm.
Estimation of the dynamics parameter of rain attenuation time series synthesizers

Time series synthesizers based on the Gamma and Lognormal distributions of rain attenuation are analyzed in this paper. The parameters of the models were obtained from measured rain attenuation time series of five terrestrial links operating at 15 GHz located in a tropical region. Long-term statistics of rain attenuation fade duration and fade slope obtained from synthesized time series are tested against the corresponding ones derived from experimental data. The sensitivity of the models to the dynamics parameter is investigated and useful empirical expressions for estimating the dynamics parameters of the synthesizers are validated.
Risky Sexual Behavior: A Race-specific Social Consequence of Obesity

Scant attention has been given to the consequence of actual weight status for adolescents’ sexual wellbeing. In this article, we investigate the race-specific connection between obesity and risky sexual behavior among adolescent girls. Propensity scores and radius matching are used to analyze a sample of 340 adolescents aged 16–17 who participated in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth Young Adult Survey in 2000 or 2002. Nearly even numbers of these participants identified as white and black (183 and 157, respectively). We find that compared to their non-obese white peers, obese white adolescent girls exhibit higher rates of multiple sex partners and sex with older partners, and are also less likely to use condoms. None of these factors are significantly related to high BMI within the black sample. These findings indicate that the negative social consequences of obesity extend beyond future economic and marriage outcomes to adolescent white women’s sexual outcomes. They also highlight the importance of context: the implications of being obese during adolescence depend on cultural meanings of obesity.
Minimum-phase-based inverse scattering algorithm applied to Institut Fresnel data

Laboratory controlled data were recently provided by the Institut Fresnel to assist with the development and validation of inverse scattering algorithms. A nonlinear signal processing method is applied to invert the scattered field data from strongly scattering objects. Successful filtering of this type requires that the data being processed represent a minimum phase function. The properties of minimum phase functions are well understood in 1D problems and the condition can be enforced using an appropriate reference wave. In 2D or higher dimensional problems, we describe the conditions for minimum phase and show how a reference wave can be numerically combined with measured complex scattering data in order to enforce this condition. We present the results using the data provided and comment on the practical implementation of this method.
Method for measuring 3rd-order intermodulation distortion in GaAs f.e.t.s

A technique for characterising the 3rd-order intermodulationdistortion properties of GaAs f.e.t.s as a function of the load admittance presented to the output of the device is described. These properties can be determined for virtually any load admittance, including a purely reactive termination. A practical f.e.t example is included for illustration.
Insights into the mechanism of interaction between trehalose-conjugated beta-sheet breaker peptides and Aβ(1–42) fibrils by molecular dynamics simulations

An attractive strategy to contrast the Alzheimer disease (AD) is represented by the development of β-sheet breaker peptides (BSB). β-sheet breakers constitute a class of compounds which have shown a good efficacy in preventing the Aβ fibrillogenesis; however, their mechanism of action has not been precisely understood. In this context, we have studied the structural basis underlying the inhibitory effect of Aβ(1-42) fibrillogenesis explicated by two promising trehalose-conjugated BSB peptides using an all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) approach. Our simulations suggest that the binding on the two protofibril ends occurs through different binding modes. In particular, binding on the odd edge (chain A) is guided by a well defined hydrophobic cleft, which is common to both ligands. Moreover, targeting chain A entails a significant structure destabilization leading to a partial loss of β structure and is an energetically favoured process. A significant contribution of the trehalose moiety to the stability of the complexes emerged from our results. The energetically favoured hydrophobic cleft detected on chain A could represent a good starting point for the design of new molecules with improved anti-aggregating features.
Million-frame-per-second CCD camera system

\Lfl ultra high frame rate CCD type solid state image sensor has been developed, capable of frame rates up to a million frames per second. Referring to Figure 1 and Table 1 ,each macro-pixel of the 360 x 360 pixel array ontains a photo-detector and a 30 element CCD type memory array. The image acquisition frame rate is the rate at which photoelectrons are read out of the photo-detector into the pixel' s memory array. After the pixel memory fills, further exposures replace the oldest stored images in a "first in- first out" mode of operation. Thus the imager continuously stores the last 30 images acquired. This allows a pre-trigger mode of operation, making it possible to capture poorly predicted and spontaneous transient events. Readout of the stored images is similar to a frame transfer CCD readout and is at a comparatively slow pixel rate, consistent with low readout noise and inexpensive, PC based data acquisition systems. During the readout, the thirty images are demultiplexed and assembled in the computer's memory for display. A fast framing camera system employing this unique image sensor is currently being evaluated for a variety of applications. This paper presents these evaluation results which include high frame rate image sequences of hypersonic gas turbulence and fluid cavitation processes.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Theoretical discussion of the scanning tunneling microscope applied to a semiconductor surface

Abstract A free-electron model that we recently developed for a metal-metal microscope is extended to the case of a semiconducting sample. The probe, biased positive with respect to the sample, is taken to be a free-electron metal in the shape of a plane with a hemispherical projection. The sample, its surface being a parallel plane, is assumed to have spherical energy bands. The penetration probability is assumed to be the WKB result along the central axis using a potential energy which includes multiple image effects. We calculate current versus voltage curves at several electrode spacings for a tungsten/silicon combination.
Dengue immune response: low affinity, high febrility

Immunity built up after dengue virus infection protects only poorly against reinfection by a virus of a different serotype, and second infections are often even more severe. A new study examines why ( pages 921–927 ).
External imbalances in the eurozone

The paper examines the extent to which current account imbalances of euro area countries are related to intra-euro area factors and to external trade shocks. We argue that the traditional explanations for the rising imbalances are correct, but are incomplete. We uncover a large impact of declines in export competitiveness and asymmetric trade developments vis-a-vis the rest of the world \x96 in particular vis-a-vis China, Central and Eastern Europe, and oil exporters \x96 on the external balance of euro area debtor countries. While current account imbalances of euro area deficit countries vis-a-vis the rest of the world increased, they were financed mostly by intra-euro area capital inflows (in particular by the purchase of government and financial institutions' securities, and cross-border interbank lending) which permitted external imbalances to grow over time. — Ruo Chen, Gian Maria Milesi-Ferretti and Thierry Tressel
Shipment Consolidation: Who Pays for It and How Much?

This paper examines the subject of cost allocation in a multiple product inventory system, allowing for consolidation of shipments. If we order multiple items using an economic order quantity (EOQ) policy, and consolidate shipments, part of the ordering cost is shared, and part is specific to each item; we want to find the consolidation choice with optimal total cost and divide the cost fairly among the individual items. Such a fair division is central to a costing system in which no group of items subsidizes the others; there are no free riders! We use a cooperative inventory game to determine when this can be done. This game is usually not concave, so we want to know what consolidation combinations determine when this cost can be fairly divided, using the core of the game. We prove that consolidation of all the items is cheaper exactly if there are fair cost allocations (core of the game is not empty), which happens when the portion of the ordering cost common to all items is not too small. We further show how sensitive the nonempty core result is to adjustments in the cost parameters and show how to determine a threshold value for the shared ordering cost, which assures the existence of a fair cost allocation.
Sex and Sacrifice

The soil amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum , commonly known as a slime mold, has an asexual reproduction cycle that has made it a well-studied model organism. When starved, it creates streams of cells that use chemical cues (chemotaxis) to form aggregates, then migrating “slugs,” and finally spore-bearing fruiting bodies. The amoeba also has a less studied sexual cycle and is known for having three sexes, known as mating types I, II, and III. On page 1533 of this issue, Bloomfield et al. ( 1 ) put the sexual part of the slime mold's life cycle on a solid molecular footing.
New ultrasonic attenuation maxima for single crystal dysprosium in a magnetic field

Abstract The temperatures and corresponding applied basal plane magnetic fields are reported for longitudinal ultrasonic attenuation maxima in a cylindrical Dy sample. Besides maxima at TN and TC, two new maxima are observed and possible explanations for their existence are given.
Theory of gas lasers operating on two coupled transitions

The semiclassical Lamb theory of gas lasers is extended to the case of lasers operating simultaneously on two coupled transitions. The theory is formulated in terms of the density-matrix equations for a three-level gaseous laser medium interacting with the field through electric-dipole transitions, so that there are two allowed transitions and one two-photon transition. It is assumed that there is a single resonator mode near each of the transition frequencies. Previous treatments of such three-level gas lasers either have used simple rate equations or have solved the density-matrix equations in an approximate fashion valid only for low intensities. Thus the numerical approach developed herein represents, to our knowledge, the first semiclassical theory of three-level gas lasers which is accurate for arbitrary detuning and intensity. Significant deviations from earlier, approximate treatments are found.
Recognizing mercurian meteorites

— With the recent realization that some meteorites may come from Mars and the Moon, it is worthwhile to consider whether meteorites from Mercury could exist in our collections and, if so, whether they could be recognized. The current state of ignorance about Mercury both increases the potential scientific value of mercurian meteorites and aggravates the problem of identifying them. Here, we review evidence supporting the possibility of impact launch and subsequent orbital evolution that could deliver rocks from Mercury to Earth and suggest criteria that could help identify a mercurian meteorite. Mercurian rocks are probably differentiated igneous rocks or breccias or melt rocks derived therefrom. Solar nebula models suggest that they are probably low in volatiles and moderately enriched in Al, Ti, and Ca oxides. Mercurian surface rocks contain no more than 5% FeO and may contain plagioclase. A significant fraction may be volcanic. They may possess an unusual isotopic composition. Most pristine mercurian rocks should have solidification ages of ∼3.7 to ∼4.4 Ga, but younger impact-remelted materials are possible. Because we know more about the space environment of Mercury than we do about the planet itself, surface-exposed rocks would be easiest to identify as mercurian. The unique solar-to-galactic cosmic-ray damage track ratio expected in materials exposed near the Sun may be useful in identifying a rock from Mercury. Mercury's magnetic field stands off the solar wind, so that solar-wind implants in mercurian regolith breccias may be scarce or fractionated compared to lunar ones. Mercurian regolith breccias should contain more agglutinates (or their recrystallized derivatives) and impact vapor deposits than any other and should show a higher fraction of exogenic chondritic materials than analogous lunar breccias. No known meteorite group matches these criteria. A misclassified mercurian meteorite would most likely be found among the aubrites or the anorthositic lunar meteorites.
Dozuki Brings Technical Manuals into the 21st Century: A Breakthrough in the World of Documentation

iFixit is at the forefront of the electronics industry. The company works with service manuals from every major consumer electronics company. Poor source documentation has been a constant impediment to make electronics repair accessible to non-engineers. For years, the company wondered why technical documentation hasn't improved at the pace of the rest of the industry. The software company, Dozuki, makes it easv to create technical documentation that users love. Dozuki is a platform for living, breathing technical documentation. Technical documentation should be both easv to use and simple to keep up to date.
Random phase errors and pseudorandom phase modulation of deformable mirror spatial light modulators

Piston-only spatial light modulators, such as the flexure-beam deformable mirror device, hold great promise for real-time optical processors because of their ability to accurately match the phase of arbitrary laser images. Non-ideal devices may have uncontrolled phase errors which can limit performance. A statistical analysis has been developed which models the effect of random piston and tilt errors on the diffraction pattern of phase-only SLMs. A slight modification of these equations describes the performance of these SLMs in the phase-only correlator and the phase-only correlator modulated by pseudo-random sequences. Results on correlator diffraction efficiency versus amount of phase error are presented. For the specific case of a binary phase-only matched filter a diffraction efficiency of 40.5% is found.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Comparison of Methods for Personal Sampling of Inhalable and Total Lead and Cadmium-Containing Aerosols in a Primary Lead Smelter

It has been proposed that future occupational aerosol exposure standards be based on particle size-selective sampling criteria that more accurately reflect worker exposure. In relation to methods currently used for determining individual workers' lead exposures, the widely used 37-mm, closed-face, plastic sampling cassette is known from laboratory wind tunnel studies to undersample significantly compared with estimations of aerosol actually inhaled, especially for large particles. The present study investigated the degree to which this is borne out in field sampling by using side-by-side sampling in selected work sites in a primary lead smelter. Exposures to “total” airborne lead and cadmium as measured using the 37-mm sampler (E37) were compared with exposure measurements using the Institute of Occupational Medicine (I0M) personal inhalable aerosol sampler (EI0M). There were 166 good sample pairs for lead and 55 for cadmium. The ratio (reflecting the fractional undersampling of the 37-mm sampler, as repr...
Relationship Between Fatigue and Subsequent Physical Activity Among Older Adults With Symptomatic Osteoarthritis

Objective Although it has been well established that fatigue is common among older adults with osteoarthritis (OA), relatively little is known about how fatigue in daily life affects physical activity. The purposes of this study were to examine the relationship between momentary fatigue and subsequent physical activity among people with OA who reported clinically relevant levels of fatigue and to examine moderators of this relationship. Methods People with knee or hip OA and clinically relevant fatigue participated in physical performance assessments, completed questionnaires, and underwent a home monitoring period in which fatigue severity was measured 5 times/day over 5 days (n = 172). Physical activity was concurrently measured via a wrist-worn accelerometer. Multilevel modeling was used to examine the relationship of momentary fatigue and subsequent activity controlling for other factors (e.g., age, body mass index, pain, and depression). Results Fatigue was the strongest predictor of reduced subsequent activity. Only functional mobility (Timed Up and Go) moderated the relationship between fatigue and activity. The relationship between fatigue and activity was strongest for people with high functional mobility. Conclusion Momentary fatigue is a robust and important variable associated with decreased physical activity. Further, the moderating effect of functional mobility suggests this factor should be considered when intervening on fatigue. While people with better functional mobility may benefit from an activity-based treatment approach (such as learning activity pacing techniques to reduce the impact of fatigue on activity), those with worse functional mobility may benefit from treatment focusing on underlying impairments.
Automatic analysis of amino acids. Effect of resin cross-linking and operational variables on resolution.

Abstract The definitive elaboration of the various parameters involved in the use of spherical ion-exchange resins has not been completely presented to date. This paper is an attempt to demonstrate the graded effects one may expect over a range of various temperatures, buffer pH, and the result of intermixing of resins of varying particle sizes and crosslinkages. As a result of this work, one is now in a better position to predict what will happen to a variety of ninhydrin reacting compounds that might be expected to be found in physiological fluids. A satisfactory set of conditions for an accelerated analysis of physiological fluids is presented and chromatograms are shown demonstrating resolution and peak elution time. The more difficult areas of resolution are discussed and suggestions are presented for resolving these sensitive areas based on this work.
NK antibody therapy: KIR-ative intent

In this issue of Blood , Romange and colleagues describe 1-7F9, a human monoclonal antibody targeting KIRs on NK cells. 1 This antibody activates NK cells by blocking the interaction between inhibitory KIRs and target cell HLA class I molecules. This effect is demonstrated by the authors in vitro and in a mouse model of AML.
Evaluating Experiments for Estimating the Bit Failure Cross-Section of Semiconductors Using a Colored Spectrum Neutron Beam

Cosmic ray–induced neutrons can cause bit flips in silicon-based electronic devices, such as computer memory. To estimate the frequency of occurrence, a device may be tested by placing it in a neutron beam at a testing facility, such as the Irradiation of Chips and Electronics facility at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center, Los Alamos National Laboratory. The bit failure cross-section of a silicon-based electronic device describes the probability of causing a bit flip as a function of neutron energy. This article discusses estimation of the bit failure cross-section based on neutron beam testing. We show that this is a severely ill-posed inverse problem. We present a general methodology for evaluating, before the experiment, the extent to which the experimental protocol permits estimation of the bit failure cross-section through nonparametric penalized maximum likelihood.
Design synthetic reasoning

Abstract This paper presents in three parts a uniform methodology, called design synthetic reasoning, to support the process of design synthesis and associated processes of design verification, behavior derivation and function justification. The methodology is demonstrated on two patented devices for rotary actuation. The first part of the paper develops a representation scheme for machine designs. In the second part, the design synthesis of machines is viewed as the development of a specification of required behavior, and transformation of the specification into the description of a structure (or assembly) of machine components. The process of design synthesis is modeled as a sequence of applications of transformation rules. These rules either respecify, elaborate, reduce or reformulate the expression of required behavior, and ultimately allow matching and selection of structurally compatible machine components and relationships from a design library. The specification of required behavior for rotary actuation is developed and progressively transformed to synthesize the structures of the two patented rotary actuating devices. In the third part of the paper, the ability of both devices to produce the required behavior is verified, and the property of self-locking for both the devices is derived from the structure descriptions. The functions (purposes) of components and relationships in each device are extracted from the trace of transformation rules applied during the verification and derivation process for each device.
The American public’s preference for preparation for the possible effects of global warming: impact of communication strategies

Experiments embedded in surveys of nationally representative samples of American adults assessed whether attitudes toward preparation for the possible effects of global warming varied depending on who endorsed such efforts, the stated purpose of preparation, the consequences of global warming targeted in a preparation message, and the words used to describe preparation and its alternative. Collapsing across all experiments, most (74 %) Americans preferred preparing for possible consequences of global warming. The experimental manipulations produced statistically significant variation in this percentage, but in ways inconsistent with a series of perspectives that yield predictions about this variation. Preference for preparation was not greater when it was described using more familiar or simpler terms (preference for preparation was greatest when it was described as to “increase preparedness” and least when described as “increase resilience”), when efforts were said to be focused on people’s health rather than on people and the environment generally or on coastal ecosystems in particular, or when preparation was endorsed by more generally trusted groups (preference for preparation was highest when no one explicitly endorsed it or when endorsed by government officials or university researchers and declined when religious leaders or business leaders endorsed it). Thus, these experiments illustrate the value of empirical testing to gauge the impact of variation in descriptions of policy options in this arena and illustrate how communication approaches may have influenced public opinion in the past.
The elusive population: characteristics of attenders versus non-attenders for community mental health center intakes

The present investigation was an attempt to determine characteristics of those who appeared versus those who did not appear for initial intake evaluation appointments at a traditional community mental center. Subjects were 189 individuals contacting the center for service from November of 1989 to April of 1990. Data were collected via self-report questionnaire and blind rating by clinical social workers of presenting problem for diagnostic category. Data analysis involved Chi-square procedures and Analysis of Variance. Those who appeared for initial appointment versus those who did not were differentiated with respect to employment versus unemployment, length of unemployment, tenure at current job, number of jobs in the past year, number of residences in the past year, tenure at current residence and number of marriages. Groups did not differ with respect to age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, income, educational attainment, legal difficulties, public assistance, referral sources, alcohol/drug problems, and a variety of variables related to mental health or treatment history and diagnostic category. Results were interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that attendance was related to recent life stability as opposed to more general demographic and socioeconomic factors and clinically related variables. Implications for increasing treatment utilization, particularly by those who are underserved in community mental health, were discussed.
Improved estimates of the parameters of state space time series models

Abstract An instrumental variable interpretation of Aoki's (1987, 1990) state space time series estimators is utilized to provide an intuitively appealing improved estimator that is asymptotically efficient within its class. While the analysis shows the new estimator to be more efficient, the gain in efficiency is a complicated function of many variables. To investigate the magnitude of the efficiency gain, data following several representative processes were generated and the estimators' effects on in- and out-of-sample predictions were compared, showing marked improvement. In addition, the new estimator was applied to Canadian macroeconomic data, and again the forecast summary statistics were improved. The estimator can also be applied to other state space procedures, such as those due to Akaike or Rao.
Different patterns of respiratory and cardiovascular responses elicited by chemical stimulation of dorsal medulla in the rat.

Abstract Respiratory and cardiovascular responses to microinjections (10 nl) of l -glutamate (10 mM) into the dorsal medulla were studied in spontaneously breathing urethane-anesthetized, adult male Wistar rats. A total of 10 patterns of respiratory and cardiovascular responses were observed: (1) hypotension alone; (2) hypotension and bradycardia; (3) hypotension and apnea; (4) hypotension, bradycardia, and apnea; (5) apnea alone; (6) hypotension and fast and shallow breathing; (7) hypotension, bradycardia, and fast and shallow breathing; (8) fast and shallow breathing alone; (9) sighs; and (10) increase in BP and HR accompanied with fast and shallow breathing. The sites from which a combination of hypotension, bradycardia, and apnea was elicited, occupied a region in the medial subnucleus of nucleus tractus solitarius (nTS), the reticular formation just ventral to it, and the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus. The sites from which hypotension alone or a combination of hypotension and apnea were elicited occupied the margins of the medial subnucleus of nTS. The sites from which apnea alone was elicited were located in the ventrolateral part of nTS and the reticular formation just ventral to it. In the commissural subnucleus of nTS, the responses comparable to those elicited by peripheral chemoreceptor stimulation (i.e., increase in BP, HR, and respiratory rate) were located in a midline region just caudal to the calamus scriptorius, the sites from which sighs were elicited were located slightly lateral and deeper, the sites from which fast and shallow breathing were elicited were located in the dorsal portion, slightly lateral to the midline. These results are expected to prove useful in studies in which microinjection technique is used to identify transmitters/receptors involved in mediating respiratory and cardiovascular reflex responses.
Differential impact of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus on breast reconstruction outcomes

While the comparative safety of breast reconstruction in diabetic patients has been previously studied, we examine the differential effects of insulin and non-insulin-dependence on surgical/medical outcomes. Patients undergoing implant/expander or autologous breast reconstruction were extracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2005-2012 database. Preoperative and postoperative variables were analyzed using chi-square and Student's t test as appropriate. Multivariate regression modeling was used to evaluate whether non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is independently associated with adverse 30-day events following breast reconstruction. Of 29,736 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 23,042 (77.5 %) underwent implant/expander reconstructions, of which 815 had NIDDM and 283 had IDDM. Of the 6,694 (22.5 %) patients who underwent autologous reconstructions, 286 had NIDDM and 94 had IDDM. Rates of overall and surgical complications significantly differed among non-diabetic, NIDDM and IDDM patients in both the implant/expander and autologous cohorts on univariate analysis. After multivariate analysis, NIDDM was significantly associated with surgical complications (OR 1.511); IDDM was significantly associated with medical (OR 1.815) and overall complications (OR 1.852); and any type of diabetes was significantly associated with surgical (OR 1.58) and overall (OR 1.361) complications after autologous reconstruction. Diabetes of any type was not associated with any type of complication after implant/expander reconstruction. In this large, multi-institutional study, diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with adverse outcomes after autologous, but not implant-based breast reconstruction. The multivariate analysis in this study adds granularity to the differential effects of NIDDM and IDDM on complication risk.
Best practices for US Department of Defense model validation: lessons learned from irregular warfare models

The US Department of Defense (DoD) requires all models and simulations that it manages, develops, and/or uses to be verified, validated, and accredited. Critical to irregular warfare (IW) modeling ...
Plasticity of peptide biosynthesis in corticotropes: independent regulation of different steps in processing.

Compared to corticotropes in the adult rat anterior pituitary, neonatal corticotropes exhibit a significantly lower extent of conversion of precursor molecules into ACTH and a substantially greater extent of ACTH cleavage into smaller product peptides similar in size to α-melanotropin and cortico tropin-like intermediate lobe peptide (CLIP). In the present study we examined pro-ACTH/endorphin (PAE; also called POMC) processing in corticotropes at different times during postnatal development to determine when these cells cease cleaving ACTH into smaller peptides and when they cease accumu lating large amounts of intact precursor in vivo. The pattern processing observed in the newborn is maintained through the second week after birth. A dramatic decrease in ACTH cleavage occurs between the second and third postnatal weeks. The extent of precursor cleavage increases toward the adult pattern by the fifth postnatal week. Explants of newborn anterior pituitary were previously shown to exhibit increased cleavage...
Replication and Analysis of DNA

The study of genetics is really the study of the properties, synthesis, and inheritance of nucleic acids. Most of the topics in this book revolve around deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), although some of the viruses discussed in later chapters have ribonucleic acid (RNA) as their genetic material. This chapter presents basic information about DNA and the methods used to study it. The material is fundamental for all discussions that follow.
Monitoring of epoxy block trimming by the use of a laterally mounted mirror.

Mounting a small mirror on the side of the knife holder of an ultramicrotome permits the monitoring of selected areas during epoxy block trimming without removing the block from the chuck. This technique is particularly useful for trimming toward preselected areas of in situ embedded cell cultures for subsequent sectioning. When the visibility of the embedded cells is improved by staining with Paragon-1301 or toluidine blue before embedment, such mirror monitoring can be carried out at magnifications up to 40 times during the trimming procedure.