cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An estimation of homogeneity in crop plants, with special reference to genetic vulnerability in the dry bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L.

A general method of quantitatively assessing genetic similarity among a set of cultivars of a given crop is proposed, and its application to dry beans in the United States is demonstrated. The method is based upon the multi-variate technique of Principal Components Analysis. Using this method it was possible to calculate a ‘distance’ metric between any two cultivars in the set and to show that such distances were highly inversely correlated with genetic relationship estimated from a knowledge of breeding ancestry.
Just clicking some theoretical aspects of computing

This paper discusses recurring challenges confronting pedagogical pioneers of an introduction to the theory of computing at the undergraduate level. A generalized click game is presented for use as a vehicle to vitalize the introduction of the elements of the theory of computing.
Laryngeal Preservation in Stage III/IV Larynx Cancer Treated With Conformal Radiation and Chemotherapy

Purpose/Objective(s): To study the volumetric changes in constrictor muscles during head and neck radiation therapy and to measure their impact on acute dysphagia. Materials/Methods: Data from prospective adaptive radiation therapy trial in oropharyngeal cancer was analyzed for the volumetric and dosimetric parameters related to constrictor muscles using DVH data in Pinnacle TPS. All patients underwent replanning CT scans after 5 weeks of radiation therapy and the target and OARs were re contoured on fusion images after co-registration using Syntegra software. The volumetric variations were measured and compared with acute dysphagia during RT recorded in terms of RTOG acute morbidity score. Also, the Dmax to constrictors prior to replanning were analyzed for any significant association to severity of dysphagia. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS ver.20. Results: 30 patients of oropharyngeal cancers were included in the study. Median age was 50yrs (35-65). 65% received concurrent chemotherapy (mean cumulative dose: 350 mg). There was significant increase in the volumes of constrictors after 5 weeks of RT (44Gy) by 12% in superior, 2% in middle and 5% in inferior constrictors respectively. Grade 2/3 acute dysphagia was 40% and G1/0 was 60%. 20% of patients required nasogastric feeding tube placement. The volume changes in middle constrictor were significantly associated with higher incidence of Grade 2/3 acute dysphagia (pZ0.006). No such association was seen with volumetric changes in superior or inferior constrictors. The Dmax was significantly different between different constrictors (pZ0.00) with middle constrictors getting highest median Dmax of 48 Gy. There was significant association of D max of inferior constrictor muscles with Grade 2/3 acute dysphagia (pZ0.02) and trend towards significant association in case of superior and middle constrictors (p Z0.08). No association of chemotherapy dose to dysphagia was noted (pZNS) but there was higher dysphagia rates in chemotherapy versus non concurrent chemotherapy patients (pZ0.00). Conclusions: There is significant increase in volumes of superior, middle and inferior constrictors during head and neck radiation therapy. This may be due to RT induced edema and superadded infections. Increase in middle constrictor volume is associated with severe dysphagia in oropharyngeal cancers. Higher dose to constrictor muscles can lead onto severe acute dysphagia. Hence, sparing of constrictors should be considered during radiation therapy planning in head and neck cancer. Author Disclosure: M.K. Sujith: None. M.A. Laviraj: None. T. Bindu: None. B.K. Mohanti: None. G.K. Rath: None.
Defective DNA repair genes in a primary culture of human renal cell carcinoma.

Purpose: Genomic stability is maintained by error-free DNA replication, repair, and recombination. To determine if repair genes contribute to genomic instability, we used a newly established cell line RCC-AJR (from clear-cell renal cell carcinoma) to examine hMSH2 (a mismatch-repair gene) and the gene encoding DNA β polymerase (polβ; a known contributor to base-excision repair). Methods: Coding sequences of hMSH2 and polβ were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using RNA from RCC-AJR cells and matched normal kidney (NK) cells from the same patient. Nucleotide sequences of the PCR products were determined by the dideoxy-DNA method and direct sequencing. Expressions of repair genes were assayed by Western blotting. Microsatellite stability in RCC-AJR cells was assayed by alteration in (CA)n repeats. Results: In the RCC-AJR cells, we detected (a) a deletion of 1476 bp encoding 492 amino acids of hMSH2 cDNA, (b) an 87-bp deletion in the polβ coding sequence, (c) truncated forms of hMSH2 and polβ proteins, and (d) microsatellite instability. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of alterations in hMSH2 and polβ in the homogeneous cell population of an RCC-AJR tumor culture. The data indicate that repair genes may help preserve genomic stability in this cell line. We believe that this new primary RCC-AJR cell line will prove a useful model for investigating the cascade of genetic events in renal cells that leads to renal carcinogenesis.
An Empirical Study of Leader Ethical Values, Transformational and Transactional Leadership, and Follower Attitudes Toward Corporate Social Responsibility

Several leadership and ethics scholars suggest that the transformational leadership process is predicated on a divergent set of ethical values compared to transactional leadership. Theoretical accounts declare that deontological ethics should be associated with transformational leadership while transactional leadership is likely related to teleological ethics. However, very little empirical research supports these claims. Furthermore, despite calls for increasing attention as to how leaders influence their followers’ perceptions of the importance of ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) for organizational effectiveness, no empirical study to date has assessed the comparative impact of transformational and transactional leadership styles on follower CSR attitudes. Data from 122 organizational leaders and 458 of their followers indicated that leader deontological ethical values (altruism, universal rights, Kantian principles, etc.) were strongly associated with follower ratings of transformational leadership, while leader teleological ethical values (utilitarianism) were related to follower ratings of transactional leadership. As predicted, only transformational leadership was associated with follower beliefs in the stakeholder view of CSR. Implications for the study and practice of ethical leadership, future research directions, and management education are discussed.
Advanced autonomous gas leak detection techniques

Background: Existing technologies for detecting gas releases in oil and gas facilities include point and path detectors and leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs. Large networked arrays of point and path detectors are needed to detect gas leaks in oil and gas facilities due the inherent passive nature of these stationary technologies that require gas plume to come in contact with or within the line of sight the detectors. LDAR programs are not fully automated and require surveying millions of nodes in given plant to detect possible leaks. A potential solution to these challenges is a remote gas detection tools that could actively search for and autonomously detect gas leaks while removing the human component from the equation. Objectives: ExxonMobil Research Qatar is undertaking research to develop a Remote Gas Detection (RGD) system that will autonomously scan for and identify hydrocarbon gas leaks / emissions on a continuous basis. The system utilizes existing infrared (IR) detection technologies and expands its use to techniques that do not require human involvement. Prompt, efficient detection of gas leaks could significantly reduce fugitive emissions to the environment and provide early warning to operations personnel improving safety. Results: This research effort has led to the development of a sophisticated RGD system that is equipped with artificially intelligent software algorithms that can distinguish hydrocarbons from other IR hotspots in the scene with minimal false alarms. Early research activities included testing multiple RGD prototypes that integrated different IR camera technologies paired with various types of deployment strategies. Successful field tests were performed in late 2011 and led to the initiation of a short-term prototype field deployment in early 2012. Extensive libraries of IR videos, that highlight the behavior of the intelligent algorithm and the efficiency of the detection capability in varying environments, have been developed. This research effort has yielded two patent applications for novel and innovative developments in the field of remote gas detection. Future work includes evaluating system components and optics to facilitate efficient development of the first fully operational system, and continuation / expansion of the scope of pilot projects for long-term field testing.
Mechanism of extraction of chymotrypsin into isooctane at very low concentrations of aerosol OT in the absence of reversed micelles

Chymotrypsin is easily extracted from an aqueous solution into isooctane containing the anionic surfactant aerosol OT (AOT). The concentration of AOT needed to efficiently extract 0.5 mg/mL CMT is as low as 1 mM and as low as 0.2 mM AOT was sufficient to extract the protein into isooctane. The extraction process was unaffected by 10% (v/v) ethyl acetate in the isooctane phase. Moreover, spectroscopic analysis by electron paramagnetic resonance indicated that CMT did not exist inside a discreet water pool of a reversed micelle. Calculations of the number of AOT molecules associated per extracted CMT molecule indicate that only ca. 30 surfactant molecules interact with the protein, a value too low for reversed micellar incorporation of the protein in isooctane. These studies suggested that reversed micelles do not need to be involved in the actual transfer of the protein from the aqueous to the organic phase and protein solubilization in the organic phase is possible in the absence of reversed micelles. Based on these findings, a new mechanism has been proposed herein for protein extraction via the phase transfer method involving ionic surfactants. The central theme of this mechanism is the formation of an electrostatic complex between CMT and AOT at the aqueous/organic interface between AOT and CMT, thereby leading to the formation of a hydrophobic species that partitions into the organic phase. Consistent with this mechanism, the efficiency of extraction is dependent on the interfacial mass transfer, the concentrations of CMT and AOT in the aqueous and organic phases, respectively; the ionic strength of the aqueous phase; and the presence of various cosolvents. (c) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ru-σ-alkynyl compounds of tetraanilinopyridinato-diruthenium(II,III) core: synthesis and structural characterization

Abstract Synthesis and characterizations are reported for three diruthenium(II,III) compounds of general formula Ru 2 (ap) 4 (CCR), where ap=2-anilinopyridinate and R=Si(CH 3 ) 3 ( 3 ), H ( 4 ), and CH 2 OCH 3 ( 5 ). Molecular structure determination reveals that the Ru–Ru bond lengths are 2.3162(5) and 2.3234(7) A for 3 and 5 , respectively, while the CC bond is not significantly elongated compared with the free alkyne. Compounds 3 – 5 undergo reversible one-electron oxidation and reduction at potentials around 200 and −1030 mV, respectively. At more positive potential, compounds 3 and 4 undergo the second one-electron oxidation quasireversibly or irreversibly without decomposition, while compound 5 is oxidatively degraded.
Europium(III) DOTA-tetraamide complexes as redox-active MRI sensors.

PARACEST redox sensors containing the NAD+/NADH mimic N-methylquinolinium moiety as a redox-active functional group have been designed and synthesized. The Eu3+ complex with two quinolinium moieties was nearly completely CEST-silent in the oxidized form but was “turned on” upon reduction with β-NADH. The CEST effect of the Eu3+ complex containing only one quinolinium group was much less redox-responsive but showed an unexpected sensitivity to pH in the physiologically relevant pH range.
Certification of Performance-Based Standards for Truck Size and Weight Limits: Implementation Considerations and Enforcement Issues

In the context of regulating truck weight limits, the concept of performance-based standards (PBS) may be applied to three areas—infrastructure, traffic operations, and safety. Using a certification as documentation of vehicle compliance with a PBS has been suggested as an option for PBS enforcement. Enforcement is essential in encouraging voluntary compliance with laws or regulations governing vehicle weight and operation. The traditional method of vehicle weight enforcement is to use static, portable, or semiportable scales to determine the axle or gross weight of a vehicle. Any proposal to use a certification as documentation of PBS compliance for truck size and weight limits must be examined closely for enforceability. Maryland's use of a certification for enforcement of a lift-axle weight regulation is examined from an enforcement perspective, and the process used to develop the regulations is discussed. Enforcement of the lift-axle weight limit is based on the air pressure setting, not on weighing t...
I'm Tired of My Child Getting Into Trouble: Parental Controls and Supports of Juvenile Probationers

Examining the relationship between parental controls and supports and the reoffending patterns of juvenile probationers, this study used a convenience sample of 88 parents of court-involved youth in one jurisdiction. Parents completed a questionnaire regarding their utilization of parental controls and supports. Overall, the results indicated that parental supervision, parental reliability, and prior record were significant contributors of reoffending whereas in the parental efficacy models, parental resignation was a significant predictor of offending patterns. These findings have practical implications for juvenile justice professionals.
Travelling waves for a nonequilibrium, two-site, nonlinear sorption model

Abstract Using phase plane analysis, the existence of travelling wave solutions to a system of reaction-diffusion equations describing a two-site, nonequilibrium, nonlinear sorption model is demonstrated. Singular perturbation methods are then applied to obtain approximations to the waveforms for Langmuir and Freundlich kinetics in the case of a large Peclet number or a large rate constant. The results are compared with other recent results where physical arguments are made to obtain similar, yet different, approximations, and their validity is examined.
Praseodymium-142 microspheres for brachytherapy of nonresectable hepatic tumors.

Abstract Purpose To perform dosimetric study of 142Pr microspheres for the use as a possible choice of radionuclide in microsphere brachytherapy of nonresectable hepatic tumor for faster dose delivery and facilitated dosimetry for quality assurance. Methods and Materials Dose distributions of 142Pr and 90Y microspheres within hepatic tumors and blood vessels were calculated using MCNPX2.6 Monte Carlo code. The biological effective doses (BEDs) for 142Pr and 90Y microspheres were calculated and compared using the linear-quadratic model. Results Dose distributions due to beta particles were similar for both 142Pr and 90Y. Total initial activity required to achieve the same total dose of 150 Gy at 2 cm from the center of the tumor was 0.662 GBq and 0.191 GBq for 142Pr and 90Y, respectively. For α/β ratio equal to 10 Gy, calculated BED values were 301.0 and 194.7 for 142Pr and 90Y, respectively, considering a total physical dose of 150 Gy. Conclusions Total dose delivery and dose distributions for both 142Pr and 90Y within tumors and blood vessels were obtained and compared. Shorter half-life of 142Pr is an advantage, enabling a faster dose delivery. The higher BED found for 142Pr implies potential improvement in the treatment effectiveness. 142Pr showed to be an attractive option for applications in microsphere brachytherapy.
Theory of genetic counseling for rare recessive traits with consanguinity

The theory of assessing genetic risk for rare autosomal recessive traits in the face of extensive consanguinity is explored. A general lemma is proved that justifies the partition of posterior probability and recursive incorporation of it, as a means of reducing the logic of analysis to steps of manageable complexity: the conditions are that either the components should be independent or that each component, as it is added, is conditioned on the occurrence of all earlier components. An example is given of a pedigree in which the tracing of a gene by the method of expected proportions is misleading, and another that points up the importance of the posterior information. Four classes of patterns are identified and appropriate methods devised for handling them: the single consanguineous loop, multiple mutually-external loops, nested loops, and multiple closures. The latter problem may be treated in general by the use of truncated generating functions, with or without the use of matrix methods.
Perifoveal Function in Patients with North Carolina Macular Dystrophy: The Importance of Accounting for Fixation Locus

PURPOSE. To quantify the extent of visual function losses in patients with North Carolina Macular Dystrophy (NCMD) and to demonstrate the importance of accounting for eccentric fixation when making comparisons with normal data. METHODS. Five patients with NCMD who were from a single family were examined. Multifocal electroretinograms (mfERGs) and psychophysical assessments of acuity and luminance visual field sensitivities were measured throughout the central retina. Comparisons of responses from equivalent retinal areas were accomplished by shifting normal templates to be centered at the locus of fixation for each patient. RESULTS. Losses of psychophysically measured visual function in patients with NCMD extend to areas adjacent to the locations of visible lesions. The multifocal ERG amplitude was reduced only within the area of visible lesion. Multifocal ERG implicit times were delayed throughout the entire central retinal area assessed. CONCLUSIONS. ERG timing is a sensitive assay of retinal function, and our results indicate that NCMD has a widespread effect at the level of the mid and outer retina. The findings also demonstrated that it is necessary to account for fixation locus and to ensure that equivalent retinal areas are compared when testing patients with macular disease who have eccentric fixation. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006;47:1703‐1709) DOI:
Sales and operations planning in systems with order configuration uncertainty

This paper addresses the problem of aligning demand and supply in configure-to-order systems. Using stochastic programming methods, this study demonstrates the value of accounting for the uncertainty associated with how orders are configured. We also demonstrate the value of component supply flexibility in the presence of order configuration uncertainty. We present two stochastic models: an explosion problem model and an implosion problem model. These models are positioned sequentially within a popular business process called sales and operations planning. Both models are formulated as two-stage stochastic programs with recourse and are solved using the sample average approximation method. Computational analyses were performed using data obtained from IBM System and Technology Group. The problem sets used in our analysis are created from actual industry data and our results show that significant improvements in revenue and serviceability can be achieved by appropriately accounting for the uncertainty associated with order configurations.
The Regressive Effects of Frustration Upon the Concrete Reasoning Ability of Seven- and Eight-year-old Boys.

Forty-four seven- to eight-year-old boys were divided randomly into a experimental group and a contro group. All children took Forms A and B of the Concrete Reasoning Test as arranged by Siegelman and Block (12) and originally constructed by Smedslund (13). In the experimental group, each boy took Form A first and then was told that he could win a prize, which he selected from several items offered, if he could put together an easy puzzle (which was difficult in actuality). Each boy was given three minutes to work on the puzzle and was then given Form B. After each item he was allowed to work again on the puzzle for three more minutes. The individuals in the control group followed the same procedures, except that they had a much easier task to perform. It was hypothesized that (a) frustrated boys at a high level of concrete reasoning ability will regress less than frustrated boys at a lower level with the exception that (b) boys in the transitional period of thinking will regress more than those who are not, and (c) those boys who are frustrated will tend to regress more than those who are not. The results supported all of these hypotheses.
Minitrack: Cyber Security

Like other parts of the economy, the electric power infrastructure is increasingly dependent on accurate and timely exchange of information for operations and markets. Vulnerabilities in the cyber infrastructure that supports this information exchange create risks for the reliability, efficiency and integrity of the power system. The changing regulatory environment, more reliance on distributed generation, and new sensitivities about attacks on the grid's cyber infrastructure increase the importance of the subject. At the same time, incorporation of internet technology into control systems affords new opportunities for reduced costs and better functionality while also presenting new vulnerabilities. The three papers in this session address both current cyber security issues and ones that are likely to emerge in the near future.
Mitigation of Faraday rotation effect for long-wavelength synthetic spaceborne radar data

The focus for geophysical parameter retrieval from space, such as soil moisture, is shifting towards lower frequencies allowing better penetration through vegetation (rendering it less visible) and into the soil (allowing soil moisture sensing into depth). But the ionosphere becomes increasingly opaque at lower frequencies, which intensifies the need for mitigation of ionospheric effects to allow the use of spaceborne radar signals. This work focuses on a radar-only method to predict and mitigate the Faraday rotation effect, which is considered to be the remaining dominant effect. A novel method to retrieve the Faraday rotation angle by using three different optimization techniques in the presence of other system distortion terms with no external targets is presented. The retrieval performance with synthetic spaceborne radar data is very promising; it allows a successful retrieval of the Faraday rotation angle if it is initiated within ±25° of the ground truth.
234Th:238U disequilibria within the California Current1

Profiles of dissolved and particulate /sup 234/Th were determined at several stations within the California Current. Modeling of the disequilibria between the /sup 234/Th and /sup 238/U within the surface waters provides for estimates of the residence time of dissolved thorium with respect to particle scavenging, the particle residence time, and the particulate /sup 234/Th flux exiting the surface layer. The model-derived, first-order scavenging rate constant for dissolved thorium is observed to be proportional to the rate of primary production. Particle residence times seem to be governed by the rate of zooplankton grazing and the types of zooplankton present. Model-derived particulate /sup 234/Th fluxes are in good agreement with direct measurements by sediment traps.
Cysteine Esters Protect Cultured Rodent Lung Slices from Sulphur Mustard

1 In previous studies an in vitro rat lung slice system was used to investigate the metabolic and structural changes after exposure to known lung toxicants.2 In this study, the same system was used to identify the ability of cysteine esters to protect against sulphur mustard toxicity.3 The cyclopentyl (CCPE), cyclohexyl (CCHE), isopropyl (CIPE), methyl (CME) esters of cysteine, cystine dimethyl ester (CDME), cysteine (CySH) and N-acetyl cysteine (NAc) were all non-toxic to cultured rat lung slices at 5 mM (equivalent cysteine concentration) after a pretreatment time of 30 min.4 Pretreatment with the isopropyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl and methyl esters of cysteine at concentrations higher than 1 mM protected against an IC50 of sulphur mustard, however, neither cysteine nor N-acetylcysteine protected.5 We propose that the extent of protection is directly related to increased levels of intracellular cysteine provided by the esters of cysteine.
A heuristic method for facility planning in telecommunications networks with multiple alternate routes

Given point-to-point demand forecasts of transmission facilities for services such as voice or data transmission in each period of a finite planning horizon, a decision has to be made as to which types of transmission facilities—together with the amounts of transmission circuits—are to be installed, if any, on each link of the telecommunications network, in each period of the planning horizon. The availability of alternative transmission systems with significantly different costs and circuit capacities necessitates the determination of a minimum (discounted) cost facility installation scheme. This combinatoric choice problem is complicated by the availability of switching equipments enabling the transmission of some of the traffic through intermediary points. This possibility of alternately routing the traffic or the facility requirements of certain point pairs further complicates the problem while creating the opportunity to benefit from economies of scale. We present here a heuristic method for finding a good solution for the general problem; namely, we consider multiple transmission systems and multiple alternate routes. Numerical examples are given and computational experience is reported.
Characterization of corrosion products on old protective glass, especially daguerreotype cover glasses

The method of casing objects using a protective cover glass bound to the object using a tape or frame promotes glass corrosion on the inside surface of the cover glass in preference to the outside surface. The characterization of some of the corrosion products found on these glasses is discussed especially as it applied to cased! daguerreotypes. The geometry of these packages is responsible for the corrosion phenomenom. The types of corrosion products and the severity of the corrosion is a function of the bulk composition of individual cover glasses.
Purification and renaturation of membrane neuraminidase from Haemophilus parasuis.

Haemophilus parasuis, which causes polyserositis, polysynovitis, meningitis, septicemia, and pneumonia in pigs, has emerged as an increasing problem in modern swine production systems. Co-factors for and the pathogenesis of H. parasuis disease are not defined. One of the potential virulence factors of H. parasuis is its neuraminidase (sialidase). While purifying the H. parasuis neuraminidase from the membrane fraction, we developed a protocol to renature enzymatic activity after enzyme preparations were resolved electrophorectically in denaturing polyacrylamide gels. The H. parasuis neuraminidase co-resolved with recombinant neuraminidase of Vibrio cholera; thus its apparent molecular mass is 82 kilodalton (kDa). The H. parasuis neuraminidase was associated with the membrane fraction and the purification protocol removed over 99% of the H. parasuis cell protein while retaining over 90% of the neuraminidase activity. Purified protein will provide another avenue to clone the neuraminidase gene that has been refractory to cloning and the protocol will be a means to purify recombinant protein.
Iodine vapor pressure measurements on complexes of iodine with polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract The complexes of iodine with six polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons have been prepared. The thermodynamic stability of these complexes was studied by vaporization techniques and solid-state electrochemical cells. The vapor pressure of iodine over the complexes at temperatures of 55°–95° were determined by a colorimetric measurement of iodine vapor. Heats of formation of the complexes were estimated from the data.
Neuroblastoma overview--1986.

Understanding of the biology of neuroblastoma has advanced dramatically in the last several decades. Misunderstood and misdiagnosed in the early years of this century, neuroblastoma is now the prototypic model for research in the molecular biology and genetics of the transformed cell. It is through these advances in knowledge of the malignant process, and of neuroblastoma itself, that exquisitely targeted therapies will shortly evolve. These include not only immunologic approaches through monoclonal antibodies, I but also the exploitation of metabolic pathways. Radioactive meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is among the most promising of the latter methods. It is deservedly undergoing clinical tests for its diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the management of neuroblastoma patients.
Probability of Error And Radiometric Resolution for Target Discrimination in Radar Images

Statistical detection theory is used to compare different definitions of radiometric resolution for radar images. This comparison is based on the probability of error PE in assigning a return power to one of two targets. A general expression is derived for this probability of error as a function of target contrast and noncoherent averaging, and additive thermal noise. The change in detectable contrast (at a fixed PE) as a function of the thermal noise is also presented.
Association of Paternal Age and Risk for Major Congenital Anomalies From the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997 to 2004

Purpose The objective of this study was to examine the associations between paternal age and birth defects of unknown etiologies while carefully controlling for maternal age. Methods By using 1997 to 2004 data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, we fit logistic regression models with paternal and maternal age as continuous variables while adjusting for demographic and other factors. Results Elevated odds ratios (ORs) for each year increase in paternal age were found for cleft palate (OR. 1.02, 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.00–1.04), diaphragmatic hernia (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.06), right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.04), and pulmonary valve stenosis (OR, 1.02, 95% CI, 1.01–1.04). At younger paternal ages, each year increase in paternal age correlated with increased odds of having offspring with encephalocele, cataract, esophageal atresia, anomalous pulmonary venous return, and coarctation of the aorta, but these increased odds were not observed at older paternal ages. The effect of paternal age was modified by maternal age for gastroschisis, omphalocele, spina bifida, all orofacial clefts, and septal heart defects. Conclusions Our findings suggest that paternal age may be a risk factor for some multifactorial birth defects.
Kinetic equation study of phonon-induced nonequilibrium states in superconducting films

The response of a superconductor to the injection of coherent longitudinal phonons is investigated using a Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer- (BCS-) type energy-gap equation and the coupled nonlinear quasiparticle and phonon kinetic equations of Chang and Scalapino. The superconductor is assumed to be a weak-coupling, isotropic film which is perturbed in a spatially uniform steady-state manner. The frequently used quasiparticle relaxation-time theory of Eliashberg is first used to study the effects associated with changing the temperature $T$ and with changing the frequency and strength of the phonon field. The effect of assuming that the quasiparticle relaxation time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{q}$ is independent of the energy for $T$ near the critical temperature ${T}_{c}$ is also examined. The solutions of the coupled kinetic equations for the quasiparticle and phonon distribution functions and the energy gap $\ensuremath{\Delta}(T)$ are then presented and compared to the results obtained from the relaxation-time model. It is seen that even for low-power absorption levels the relaxation-time model is valid only when the phonon escape time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\mathrm{es}}$ is much shorter than the phonon pair-breaking time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{B}$. The experimental data of Tredwell and Jacobsen and their theoretical calculations using the relaxation-time model are briefly discussed in the light of these results.
Statistical analysis of multiple optical flow values for estimation of unmanned aerial vehicle height above ground

For a UAV to be capable of autonomous low-level flight and landing, the UAV must be able to calculate its current height above the ground. If the speed of the UAV is approximately known, the height of the UAV can be estimated from the apparent motion of the ground in the images that are taken from an onboard camera. One of the most difficult aspects in estimating the height above ground lies in finding the correspondence between the position of an object in one image frame and its new position in succeeding frames. In some cases, due to the effects of noise and the aperture problem, it may not be possible to find the correct correspondence between an object’s position in one frame and in the next frame. Instead, it may only be possible to find a set of likely correspondences and each of their probabilities. We present a statistical method that takes into account the statistics of the noise, as well as the statistics of the correspondences. This gives a more robust method of calculating the height above ground on a UAV.
AMP-activated protein kinase and carbohydrate response element binding protein: A study of two potential regulatory factors in the hepatic lipogenic program of broiler chickens

This study investigated the effects of fasting and refeeding on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) mRNA, protein and activity levels; as well as the expression of lipogenic genes involved in regulating lipid synthesis in broiler chicken (Gallus gallus) liver. Fasting for 24 or 48 h produced significant declines in plasma glucose (at 24 h), insulin and thyroid hormone (T3) levels that were accompanied by changes in mRNA expression levels of hepatic lipogenic genes. The mRNA levels of malic enzyme (ME), ATP-citrate lyase (ACL), acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACCalpha), fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) and thyroid hormone responsive Spot 14 (Spot 14) declined in response to fasting. Refeeding for 24 h increased mRNA levels for each of these genes, characterized by a significant increase ('overshoot') above fed control values. No change in mRNA expression of the two AMPK alpha subunit genes was observed in response to fasting or refeeding. In contrast, ChREBP and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) mRNA levels decreased during fasting and increased with refeeding. Phosphorylation of AMPK alpha subunits increased modestly after a 48 h fast. However, there was no corresponding change in the phosphorylation of ACC, a major downstream target of AMPK. Protein level and DNA-binding activity of ChREBP increased during fasting and declined upon refeeding as measured in whole liver tissue extracts. In general, evidence was found for coordinate transcriptional regulation of lipogenic program genes in broiler chicken liver, but specific regulatory roles for AMPK and ChREBP in that process remain to be further characterized.
Assimilative integration and responsive use of the assimilation model.

The assimilation model offers a framework for clinically responsive decisions integrating different therapeutic approaches. The authors suggest that the assimilation model can guide assimilative integration by delineating clients’ changing requirements over the course of psychotherapy and linking those requirements with techniques drawn from varied theoretical approaches. According to the model, an appropriate therapeutic response is one that meets client requirements at a given stage of assimilation and helps to shift the client’s assimilation of a given problematic experience from 1 stage to the next. The authors offer guidelines and case illustrations of integration at 4 separate time frames of intervention: treatment assignment, treatment strategies, treatment tactics, and moment-to-moment responsiveness within an intervention. At each time frame, therapists monitor client requirements and respond with interventions most appropriate for the client’s level of assimilation.
The function of tail fibers in triggering baseplate expansion of bacteriophage T4

Abstract Normal particles of bacteriophage T4 have six long tail fibers attached to a hexagonal baseplate. T4 particles having various complements of tail fibers were prepared by in vitro addition of fibers to fiberless particles, and the infectivity of the particles was determined. Particles having fewer than six fibers (partially fibered) were found to have a decreased probability of infection. Partially fibered particles having T4 fibers were completed by addition of T6 fibers, and the infectivity was determined on a host that lacked the T6 tail fiber receptor. Attachment of the additional fibers increased the infectivity even though the T6 fibers could not bind to the host cell. The infectivity of particles having mixtures of T4 and T6 fibers was determined on cells having only one type of receptor. The results indicated that particles bound by only three fibers have a low probability of infection. The effect of thermolabile baseplate mutations was also examined. Studies of partially fibered particles and particles with mixtures of fibers indicated that particles with altered baseplates have a less stringent requirement for binding of the tail fibers for infection.
Study of Neutral V Particles Observed in a Multiplate Cloud Chamber

In a series of pictures taken with a multiplate cloud chamber we have observed the decay of a number of neutral $V$ particles which originated in nuclear interactions produced inside the cloud chamber. Most of these $V$ particles were found to decay into a proton and a $\ensuremath{\pi}$-meson with a $Q$ value of 37 Mev. Strong evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that no neutral secondary particle is produced. The lifetime was found to be (3.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ second.Four neutral $V$ particles were found which certainly belong to a different group. The decay products of these particles are probably two $\ensuremath{\pi}$-mesons. The nature and energy of the nuclear interactions which produce neutral $V$ particles are discussed.
The Emerging Field of Human Social Genomics

Although we generally experience our bodies as being biologically stable across time and situations, an emerging field of research is demonstrating that external social conditions, especially our subjective perceptions of those conditions, can influence our most basic internal biological processes-namely, the expression of our genes. This research on human social genomics has begun to identify the types of genes that are subject to social-environmental regulation, the neural and molecular mechanisms that mediate the effects of social processes on gene expression, and the genetic polymorphisms that moderate individual differences in genomic sensitivity to social context. The molecular models resulting from this research provide new opportunities for understanding how social and genetic factors interact to shape complex behavioral phenotypes and susceptibility to disease. This research also sheds new light on the evolution of the human genome and challenges the fundamental belief that our molecular makeup is relatively stable and impermeable to social-environmental influence.
Evidence-based surgery for cesarean delivery.

Objective The purpose of this study was to provide evidenced-based guidance for surgical decisions during cesarean delivery. Study design We performed MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and COCHRANE searches with the terms cesarean section, cesarean delivery, cesarean, pregnancy, randomized trials, and each technical aspect of cesarean delivery. All randomized trials that covered a surgical aspect of cesarean delivery were included in the review. Each surgical step of cesarean delivery was reviewed separately. Results US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations favor blunt uterine incision expansion, prophylactic antibiotics (either ampicillin or first-generation cephalosporin for just 1 dose), spontaneous placental removal, non-closure of both visceral and parietal peritoneum, and suture closure or drain of the subcutaneous tissue when thickness is ≥2 cm. Conclusion Cesarean delivery techniques that are supported by good quality recommendations should be performed routinely. All technical aspects that have recommendations with lower quality should be researched with adequately powered and designed trials.
Reliability of circuits under pads for Au and Cu wire bonding

The reliability of circuits (wiring and vias) under bond pads has been studied for both Au wire bonding and Cu wire bonding, for bond pads and wiring levels typical of those used in RF technology. Electrical test structures under bond pads were used to characterize wire and via integrity after wire bonding and reliability stresses. In addition, SEM analysis was used to inspect for possible damage to the structures under bond pads after wire bonding. No damage was observed with either electrical testing or with SEM analysis, indicating that it is possible to allow a large variety of layouts under bond pads for both Au wire bonding and Cu wire bonding.
Integrating design science theory and methods to improve the development and evaluation of health communication programs.

Traditional communication theory and research methods provide valuable guidance about designing and evaluating health communication programs. However, efforts to use health communication programs to educate, motivate, and support people to adopt healthy behaviors often fail to meet the desired goals. One reason for this failure is that health promotion issues are complex, changeable, and highly related to the specific needs and contexts of the intended audiences. It is a daunting challenge to effectively influence health behaviors, particularly culturally learned and reinforced behaviors concerning lifestyle factors related to diet, exercise, and substance (such as alcohol and tobacco) use. Too often, program development and evaluation are not adequately linked to provide rapid feedback to health communication program developers so that important revisions can be made to design the most relevant and personally motivating health communication programs for specific audiences. Design science theory and metho...
Room-temperature bias acceleration test for data retention screening on SONOS nonvolatile memory devices

We demonstrated a significant charge loss by a small DC bias applied to the SONOS gate. This charge loss can be correlated with that of a high-temperature bake. A bias acceleration test can be useful for wafer-level retention screening. The results also suggest that the gate bias for data readshould be set around 0V to minimize the gate read disturbance. More work is underway to investigate the mechanism of charge loss, the recall disturbance in nvSRAM, etc.
Surgery versus Physical Therapy for a Meniscal Tear and Osteoarthritis

In the intention-to-treat analysis, the mean improvement in the WOMAC score after 6 months was 20.9 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.9 to 23.9) in the surgical group and 18.5 (95% CI, 15.6 to 21.5) in the physical-therapy group (mean difference, 2.4 points; 95% CI, −1.8 to 6.5). At 6 months, 51 active participants in the study who were assigned to physical therapy alone (30%) had undergone surgery, and 9 patients assigned to surgery (6%) had not undergone surgery. The results at 12 months were similar to those at 6 months. The frequency of adverse events did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusions In the intention-to-treat analysis, we did not find significant differences between the study groups in functional improvement 6 months after randomization; however, 30% of the patients who were assigned to physical therapy alone underwent surgery within 6 months. (Funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; METEOR ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00597012.)
Exploiting inference for approximate parameter learning in discriminative fields: an empirical study

Estimation of parameters of random field models from labeled training data is crucial for their good performance in many image analysis applications. In this paper, we present an approach for approximate maximum likelihood parameter learning in discriminative field models, which is based on approximating true expectations with simple piecewise constant functions constructed using inference techniques. Gradient ascent with these updates exhibits compelling limit cycle behavior which is tied closely to the number of errors made during inference. The performance of various approximations was evaluated with different inference techniques showing that the learned parameters lead to good classification performance so long as the method used for approximating the gradient is consistent with the inference mechanism. The proposed approach is general enough to be used for the training of, e.g., smoothing parameters of conventional Markov Random Fields (MRFs).
Orbit selection for the Eos mission and its synergism implications

The fundamentals of orbital mechanics are presented and applied to show how the baseline Earth observing system (Eos) orbits were selected. Scientific goals, spacecraft limitations, and instrument requirements are examined. Instrument synergism issues related to satellite orbits are discussed. It is concluded that, within constraints imposed by the Earth's atmosphere, launch vehicle capability, and other factors, an orbit can be designed to accomplish the Mission to Planet Earth. >
Middle ear pressure in preschool age children: influence of respiratory illness, season, and picornavirus or bacteria in the nasopharynx.

Conclusion. Middle ear pressure was affected by respiratory illness and season; picornavirus (without illness) or pathogenic bacteria in the nasopharynx had no or minor effect. Objective. To examine the effect of respiratory illness, season, and nasopharyngeal microbial flora on middle ear pressure. Subjects and methods. Thirteen children were followed longitudinally with daily recording of respiratory symptoms, weekly tympanometry, and weekly testing of nasal aspirate/washes for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis by culture and for picornavirus by RT-PCR. Results. Abnormal middle ear pressure was present at 47% of 473 weekly visits by 11 preschool age (≤5years) vs 28% of 212 visits by 2 school age children. Symptomatic illness predicted abnormal middle ear pressure (63% of 107 ill visits in preschoolers vs 43% of 366 well visits, p<0.004). Abnormal tympanometry in preschoolers at well visits rose from 26% (80 visits) in summer to 54% (100 visits) in spring (p≤0.03). No...