cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clostridium difficile infection: The scope of the problem†

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is increasingly common, and it is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and cost burden for patients and the healthcare system. The severity and rates of recurrent CDI and associated mortality are also increasing. This article is an overview of the changes in CDI epidemiology that have occurred since the turn of the century and the current scope of the problem. The 3 articles that follow in this supplement address the diagnosis and treatment of initial and recurrent CDI, and current practice guidelines for the prevention and control of CDI in the hospital setting.
Application of FPA test system technology to commercial inspection/measurement systems

Research conducted for the Army has recently developed an FPA (focal plane array) integrated test and evaluation system to provide a testbed for evaluating FPA characteristics and resulting object detection effectiveness. The system design offers various combinations of image processing algorithms with real–time display of raw and processed (i.e., resulting from the application of each chosen algorithm) FPA data. Because this design does not restrict itself to one particular processing scheme, it can be used for a variety of non–military applications requiring object detection within image frames. This paper investigates application of the FPA test system to commercial inspection/measurement tasks, presenting experimental results for product classification by size and color and for product grading by size, features, and quality.
The reflection and thermal accommodation of helium beams on platinum

Molecular beam techniques have been used to investigate gas-surface interactions which are preliminary processes in gaseous heterogeneous catalysis. These first investigations studied the nature of the reflection of helium beams from platinum surfaces and their concomitant thermal accommodation (α'). At least three different conditions for the platinum surface, as judged by the nature of the reflection of a beam of helium atoms, were observed. Surfaces achieved by an oxygen treatment of the incandescent platinum target gave intense specular reflection of helium atoms and α'
Sudden Wenckebach periods and their relationship to neurocardiogenic syncope.

Throughout a 9-month period during which 1, 125 Hoiter tapes were reviewed prospectively we identified 13 non medicated patients with an arrhythmia, which for the purposes of this presentation was categorized, because of their mode of initiation, as sudden Wenckebach periods (WP). The episodes emerged abruptly from a normal (± 200 ms) PR interval with sudden prolongation of PR and PP intervals (and reversed PR-RP relationship that took place over 1–8 cycles. The postpaced PR interval was shorter than that of the last conducted beat. The episodes were separated into two groups. Group I included 11 patients with symptoms other than syncope and Group 11 included 2 patients with syncope. There were 26 episodes of sudden WP in Group 1. Twenty-five terminated in a single (and one in double) blocked P waves. Most episodes occurred between 10 PM and 7 AM. Symptoms did not correlate with the episodes. Mean 24-hour rates were 100) mean 24-hour rates) suggested that they also had so-called inappropriate sinus tachycardia. In summary. Group I consisted of patients with a normal, benign, vagal-induced second-degree AV block, whereas the Hoiter findings in Group II appeared to refiect unusual (but natural, i.e., nonprovoked) electrocardiographic manifestations of certain patients with neurocardiogenic syncope.
Local matching of surfaces using boundary-centered radial decomposition

The local matching problem on surfaces is: Given a pair of oriented surfaces in 3-space, find subsurfaces that are identical or complementary in shape. A heuristic solution is presented that is intended for use on complex surfaces (as opposed to such things as cubes and cylinders). The method proceeds as follows: (1) Find a small set of points--called "critical points"--on the two surfaces with the property that if p is a critical point and p matches q, then q is also a critical point. The critical points are taken to be local extrema of curvature, either Gaussian or mean. (2) Construct a rotation invariant representation around each critical point by intersecting the surface with spheres of standard radius centered around the critical point. For each of the resulting curves, compute a "distance contour" function equal to the distance from a point on the curve to the center of gravity of the curve as a function of arc length (normalized so that the domain of the function is the interval 0,1 ). Call the set of contours for a given critical point a "distance profile." (3) Match distance profiles by computing a "correlation" between corresponding distance contours. (4) Use maximal compatible subsets of the set of matching profiles to induce a transformation that maps corresponding critical points together, then use a cellular spatial partitioning technique to find all points on each surface that are within a tolerance of the other surface. This method has been implemented using surfaces represented by polygonal networks as input. It has been successfully applied to synthetically produced surfaces. Applications include scene analysis, molecular docking (fitting) and assembly of three dimensional jigsaw puzzles.
Fiscal policy over the cycle: the role of automatic stabilizers

This article suggests a new adjusted fiscal balance to be used in studies of the cyclicality of fiscal policy. The suggested approach takes into account both discretionary policy action and those automatic stabilizers that are a systematic component of the tax and benefit system, but excludes additional revenues that are due to applying an unchanged average tax rate to nominal GDP in excess of potential. This article argues that this has advantages over the previous approaches relying either on the overall or the cyclically adjusted (or structural) primary balance.
Safety and cost-effectiveness of intra-office flexible videolaryngoscopy with transoral vocal fold injection in dysphagic patients

Setting: A tertiary care referral-based otolaryngology practice. Objectives: To evaluate the safety of office-based transoral oral vocal fold injection in an ambulatory dysphagic population and to evaluate cost-effectiveness in comparison with traditional injection laryngoplasty done under general anesthesia in the operating room. Abstract: Dysphagia is a nonspecific and common symptom of many head and neck and systemic disease processes. In patients with glottal incompetence, the presenting complaint of dysphagia generally portends to more global oropharyngeal dysfunction than dysphonia alone. Although many authors have reported on and advocated the use of office injection technique in the management of dysphonia caused by glottal insufficiency, there is a paucity of literature regarding the use of this technique in a more medically compromised dysphagic patient population (Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1997;106:778-83). We describe our experience with vocal fold injection in the office setting using a transoral technique under flexible videolaryngoscopy for the treatment of glottal insufficiency in dysphagic patients. The safety and cost-effectiveness of this approach are highlighted.
MAC layer QoS support for wireless networks of unmanned air vehicles

Mission-critical applications in wireless environments depend on a cross layer approach for Quality of Service. Dealing efficiently with variable link quality and dynamic topologies involves QoS integration at the link, network and transport layer interfaces. In this paper, we present a new contention-based medium access control protocol for wireless ad-hoc networks of unmanned air vehicles. A receiver-initiated access control protocol with sender scheduling provides the mechanisms to implement effective MAC-layer bandwidth allocation with support for ad-hoc scenarios. A variable RTS lead time procedure integrated with binary exponential backoff improves fairness and provides low access latency for critical data frames. A major protocol design factor is efficient operation under heavy load. Performance measurements from simulations indicate consistent performance and promising results.
Exact two-center light cone calculation of electromagnetic pair production induced by ultrarelativistic heavy ions

An exact solution of the two center time-dependent Dirac equation for pair production induced by ultrarelativistic heavy ion collisions is presented. Cross sections to specific final states approach those of perturbation theory. Multiplicity rates are reduced from perturbation theory.
Dealing with the Unexpected in our Complex Socio-Technical World

This paper presents and discusses the imperative necessity to use complexity science principles and approaches to deal with the open world where we live in. During the 20th century, we have developed theories, methods and tools based on linear approaches to engineering systems that consider unexpected and rare events as exceptions, instead of including them in the flow of everyday events, handled by well-trained and experienced experts in specific domains. Consequently, regulations, clumsy automation and operational procedures are still accumulated in the short term instead of integrating long-term experience feedback. This results in the concept of quality assurance and human-machine interfaces (HMI) instead of focusing on human-system integration. Quality assurance promoted standardization; HMI promoted corrective ergonomics, instead of human-centered design from the early stages of product life cycle. It is time to depart from this linear approach based on standardization and procedures to investigate our non-linear dynamic world based on expertise and flexibility. We promote human-centered processes such as creativity, adaptability and problem solving. We then need to be better acquainted with risk taking, preparation, maturity management, complacency emerging from routine operations, and educated common sense. These fundamental assets are presented using examples from various life-critical domains.
Remarkable tolerance of ethynyl steroids to air and water in microwave-assisted hydrophosphinylation: Reaction scope and limitations

The microwave-assisted hydrophosphinylation of propargyl alcohols has been investigated using group 9 catalysts under solvent-free conditions as well as with pure water, ethyl lactate, or THF as the solvent. Reactions involving simple propargyl alcohols gave mixtures containing significant amounts of elimination products. In contrast, analogous reactions involving ethynyl steroids afforded a single species with only trace amounts of elimination products. The molecular structures of several derivatives have been determined and are discussed.
Formation and stability of cytoplasmic mRNAs during myoblast differentiation: pulse-chase and density labeling analyses.

Abstract Stabilities and rates of formation of cytoplasmic mRNAs have been measured quantitatively in cultures of embryonic quail breast myoblasts undergoing differentiation to form muscle fibers. Uridine pulse-chase studies show that dividing myoblasts and differentiated fibers form both short- and long-lived mRNAs. Short-lived mRNAs in myoblasts and fibers have similar half-lives of 2–4 hr, however, long-lived mRNAs have a half-life of 60–100 hr in myoblasts and only 20 hr in fibers. When myoblasts fuse, the formation of long-lived cytoplasmic mRNAs increases at least twofold, and this increased formation together with the cessation of myoblast cell division at fusion is sufficient to account for the four- to fivefold accumulation of long-lived mRNA observed in fibers. These long-lived mRNAs were identified by density labeling cultures with 15N, 13C-nucleotides, chasing with light nucleosides, and then translating the density labeled mRNAs in wheat germ extracts. These experiments show that the contractile protein mRNAs, as well as 60–70 other muscle mRNAs are actively synthesized by muscle fibers and that all of the specific mRNAs detected have half-lives clustering around 20 hr.
Paleogeographic and Paleoecologic Analysis of Planktonic Foraminifera: ABSTRACT

Abundance studies of extinct planktonic Foraminifera are proving a fruitful method of paleogeographic and paleoecologic analysis. Population counts of species and genera in fossil faunal assemblages give approximate percentage figures for paleo-faunal studies. Comparison of population data between two or more stratigraphic sections can be used as an indication of paleo-faunal differentiation and can outline paleogeographic distribution of species. Abundance analysis based on faunal sequences appears to reveal patterns that are repeated within sections from the same faunal province. Application of this method of analysis to planktonic foraminiferal faunas from Maestrichtian and Paleocene assemblage zones in selected sections of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Mediterranean regions indicates distinct paleogeographic and paleoecologic differentiation. Broad generic distributions are evident, whereas there are more distinct geographic limitations on species in the Maestrichtian and Paleocene. There also is some indication of possible geographic subspecies variation. The most marked differentiation occurs along lines of longitude with more favorable comparisons and less marked differences along lines of latitude. A greater number of genera and species are found in low latitudes than in high latitudes in rocks of the Maestrichtian and Paleocene. Faunas from sediments deposited in shallow-water environments are characterized by a limited number of species. The species that do occur usually are the most abundant elements in the planktonic faunas found in sediments deposited in deeper-water environments. End_of_Article - Last_Page 630------------
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: current practice and future treatments

Purpose of reviewKnowledge of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and in particular the care of patients with it, is evolving exponentially. More than 1700 articles with the phrase ‘amyotrophic lateral sclerosis’ have been published in the past 2 years; these form the basis for this timely review.Recent
A reappraisal of the Pipeline embolization device for the treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms

Background Use of the Pipeline embolization device (PED) in the posterior circulation is of some controversy. Objective Recent publications have described adverse outcomes associated with the PED for vertebral and/or basilar artery pathology. We assessed our results in the treatment of this challenging subset of aneurysms after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Methods We prospectively reviewed our series of PED cases in this cohort. Patients were assessed for aneurysm type, technical success, periprocedural complications, and aneurysm obliteration. Results Since FDA approval, 17 patients with posterior circulation aneurysms were treated with the PED. These included aneurysms of the vertebral artery (V4) segments (n=8), basilar trunk (n=6), basilar apex (n=2), and cervical vertebral artery (n=1). Two patients had a prior subarachnoid hemorrhage. All of the aneurysms treated were either saccular, had a saccular component, or were dissecting in nature. No dolichoectatic aneurysms were treated. Technical success was achieved in all patients. One complication (1/17 patients; 5.9%), a parenchymal hematoma after ventriculostomy replacement, resulted in permanent disability. Angiographic follow-up has been obtained to date in 14 of the 17 patients and shows complete or near-complete (>90%) obliteration in all cases. Conclusions Patient selection is essential for safe and effective PED treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms. The PED is equally effective in achieving aneurysm obliteration with an acceptable risk profile as it is in the anterior circulation. Dolichoectatic aneurysms were not included in this treatment cohort. PED may be a preferable alternative to open surgical treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms.
ÉQUATION DE PROPAGATION DU VECTEUR INTENSITÉ ACOUSTIQUE. PREMIÈRE PARTIE

Une formulation generale du vecteur intensite acoustique complexe est presentee. L'etude separee des parties active et reactive de ce vecteur montre que chacune des grandeurs est liee a des comportements energetiques particuliers et traduit des phenomenes de propagation differents. Les equations de propagation de chacune de ces composantes sont obtenues sur des sources elementaires et l'interpretation physique des phenomenes est mise en evidence sur le cas particulier du rayonnement d'un piston plan baffle.
Spectroscopic and electronic structure studies probing covalency contributions to C-H bond activation and transition-state stabilization in xanthine oxidase.

A detailed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and computational study of a key paramagnetic form of xanthine oxidase (XO) has been performed and serves as a basis for developing a valence-bond description of C–H activation and transition-state (TS) stabilization along the reaction coordinate with aldehyde substrates. EPR spectra of aldehyde-inhibited XO have been analyzed in order to provide information regarding the relationship between the g, 95,97Mo hyperfine (AMo), and 13C hyperfine (AC) tensors. Analysis of the EPR spectra has allowed for greater insight into the electronic origin of key delocalizations within the Mo–Oeq–C fragment and how these contribute to C–H bond activation/cleavage and TS stabilization. A natural bond orbital analysis of the enzyme reaction coordinate with aldehyde substrates shows that both Mo═S π → C–H σ* (ΔE = 24.3 kcal mol–1) and C–H σ → Mo═S π* (ΔE = 20.0 kcal mol–1) back-donation are important in activating the substrate C–H bond for cleavage. Additional contributions ...
Polarity, preponderance and power parity in the generation of international conflict

Almost a decade ago one of the authors introduced the concepts of “opportunity” and “willingness” in this journal (Starr, 1978). We have since devoted considerable attention to clarifying these concepts and their relationship to international conflict. In a series of recent articles we have focused on the micro/decision making/willingness level. In the present discussion we expand more fully on the macro/system/opportunity level, demonstrating through the use of logic and simulation that such decision processes operate within structures which appear logically to set limits, ceilings or constraints on the amount of conflict which is possible. We do so by using the different positions regarding polarity and conflict, and the parity vs. preponderance debate as starting points; (and come to some non‐obvious conclusions on the roles of power and system structure).
Transport Numbers in Molten Aluminum Chloride‐1‐Methyl‐3‐Ethylimidazolium Chloride Mixtures

The transport numbers of 1-methyl-3-ethylimidazolium (MEI/sup +/), AlCl/sub 4/ -, and Cl - ions were measured in equimolar and AlCl/sub 3/ -poor melts of AlCl/sub 3/ and 1-methyl-3-ethylimidazolium chloride (MEICI). The moving boundary method and a modified Hittorf method were used. The external transport numbers of the three ions in the equimolar melt were 0.70 + or 0.02, 0.30 + or - 0.02, and 0, respectively. As AlCl/sub 3/ mole fraction decreases, the transport number for AlCl/sub 4/ -decreases, while that for Cl/sup +/ increases and that for MEI/sup +/ remains the same. The internal transport number of the MEI/sup +/ relative to Cl as the reference is 1.00 + or - 0.02.
CdTe Solar Cells: Processing Limits and Defect Chemistry Effects on Open Circuit Voltage

The role of CdTe solar cell processing on the defect chemistry that limits open circuit voltage (VOC) is addressed in the thermochemical processing regimes commonly encountered in present-generation CdTe devices. The highest VOC is 0.91 V for a bulk CdTe crystal with ITO which is only marginally higher than VOC = 0.86 V obtained for polycrystalline CdTe films with CdS. Both fall ∼0.4 V short of the VOC expected for CdTe, having band gap EG = 1.5 eV. The present >16% efficient superstrate CdTe cell uses a process based on high-temperature, T > 500°C, CdTe growth on CdS, coupled with optimized methods for incorporating oxygen, sulfur, copper, and chloride species in the CdTe film. Pushing cell conversion efficiencies beyond 20% will require increasing VOC beyond 1V. However the present pathway of processing optimization will likely yield VOC and efficiency converging on 0.9 V and <20%, respectively.
Length polymorphisms, restriction site variation, and maternal inheritance of mitochondrial DNA of Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract We have studied the mitochondrial DNA in three wild type laboratory strains of Drosophila melanogaster , ry +5 and two Oregon R-substrains, called here R and E. Lengths of the restriction bands for Eco RI, Bgl II, Hpa II, Msp I, Hae III, and Hin dIII were compared. The number of restriction sites was identical in all strains, with the exception of an extra Hae III site in ry +5 . Careful comparison of restriction fragment lengths showed that bands containing the AT-rich region were different in length among all strains. The laboratory strains, ry +5 , proved to be a mixture of strains carrying different mtDNAs; these separated into substrains G1 and G2 in the progeny of single pair matings. Adult progeny of reciprocal crosses of G1 and R were analyzed by Hae III restriction digestion. The results demonstrated maternal inheritance for both the extra restriction site and band containing the AT-rich region.
A deeper respired carbon pool in the glacial equatorial Pacific Ocean

article i nfo Atmospheric pCO2 was approximately 80 ppm lower during the last glacial period than during pre-industrial times. Identifying the fate of that carbon has been one of the great challenges in paleoceanography. We present evidence from ten equatorial Pacific Ocean sediment cores to show that the deep Pacific Ocean likely stored more carbon during the last glacial period than the Holocene. The concentration of the redox-sensitive metal uranium (U) in sediments was systematically greater during the last glacial period than during the Holocene, indicating more reducing conditions in glacial-age sediments. Reconstructions of biogenic opal flux indicate that changes in U distribution were not the result of changes in biological productivity and the ensuing rain of organic carbon to the sea floor, which also affects the redox conditions of the sediments. Together, these results lead to the interpretation that bottom water in the equatorial Pacific during the glacial period had significantly lower oxygen concentration than during the Holocene, and a correspondingly greater level of respired CO2. This conclusion is supported by evidence for greater preservation of brassicasterol, a biomarker produced by diatoms, in glacial-age sediments of the eastern equatorial Pacific. The presence of additional respired CO2 in the glacial deep ocean would have lowered atmospheric pCO2 by 1) increasing the total storage of CO2 in the glacial ocean and 2) increasing ocean alkalinity following a transient carbonate dissolution event. Our results are consistent with recently published data from the North Pacific Ocean; this suggests that increased carbon storage in the glacial deep Pacific Ocean was a basin-wide phenomenon, consistent with a large-scale transfer of carbon to the deep ocean during glacial periods.
COMMENT ON THE USE OF UNITED-ATOM EXPANSIONS

United-atom expansions for helium and hydrogen atoms - validity for ground state & excited state short range interactions
Internalized Misogyny as a Moderator of the Link between Sexist Events and Women’s Psychological Distress

This study examined the relationship between internalized misogyny and two other forms of internalized sexism, self-objectification and passive acceptance of traditional gender roles. In addition, it examined the moderating role of internalized misogyny in the link between sexist events and psychological distress. Participants consisted of 274 heterosexual women who were recruited at a large southern university in the United States and completed an online survey. Results indicated that internalized misogyny was related to, but conceptually distinct from self-objectification and passive acceptance. Findings also indicated that greater experiences of sexist events were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. In addition, internalized misogyny intensified the relationship between external sexism and psychological distress.
A note on strain jump conditions and Cesàro integrals for bonded and slipping inclusions

Strain interface jump conditions are derived in two and three dimensions for bonded and slipping inclusions, as well as the Cesaro type integral for global compatibility of a slipping inclusion. No Cesaro integral is needed for a bonded inclusion. The geometric nature of a Volterra dislocation surrounding a slipping inclusion is determined.
Perverting Islam: Taliban social policy toward women.

(2001). Perverting Islam: Taliban social policy toward women. Central Asian Survey: Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 415-426.
ISOLATED CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) VASCULITIS IN CHILDHOOD-A REPORT OF FIVE CASES WITH LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP

ISOLATED CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) VASCULITIS IN CHILDHOOD-A REPORT OF FIVE CASES WITH LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 30

Abstract Evaluated spectroscopic data and level schemes from radioactive decay and nuclear reaction studies are presented for 30 F, 30 Ne, 30 Na, 30 Mg, 30 Al, 30 Si, 30 P, 30 S, and 30 Cl. This evaluation for A=30 supersedes the previous evaluation 1998En04. However, some additional information for these nuclides can be found in earlier evaluations 1990En08 and 1978En02. Highlights of this publication are the following: The latest studies (2010StZZ, 2010De26) by fusion evaporation reaction of 14 C and 18 O using GAMMASPHERE array, consisted of 101 Compton-suppressed HPGe detectors, provided new data for 30 Al, 30 Si, and 30 Mg nuclides and extended the level scheme to higher spin states. 2010Se07 reported a new level at 4814(3) keV for 30 S nuclide studied by the 32 S(p,t) reaction. It did not observe the 5168(6) keV level that was reported earlier as a possible doublet by 2007Ba69. In the absence of further experiment, 2010Se07 considers the level as one of the doublets.
Assessment of Intelligence in the Preschool Period

Intelligence testing has a long and revered history in psychological measurement in childhood. Yet, the years between infancy and early childhood have been understudied with respect to emergent intellectual and cognitive functioning. Factor analytic models of intelligence that have demonstrated applicability when testing older children and adults often appear inadequate in the preschool period. As more is learned about brain development in typically developing children during these crucial years the distinctive relationships between neural system development and intellectual functioning are being revealed more completely. The aim of this paper was to provide a brief historical background as a foundation for discussion of intelligence testing, review what is known about the dynamic course of brain development during the preschool years, acknowledge limitations specific to intelligence testing in young children, and provide support for maintaining a comprehensive neuropsychological perspective that considers the wider range of variables that influence intellectual functioning in the preschool period.
Osmotic regulation in adult Drosophila melanogaster during dehydration and rehydration.

SUMMARY We have examined the osmoregulatory capacities of laboratory populations of the insect Drosophila melanogaster by measuring hemolymph osmotic concentration during desiccation and upon recovery from a bout of desiccation. Recovery treatments entailed allowing the flies access to distilled water, a saline solution or a saline+sucrose solution after a desiccation bout shown to reduce hemolymph volume by ∼60%. Prior to desiccation, the hemolymph osmotic concentration was 353±11 mOsm. We found that Drosophila display strict osmotic regulation under prolonged conditions of dehydration. Osmotic regulation continued during recovery from desiccation, regardless of the fluid provided. This result is evidence that this insect does not require an external source of osmolytes or energy to regulate its hemolymph osmotic concentration or to restore hemolymph volume, which is reduced during desiccation. We also examined populations that have been selected for over 250 generations for enhanced desiccation resistance to identify physiological characters that have evolved in response to the selection regime. The selected lines displayed a reduced pre-desiccation hemolymph osmotic concentration (315±7 mOsm) and a marginally improved capacity for osmoregulation.
Stimulated Raman Scattering With Shaped Ultrafast Pulse Trains

We explore the possibility of using stimulated Raman (SRS) as a new imaging contrast and compared it to two photon absorption (TPA). Potential advantages over coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering (CARS) imaging are discussed.
Family relationships and adaptation to spinal cord injury: a qualitative study

To study adaptive processes following spinal cord injury, unstructured audiotaped interviews were conducted on an almost daily basis with a 30-year-old divorced male during the first 3 months of his initial comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation. Analysis of the transcribed tapes identified a number of important themes, including the theme of social relationships, recurring throughout the data. Family relationships are the focus of this article. The role of the rehabilitation nurse in promoting family involvement in the rehabilitation process is discussed.
Determination of the methionine requirement of male and female broiler chicks using an indirect amino acid oxidation method

The methionine requirement of 250-to-300-g broiler chicks was estimated from the oxidation of L-[1-14C] phenylalanine of chicks given meals containing graded levels of DL-methionine. L-[1-14C] phenylalanine was used as an indicator amino acid for amino acid oxidation and, indirectly, protein synthesis. Four experiments were conducted using an incomplete block design with three replications each. Chicks were crop intubated with semifluid diets at a ratio of 1 g of diet per 45 g of bird weight. Two feedings 2 h apart were used to reduce variability, and the sample collection period was 3 h after the second feeding. Regression analysis of 14CO2 release from L-[1-14C] phenylalanine was used to estimate the methionine requirement. The model was as follows: response = max + rc x (req - x) x I, where max = plateau, rc = rate constant, req = requirement, and I = 1 when x < req, otherwise I = 0. The methionine requirements of Ross x Ross chicks were 0.57 +/- 0.03% and 0.52 +/- 0.08% for male and female chicks, respectively in Experiment 1 and 0.55 +/- 0.05% and 0.52 +/- 0.04%, respectively, in Experiment 2. In the third experiment (Arbor Acre High-Yield), phenylalanine oxidation stabilized at a low rate when dietary methionine levels reached 0.54 +/- 0.03% and 0.53 +/- 0.04% for males and females, respectively. In a growth trial covering a longer period (Experiment 4), the methionine requirements of male and female Ross x Ross chicks, based on feed conversion, were 0.52 +/- 0.05% and 0.45 +/- 0.02%, respectively, and based on body gain were 0.54 +/0.09% and 0.48 +/- 0.04%, respectively. The results suggested that the methionine requirement of male chicks tended to be higher than that of females in both strains. However, differences were small and not significant.
Incidence and pattern of direct blunt neurovascular injury associated with trauma to the skull base.

Object Skull base fractures are often associated with potentially devastating injuries to major neural arteries in the head and neck, but the incidence and pattern of this association are unknown. Methods Between April and September 2002, 1738 Level 1 trauma patients were admitted to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Among them, a skull base fracture was diagnosed in 78 patients following computed tomography (CT) scans. Seven patients had no neurovascular imaging performed and were excluded. Altogether, 71 patients who received a diagnosis of skull base fractures after CT and who also underwent a neurovascular imaging study were included (54 men and 17 women, mean age 29 years, range 1–83 years). Patients underwent CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, or digital subtraction angiography of the head and craniovertebral junction, or combinations thereof. Results Nine neurovascular injuries were identified in six (8.5%) of the 71 patients. Fractures of the clivus were ve...
Testing Developmental Pathways to Antisocial Personality Problems

This study examined the development of antisocial personality problems (APP) in young adulthood from disruptive behaviors and internalizing problems in childhood and adolescence. Parent ratings of 507 children’s (aged 6–8 years) symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and anxiety, were linked to self-ratings of adolescents’ (aged 14–16 years) symptoms of depression, substance use, conduct problems, and somatic problems, to predict self-ratings of APP in young adulthood (age 20–22 years). The findings suggested a hierarchical development of antisocial behavior problems. Despite being positively associated with conduct problems in adolescence, neither internalizing problems nor substance use added to the prediction of APP in young adulthood from conduct problems in adolescence. The developmental pathways to APP in young adulthood did not differ by gender.
Simulation study of repeatability and bias in the critical dimension scanning electron microscope

The ability of a critical dimension scanning electron microscope (CD-SEM) to resolve differences in the widths of two lines depends on the instrument's measurement repeatability and any sample-dependent biases. The dependence of repeatability and bias on eight different parameters is studied using the MONSEL Monte Carlo electron simulator. For each of 14,400 different combinations of values of eight parameters, three describing the sample and five describing characteristics of the instrument or measurement condition, an image is simulated, noise is added, and the edge positions are "measured" as would be done in a CD-SEM. From 100 repetitions of noise, the repeatability of such CD determinations is ascertained. Biases (i.e., average errors) are also determined. Noise amplitude, edge detection algorithm, and beam size are shown to be significant factors in measurement repeatability. The CD-SEM's measurement repeatability may be an order of magnitude better than its spatial resolution. For standard edge detection methods, the bias depends on the sample. This means that in a manufacturing environment in which the sample shape varies, there will be a random component of error that is not measured by the industry's usual same-sample tests of instrument precision.
Drug courts: Conceptual foundation, empirical findings, and policy implications

While drug courts have emerged on the criminal justice policy-making agenda with considerable fanfare in recent years, they have now reached the point in their operational advancement and political advocacy where continued growth and development are becoming more dependent on the strength of empirical evidence. Along with insights obtained from descriptions related to the history and function of drug courts, their divergence from traditional judicial practices, and their role in the new paradigm of therapeutic jurisprudence, this article analyzes the results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the drug court evaluation literature. From a public policy perspective, these empirical assessments are considered in conjunction with the conceptual foundations and implementation strategies associated with contemporary drug courts, in an effort to address their future potential to maintain a prominent position on the public policy agenda. As with similar public initiatives, it is argued that the long-term s...
Study on hydrogenation of polysilicon thin film transistors by ion implantation

Hydrogenation of polysilicon (poly-Si) thin film transistors (TFT's) by ion implantation has been systematically studied. Poly-Si TFT performance was dramatically improved by hydrogen ion implantation followed by a forming gas anneal (FGA). The threshold voltage, channel mobility, subthreshold swing, leakage current, and ON/OFF current ratio have been studied as functions of ion implantation dose and FGA temperature. Under the optimized conditions (H/sup +/ dose of 5/spl times/10/sup 15/ cm/sup -2/ and FGA temperature at 375/spl deg/C), NMOS poly-Si TFT's fabricated by a low temperature 600/spl deg/C process have a mobility of /spl sim/27 cm /sup 2//V/spl middot/s, a threshold voltage of /spl sim/2 V, a subthreshold swing of /spl sim/0.9 V/decade, and an OFF-state leakage current of /spl sim/7 pA//spl mu/m at V/sub DS/=10 V. The avalanche induced kink effect was found to be reduced after hydrogenation. >
Structure of a Major Antigenic Site on the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Glycoprotein in Complex with Neutralizing Antibody 101F

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and elderly people. Currently there is no effective vaccine against RSV, but passive prophylaxis with neutralizing antibodies reduces hospitalizations. To investigate the mechanism of antibody-mediated RSV neutralization, we undertook structure-function studies of monoclonal antibody 101F, which binds a linear epitope in the RSV fusion glycoprotein. Crystal structures of the 101F antigen-binding fragment in complex with peptides from the fusion glycoprotein defined both the extent of the linear epitope and the interactions of residues that are mutated in antibody escape variants. The structure allowed for modeling of 101F in complex with trimers of the fusion glycoprotein, and the resulting models suggested that 101F may contact additional surfaces located outside the linear epitope. This hypothesis was supported by surface plasmon resonance experiments that demonstrated 101F bound the peptide epitope ∼16,000-fold more weakly than the fusion glycoprotein. The modeling also showed no substantial clashes between 101F and the fusion glycoprotein in either the pre- or postfusion state, and cell-based assays indicated that 101F neutralization was not associated with blocking virus attachment. Collectively, these results provide a structural basis for RSV neutralization by antibodies that target a major antigenic site on the fusion glycoprotein.
A novel learning based segmentation method for rodent brain structures using MRI

This paper reports a novel method for fully automated segmentation of rodent brain volume by extending the robust active shape models to incorporate an automatic prior shape selection process. This automatic prior shape selection process using support vector machines provides an automatic shape initialization method for further segmentation of rodent brain structures such as Cerebellum, Neocortex, Corpus Callosum, External Capsule, Caudate Putamen, Hippocampus and Ventricles with the robust active shape model framework in magnetic resonance images (MRI). The mean successful rate of this classification method shows 92.2% accuracy compared to the expert-defined ground truth. We also demonstrate the very promising segmentation results of the robust active shape model framework in rodent brain volume.
Partitioned garbage collection of a large stable heap

This paper describes a new garbage collection scheme for large persistent object stores. The scheme makes efficient use of the disk and main memory and does not delay applications. The heap is divided into partitions that are collected independently using stable information about inter-partition references. We use novel techniques to maintain this information using in-memory data structures and a log to avoid disk accesses. The result is a scheme that truly preserves the localized and scalable nature of partitioned collection.
The effects of cooperative training and ability grouping on microcomputer learning

Abstract A total of 276 subjects from Grades 5 and 6 participated in a study investigating the effects of cooperative training and ability grouping on microcomputer learning. Approximately half the sample underwent three half-hour sessions of cooperative training prior to microcomputer learning. Cooperative training included social cohesion techniques such as team-building and self-evaluation, while positive interdependence was also built into the design. In addition, subjects were divided into either homogeneous or heterogeneous ability groups. During five half-hour sessions, subjects worked in groups of four on both a drill-and-practice and a tutorial software program. Results on four measures of achievement did not strongly support the effects of cooperative training or ability grouping on microcomputer learning. Where there are significant findings, the results are mixed, reflecting the ambivalent nature of results in other work in the area. Significantly, mixed-ability groupings did not have any particularly debilitating effects on either high or low ability subjects. Results are discussed in light of the motivationalist and cognitive-developmental positions concerning group learning, and implications for future research are proposed.
Neural substrates linking balance control and anxiety

This communication provides an update of our understanding of the neurological bases for the close association between balance control and anxiety. New data suggest that a vestibulo-recipient region of the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) contains cells that respond to body rotation and position relative to gravity. The PBN, with its reciprocal relationships with the extended central amygdaloid nucleus, infralimbic cortex, and hypothalamus, appears to be an important node in a primary network that processes convergent vestibular, somatic, and visceral information processing to mediate avoidance conditioning, anxiety, and conditioned fear responses. Noradrenergic and serotonergic projections to the vestibular nuclei also have parallel connections with anxiety pathways. The coeruleo-vestibular pathway originates in caudal locus coeruleus (LC) and provides regionally specialized noradrenergic input to the vestibular nuclei, which likely mediate effects of alerting and vigilance on the sensitivity of vestibulo-motor circuits. Both serotonergic and nonserotonergic pathways from the dorsal raphe nucleus and the nucleus raphe obscurus also project differentially to the vestibular nuclei, and 5-HT(2A) receptors are expressed in amygdaloid and cortical targets of the PBN. It is proposed that the dorsal raphe nucleus pathway contributes to both (a) a tradeoff between motor and sensory (information gathering) aspects of responses to self-motion and (b) a calibration of the sensitivity of affective responses to aversive aspects of motion. This updated neurologic model continues to be a synthetic schema for investigating the neurological and neurochemical bases for comorbidity of balance disorders and anxiety disorders.
Measuring Elastic Properties of Highly Metastatic Cells using Nano-Capillary Wrinkling

Measuring elastic properties of cells has gained importance in the study of malignant transformations. The stiffness of a cell, which is technically referred to as the modulus of elasticity or Young’s Modulus, E, is the measure of the amount of cell deformation caused by an applied known force. In vitro studies have shown that cancer cells have much lower elastic stiffness than normal cells. These stiffness measurements and their differences can be used to study the behavioral mechanics of how cancer cells grow, profligate, and die in a patient. Another important use of this difference in elasticity is in cancer detection. In this study, we explore the viability of measuring the elastic modulus of cancer cells by using a method that only requires the use of a low magnification microscope and a digital camera. In particular we are interested in applying the previously reported relationship between the wrinkling of thin films and the elastic properties of freely floating polystyrene (PS) films. Our work extends the scope of previous thin film studies by evaluating wrinkle formation in floating polystyrene films coated with biological cells. Our results show that the wrinkle formation is modified, both in morphology and in size, by the presence of a cellular monolayer on top of the PS film.
Hurricane Katrina: The Making of Unworthy Disaster Victims

New reporters and government officials are usually sympathetic to the plight of victims during natural disaster. Yet for many stranded victims, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina’s arrival to New Orleans, this was not necessarily the case. This article contends that as a result of media portrayals and decisions of government officials, black disaster victims were seen and treated as unworthy victims. The analysis draws upon reported news accounts and official decisions to examine how Katrina victims were socially constructed as anti-social and deviant in media coverage, and, in turn, how those portrayals influenced the ways government officials responded to disaster victims as criminals.
Testing for Factorial Invariance in the Context of Construct Validation

This article describes the logic and procedures behind testing for factorial invariance across groups in the context of construct validation. The procedures include testing for configural, measurement, and structural invariance in the framework of multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The forward (sequential constraint imposition) approach to testing for factorial invariance is described and illustrated for the cases of first-order and second-order CFA models; computer codes in Mplus are provided. Computations of the Satorra—Bentler scaled chi-square difference, used in testing for factorial invariance under lack of multivariate normality, are also described. Some points of caution related to testing and interpreting measurement invariance are provided as well.
The Economics of Traceability for Multi-Ingredient Products: A Network Approach

The consumption of multi-ingredient foods is increasing across the globe as consumers spend less time preparing meals. Traceability is now extensively used to reduce information imperfections in food markets and recent EU law suggests it will be implemented for manufactured meals as well. We present a model developed to understand how information on different ingredients flows through supply chains for multi-ingredient food products. The network model has three tiers linked by contracts for levels of quality and information. The model is useful for analyzing tradeoffs and network effects emerging in the choice of traceability levels.
ANGRY AND AFRAID: WOMEN'S APPRAISAL OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT DURING LITIGATION

The purpose of this study was to examine primary appraisal of sexual harassment, that is, a victim's cognitive evaluation of the harassment and the factors that influence this appraisal. The perspectives of 72 female plaintiffs were investigated by measuring their primary appraisal of the event, examining the structure of this appraisal, and assessing the influence of stimulus and individual factors on appraisal. Cluster analysis revealed four distinct emotion clusters: demoralization, anxious arousal, fear, and self-blame. Significant correlations suggest that these four appraisal clusters are differentially related to certain stimulus (e.g., intensity) and individual (e.g., self-esteem, previous victimization, feminist attitudes, and attributions) factors. Theoretical and practical implications for the role of primary appraisal are discussed.