cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Localization of the kcc4 potassium–chloride cotransporter in the nervous system

Abstract Potassium–chloride cotransporters (KCCs) collectively play a crucial role in the function and development of both the peripheral and central nervous systems. KCC4 is perhaps the least abundant KCC in the adult mammalian brain, where its localization is unknown. In the embryonic brain, KCC4 mRNA is found in the periventricular zone, cranial nerves and choroid plexus [Eur J Neurosci 16 (2002) 2358]. To investigate the distribution of KCC4 protein in the nervous system we developed a rabbit polyclonal antibody directed against a short N-terminal peptide. Western blot analysis of brain microsomal protein using purified antibody revealed the presence of a band at approximately 145 kDa, consistent with the size of a glycosylated K–Cl cotransporter. Western blot analysis of brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves revealed high expression levels in peripheral nerves and spinal cord, with low levels in whole brain. Within the brain, the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum revealed minimal KCC4 expression, whereas midbrain and brainstem demonstrated higher levels. In the adult mouse brain, KCC4 staining was observed on the apical membrane of choroid plexus epithelial cells as well as in cranial nerves. All other brain structures, e.g. cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum showed no KCC4 immunoreactivity, suggesting very low or absent expression of the cotransporter in these regions. Co-staining of KCC4 with anti-MAP2, GFAP and CNPase revealed that KCC4 is expressed in peripheral neurons. Thus, KCC4 is expressed on the apical membrane of the choroid plexus, where it likely participates to K + reabsorption. KCC4 is also expressed in peripheral neurons, where its function remains to be determined.
Computer vision barrel inspection

One of the Department of Energy's (DOE) ongoing tasks is the storage and inspection of a large number of waste barrels containing a variety of hazardous substances. Martin Marietta is currently contracted to develop a robotic system -- the Intelligent Mobile Sensor System (IMSS) -- for the automatic monitoring and inspection of these barrels. The IMSS is a mobile robot with multiple sensors: video cameras, illuminators, laser ranging and barcode reader. We assisted Martin Marietta in this task, specifically in the development of image processing algorithms that recognize and classify the barrel labels. Our subsystem uses video images to detect and locate the barcode, so that the barcode reader can be pointed at the barcode.
Resistance to Thyroid Hormone: An Historical Overview

Resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) is an inherited syndrome characterized by reduced tissue responsiveness to thyroid hormone. Subjects have elevated serum thyroid hormone levels in association with a nonsuppressed TSH. Goiter and thyroid test abnormalities have most often led to further investigation, underscoring the paucity of specific clinical manifestations of RTH. Hypothyroidism has been considered when growth or mental retardation was the presenting symptom and thyrotoxicosis when dealing with attention deficit or hyperactivity. Failure to recognize the inappropriate persistence of TSH secretion, in spite of elevated thyroid hormone levels, has commonly resulted in erroneous diagnosis leading to treatment aimed to normalize the thyroid hormone level. More than 400 subjects with this syndrome have been identified. The mode of inheritance appears to be autosomal dominant in the majority of families. It has long been suspected that RTH is most likely caused by an abnormal thyroid hormone receptor (TR), but this hypothesis could not be directly tested until the isolation of two TR genes, TR alpha and TR beta, located in chromosomes 17 and 3, respectively. TR beta gene mutations have been recently identified in 68 families with RTH. All mutations are located in the T3-binding domain, straddling the putative TR-dimerization region. Mutant TRs exhibit hormone-binding impairment, the degree of which does not correlate with the severity of clinical manifestations. This finding, and the fact that heterozygous subjects with complete TR deletion are not affected, while those with point mutations are, indicated that interactions of the mutant TRs with normal TRs and with other factors, are responsible for the dominant inheritance of RTH and its clinical heterogeneity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Base and Phosphate Electron Detachment Energies of Deoxyribonucleotide Anions

Photoelectron spectra of deoxyribonucleotide anions are interpreted with ab initio, electron propagator calculations. Ground-state structures display hydrogen bonds which are not present in less stable minima that resemble Watson-Crick fragment geometries. For the adenosine and thymidine anions, there are two vertical electron detachment energies (VEDEs) within 0.1 eV of each other that correspond to phosphate- and base-centered Dyson orbitals (DOs). The first VEDE of the cytidine anion belongs to a phosphate-centered DO. The anomalously low VEDE of the guanosine anion is assigned to a base-centered, pi DO. Higher VEDEs of all four anions also are assigned.
Bound-State Eigenfunctions of Classically Chaotic Hamiltonian Systems: Scars of Periodic Orbits

Certain unstable periodic orbits are shown to permanently scar some quantum eigenfunctions as $\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0$, in the sense that extra density surrounds the region of the periodic orbit.
Poplar GATA transcription factor PdGNC is capable of regulating chloroplast ultrastructure, photosynthesis, and vegetative growth in Arabidopsis under varying nitrogen levels

Photosynthesis and nitrogen availability are crucial to the accumulation of biomass. The GATA transcription factor family plays important roles in chloroplast development and nitrogen metabolism. Here, we cloned, for the first time, the GATA transcription factor PdGNC from the fast-growing poplar clone NE-19. The overexpression results from Arabidopsis under high nitrate, sufficient nitrate, and low nitrate (LN) support that PdGNC increased the chloroplast number and size per cell in leaf and stem, improved the chlorophyll level by 26.12 % and exhibited the highest starch content in LN. Overexpression of PdGNC also had pronounced effects on chloroplast ultrastructure by increasing the number of grana and thylakoids. The photosynthetic rate in transgenic LN lines was 42.17 % higher than in the wild type through modification of the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters Fv/F0, Fv/Fm, qP, NPQ, and ΦPSII. Morphologically, PdGNC promoted longer primary roots and larger leaf areas, and exhibited a higher relative growth rate in LN. Altogether, PdGNC improved photosynthetic capacity and plant growth under low nitrate levels; thus, it could potentially be used in transgenic breeding to improve nitrate utilization and plant growth rates under limited nitrogen conditions.
Recurrence of the cytochrome fold in a nitrate-respiring bacterium.

Abstract The crystal structure of cytochrome c550 (formerly MDC) from the oxygen or nitrate-respiring bacterium Micrococcus denitrificans has been determined to a resolution of four Angstrom units. By comparison with the structures of eukaryotic cytochrome c and photosynthetic Rhodospirillum rubrum c2, the polypeptide chain path can be followed from one end of the protein to the other. Many aromatic side chains can be identified even at 4 A. The same “cytochrome fold” is seen in all three redox proteins. Cytochrome c550 has the same insertions on the left-hand side of the molecule as c2 (in comparison with c), plus three more external additions and a changed right-hand side hairpin bend, which together account for approximately 25 residues. In terms of gross chain folding, c550 is more like c2 than c, but in its arrangement of aromatic residues in the righthand side channel, the two respiratory cytochromes c and c550 are most nearly alike. The similarities and differences in these three proteins support earlier suggestions concerning important and unimportant zones on the molecular surface, and lead to testable hypotheses about evolutionary descent. The cytochrome fold is the oldest common structure found to date among diverse proteins and may be a useful diagnostic tool in studying the process of protein evolution.
Local anesthetic infiltration versus caudal epidural block for anorectal surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Study Objective To compare patient satisfaction with local anesthetic infiltration versus caudal epidural block for anorectal procedures. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Operating room and postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Patients 22 adult, ASA physical status I, II, and III patients scheduled for anorectal surgery. Interventions Patients were randomized to receive either local anesthetic infiltration (LAI) (n = 10) by the surgeon or caudal epidural block (CEB) (n = 12) by the anesthesiologist. Measurements The primary outcome was patient satisfaction with the anesthetic technique and pain relief 12 hours after the procedure on a 4-point Likert scale. Secondary outcomes included time to first analgesic request, time to reach a PACU discharge score (REACT score) of 10, time to ambulation, time to discharge home, and adverse events. Main Results More subjects in the CEB group (83.3%) were highly satisfied than in the LAI group (20%; P = 0.003), assessed 12 hours postoperatively by telephone interview. Subjects in the CEB group requested analgesia 423 minutes later (95% confidence interval, 286-560 min) than subjects in the LAI group. Differences in time to reach a REACT score of 10, time to ambulation, and time to discharge home were not statistically significant. Conclusions Caudal epidural block provides higher patient satisfaction and longer lasting analgesia than LAI without delaying discharge.
Effect of pentobarbital and ehter stress on serum prolactin levels in rats.

SummaryEther inhalation for 1 min significantly increased serum prolactin levels in both male and female rats. Serum prolactin levels reached a peak within 2.5 min after exposure to ether vapor and returned to resting levels by 15 min. Handling of female rats for 4 days lowered serum prolactin levels but the same procedure raised prolactin levels in male rats.Injection of 3.5 mg of pentobarbital/100 g of body wt ip increased serum prolactin levels in female rats over a period of 60 min as compared with saline-injected controls; the peak was reached around 30 min after injection. In male rats, however, the same dose of pentobarbital induced only a slight increase in serum prolactin. It required injection of 5 mg pentobarbital/100 g of body wt for male rats to cause a significant increase of serum prolactin. The pattern of serum prolactin changes after 5 mg of pentobarbital in male rats was similar to that obtained in female rats with a smaller dose. These results indicate that serum prolactin levels are re...
Strong ion gap is associated with mortality in pediatric burn injuries

Severe burn injury produces significant tissue damage, resulting in metabolic acidosis. Current methods of acid-base evaluation are based on dependent variables that may not be accurate after burn injury. The strong ion method of acid-base evaluation is based on independent variables and may accurately predict outcomes in severely burn-injured patients. The authors hypothesize that an increased strong ion gap present on admission will be associated with mortality in severely burn-injured pediatric patients. A retrospective chart review was performed of burn-injured pediatric patients with a TBSA 20% or greater. Data collected included age, TBSA burn injury, mechanism of injury, survival, ventilator days, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and admission laboratory values. Apparent and effective strong ion difference (SIDa, SIDe) were calculated. The strong ion gap (SIG) was determined as the difference between SIDa and SIDe. A total of 48 patients were included in the study. Mean age (years) and TBSA were 7.9 ± 0.8 years and 56.8 ± 2.6%. Eleven patients (23%) died. Mean TBSA for survivors (54.2 ± 2.9%) did not significantly differ from that of nonsurvivors (65.7 ± 5.34%). Ten patients suffered inhalation injury, which was associated with an odds ratio of 10.1* for mortality. Mean SIDa was 44.2 ± 3.2 for the entire study population. Survivors had a significantly lower SIDa (36.6 ± 0.5) than nonsurvivors (59.7 ± 13*). Mean SIDe for all patients was (25 ± 0.7) and did not differ significantly between survivors (24.7 ± 0.7) and nonsurvivors (25.8 ± 2). SIG for nonsurvivors (33.91 ± 14*) was significantly higher than for survivors (14.9 ± 0.3). Controlling for both TBSA and inhalation injury, death was associated with both an increased SIDa (B = 19.3*) and SIG (B = 17.3*). SIG is increased in severely burn-injured pediatric patients, indicating the presence of metabolic acidosis. Furthermore, an increased SIG is significantly associated with mortality. (*P <.05.).
Modulation of the platelet-derived growth factor induced replicative response

Quiescent cultures of density arrested BALB/c-3T3 cells have been sensitized to the growth stimulatory action of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Sensitization was achieved by depriving the cultures of PDGF prior to growth stimulation and was noted after transfer of cultures from medium supplemented with 10% serum to medium containing either an equivalent concentration of platelet-poor plasma or a low concentration (0.5%) of serum. Sensitized cultures required less pure PDGF for growth stimulation than non-sensitized ones. In addition such cultures required less mitogen to synthesize a PDGF modulated major excreted protein (MEP). The mechanism of sensitization was investigated. Sensitized cultures did not bind more PDGF than non-sensitized ones. Rather, sensitization appeared to result from the loss of cells that occurred when cultures were deprived of PDGF. Such a loss increased the amount of PDGF available per cell, causing a higher percentage of cells to enter the S phase. Similarly, the amount of PDGF per cell regulated MEP synthesis. Furthermore, in non-sensitized cultures (containing the same number of cells), the absolute quantity rather than the concentration of PDGF regulated DNA synthesis. It appears that the amount of PDGF per cell modulates mitogenesis.
Scintillation properties of pseudo-Bessel correlated beams in atmospheric turbulence

We introduce the concept of pseudo-Bessel correlated beams and investigate their scintillation properties on propagation through turbulence. In weak turbulence the scintillation index of pseudo-Bessel correlated beams is formulated by using the Rytov approximation. The study of scintillation is extended to strong turbulence by numeric simulations. It is shown that by choosing an appropriate coherence parameter, pseudo-Bessel correlated beams have lower scintillation than comparable fully coherent beams in both weak and strong turbulence.
Osteochondral Lesions of the Talar Dome

Osteochondral lesions of the talar dome are a common cause of ankle disability. Management options are as numerous as the terms used to describe these lesions. The recognition of a traumatic etiology has increased our understanding and management of these disorders. Modern imaging technology has enhanced the ability to fully evaluate and accurately classify this lesion, which is fundamental for proper treatment.
Anomalous Dimension and Spatial Correlations in a Point-Island Model

We examine the island size distribution function and spatial correlation function of a model for island growth in the submonolayer regime in both 1 and 2 dimensions. In our model the islands do not grow in shape, and a fixed number of adatoms are added, nucleate, and are trapped at islands as they diffuse. We study the cases of various critical island sizes $i$ for nucleation as a function of initial coverage. We found anomalous scaling of the island size distribution for large $i$ . Using scaling, random walk theory, a version of mean-field theory we obtain a closed form for the spatial correlation function. Our analytic results are verified by Monte Carlo simulations.
On x3 + y3 = D

Abstract The simplest case of Fermat's last theorem, the impossibility of solving x3 + y3 = z3 in nonzero integers, has been proved. In other words, 1 is not expressible as a sum of two cubes of rational numbers. However, the slightly extended problem, in which integers D are expressible as a sum of two cubes of rational numbers, is unsolved. There is the conjecture (based on work of Birch, Swinnerton-Dyer, and Stephens) that x3 + y3 = D is solvable in the rational numbers for all square-free positive integers D ≡ 4 (mod 9). The condition that D should be square-free is necessary. As an example, it is shown near the end of this paper that x3 + y3 = 4 has no solutions in the rational numbers. The remainder of this paper is concerned with the proof published by the first author (Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA., 1963) entitled “Remarks on a conjecture of C. L. Siegel.” This pointed out an error in a statement of Siegel that the diophantine equation ax3 + bx2y + cxy2 + dy3 = n has a bounded number of integer solutions for fixed a, b, c, d, and, further, that the bound is independent of a, b, c, d, and n. However, x3 + y3 = n already has an unbounded number of solutions. The paper of S. Chowla itself contains an error or at least an omission. This can be rectified by quoting a theorem of E. Lutz.
Improved sensitivity in the measurement of estrogen receptor in human breast cancer.

Estrogen receptor in human breast cancer tissue is markedly labile under the conditions usually employed for assay. Significant increases in assay sensitivity can be achieved with the use of thiol reagents (dithiothreitol) at low temperatures. These modifications may be important in preventing misclassification of a patient's tumor as being potentially autonomous with regard to endocrine therapy.
Sophisticated voting over multidimensional choice spaces

(1972). Sophisticated voting over multidimensional choice spaces. The Journal of Mathematical Sociology: Vol. 2, Social Choice, pp. 165-180.
Blink rate in childhood-onset schizophrenia: Comparison with normal and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder controls

Several lines of evidence have implicated central dopaminergic pathways in the modulation of blink rate. In the present study, blink rate during smooth pursuit was examined in 17 children with childhood-onset schizophrenia, on and off of clozapine, and compared to that of age-matched normal children and unmedicated children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As has been observed in adolescent and adult schizophrenics, blink rate was significantly higher in schizophrenic children relative to normal and ADHD controls. Within the schizophrenic group, blink rate did not significantly change with the introduction of clozapine and was not related to clinical variables. Blink rate was positively correlated with deterioration in smooth pursuit in normal subjects.
Low Savings or a High Trade Deficit?: Which Tail Is Wagging Which?

Low savings do not drive the trade deficit, argues this author. Rather, the nation has to deal with its propensity to import foreign goods and the high value of the dollar.
Design and Realization of Microgrid Composing of Photovoltaic and Energy Storage System

Abstract Considering the photovoltaic power has the characteristic of stochastic waving, the microgrid composed of batteries storage energy and photovoltaic cells is adopted. A control system of three layers structure is designed, which are local layer, concentrating layer and center layer. The master-slave control mode is used for microgrid operation. The scheme has been used in the actual project; the whole system is operated well in terms of stability, reliability and economy. It provides an example of the photovoltaic cells used for electric power generation project.
On the numerical approximation of an evolution problem in nonlinear viscoelasticity

Abstract An error analysis is furnished for the spatial approximation via the finite element method of certain nonlinear time-dependent problems emanating in the theory of viscoelastic solids. Numerical examples are given, first for a model equation, and then for numerical equilibrium solutions in cases of a nonconvex ‘double-well’ potential and a convex potential, the latter derived from the nonconvex one via ‘relaxation’ by an ‘equal area’ construction.
FLIP celebrates 20th anniversary

During the past 20 years, vessels have often diverted their courses to aid what appeared to be a sinking ship. What they found as they steamed closer, though, was—and still is—an exceptionally stable ocean-going research vessel. Its ability to tip from the conventional horizontal position to a vertical one makes the ship both a stable research platform and a startling sight. The Floating Instrument Platform, better known as FLIP, is the result of a quest during the late 1950's for a ship that would enable oceanographers to perform accurate underwater acoustic experiments. The motion of conventional research ships rolling with the ocean's movements makes such work difficult. Allyn Vine of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution suggested a vessel that has the stability of a long, narrow, buoyant object that floats with the long dimension vertical, as does a spar buoy. Under the direction of Fred Spiess, with the support of the Office of Naval Research, the Marine Physical Laboratory (MPL) at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography adapted the spar buoy design idea to the floating platform. Frederick H. Fisher, then a research physicist at MPL and now a research oceanographer and associate director, was the project officer. He, with the assistance of Spiess, the now late Philip Rudnick, and Charles ‘Bud’ Mundy, was largely responsible for developing the shape, size, and capabilities of the vessel. After final design, engineering, and construction, FLIP was launched on June 22, 1962. A ceremony at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography marked its 20th anniversary.
PREDICTORS OF STROKE ASSOCIATED WITH CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES AND MULTIVESSEL CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

This study assesses demographic and clinical variables associated with perioperative and late stroke in diabetes mellitus patients after multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Future Revascularization Evaluation in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Optimal Management of Multivessel Disease (FREEDOM) is the largest randomized trial of diabetic patients undergoing multivessel CABG. FREEDOM patients had improved survival free of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke and increased overall survival after CABG compared to percutaneous intervention. However, the stroke rate was greater following CABG than percutaneous intervention. We studied predictors of stroke in CABG-treated patients analyzing separately overall, perioperative (£30 days after surgery), and late (>30 days after surgery) stroke. For long-term outcomes (overall stroke and late stroke), Cox proportional hazards regression was used, accounting fortime to event, andlogistic regression was used for perioperative stroke. Independent perioperative stroke predictors were previous stroke (odds ratio [OR] 6.96,95%confidence interval [CI]1.43 to 33.96;p[0.02),warfarin use(OR10.26, 95% CI 1.10 to 96.03; p [ 0.02), and surgery outside the United States or Canada (OR 9.81, 95% CI 1.28 to 75.40; p [ 0.03). Independent late stroke predictors: renal insufficiency (hazard ratio [HR] 3.57, 95% CI 1.01 to 12.64; p [ 0.048), baseline low-density lipoprotein ‡105 mg/dl (HR 3.28, 95% CI 1.19 to 9.02; p [ 0.02), and baseline diastolic blood pressure (each1mmHgincreasereducesstrokehazardby5%;HR0.95,95%CI0.91to0.99;p[0.03). There was no overlap between predictors of perioperative versus late stroke. In conclusion, late post-CABG strokes were associated with well-described risk factors. Nearly half of the strokes were perioperative. Independent risk factors for perioperative stroke: previous stroke, previous warfarin use, and CABG performed outside the United States or Canada. 2015
Reverse software engineering of a graphics software system

This abstract outlines our work with Reverse Software Engineering (RVE). The current task involves RVE two components of a graphics software system. Table 1 categorizes the size of each component by source lines of code and number of routines.
Effect of temporal aggregation on the dynamic relationship of two time series variables

SUMMARY This paper considers the effect of temporal aggregation on the dynamic relationships between two discrete time series variables. Given the model in terms of some basic time unit, the corresponding model for the aggregates is obtained. Examples are given showing that temporal aggregation can lead to a substantial loss in parameter estimation while the loss in prediction efficiency is much less severe.
Fractional quantization of Hall conductance

It is shown how the correlation energy of a system of two-dimensional electrons in a strong magnetic field may be enhanced if the electrons are in a regular array of the Landau orbitals. This gives an energy gap if the proportion $\ensuremath{\nu}$ of occupied orbitals is a simple fraction without giving rise to charge-density waves which may pin the system. The gap is determined self-consistently. Such a state can give rise to the plateaus in the Hall conductance observed at fractional multiples of $\frac{{e}^{2}}{h}$.
The role of professional obligations in working to change one's teaching practices

Teaching practices do not change easily. In this article, we explore this phenomenon by viewing teaching as a cultural activity in which teachers' decisions are influenced by professional obligations. We present the cases of two secondary mathematics teachers and share data regarding their expressed goals, their perceived obligations, and their instructional practice. Our findings suggest that perceived obligations hindered the teachers' efforts to change their practice. We argue that efforts to help teachers realize their goals need to acknowledge, and perhaps position as resources, the obligations that teachers perceive as inherent in their professional role.
VHDL Implementation of High-Performance and Dynamically Configures Multi-port Cache Memory

This paper presents the implementation of 64x64 multi-port Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) and newly proposed dynamically configured multi-port SRAM in VHDL (VHSIC hardware description language). It uses a dynamic memory partitioning algorithm where a VHDL test-bench is developed to verify the functionality of the dynamically configured memory. Results demonstrate that critical memory operations such as “read miss”, “write miss” and “write bypass” can be performed using newly proposed low power, area efficient dynamically configured memory.
Capsule Commentary on Ryan et al., Does it get easier to use an EHR? Report from an Urban Regional Extension Center

In 2011, the federal government began offering incentives for providers to adopt electronic health records (EHRs).1 While the goal was to improve patient safety and quality, previous studies have had mixed results.2,3 This study by Ryan et al. evaluated whether time using an EHR correlated with increased ease of use for meaningful use-related tasks.4 After 2 years or more of EHR use, small-practice providers were more comfortable using the system to e-prescribe, order lab or radiology tests, incorporate lab results and order preventative services during visits. The authors also found that concerns about financial costs and loss of productivity seemed to dissipate as providers used the EHR. While other tasks deemed “meaningful use,” such as generating patient lists by condition and reporting quality measures, became easier with more time using the EHR, they remained “not easy” for the majority of providers surveyed. The study is not longitudinal, meaning it is impossible to say whether providers truly became more comfortable with tasks over time or if there may have been bias in unmeasured differences between the early and late adopters of the EHR. However, even if one assumes that it gets easier to use an EHR over time, it is notable how few providers felt comfortable with some key aspects of the system. This finding was especially pronounced in the low rate of respondents who felt that care coordination tasks were easy. This is unfortunate, since care coordination is a key component of the second stage of the EHR incentive program, which began this year.5 Federal policies have significant impacts on medical providers and regulatory agencies need data to inform future policy decisions. This must include studies that explore providers’ experiences. Small-practice providers are a particularly important group to study, as they may face substantial challenges in EHR adoption. This study asks the interesting question of whether or not the system gets easier to use “meaningfully” over time. The answer is mostly yes, but unfortunately, easier does not necessarily equate with easy.
Neonatal electrophysiological predictors of cognitive and language development

which can be used to determine time spent in various activities, such as sitting, lying, walking, or running. This could be the way forward for measurement of physical activity, as different intensity levels can be applied to each activity type meaning accuracy could be improved. Maher et al. also highlight that their findings apply only to controlled settings. This is an important distinction, as during free play in a naturalistic environment an individual is likely to transition quickly between different movements or postures and at varying speeds. While methodologically more challenging, the accuracy of pedometers or accelerometers in a naturalistic setting is important to ascertain. Knowledge that performance of physical activity can be measured accurately in the ‘real world’ is vital, as ultimately it is the performance in this environment that will provide the benefits to health and well-being that we hope to achieve.
Effect of lamp cycling on conversion and stress development in ultraviolet‐cured acrylate coatings

In radiation-cured acrylate coatings, a high conversion of monomer is generally desired to improve hardness, prevent further slow reaction upon aging, and avoid surface toxicity; however, shrinkage and, consequently, stress in coatings tend to increase with conversion. One route to achieve high conversion while maintaining low coating stress is to promote stress relaxation. In this study, acrylate coatings were cured with a UV lamp that was cycled on and off, varying the period from 2 to 60 min while keeping the total dose constant. All samples reached nearly the same conversion, between 46 and 48% conversion of functional groups, as measured by FTIR spectroscopy. The coating stress (measured with cantilever deflection) at the end of the exposure cycles, however, was lowered from 8 MPa (tension) to less than 3 MPa (tension) as the period was decreased from 60 to 2 min. The cycling had no significant effect on either the coating hardness or the modulus, as measured by a Hysitron triboscope. Stress relaxation and/or slower reaction during the dark periods are the likely causes for the lower coating stress. It was advantageous to introduce dark periods early in the processing. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 2784–2793, 2002
Characterizing and Predicting Submovements during Human Three-Dimensional Arm Reaches

We have demonstrated that 3D target-oriented human arm reaches can be represented as linear combinations of discrete submovements, where the submovements are a set of minimum-jerk basis functions for the reaches. We have also demonstrated the ability of deterministic feed-forward Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to predict the parameters of the submovements. ANNs were trained using kinematic data obtained experimentally from five human participants making target-directed movements that were decomposed offline into minimum-jerk submovements using an optimization algorithm. Under cross-validation, the ANNs were able to accurately predict the parameters (initiation-time, amplitude, and duration) of the individual submovements. We also demonstrated that the ANNs can together form a closed-loop model of human reaching capable of predicting 3D trajectories with VAF >95.9% and RMSE ≤4.32 cm relative to the actual recorded trajectories. This closed-loop model is a step towards a practical arm trajectory generator based on submovements, and should be useful for the development of future arm prosthetic devices that are controlled by brain computer interfaces or other user interfaces.
Palliative Care and Pain Medicine Come Together to Optimally Treat Cancer Pain: What We Can Learn from the British Pain Society

“We don't beat the Reaper by living longer. We beat the Reaper by living well.” Professor Randy Pausch declared this statement during his famous last lecture at Carnagie Mellon University prior to his death from pancreatic cancer in 2008 [1]. As opposed to the widely practiced WHO approach of utilizing opioids in a stepladder fashion, many now advocate a mechanism-based approach to cancer pain treatment. Old dogma treated cancer pain as a problem mainly toward the end of life situation in the context of metastatic, progressive disease, whereas new data show pain to be problematic throughout the cancer care cycle [2]. The effective management of these acutely painful surgeries and related treatments may limit the development of chronic pain states in long-term survivors [3]. Effective treatment strategies include multidisciplinary, multimodal care utilizing 1) combinations of long-acting opioids for constant pain with short-acting opioids for incidental pain; 2) “adjuvant” co-analgesics including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and topical agents to optimize analgesia and minimize opioid doses, thereby reducing concomitant opioid-related side effects; 3) prophylactic treatment of constipation, nausea, and other common troublesome symptoms; 4) interventional …
Intelligent software design: challenges and solutions

The radical changes in information technology are reshaping the software engineering environment, especially in respect to design and development of the intelligent systems. We explicate the technical and social issues related to the emergence of the new forms of intelligent software and consider challenges arising from the growing technical capabilities of information technology tools vs. corresponding social responsibilities. The discussion is focused mostly on the phenomena of e-commerce and the semantic Web. The issues discussed range from purely technical to ethical and legal
Heat capacities of calcium chromate and calcium chromite

Abstract Heat capacities of calcium chromate (CaCrO 4 ) and calcium chromite (β-CaCr 2 O 4 ) were measured at elevated temperatures using the differential scanning calorimetry. The measured heat capacities of CaCrO 4 and β-CaCr 2 O 4 as a function of temperature (measured in J mol −1 K −1 ) are expressed as C p ( CaCrO 4 )= 127.92+35.73×10 −3 T−2.257×10 6 T 2 (298–1123 K ) C p ( β - CaCr 2 O 4 )= 166.69+18.33×10 −3 T−2.92×10 6 T 2 (298–1203 K )
THE EVALUATION OF CERTAIN PHYSICAL CONSTANTS FROM THE RADIO TRACKING OF MARINER II

Statistical formulas, doppler residuals, and equations of condition are used to obtain certain physical constant data from the radio tracking of mariner ii
Sex differences in scent-marking in sifaka: Mating conflict or male services?

Male and female interests can either be in conflict or serve as a basis for exchange. Communication is thus an important aspect of intersexual relationships. Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi verreauxi), like many prosimians, uses chemical signals as one form of communication. The goals of this study were to determine 1) if males and females exhibit sex differences in their scent-marking behavior, and 2) if scent-marking is an example of mating conflict or cooperation. All occurrences of scent-marks, scent-mark context, and scent-mark style were collected on 23 sifaka in the Kirindy Forest of western Madagascar for 7 months (September 2001–March 2002). Scent-mark rates were collected using continuous focal animal sampling from November 2000–March 2002. Home-range data were collected using monthly censuses and instantaneous focal sampling throughout those 17 months. The pressures of behavioral ecology seem to have shaped scent-marking in sifaka: the sexes exhibited significantly different scent-marking behavior. Results from this study are consistent with the hypotheses that 1) females scent-mark to advertise their presence and mark their resources, 2) clean-chested males use scent-marks as between-group communication to advertise their presence, and 3) stained-chested males use scent-marks as a form of olfactory mate-guarding. Scent-marking does not appear to be a “service” that males provide to females, because overmarking limits female communication rather than adding to the overall number of scent-marks. Scent-marking behavior is a crucial aspect of the mating conflict and for understanding intersexual relationships in sifaka. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Event-by-Event Fluctuations in Heavy Ion Collisions and the QCD Critical Point

The event-by-event fluctuations of suitably chosen observables in heavy ion collisions at CERN SPS, BNL RHIC, and CERN LHC can tell us about the thermodynamic properties of the hadronic system at freeze-out. By studying these fluctuations as a function of varying control parameters, it is possible to learn much about the phase diagram of QCD. As a timely example, we stress the methods by which present experiments at the CERN SPS can locate the second-order critical end point of the first-order transition between quark-gluon plasma and hadron matter. Those event-by-event signatures which are characteristic of freeze-out in the vicinity of the critical point will exhibit nonmonotonic dependence on control parameters. We focus on observables constructed from the multiplicity and transverse momenta of charged pions. We first consider how the event-by-event fluctuations of such observables are affected by Bose-Einstein correlations, by resonances which decay after freeze-out, and by fluctuations in the transverse flow velocity. We compare our thermodynamic predictions for such noncritical event-by-event fluctuations with NA49 data, finding broad agreement. We then focus on effects due to thermal contact between the observed pions and a heat bath with a given (possibly singular) specific heat, due to the direct coupling between themore » critical fluctuations of the sigma field and the observed pions. We also discuss the effect of the pions produced in the decay of sigma particles just above threshold after freeze-out on the inclusive pion spectrum and on multiplicity fluctuations. We estimate the size of these nonmonotonic effects, which appear near the critical point, including restrictions imposed by finite size and finite time, and conclude that they should be easily observable. (c) 1999 The American Physical Society.« less
Origin of Enriched Ocean Ridge Basalts and Implications for Mantle Dynamics

Abstract The Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) south of the Kane Fracture Zone at ∼23°N (the MARK area) is distant from hot spots and a type area for “normal” mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB) depleted in highly incompatible elements. High-density sampling reveals that a small proportion of basalt are enriched in incompatible elements (enriched mid-ocean ridge basalts, E-MORB) from the MARK area. It is apparent that enriched magma sources, not associated with hot spots, are widespread in the upper mantle and are a common occurrence on both fast- and slow-spreading ridges. Evaluation of the trace-element systematics shows that E-MORB generation requires two stages. Low-degree melts metasomatise the upper mantle to create an enriched source, which later undergoes large extents of melting. A significant time lapse between the two events is required by differences in radiogenic isotope ratios. Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian ocean ridges that are far from hot spots show “mantle isochron” ages of ∼300 Ma for the Sm–Nd, Rb–Sr, and 238U–206Pb systems after corrections for melting, but these ages need not be indicative of a specific event. Instead, they can result from continuous processes of formation and destruction of enriched mantle sources by melting and convective mixing. A two-box model describing these processes illuminates relationships between mantle isochron ages and upper mantle dynamics. If formation–destruction of enriched mantle is at steady state, constant “mantle isochron” ages are maintained and depend on the residence time of enriched mantle sources, the half-life of the radioactive system, and the daughter element behavior during mantle melting. The common ages of the Sr, Nd, and Pb systems reflects their long half-lives and similar melting behavior. In contrast, 207Pb/204Pb–206Pb/204Pb ages are approximately twice as old due to the short half-life of 235U relative to the age of the Earth. For the long-lived systems, the mantle isochron ages approximate the residence time of the enriched reservoir, if its mass is a few percent of the system. We propose that the first stage of melting occurs at depth in subduction zones where the mantle wedge is enriched by the addition of low-degree melts of subducted crust. The second stage of greater extents of melting occurs beneath ocean ridges. The model results suggest that the mantle is currently in quasi-steady state and that the size of the system (N-MORB plus E-MORB sources) is similar to the upper mantle. The time scale of ∼300 Ma for survival of E-MORB sources indicates rapid convective stirring and efficient reprocessing of the upper mantle by plate tectonics.
The changing role in a networked information environment

Outlines the traditional issues surrounding authentication and authorization before charting the changing nature of the requirements for these services, as a fully networked information environment becomes a reality. Highlights some of the technical, organizational and policy issues which need to be addressed to create appropriate standards and infrastructure.
Blood Supply of the Optic Nerve Head

The subject of the blood supply of the optic nerve head (ONH) is reviewed briefly. The circulation of the posterior ciliary artery is the main source of blood supply to the ONH, except for the surface nerve fiber layer which is supplied by the retinal circulation. The blood supply in the ONH is sectoral in nature, which is the reason why there is the sectoral involvement of the ONH in its ischemic disorders. It is essential to understand that the pattern of blood supply in the ONH shows marked interindividual variation, and so consequently does the pattern of visual loss in its ischemic disorders. The venous drainage from the ONH is by the central retinal vein. Reasons for various controversies on the subject are discussed.
Measuring High-Technology Capacity Across the 50 States

This study conceptualizes and operationalizes state high-technology capacity and demonstrates its potential usefulness in comparative state studies. The analysis is primarily concerned with identifying and recording the amount of high-technology resources that are available in each state and that can be employed in public policy. Drawing upon a host of likely indicators of high-technology availability, the study identifies five dimensions of the concept and ranks the states along these dimensions. The work then analyzes the relationships between the five components of high-technology capacity and several state energy and environmental policies. Suggestions for future research are included at the end of the study.
Scaling the composition dependence of atomic transport in amorphous alloys

Abstract The available measurements of the composition dependent terms of the constitutive flow law are analyzed in terms of glass transition temperature scaling. The effectiveness of simple temperature normalization T g /T and reduced temperature scaling T g -T are compared. The former compresses the data better than the latter, even though T g -T scaling is suggested by the form of the equilibrium atomic transport equations. The scalings are found to be only moderately successful at reducing the available data to master curves.
Abraham David. To Come to the Land: Immigration and Settlement in 16th- Century Eretz-Israel . Translated by Dena Ordan. Judaic Studies Series. Tuscaloosa: The University of Alabama Press, 1999. xiii, 360 pp.; Abraham David. In Zion and Jerusalem: The Itinerary of Rabbi Moses Basola ( 1521–1523 ). Jerusalem: C. G. Foundation Jerusalem Project Publications, 1999. 148 pp. (English), 48 pp. (Hebrew).

The intensification of Jewish settlement in Eretz Israel in the wake of expulsions and messianic stirrings brought together outstanding figures whose individual and collective achievements left an enduring imprint on Jewish life. The renaissance in sixteenth-century Eretz Israel, particularly in Safed, produced one of the most remarkable and creative moments in Jewish intellectual, religious, and cultural history. Refugees from Spain and Portugal, as well as from Italian and German lands, wended their exile-weary way to the Holy Land. Fueled by a new, more favorable Ottoman administration and unprecedented economic opportunities, the conditions were set for the renewal of Jewish cultural life. Abraham David's book To Come to the Land is not primarily about the processes of immigration to the land, although a brief chapter is devoted to that subject at the beginning. It focusses on specific aspects of Jewish life in sixteenth-century Eretz Israel, primarily in Jerusalem and Safed.
Respiratory Emergencies in Cattle

Calves and adult cattle can be affected by various respiratory emergencies necessitating rapid veterinary attention. Infectious causes represent the most commonly encountered category in first opinion practice and may present as individual- or group-based disease. Obstructive respiratory diseases in cattle typically involve the upper airways, particularly the pharyngeal/laryngeal areas. Toxic causes are usually associated with environmental (usually feedborne) pneumotoxin exposure and are rare. This article considers the clinician’s approach to a calf or adult cow that is presented for evaluation of severe respiratory distress before addressing specifics of intervention and treatment. The first part of the article concerning physical examination and diagnosis is empiric and based heavily on experience with dairy cattle in the Northern United States. The approach taken is that of a first opinion veterinarian who is presented with an animal considered to be in respiratory distress by the owner/producer. Approach to adult cow with respiratory distress The initial evaluation should include a brief investigation of signalment and history, and questions as to whether this is an individual animal or group problem. Observation of the animal’s breathing pattern and recording of its rate should be cursory before progressing to the hands on physical examination. Obvious stridor/stertor directs attention toward an upper airway obstruction [1]. In the absence of upper respiratory noise, diagnostic evaluation should concentrate on initial auscultation of the lung fields. Normally, the auscultable lung fields are bounded cranially by the triceps musculature and dorsally by the lateral edge of the trunk musculature and transverse processes of the thoracic vertebrae [2]. The caudal and ventral margins are made by a slightly curved line drawn from
A Fair Virtual Network Embedding Algorithm

Efficient network resource utilization is crucial in Virtual Network Embedding (VNE) problem. The diversity of virtual topologies belong to various services providers (SPs) severely affects the efficiency of VNE algorithms and fairness between SPs. This paper proposes a fair VNE algorithm with a topological transformation mechanism. Such mechanism will transform virtual topology to reduce complexity. Then the algorithm will felicitously map the virtual network onto substrate network through a Disperse Particle Swarm Optimization (DPSO) based process. Simulation results show that due to the topological transformation procedure the algorithm can achieve more fairness than traditional VNE algorithms.