cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Treatment of Myopia with Atropine

A large group of students with simple myopia were treated with 1% (192 cases), 0.1% (183 cases), or 0.01% (161 cases) atropine at Zhabei Eye Institute, Shanghai, China. Atropine was instilled to one eye each night for 12.2 months. The mean manifest refraction before treatment was -2.14 D in the 1% group, -2.25 D in the 0.1% group, and -2.24 D in the 0.01% group. Seven days after starting treatment, the average refractions were -1.64 D (1% group), -1.97 D (0.1% group), and -1.99D (0.01% group). Accommodation amplitudes were reduced to 21% (1% group), 34% (0.1% group), and 52% (0.01% group) compared with the pre-treatment level. After 12 months treatment, the average refraction was -1.35 D in the 1% group, -1.82 D in the 0.1% group, and -1.98 D in the 0.01% group. During the same period, the average refraction of contralateral non-treated eyes increased by -0.43 D. Photophobia occurred in 37% (1% group), 21% (0.1%), and 6% (0.01%) of the cases treated. This study indicates that atropine is effective in the treatment of school myopia. The therapeutic effects and side-effects depend on the concentration of atropine used; 0.1%-1% atropine inserted each night seems to be a suitable regime for long-term treatment.
Measuring students' learning gains with pre/post assessment

Pre/post protocols assess students with the same instrument at the start and end of a course to measure changes in their understanding. In contrast, traditional ”final exam” assessment measures only the students’ understanding but not their progress. Since pre/post testing measures learning gains, it is an essential tool for evaluating the effectiveness of different learning formats, e.g., standard lecture versus active learning. Concept inventories (CI's) are frequently administered as a pre/post assessment. A CI is a multiple-choice exam that emphasizes conceptual understanding over computational skills and has wrong answers designed to match common misconceptions. Inspired by Hake’s [1998] pioneering study of pre/post test data from the Force Concept Inventory [Hestenes et al., 1992], we developed the Signals and Systems Concept Inventory (SSCI). In almost two decades since its development, scores of instructors have administered the SSCI to thousands of students in dozens of countries. Analyzing pre/post data from sixty-two signals classes at multiple institutions, we found students in active learning classes learned significantly more than students in lecture classes. Our findings are consistent with both Hake’s pioneering study and with Freeman et al.’s 2014 meta-analysis of 225 studies that found that active learning classes reduced the failure rate by one-third.Pre/post protocols assess students with the same instrument at the start and end of a course to measure changes in their understanding. In contrast, traditional ”final exam” assessment measures only the students’ understanding but not their progress. Since pre/post testing measures learning gains, it is an essential tool for evaluating the effectiveness of different learning formats, e.g., standard lecture versus active learning. Concept inventories (CI's) are frequently administered as a pre/post assessment. A CI is a multiple-choice exam that emphasizes conceptual understanding over computational skills and has wrong answers designed to match common misconceptions. Inspired by Hake’s [1998] pioneering study of pre/post test data from the Force Concept Inventory [Hestenes et al., 1992], we developed the Signals and Systems Concept Inventory (SSCI). In almost two decades since its development, scores of instructors have administered the SSCI to thousands of students in dozens of countries. Analyzing pre/p...
DEBT AND DEPRESSION

We investigate the relationship between public debt ratios and per capita output using episodal data. Episodes of debt and depression occur far more frequently than expected. Growth is lower during episodes of low, moderate, and high debt ratios; while debt ratios are higher during depressions. We look at precedence of entries and exits in overlapping episodes, and the decomposition of the debt ratio during intervals just before and after overlaps. Output movements influence the debt ratio more during exit than entry. Debt movements often precede depressions. Developing countries account for these results almost exclusively.
Drug discovery technologies to identify and characterize modulators of the pregnane X receptor and the constitutive androstane receptor.

The pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) are ligand-activated nuclear receptors (NRs) that are notorious for their role in drug metabolism, causing unintended drug–drug interactions and decreasing drug efficacy. They control the xenobiotic detoxification system by regulating the expression of an array of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters that excrete exogenous chemicals and maintain homeostasis of endogenous metabolites. Much effort has been invested in recognizing potential drugs for clinical use that can activate PXR and CAR to enhance the expression of their target genes, and in identifying PXR and CAR inhibitors that can be used as co-therapeutics to prevent adverse effects. Here, we present current technologies and assays used in the quest to characterize PXR and CAR modulators, which range from biochemical to cell-based and animal models.
Inquiry By the Book: Using Children’s Nonfiction as Mentor Texts for Inquiry

Across grade levels, teachers and students are encouraged to engage in inquiry-based practices. The College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework (National Council for the Social Studies, 2013) an...
Variation in Accrual and Race/Ethnicity Reporting in Urological and Nonurological Related Cancer Trials.

Purpose:We performed a multiregistry analysis to assess relative differences in accrual sufficiency and race/ethnicity reporting in trials of common urological cancers and other nonurological solid...
Microbial Metabolites: Peptides of Diverse Structure and Function

Abstracts Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), produced by the microbial community as secondary metabolites, continue to play an important role in the discovery of new breakthroughs in the food and pharmaceutical industries. With the realization that the “Golden Age of Antibiotics” has ended and the emergence of microbial pathogens with multidrug resistance is on the rise, AMPs offer a great alternative to the existing antibiotic arsenal. Due to their large application potential, microbial metabolites continue to gain great interest in several areas. Studies focusing on their mode of action and biosynthetic pathways are urgently required in order to fully realize all commercial and biotechnological applications. In this chapter we discuss AMPs of microbial origin and highlight their structural and functional diversity.
Constrained inefficiency of competitive entrepreneurship

Abstract We study the constrained efficiency of a competitive entrepreneurship model that features the occupation choice between entrepreneurs and workers. It is shown that, even when (1) the only friction is uninsurable entrepreneurial risks and (2) agents are risk-averse, the competitive market can generate too many entrepreneurs. We present a sufficient statistic that determines the constrained inefficiency and its direction (whether market generates too many entrepreneurs or too few) by exploiting the unique feature of the model where the equilibrium is characterized by an indifference condition instead of a marginal condition. The framework is also pedagogically useful to understand constrained efficiency analysis at intuitive level.
The Effect of Pudendal Block on the Urethral Closure Pressure Profile

Certain patients will present with irritative lower urinary tract symptoms that defy conventional therapies. Under these circumstances, urodynamic evaluation may reveal a marked elevation of the urethral closure pressure suggesting over-activity of one of the components of the urethral sphincteric mechanism. Frequently it is the voluntary skeletal muscle component which is responsible. By performing a bilateral pudendal block, the contribution of the skeletal muscle to the urethral sphincteric mechanism can be determined.
Relation Between Perfect Colouring and Chromatic Number for Snake Graph Family

Graph colouring is a prime element in graph theory with tremendous applicability in computer science like data mining, clustering, networking, image segmentation, etc., and variety of implementations in aircraft scheduling, register allocation, sudoku, mobile networking, etc. This paper defines the perfect colouring of graphs and gives the relation between perfect colouring and vertex colouring for snake graph family. If Sn is a snake graph, then \(\chi \left( {S_{n} } \right) + 2 \le \chi^{P} \left( {S_{n} } \right) \le \chi \left( {S_{n} } \right) + 6\).
Simulating freely-diffusing single-molecule FRET data with consideration of protein conformational dynamics

Single molecule Forster resonance energy transfer experiments have added a great deal to the understanding of conformational states of biologically important molecules. While great progress has been made, much is still unknown in systems that are highly flexible such as intrinsically disordered proteins because of the high degeneracy of distance states, particularly when freely diffusing smFRET experiments are used. Simulated smFRET data allows for the control of underlying process that generates the data to examine if analytic techniques can detect these underlying differences. We have extended the PyBroMo software that simulates the freely diffusing smFRET data to include a distribution of inter-dye distances generated using Langevin dynamics in order to model proteins with greater flexibility or disorder in structure. Standard analysis techniques for smFRET data compared highlighted the differences observed between data generated with the base software and data that included the distribution of inter-dye distance.
Venous Air Embolism

Gas embolism refers to the abnormal presence of gas within the circulatory system. It is a complication that is known to occur with various surgical, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures, and as the result of trauma. Gas embolism may be asymptomatic or may result in immediate cardiovascular collapse. The type and severity of sequelae depend on the composition and amount of gas involved, the rate and location of entry, and patient characteristics such as size, cardiopulmonary reserve, and presence of an intracardiac right-left communication. An understanding of the etiologies and pathophysiology of gas embolism is important in order to recognize, treat, and, most importantly, prevent this potentially catastrophic complication.
Cognitive Behavioral Strategies in the Treatment of Sexual Problems

The importance of cognitive mediation in the experience of sexual sensations has long been an accepted, albeit marginally comprehended, tenet among scholars and laymen. The symbolic nature of most aphrodisiacs, designed to stimulate the imagination more than the physiology (e.g., ground rhinoceros’ horns, powdered lions’ penises), further attests to the significance of cognitive processes in sexual activities. The progression of systematic investigation regarding sexuality has followed that of the other behavioral sciences: beginning with external, more easily observable events and eventually including thoughts, feelings, or attitudes as part of the investigatory realm. This strategy has yielded a set of effective therapeutic techniques focusing primarily upon sexual behavior change, which only recently have included specific cognitive interventions.
An Integrated Fuselage-Sting Balance for a Sonic-Boom Wind-Tunnel Model

Measured and predicted pressure signatures from a lifting wind-tunnel model can be compared when the lift on the model is accurately known. The model's lift can be set by bending the support sting to a desired angle of attack. This method is simple in practice, but difficult to accurately apply. A second method is to build a normal force/pitching moment balance into the aft end of the sting, and use an angle-of-attack mechanism to set model attitude. In this report, a method for designing a sting/balance into the aft fuselage/sting of a sonic-boom model is described. A computer code is given, and a sample sting design is outlined to demonstrate the method.
pH cycling zone separation of sugars

Abstract Cycling zone separation is extended to the use of traveling pH waves. A counter-current distribution type theory was modified for pH waves and extended to Langmuir type isotherms. Experimental results for the separation of fructose and glucose from their aqueous solutions with a dihydroxyborylphenylsuccinamyl derivative of amino-ethyl cellulose were in qualitative agreement with the theory. Very large concentrations of fructose were obtained for continuous feed of the fructose mixture. Glucose was partially separated from fructose. Concentration of fructose was also done by the direct thermal mode and by combining a traveling pH wave with direct heating. Use of the technique for preparative chromatographic separations is discussed.
The Virtual Haptic Human Upper Body for Palpatory Diagnostic Training

This paper presents our virtual model for the dynamic human upper body, including the spine, shoulders, and arms skeletal structure. We enable realistic human motion with anatomically-accurate joint motion limits and a 71 degrees-of-freedom branching serial chain model. Our interest is to provide realistic motions when the student doctor moves the virtual patient for palpatory diagnosis training. To date, this work include only skeletal motion with skin stretched on the model, but in the future we will augment our static Virtual Haptic Back model with this motion. In this way, student doctors can feel changes in human tissue due to motions, a common diagnostic technique.
Biosynthesis of carotenoids in Brevibacterium sp. KY-4313.

The biosynthesis of 4-keto and 4,4′-diketo carotenoids in Brevibacterium sp. KY-4313 was studied. Echinenone and canthaxanthin were isolated from the cultures grown on a medium containing several n-alkanes. When glutathione was added to the bacterial cultures, the formation of canthaxanthin was inhibited while β-carotene and its hydroxy derivatives accumulated. It is suggested that these 4-hydroxy compounds, isocryptoxanthin, isozeaxanthin, and 4-hydroxy-4′-keto-β-carotene, are intermediates in the biosynthesis of canthaxanthin. In the presence of 2-(4-chlorophenylthio)-triethylamine hydrochloride or nicotine, lycopene and neurosporene accumulated. The β-carotene level decreased slightly but β-zeacarotene remained unchanged. β-carotene and its derivatives were resynthesized upon removal of the inhibitors. It was concluded that cyclization can take place at either the neurosporene or lycopene level in Brevibacterium sp. KY-4313.
A WDMA ring network with holographic wavelength-selective partial demultiplexers

A wavelength division multiplexing architecture (WDMA) ring network with holographic wavelength-selective partial demultiplexers (WSPD) is proposed as an alternative approach to the conventional WDMA ring network using add-drop multiplexers. We analyze the power division problem in this network and propose an integrated waveguide with multiple phase gratings as a potential device to build the WSPD. >
Measurement of the innate immune response in the airway

Asthma is an idiopathic disease associated with episodic inflammation and reversible airway obstruction that is triggered by environmental agents. Allergic and infectious agents trigger asthmatic exacerbations through the innate immune response (IIR). The IIR is activated by sentinel cells in the airways to elaborate inflammatory cytokines and protective mucosal interferons whose actions are designed to limit the spread of the organism, as well as to activate the adaptive immune response. We address the structure of the IIR pathway in sentinel cells of the airway and describe observations on its dysregulation. The IIR is triggered in a cell-type specific manner by germline-encoded pathogen recognition receptors (PPRs) including plasma membrane Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the cytoplasmic Retinoic Acid-inducible Gene (RIG)-I-like RNA helicases, and protein kinase R (PKR). Although their mechanisms of intracellular signaling differ, both pathways converge on a small group of transcriptional effectors, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), IFN regulatory factor (IRF), and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT). We describe several distinct techniques to quantitate the IIR including assays based on quantitative real-time PCR (Q-RT-PCR) of NF-κB and IRF3-regulated genes, multiplex bead-based analysis of secreted proteins/cytokines and more recent developments in targeted, quantitative selected reaction monitoring (SRM)-mass spectrometry (MS). Application of these methods for quantitation of the IIR will further our understanding of the role of the IIR in asthma and its contribution to disease heterogeneity.
Aldosterone Synthase Promoter Polymorphism and Cardiovascular Phenotypes in a Large, Multiethnic Population-Based Study.

Background A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the aldosterone synthase gene (CYP11B2) promoter [−344C/T, rs1799998] has been reported to associate with cardiovascular phenotypes. Methods The Dallas Heart Study is a large, multiethnic cohort with a high prevalence of hypertension. We genotyped 3452 Dallas Heart Study participants for −344C/T. Generalized linear models were used to assess whether variation at −344C/T associated with plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), plasma glucose (in persons with no diabetes), HOMA IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment as an Index of Insulin Resistance), and left ventricular (LV) mass indexed to height. Systolic blood pressure and DBP were significantly higher in blacks compared with whites (P Conclusions We were unable to reproduce previously reported associations between −344C/T and PAC, blood pressure, plasma glucose, or LV mass. Methodological differences might explain the differences between our findings and those previously reported.
Substituent group effects on reorganization and activation energies: Theoretical study of charge transfer reaction through DNA

Abstract The density functional theory (DFT) calculations (B3LYP) with aug-cc-pVDZ basis sets on various substituted neutral and radical cationic guanine–cytosine (GC ∗+ ) base pairs suggest that an electron-withdrawing ring deactivating substituent group like –NO 2 , –COOH attached to a G ring lowers the reorganization/activation energy values whereas an electron releasing ring activating group like –OH increases these values. An electron releasing , but a ring deactivating group –F, exhibits its effect in between the above two extreme cases. A weak electron releasing, ring activating methyl group, as well as substituent groups attached to C (cytosine)-ring show almost no effect.
Cross-species reactivity of the anti-idiotype anti-OKT3 cascade between mice and humans

Abstract The administration of murine mAb specific for the CD3ϵ subunit of the TCR complex (OKT3) has been demonstrated to engender in humans an anti-OKT3 idiotypic cascade. This study used murine-derived anti-OKT3 (Ab2) as a bioreagent to determine whether this Ab2 and polyclonal anti-(anti-OKT3) (Ab3) generated in some human kidney transplant patients are idiotypically connected. Two anti-OKT3 mAbs G-880 (IgG1) and M-12 (IgM) were derived by immunizing BALB/c mice with the OKT3-secreting hybridoma. The two mAbs exhibited specificity for OKT3-F(ab)′2 idiotypic determinants. Both mAbs were tested for their ability to inhibit OKT3 induced mitogenesis and to block FITC—OKT3 binding to cell surface CD3ϵ chain. The M-12 mAb inhibited OKT3-induced mitogenesis and blocked (≈60%) the binding of OKT3 to peripheral blood (PBL) T-cell CD3ϵ chain in flow cytometry. In contrast, the G-880 mAb did not inhibit mitogenesis and only weakly blocked OKT3 binding to CD3ϵ chain (≈12%). Sera of kidney transplant recipients who received OKT3 antirejection therapy and who developed antiidiotypic anti-OKT3 antibodies could be divided into two subgroups exhibiting anti-OKT3 activity: (a) those who had similar specificity as M-12 and failed to enhance the M-12 inhibition of OKT3 binding to PBL T-cell CD3ϵ chain when added as a third component (n = 3), and (b) those with anti-OKT3 antibodies with idiotype specificity dissimilar to M-12 and who were able to increase the (maximum 60%) inhibition obtained with M-12 in the OKT3 to T-cell CD3-binding assay (n = 4). From these observations, we conclude that M-12 had the characteristics of an Ab2β and G-880 that of an Ab2α. Additionally, there was an idiotypic connectivity of mouse-derived M-12 anti-OKT3 (Ab2) and OKT3-engendered human polyclonal anti-(anti-OKT3) (Ab3), in that three of seven patients examined had human serum IgG antibodies that specifically recognized M-12 idiotypic determinants as demonstrated in ELISA.
Measurement of infarct size in acute canine myocardial infarction by single-photon emission computed tomography with technetium-99m pyrophosphate

Abstract The location and extent of myocardial infarction (MI) are important predictors of patient course. The current study tests the hypothesis that Ml size could be measured accurately using rotating gamma camera single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and technetium-99m pyrophosphate (PPI) and that the accuracy of these measurements was independent of Ml location and transmural or nontransmural distribution. SPECT was performed in 38 dogs 48 hours after ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (14 dogs) or left circumflex coronary artery (LC) (24 dogs) at the mid-level or below. Projection images were corrected for center-of-rotation and field nonuniformity and processed with a 1-dimensional low-pass filter to diminish rib activity. Sixteen 0.5-cm-thick transverse sections, including the entire left ventricle, were reconstructed by filtered backprojection, low-pass filtered, contrast enhanced and processed with a 3-dimensional boundary enhancement operator. The boundary of PPi uptake in each slice was marked automatically using an algorithm that combined a directional derivative and a threshold, and required continuity of the boundary in 3 dimensions. The total number of volume elements that showed abnormal tracer uptake were summed, corrected to absolute volume, and multiplied by the specific weight of cardiac muscle. Scintigraphic Ml weight was compared with pathologic Ml weight. There was an excellent correlation between scintigraphic and pathologic Ml weight. The poorer correlation for nontransmural compared with transmural Mls is most likely a function of size alone, since Mls that weighed less than 10 g (n = 12, range 1.3 to 9.5 g), both transmural and nontransmural, showed a similar correlation: S = 1.07 × P + 0.56 (r = 0.81, standard error of the slope = 0.245). Thus, SPECT with PPi can provide accurate measurements of experimental canine MI size independent of MI location and endocardial-to-epicardial extent.
Electrical applications of carbon materials

The electrical applications of carbons and their composites are reviewed, with emphasis on applications that are relevant to industrial needs. The applications include electrical conduction, electrical contacts, electrodes, electromagnetic interference shielding, resistance heating, thermoelectricity, sensing, electrical switching, electronic devices and thermal pastes. The carbons include graphite, coke, carbon fibers, carbon filaments, carbon black and flexible graphite.
High-dose pentobarbital pharmacokinetics in hypothermic brain-injured children.

The pharmacokinetics of pentobarbital were examined in 11 children with Reye syndrome, hypoxic encephalopathy, or acute head injury. Nine of these patients were hypothermic (
A Modified Dold-Lashof Construction that Does Classify H-Principal Fibrations*

The classical Dold-Lashof construction [5] and its various modifications ([10] and [19-1), do not in general provide a classifying space B n and a fibration Pn, E n ~ B n that classifies the H-principal fibrations for an H-space H. In [8] we constructed a simple machinery to classify locally homotopy trivial principal fibrations with fiber H, provided a reasonable classifying space is available. In the following pages we propose an alteration of the Dold-Lashof construction to obtain such a classifying space B u and a fibration Pn : E n ~ B u , which is locally homotopy trivial (and therefore allows induced fibrations and classification). E n turns out to be contractible and B n is of the same homotopy type as the Dold-Lashof construction. Thus the relationship to the Milgram-Steenrod construction remains undisturbed. In the case of locally homotopy trivial fibrations whose fiber F is a finite complex we will see that fiber homotopy equivalence is linked in the classical way to principal fiber-homotopy equivalence of the associated H-principal fibration. (Section 7.). In Section 8 we describe a one to one correspondence between the H-principal fibrations and G-principal fiber bundles for certain H-spaces and topological groups G. Maybe we should also point out the relative simplicity of the proof of the classification theorem in section 4, this proof applies of course to principal G-bundles.
Explicitness in language design

The look and feel of a language is influenced by which of its concepts are made explicit. Explicit representations support language users in expressing their intent. They can help avoid hidden assumptions and provide manipulability of the exposed representation. On the other hand, explicit representations can lead to bigger and more complicated languages, cause extra burden for language users through notational overhead, and complicate the language design through a proliferation of feature interaction. In this talk I will give several examples of explicit representations and demonstrate their effect on language expressiveness and opportunities for analyses. I will then address how explicitness can serve as a language design criterion and what it takes to guide language designers in their decisions about making concepts explicit or not.
Commensurability in One Dimension at T≠0

The finite-temperature commensurability problem is formulated and reduced to the solution of a transfer-integral problem. Numerical solutions for the free energy, equation of state, one- and two-particle densities,..., provide a detailed description of the behavior of epitaxial systems at $T\ensuremath{\ne}0$.
High speed proximity focused X-ray cameras

Recent technological developments have resulted in sub 100 ps shutter times of X-ray cameras that are based on the gating of microchannel plates. Moreover, these cameras are reliable enough to be used on large experimental systems. A review is given of the development of gated proximity focused detectors and of the factors affecting their performance.
A Multitrait Multimethod Analysis of Four Attitude Assessment Procedures.

A multitrait-multimethod analysis of four attitude assessment procedures was performed, (1) the Likert method of summated ratings, (2) Thurstone's method of equal appearing intervals, (3) Guilford's self-rating procedure, and (4) the semantic differential technique. Results indicated that all four measures meet the criteria of high reliability, high convergence, low method variance, and high divergent validity about equally well. Implications of these findings were discussed.
An Assessment of Atlantic Artificial Reef Development

Abstract Atlantic coast artificial reef development involves a diversity of activities. Of the 14 coastal states (plus the District of Columbia) surveyed in an assessment of Atlantic reef activities, 12 had documented records of reef development. Of those 12 jurisdictions, 9 had government-sponsored reef programs. There are 273 permitted reef sites along the entire coast, with 26 of these still waiting for deployment of reef structures. The South Atlantic region is by far the most active along the coast, with development activity declining as one moves north through the Mid-Atlantic and New England areas. Florida is the most active reef-building state (112 east coast sites) followed by North Carolina (66 sites). Together, these two states account for 65% of the total Atlantic sites. There are no government-sponsored programs in New England and virtually no artificial reef activities being conducted in this region at present. In the last 10 years, the number of new Atlantic reef sites has approximately dou...
Response to Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination in Newly Diagnosed HIV-Positive Individuals

Background: Newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals are 35 to 100-fold more susceptible to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection compared to non-infected individuals. Therefore, the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) has previously been recommended, though efficacy and effectiveness of vaccination remains controversial. Early severe B cell dysfunction is a central feature of HIV infection. The specific nature of the immune cells involved in the production of protective antigen-specific antibodies in HIV-positive individuals remains to be elucidated. Objectives: Evaluate the antibody and antigen-specific B cell response to the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. Moreover, determine if newly diagnosed patients with CD4<200 cells/µl benefit from 6-12 months of HAART, allowing partial viral suppression and immune reconstitution, prior to immunization. Methods: Newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients with CD4>200 cells/µl and CD4<200 cells/µl were immunized with PPV23. Patients with CD4<200 cells/µl received either immediate or delayed immunization following 6-12 months of HAART. Antibody responses, opsonophagocytic activity and phenotypic analysis of pneumococcal polysaccharidespecific B cells were studied. Results: Newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients demonstrated CD4-dependent increases in antibody and opsonophagocytic titers thought to be commensurate with protection. Functional opsonophagocytic titers of patients with CD4<200 cells/µl immunized immediately compared to patients with CD4<200 cells/µl receiving HAART for 6-12 months were not significantly different. Pneumococcal polysaccharide-specific B cells were distributed evenly between IgM memory and switched memory B cells for all groups, but IgM memory B cells were significantly lower than in HIV-negative individuals. Conclusions: Despite CD4-dependent pneumococcal polysaccharide-specific deficiencies in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients, vaccination was beneficial based on opsonophagocytic titers for all newly diagnosed HIV-positive groups. In HIV-positive patients with CD4<200 cells/µl, 6-12 months of HAART did not improve opsonophagocytic titers or antibody concentrations. Based on these findings, immunization with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine should not be delayed in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients with CD4<200 cells/µl.
A State-Space Model for Monitoring Thermally Induced Preload in Anti-Friction Spindle Bearings of High-Speed Machine Tools

Catastrophic and premature bearing failure caused by excessive thermally induced bearing preload is a major design problem for spindle bearings of highspeed machine tools. Due to a lack of a low cost and easy to maintain on-line preload measuring technique, the traditional solution is to limit the maximum spindle speed and the initial bearing preload. This solution is incompatible with the need to increase machining productivity, which requires increasing the spindle speed, and to increase product qualily (surface finish, dimensional accuracy), which requires increasing (or at least not decreasing) the preload to keep the spindle system stiff. This paper proposes a dynamic mathematical model of the spindle system, which can be used as part of a model-based monitoring system for estimating the spindle bearing preload
Calorimetric determination of the standard transformed enthalpy of a biochemical reaction at specified pH and pMg

Abstract In a biochemical reaction there is generally a change in the binding of hydrogen ions and metal ions. Therefore, calorimetric measurements of enthalpies of reaction have to be adjusted for the enthalpies of reaction of the hydrogen ions and metal ions produced or consumed with the buffer. It can be shown that this yields the standard transformed enthalpy of reaction that determines the change in the apparent equilibrium constant K′ (written in terms of sums of concentrations of species of a reactant) with temperature at the chosen pH and concentration of free metal ion. The derivations are based on the assumption that the changes in pH and free metal ion concentrations in the calorimetric experiment are small. This assumption is experimentally realized if a solution is well buffered for hydrogen and metal ions. The derived equations are discussed in terms of the implications they have for the performance and interpretation of calorimetric measurements.
Protein kinase C-ζ activity but not level is decreased in Alzheimer's disease microvessels

While there is considerable evidence demonstrating altered activity of the major isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC) in the vasculature and neurons of Alzheimer disease (AD) brains, little is known about the activity and/or levels of the atypical PKC isoforms. The objective of this study is to compare PKC-zeta activity and level in cerebral microvessels isolated from AD brains with microvessels from the brains of nondemented age-matched controls. Measurements of the kinase activity reveals that the PKC-zeta activity is significantly (P < 0.01) lower in AD brain microvessels compared with vessels from control brain. Despite this decrease in enzyme activity, the level of PKC-zeta, assessed by Western blot, is significantly (P < 0.01) elevated in AD microvessels. These data demonstrate significant and divergent changes in the PKC-zeta activity and level in the microcirculation of the AD brain and suggest that aberrant regulation of microvascular PKC-zeta could contribute to the abnormal signaling mechanisms at the blood-brain barrier in the AD brain.
Conduction aphasia in multiple sclerosis: A case report with MRI findings

Aphasia is an uncommon manifestation of MS, which is somewhat surprising because various disconnection syndromes, such as conduction aphasia, would be expected to occur with some regularity in this white matter disease. We present a case study of an MS patient with conduction aphasia associated with a large white matter lesion underlying the left supramarginal gyrus.
Properties and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase in resistant and susceptible German cockroaches (Blattella germanica L.)

Abstract Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from German cockroaches was partially characterized and examined for its possible involvement in resistance to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in four resistant strains. Solubilized preparations from heads of susceptible cockroaches displayed optimal activity near pH 7.6, and activity increased linearly with increasing temperature up to 40°C. The kinetic parameters K m and V max , determined with acetylthiocholine iodide as substrate, were 1.03 × 10 −4 M and 537 nmol/(min mg protein), respectively, for the susceptible strain. Differential centrifugation of both solubilized and nonsolubilized head homogenates indicates that over 90% of AChE activity is membrane associated, but that homogenization in the presence of detergent increases solubility. These conclusions are supported by nondenaturing gel electrophoresis which suggests that mobility and resolution of different molecular forms was dependent on solubilization. The biomolecular rate constants, k i , in four stains of German cockroaches which display varying levels of organophosphate and carbamate resistance were similar to the susceptible strain for chlorpyrifos oxon, malaoxon, and propoxur, suggesting that insensitivity of AChE in German cockroaches is probably not a common factor conferring resistance to these compounds.
A triangle test for equality of distribution functions in high dimensions

A triangle statistic is proposed for testing the equality of two multivariate continuous distributions in high-dimensional settings based on sample interpoint distances. Given two independent p-dim...
The Synaptic Organization of VMH Neurons That Mediate the Effects of Estrogen on Sexual Behavior

Estrogen acts in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMH) of female rats to promote sexual behavior, as typified by the lordosis response. Morphological changes in the VMH, such as increased synaptic profiles and increased dendritic spines, suggest that estrogen may modulate behavior by altering VMH synaptic organization. To understand the significance of these changes, this laboratory has been investigating the functional classes of lordosis-relevant neurons and their local connectivity. A neurotropic virus, pseudorabies virus (PRV), was used to transneuronally label the CNS network that controls the lordosis-producing muscles. When PRV was placed in the lumbar epaxial muscles, it was sequentially detected in the lumbar ventral horn, the medullary reticular formation, the periaqueductal gray, and finally the VMH. Subsequent analysis showed that the population of VMH neurons that were initially infected with PRV largely resided beyond the cluster of estrogen receptor-containing neurons. In a separate study, VMH neurons were visualized with Lucifer yellow, and their morphology was analyzed using confocal microscopy. Such analysis confirmed that estrogen treatment increased dendritic spines in the VMH. The particular VMH neurons in this study did not express nuclear estrogen receptor, which suggests that estrogen can increase spine density indirectly. These results represent initial steps toward unraveling the local circuit that mediates estrogenic action on a specific reproductive behavior.
Microstructure and pseudocapacitive properties of electrodes constructed of oriented NiO-TiO2 nanotube arrays.

We report on the synthesis and electrochemical properties of oriented NiO-TiO2 nanotube (NT) arrays as electrodes for supercapacitors. The morphology of the films prepared by electrochemically anodizing Ni−Ti alloy foils was characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction, and photoelectron spectroscopies. The morphology, crystal structure, and composition of the NT films were found to depend on the preparation conditions (anodization voltage and postgrowth annealing temperature). Annealing the as-grown NT arrays to a temperature of 600 °C transformed them from an amorphous phase to a mixture of crystalline rock salt NiO and rutile TiO2. Changes in the morphology and crystal structure strongly influenced the electrochemical properties of the NT electrodes. Electrodes composed of NT films annealed at 600 °C displayed pseudocapacitor (redox-capacitor) behavior, including rapid charge/discharge kinetics and stable long-term cycling performance. At similar film thicknesses ...
Uncertainty Determination for Nondestructive Chemical Analytical Methods Using Field Data and Application to XRF Analysis for Lead

Air sampling and analytical methods are developed to provide a basis for decision making. They are evaluated in the laboratory against prescribed fitness-for-use criteria even though laboratory validation does not take into account all possible sources of uncertainty in field application. Field evaluation would be preferable but is complicated by the lack of controlled conditions, which limits the ability to compare analytical methods and to recognize outliers and assess variance homogeneity across the range of interest. The specific situation of evaluating nondestructive field analytical methods against their reference laboratory equivalent is considered here, since the difficulty of providing replicates is obviated in this case. A portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer was used to determine the lead content of air filter samples from several workplaces where lead is used or is a contaminant of the process material. The portable XRF method has the advantage of allowing for faster decisions compared w...
The Normalized Programming State Model: Predicting Student Performance in Computing Courses Based on Programming Behavior

Educators stand to benefit from advance predictions of their students' course performance based on learning process data collected in their courses. Indeed, such predictions can help educators not only to identify at-risk students, but also to better tailor their instructional methods. In computing education, at least two different measures, the Error Quotient and Watwin Score, have achieved modest success at predicting student course performance based solely on students' compilation attempts. We hypothesize that one can achieve even greater predictive power by considering students' programming activities more holistically. To that end, we derive the Normalized Programming State Model (NPSM), which characterizes students' programming activity in terms of the dynamically-changing syntactic and semantic correctness of their programs. In an empirical study, the NPSM accounted for 41% of the variance in students' programming assignment grades, and 36% of the variance in students' final course grades. We identify the components of the NPSM that contribute to its explanatory power, and derive a formula capable of predicting students' course programming performance with between 36 and 67 percent accuracy, depending on the quantity of programming process data.
Examination of CCDs using voltage contrast with a scanning electron microscope

Abstract The voltage contrast mode of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) is utilized to observe charge-coupled devices (CCDs) which have been cross sectioned. A new cross sectioning technique which uses anisotropic etching to accurately define the axis along which fracture occurs is presented. Lapping is not required in this technique, as smooth surfaces result from the controlled fracturing. SEM imaging of the region just beneath a CCD double-level, polycrystalline silicon electrode structure revealed a region of contrast which appeared and disappeared under the presence and absence of an applied pulsed bias. Application of a pulsed bias to the CCD output gate is seen to result in the transient charging of the output floating diffusion, while application of a dc bias is seen to not result is such charging.
The Effect of Auditory Display Configuration and Physical Load on Message Intelligibility for the Dismounted Soldier

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which different types of audio display technology affected the ability of the physically active, load-carrying dismounted soldier to understand and respond to multiple radio communications in the battlefield. Independent variables were different types of auditory display configuration (existing monaural and spatial audio), number of simultaneous talkers in each simulated radio message (two, three, or four), and soldier rucksack load (22 kg or 33 kg). The dependent variables included the response time and number of accurate responses to the radio messages, soldier ratings of mental workload, and soldier physiological workload. Subjects were nine (9) male Marine Corps Infantry personnel and three (3) male Army Infantry personnel. Results indicated that spatial auditory displays enabled soldiers to identify a significantly greater number of simulated radio communications, and respond to these communications more quickly. Message response time increased...
SEX DIFFERENCES IN PATIENTS REFERRED FOR EVALUATION OF POOR GROWTH

Objectives The objective of this study was to compare sex differences among referrals for evaluation of poor growth. Study design This study was based on chart reviews of all new-patient encounters at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Diagnostic and Research Growth Center for short stature or poor growth evaluations during 2001. Outcome measures were patient growth characteristics, frequency of underlying pathology, and frequency of laboratory and radiologic investigations before referral. Results One hundred eighty-two boys and 96 girls were referred ( P z score, −2.4 vs −1.9 for boys, P =.02) and mid-parental target heights (median deficit, 1.9 vs 1.3 SD, P P Conclusions Sex differences in short stature referrals may delay diagnosis of diseases in girls while promoting overzealous evaluations of healthy boys who do not appear to be tall enough.
The combined effects of air temperature, wind and radiation on the resting metabolism of avian raptors

1. 1.VO3 values were measured on American kestreis, red-tailed hawks and golden eagles perched in a wind tunnel and multiple regression equations were developed to predict resting metabolism of each species as a function of body mass, ambient temperature, wind speed, and radiant flux density. 2. 2.Increases in metabolism due to wind ranged from non-linear in kestrels to linear in eagles. 3. 3.Wind speeds below 4.47 m.s−1 produced relatively greater increases in metabolism than wind speeds above 4.47 m.s.−1. 4. 4.Radiation produced linear decreases in metabolism in all birds at all wind speeds, and it extended the thermoneutral zone to lower ambient temperatures.
Outcome following nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in low-demand patients older than 60 years.

Twenty-five sedentary, low-demand patients older than 60 years were retrospectively evaluated for function and radiographic results following nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures. The mean age was 72 years and the average follow-up period was 34 months. All patients had radiographic and functional evaluations. The radiographic assessment included a scoring system based on measurements of the final dorsal angle, loss of radial length, and the final radial inclination. The development of radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joint arthrosis was also investigated. The functional assessment included subjective and objective criteria. Overall satisfaction, ability to return to previous activity level or occupation, concern over wrist appearance, and a functional task questionnaire were part of the subjective assessment. Objective assessment included neuromuscular evaluation and measurements of range of motion and grip strength. The final radiographic scores revealed that 6 patients (24%) had excellent results, 11 (44%) had good results, 2 (8%) had fair results, and 6 (24%) had poor results. Six of 10 patients with intra-articular fractures developed progressive wrist arthrosis. Two of 6 patients with radiographic arthrosis had unsatisfactory functional outcome. Five of 8 patients with intra-articular fractures that healed with a residual stepoff >/=2 mm had satisfactory functional outcome; 3 of these 8 patients had unsatisfactory functional outcome. The functional assessment revealed that 22 patients (88%) had excellent or good results and 3 (12%) had fair or poor results. The radiographic outcome did not correlate with the functional outcome. Twenty-three of 25 patients (92%) were satisfied with the overall outcome of the treatment and 22 (88%) were able to return to their previous activity level or occupation. Despite an obvious clinical deformity in over half of the patients, none were unhappy with the clinical appearance of the wrist. According to the functional task questionnaire, jar opening was by far the most difficult task to perform after fracture healing. Functional outcome was satisfactory in most cases; a high level of personal satisfaction and return to previous activity level was observed, regardless of the radiographic result. Nonoperative treatment of distal radius fractures yields satisfactory outcome, especially in those with low functional demands. It also is indicated in poor operative candidates. (J Hand Surg 2000; 25A:19-28.