cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Greater magnitude of turnover suppression occurs earlier after treatment initiation with risedronate than alendronate

Abstract Clinical data suggest that reductions in fractures associated with osteoporosis may occur sooner in patients treated with risedronate (RIS) compared to those treated with alendronate (ALN). This could be explained by differences in the time course of turnover suppression between these two bisphosphonates. To determine if differences in the onset of turnover suppression exist between RIS and ALN, female New Zealand white rabbits (total n = 32) were treated with clinically relevant doses of RIS or ALN and then administered different fluorochrome labels weekly for four weeks in order to allow histological assessment of the time-course of turnover suppression. By the third week of treatment vertebral trabecular bone formation rate (BFR/BS) was significantly suppressed with RIS-treatment compared to both VEH and ALN. By the 4th week of treatment, turnover rates in RIS-treated animals remained significantly lower than in VEH-treated animals and were also lower than ALN; at this time-point ALN was significantly lower than VEH. There was no significant reduction in intra-cortical remodeling in the tibial mid-diaphysis at any time point for either RIS or ALN. This greater effect on turnover suppression with RIS early in treatment compared to ALN is likely the result of both risedronate's greater potency on osteoclast inhibition and its lower binding affinity. Together with studies showing more rapid return toward baseline turnover following withdrawal of RIS compared to ALN, this pre-clinical study provides evidence of the differences between bisphosphonates with respect to onset and recovery of bone turnover suppression. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Bisphosphonates .
Subgaleal abscess: an unusual presentation.

We report a case of subgaleal abscess formation in a 16-year-old boy with varicella and minor head trauma. He presented four weeks after injury with left-sided scalp swelling and periorbital edema. There was no break in the skin over the involved area. Diagnosis was made on the basis of prolonged swelling, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and computed tomography that showed a subgaleal fluid collection. Aspirated material grew Group A β -hemolytic Streptococcus . Subgaleal abscess formation without an overlying wound is previously unreported. Management of subgaleal abscess usually requires operative debridement and IV antibiotics. However, in our patient, needle aspiration and oral antibiotics sufficed.
Activity-composition relations in CaOMnO solid solutions at 1100–1300°C

Abstract Experimentally determined directions of conjugation lines between coexisting solid phases in the systems CaOMnOCoO and CaOMnONiO are combined with previously available activity-composition data for the two bounding binary systems MnOCoO and MnONiO, respectively, to derive approximate activity-composition relations for CaOMnO solid solutions. The latter are shown to display a considerable positive deviation from ideality in the temperature range of 1100–1300°C. The data are in satisfactory agreement with those derived recently from an extrapolation of activity-composition curves in the system CaOMnO“FeO” to the binary system CaOMnO.
Host finding behaviour as a predictor of foraging strategy in entomopathogenic nematodes

Foraging strategies of eight species of entomopathogenic nematodes were predicted from their response to host volatile cues and dispersal behaviour on 2-dimensional substrates. Positive directional response to chemical cues and similar distances travelled on smooth (agar) or nictation substrates (agar overlaid with sand grains) by Heterorhabditis bacterio-phora, Heterorhabditis megidis, Steinernema anomali, and Steinernema glaseri suggest their cruising approach to finding hosts. The absence of directional response and less distance travelled on nictation substrate, than on smooth agar by Steinernema carpocapsae and Steinernema scapterisci suggest their ambushing mode of foraging. Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema sp. responded directionally to host volatiles, but travelled less distance on the nictation substrate than on smooth agar; the two species also did not nictate. The cruiser species located hosts more effectively in the sand columns, whereas the ambushers were more effective at finding hosts on filter paper. Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema sp. performed equally on filter paper and in the sand column. We conclude that H. bacteriophora, H. megidis, S. anomali and S. glaseri cruise to find hosts, whereas S. carpocapsae and S. scapterisci ambush hosts. Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema sp. are intermediary in the search continuum sharing some characteristics of both ambush and cruise foragers.
ICAM‐1 mRNA Levels and Relative Transcription Rates Are Decreased by UV Irradiation of Monocytes

— We have previously demonstrated that in vitro exposure of antigen-presenting cells to UVB radiation inhibits their ability to activate T cells through selective effects on the expression of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1). Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 is an important costimulatory molecule provided by antigen-presenting cells for T-cell activation. Using human peripheral blood monocytes and the U937 human monocytoid cell line as model antigen-presenting cells, we investigated the effect of UV radiation on the mRNA steady-state levels for human ICAM-1 by northern blot analysis and relative transcription rates of ICAM-1-speciflc mRNA by nuclear run-on assay (NRO). Northern blot analysis demonstrated a decreased level of ICAM-1 mRNA at 4 h postradiation relative to glyceraldehyde-3-dehydrogenase mRNA. The NRO analysis demonstrated a greater than 35% decrease of newly synthesized specific mRNA at 4 h postirradiation. The results demonstrate a transcriptionally based mechanism for the diminution of both mRNA and translatable mRNA specific for ICAM-1 regulation in UV-treated antigen-presenting cells.
Control of DNA synthesis in mammalian cells in culture

Abstract Inhibition of protein or RNA synthesis causes an inhibition of DNA synthesis in cultures of human cells (strain KB). In cultures partially synchronized by fluorodeoxyuridine-thymidine treatment, DNA synthesis was reduced to 10–20 per cent of the normal amount by addition of puromycin or actinomycin prior to thymidine. After DNA synthesis has begun the cells are much less sensitive to the inhibitors. Assays of DNA polymerase and thymidine kinases indicated that synthesis of these enzymes after thymidine addition could not account for the requirement for protein synthesis. It is suggested that a particular protein must be made which controls the initiation of replication.
The effect of dietary pectin on serum lipoprotein cholesterol in rabbits.

Abstract The effect of pectin on serum lipoprotein cholesterol during and after induction of hypercholesterolemia in rabbits was studied. The addition of 5% pectin to rabbit diets containing 5% fat and 1% cholesterol partly repressed the rise of serum β- and α-lipoprotein cholesterol. Interestingly, the addition of pectin to the basal diet after the induction of hypercholesterolemia actually delayed the return of serum cholesterol levels to baseline values. Several mechanisms to explain the hypocholesterolemic action of pectin are discussed.
Multifocal bilateral choroidal neovascularization in a patient on ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma

Choroidal neovascularization membrane (CNVM) is a significant cause of ocular morbidity. Immunologic mechanisms have been proposed in the development of these lesions in exudative age related macular degeneration. Here, we describe the case of an 81-year-old man receiving ipilimumab, an immune modulating drug that enhances T cell response, for metastatic melanoma who developed three simultaneous CNVM bilaterally. This is the first case of ipilimumab-associated CNVM as well as the first case of an immune modulating drug possibly causing CNVM to our knowledge.
The return of the repressed: Abandoned parses facilitate syntactic reanalysis

Two eye movement experiments examined effects on syntactic reanalysis when the correct analysis was briefly entertained at an earlier point in the sentence. In Experiment 1, participants read sentences containing a noun phrase coordination/clausal coordination ambiguity, while in Experiment 2 they read sentences containing a subordinate clause object/main clause subject ambiguity. The critical conditions were designed to induce readers to construct the ultimately correct analysis just prior to being garden-pathed by the incorrect analysis. In both experiments, the earliest measures of the garden path effect were not modulated by this manipulation. However, there was significantly less regressive re-reading of the sentence in those conditions in which the correct analysis was likely to have been constructed, then abandoned, at an earlier point. These results suggest that a syntactic analysis that is abandoned in the course of processing a sentence is not lost altogether, and can be re-activated or retrieved from memory. Implications for models of initial syntactic analysis and reanalysis are discussed.
Competitive production of weakly bound heterodimers in free jet expansions

Abstract The relative density of heterodimers in molecular beams formed from free jet expansions of gas mixtures is measured into the region where trimers and larger clusters dominate, using single-photon dissociative photoionization below the trimer threshold. Calculations based on simple kinetics and pseudoequilibrium models are consistent with the dimer beam intensities at low pressures, but predict intensities at pressures well above the intensity maxima that are far too small. Possible reasons for the continuation of substantial dimer intensities to high nozzle pressures are discussed.
Tri-modal confocal margin screening for the presence of residual squamous cell carcinoma in Mohs surgical excisions

Screening cancer in excision margins may be done with confocal microscopy to save time and cost over the gold standard histopathology (H&E). However, diagnostic accuracy requires sufficient contrast. Reflectance mode enables detection of large (>500um) nodular tumors. Enhanced nuclear contrast with acridine orange fluorescence mode additionally enables detection of tiny (<50um) basal cell carcinomas. Here, we present a novel combination of three modes to detect squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Accurate screening of SCC requires eosin fluorescence, reflectance and acridine orange fluorescence to enable contrast for cytoplasm, collagen and nuclei respectively. Combining these signals replicates H&E for rapid clinical translation.
The epidemiology of fatal occupational traumatic brain injury in the U.S.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of the Census of Fatal Occupational Injury database was performed. Both the Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System nature of injury codes and body part codes were used to define TBIs. Fatality rates were calculated using denominators derived from the Current Population Survey. Fatality rates were compared among industries, cause of death, and demographics with rate ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs. Poisson regression was used to assess trends in fatality rates. Data were analyzed in 2009 -2010. Results: Nearly 7300 occupational TBI deaths occurred between 2003 and 2008, for an average fatality rate of 0.8 per 100,000 workers per year. The leading causes of occupational TBI death were as follows: motor vehicle (31%); falls (29%); assaults and violent acts (20%); and contact with objects/ equipment (18%). Fatality rates were 15 times higher in men compared with women (RR15, 95% CI13.7, 16.3). Workers aged 65 years experienced the highest TBI fatality rate of all age groups (2.5 per 100,000 per year). Construction, transportation, and agriculture/forestry/fishing industries recorded nearly half of all TBI fatalities (n1828, n825, n761, respectively). Occupational TBI death rates declined 23% over the 6-year period (p0.0001). Conclusions: This study provides the first national profile of fatal TBIs occurring in the U.S. workplace. Prevention efforts should be directed at those industries with the highest frequency and/or highest risk. The construction industry had the highest number of TBIs, and the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry had the highest rates. Additionally, workers aged 65 years in all industries would be a good target for future prevention efforts.
Periodic Solutions in Rotor Dynamic Systems With Nonlinear Supports: A General Approach

A new quantitative method of estimating steady state periodic behavior in nonlinear systems, based on the trigonometric collocation method, is outlined. A procedure is developed to analyze large rotor dynamic systems with nonlinear supports by the use of the above method in conjunction with Component Mode Synthesis
Photo-regulation of the ratio of ester to free indole-3-acetic acid

Abstract A light exposure, sufficient to cause a 30% reduction in growth rate of seedlings of Zea mays, causes a decrease of 40% in the concentration of free indole-3-acetic acid in the seedling and an increase in the content of esterified indole-3-acetic acid. We conclude that one mechanism for regulation of plant growth is alteration of the ratio of free to conjugated hormone by environmental stimuli.
Continuous counteracting chromatographic electrophoresis

Counteracting chromatographic electrophoresis (CACE) uses opposing electric and convective fields to focus proteins at the boundary separating distinct granular gel phases. In batch operation, CACE can purify, stack, and concentrate gram quantities of proteins. This technique has been extended to continuous operation by modifying the batch column. Experiments were then used to demonstrate operation of the column. The principles underlying focusing and separation are elucidated by linear chromatography theory.
Aspartoacylase Deficiency: The Enzyme Defect in Canavan Disease

Spongy degeneration of the brain, Canavan disease (CD; McKusick 27190) is an autosomal recessive leukodystrophy (van Bogaert and Bertrand, 1967). Recently, Matalon et al. (1988) have reported three children with CD who had excessive amounts of N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA) in urine, blood and brain, and deficiency of aspartoacylase (EC 3.5.1.15) in cultured skin fibroblasts and brain. We have expanded our studies to other children with CD and patients with leukodystrophies other than CD. In addition, we have purified aspartoacylase from human and bovine brain and studied the distribution of aspartoacylase and NAA in brain.
Influence of calorie restriction on oncogene expression and DNA synthesis during liver regeneration.

Abstract Controlling calorie intake (CCI) extends healthful life-span by a mechanism that may involve reduced rates of cell division without detriment to inducible cellular responses. To test whether inducible cellular proliferation is preserved by CCI and whether the mRNA expression levels of oncogenes activated by cell division can be reduced by CCI, we evaluated the effect of dietary energy on the hepatocellular proliferative burst and on oncogene and growth factor mRNA expression induced by partial hepatectomy. Eighty Fischer 344 rats were separated into two dietary groups and were fed semipurified diets for 10 weeks that differed only in calories by 40%. Mean hepatic levels of [3H]thymidine incorporation were greater among CCI animals at 18, 24, 28, and 36 hr after partial hepatectomy. The expression of c-fos and c-Ki-ras mRNAs, activated during hepatic regeneration, was reduced by CCI. Peak expression of c-fos among ad libitum fed controls to levels 4-6 times greater than prehepatectomy levels was not detected among CCI animals. Protracted elevated expression of c-Ki-ras among ad libitum fed animals was foreshortened by CCI. These findings demonstrate that inducible cellular proliferative responses are preserved by CCI and that the mRNA expression levels of c-fos and c-Ki-ras activated during cell division are reduced by controlling dietary energy. Preserved inducible cellular responses and lowered oncogene expression during cell division may be attributes of the healthful protective effect of CCI.
Use of clove oil to anaesthetize freshwater amphipods

The use of clove oil as a potential anaesthetic for freshwater amphipods was examined at 20 °C. Individuals of Gammarus minus, a common species in southern Illinois, USA, spanning the entire body size range (4.3–14.3 mm), were used to test four anaesthetic concentrations varying from 1.48 × 10−4 ml ml−1 to 5.9 × 10−4 ml ml−1. Small-bodied individuals (mean size = 5.4 mm ± 0.27SE) were used to test additional concentrations, up to 14.7 × 10−4 ml ml−1, a 10-fold span, to identify potential lethal concentrations. At the lowest concentration, time to anaesthesia and recovery was constant at all body sizes. For the three next higher concentrations, time to anaesthesia decreased with increasing concentration while recovery time increased. Activity of amphipods was not affected by the ethanol carrier. In addition, activity did not differ between amphipods that had recovered from anaesthesia and unexposed amphipods. At clove oil concentrations of 8.84 × 10−4 ml ml−1 and 14.7 × 10−4 ml ml−1, mortality was 7 and 40%, respectively, indicating, that 5.9 × 10−4 ml ml−1 was a safe working concentration. No mortality was observed with Gammarus acherondytes, a federally endangered cave amphipod on which the protocol with 80 μl of stock was used in the field. The method enabled us to obtain information on the endangered amphipod which normally would have required the sacrifice of individuals. Thus, research can continue on species for which population numbers are low and for which basic information is needed to formulate meaningful recovery plans.
The Construction and Cumulation of Knowledge in International Relations: Introduction

The idea of building knowledge—that humans can observe and think about the world in such a way that they learn things that they did not know before and are able to understand and explain processes—is at the center of all inquiry. This natural tendency has gone hand in hand with those who have questioned whether what we think we know is actually true and who have demanded that we defend the rules by which we believe knowledge is acquired. Despite this epistemological skepticism the quest goes on and on, even though those who want to display their sophistication may put key concepts, like “reality” or “cause” or “truth” in quotes or use intellectual euphemisms, like “utility” or “adequacy.” Today, within international relations (IR) inquiry, the debate over knowledge—its possibility, its nature, even its desirability—is informed by much of the postmodern and postpositivist movements within the social sciences and the humanities (see Foucault 1972, 1980; Vasquez 1995; Hellmann 2003). Constructivism has emerged as an alternative intellectual pillar of mainstream international relations theory to take its place alongside its competitors—realism and liberalism—to claim its role as a productive approach to inquiry. Although, like realism and liberalism, constructivism is better seen as a paradigm that encompasses a number of specific theoretical formulations, it nonetheless has a core set of assumptions and theoretical perspectives that shape its approach and provide guidance to its practitioners. Among the most central in terms of its epistemological assumptions is the idea that “reality” is constructed by concepts, ideas, and knowledge and not the other way around, namely, that the observation or study of “reality” gives rise to knowledge. Within constructivism this assumption is then used to push inquiry into new directions (see, for example, Onuf 1989; Wendt 1992; Katzenstein 1996; and earlier, …
Silver staining of proteins and DNA

Silver stains offer high sensitivity for the detection of proteins and DNA separated on gels and membranes. These stains depend on the reduction of ionic to metallic silver.
The Kreek–McHugh–Schluger–Kellogg scale: a new, rapid method for quantifying substance abuse and its possible applications

Abstract The new Kreek–McHugh–Schluger–Kellogg scale (‘KMSK scale’) is designed to quantify self-exposure to opiates, cocaine, alcohol, and/or tobacco. Each section of the KMSK scale assesses the frequency, amount, and duration of use of a particular substance during the individual's period of greatest consumption. The scale also assesses the mode of use, whether the substance use is current or past, and whether each substance is the substance of choice. The administration time is under 5 min. In an initial validation study of this scale, 100 human subjects were administered the KMSK scale concurrently with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I DSM-IV version). The sensitivity and specificity were very good for opiates, cocaine, and alcohol use. In addition, the correlations between KMSK scores and the number of SCID-I criteria items met were excellent for opiates and cocaine and good for alcohol use. Nicotine dependence was not assessed in this study as there is no SCID-I nicotine criteria. These preliminary results show that the KMSK scale may have both construct validity similar to that of other established self-report measures and the potential to be an effective screening instrument for the assessment of a lifetime diagnosis of alcohol, opiate, or cocaine dependence.
Answering the Call to Prepare Special Education Teachers at Institutions of Catholic Higher Education

Concerns for social justice have called Catholics and others to be compassionate and supportive to children with disabilities by establishing schools and other learning opportunities to nurture this population. Special education as a field has developed over the past 40 years. This study examines the incidence, context, and nature of special education personnel preparation programs in institutions of Catholic higher education (ICHE). Through literature searches and web-based searches on the National Catholic College Admission Association website, a survey, and individual college websites, the study has identified 89 ICHE that offer special education degrees out of a total of 260 Catholic colleges and universities. Within the context of the demographics of ICHE, the results of this exploratory study show regional variation in special education degree programs; patterns of other education degree offerings that often occur with special education degrees and dual certification; along with information about faculty, financial aid, accreditation, practicum sites, and relationships to Catholic schools. Recommendations are offered to strengthen special education personnel preparation in areas of need, including rural areas, and special education teachers who work with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
Numerically efficient Fourier-based technique for calculating error probabilities with intersymbol interference

We propose a numerically efficient technique for calculating the probability of symbol error for arbitrary coherent modulation schemes in the presence of intersymbol interference (ISI) and additive noise. The probability of error is formulated in terms of an inverse Fourier transform of the windowed characteristic function of the random variable representing the interfering symbols and the noise process. The integral is evaluated numerically using the sampling theorem.
Collagen Orientation in the Anterior Mitral Valve Leaflet

The Mitral Valve (MV) serves to ensure unidirectional blood flow from the pulmonary to systemic circulation. When the MV fails to function correctly, backflow from the left ventricle to left atrium occurs during heart contraction. This condition is called Mitral Valve Regurgitation (MVR) and is estimated to affect 2 to 2.5 million people in the United States alone [1]. Surgical techniques exist to repair MVR, and each affects the structure of the valve in a different way [2]. As the main load-bearing structure in the leaflets, collagen fibers have a tremendous impact on how the leaflets are able to support pressure loads, and their orientation has great functional implications. The goal of this study is therefore to investigate the microstructure of mitral valve tissue. Since collagen makes up approximately 60% of the dry weight of the leaflet [3], we focused our study on this macromolecule. In a complementary in-vivo study, we computed mitral leaflet strains in radial and circumferential direction using a continuum mechanical approach based on the 4D coordinates of 23 radiopaque markers sewn onto the anterior MV leaflet [4]. Results shown in Figure 1. As clearly seen from the figure, strains exhibit pronounced anisotropy. We expect that comparison of the collagen orientation in the leaflet with the these strain profiles will enhance our knowledge of the role of collagen in MV mechanics and the effect that potential surgical interventions may have on MV functionality. While collagen orientation has been determined using Small Angle Light Scattering [5], Polarized Light Microscopy [5], and X-ray Diffraction [6], histological methods to characterize the collagen orientation over the entire leaflet have not been reported. Therefore, we will study the orientation of collagen throughout the anterior ovine MV leaflet using tissue histology.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Combination therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin after coronary stenting

Combination antiplatelet therapy using aspirin and ticlopidine has been the standard of care for prevention of subacute thrombosis following coronary stent implantation. However, the use of ticlopidine is associated with a significant risk of adverse hematologic side effects. Clopidogrel is an inhibitor of ADP-induced platelet aggregation that has a better safety profile than ticlopidine. We examined the 30-day clinical outcome following coronary stent implantation in 253 consecutive patients treated with clopidogrel and aspirin. Follow-up was achieved in 99% of patients and four adverse events were documented. Two patients had angiographically confirmed subacute stent thrombosis (0.8%), and both of these patients underwent successful repeat angioplasty at the stent site. There were two patient deaths during follow-up (0. 8%). One was sudden within 1 week of stent placement and the other occurred in a patient with multisystem organ failure after an extensive myocardial infarction that antedated the stent procedure, with no clinical evidence for stent thrombosis. The combined frequency of subacute stent thrombosis and death was 1.6%. This is comparable to prior studies using the combination of ticlopidine and aspirin following stenting. Therefore, clopidogrel in combination with aspirin appears to be a safe and effective therapy in the prevention of subacute thrombosis following coronary stent implantation.
Control strategy for variable-speed, stall-regulated wind turbines

A variable-speed, constant-pitch wind turbine was investigated to evaluate the feasibility of constraining its rotor speed and power output without the benefit of active aerodynamic control devices. A strategy was postulated to control rotational speed by specifying the demanded generator torque. By controlling rotor speed in relation to wind speed, the aerodynamic power extracted by the blades from the wind was manipulated. Specifically, the blades were caused to stall in high winds. In low and moderate winds, the demanded generator torque and the resulting rotor speed were controlled to cause the wind turbine to operate near maximum efficiency. A computational model was developed, and simulations were conducted of operation in high turbulent winds. Results indicated that rotor speed and power output were well regulated.
Effects of Gamma Irradiation on the Texture of Minimally Processed Apple Slices

Fresh-cut apples with or without calcium treatments were irradiated at doses up to 5 kGy at 0.4 and 2 kGy.h -1 dose rates with a Co 60 source in 0, 21, and 100% O 2 atmospheres. Firmness decreased as irradiation dose increased beyond a 0.34 kGy threshold. High dose rate initially resulted in less softening compared to low dose rate, but dose rate became insignificant upon storage. Irradiation atmosphere did not affect firmness. Softening of irradiated slices correlated positively with water-soluble pectin, and negatively with oxalate-soluble pectin content. Calcium prevented irradiation-induced softening of thin slices (3-4 mm thick), but was not effective with thicker wedges due to limited penetration.
An Exploration of Interaction-Display Offset in Surround Screen Virtual Environments

We present a study exploring the effect of positional offset between the user's interaction frame-of-reference (the physical location of input) and the display frame-of-reference (where graphical feedback appears) in a surround-screen virtual environment (SSVE). Our research hypothesis states that, in such an environment, task performance improves given an offset between the two frames-of-reference. In our experiment, users were asked to match a target color using a 3D color widget under three different display-interaction offset conditions: no offset (i.e., collocation), a three inch offset, and a two foot offset. Our results suggest that collocation of the display and interaction frames-of-reference may degrade accuracy in widget-based tasks and that collocation does not necessarily lead the user to spend more time on the task. In addition, these results contrast with previous studies performed with head-mounted display (HMD) platforms, which have demonstrated significant performance advantages for collocation and the "direct manipulation" of virtual objects. Moreover, a previous study with a different task performed in a projector-based VE has also demonstrated that collocation is not detrimental to user performance. Our conclusion is that the most effective positional offset is dependent upon the specific display hardware and VE task
Impacts of ungulates on the demography and diversity of small mammals in central Kenya

The impacts of ungulates on small mammals in an East African savanna habitat were investigated by monitoring the population and community responses of small mammals on replicated 4-ha plots from which ungulates had been excluded. The dominant small mammal in this habitat is the pouched mouse, Saccostomusmearnsi, a medium-sized murid rodent. Eight other small mammal species, including Arvicanthis sp., Mus sp., Mastomys sp., Dendromus sp., Crocidura sp., and, rarely, Tatera sp., Aethomys sp., and Acomys sp., were also captured. The dominant ungulates are elephant (Loxodonta africana), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), Grevy's and common zebra (Equus grevyi and E. burchelli), buffalo (Syncerus cafer), eland (Taurotragus oryx), Grant's gazelle (Gazella granti), and domestic cattle. Within 1 year, S. mearnsi populations had responded dramatically to the exclusion of large mammals by a two-fold increase in density, a difference that was maintained through pronounced seasonal fluctuations in the second year. Though individual pouched mice showed no significant differences in their use of space with and without ungulates, male S. mearnsi maintained significantly higher body weights in the absence of ungulates, indicating that habitat quality had increased. One other species, Mastomys sp., also increased in the absence of ungulates. Overall, the small mammal community maintained relatively constant species diversity on the plots to which ungulates did not have access. On the plots to which ungulates did have access, on the other hand, there was a rapid 75% decrease in diversity in the control plots during one trapping session. Ungulates are most likely affecting small mammals through their effects on food quality, since there were no detectable differences in their exposure to predators, as determined by vegetative cover, in the absence of ungulates. These results demonstrate that ungulates can have strong and rapid impacts on small mammal abundance and diversity in East African savannas, an interaction which has not previously been given serious consideration.
How falsity dispels fallacies

From certain sorts of premise, individuals reliably infer invalid conclusions. Two experiments investigated a possible cause for these illusory inference: Reasoners fail to think about what is false. In Experiment 1, 24 undergraduates drew illusory and control inferences from premises based on exclusive disjunctions (‘‘or else’’). In one block, participants were instructed to falsify the premises of each illusory and control inference before making the inference. In the other block, participants did not receive these instructions. There were more correct answers for illusory disjunctions whose premises had been falsified than there were for illusory disjunctions that had not been falsified. A second experiment introduced illusory inferences in a real world context that accentuated falsification of premises. Accuracy also improved. Knowledge of how to falsify premises and to consider their implications for true premises transferred to a new problem introduced at the end of the experiment without the falsification instruction. The participants’ ratings of the difficulty of the inferences showed that they did not err simply because illusory inferences are perceived to be more difficult than control problems. The model theory predicts these results because it postulates that the limitations of working memory preclude the representation of false information.
Oral Proficiency Assessment: Current Approaches and Applications for Post-Secondary Foreign Language Programs

Changes to oral proficiency instruction and assessment in post-secondary foreign language programs grew out of the proficiency movement of the 1970s and 1980s. The Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) became the major approach to oral proficiency assessment in the United States. Initially developed for government use, the OPI was originally rated according to the Interagency Language Roundtable Guidelines. Over time, the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines-Speaking were developed for use with the OPI in academic settings, particularly at the post-secondary level. In this paper, we discuss the strengths and limitations of the OPI and identify current controversies related to its use at the post-secondary level. In addition, we explore new approaches to oral proficiency assessment, including computer-mediated oral proficiency testing. We also examine the expected proficiency outcomes for foreign language students at different levels, an area that has been little researched. Finally, we recommend ways to increase the formal use of oral proficiency assessment and establish and publicize realistic expectations of outcomes for programs, instructors and students.
Osteoporosis risk in frail older adults in assisted living.

OBJECTIVES: To compare osteoporosis risk in residents of assisted living (AL) with that of age- and sex-matched community-dwelling adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Community and AL facilities in Connecticut. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred seven individuals (77 control, 37 AL). ASSESSMENTS: Fracture and osteoporosis evaluation history, qualitative heel ultrasound (QUS), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and physical function measures, including walking speed, chair rise time, 6-minute walk, Berg Balance Scale, Get Up and Go, and handgrip strength. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 82.7±5.7. There were no group differences in reported fracture, diagnosis of osteoporosis, or previous bone mineral density (BMD) assessment. QUS T-scores were −1.0±1.5 for community living and −1.9±1.3 for AL (P=.002), 25OHD levels were 113.0±40.1 nnmol/L for community living and 81.8±36.9 for AL (P<.001), and PTH levels were 50.8±29.8 pg/mL for community living and 58.8±32.8 pg/mL for AL (P=.22). Physical performance was more impaired in AL (P<.05), except for single leg stance (P=.16). In linear regression analysis, age, sex, and site of residence were significant predictors of heel T-score, explaining 53.7% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Residents of AL did not report less fracture or osteoporosis than those from the community, but risk factors measured directly were significantly different, including lower BMD and 25OHD and more impairment in measures of physical function. These data suggest that residents of AL are at greater risk for osteoporotic fracture and that measures to diminish risk (optimizing vitamin D status, implementing fall prevention strategies, incorporating exercise to improve physical performance) should be considered and studied for benefit.
The sublime and the Azuma House by Tadao Ando

This paper investigates the sublime as manifested in the architecture of Tadao Ando. The primary object of interpretation is his Azuma House (1976) in Osaka. However, according to Ando, the sublime equally characterises his religious work such as the Church of the Light (1989) near Osaka. One unique characteristic of Ando's architecture is the treatment of residential and religious buildings according to common spatial themes, challenging the conventional dichotomy between the profane and the sacred. The evocation of the sublime can be claimed as one such theme. Both buildings are particularisations of the theme of the sublime: in the case of the Azuma House into the context of the everyday and, in the case of the Church of the Light, into the context of the theological horizon of Christianity. This paper elucidates how the spatial setting of the Azuma residence conditions, in a distinguishing manner, the experience of the sublime. Given that, in the history of Western architecture, Etienne-Louis Boullee's architecture of immense emptiness (as manifested in the Metropolitan Basilica and Newton's Cenotaph) presents itself as one of the most distinctive articulations of the sublime, it is employed here as the dialogic partner for Ando's architecture of the sublime.
''Math in a Can'': Teaching Mathematics and Engineering Design

Using an apparently simple problem, ‘‘Design a cylindrical can that will hold a liter of milk,’’ this paper demonstrates how engineering design may facilitate the teaching of the following ideas to secondary students: linear and non-linear relationships; basic geometry of circles, rectangles, and cylinders; unit measures of area and volume; solving systems of equations with at least two variables; minimization of area to control materials costs and to prevent heat exchange; packing geometry to minimize space for transportation and storage and for controlling for heat exchange; golden ratio as a design aesthetic; ergonomic factors in design including considerations of comfort of handling and safety; and strength of design for stacking and handling as well as for the prevention of accidental tipping. This interdisciplinary curriculum uses engineering design challenges to engage students with meaningful and fun group activities and discussions that also teach a multitude of diverse and powerful mathematical concepts.
Concurrent non-malleable commitments

We present a non-malleable commitment scheme that retains its security properties even when concurrently executed a polynomial number of times. That is, a man-in-the-middle adversary who is simultaneously participating in multiple concurrent commitment phases of our scheme, both as a sender and as a receiver cannot make the values he commits to depend on the values he receives commitments to. Our result is achieved without assuming an a-priori bound on the number of executions and without relying on any set-up assumptions. Our construction relies on the existence of standard collision resistant hash functions and only requires a constant number of communication rounds.
Relationships among obesity, physical activity and sedentary behavior in young adolescents with and without lifetime asthma

AbstractObjective: To examine the inter-relationships among body mass index (BMI), physical activity, sedentary behavior and gender in urban, low-income, primarily African American young adolescents with or without lifetime asthma. Methods: Data were collected in 2002–2004 from 626 12-year old adolescents who were children of women who participated in the New Mother’s Study in Memphis, TN (1990–1991). Adolescents with and without asthma were compared on BMI, physical activity and sedentary behavior. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association of asthma, gender and BMI with physical activity and sedentary behavior. Results: Complete data were available for 545 adolescents. Eleven percent of adolescents had lifetime asthma. Asthma and gender were associated with high-intensity physical activity (p < 0.001). Adolescents with asthma participated in less physical activity and girls participated less than boys. Gender was associated with sedentary behavior (p < 0.001): boys used perso...
Virtual Field Trips: Synthetic Experiences and Learning

Founded on the principles of experiential learning and anchored instruction, Virtual Field Trips utilize state-of-the art technologies to create immersive, multi-sensory, interactive experiences with real world environments. Virtual Field Trips are designed to be an integral part of a technology-enabled educational system to teach targeted material and motivate students.
Anion-Conductive Multiblock Aromatic Copolymer Membranes: Structure–Property Relationships

Anion-conductive multiblock copoly(arylene ether sulfone)s (mPES) were synthesized with different block lengths and ion-exchange capacities (IEC) to maximize ion conductivity and explore the relationship between chemical structure and morphology in anion-exchange membranes (AEM). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry was used to probe water mobility and domain size. The multiblock copolymers were synthesized by polycondensation of separately prepared hydroxy-terminated oligomers with fluoro-terminated oligomers. The polymers were made ion-conductive through selective chloromethylation of one of the two block types, followed by quaternization and hydroxide ion exchange. The resulting block structure, in which one type is hydrophilic and one type is hydrophobic, was designed to ensure a nanophase-separated morphology. The multiblock copolymers exhibited higher anion conductivity than their random copolymer counterparts at the same IEC. The multiblock copolymer that exhibited the highest anion conduct...
Ways of knowing about health: an aboriginal perspective.

Because of the questionable applicability of extant health promotion models and middle-range theories to aboriginal peoples, foundational inquiries examining the nature of cultural beliefs and ways of knowing about health within the cultures of various ethnic groups are imperative. This article desc
Experience of and Lessons Learned from Developing Process of Overseas Large Power Grid

Developing process and interconnection of overseas power grid is reviewed. Reasons of overseas typical large-scale blackouts are analyzed deeply. The importance of implementing unified planning and unified scheduling in China to ensure operating safety of power grid is presented. Lessons to be drawn and enlightenment to the development of power grid in China are, pointed out based on the reasons analysis of overseas blackouts.
Epidemiological analysis of bacillary dysentery during 2005-2010 in Yanqing district,Beijing

Objective To explore the incidence and epidemiological features of bacillary dysentery during 2005～2010 in Yanqing district,Beijing,and to provide scientific evidence for formulating strategy and measures of its prevention and control.Methods The descriptive epidemiological method was enrolled in the cases information analysis. Results There were 1914 cases of bacillary dysentery reported during the study period, and the average rate of annual incidence was 118.30/100 000. The peak of occurrence, which had an apparent seasonality, was from June to September each year. The main groups of cases were students, children and farmers. The incidence rate in male was higher than that in female.Conclusion The incidence rate of bacillary dysentery showed a cyclical fluctuation trend during the recent 6 years.Students, children, and farmers were target groups of the disease prevention and control. Health education should be strengthened among the target groups and areas in epidemic season.
Hydroxyl radical production during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion in cats

We previously showed that generation of reactive oxygen species during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion stimulates cardiac sympathetic afferent nerve endings. We hypothesized that, in this feline model of brief ischemia and reperfusion, HO. is produced during ischemia and the rate and concentration of production of HO.during reperfusion is dependent on the duration of myocardial ischemia. Therefore, we evaluated the time dependency of production of HO. during reperfusion after 2, 5, and 10 min of reversible occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery to induce ischemia in cats (n = 10). Blood samples collected from the coronary vein at 0.25, 1, 2, and 4 min after 2 min of ischemia revealed net cumulative rate of production of p-, m-, and o-tyrosine of 99 +/- 31, 10 +/- 5.1, and 0.8 +/- 0.2 nmol.min-1.g-1, respectively. After 5 min of ischemia, net cumulative rates of production of p-, m-, and o-tyrosine during reperfusion were 177 +/- 63, 74 +/- 26, and 1.6 +/- 0.8 nmol.min-1.g-1, respectively, whereas after 10 min of ischemia production rates were 153 +/- 42, 78 +/- 29, and 2.1 +/- 0.5 nmol.min-1.g-1, respectively. The highest rate of production of tyrosines was observed immediately after ischemia, perhaps indicating a washout of HO.-derived products that had accumulated in the myocardium during ischemia. To evaluate production of HO. during ischemia, deoxygenated saline (PO2 10 +/- 0.9 mmHg) containing phenylalanine was perfused into the ischemic coronary vascular bed through a cannula placed in the LAD (n = 16). Perfusate was collected from the coronary vein during the 10 min of ischemia. Net production of HO. during ischemia, measured by the production of p-, m-, and o-tyrosine, was 82 +/- 11, 6.6 +/- 0.4, and 1.7 +/- 0.3 nmol.min-1.g-1, respectively. Pretreatment with deferoxamine (10 mg/kg, n = 7) or dimethylthiourea (10 mg/kg, n = 6) decreased net production of HO. during ischemia and reperfusion. These results demonstrate that HO. is produced during brief ischemia and reperfusion, with the greatest amount being produced immediately after ischemia. Additionally, we show that the duration of brief ischemia determines the rate of production of HO. during reperfusion.
Addressing bone loss in the cancer survivor.

Osteoporosis, the most common late effect of cancer treatment in the US, occurs with greater frequency among cancer survivors than the general population. Survivors of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and childhood leukemia are at particularly high risk for changes in bone mineral density (BMD) / osteoporosis that can lead to fractures.[1] In breast and prostate cancer patients, bone effects are often the result of endocrine therapy–induced alterations in bone microarchitecture. They also can be caused by other types of cancer therapy, vitamin D deficiency, and other physiological changes that may or may not be related to cancer or its treatment. In childhood leukemia patients, bone effects can be caused by a variety of factors, including corticosteroid therapy, radiation therapy to the brain, and the disease itself.
Unmet needs for medical care among migrants in Finland

Background Subjective needs for medical care among migrant populations are related to differences in access to care, and previous experiences both in the country of origin and in the new host country. The needs may be experienced and expressed in different ways in different cultures. The aim of this study was 1) to compare the prevalence of subjective unmet needs for medical care in three migrant groups and the overall population in Finland, and 2) to analyze if unmet …