cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring occupational health nurses' counseling on health promotion.

The purpose of the study was to validate an instrument that measures health counseling practices of occupational health nurses. The measure, the health habits counseling questionnaire (HHCQ), was derived from a model of physician counseling practices. The health habits included smoking, alcohol, weight management, and exercise. Safety at work was added for this random sample of California occupational health nurses. Reliability was comparable to original findings for a random sample of physicians drawn from the roster of a western medical society. The validity of the hypothesized global constructs of aggressiveness and indications was not supported. Physicians in the normative sample were more likely to use primary prevention as an indication for counseling. Overall, occupational health nurses and medical society physician members were similar on many aspects of their counseling, although some significant differences did exist.
The influence of receivers' attitudes, audience size, and speakers' sex on speakers' pre‐message perceptions

Three variables were manipulated with male and female speakers. Each speaker was informed that: (1) future receivers favored (or opposed) the speaker's message position; (2) future receivers had favorable (or less favorable) attitudes toward the speaker; and (3) the future audience was large (or small). The effects of these variables were observed with reference to communication anxiety and four pre‐message perceptions.
Diagnostic lumbar puncture in HIV-infected patients: Analysis of 138 cases

Abstract purpose: This study was designed to describe the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings and neurologic diagnoses observed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults undergoing diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) and to correlate the results of LP with indications and CD4 counts. design: Retrospective cross-sectional chart review study. setting: University hospital clinic for patients with HIV infection. patients: All patients of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) AIDS Clinic who underwent LP between mid-1987 and mid-1990 for headache, fever, altered mental status, or a combination of these indications. Sixty-seven percent had an AIDS diagnosis at the time of LP; the median CD4 count was 0.091 × 10 9 /L. results: A total of 138 LPs was analyzed. Elevation of CSF protein and leukocytes occurred in 33% and 27% of specimens, respectively. Seventy-two new neurologic diagnoses were established in 67 patients, but only 30 diagnoses were the result of CSF analysis. Of these 30 diagnoses, 18 were of aseptic meningitis attributed to HIV. None of the 12 treatable diagnoses established by LP occurred in patients known to have a CD4 count of 0.200 × 10 9 /L or greater. Patients undergoing LP because of headache had a lower incidence of new diagnoses than those with altered mental status (35% versus 72%), but LP revealed a higher proportion of diagnoses in the group with headache. conclusions: CSF abnormalities were common at all stages of disease. LP was diagnostic in 22% of cases, but fewer than half of the diagnoses were of treatable secondary complications. Patients with a CD4 count higher than 0.200 × 10 9 have a very low incidence of opportunistic complications. The relatively low yield of LP in patients with altered mental status suggests that other testing modalities should be used prior to LP.
Stiffness degradation model for biaxial braided composites under fatigue loading

Abstract Biaxial braided composites are gaining popularity, in particular for the small business jets, where FAA requires take off weights of 5670 kgf (12,500 lb). In the present research carbon/epoxy biaxial braided composites were manufactured using low cost vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). Extensive tension–tension fatigue tests were performed on biaxial braided carbon/epoxy composites for various braid angles. Experimental data clearly indicated that S–N diagram could be represented by Sigmoidal function. This paper specifically addresses stiffness degradation of braided composites with braid angle of 25°. In addition to Sigmoidal function, it was observed that the three stages of stiffness degradation curve can be represented by Bradley function. Sigmoidal function in conjunction with Bradley function is explored to predict the fatigue life and the residual fatigue modulus.
A reassessment of psychoanalytic education: controversies and changes.

To understand the many controversies surrounding psychoanalytic education, it is necessary first to understand the unique role played by education in our field where control of educational structures remains the most important measure of professional success for the majority of psychoanalysts. To keep debate about educational policy focused on the task of strengthening the intellectual basis of psychoanalysis, it is also necessary to understand that forces affecting education arise from at least three different domains which can too easily become confused with one another: 1) the domain of knowledge- intellectual, scientific and clinical; 2) the domain of the organized professional community; and 3) the domain of local institutional politics. The authors explore controversy arising within and among each of these domains. They also explore the major alternatives proposed to the Eitingon model of psychoanalytic education, arguing that excessive authoritarianism in education arises not from the existence of hierarchical structures per se (as suggested by the ‘French model’), but from two other factors: the condensation of all important professional functions into the single ‘monolithic’ position of the training analyst, and the lack of agreed upon methodology for determining the validity of theoretical propositions. The solution lies not in obliterating all gaps in expertise and status by doing away with hierarchical structures altogether, but rather in strengthening the intellectual, scholarly and research context within which psychoanalytic education takes place. We must attempt to relocate our experience of a gap where it belongs: not between those who are training analysts and those who are not, but between what we feel we already know about mental life and what we do not yet know.
Free surface wave motions and interactions

This paper investigates the problems involved in the numerical simulation of free surface wave motions and surface wave effects on marine structures. Various approaches that might be taken in meeting these problems are discussed, and their relative advantages and disadvantages are considered. One particular approach combines a Lagrangian formulation of the governing equations, a triangular grid and a finite-difference solution procedure. Since this approach has some distinct advantages in the numerical calculation of fluid flows which include a free surface, it formed the basis for the development of one particular computer code, SPLISH. Sufficient progress has been made with the SPLISH code to demonstrate the attractiveness of numerical calculations for wave flow problems. Recent computational results demonstrate that realistic time-varying local flow fields, pressures and forces on and near structures such as a half-cyclinder on the ocean floor can be determined from numerical calculations for certain conditions. Good agreement is found in comparison of the numerical results from SPLISH, recent linear wave Green's function and fifth-order asymptotic solutions for wave motion over a bottom seated half-cylinder, and an experimental simulation in a wave channel.
Oskar gains weight.

Posterior development in flies requires precise spatial regulation of Oskar translation. A recent report shows that Bruno controls Oskar translation by mediating the formation of large inert ribonucleoprotein particles that contain multiple copies of oskar messenger RNA. This work defines a new silencing mechanism and suggests a link between oskar translation control and localization.
Regulation of type-II calmodulin kinase: functional implications.

Calmodulin-kinase II (CaM kinase) is a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase which is highly enriched in the nervous system and mediates many of calcium's actions. Regulation of CaM kinase activity plays an important role in modulating synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity and in neuropathology. Primary regulation of CaM kinase occurs via changes in intracellular calcium concentrations. Increased calcium stimulates protein kinase activity and induces autophosphorylation. Autophosphorylation of CaM kinase at specific sites results in altered activity and responsiveness to subsequent changes in calcium concentrations. Intracellular translocation of CaM kinase also appears to result from autophosphorylation. These mechanisms of regulation play an important role in synaptic plasticity (e.g., Aplysia ganglia), status epilepticus and cerebral ischemia. Long-lasting alterations in the expression of CaM kinase have been demonstrated in the kindling model of epilepsy and in monocular deprivation and therefore modulation of gene expression, in addition to autophosphorylation and translocation, appears to be another important mechanism of regulating CaM kinase activity.
Climatological Measurements for Use in the Prediction of Maize Yield

During the growing seasons of 1938 and 1939, the present study was undertaken as a cooperative project between the Agricultural Marketing Service and the Iowa Experiment Station, to measure the magnitude of the differences between weather records taken within experimental maize plots and determinations made a few hundred feet distant at the official Weather Bureau station, on the agronomy farm of Iowa State College at Ames, Iowa. Particular attention was given to determining the minimum number of observations that could be expected to give an adequate picture of environmental conditions, and the extent to which WeatherBureau data could be substituted for field plot data for use in interpreting and predicting field growth and yield of maize. This paper presents data showing the effect of the maize plant cover on the individual climatic factors, and discusses the importance of observed differences in interpreting plant behavior. Previous quantitative studies of microclimate have led Geiger ('30), Aikman ('31), Eisele ('33), and Potzger ('39) to conclude that variations in vegetative cover often modify microclimate sufficiently to alter plant development. In such situations determinations of climatic factors affecting the growth of plants must be made in the habitat.
Effective Dewetting in a Microporous Particle

In this paper, the kinetics of the outflow in a microporous particle infiltrated by a non-wetting liquid is analyzed in context of effective phase transformation. The dewetting process is considered as the nucleation, growth, and coalescence of empty pore clusters (EPCs) that starts from the interior and eventually involves the whole particle. Initially, the EPC nucleation is dominant while the influence of EPC coalescence becomes increasingly important as the EPC volume fraction increases. The dependence of the dewetting time on the pore size distribution is discussed in detail.
Measurement of the Difference in pn Total Cross Sections in Pure Longitudinal Spin States

The total-cross-section difference in pure longitudinal spin states for $p\ensuremath{-}d$ interactions has been measured at momenta from 1.1 to 6 GeV/c. Spin-dependent Glauber-type corrections and other corrections have been made to obtain $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{L}(\mathrm{pn})$ and $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{L}(I=0)$. These measurements are of fundamental interest and will also help in determining the existence and nature of dibaryon resonances.
Biological degradation of chlorofluorocarbons in anaerobic environments

Abstract In laboratory studies, trichlorofluoromethane (F-11), dichlorodifluoromethane (F-12), and 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane (F-113) were degraded by microbial activity in anaerobic sludges and F-11 and F-113 were degraded in sediments. Biomass acclimated to chlorinated organics degraded chlorofluorocarbons faster than unacclimated biomass. Up to 9% of all CFCs may ultimately be susceptible to biological degradation before release to the atmosphere.
Protein-bound sulfhydryl groups and thiolesters in mitochondria and submitochondrial particles and their relationships to oxidative phosphorylation☆

Abstract Procedures are described for measurement of total protein-bound —SH groups and apparent thiolester linkages in mitochondrial preparations. The procedure for total —SH is based on reaction with radioactive p -mercuribenzoate in 6 m guanidine hydrochloride at pH 9 containing 1 m ammonia buffer. The procedure for apparent thiolesters is based on alkylation of available — SH groups in 6 m guanidine hydrochloride, protein precipitation with perchloric acid, and ammonolysis at pH 9 to liberate — SH from any thiolester present. No variations in total —SH groups measured in Submitochondrial particles or in mitochondria were noted with presence or absence of ATP, ADP, substrates, or uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation. Previous reports of changes in measured — SH groups thus appear to reflect solely changes in the reactivity of — SH groups and not in the total — SH groups present. Submitochondrial particles contained less than 0.5 nmole of apparent thiolester per mg of protein; mitochondria contained 1 to 2 nmoles. No variation of apparent thiolester content was noted with change in conditions affecting oxidative phosphorylation. The data do not, of course, eliminate possible changes in thiolester content below the sensitivity of the detection procedures.
Ceramides Modulate Protein Kinase C Activity and Perturb the Structure of Phosphatidylcholine/Phosphatidylserine Bilayers

We studied the effects of natural ceramide and a series of ceramide analogs with different acyl chain lengths on the activity of rat brain protein kinase C (PKC) and on the structure of bovine liver phosphatidylcholine (BLPC)/dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC)/dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine (DPPS) (3:1:1 molar ratio) bilayers using (2)H-NMR and specific enzymatic assays in the absence or presence of 7.5 mol % diolein (DO). Only a slight activation of PKC was observed upon addition of the short-chain ceramide analogs (C(2)-, C(6)-, or C(8)-ceramide); natural ceramide or C(16)-ceramide had no effect. In the presence of 7.5 mol % DO, natural ceramide and C(16)-ceramide analog slightly attenuated DO-enhanced PKC activity. (2)H-NMR results demonstrated that natural ceramide and C(16)-ceramide induced lateral phase separation of gel-like and liquid crystalline domains in the bilayers; however, this type of membrane perturbation has no direct effect on PKC activity. The addition of both short-chain ceramide analogs and DO had a synergistic effect in activating PKC, with maximum activity observed with 20 mol % C(6)-ceramide and 15 mol % DO. Further increases in C(6)-ceramide and/or DO concentrations led to decreased PKC activity. A detailed (2)H-NMR investigation of the combined effects of C(6)-ceramide and DO on lipid bilayer structure showed a synergistic effect of these two reagents to increase membrane tendency to adopt nonbilayer structures, resulting in the actual presence of such structures in samples exceeding 20 mol % ceramide and 15 mol % DO. Thus, the increased tendency to form nonbilayer lipid phases correlates with increased PKC activity, whereas the actual presence of such phases reduced the activity of the enzyme. Moreover, the results show that short-chain ceramide analogs, widely used to study cellular effects of ceramide, have biological effects that are not exhibited by natural ceramide.
Design Approaches to Support Preservice Teachers in Scientific Modeling

Engaging children in scientific practices is hard for beginning teachers. One such scientific practice with which beginning teachers may have limited experience is scientific modeling. We have iteratively designed preservice teacher learning experiences and materials intended to help teachers achieve learning goals associated with scientific modeling. Our work has taken place across multiple years at three university sites, with preservice teachers focused on early childhood, elementary, and middle school teaching. Based on results from our empirical studies supporting these design decisions, we discuss design features of our modeling instruction in each iteration. Our results suggest some successes in supporting preservice teachers in engaging students in modeling practice. We propose design principles that can guide science teacher educators in incorporating modeling in teacher education.
Modification of Virginia Computerized Dairy Cattle Feeding Formulation System to Increase Efficiency of Use

Abstract The Dairy Cattle Feeding Formulation System was developed to formulate feeding guidelines for meeting standards for lactating dairy cows. Difficulty of data entry because of complex file creation and manipulation was the major reason this program was not adopted widely in Virginia. As a result few rations were formulated by this program by extension personnel. A modified version of the original program has been created to simplify data entry and running the program. This program is accessed on the Computerized Management Network by the names DAIR3 or DAIR3S. The DAIR3 is a prompted version that leads the user through input. The DAIR3S is a semi-prompted version that removes most of the time-consuming prompting. Both versions correspond to the format on a printed input form. A file is created with cow production data, feeds available, feed prices, and changes to feed nutrient concentrations. This file will be retained on the computer until purged or written over and can be edited for corrections or update prices and analyses. This revised program has met with success because it eliminates the tedious time-consuming manipulation required to create and edit files and allows data entry in a step-by-step straight approach.
Magnesium ions control prostaglandin reactivity of venous smooth muscle from spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Abstract Prostaglandins (PGs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension via their effects on vascular smooth muscle tone. It has been suggested that the capacitance (venous) vessels in the peripheral circulation exhibit an increased tone in the development of hypgrtension.Recent findings from our laboratory indicate that magnesium ions ([Mg2+]0) play a role in the control of vascular tone, vascular reactivity and Ca2+ content and its distribution in blood vessels. The present study indicates that reactivity of isolated portal venous smooth muscle, obtained from spontaneously hypertensive rats, is markedly reduced in the absence of [Mg2+]o.In addition, our findings indicate that portal venous smooth muscle from age-matched inbred Wistar-Kyoto, but not from normal age-matched Wistar controls, also exhibits decreased responsiveness to PGs in the absence of [Mg2+]. These new data suggest that Mg2+ may be an important and overlooked factor in the etiology of hypertensive vascular disease.
Integrating software modelling and prototyping tools

Abstract Innovative computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools and new software methodologies have had a significant impact on the software system development cycle. As a result, it is important to assess the variety of systems development methodologies and CASE products, and to construct principles of an integrated framework of methods and tools for rapid system development based on conceptual modelling and prototyping. This paper discusses CASE tools, prototyping, and an integrated system development approach, based on an evolution of four successive phases: conceptualization, logical modelling, prototyping, and migration into a final system. It also classifies CASE tools into categories and clarifies their relationship within the integrated framework. In addition, the different categories of prototypes are discussed.
Novel stents for the prevention of restenosis.

Abstract Since the introduction of Interventional Cardiology in 1976, there has been rapid expansion both in its clinical application and the tools of the trade. This growth was accelerated with the introduction of the intra-coronary stent in 1987. The demonstration that stents may reduce the incidence of restenosis after percutaneous coronary revascularization has further stimulated the search for the perfect endovascular prosthesis. By creating a hybrid stent, incorporating natural coatings and local drug delivery in the design, it is hoped that the complications associated with stent thrombosis and restenosis can be eradicated . (Trends Cardiovasc Med 1997;7:245–249). © 1997, Elsevier Science Inc.
Average Temperature and Salinity at a Depth of 200 Meters in the North Atlantic

New charts are presented showing the average temperature and average salinity at a depth of 200 meters in the North Atlantic. These are compared with charts published by Wust and Defant in 1936 and it is shown that, over most of the ocean, conditions are nearly constant at this depth. Attention is focused on the areas of changing temperature where the major ocean currents exist. It is shown that important details are obscured by the averaging process. The range of observed temperature is charted and supplements the information given by the average charts. The standard deviation from the mean temperature, calculated for two portions of the Gulf Stream System, indicates that when more observations are available such calculations may be of use in studying the major ocean current systems. Temperature anomalies from the mean for each degree of latitude are plotted and compared with data published by Wust in 1937. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1954.tb01091.x
Adult respiratory distress syndrome in an adolescent with diabetic ketoacidosis

7. Kitamura T. A clinical evaluation of pneumatic reduction for intussusception in infancy and chiidhood. J Jpn Surg Soc 1971 ;72:725-47. 8. She YX. Treatment of intestinal intussusception with particular emphasis on reduction by colonic insufflation: report of 5110 cases. Chir Pediatr 1982;23:373-8; 9. Fiorito ES, Cuestas LAR. Diagnosis and treatment of acute intestinal intussusception with controlled insufflation of air. Pediatrics 1959;24:241-4. 10. Pollet JE. Intussusception: a study of its surgical management. Br J Surg 1980;67:213-5. 11. Grieg D. On insutttation as a remedy in intussusception. Edinburgh Med J 1865;10:306.
Consumption of Fried Foods and Risk of Heart Failure in the Physicians' Health Study

Background Consumption of fried foods is highly prevalent in the Western dietary pattern. Though limited studies have reported a positive association between frequency of fried food intake and risk of coronary artery disease, diabetes, or hypertension, other investigators failed to report such an association. It is unclear whether intake of fried foods is associated with a higher risk of heart failure (HF). Hence, we sought to examine the association between the frequency of fried food consumption and the risk of HF. Methods and Results This was a prospective cohort study of 15 362 participants from the Physicians' Health Study. Fried food intake frequency was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire (1997–2001), and incident HF was captured by annual questionnaires. We used Cox regression to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) of HF. After an average follow‐up of 9.6±2.4 years, a total of 632 new HF cases occurred in this cohort. Compared to subjects who reported fried food consumption of <1 per week, HRs (95% CI) for HF were 1.24 (1.04 to 1.48), 1.28 (1.00 to 1.63), and 2.03 (1.37 to 3.02) for fried food intake of 1 to 3/week, 4 to 6/week, and 7+/week, respectively, after adjustment for age, energy intake, alcohol use, exercise, smoking, and overall diet score ( P linear trend, 0.0002). Similar results were obtained for intake of fried foods at home or away from home and among subjects with higher dietary score or HF without antecedent myocardial infarction. Conclusions Our data are consistent with a positive association of fried food intake frequency with incident HF in male physicians.
The Sources of Solar Ultraviolet Variability between 2765 and 2885 Å: Mg I, Mg II, Si I, and Continuum

The variation of the solar spectrum between 2000 and 4000 A is a major component of the total irradiance variability of the Sun. Recent analyses suggest that variations in the solar ultraviolet flux at these wavelengths account for about 30% of the total solar irradiance variability. Most estimates of solar spectral irradiance variability in the ultraviolet are based on the ratio of the intensity of features such as solar plages and sunspots to the intensity of the quiet Sun. These ratios are referred to as contrast factors. To a large degree, contrast factors at ultraviolet wavelengths have not been measured. We present measurements of the average intensities of plage, sunspot, and quiet-Sun regions in the spectral range between 2765 and 2885 A, derived from high spatial and spectral resolution spectra obtained during the ninth rocket flight of the High Resolution Telescope and Spectrograph in 1995. From these average spectra, plage and sunspot contrast factors are determined. To our knowledge, these are the first contrast factors at these wavelengths derived from measured solar intensities. These spectra show a large contrast in the Mg I, Mg II, and Si I Fraunhofer lines and a much smaller contrast (1.01 ± 0.015 to 1.04 ± 0.04) in the line-blanketed continuum. Contrast factors are also determined for three intensity levels of the quiet Sun as well as for a single sunspot. Many fine spectral features in the contrast factors can be attributed to weak Fraunhofer lines of Cr II, Fe I, Fe II, and Mg I.
Cognitive processes underlying WISC-R performance of gifted and learning disabled navajos

The purpose of this study was to provide an empirical basis for the interpretation of the WISC-R performance of Navajo children according to the Luria-Das Model of Simultaneous and Successive cognitive processes. Two groups of Native American Navajo subjects, 45 learning disabled and 41 gifted, were given the WISC-R. The scores on those subtests expected to involve Successive and Simultaneous processes were factor analyzed for each group and two factors were extracted. The factors, essentially similar for both samples, were interpreted to reflect the Successive and the Simultaneous modes of processing information as suggested by the Luria-Das Model. The gifted and learning disabled children had disparate loadings for some of the subtests, suggesting that the two groups may be using distinct modes of coding information.
A Computer-Controlled Stereotaxic System

The stereotaxic technique serves as an invaluable tool for the reliable and accurate placement of electrodes in living brain tissue. By placing the stereotaxic device under computer control an entirely new set of operational procedures is established which enhances and enriches the basic capabilities of the stereotaxic technique. The system consists of a number of basic programs which provide for positioning of the electrode, executing the particular experiment and reviewing the data. Programs are available which allow the experimenter to position the electrode at coordinates typed in via an on-line keyboard. One program allows the investigator to specify multiple points at once. The operator merely fills in a simple format displayed on the oscilloscope that defines the geometry of the electrode path. These geometries include points, lines, planes, and volumes. The system successively positions the electrode at all points explicitly and implicitly specified by the format and, at each intermediate point, executes the experimenter's specially written program. The computer presents a display to the investigator after executing his program (for example for stimulating and storing the resultant averaged evoked potentials) at each of those points. A comment may be entered by the experimenter that remains a permanent part of the data set (electrode position-comment-evoked potentials) stored on tape. The data sets may be recalled for review at anytime.
Kodak T-Mat G film in rotational panoramic radiography

Panoramic radiographs were taken of a tissue-equivalent phantom to evaluate T-Mat G and Ortho G films in combination with rare earth screens. The radiographs were compared to radiographs made with high-speed calcium tungstate screens and Kodak XRP film. The reduction in the amount of radiation necessary for the use of rare earth screens (50% to 70%) was accomplished by lowering the mA and adding filtration. All evaluated films were diagnostically acceptable. There was a marked preference of the T-Mat radiographs over the Ortho G radiographs and a slight preference over radiographs made with the standard calcium-tungstate screen-film system.
miRNAs: Effectors of Environmental Influences on Gene Expression and Disease

Discovered less than a decade ago, micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of gene expression in mammals. They consist of short nucleic acids, on average ~22 nucleotides in length. The miRNAs exert their effect by binding directly to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and inhibiting mRNA stability and translation. Each miRNA can bind to multiple targets and many miRNAs can bind to the same target mRNA, allowing for a complex pattern of regulation of gene expression. Once bound to their targets, miRNAs can suppress translation of the mRNA by either sequestration or degradation of the message. Thus, miRNAs function as powerful and sensitive posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. This review will summarize what is known about miRNA biogenesis, expression, regulation, function, mode of action, and role in disease processes with an emphasis on miRNAs in mammals. We discuss some of the methodology employed in miRNA research and the potential of miRNAs as therapeutic targets. The role of miRNAs in signal transduction and cellular stress is reviewed. Lastly, we identify new exciting avenues of research on the role of miRNAs in toxicogenomics and the possibility of epigenetic effects on gene expression.
Probabilistic principal component subspaces: a hierarchical finite mixture model for data visualization

Visual exploration has proven to be a powerful tool for multivariate data mining and knowledge discovery. Most visualization algorithms aim to find a projection from the data space down to a visually perceivable rendering space. To reveal all of the interesting aspects of multimodal data sets living in a high-dimensional space, a hierarchical visualization algorithm is introduced which allows the complete data set to be visualized at the top level, with clusters and subclusters of data points visualized at deeper levels. The methods involve hierarchical use of standard finite normal mixtures and probabilistic principal component projections, whose parameters are estimated using the expectation-maximization and principal component neural networks under the information theoretic criteria. We demonstrate the principle of the approach on several multimodal numerical data sets, and we then apply the method to the visual explanation in computer-aided diagnosis for breast cancer detection from digital mammograms.
Tanning is associated with optimal vitamin D status (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration) and higher bone mineral density

BACKGROUND Vitamin D is made in the skin on exposure to solar radiation, and it is necessary to optimal skeletal health. Subjects who use a tanning bed that emits ultraviolet B radiation (290-315 nm) are likely to have higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations than do subjects who do not regularly use a tanning bed. OBJECTIVE The first objective of this study was to ascertain whether subjects who regularly use a tanning bed have higher 25(OH)D concentrations than do subjects who do not use a tanning bed. The second objective was to ascertain whether higher 25(OH)D concentrations correlated positively with bone mineral density. DESIGN This cross-sectional analysis examined 50 subjects who used a tanning bed at least once a week and 106 control subjects. Each subject gave a blood specimen for measurement of serum 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone concentrations. Each subject underwent bone mineral density testing of the hip and spine. RESULTS Subjects who used a tanning bed had serum 25(OH)D concentrations 90% higher than those of control subjects (115.5 +/- 8.0 and 60.3 +/- 3.0 nmol/L, respectively; P <0.001). Subjects who used a tanning bed had parathyroid hormone concentrations 18% lower than those of control subjects (21.4 +/- 1.0 and 25.3 +/- 0.8 pg/mL, respectively; P=0.01). Tanners had significantly higher BMD and z scores at the total hip than did nontanners. CONCLUSION The regular use of a tanning bed that emits vitamin D-producing ultraviolet radiation is associated with higher 25(OH)D concentrations and thus may have a benefit for the skeleton.
Does Black Ethnicity Influence the Development of Stent Thrombosis in the Drug-Eluting Stent Era?

Background—It has been suggested that black race predicts stent thrombosis (ST) after drug-eluting stent implantation. Whether socioeconomic status or comorbid conditions confound the contribution of black race to the development of ST is unclear. Methods and Results—We compared 1594 black patients who underwent drug-eluting stent implantation with 5642 nonblack patients. Overall, 108 definite STs were reported. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed with adjustment for comorbidities, including median household income as a marker of socioeconomic status, to assess the impact that black race may have on the development of ST. On univariable analysis, black patients were younger (63.43±12.42 versus 65.15±12.59 years; P<0.001) and more likely to have a history of hypertension (89.8% versus 81.7%; P<0.001), diabetes mellitus (45.5% versus 30.8%; P<0.001), chronic renal insufficiency (19.2% versus 10.7%; P<0.001), and congestive heart failure (18.7% versus 13.1%; P<0.001). Clopidogrel compliance a...
Comparison of the observed dependence of large-scale Birkeland currents on solar wind parameters with that obtained from global simulations

Abstract. Spatial distributions of the large-scale Birkeland currents derived from magnetic field data acquired by the constellation of Iridium Communications satellites have been compared with global-magnetosphere magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) simulations. The Iridium data, spanning the interval from February 1999 to December 2007, were first sorted into 45°-wide bins of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) clock angle, and the dependencies of the Birkeland currents on solar wind electric field magnitude, Eyz, ram pressure, psw, and Alfven Mach number, MA, were then examined within each bin. The simulations have been conducted at the publicly-accessible Community Coordinated Modeling Center using the University of Michigan Space Weather modeling Framework, which features a global magnetosphere model coupled to the Rice Convection Model. In excess of 120 simulations with steady-state conditions were executed to yield the dependencies of the Birkeland currents on the solar wind and IMF parameters of the coupled model. Averaged over all IMF orientations, the simulation reproduces the Iridium statistical Birkeland current distributions with a two-dimensional correlation coefficient of about 0.8, and the total current agrees with the climatology averages to within 10%. The total current for individual events regularly exceeds those computed from statistical distributions by factors of ≥2, resulting in larger disparities between observations and simulations. The simulation results also qualitatively reflect the observed increases in total current with increasing Eyz and psw, but the model underestimates the rate of increase by up to 50%. The equatorward expansion and shift of the large-scale currents toward noon observed for increasing Eyz are also evident in the simulation current patterns. Consistent with the observations, the simulation does not show a significant dependence of the total current on MA.
Kinetics of Elimination of Antithrombin III Concentrate in Heparinized Patients

Summary. The rate of elimination of injected antithrombin III (AT III) concentrate was investigated by measuring plasma AT III levels in two control subjects and four patients treated with continuous intravenous infusion of heparin. No significant differences were noted in the disappearance rate of injected AT III between controls and patients receiving heparin for several days. Their half-time of AT III elimination was 8·4-13·6 h. The patient in whom AT III concentrate was injected at the start of heparin therapy showed a very rapid decrease of AT III activity with a three-fold increase in the elimination rate constant. Inactive, modified AT III protein present in purified AT III concentrate was found in the circulation of all injected patients. No evidence was obtained that this altered AT III was eliminated more rapidly than the unaltered AT III or that it was subjected to accelerated clearance during heparin therapy.
Chiral Fermions Beyond the Standard Model

A scheme is discussed for constructing anomaly-free, charge-vectorial chiral sets of fermions which acquire masses by coupling to the Higgs doublet of the standard model.
A numerical analysis of the mechanosensory hypothesis of brush border microvilli

The flow rate in the proximal tubule of the kidney determines how quickly solutes are reabsorbed. Thus a sensitive system must be present to detect small changes in the flow rate. Recently, it was proposed that the brush border microvilli in the proximal tubule serve this function. To further investigate this hypothesis, we developed a finite element model of the microvillus cytoskeleton to analyze its deformation in the presence and absence of crosslinking proteins. Our model indicates that the stiffness of the crosslinkers could decrease the deflection of microvilli by up to two orders of magnitude as well as influence the deformed shape of the microvillus.
Weakly Deleterious Mutations and Low Rates of Recombination Limit the Impact of Natural Selection on Bacterial Genomes

ABSTRACT Free-living bacteria are usually thought to have large effective population sizes, and so tiny selective differences can drive their evolution. However, because recombination is infrequent, “background selection” against slightly deleterious alleles should reduce the effective population size ( N e ) by orders of magnitude. For example, for a well-mixed population with 10 12 individuals and a typical level of homologous recombination ( r / m = 3, i.e., nucleotide changes due to recombination [ r ] occur at 3 times the mutation rate [ m ]), we predict that N e is 10 7 . An argument for high N e values for bacteria has been the high genetic diversity within many bacterial “species,” but this diversity may be due to population structure: diversity across subpopulations can be far higher than diversity within a subpopulation, which makes it difficult to estimate N e correctly. Given an estimate of N e , standard population genetics models imply that selection should be sufficient to drive evolution if N e × s is >1, where s is the selection coefficient. We found that this remains approximately correct if background selection is occurring or when population structure is present. Overall, we predict that even for free-living bacteria with enormous populations, natural selection is only a significant force if s is above 10 −7 or so. IMPORTANCE Because bacteria form huge populations with trillions of individuals, the simplest theoretical prediction is that the better allele at a site would predominate even if its advantage was just 10 −9 per generation. In other words, virtually every nucleotide would be at the local optimum in most individuals. A more sophisticated theory considers that bacterial genomes have millions of sites each and selection events on these many sites could interfere with each other, so that only larger effects would be important. However, bacteria can exchange genetic material, and in principle, this exchange could eliminate the interference between the evolution of the sites. We used simulations to confirm that during multisite evolution with realistic levels of recombination, only larger effects are important. We propose that advantages of less than 10 −7 are effectively neutral.
Place-Based Elicitation Interviewing Graffiti Writers at the Scene of the Crime

Interviews conducted in situ—literally at “the scene of the crime”1—can elicit more nuanced data than interviews conducted in locations removed from where the activity in question occurred. This is...
We know very little about the subjective effects of drugs in females.

Pharmaceutical companies assessing the nervous system effects of candidate therapeutics often use a behavioral assay in rodents that assesses the drug’s subjective (internal stimulus) effects. Vari...
Human Performance Times in Microscope Work

Abstract With the trend toward micro-miniaturization in the electronics industry, the development of predetermined time standards for microscopic work has become an important area in work measurement. In conjunction with the development of the MTM-Magnification system, a laboratory study of work under a stereo microscope revealed no differences in performance time due to magnification levels of 3.5, 9.25, and 15X. The simulated task was broken down into elements of reach plus grasp, move plus position, decision, and tap target, and the average time for each element could be accurately predicted using predictors such as Fitts' Index of Difficulty (ID). For example, reach plus grasp time (ms) = 292 + 150 ID - 40 IPC, r 2 = .92, SE = 58.2 ms, where the IPC is a predictor developed in this research.
Diversity in Seasonal Bloom Time and Floral Development among Apple Species and Hybrids

Timing of flowering is a fundamental developmental transition that has great ecological and agricultural importance. For perennial plants, seasonal timing of bloom and anthesis, which is the ultimate stage of flowering, can be determined by the net effect of several preceding developmental steps: seasonal timing of floral initiation, rate and extent of floral development before winter dormancy, duration of dormancy, and rate of floral development after release from dormancy. In the domestic apple (Malus ·domestica), fruit production has generally favored cultivars that bloom relatively early in the season. However, floral tissues are easily damaged by freezing temperatures, and freeze injury is especially problematic in years when abnormally warm temperatures in early spring lead to rapid floraldevelopment.Tofacilitateidentificationofgenes/alleles thatgovernbloomtime,andthatcouldaddversatilityto production systems for apple, we evaluated seasonal bloom time for accessions of M. ·domestica, wild apple species (Malus sp.), and Malus hybrids maintained in a large germplasm diversity collection. One of the most important plant traits, in terms of both ecology and agricultural production, is seasonal timing of flowering. Seasonal flowering is driven by the interaction of endogenous genetic pathways with environmental cues such as photoperiod, light intensity and wavelength, and temperature (Amasino, 2009; Andres and Coupland, 2012; Lang, 1965). In this way, flowers are produced at a time of the season that maximizes the potential of a given plant to produce abundant fruit and seed. For self-incompatible plants, precise control of flowering in a population is especially important to ensure cross-pollination, and for plants that rely on biotic pollination, seasonal control is important to ensure flowering at a time when specific pollinators are present and active. For many woody perennials growing in temperate climates, including several major horticultural fruit species, flowering spans two growing seasons interrupted by an extended period of winter dormancy. Thus, flowers are differentiated on the shoot meristem during the first season and develop incompletely before the onset of dormancy. During the subsequent spring, flowers complete development, culminating in bloom and anthesis. When plants have perceived an appropriate period of winter temper- atures (chilling requirement or endodormancy), this further de- velopment is dependent only on environment including warmer
Study on the Relationship Between Pregnancy-associated Plasma Protein A and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Acute Coronary Syndromes

【Objective】 To investigate the changes of serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A(PAPP-A) and its expression on peripherial blood monocytes in patients with acute coronary syndromes(ACS) and its correlation with tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α).【Methods】Eighteen patients with unstable angina(UAP),thirty-seven patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI),fifteen patients with stable angaina(UAP) and fifteen healthy subjects were enrolled in the study.The concentrations of serum PAPP-A and TNF-α were measured.Peripherial blood monocytes were isolated by ficoll.Differential expression of PAPP-A and TNF-α on peripherial blood monocytes was analyzed by RT-PCR.【Results】 Serum level and mRNA expression of PAPP-A were significantly higher in UAP patients or AMI patients than in SAP patients and controls(P0.01),which did not differ significantly between UAP patients and AMI patients or between SAP patients and controls.The level of serum PAPP-A in ACS patients was positively correlated with serum TNF-α levels(r= 0.712,P0.01),and mRNA expression of PAPP-A was also positively correlated with mRNA expression of TNF-α(r=0.733,P0.01).【Conclusion】 PAPP-A is associated with inflammation which may be produced and secreted to plaque and circulation by activated monocytes.
Using DNAWorks in Designing Oligonucleotides for PCR-Based Gene Synthesis

The availability of sequences of entire genomes has dramatically increased the number of protein targets, many of which will need to be overexpressed in cells other than where they have been identified originally. Gene synthesis often provides a fast and economically efficient approach. The synthetic gene can be optimized for expression and constructed for easy mutational manipulation without regard for the parent genome. Yet design and construction of synthetic genes, especially those coding for large proteins, can be a slow, difficult, and confusing process. DNAWorks automates the design of oligonucleotides for gene synthesis by PCR-based methods.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF CLINICAL BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

The pathophysiology of clinical BPH has been attributed to bladder outlet obstruction resulting from the enlarged prostate. A direct relationship does not exist between prostate size, symptom severity, or bladder outlet obstruction. The pathophysiology of prostatism is most likely multifactorial. Elucidating the factors contributing to symptoms will likely provide the foundation for the development of new pharmacological alternatives for the medical treatment of BPH.