cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Restorative Justice for Veterans: The San Francisco Sheriff's Department's Community of Veterans Engaged in Restoration (COVER)

In 2008, for the first time in history, more than one in every one hundred adults in America was in jail or prison. 1 Hundreds of thousands of formerly incarcerated people reenter communities each year and, for many, the reentry process may occur multiple times in a single year. 2 Shockingly, more than two-thirds of released state prisoners were re-arrested and more than half were returned to prison within three years of their release. 3 In recognition of this failure of corrections systems nationwide, the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department (SFSD) has, for the past Sunny Schwartz is a thirty-year veteran of the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department, who speaks nationally about reforming the criminal justice system. Ms Schwartz co-founded the award winning violence prevention program Resolve to Stop the Violence Project and is the author of the book, Dreams From The Monster Factory: A Tale of Prison, Redemption and One Woman’s Fight to Restore Justice To All. Leslie Levitas works for the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department’s Prisoner Legal Services Unit. Since 1996 she has raised millions of dollars to improve criminal justice services to victims, offenders, family members, and the community. She is the author of numerous related articles with her writing and photography most recently appearing in Razor Wire Women: Prisoners, Activists, Scholars, and Artists (SUNY Series in Women, Crime, and Criminology). 1. PUB. SAFETY PERFORMANCE PROJECT, PEW CTR. ON THE STATES, ONE IN 31: THE LONG REACH OF AMERICAN CORRECTIONS 1 (2009) [hereinafter PSPP]. 2. See generally PATRICK A. LANGAN & DAVID J. LEVIN, U.S. DEP’T OF JUSTICE, RECIDIVISM OF PRISONERS RELEASED IN 1994, at 3 tbl.2 & fig.1 (2002) (showing various percentages of prisoners rearrested, reconvicted and returned to prison within the first year of their release). 3. LANGAN & LEVIN, supra note 2, at 1. Washington University Open Scholarship 48 Journal of Law & Policy [Vol. 36:47 several decades, raised the standard of professional obligation by redefining and expanding its role as a law enforcement agency to include intervention and prevention programs that utilize the principles of restorative justice to focus on offender accountability, victim restoration, and community involvement. 4 The most recent of these programs is the Community of Veterans Engaged in Restoration (COVER), which applies the principles of restorative justice to one of the fastest growing segments of the criminal justice system: prisoners with prior military service. 5 This Article describes the development and implementation of the COVER Program and how the application of a “hybrid” approach to restorative justice can lead to a more humane, effective, and dignified judicial process to address the emerging issue of increased numbers of justice-involved veterans.
Applications of generalized inverses to estimation in a dynamic system

Generalized matrix inverses application to estimation of state vector in dynamic control system, determining covariance matrix of estimator
Higher recursion theory

Hyperarithmetic theory is the first step beyond classical recursion theory. It is the primary source of ideas and examples in higher recursion theory. It is also a crossroad for several areas of mathematical logic: in set theory it is an initial segment of Godel's L; in model theory, the least admissible set after ; in descriptive set theory, the setting for effective arguments. In this book, hyperarithmetic theory is developed at length and used to lift classical recursion theory from integers to recursive ordinals (metarecursion). Two further liftings are then made, first ordinals ( -recursion) and then to sets (E-recursion). Techniques such as finite and infinite injury, forcing and fine structure and extended and combined Dynamic and syntactical methods are contrasted. Several notions of reducibility and computation are compared. Post's problem is answere affirmatively in all three settings. This long-awaited volume of the -series will be a "Must" for all working in the field.
EMS and UV mutagenesis in yeast.

Many fundamental biological processes have been elucidated by the isolation and analysis of mutants that are defective in such processes. Therefore, the methods to generate mutants are of great importance in model organisms. This unit describes two protocols for mutagenesis of yeast—using ethyl methanesulfate (EMS) and ultraviolet (UV) light. Each of these methods has been used successfully for many years. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 82:13.3B.1-13.3B.5. C � 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
MicroRNAs, T follicular helper cells, and inflammatory status during aging (IRM6P.714)

Chronic, low-grade inflammation is associated with many life-shortening human diseases that afflict the elderly. By understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation effective treatments can be developed to limit such conditions as metabolic disorders, autoimmunity and cancer. Using a mouse model of age-dependent inflammation, we demonstrate that miR-155 is a promoter of disease symptoms in aging mice. Upon analyzing lymphocytes from inflamed versus healthy mice, we observed increased numbers of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and germinal center (GC) B cells, correlating with increased production of autoantibodies as mice reach middle age. Interestingly, this inappropriate humoral response occurred in a miR-155-dependent manner. Next, we generated T cell-specific miR-155-/- mice and discovered a T-cell intrinsic role for miR-155 in promoting Tfh cell formation, GC B cell development, and production of antigen-specific IgG antibodies. To begin unraveling the mechanistic basis for this phenotype, we employed a pipeline involving RNA-seq, bioinformatics and experimental validation. This approach identified a subset of miR-155 target genes that are relevant to Tfh cell formation. Taken together, our study demonstrates that miR-155 promotes Tfh cells development during age-dependent chronic inflammation, and identifies miR-155 as a potential therapeutic target to diminish age-related inflammatory conditions.
On the application of autoregressive models to the representation of planar curves

The problem of compact representations of planar curves using autoregressive (AR) models is discussed. The circular AR representation has been generalized to include the set of open curves. It is shown that the well-known covariance and autocorrelation methods used in speech processing fit naturally into the framework of estimating the AR coefficients for closed contours and for open planar curves, respectively. Application to error-free data compression of handwritten characters has yielded compression ratios as high as 2 to 3. Experiments have been carried out to evaluate the applicability of this method to the problem of interpolation of missing points of a curve. >
Gradient augmented reinitialization scheme for the level set method

SUMMARY A hybrid scheme for reinitializing the level set function and its gradient within the frame work of the augmented level set method is presented. It is based on first dividing the domain into an interfacial region (i.e. nodes close to the interface) and its complement. Within the interfacial region, the level set and its gradient are updated explicitly through a modified version of Newton's method (Chopp, 2001, SIAM J. Sci. Comput. 23 230-244) and is implemented here within the context of Hermite polynomials. In the region away from the interface, the solution pertains to a semi-Lagrangian implementation of the reinitialization equations, which are solved based on Hermite polynomials and are time marched with a single step and a multipoint scheme. It is shown that for various exercises, the present method predicts the signed distance function and its gradient to 4th and 3rd order (in space), respectively with regards to the L1, L2, and L ∞ norms, provided the level set field is sufficiently smooth. A range of test cases are also considered from the literature, where the present method is compared with existing methods and shown to be generally more accurate. Moreover, the well-known issue of volume loss due to reinitialization is addressed successfully with the current implementation, even for objects that are of the size of one grid cell, and whose local radius of curvature falls below the local grid size. For both time marching schemes, it is shown that the L2 and L ∞ errors decay to negligible levels, are smooth in space, and do not exhibit temporal oscillations. Finally the performance of the hybrid scheme is evaluated by applying it on various kinematic test cases. For solid body rotation problems (zero deformation flow field), the benefit stemming from hybrid reinitialization is marginal. When applied to kinematic cases involving severe deformation, such as the standard vortex flow, the reinitialization strategy helps maintain a smooth level set field, which prevents serious numerical errors from developing.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of a Visual Prostate Symptom Score in Men With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in a Health Safety Net Hospital

Objective To evaluate the correlation between the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Visual Prostate Symptom Score (VPSS), a visual assessment of urinary stream, frequency, nocturia, and quality of life using pictograms, in a health safety net population. Methods Men presenting to San Francisco General Hospital with lower urinary tract symptoms completed the IPSS and the VPSS without and then with assistance. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, the Wilcoxon signed rank test, and the Spearman rank correlation. Results One hundred twenty-one patients were enrolled between December 2013 and May 2014 with a mean age of 54 years. There were statistically significant correlations between total VPSS and total IPSS (ρ = 0.71; P Conclusion Many men altered their IPSS responses when they received assistance. There was significantly less alteration in responses using the VPSS, suggesting that the VPSS is useful in determining lower urinary tract symptoms, particularly in patients with limited education and literacy.
Voegelin's Use of Metaphor

This paper discusses Eric Voegelin's use of key metaphors at the core of his philosophy of existence. After a look at Voegeli's notion of "symbol," it offers definitions of analogy and metaphor, then goes on to introduce notions of "existential metaphors" and "primal metaphors," the latter defined as those pertaining to transcendence or to human participation in transcendence. Voegelin's choice to rely in his philosophy on primal metaphors such as "the Beyond" and "the In-Between" is examined, and this choice is finally related to his openness to and analyses of myth.
Identification of the α-Aminoadipic Semialdehyde Synthase Gene, Which Is Defective in Familial Hyperlysinemia

The first two steps in the mammalian lysine-degradation pathway are catalyzed by lysine-ketoglutarate reductase and saccharopine dehydrogenase, respectively, resulting in the conversion of lysine to α-aminoadipic semialdehyde. Defects in one or both of these activities result in familial hyperlysinemia, an autosomal recessive condition characterized by hyperlysinemia, lysinuria, and variable saccharopinuria. In yeast, lysine-ketoglutarate reductase and saccharopine dehydrogenase are encoded by the LYS1 and LYS9 genes, respectively, and we searched the available sequence databases for their human homologues. We identified a single cDNA that encoded an apparently bifunctional protein, with the N-terminal half similar to that of yeast LYS1 and with the C-terminal half similar to that of yeast LYS9. This bifunctional protein has previously been referred to as "α-aminoadipic semialdehyde synthase," and we have tentatively designated this gene " AASS. " The AASS cDNA contains an open reading frame of 2,781 bp predicted to encode a 927-amino-acid-long protein. The gene has been sequenced and contains 24 exons scattered over 68 kb and maps to chromosome 7q31.3. Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of several transcripts in all tissues examined, with the highest expression occurring in the liver. We sequenced the genomic DNA from a single patient with hyperlysinemia (JJa). The patient is the product of a consanguineous mating and is homozygous for an out-of-frame 9-bp deletion in exon 15, which results in a premature stop codon at position 534 of the protein. On the basis of these and other results, we propose that AASS catalyzes the first two steps of the major lysine-degradation pathway in human cells and that inactivating mutations in the AASS gene are a cause of hyperlysinemia.
Socioeconomic modelling using the model-system technique

Socioeconomic modeling is sometimes best accomplished not through the development of a specialized model but by the organization of existing independent models into an appropriate system. The characteristics of such model-systems are explored, and some examples developed in a number of countries are briefly described. >
Partitioning and ordering of logic equations for optimum MOS LSI device layout

The concepts underlying a versatile tiered layout design scheme for MOS LSI logic devices is presented. A series of three computer-aided design programs is discussed which provide designers with information permitting rapid organization of minimum area layout designs.
Insect Diversity in Switchgrass Grown for Biofuel in South Carolina

Abstract Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has tremendous potential as a biomass and stock crop for cellulosic ethanol production or combustion as a solid fuel. A three-year study was conducted to assess insect and weed diversity in a perennial switchgrass crop in Florence, SC. Insects were sampled from 2007 to 2009, using pitfall traps and sweep-nets. Collected specimens were identified to family and classified by trophic groups, and the predominant species were identified. The diversity and density of weeds in the field during the establishment year (2007) were greater than the following years. The ratio of dry weight of switchgrass to weeds increased from 2.4 in January 2008 to 15.3 in January 2009. Insect diversity at the family level varied significantly across sampling dates only for sweep-net samples, with diversity peaks in May of each year. Diversity at the trophic-group level showed significant differences for predators in pitfall traps and for predators and herbivores in sweep-net samples acros...
Ribavirin Reveals a Lethal Threshold of Allowable Mutation Frequency for Hantaan Virus

The broad spectrum of antiviral activity of ribavirin (RBV) lies in its ability to inhibit IMP dehydrogenase, which lowers cellular GTP. However, RBV can act as a potent mutagen for some RNA viruses. Previously we have shown a lack of correlation between antiviral activity and GTP repression for Hantaan virus (HTNV) and evidence for RBV's ability to promote error-prone replication. To further explore the mechanism of RBV, GTP levels, specific infectivity, and/or mutation frequency was measured in the presence of RBV, mycophenolic acid (MPA), selenazofurin, or tiazofurin. While all four drugs resulted in a decrease in the GTP levels and infectious virus, only RBV increased the mutation frequency of viral RNA (vRNA). MPA, however, could enhance RBV's mutagenic effect, which suggests distinct mechanisms of action for each. Therefore, a simple drop in GTP levels does not drive the observed error-prone replication. To further explore RBV's mechanism of action, we made a comprehensive analysis of the mutation frequency over several RBV concentrations. Of importance, we observed that the viral population reached a threshold after which mutation frequency did not correlate with a dose-dependent decrease in the level of vRNA, PFU, or [RTP]/[GTP] (where RTP is ribavirin-5′-triphosphate) over these same concentrations of RBV. Modeling of the relationship of mutation frequency and drug concentration showed an asymptotic relationship at this point. After this threshold, approximately 57% of the viral cDNA population was identical to the wild type. These studies revealed a lethal threshold, after which we did not observe a complete loss of the quasispecies structure of the wild-type genome, although we observed extinction of HTNV.
The kinetics of copper island growth on ruthenium oxide in perchlorate solution

Abstract The nucleation potential for the deposition of copper on ruthenium oxide is very small and hence island growth can occur in the kinetic regime. Previously, we have reported on island growth in sulfate solution where anion adsorption results in the formation of hexagonal, disk-shaped islands. Here we report on island growth in perchlorate solution, in the absence of specific anion adsorption. All islands have a 〈1 1 1〉 surface orientation dictated by the amorphous substrate. The islands are hemispherical in shape and island growth follows power law kinetics in both lateral and vertical directions with exponents 0.50 and 0.26, respectively. From analysis of the time-dependent extended area using Avrami analysis, analysis of the near-neighbor distribution, and the correlation between the island size and the spatial distribution, we conclude that island growth is controlled by surface diffusion-mediated lateral growth.
Neural network damage detection in a bridge element

Smart structures technology is being increasingly applied to civil structure applications. In particular, development of health monitoring for bridge structures is of considerable importance. In order to explore the possibility of developing such a system, an investigation was carried out on a scale model steel bridge element using an attached sensor system consisting of two point sensors (piezoelectric accelerometers) and one integrating sensor (fiber optic modal sensor). The model element was selectively configured to produce the equivalent of a number of damage conditions. For each condition, it was physically perturbed. The sensor outputs were then used as inputs to a neural net which then provided an estimate of structural damage. A reasonable correlation between net output and actual damage indicated that this type of health monitoring system offers potential for practical application on full scale bridge structures.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Latino immigrants, discrimination and reception in Columbus, Ohio.

Columbus, Ohio has witnessed rapid growth in its Latino population as immigrants settle in the city to access jobs and a generally low cost of living. Immigrants also face discrimination as they settle in Columbus and interact with the city’s citizens. In this paper, we note how discrimination plays out in social and economic isolation; a lack of programs to support the incorporation of Latinos in the city; and state laws that target immigrants. We present results of ongoing ethnographic work with the Latino community in Columbus.
The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model of Antiretroviral Adherence and Its Applications

Suboptimal adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may have serious consequences for HIV patients, and for public health overall. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model of HAART adherence can be used to understand the dynamics of HAART adherence and to intervene with patients to promote more optimal levels of adherence. This article reviews the core hypotheses of the IMB model of HAART adherence and describes available correlational and experimental evaluations of the model, outcomes of adherence intervention trials that applied the model, and IMB model-based interventions that are currently under evaluation. It then explores one potential promising application of the model that uses a protocol originally developed and demonstrated as a structured patient-centered, provider-delivered risk reduction intervention to deliver information, motivation, and behavioral skills-based adherence-promotion strategies. This protocol could be incorporated into clinical practice as a valuable tool in working with patients individually.
Parametric study of the overall performance of a solar hot water system

Abstract The effect of varying individual parameters on the overall performance and feasibility of a solar hot water system has been investigated by a mathematic model which employs the concept of a decay constant and feasibility factor. TRNSYS results were used as inputs to apply the model. Parameters investigated include emittance of the collector plate, collector plate absorptance, transmittance absorptance product, storage tank set temperature, mass flow rate, load, and ratio of tank volume to collector area. It was found that the model is a useful tool for solar system design. Specific examples are detailed for illustration purposes.
New Innovations: Therapies for Genetic Conditions

New, mechanistic understanding of genetic disease is prompting the rapid advancement of treatments for these diseases. Treatment strategies for monogenic hereditary disorders and complex genetic disorders are evolving with novel uses of traditional medications, targeted therapies for biochemical deficiencies including enzyme replacement, and pathology-targeted pharmacologic approaches to enhance normal function. There is also tangible progress in the development of nucleic acid-derived therapies, utilizing both DNA and RNA to modify gene expression and to correct a genetic disease process. Technologies that use antisense oligonucleotides, RNA interference, gene transfer, and stem cell transplantation are resulting in promising treatment breakthroughs. Though serious challenges remain in the safe and successful implementation of these technologies in clinical practice, the exciting prospect of treatment for previously untreatable genetic conditions is now within sight, providing hope for both patients and providers. Current options and evolving therapies are reviewed for the broad category of genetic disease.
THE EFFECTS OF HYDRAZINES ON PYRIDOXAL PHOSPHATE IN RAT BRAIN.

Abstract The effects have been examined of hydrazines, primarily unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and symmetrical dimethylhydrazine, upon pyridoxal phosphate in rat brain. No significant change was found. Injected pyridoxal phosphate was as effective as pyridoxine in raising brain pyridoxal phosphate levels, although only pyridoxine is therapeutic for dimethylhydrazine poisoning. It is concluded that the toxic action of these hydrazines is not due to a direct effect upon brain pyridoxal phosphate.
Transport properties of fluids of cryogenic interest

Abstract This Paper is a status report for viscosity and thermal conductivity data and correlations for pure fluids and fluid mixtures encountered in cryogenic process technology. Recommended correlations or tables of values are identified for each fluid. Specific data needs for future work are reported. Also presented are brief descriptions of the experimental techniques for viscosity and thermal conductivity measurements along with estimates of the associated experimental uncertainties.
Global Distributions of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

We examined potential large-scale controls over the distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and their host plants. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that AM fungi should be more prevalent in biomes where nutrients are primarily present in mineral, and not organic, forms. Values of percentage root length colonized (%RLC) by AM fungi, AM abundance, and host plant availability were compiled or calculated from published studies to determine biome-level means. Altogether, 151 geographic locations and nine biomes were represented. Percent RLC differed marginally significantly among biomes and was greatest in savannas. AM abundance (defined as total standing root length colonized by AM fungi) varied 63-fold, with lowest values in boreal forests and highest values in temperate grasslands. Biomes did not differ significantly in the percentage of plant species that host AM fungi, averaging 75%. Contrary to the hypothesis, %RLC, AM abundance, and host plant availability were not related to the size, influx, or turnover rate of soil organic matter pools. Instead, AM abundance was positively correlated with standing stocks of fine roots. The global pool of AM biomass within roots might approach 1.4 Pg dry weight. We note that regions harboring the largest stocks of AM fungi are also particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic nitrogen deposition, which could potentially alter global distributions of AM fungi in the near future.
Ethanol-like effects of thiopental and ketamine in healthy humans

The gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA(A)) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors mediate aspects of the behavioural effects of alcohol. Prior studies reported drugs that block NMDA receptors or facilitate GABA(A) receptor function produce ethanol-like effects in humans. The purpose of this study was to compare the ethanol-related effects of two pharmacological agents with known NMDA and GABA(A) receptor activity. As part of an ongoing, larger study, 28 subjects (age, 21-30) with no personal or family histories of alcoholism were administered subanesthetic doses of the GABA(A) receptor agonist thiopental, the NMDA receptor antagonist, ketamine and placebo on three separate test days. Various ethanol-related measures were administered. At doses of thiopental and ketamine that produced similar levels of sedation and cognitive effects, both agents produced significant ethanol-like effects and subjective intoxication. However, the intensity of the ethanol-like effects of ketamine was greater than that of thiopental. In addition, ketamine produced alterations in perception that were not produced by thiopental. These data provide further support for a model where GABA(A) receptor facilitation may contribute significantly to ethanol effects associated with social drinking, whereas NMDA receptor antagonism may contribute to relatively greater extent to features of ethanol 'intoxication'.
Getting it together: relational habitus in the emergence of digital literacies

Digital literacies have fast become indispensable for productive engagement, competency, and citizenship in a rapidly changing world. After-school programs represent an important venue where many young people can develop a mastery of digital literacies, encompassing both the creative and responsible use of a broad range of new media. This paper discusses relational habitus (the configuration of self, tools, tasks, and others in a specific activity) in the development of digital literacies among youth in a network of after-school programs called University-Community Links (UC Links). A collaborative effort among university and local community partners throughout California, UC Links provides informal learning activities that enable underserved K-12 youth to develop their digital literacies. After presenting UC Links' approach to informal learning after school, we offer a cognitive ethnography, describing how a distinctive relational habitus configures the links among self, tools, tasks, and others in infor...
Induced cycle structure and outerplanarity

Abstract Those nonseparable graphs whose induced cycles form a (necessarily minimum length) cycle basis are characterized in several ways — each a generalization of outerplanar graphs. For instance, they are the series–parallel graphs that do not contain a subdivision of K 2,3 as an induced subgraph — whereas the outerplanar graphs are known to be the series–parallel graphs that do not contain a subdivision of K 2,3 as a subgraph. The approach uses a certain ‘tree structure’ such that the outerplanar graphs are those for which that tree structure is unique.
High accuracy determination of neutron energies from 300 keV to 5 MeV

Abstract Techniques for optimizing the energy resolution for a neutron time-of-flight spectrometer used in conjunction with a small electrostatic accelerator are discussed. Two different approaches are discussed, one of which yields an absolute energy resolution of about 1 keV for neutrons of about 1 MeV. Possible measures to further improve the resolution with the second technique are also discussed.
Topical negative pressure for the treatment of neonatal post-sternotomy wound dehiscence.

The use of topical negative pressure (TNP) dressings for sternal wound dehiscence or mediastinitis in the neonatal population is rare. The majority of case reports have focused on wound healing as an endpoint and have not discussed the physiological advantage that TNP dressings may impart with regard to sternal stabilisation, improved respiratory function and early weaning from mechanical ventilation. We present a case of the use of TNP in neonatal post-sternotomy wound dehiscence and mediastinitis, from a UK perspective, with an emphasis on wound healing and physiological optimisation. As well as an improvement in sternal wound healing due to the local effects of the TNP system, serial arterial blood gas analysis revealed a significant improvement in systemic physiological parameters, including a reduction in pCO2 in the period (days 20–31) after application of TNP (p<0.0001) compared to the period before where simple occlusive dressings were applied. Hydrogen ion concentration also significantly reduced in this period (p=0.0058). The use of the TNP system in association with systemic antibiotics successfully treated the mediastinitis. A sealed, controlled wound environment also allowed ease of nursing and an expedited return to care by the parents. We would recommend the consideration of TNP dressings in similar cases of neonatal and paediatric sternal wound dehiscence. Not only do we observe the local effects of improved wound healing, the systemic effects of improved lung function are also valuable in the early management of such complex cases.
Body mass index and percentage fat mass in healthy German schoolchildren and adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To provide reference data for obesity indices in Mid-European schoolchildren and adolescents, to evaluate the usefulness of body mass index (BMI) as an indicator of obesity in children, and to analyse the patterns of fat accumulation during childhood. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study in 2554 healthy schoolchildren and adolescents (age, 6–19 y) living in Heidelberg, Germany in 1989/1990. Centile charts for BMI and skinfold-derived percentage body fat mass (PFM) were constructed using Cole’s LMS method for normalised growth standards. RESULTS: The BMI centile values of German children ranged higher than French, lower than North American and Italian, and similar to Swedish and British children. While BMI steadily increased with age, PFM was markedly lower in peripubertal than in pre- and postpubertal boys. BMI predicted PFM with reasonable precision in girls (r=0.84), and in obese boys (r=0.58), but not in the leaner two thirds of the male population (r=0.01, NS). The 75th BMI percentile was the most appropriate cutoff value to screen for the 15% most obese patients by PFM (sensitivity: 82%, specificity: 85%). The pattern of the trunk-to-extremity skinfold ratio across childhood suggested that the typical adult distribution of central and peripheral fat is achieved in mid puberty in girls, but not before the end of adolescence in boys. CONCLUSIONS: The major differences observed between BMI charts obtained in different countries underline the need for population-specific reference data. BMI is of limited usefulness in predicting relative fat mass in individual children. The developmental pattern of fat accumulation and distribution during adolescence is highly dynamic and gender-specific.
BPS domain wall junctions in infinitely large extra dimensions

We consider models of scalar fields coupled to gravity which are higher-dimensional generalizations of four dimensional supergravity. We use these models to describe domain wall junctions in an anti--de Sitter background. We derive Bogomol'nyi equations for the scalar fields from which the walls are constructed and for the metric. From these equations a BPS-like formula for the junction energy can be derived. We demonstrate that such junctions localize gravity in the presence of more than one uncompactified extra dimension.
A whole-organism screen identifies new regulators of fat storage

The regulation of energy homeostasis integrates diverse biological processes ranging from behavior to metabolism and is linked fundamentally to numerous disease states. To identify new molecules that can bypass homeostatic compensatory mechanisms of energy balance in intact animals, we screened for small-molecule modulators of Caenorhabditis elegans fat content. We report on several molecules that modulate fat storage without obvious deleterious effects on feeding, growth and reproduction. A subset of these compounds also altered fat storage in mammalian and insect cell culture. We found that one of the newly identified compounds exerts its effects in C. elegans through a pathway that requires previously undescribed functions of an AMP-activated kinase catalytic subunit and a transcription factor previously unassociated with fat regulation. Thus, our strategy identifies small molecules that are effective within the context of intact animals and reveals relationships between new pathways that operate across phyla to influence energy homeostasis.
Induction of respiratory metabolism in illuminated Chlorella pyrenoidosa and isolated spinach chloroplasts by the addition of vitamin K5.

Abstract The effects on photosynthetic metabolism in Chlorella pyrenoidosa and in isolated spinach chloroplasts of adding vitamin K 5 have been investigated. The most pronounced effect is the induction of the oxidative pentose phosphate cycle in the light, as indicated by the immediate appearance of 6-phosphogluconic acid upon the addition of vitamin K 5 . The appearance of 6-phosphogluconic acid in isolated spinach chloroplasts demonstrates the operation of the oxidative pentose phosphate cycle in chloroplasts. The induction of the oxidative cycle is accompanied by inactivation of two enzymes of the photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle, or reductive pentose phosphate cycle. These enzymes are fructosediphosphatase (EC 3.1.3.11) and phosphoribulokinase (EC 2.7.1.19). Some inactivation of ribulosediphosphate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.39) is also indicated. The inactivation of these enzymes may be related to the normal light-dark regulation of metabolism in vivo . Although it has been reported that addition of vitamin K 5 stimulates cyclic photophosphorylation in broken chloroplasts, such addition in the present experiments caused no increase in the level of ATP in photosynthesizing Chlorella or photosynthesizing intact spinach chloroplasts. A study of the changes of levels of labeled amino acids and carboxylic acids in photosynthesizing C. pyrenoidosa upon the addition of the inhibitor shows an increase in the levels of glutamic and citric acids and a decrease in the levels of aspartic and malic acids. These changes are interpreted as indicating a stimulated increase in the rate of oxidation of pyruvic acid to CO 2 and acetyl-CoA, which may increase the rate of conversion of oxaloacetic acid to citric acid, leading ultimately to the production of glutamic acid.
Existence and Persistence of Invariant Manifolds for Semiflows in Banach Space

Introduction Notation and preliminaries Statements of theorems Local coordinate systems Cone lemmas Center-unstable manifold Center-stable manifold Smoothness of center-stable manifold Smoothness of center-unstable manifold Persistence of invariant manifold Persistence of normal hyperbolicity Invariant manifolds for perturbed semiflow References.
Shared-Memory Synchronization

Since the advent of time sharing in the 1960s, designers of concurrent and parallel systems have needed to synchronize the activities of threads of control that share data structures in memory. In recent years, the study of synchronization has gained new urgency with the proliferation of multicore processors, on which even relatively simple user-level programs must frequently run in parallel. This lecture offers a comprehensive survey of shared-memory synchronization, with an emphasis on "systems-level" issues. It includes sufficient coverage of architectural details to understand correctness and performance on modern multicore machines, and sufficient coverage of higher-level issues to understand how synchronization is embedded in modern programming languages. The primary intended audience is "systems programmers"the authors of operating systems, library packages, language run-time systems, concurrent data structures, and server and utility programs. Much of the discussion should also be of interest to application programmers who want to make good use of the synchronization mechanisms available to them, and to computer architects who want to understand the ramifications of their design decisions on systems-level code. Table of Contents: Introduction / Architectural Background / Essential Theory / Practical Spin Locks / Busy-wait Synchronization with Conditions / Read-mostly Atomicity / Synchronization and Scheduling / Nonblocking Algorithms / Transactional Memory / Author's Biography
A Mechanism for Ion Selectivity in Potassium Channels: Computational Studies of Cation-π Interactions

A combination of computational methods has been used to evaluate the interaction between the pi face of a benzene molecule and the monovalent cations of lithium, sodium, potassium, and rubidium. In the gas phase, the ions are strongly bound, and the affinity for benzene follows the expected electrostatic trend (lithium, largest; rubidium, smallest). However, in an aqueous environment, a reordering occurs such that the potassium ion is preferred over all the other ions for 2:1 benzene:ion complexes. The selectivity sequence parallels that seen in voltage-gated potassium channels. Given that several conserved aromatic residues are present in the pore region of such channels, these results suggest that the cation-pi interaction may be responsible for the ion selectivity in potassium channels.
Solid–Liquid Reaction in the System Si3N4–Y3Al5O12–Y2Si2O7 under 1 MPa of Nitrogen

The melting behaviors of selected compositions in the system–Si3N4-Y3Al5O12–Y2Si2O7 were determined under 1 MPa of nitrogen. The behavior phase diagrams of the ternary and their binary systems are presented. The ternary eutectic composition contains 10 wt% Si3N4, 27 wt% Y3Al5O12, and 63 wt% Y2Si2O7 with a eutectic temperature of 1430°C. The binary eutectic compositions and temperatures are 25 wt% Si3N4 and 75 wt% Y3Al5O12 at 1650°C, 10 wt% Si3N4 and 90 wt% Y2Si2O7 at 1570°C, and 35 wt% Y3Al5O12 and 65 wt% Y2Si2O7 at l520°C.
Stable stacking for the distributor's pallet packing problem

We present a novel algorithm that solves the distributor's pallet packing problem. In contrast to existing algorithms, our method optimizes stack stability in addition to stack volume. Furthermore, our algorithm explicitly handles cases where the construction of homogeneous layers of packages with equal height is impossible due to differences in package heights and quantities. The algorithm is a nested beam search that separately optimizes local and global evaluation criteria. We show successful results on both real world and synthetic data sets, compare our performance to an existing algorithm and demonstrate experimental applications in simulation and on a real palletizing robot.
Chimera states on a flat torus.

Chimera states are surprising spatiotemporal patterns in which regions of coherence and incoherence coexist. Initially observed numerically, these mathematical oddities were recently reproduced in a laboratory setting, sparking a flurry of interest in their properties. Here we use asymptotic methods to derive the conditions under which two-dimensional ``spot'' and ``stripe'' chimeras (similar to those observed in experiments) can exist in a periodic space. We also discover a previously unobserved asymmetric chimera state, whose existence plays a major role in determining when other chimera states are observable in experiment and simulation. Finally, we use numerical methods to verify theoretical predictions and determine which states are dynamically stable.
CoO(100) Fuchs-Kliewer phonon spectrum by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy

Abstract CoO(100) has been characterized by AES, XPS, and LEED subsequent to the measurement of its Fuchs-Kliewer phonon spectrum by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy. The fundamental phonon frequency is observed at -68.9 meV and multiple losses are found to higher losses energy following a Poisson intensity distribution. Phonon intensity variation with HREELS primary beam energy is also measured and indicates intrinsic dipole loss behavior.
Comparison of image feature extraction for classification of swine thermal comfort behavior.

Abstract Interactive, behavior-based environmental control for swine production has inherent advantages over the conventional, temperature-based control methods. Correctly distinguishing the thermal comfort behavior of swine is critical for the success of interactive environmental control and appropriate feature selections are the basis of the correct classification. This paper compares four feature selection methods using postural images of young pigs subjected to a range of environmental conditions. Programmable cameras were used to capture the behavioral pictures which were then processed into binary images. Fourier coefficients (8×8); moments (first eight); perimeter and area; and combination of perimeter, area and moments of the binary behavioral images were used as the input patterns to a neural network. With the respective feature selection, the neural net correctly classified 96, 92, 96 and 99% training images and 78, 73, 86 and 90% testing images. Thus, the combination of perimeter, area and moments of the binary images as neural network features gave the best performance in the behavioral classification.
Neuroleptic-like effects of ethanolamine-O-sulfate in the rat

Abstract Intracisternal injections of the selective GABA-T inhibitor, ethanolamine-O-sulfate (EOS) resulted in the blockade of apomorphine-stimulated locomotor activity and stereotyped behavior which was compared to haloperidol. Unlike haloperidol, EOS did not elevate measures of dopamine synthesis. EOS also did not affect the reduction of dopamine synthesis produced by apomorphine at doses which completely blocked the behavioral effects of apomorphine. While other studies showed that no evidence could be obtained that EOS blocked dopamine receptors in vitro , prior EOS treatment antagonized accumulation of 3 H-spiroperidol in striatum in vivo . Since this effect was seen 24 hrs after EOS but not 1 hr after EOS, it appears that EOS treatment results in the accumulation of a substance which may produce effects similar to neuroleptic drugs. GABA would be one likely candidate for this action.
The robustness and efficiency of trimmed elemental estimation in regression analysis: a Monte Carlo simulation study

Mayo and Gray [Am Statist 51 (1997) 122] introduced the leverage-residual weighted elemental (LRWE) classification of regression estimators and proposed a new method of estimation called trimmed elemental estimation (TEE). In this article, we perform a simulation study of the efficiency of certain TEE estimators relative to ordinary least squares under normal errors and their robustness under various non-normal error distributions in the context of the simple linear regression model. Comparisons among these estimators are made on the basis of mean square error and percentiles of the absolute estimation errors in the simulations.
Who's the boss?: requester transparency and motivation in a microtask marketplace

Workers on crowdsourcing platforms such as Amazon's Mechanical Turk often receive little to no information about who is requesting the task they are asked to perform. This can lead to psychological distance and reduced work quality as a result. In this study we varied the amount and type of information provided about the requester of a task on Mechanical Turk (no information, text only, or text and picture) to see its effect on the amount of work completed. We found that providing information about the work requester led to increased effort, with further differences in effects depending on the location of the task participants.
Follow-up Studies of Rubella Vaccinees at Adolescence.

This report provides the results of follow-up surveillance and postvaccination rubella HI antibody studies on adolescent girls in Cincinnati.
Thoracic Surgery Skill Proficiency with Chest Wall Tumor Simulator

Objectives Inclusion of specialized simulation into surgery training may enhance the educational experience of residents. We set out to develop a simulated chest wall tumor model to teach the specifics skills needed for chest wall tumor resection with prosthetic reconstruction. Methods The model was constructed from porcine rib blocs and additional materials ( Fig. 1 A and B). Thirteen general surgery residents were asked to perform en bloc tumor resection with “mesh sandwich” reconstruction of the chest wall defect ( Fig. 2 A and B). Evaluation consisted of knowledge-based examination, operative time, and skill assessment with an objective checklist and subjective global rating scale. A thoracic surgeon proctored and evaluated the practice sessions. Results Scores on the knowledge-based examination suggested no association with resident training year. More time was needed by junior level residents to complete the simulated operative task, even though the average time improved with repetitive practice. Average task-specific scores were comparable amongst the resident groups. The mid-level residents demonstrated the greatest improvement in skill proficiency; however, scores were consistently highest amongst the PGY-5s Conclusions Our data suggest simulation is an effective teaching tool and training module for skill development needed for rarely performed procedures. The incorporation of this and similar simulation trainers is likely to improve surgical education and patient safety.
‘Probably Impossible’: Multiculturalism and Pluralisation in Present-Day Japan

This article offers a critical engagement with multiculturalism and pluralisation in Japan. While recent efforts to introduce multicultural policies such as ‘domestic internationalisation’ policies and the textbook reform movement are encouraging, I suggest that they are limited as they fail to address notions of exclusivity—those founded on the ideology of nihonjinron—that shape Japanese identity. Moreover, mere recognition of minority populations works to entrench rather than undermine ethno-cultural hierarchies. That is, if official engagements with the ethno-cultural ‘Other’ simply reinscribe notions of exclusivity, exceptionality and even superiority, the hierarchalised distinctions drawn between inside/outside and ‘Japanese’/foreigner will continue to persist and minority populations will be relegated permanently to a second-class citizenry. Therefore, this contribution turns to the recently opened Kyushu National Museum as a means of addressing multiculturalism and pluralisation in Japan. Themed ‘O...