cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of ethanol feeding during pregnancy on placental transfer of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid in the rat.

Abstract The influence of ethanol consumption during pregnancy on maternal-fetal transfer of amino acid was studied. Pregnant rats were fed a liquid diet containing 30% ethanol-derived calories from gestation-day 6 to 21; control rats were pair-fed identical diets, except that sucrose substituted isocalorically for ethanol. On gestation-day 21, 2 uCi/100 g body weight of 14C-alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (14C-AIB) was injected into the maternal circulation, and 90 minutes later maternal blood and liver, placentas and fetuses were removed for radioactivity measurement. No differences between ethanol-fed and control rats in the distribution of 14C-AIB in maternal plasma or the uptake of 14C-AIB by the maternal liver were observed. However, the radioactivities in placenta and fetal tissues suffered a significant 20 to 40% reduction in the ethanol-fed group, suggesting that ethanol feeding during pregnancy impairs placental function.
Evans syndrome in childhood

The combination of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and autoimmune hemolytic anemia is rare in childhood. Among 164 instances of ITP and 15 instances of AHA, 11 patients were found to have this combination. Three were found to have systemic lupus erythematosus, one had aplastic anemia, and seven had Evans syndrome. Neutropenia, at times associated with bacterial infections, occurred in four of the latter patients. Unlike most cases of ITP or AHA in childhood, the clinical course of Evans syndrome is usually chronic and relapsing. Treatment including corticosteroids, splenectomy, and immunosuppressive agents has been generally unsatisfactory. In view of the frequent presence of antibodies directed at red blood cells, platelets, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, immunopancytopenia may be a better term for this condition.
Vasoactive peptides as mediators of increased vascular permeability

Large peptides, specifically the leukokinins and vasoactive intestinal peptide, can alter normal body functions particularly with respect to vascular permeability leading to pathological conditions related to edema, ascites accumulation, diarrhea and inflammation. The peptides may be formed by both normal and neoplastic cell components and may play an important role in fluid movement in neoplastic diseases.
Bending and stretching models for LV wall motion analysis from curves and surfaces

Abstract A unified framework for motion tracking of curves and surfaces with specific applications to the left-ventricular endocardial wall is outlined. The theory considers both two-dimensional curves and three-dimensional surfaces, and in each case uses an elastic model of the object with constraints on the types of motion for tracking the movement. The emphasis of the paper is on surface motion. For surface motion, conformal stretching is measured from a system of coordinates based on the principal direction of a surface patch. In addition, an energy for bending of a 3D surface is defined and used for motion tracking. Membrane smoothing with confidences is used to optimize the initial 3D flow estimates. 4D example data from different imaging modalities of the left ventricle in motion are illustrated. Algorithms are presented, and applications to real and simulated data are included.
Poor Women and Work in the Third World: A Research Agenda for Organisational Psychologists

The purpose of the article is to draw the attention of organisational psychologists to the realities of poor women's work experiences in the Third World and provide a research plan forstudying thes...
Prioritized synchronization under mask for interaction/control of partially observed discrete event systems

This paper extends the formalism of prioritized synchronous composition (PSC), introduced by Heymann, for modeling interaction (and control) of discrete event systems to incorporate partial observation. PSC based control helps remove the control-compatibility requirement of a supervisor. In order to also remove the observation-compatibility requirement of a supervisor, there have been attempts to generalize PSC to account for partial observation. First such attempt was the notion of masked composition (MC), and later the notion of masked-PSC (MPSC) was introduced. Under MPSC the condition for existence of supervisor is normality together with controllability, as opposed to the usual weaker condition of observability together with controllability. This motivates the introduction of the notion of prioritized synchronous composition under mask (PSCM). We show that when PSCM is adopted as a mechanism of interaction, not only the control and observation-compatibility requirements are removed of a supervisor, the existence condition is given by achievability that is weaker than controllability and observability combined. (The weaker condition is required since we allow supervisors to be nondeterministic.) This suggests that the notion of PSCM, presented in the paper is an appropriate generalization of PSC to account for partial observation.
Home range size and habitat selection of reintroduced Sylvilagus bachmani riparius

Abstract Effective restoration of threatened or endangered species requires understanding of basic ecological requirements such as habitat selection and home range needs. The endangered riparian brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius) occupies areas of dense, brushy cover along streamside communities in the San Joaquin Valley of California, but over 93% of this habitat has been lost to urban and agricultural development. We released over 325 captive-born rabbits at the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) between July 2002 and July 2005, and we monitored 312 of these rabbits via radiotelemetry to assess spatial and habitat selection. Home ranges and core areas were similar among males and females, and were larger in the breeding season than during the nonbreeding season. Perhaps reflecting a growing population, home range estimates decreased in size over the duration of the study. Animals moved in response to a wildfire in July 2004, but home range area was similar in 90-day pre- and po...
Monolithic transformers and their application in a differential CMOS RF low-noise amplifier

A 900 MHz low-noise amplifier (LNA) utilizing three monolithic transformers to implement on-chip tuning networks and requiring no external components has been integrated in 2.88 mm/sup 2/ in a standard digital 0.6 /spl mu/m CMOS process. A bias current reuse technique is employed to reduce power dissipation, and process-, voltage-, and temperature-tracking biasing techniques are used. At 900 MHz, the LNA dissipates 18 mW from a single 3 V power supply and provides 4.1 dB noise figure, 12.3 dB power gain, -33.0 dB reverse isolation, and an input 1-db compression level of -16 dBm. Analysis and modeling considerations for silicon-based monolithic transformers are presented, and it is shown that a monolithic transformer occupies less die area and provides a higher quality factor than two independent inductors with the same effective inductance in differential applications.
Controlled Ascent: Imbuing Statistical MT with Linguistic Knowledge

We explore the intersection of rule-based and statistical approaches in machine translation, with a particular focus on past and current work at Microsoft Research. Until about 10 years ago, the only machine translation systems worth using were rule-based and linguistically-informed. Along came statistical approaches, which use large corpora to directly guide translations toward expressions people would actually say. Rather than making local decisions when writing and conditioning rules, goodness of translation was modeled numerically and free parameters were selected to optimize that goodness. This led to huge improvements in translation quality as more and more data was consumed. By necessity, the pendulum is swinging back towards the inclusion of linguistic features in MT systems. We describe some of our statistical and non-statistical attempts to incorporate linguistic insights into machine translation systems, showing what is currently working well, and what isn’t. We also look at trade-offs in using linguistic knowledge (“rules”) in pre- or post-processing by language pair, with a particular eye on the return on investment as training data increases in size.
Multi-wave-mode, multi-frequency detectors for guided wave interrogation of plate structures

The detection and localization of damage using an array of closely spaced transducers is investigated theoretically and experimentally using single- and multiple-mode guided wave active sensing models. Detectors are derived using a generalized likelihood ratio approach assuming that amplitude, absolute phase, and source location of a scattered wave are unknown, while frequency, group velocity, and phase velocity are known. Theoretical detection performance for processing with each detector is derived and related to the energy-to-noise ratio of a scattered mode as a metric of determining when processing with multiple modes provides increased performance over processing with a single mode. Experimentally, detectors are implemented to detect scattering from a small mass glued to the surface of an aluminum plate with a 7 × 7 array of transducers. Relative detection and localization performance is compared through receiver operating characteristic curves and histograms of distance from true damage location for...
Lethal cell number for mouse lymphoma dosage-response studies: Indirect study using intravenous inocula

The lethal cell number for transplant mouse lymphoma dosage-response time experiments was studied by indirect methods based on extrapolation of the dose-response curve and upon measurement of liver and spleen weight changes. The liver and spleen appear to represent the major sites for tumor cell proliferation for the LSA tumor following intravenous injection. Weight changes were very similar and independent of initial cell dose in the dose range studied, consistent with the concept of a critical cell population number in the postulated model for lymphomatous tumor cell growth. Differences from the extrapolated lethal number based on the dose-response curve compared to the measured organ weight changes as well as a response time variance decreasing with nominal cell dose are discussed.
FBD Marriage: Further Support for the Westermarck Hypothesis of the Incest Taboo?

In the past decade, several reports, including data from Taiwan on the sim-pua form of marriage, have provided evidence for the Westermarck Hypothesis, a heretofore unpopular explanation of the incest taboo. This theory states that intimate childhood association breeds sexual disinterest. A preliminary study of FBD marriage in Lebanon reveals similar support for Westermarck's theory. The Lebanese patrilateral parallel cousin marriages examined produced significantly fewer children and more divorces than nonpaternal first cousin unions. Given the quite disparate cultures from which this evidence comes, serious reconsideration of Westermarck's Hypothesis is suggested. [incest taboo, FBD marriage, Lebanon, Middle Eastern sexuality]
The Role of Internal and External Protective Factors in Low-Income, Ethnic Minority Children's Psychological Reactions to Community Violence Exposure

This investigation examined the roles that internal and external protective factors play in the relationship between community violence exposure and children’s adjustment. It also examined whether gender and non-violent stressors alter patterns of moderation. Ninety-five students completed measures of stressors, community violence, protective factors, and symptomatology. Results indicated that stressors, community violence and self-esteem exerted direct effects on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while self-reliance interacted with community violence to predict depressive symptoms. Results also showed that the relationship between community violence and self-esteem was altered when stressors and gender were included in the models. When external protective factors were examined, peer relationships predicted PTSD and depression. Implications for research and practice include assessing stressors in children and implementing interventions that promote/strengthen protective factors.
Triple course external beam radiotherapy for carcinoma of the prostate

In 1976 we began using a triple-course technique of external beam irradiation for localized carcinoma of the prostate. The treatment consisted of 2 courses of 20 Gy in 2 weeks to the pelvis and a third course of 20-25 Gy in 2-2 1/2 weeks as a boost to the prostate. A 2 week rest followed the first and second courses. The results of this treatment technique are reported on the first 50 patients who had been followed for at least 3 years. Although 96% of these patients developed bladder and/or bowel reactions, the majority of the symptoms were in the very mild to mild category, with only 2% severe reactions referrable to each organ. The incidence of late complications in this series compared favorably to those reported by other authors. Clinical local control was 96% while post-treatment needle biopsy performed on 22/50 patients yielded a negative rate of 86%. Those with Stages A and B disease had a negative biopsy rate of 94%. Three-year uncorrected disease-free survival for the whole group was 54%. This study has shown that with triple course external beam irradiation, excellent control of localized carcinoma of the prostate can be achieved with minimal acute morbidity.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Severely Obese Adolescents: The Teen Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (Teen-LABS) Study

Importance Severe obesity is increasingly common in the adolescent population but, as of yet, very little information exists regarding cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks in this group. Objective To assess the baseline prevalence and predictors of CVD risks among severely obese adolescents undergoing weight-loss surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants A prospective cohort study was conducted from February 28, 2007, to December 30, 2011, at the following 5 adolescent weight-loss surgery centers in the United States: Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio; Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio; Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham. Consecutive patients aged 19 years or younger were offered enrollment in a long-term outcome study; the final analysis cohort consisted of 242 participants. Main Outcomes and Measures This report examined the preoperative prevalence of CVD risk factors (ie, fasting hyperinsulinemia, elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, impaired fasting glucose levels, dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus) and associations between risk factors and body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Preoperative data were collected within 30 days preceding bariatric surgery. Results The mean (SD) age was 17 (1.6) years and median body mass index was 50.5. Cardiovascular disease risk factor prevalence was fasting hyperinsulinemia (74%), elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (75%), dyslipidemia (50%), elevated blood pressure (49%), impaired fasting glucose levels (26%), and diabetes mellitus (14%). The risk of impaired fasting glucose levels, elevated blood pressure, and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels increased by 15%, 10%, and 6%, respectively, per 5-unit increase in body mass index ( P P P P = .01) but were less likely to have impaired fasting glucose levels (adjusted relative risk = 0.58 [95% CI, 0.38-0.89]; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance Numerous CVD risk factors are apparent in adolescents undergoing weight-loss surgery. Increasing body mass index and male sex increase the relative risk of specific CVD risk factors. These data suggest that even among severely obese adolescents, recognition and treatment of CVD risk factors is important to help limit further progression of disease.
Moving agroforestry into the mainstream

On 12–15 June 2005 the Ninth North AmericanAgroforestry Conference was held in Rochester,Minnesota, USA with the theme ‘‘Moving Agrofor-estry into the Mainstream.’’ This conferencesummarized and highlighted opportunities in NorthAmerica for integrating agroforestry options at alandscape level to capture social, economic andenvironmental improvement potential that agrofor-estry systems offer. In all, 42 papers and 28 posterswere presented along the themes of applications,adoption, economics, tools for assessment, watershedmanagement and carbon sequestration beneﬁts(Brooks et al. 2005; see the AFTA proceedings forall papers and poster summaries). This special editionof Agroforestry Systems presents 10 papers selectedfrom 42 papers presented at the conference. Theconference was hosted by the Association for Tem-perate Agroforestry (AFTA), the Center forIntegrated Natural Resources and Agricultural Man-agement (CINRAM) at the University of Minnesota,the Southwest Badger RC&D in Wisconsin and theUSDA National Agroforestry Center in Lincoln,Nebraska (The 9th North American AgroforestryConference Proceedings are available from web sitesof AFTA www.aftaweb.org. or CINRAM www.cinram.umn.edu).For agroforestry to move into the mainstream willrequire proven agroforestry applications that can beadopted by landowners. That adoption will oftenhinge on providing viable and economically attrac-tive options and supportive policies. Economicviability can be enhanced by payments for environ-mental services such as carbon sequestration andwater quality improvements generated by agrofor-estry practices. Identifying when and where thesepractices might be viable options and provide envi-ronmental services requires appropriate tools that canhelp agencies and landowners identify those situa-tions. Agroforestry research needs to integrate all ofthe factors that will help to move us to practices thatcan be adopted and truly move agroforestry into themainstream and realize the economic and environ-mental potential that it promises.The intent of this conference was to consider thefactors that affect and that lead to the adoption andimplementation of agroforestry practices in NorthAmerica. A working hypothesis is that in manyinstances agroforestry offers options that bring anarray of beneﬁts in contrast to monocropping systemsthat dominate much of the agricultural landscapes inNorth America. Many of these agricultural practices,such as the intensive corn-soybean farming in theMidwestern USA, have questionable sustainabilityfrom both environmental and economic perspectives.The question being asked in this conference was—can
A Pulsed Quadrupole System for Preventing Depolarization

A pair of pulsed quadrupoles spaced 180° apart in the Zero Gradient Synchrotron (ZGS) ring was installed to prevent the depolarization of polarized protons during acceleration in the ZGS. These quadrupoles must produce a 50-G/in gradient over a useful aperture of 2 in vertically and 10 in radially. The pulse must have a 10-?s rise time and a 2?-ms flattop. They must be pulsed up to ten times during the 1?-s ZGS acceleration period. The computer calculations and the mechanical and electrical design and fabrication of the quadrupoles and their power supply will be described.
A critical look at the bathtub curve

This paper addresses some of the fundamental assumptions underlying the bathtub curve. It is shown to be unlikely that any practical hazard function is decreasing near zero. Great care should be taken in interpreting the hazard function, particularly in applying quality-control practices, such as burn-in or environmental-stress-screening to manufactured products.
Monitoring the Single-Cell Stress Response of the Diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana by Quantitative Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR

Directly monitoring the stress response of microbes to their environments could be one way to inspect the health of microorganisms themselves, as well as the environments in which the microorganisms live. The ultimate resolution for such an endeavor could be down to a single-cell level. In this study, using the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana as a model species, we aimed to measure gene expression responses of this organism to various stresses at a single-cell level. We developed a single-cell quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) protocol and applied it to determine the expression levels of multiple selected genes under nitrogen, phosphate, and iron depletion stress conditions. The results, for the first time, provided a quantitative measurement of gene expression at single-cell levels in T. pseudonana and demonstrated that significant gene expression heterogeneity was present within the cell population. In addition, different expression patterns between single-cell- and bulk-cell-based analyses were also observed for all genes assayed in this study, suggesting that cell response heterogeneity needs to be taken into consideration in order to obtain accurate information that indicates the environmental stress condition.
Structure/Property Relationships in High-Strength Steels

Cyril Smith1 has called attention to the importance of a structural hierarchy in materials. Although the structural elements of concern to materials science span finite size limits ranging from atomic dimensions to the scale of a manufactured component, the structural hierarchy within these limits is of infinite complexity, so that we can never expect to fully characterize the structure of any real material. This may make the task of understanding structure/property relationships seem impossible, but the situation is not quite so hopeless if we accept the dual nature of structure/ property relationships emphasized by Morris Cohen2. While we tend to think of properties as controlled by structure, it is the nature of the intellectual exercise of materials science that we can equally well consider structure to be controlled by properties. That is, what we see when we look in a microscope is a function of what we are trying to explain.
Towards Integrated Simulation of Cyber-Physical Systems: A Case Study on Intelligent Water Distribution

In cyber-physical systems (CPSs), embedded computing systems and communication capability are used to streamline and fortify the operation of a physical system. Intelligent critical infrastructure systems are among the most important CPSs and also prime examples of pervasive computing systems, as they exploit computing to provide "anytime, anywhere" transparent services. The existing body of knowledge includes techniques for assessment, modeling, and simulation of physical and cyber infrastructures, respectively, but such isolated analysis is incapable of fully capturing the interdependencies that occur when they intertwine to create a CPS. Fundamental differences exist between the attributes of cyber and physical components, significantly complicating representation of their behavior with a single comprehensive model or simulation tool. This paper articulates the challenges present in integrated simulation of a CPS, where the goal is to accurately reflect the operation and interaction of the cyber and physical networks that comprise the system. A solution is presented for the CPS domain of intelligent water distribution networks, using EPANET and Matlab to represent the physical water distribution network and the decision support algorithms used to control the allocation of water, respectively.
Particle swarm optimized three-parameter aperture distribution for antenna synthesis

The three-parameter (3-P) aperture distribution [1] enables a large degree of freedom in synthesizing aperture distributions for antenna applications. Chapter six in Elliott's 1981 book [2] Antenna Theory and Design addresses several methods by which to synthesize planar apertures and refers to T. Taylor's Design of Circular Apertures for Narrow Beamwidth and Low Side Lobes (Trans. IRE, AP-8, 1960, 17–22). An optimizer that might globally search the available range of synthesis parameter values can significantly reduce the time and effort required to synthesize a particular aperture distribution for reflector and array antenna designs.
Visualizing user activity in open e-learning contexts: challenges and techniques for operational management

This paper describes the practical application of four visualization techniques that have been developed to deal with high-volume, large time-scaled, and high-dimensional data sets that are characteristic of Internet-based user activity. Visualization techniques can be useful for monitoring and studying online user activity in settings where many thousands of users are involved in web-based educational endeavors. Simple numerical summaries of server requests and server performance trends cannot adequately answer the kinds of questions posed by those who desire to understand e-learner activity in web-based e-learning systems. Tracking and understanding remote users and their distant, round-the-clock activities present major technical and analytical challenges, especially in terms of the sheer scale and volume of the generated usage data. With web-based teaching and learning systems, four aspects of the usage tend to hinder analysis: high density, broad time scales, many variables, and veiled patterns. The paper looks at possible solutions in the application of four visualization techniques, using open source statistics software, in the contexts of key scenarios where such techniques can support operations management and decision making processes.
Extracranial soft-tissue swelling: a normal postmortem radiographic finding or a sign of trauma?

Objective. To determine if extracranial soft-tissue swelling is an expected postmortem finding or a sign of trauma. Materials and methods. Extracranial soft-tissue thickness was measured at 5 standardized locations on postmortem skull films obtained of 18 infants with no evidence of trauma on autopsy. The same measurements were performed on the skull films of 100 living children, all less than 3 years old and without clinical history of trauma. Results. Extracranial soft tissues measured only slightly greater in the postmortem group than on films of living children; however, the difference did achieve statistical significance. Conclusion. Minimal extracranial soft-tissue swelling is a normal finding on a postmortem skeletal survey. The presence of substantial or asymmetric extracranial soft-tissue swelling should be viewed with suspicion for trauma.
Kirchho 's Law of Thermal Emission: 150 Years

In this work, Kirchhoff’s law (Kirchhoff G. Monatsberichte der Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Berlin, sessions of Dec. 1859, 1860, 783–787) is being revisited not only to mark its 150th anniversary but, most importantly, to highlight serious overreaching in its formulation. At the onset, Kirchhoff’s law correctly outlines the equivalence between emission and absorption for an opaque object under thermal equilibrium. This same conclusion had been established earlier by Balfour Stewart (Stewart B. Trans. Royal Soc. Edinburgh, 1858, v. 22(1), 1–20). However, Kirchhoff extends the treatment beyond his counterpart, stating that cavity radiation must always be black, or normal: depending only on the temperature and the frequency of observation. This universal aspect of Kirchhoff’s law is without proper basis and constitutes a grave distortion of experimental reality. It is readily apparent that cavities made from arbitrary materials (" < 1) are never black. Their approach to such behavior is being driven either by the blackness of the detector, or by black materials placed near the cavity. Ample evidence exists that radiation in arbitrary cavities is sensitive to the relative position of the detectors. In order to fully address these issues, cavity radiation and the generalization of Kirchhoff’s law are discussed. An example is then taken from electromagnetics, at microwave frequencies, to link results in the resonant cavity with those inferred from the consequences of generalization.
Optoelectronic Components for Computer Interconnects

The recent advances in optoelectronic components are making optical interconnects a reality. Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL’s), high-speed MSM photodiodes, low-cost polymer waveguides, low-power electronic drivers and amplifiers, and high-speed optoelectronic multi-chip modules (OE-MCM’s) are the key components in high-speed interconnects in the >10 Gb/s data rates. These devices will be discussed in conjunction with the parallel optical link (POLO)1 modules.
Clinical evaluation of direct cuspal coverage with posterior composite resin restorations.

Background: Composite resins have esthetic properties; they join the ability to preserve and reinforce sound tooth structure. Conservation is becoming popular for both small to medium defects and more compromised teeth. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of Class II cuspal coverage direct composite restorations. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients, 18 years or older, were included in this clinical trial restoring 25 vital molar teeth with one or two missing cusps. Criteria for inclusion are two or three surface restorations, replacement of composite and amalgam fillings (secondary decay, fracture of either filling material or tooth structure, aesthetic considerations), or virgin teeth with decay undermining a cusp. Teeth with residual cavity walls less than 1 mm or with complete loss of the clinical crown were excluded. Teeth were restored using a combination of Ultra-Etch 35% phosphoric acid, PQ1 adhesive system, and Vit-l-escence microhybrid composite resin (Ultradent Products, Inc., South Jordan, UT, USA). The enamel peripheral skeleton of the restoration was built up first, followed by dentin and enamel occlusal surface stratification. Wedge-shaped increments of composite resin were placed and cured using the variable intensity polimerizer (VIP) light (Bisco Inc., Schaumburg, IL, USA) through a combination of a pulse and progressive curing technique. Results: All 25 restorations were evaluated at 6-month intervals during the 30-month period using a modified US Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria by two independent evaluators precalibrated at 85% reliability. No failures were reported and alpha scores were recorded for all parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using a Chi-square test (χ 2 ) and the Fisher’s exact test. Sixteen of the 25 samples (64%) exhibited preoperative sensitivity to air (χ 2 = 10.6; p = 0.001). A significant difference in tooth sensitivity was reported after completion of the restorations. No teeth exhibited sensitivity both at the 2-week recall and the 30-month follow-up (χ 2 = 23.5; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Microhybrid composite resin demonstrated excellent clinical performance in direct cuspal coverage at completion of a 30-month evaluation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE In selected clinical situations, cuspal coverage direct posterior composite restorations may represent a valid alternative to conventional indirect restorations. ( JE sthet Restor Dent 18:256‐267, 2006)
An efficient and well-controlled IC system development flow: design approved specification and design guided test plan

The basic theory and concepts of an efficient and well-controlled SoC development flow is introduced. This flow is currently being developed and implemented in the Wireless Analog Technology Center, at Texas Instruments (TI). The flow is based on design, test, and characterization data, and synchronizing all three groups to be able to use the same specification compliance matrix (SCM) in a SoC project. The ultimate goal is to make sure that all information from the three groups is being collected in one database as a uniform SCM. This flow is intended to reduce the traditional redundant work and bring consistency across organizations. The SCM software package developed to accomplish this task is described with an example.
Experimental and Measurement Uncertainty Associated With Characterizing Slurry Mixing Performance of Pulsating Jets at Multiple Scales

Understanding how uncertainty manifests itself in complex experiments is important for developing the testing protocol and interpreting the experimental results. This paper describes experimental and measurement uncertainties, and how they can depend on the order of performing experimental tests. Experiments with pulse-jet mixers in tanks at three scales were conducted to characterize the performance of transient-developing periodic flows in Newtonian slurries. Other test parameters included the simulant, solids concentration, and nozzle exit velocity. Critical suspension velocity and cloud height were the metrics used to characterize Newtonian slurry flow associated with mobilization and mixing. During testing, near-replicate and near-repeat tests were conducted. The experimental results were used to quantify the combined experimental and measurement uncertainties using standard deviations and percent relative standard deviations (%RSD) The uncertainties in critical suspension velocity and cloud height tend to increase with the values of these responses. Hence, the %RSD values are the more appropriate summary measure of near-replicate testing and measurement uncertainty.
Diminishing returns...and too many choices...the saga of pharmacologic therapy to reduce the complications of percutaneous coronary intervention.

Complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and coronary stenting in particular, are well characterized. Death, myocardial infarction (MI), and the need for emergent or urgent repeat revascularization are all known possible outcomes of PCI [(1)][1]. Thrombosis is a common mechanism in
Survivability and performance optimization in communication networks using network coding

The benefits of network coding are investigated in two types of communication networks: optical backbone networks and wireless networks. In backbone networks, network coding is used to improve survivability of the network against failures. In particular, network codingbased protection schemes are presented for unicast and multicast traffic models. In the unicast case, network coding was previously shown to offer near-instantaneous failure recovery at the bandwidth cost of shared backup path protection. Here, cost-effective polynomial-time heuristic algorithms are proposed for online provisioning and protection of unicast traffic. In the multicast case, network coding is used to extend the traditional live backup (1+1) unicast protection to multicast protection; hence called multicast 1+1 protection. It provides instantaneous recovery for single failures in any bi-connected network with the minimum bandwidth cost. Optimal formulation and efficient heuristic algorithms are proposed and experimentally evaluated. In wireless networks, performance benefits of network coding in multicast transmission are studied. Joint scheduling and performance optimization formulations are presented for rate, energy, and delay under routing and network coding assumptions. The scheduling component of the problem is simplified by timesharing over randomly-selected sets of non-interfering wireless links. Selecting only a linear number of such sets is shown to be rate and energy effective. While routing performs very close to network coding in terms of rate, the solution convergence time is around 1000-fold compared to network coding. It is shown that energy benefit of network coding increases as the multicast rate demand is increased. Investigation of energy-rate and delay-rate relationships shows both parameters increase non-linearly as the multicast rate is increased.
Uniform and Filamentary Nature of Continuous-Wave and Pulsed Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma

Observations of atmospheric pressure DBD plasma were conducted through the transparent electrode in Air, Argon, Helium, Nitrogen and Oxygen gasses at 1 and 3 standard liters per minute (s1pm) flow rates through the discharge gap, utilizing three types of excitation waveforms. Three phenomena were observed: (1) plasma filaments travel with the gas at the same speed as the gas for some but not all gases; (2) propagation of excitation is observed in Nitrogen plasma and the filament motion has no directional preference with gas flow direction; and (3) Oxygen, Nitrogen and Helium plasmas were observed to be rather uniform at least over longer time periods.
Prices & Addictive Propensities: An Analysis of Adolescent Smoking Behavior

A primary policy concern in advocating cigarette prices as a mechanism to reduce adolescent smoking is whether higher prices will prevent them from becoming smokers as adults or will merely delay the initiation. In this paper we examine how prices that individuals face during their adolescent years affect their lifetime propensities of addiction. By estimating a longitudinal model of addiction we find that although prices may exert some short-run influence in terms of delaying initiation, but such an effect will diminish as a transition into adulthood is made. However, the influence that peers and family (parents smoking status and parent-child relationship) exert on individuals during adolescence remains till adulthood. This indicates that reliance on prices alone may not yield the desired policy results. Additionally, we find that state policies that are designed to restrict adolescent access to cigarettes and discourage its consumption exert an influence that also persists till adulthood.
Pieter Bruegel and The Feast of Fools

Pieter Bruegel the Elder's engraving The Feast of Fools (Fig. 1), is a fascinating work that deals directly with the concept of folly that is so close to the heart of his moralizing, didactic art.1 The intent of this study is to discuss the way in which the print is currently understood in the light of contemporary historical evidence as well as the literary tradition of folly, in order to obtain a fuller and more accurate appreciation of its intellectual content.2
Black Males in Black Churches

The educational role of the Black church is explored along with its role in educating Black males and preparing them for leadership in the community and society.
Feminist identity among women and men from four ethnic groups.

Objective Multiracial feminist theory proposes that the meaning of feminism and the pathways to feminist identity may differ on the basis of cross-cutting social categories such as ethnicity and gender. However, there is currently little research that has included systematic examination of feminist identity among women and men from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Method We examined feminist orientations among 1,140 undergraduates (70% women) at a Hispanic-Serving Institution who identified as African American, Asian American, European American, or Latina/o. Three related research aims were assessed through a combination of closed- and open-ended questions. First, we examined whether the meaning of the term feminism differed depending on participants' ethnicity or gender. We then tested for ethnic and gender variation in rates of feminist identity. Lastly, we examined participants' reasons for either identifying or not identifying as feminists. Results Ethnic and gender differences were obtained across each of the 3 research aims. For example, there were significant ethnic differences in rates of feminist identity among women, but not among men. Conclusion Relative to past research, through the current study, we have provided an especially comprehensive examination of how ethnicity and gender interact to shape feminist attitudes. Consistent with multiracial feminist theory, findings demonstrated that attitudes about feminism vary as a function of both gender and ethnicity, yet key ethnic and gender similarities also emerged. (PsycINFO Database Record
Fruits of Juglandaceae from the Eocene of South America

Abstract Specimens of a new fruit genus and species, Alatonucula ignis, from the early Eocene Laguna del Hunco flora of Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina, have characteristics consistent with assignment to Juglandaceae. Each fossil fruit consists of a nutlet with an attached wing that varies from unlobed to trilobed. One specimen clearly shows that the nutlet has a single locule partially subdivided into four chambers; its counterpart contains a four-lobed locule cast. The basally partitioned locule with lobed seed indicates that Alatonucula can be placed within Juglandaceae; the overall structure of the fruits suggests affinities to subfamily Engelhardioideae, which typically have fruits consisting of a nutlet attached to a trilobed wing. Parsimony analyses of a morphological matrix for extant and fossil Juglandaceae revised from a previously published study demonstrate that 1) Alatonucula groups with Engelhardioideae; and 2) Paleooreomunnea, an Eocene North American taxon that includes a fruit type with a tr...
Neurons in Macaque Area V4 Are Tuned for Complex Spatio-Temporal Patterns

To deepen our understanding of object recognition, it is critical to understand the nature of transformations that occur in intermediate stages of processing in the ventral visual pathway, such as area V4. Neurons in V4 are selective to local features of global shape, such as extended contours. Previously, we found that V4 neurons selective for curved elements exhibit a high degree of spatial variation in their preference. If spatial variation in curvature selectivity was also marked by distinct temporal response patterns at different spatial locations, then it might be possible to untangle this information in subsequent processing based on temporal responses. Indeed, we find that V4 neurons whose receptive fields exhibit intricate selectivity also show variation in their temporal responses across locations. A computational model that decodes stimulus identity based on population responses benefits from using this temporal information, suggesting that it could provide a multiplexed code for spatio-temporal features.
Oil-in-Water-in-Oil Multinanoemulsions for Templating Complex Nanoparticles

Complex nanoemulsions involving nanodroplets with a defined inner structure have great potential for encapsulation and templating applications. We report a method to form novel complex oil-in-water-in-oil nanoemulsions using a combination of high-energy processing with mixed nonionic surfactants that simultaneously achieve ultralow interfacial tension and frustrated curvature of the water–oil interface. The method produces multinanoemulsions possessing morphologies resembling water-swollen reverse vesicles with core–shell and multicore–shell morphologies of water in cyclohexane. A combination of macroscopic and microscopic characterization conclusively verifies and quantifies the complex morphologies, which vary systematically and reproducibly with water content for water volume fractions between 0.01 and 0.10. The complex morphologies are stable tens of hours, providing a route for their use as liquid templates for internally structured nanoparticles. As a demonstration, we test the complex nanoemulsions...
GWAS analysis of QTL for enteric septicemia of catfish and their involved genes suggest evolutionary conservation of a molecular mechanism of disease resistance

Disease problems cause major economic losses for the aquaculture industries. In catfish, enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), caused by the bacterial pathogen Edwardsiella ictaluri, is the leading disease problem, causing tens of millions of dollars of annual economic losses. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study to determine quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance against ESC using an interspecific hybrid system. Five hundred fish were used in the analysis and 192 phenotypic extremes were used for genotyping with the catfish 250K SNP arrays. A genomic region on linkage group (LG) 1 was found significantly associated with ESC disease resistance. In addition, two suggestively associated QTL for ESC resistance were identified on LG 12 and LG 16. The nlrc3 duplicates were identified within all the three QTL, suggesting their importance in association with the QTL. Within the significant QTL on LG 1, 16 genes with known functions in immunity were identified. Of particular interest is the nck1 gene nearby the most significantly associated SNP. Nck1 was known to function as an adaptor to facilitating the pathogenesis of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) in humans. E. ictaluri and EPEC pathogens belong to the same bacterial family and share many common characteristics. The fact that nck1 is mapped in the QTL and that it was significantly upregulated in channel catfish intestine after ESC challenge suggested its candidacy of being involved in resistance/susceptibility of ESC.
Cognitive Associates of Current and More Intensive Control of Hypertension: Findings From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

BACKGROUND Hypertension control in Hispanics/Latinos lag behind general US trends by 10-15%. Intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) management 1 antihypertensive medication was not associated with cognition; however, individuals with SBP controlled to currently recommended levels outperformed individuals with uncontrolled SBP on verbal fluency [Beta = 1.44 (0.52), P < 0.01] and information processing speed [Beta = 3.01 (0.89), P < 0.001] in age-adjusted regression analyses; only information processing speed remained significant (P < 0.05) after additional adjustments including acculturation, health insurance, and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. When regrouping individuals based on more intensive SBP control, individuals with levels <120 mm Hg outperformed individuals with higher SBP on verbal fluency regardless of adjustments (P < 0.01). More intensive rather than currently recommended levels of control associated with higher verbal fluency performance regardless of adjustments (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Individual cognitive test scores related to distinct SBP management with more intensive management appearing more robust against confounders. While cognitive associations with hypertension in Hispanics/Latinos may be multifactorial, different levels of SBP control should be considered in future prospective intervention studies.
Reproductive factors, exogenous hormone use, and risk of pancreatic cancer in postmenopausal women.

Abstract Introduction The epidemiologic literature on menstrual and reproductive factors associated with pancreatic cancer has yielded weak and inconsistent evidence of an association. Furthermore, few cohort studies have examined the association of exogenous hormone use, including type and duration, with this disease. The aim of this study was to assess the association of these exposures with risk of pancreatic cancer in a large cohort of postmenopausal women. Methods We used data from the Women's Health Initiative on 1003 cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed among 158,298 participants over 14.3 years of follow-up. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the associations of interest. Results Being parous vs. nulliparous was associated with reduced risk (HR=0.84, 95% CI 0.70–1.00), and women who had 1–2 and 3–4 births were at decreased risk compared to nulliparous women, whereas women who had >5 births showed no decrease in risk. Compared to women who gave birth between the ages of 20–29, women who gave birth at age 30 or above were at increased risk (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.00–1.53, p for trend 0.003). Other reproductive factors and exogenous hormone use were not associated with risk. Conclusions Together with the existing literature on this topic, our results suggest that reproductive and hormonal exposures are unlikely to play an important role in the etiology of pancreatic cancer.
Cycling towards a more sustainable transport future

As argued in our 2008 article “Making Cycling Irresistible”, cycling is probably the most sustainable urban transport mode, feasible not only for short trips but also for medium-distance trips too ...